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Background and aims – The study of factors and processes involved in evolutionary divergence can inform how biodiversity is generated and maintained. We evaluate shifts in phenology or in pollination systems as potential barriers to gene exchange and thus promoters of divergence at the population-species boundary in the plant ring-species Euphorbia tithymaloides in the Caribbean. Material and methods – Combining collections-based and field-based observations and measurements, we evaluate evidence supporting that shifts in tempo of reproductive activity (floral phenology) or pollinator guilds (using visitation as a proxy) could be acting as mechanisms promoting divergence in E. tithymaloides. We focus on the geographic region where evolutionary divergence in this species has been documented: Greater and Lesser Antilles. Phenology data were derived from herbaria and online databases, for a total of 376 records across the Greater and Lesser Antilles. We quantified and characterized reward (nectar n = 13 sites) and gathered visitation data using direct observation (n = 12 sites) for a total of over 133 hours of observation/site. Key results – The peak of floral activity of E. tithymaloides is in winter, when days are short (~late October–late May). Under natural conditions, plants in the Antilles produce up to 22.4 µL of nectar, with mean sugar concentrations of ~ 46.5 ºBrix that amount to up to 10.3 mg of total sugars, with no significant differences observed between plants of the Lesser and Greater Antilles. Hummingbirds are the main floral visitors of E. tithymaloides in both areas: Greater Antilles: 61%, Lesser Antilles: 85%, and network analyses support a floral visitor community turnover across islands/countries. Conclusion – Evolutionary divergence in Caribbean E. tithymaloides along the Greater and Lesser Antilles is not accompanied by shifts in floral phenology or pollinator systems. Other factors, like pollinator turnover or pollinator-plant trait matching, might be at play. We outline hypotheses to this effect.

Aerogels based on natural polymers are of increasing interest in the biomedical field due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, biodegradability and, in certain cases, extracellular matrix biomimicry. However, sterility has been a critical quality attribute limiting the use of aerogels in biomedicine. This work introduces a new and environmental-friendly technique based on the use of CO2 called in situ sterilization that enables the manufacturing of sterile aerogel in a one-pot process. Starch aerogel cylinders and alginate aerogel beads enclosed within sterilization pouches were produced using this approach. The study involved the redesign of the flow diagram for aerogel production and the study of the effect of key parameters in the process (additive type and content, agitation, CO2 flow regime type and duration) on the resulting material. The obtained materials were evaluated regarding their texture (helium pycnometry, N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, SEM) and their sterility against three standardized bioindicators. Finally, the sterile aerogel materials were put in contact with NIH-3T3 cells assessing their cytocompatibility. Under the optimal operating conditions with 4.5 h of processing time, the aerogels were sterile, cytocompatible and had a porosity of ca. 80 % and a specific surface area of ca. 80 m2/g and 200 m2/g, for starch and alginate aerogels, respectively. Results allowed to identify the feasible operating region as well as the optimum processing values to obtain the typical nanostructure of aerogels, whilst ensuring suitable regulatory sterilization levels for aerogel implantation and cytocompatibility of the sterile material with fibroblastic cells.

Particulate bone plays a crucial role in various oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, including reconstruction, implantation, and craniofacial surgery. Autologous bone and deproteinized bovine bone xenografts are the two primary resources used for such procedures, with the former demonstrating superior cost-effectiveness and reduced comorbidity rates, particularly in cases involving donor zones. However, a significant challenge lies in acquiring uniformly sized autologous particulate bone specimens, with existing tools often yielding coarse particles at a high cost. Consequently, commercial bone xenograft solutions are frequently favored despite lower standards. This technical note introduces a novel technique for swiftly, safely, and efficiently obtaining autologous particulate bone specimens. The procedure involves the use of a motor handpiece fitted with a micro drill and surgical spoon to collect the bone particles. The continuous irrigation with saline maintains a clear surgical field during the milling process. The collected bone particles are then transferred to a metal capsule for further use. This technique offers a promising solution to the challenge of inconsistent particle size associated with harvesting using traditional methods, providing surgeons with a reliable and efficient method of obtaining autologous particulate bone samples.

El artículo realiza un recorrido por los conceptos que orientan sostienen el desarrollo de la integralidad en el Programa APEX (Programa integral y territorial de la Universidad de la República, Uruguay) y que organizan su funcionamiento. Para ello se analizan los diferentes itinerarios de participación universitaria en los territorios a los que APEX adscribe así como de las configuraciones propuestas para la formación integral de los estudiantes universitarios. Por último se desarrollan los fundamentos que sostienen las denominadas Plataformas Integrales de Formación y Abordaje Territorial, en tanto estructuras de funcionamiento de un Programa Integral y algunas de las herramientas para la gestión de las mismas, como son el Sistema de Información Geográfica y la Matriz de Inserción Estudiantil.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between cybervictimization in social networks, problematic smartphone use, aggressive behaviors, and prosocial altruistic tendencies in young adults. The sample consisted of 601 young adults (mean age = 19.96 years; SD = 2.27; 69.1% female) who were administered online assessments of experiences of humiliation on networks, problematic smartphone use, prosocial altruistic tendencies, and aggressiveness. Results indicated significant indirect effects of cyber victimization on aggressiveness and prosocial altruistic tendencies through problematic smartphone use. Problematic cell phone use explained the relationships between online humiliation and aggressive and prosocial altruistic behaviors. The results confirmed the positive relationship between cybervictimization and problematic cell phone use, consistent with previous research. However, the negative relationship between cybervictimization and altruistic prosocial tendencies was not corroborated. The findings emphasize the need to promote actions that foster social connectedness and interdependence among young individuals to develop their identity within the community.

El artículo presenta una experiencia de innovación educativa en enseñanza-aprendizaje de la historia en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria basada en la didáctica del objeto y la introducción del pensamiento histórico a través de la aplicación de los métodos de análisis histórico. Los principales resultados de su implementación apuntan a niveles de satisfacción elevados por parte del alumnado y el profesorado, al afianzamiento de competencias y saberes aprendidos previamente y a la adquisición de nuevos conocimientos sobre la prehistoria, todo ello con una percepción de disfrute del proceso de aprendizaje por parte del alumnado.

El Museo de Lleida ha desarrollado su proyecto educativo mediante la colaboración constante con la comunidad educativa. Los objetivos de este artículo son presentar los beneficios de esta metodología de trabajo y reivindicar la importancia del uso de recursos educativos materiales en las visitas escolares. En concreto, se aborda la colaboración con los ciclos formativos en la creación de esos recursos, que se han incorporado a los itinerarios educativos del museo. Las conclusiones muestran cómo estos proyectos benefician tanto a los alumnos de los ciclos, como al museo y a los alumnos de educación básica que visitan el museo.

Abstract Background The utility of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) as prognostic indicators has not been investigated in canine parvovirosis (CPV). Hypothesis To evaluate whether these hematological ratios obtained at hospital admission in CPV are associated with outcome or duration of hospitalization. Animals. Four hundred one client‐owned dogs presented with CPV. Methods‐Retrospective multicenter cohort study. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with CPV. Data regarding signalment, complete blood count at admission, duration of hospitalization and outcome were collected. Results Of the 401 dogs included in the study, 336 (83.8%) survived to discharge. The median (25th and 75th percentiles) PLR in nonsurvivors (336.56 [159.84‐635.77]) was significantly higher than in survivors (217.65 [117.67‐389.65]) (P = .003). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for nonsurvival was 0.615 (95% CI [0.593‐0.691], P = .003). A cut off of 700 showed a 21.5% sensitivity and 90% specificity for nonsurvival. No association was observed between hospitalization duration and either hematological ratios or total WBC counts. The median (25th and 75th percentiles) lymphocyte count was below reference interval in all dogs and was significantly lower in the dogs which died (0.82 × 109/L [0.5‐1.87]) than in survivors (1.27 × 109/L [0.73‐2.22]) (P = .005). The median (25th and 75th percentiles) monocyte count however was lower in survivors (0.38 × 109/L [0.29‐1.59]), than in nonsurvivors (0.73 × 109/L [0.1‐2]) (P = .002). Conclusions Evaluation of PLR at hospital admission might be a useful marker of disease severity and could have prognostic value in dogs with CPV.

IntroductionBioethics training is essential for healthcare professionals as it enables them to address ethical dilemmas in their clinical practice. However, there is still a lack of rigorous teaching programs, and assessing bioethical knowledge poses challenges.Methodology:Systematic review using the PRISMA method.ResultsAnalysis of 27 studies reveals a lack of ethical knowledge and skills among healthcare professionals and students. Specific training in bioethics is effective in developing bioethical competencies. Different approaches have been employed, including integrated training in academic curricula and intensive or ongoing programs. The results demonstrate improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and ethical values, although regularly updating these courses is recommended.ConclusionSpecific training, institutional support, and considering regional and disciplinary differences are necessary to enhance ethics in the practice of healthcare professionals.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023437146, identifier CRD42023437146

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) have gained increasing clinical acceptance in the local treatment of lung diseases due to their ability to meet the evolving needs of patients while avoiding environmental concerns. However, some formulations for DPIs still encounter performance limitations in terms of aerodynamic properties and achievement of therapeutic doses. Innovative aerogel powder formulations for DPIs processed using combined supercritical CO2 (scCO2)-based technologies can overcome these limitations, especially in the case of poorly water-soluble drugs. The loading of hydrophobic drugs into aerogels can be optimized through a thorough understanding of the physicochemical properties of the formulation and the scCO2 processing conditions. In this study, drug-loaded alginate aerogel particles were prepared by combining gelation-emulsification techniques and scCO2-based technologies. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), a hydrophobic corticosteroid, was incorporated into the aerogel matrix by scCO2 impregnation. The influence of contact time, initial amount of drug, and use of co-solvents on the efficiency of scCO2 impregnation were studied. The kinetics of the BDP adsorption process was modelled to elucidate the time required for the drug to attain equilibrium concentration under specific operating conditions. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption and helium pycnometry revealed particles with large surface area (>200 m2/g) and porosity (ca. 90%). The resulting aerogels had excellent aerodynamic properties at relevant BDP doses, as confirmed by in vitro lung deposition tests. Ex vivo permeability tests with porcine lung tissues evidenced that BDP released from the inhaled formulation could penetrate the bronchial tissue.

This investigation is centred on film festivals within Spain that take the rural world as their reference. A panoramic approach to an emerging trend is presented in the study. The concept of the “social function” is of central importance to the analytical perspective that is adopted, to understand what added value these sorts of festivals specializing in rural topics can contribute, especially in relation to the current challenges of rural depopulation. Qualitative methods are mainly used, based on semi-structured interviews with the people who direct and manage these sorts of events, with the support of digital documents downloaded from web-pages and searches for the digital footprint of rural film festivals on websites and social media. Promoting and financing a rural film festival is, at the very least, both a social and an organizational challenge, but our study distances itself from an economic viewpoint that might measure the success of a festival in terms of marketing, to contemplate its “social profitability.” From this perspective, we ask ourselves through which channels and to what extent are rural film festivals linked into the community. The results showed that, despite the vulnerability of the sector, these festivals represent an opportunity for links with the local area, social cohesiveness, and the revitalization of socio-cultural activities.

Resumen La sintomatología de Covid persistente aparece en 1-2 de cada 10 personas infectadas por el virus SARS-CoV-2 y pueden presentar severas dificultades de adaptación a su nueva condición de salud. Por un lado, este artículo presenta nuestra propuesta de tratamiento psicológico grupal basada en la ya conocida terapia de aceptación y compromiso. Se ha descrito brevemente el contenido de la psicoterapia sesión a sesión y se han detallado los aspectos formales para su correcta implementación y posibilidad de replicación. Por otro lado, se describen las particularidades metodológicas de un ensayo controlado aleatorizado: diseño experimental pre-post con asignación aleatoria a dos modalidades de tratamiento; criterios de inclusión y exclusión de la muestra; proceso de reclutamiento y aleatorización, procedimiento, variables e instrumentos de evaluación y análisis y contraste estadístico de los resultados. El protocolo que hemos elaborado pretende evaluar, de forma metodológicamente rigurosa, la efectividad de un tratamiento específicamente dirigido a mejorar la calidad de vida y el funcionamiento psicosocial de las personas que sufren síntomas persistentes de Covid-19. Los resultados permitirán saber si dicho tratamiento es realmente eficaz.

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar un análisis comparativo de la morfología craneofacial en una muestra de 120 individuos del Holoceno temprano proveniente de Sudamérica y Norteamérica con el propósito de discutir tanto la diversidad biológica que presentaban las primeras poblaciones que llegaron al continente, como sus dinámicas de expansión. Nuestros resultados muestran una relativa estructuración geográfica entre las muestras de este y oeste de Sudamérica, en la cual los individuos de Norteamérica se encuentran en una posición intermedia entre ambas. Asimismo, estos últimos presentan mayores similitudes con las muestras de Brasil, diferenciándose de las de los Andes y Pampa. Los individuos de las Pampas Argentinas presentan similitudes con los de Lagoa Santa pero también con individuos de Camarones 14 y Tequendama. Concluimos que la diversificación morfológica entre las poblaciones del este y oeste de Sudamérica se habría producido tempranamente, y algunas áreas se caracterizan por el aporte de distintos linajes ancestrales.

Abstract The biological variation of the earliest skeletons of South America has been intensely debated for the last two centuries. One of the major research constraints has been the limited number of available samples dating to the early Holocene. We here present the first direct radiocarbon-date for the early Holocene human skeleton from Toca dos Coqueiros (Serra da Capivara, Brazil), also known as “Zuzu” (8640 ± 30 BP; 9526–9681 cal years BP). We performed craniometric analyses using exclusively samples from Brazil, to revisit the sex of the skeleton, and to discuss the evolutionary processes involved in the occupation of the continent. The sex of the individual was estimated as a female when compared to late and early Holocene individuals, but as a male when compared only to the early Holocene series. We also found that Zuzu presents the strongest differences with the late Holocene Guajajara individuals, located nearby, and the strongest similarities with the early Holocene series from Lagoa Santa, attesting for solid biological affinities among early Holocene individuals from Brazil, as well as a moderate level of morphological variation among them. This suggests that the early individuals were part of the same heterogeneous lineage, possibly a different one from which late Holocene populations diverged.

The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical–psychological approach to promote overall well-being.

BackgroundMany people attending primary care (PC) have anxiety-depressive symptoms and work-related burnout compounded by a lack of resources to meet their needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem, and digital tools have been proposed as a solution. ObjectiveWe aimed to present the development, feasibility, and potential effectiveness of Vickybot, a chatbot aimed at screening, monitoring, and reducing anxiety-depressive symptoms and work-related burnout, and detecting suicide risk in patients from PC and health care workers. MethodsHealthy controls (HCs) tested Vickybot for reliability. For the simulation study, HCs used Vickybot for 2 weeks to simulate different clinical situations. For feasibility and effectiveness study, people consulting PC or health care workers with mental health problems used Vickybot for 1 month. Self-assessments for anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) symptoms and work-related burnout (based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory) were administered at baseline and every 2 weeks. Feasibility was determined from both subjective and objective user-engagement indicators (UEIs). Potential effectiveness was measured using paired 2-tailed t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for changes in self-assessment scores. ResultsOverall, 40 HCs tested Vickybot simultaneously, and the data were reliably transmitted and registered. For simulation, 17 HCs (n=13, 76% female; mean age 36.5, SD 9.7 years) received 98.8% of the expected modules. Suicidal alerts were received correctly. For the feasibility and potential effectiveness study, 34 patients (15 from PC and 19 health care workers; 76% [26/34] female; mean age 35.3, SD 10.1 years) completed the first self-assessments, with 100% (34/34) presenting anxiety symptoms, 94% (32/34) depressive symptoms, and 65% (22/34) work-related burnout. In addition, 27% (9/34) of patients completed the second self-assessment after 2 weeks of use. No significant differences were found between the first and second self-assessments for anxiety (t8=1.000; P=.34) or depressive (t8=0.40; P=.70) symptoms. However, work-related burnout scores were moderately reduced (z=−2.07, P=.04, r=0.32). There was a nonsignificant trend toward a greater reduction in anxiety-depressive symptoms and work-related burnout with greater use of the chatbot. Furthermore, 9% (3/34) of patients activated the suicide alert, and the research team promptly intervened with successful outcomes. Vickybot showed high subjective UEI (acceptability, usability, and satisfaction), but low objective UEI (completion, adherence, compliance, and engagement). Vickybot was moderately feasible. ConclusionsThe chatbot was useful in screening for the presence and severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and for detecting suicidal risk. Potential effectiveness was shown to reduce work-related burnout but not anxiety or depressive symptoms. Subjective perceptions of use contrasted with low objective-use metrics. Our results are promising but suggest the need to adapt and enhance the smartphone-based solution to improve engagement. A consensus on how to report UEIs and validate digital solutions, particularly for chatbots, is required.

La República de Bolivia construyó su Estado sobre un escenario geográfico y poblacional que necesitaba ser integrado para consolidar su afiliación nacional. Esta investigación analiza, desde la perspectiva histórica, el proceso de ensamblaje territorial, construido en torno al Camino Real de Charcas, utilizando como estudio de caso el actual territorio boliviano ubicado en el centro geográfico de Sudamérica.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the process of acquiring autonomy for asylum seekers in Spain who are in the Reception System for Applicants and Beneficiaries of International Protection (SAISAR). This article analyses the impact of the COVID-19 measures and the changes in political strategy from the perspective of professionals who work with refugees. The negative effects on services of the specific reception programme are determined based on fieldwork from Almería. Mainly, they are the result of communication issues, the digital divide, slow administrative processes and prolonged stays in prior stages, added to which is an acceleration of decisions – mostly negative – which has left many asylum seekers outside the system.

This article presents attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 vaccination in the South American population. The study collected data from a self-administered survey distributed through social media platforms between February and April 2022 (N = 6555). The survey included questions related to participants’ sociodemographic background, flu vaccination practices, sources of information about COVID-19, and opinions regarding pandemic management and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The respondents agreed with the statement that COVID-19 vaccines were necessary (86.4%), effective (79.8%), safe (79.1%), and should be mandatory (64%). Overall, 83.4% accepted vaccination and 12.3% refused it completely. Main rejection reasons were safety (65.8%) and efficacy (54.9%) issues, and rushed development and approvals (49.1%). Vaccine uptake was associated with being ≥60 years, being a healthcare worker, previous influenza vaccine uptake, adherence to preventive measures, the death of ≥1 close people from COVID-19, and being informed through mass media or health authorities’ channels. Vaccine uptake inversely correlated with male gender, low educational level, and use of closed social networks for COVID-19 information purposes. This study provides valuable insights into COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and practices in South America that may be used to promote vaccine uptake in the region. Higher COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among people with previously acquired prevention habits reinforces the importance of routine health promotion strategies.

Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire (St. Hil) is an important crop in the north of Argentina, mainly cultivated in the Misiones province. Trichoderma genera are well known for their biological control and plant growth-promoting properties. The application of Ilex paraguariensis endophytes to improve crop production is an interesting alternative to the use of agrochemicals. To evaluate the capability of Trichoderma spp. endophytes, it was performed antagonism tests of Trichoderma spp. against phytopathogenic fungi associated with these crops using dual culture assay. It was also evaluated the chitinase production of these strains using a colorimetric Somogyi-Nelson method to determine biocontrol capability of these endophytes. Moreover, the capability of plant growth promotion on tomato seeds was evaluated. We observed that Trichoderma was capable to invade and reduce phytopathogen growth and particularly three strains produced chitinase and induced growth promotion on Lycopersicum esculentum seeds.

Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil (yerba mate) is an important crop in the north of Argentina, mainly in Misiones province. The application of Trichoderma as a biocontroller and biofertilizer can replace or reduce the use of agrochemicals, decreasing the negative ecological impact. In this research, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo antagonistic and plant growth promoting (PGP) properties of Trichoderma species isolated from different regions of Misiones province. Dual culture assays of Trichoderma against phytopathogenic fungi associated with yerba mate showed that T. stilbohypoxyli LBM 120 was the most effective antagonist, inhibiting in more than 75% all phytopathogen growth. Trichoderma atroviride LBM 112 and T. stilbohypoxyli LBM 120 were positive on endoglucanase, protease, chitinase, siderophore production, and phosphate solubilisation showed the best biological control agents and PGP properties. The PGP properties of Trichoderma spp. evaluated in vivo on yerba mate seedlings showed that T. atroviride LBM 112, T. stilbohypoxyli LBM 120, and T. koningiopsis LBM 219 enhanced plant dry weight over 47% in total and 24% in the aerial part. Moreover, T. koningiopsis LBM 219 increased root dry weight 25% in contrast with in vitro controls. In conclusion, native Trichoderma strains could be a sustainable solution to improve yerba mate yield.

Pulmonary drug delivery has recognized benefits for both local and systemic treatments. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are convenient, portable and environmentally friendly devices, becoming an optimal choice for patients. The tailoring of novel formulations for DPIs, namely in the form of porous particles, is stimulating in the pharmaceutical research area to improve delivery efficiency. Suitable powder technological approaches are being sought to design such formulations. Namely, aerogel powders are nanostructured porous particles with particularly attractive properties (large surface area, excellent aerodynamic properties and high fluid uptake capacity) for these purposes. In this review, the most recent development on powder technologies used for the processing of particulate porous carriers are described via updated examples and critically discussed. A special focus will be devoted to the most recent advances and uses of aerogel technology to obtain porous particles with advanced performance in pulmonary delivery.

Background: In an unprecedented situation of interruption of the sporting dynamics, the world of sport is going through a series of adaptations necessary to continue functioning despite coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). More than ever, athletes are facing a different challenge, a source of discomfort and uncertainty, and one that absolutely alters not only sports calendars, but also trajectories, progressions, and approaches to sports life. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the levels of psychological vulnerability that may have been generated in the athletes, because of the coexistence with dysfunctional responses during the COVID-19 experience, and which directly influence the decrease of their mental health.Methods: With a descriptive and transversal design, the study aims to identify the state of the dysfunctional psychological response of a sample of Spanish athletes (N = 284). The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), Toronto-20 (alexithymia), and Distress Tolerance Scale questionnaires were administered to a sample of high-level Spanish athletes in Olympic programs.Results: The results suggest that the analyzed athletes indicate high levels of dysfunctional response (e.g., anxiety, stress, depression, and alexithymia) when their tolerance is low. In addition, the variables show less relational strength, when the capacity of tolerance to distress is worse and age is lower. At the same time, the greater the anxiety and uncertainty are, leading to more catastrophic and negative thoughts, the younger the athletes are.Conclusions: It is clear that both age and tolerance to distress are considered adequate protective factors for psychological vulnerability in general and for associated dysfunctional responses in particular. Moreover, the psychological resources offered by more experienced athletes are also a guarantee of protection against negativity and catastrophism.

Chronic wounds are physical traumas that significantly impair the quality of life of over 40 million patients worldwide. Aerogels are nanostructured dry porous materials that can act as carriers for the local delivery of bioactive compounds at the wound site. However, aerogels are usually obtained with low drug loading yields and poor particle size reproducibility and urges the implementation of novel and high-performance processing strategies. In this work, alginate aerogel particles loaded with vancomycin, an antibiotic used for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections, were obtained through aerogel technology combined with gel inkjet printing and water-repellent surfaces. Alginate aerogel particles showed high porosity, large surface area, a well-defined spherical shape and a reproducible size (609 ± 37 μm). Aerogel formulation with vancomycin loadings of up to 33.01 ± 0.47 μg drug/mg of particle were obtained with sustained-release profiles from alginate aerogels for more than 7 days (PBS pH 7.4 medium). Overall, this novel green aerogel processing strategy allowed us to obtain nanostructured drug delivery systems with improved drug loading yields that can enhance the current antibacterial treatments for chronic wounds.

Introduction: The utility of CAD/CAM technology in the treatment of mandibular defects has been demonstrated, allowing effective analysis, diagnosis and treatment for bone defects, however the high cost and sometimes the difficult access to this technology limits its use.Materials and methods: observational descriptive cross-sectional study in which craniofacial bone defects were analyzed with emphasis at the mandibular level, with free 3D reconstruction software, determining characteristics of the population and bone defect. A management workflow is proposed and some cases analyzed are presented. Results: 50 patients with craniofacial bone defects were collected over a one year period. Mandibular defects account for 44% of the total sample, the majority of cases involving more than one mandibular area; the most affected areas were the body and parasymphysis; the average bone defect size was 36mmx56 mm × 15 mm. The proposed low cost workflow allows multidisciplinary work with industrial design teams to ensure the best treatment for the patient. Conclusions: It is possible to implement low-cost management of mandibular defects. The multidisciplinary work between reconstructive surgeons, industrial design and biomedical engineering is useful for the treatment of patients.

Abstract Background Making a definite diagnosis of infectious uveitis is a challenging task because many other infectious, and non-infectious uveitis, may have similar non-specific symptoms and overlapping clinical appearances. Co-infections in immunocompetent patients are not frequently proved with traditional serologic-diagnostic tools. Methods Descriptive transversal study, in a Uveitis Service of an Ophthalmology Reference Center, in Bogotá, Colombia, from July 2014 to February 2016. Aqueous humor (AH) and/or vitreous fluid, blood and serum samples were collected from consecutive patients suspected of having infectious uveitis. The diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) was confirmed by the Goldmann–Witmer coefficient (GWC) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Differential diagnosis by PCR in AH was done for viral origin such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results In 66 Colombian patients with uveitis of presumed infectious origin: 22 (33.3%) were confirmed as OT, 16 (24.2%) as undetermined OT, five (7.5%) as co-infections and 23 (34.8%) as other uveitis. Toxoplasma coinfection with M. tuberculosis was identified in one case by PCR and in four cases with HSV by GWC. The initial clinical diagnosis changed, after laboratory examination, in 21 cases (31.8%). Conclusions Clinical diagnosis can be changed by laboratory examination in a significant proportion of cases of uveitis. Diagnosis of OT should combine the use of PCR and GWC to reach the maximum of confirmation of cases. The use of multiple laboratory methods is necessary to identify co-infections and viral infections that can mimic OT in immunocompetent patients.

The work of libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, as facilitators of reliable information on health issues, has shown that these entities can play an active role as verification agents in the fight against disinformation (false information that is intended to mislead), focusing on media and informational literacy. To help citizens, these entities have developed a wide range of actions that range from online seminars, to learning how to evaluate the quality of a source, to video tutorials or the creation of repositories with resources of various natures. To identify the most common media literacy practices in the face of fake news (news that conveys or incorporates false, fabricated, or deliberately misleading information), this exploratory study designed an ad hoc analysis sheet, validated by the inter-judge method, which allowed one to classify the practices of N = 216 libraries from all over the world. The results reveal that the libraries most involved in this task are those belonging to public universities. Among the actions carried out to counteract misinformation, open-access materials that favor self-learning stand out. These resources, aimed primarily at university students and adults in general, are aimed at acquiring skills related to fact-checking and critical thinking. Therefore, libraries vindicate their role as components of the literacy triad, together with professors and communication professionals.

AbstractBackground.This study aimed to identify clinical and cognitive factors associated with increased risk for difficult-to-treat depression (DTD) or treatment-resistant depression (TRD).Methods.A total of 229 adult outpatients with major depression were recruited from the mental health unit at a public hospital. Participants were subdivided into resistant and nonresistant groups according to their Maudsley Staging Model score. Sociodemographic, clinical, and cognitive (objective and subjective measures) variables were compared between groups, and a logistic regression model was used to identify the factors most associated with TRD risk.Results.TRD group patients present higher verbal memory impairment than the nonresistant group irrespective of pharmacological treatment or depressive symptom severity. Logistic regression analysis showed that low verbal memory scores (odds ratio [OR]: 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–2.95) together with high depressive symptom severity (OR: 1.29; CI95%: 1.01–1.65) were associated with TRD risk.Conclusions.Our findings align with neuroprogression models of depression, in which more severe patients, defined by greater verbal memory impairment and depressive symptoms, develop a more resistant profile as a result of increasingly detrimental neuronal changes. Moreover, our results support a more comprehensive approach in the evaluation and treatment of DTD in order to improve illness course. Longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm the predictive value of verbal memory and depression severity in the development of TRD.

In the genomic era phylogenetic relationship among prokaryotes can be inferred from the core orthologous genes (OGs) or proteins in order to elucidate their evolutionary history and current taxonomy should benefits of that. The genus Salinivibrio belongs to the family Vibrionaceae and currently includes only five halophilic species, in spite the fact that new strains are very frequently isolated from hypersaline environments. Species belonging to this genus have undergone several reclassifications and, moreover, there are many strains of Salinivibrio with available genomes which have not been affiliated to the existing species or have been wrongly designated. Therefore, a phylogenetic study using the available genomic information is necessary to clarify the relationships of existing strains within this genus and to review their taxonomic affiliation. For that purpose, we have also sequenced the first complete genome of a Salinivibrio species, Salinivibrio kushneri AL184T, which was employed as a reference to order the contigs of the draft genomes of the type strains of the current species of this genus, as well as to perform a comparative analysis with all the other available Salinivibrio sp. genomes. The genome of S. kushneri AL184T was assembled in two circular chromosomes (with sizes of 2.84 Mb and 0.60 Mb, respectively), as typically occurs in members of the family Vibrionaceae, with nine complete ribosomal operons, which might explain the fast growing rate of salinivibrios cultured under laboratory conditions. Synteny analysis among the type strains of the genus revealed a high level of genomic conservation in both chromosomes, which allow us to hypothesize a slow speciation process or homogenization events taking place in this group of microorganisms to be tested experimentally in the future. Phylogenomic and orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI)/average amino acid identity (AAI) analyses also evidenced the elevated level of genetic relatedness within members of this genus and allowed to group all the Salinivibrio strains with available genomes in seven separated species. Genome-scale attribute study of the salinivibrios identified traits related to polar flagellum, facultatively anaerobic growth and osmotic response, in accordance to the phenotypic features described for species of this genus.

Solid lipid microparticles (SLMPs) are attractive carriers as delivery systems as they are stable, easy to manufacture and can provide controlled release of bioactive agents and increase their efficacy and/or safety. Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions (PGSS®) technique is a solvent-free technology to produce SLMPs, which involves the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) at mild pressures and temperatures for the melting of lipids and atomization into particles. The determination of the key processing variables is crucial in PGSS® technique to obtain reliable and reproducible microparticles, therefore the modelling of SLMPs production process and variables control are of great interest to obtain quality therapeutic systems. In this work, the melting point depression of a commercial lipid (glyceryl monostearate, GMS) under compressed CO2 was studied using view cell experiments. Based on an unconstrained D-optimal design for three variables (nozzle diameter, temperature and pressure), SLMPs were produced using the PGSS® technique. The yield of production was registered and the particles characterized in terms of particle size distribution. Variable modeling was carried out using artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic integrated into neurofuzzy software. Modeling results highlight the main effect of temperature to tune the mean diameter SLMPs, whereas the pressure-nozzle diameter interaction is the main responsible in the SLMPs size distribution and in the PGSS® production yield.

The delivery of bioactive agents using active wound dressings for the management of pain and infections offers improved performances in the treatment of wound complications. In this work, solid lipid microparticles (SLMPs) loaded with lidocaine hydrochloride (LID) were processed and the formulation was evaluated regarding its ability to deliver the drug at the wound site and through the skin barrier. The SLMPs of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) were prepared with different LID contents (0, 1, 2, 4, and 10 wt.%) using the solvent-free and one-step PGSS (Particles from Gas-Saturated Solutions) technique. PGSS exploits the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a plasticizer for lipids and as pressurizing agent for the atomization of particles. The SLMPs were characterized in terms of shape, size, and morphology (SEM), physicochemical properties (ATR-IR, XRD), and drug content and release behavior. An in vitro test for the evaluation of the influence of the wound environment on the LID release rate from SLMPs was studied using different bioengineered human skin substitutes obtained by 3D-bioprinting. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the SLMPs was evaluated against three relevant bacteria in wound infections (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). SLMPs processed with 10 wt.% of LID showed a remarkable performance to provide effective doses for pain relief and preventive infection effects.