Resumen Introducción: La fatiga, sensación integrada por síntomas físicos, mentales y neurosensoriales de agotamiento, cansancio y falta de energía, puede ser un condicionante que incremente la vulnerabilidad en la población laboralmente activa para adquirir conductas nocivas como el consumo de alcohol, especialmente en conductores de carga pesada. Objetivo: Identificar la relación de la fatiga y el consumo de alcohol en conductores de carga pesada de Nuevo Laredo, frontera norte de México. Metodología: Estudio transversal, con diseño descriptivo-correlacional, en una muestra de 224 conductores seleccionados mediante muestreo no probabilístico. Se incluyeron participantes laboralmente activos y que condujeran camiones de quinta rueda, y se excluyeron a quienes no cumplieran con el llenado completo de los cuestionarios. Se aplicó una Cédula de Datos Sociodemográficos, la Prueba de Síntomas Subjetivos de Fatiga y la Prueba AUDIT. Se garantizó la confidencialidad y anonimato de los participantes. Los datos fueron procesados a través del paquete estadístico SPSS versión 24.0, mediante análisis inferencial no paramétrico. Resultados: Prevalecieron los conductores con fatiga baja 87.1 %, y quienes tenían un consumo riesgoso 58.0 %, y un consumo dependiente 23.2 %. Se identificó una relación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre fatiga y consumo de alcohol de los conductores con r s = .230, p = .001. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos indican que a mayor fatiga mayor consumo de alcohol en los conductores de carga pesada, lo cual pone en evidencia la necesidad del diseño e implementación de intervenciones eficaces y oportunas de enfermería que contribuyan a disminuir conductas de riesgo para la salud.

Abstract Introduction: Fatigue, a feeling integrated by physical, mental and neurosensorial symptoms of exhaustion, tiredness and lack of energy, can be a conditioning factor that increases the vulnerability of the working population to acquire harmful behaviors such as alcohol consumption, especially in heavy truck drivers. Objective: To identify the relationship between fatigue and alcohol consumption in heavy truck drivers in Nuevo Laredo, northern border of Mexico. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, with descriptive-correlational design, in a sample of 224 drivers selected by non-probabilistic sampling. Participants who were active at work and who drove fifth-wheel trucks were included, and those who did not complete the questionnaires were excluded. A Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, the Subjective Symptoms of Fatigue Test and the AUDIT Test were applied. The confidentiality and anonymity of the participants was guaranteed. The data were processed using the SPSS statistical package version 24.0, by means of nonparametric inferential analysis. Results: Drivers with low fatigue 87.1% prevailed, and those with risky consumption, that is, 58.0%, which were followed by dependent consumption, that is, 23.2%. A statistically significant positive relationship was identified between driver fatigue and alcohol consumption with rs = .230, p = .001. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the greater the fatigue, the greater the alcohol consumption in heavy truck drivers, which highlights the need for the design and implementation of effective and timely nursing interventions that contribute to reduce health risk behaviors

Abstrato Introdução: A fadiga, uma sensação integrada por sintomas físicos, mentais e neurosensoriais de exaustão, cansaço e falta de energia, pode ser um factor condicionante que aumenta a vulnerabilidade da população activa à aquisição de comportamentos nocivos, tais como o consumo de álcool, especialmente em condutores de veículos pesados. Objetivo: Identificar a relação entre o cansaço e o consumo de álcool em condutores pesados em Nuevo Laredo, na fronteira norte do México. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, com um desenho descritivo-correlacional, numa amostra de 224 condutores seleccionados por amostragem não probabilística. Foram incluídos os participantes que estavam activos no trabalho e que conduziam camiões de quinta-roda, e foram excluídos os que não preenchiam os questionários. Foi administrado um Questionário de Dados Sociodemográficos, o Teste dos Sintomas Subjectivos de Fadiga e o Teste de AUDIT. A confidencialidade e o anonimato dos participantes foram garantida. Os dados foram processados utilizando o pacote estatístico SPSS versão 24.0, por meio de análise inferencial não paramétrica. Resultados: Prevaleceram os condutores com baixa fadiga 87,1%, e os com consumo de risco, ou seja, 58,0%, a que se seguiu o consumo dependente, ou seja, 23,2%. Uma relação positiva estatisticamente significativa entre a fadiga do condutor e o consumo de álcool foi identificada com rs = .230, p = .001. Conclusões: Os resultados indicam que quanto maior é a fadiga, maior é o consumo de álcool nos motoristas de pesados, o que realça a necessidade de conceber e implementar intervenções de enfermagem eficazes e atempadas que contribuam para reduzir os comportamentos de risco para a saúde.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar un dispositivo automatizado para la asistencia ventilatoria basado en un AMBU manufacturado en Marzo del 2020. Métodos: El ESSI-1 INC fue evaluado por medio de parámetros fisiológicos y mecánica pulmonar a través de pruebas de espirómetro compensatorios (TISSOT); pulmón artificial (Modelo 5600i Dual Adult PNEU VIEW SYSTEM); así como su desempeño comparado a la máquina de anestesia (AEONMED 7500) en modelos porcinos, midiendo criterios ventilatorios, hemodinámicos y gasométricos. Resultados: Este equipo (ESSI-1 INC) fue exitosamente probado por modelos mecánicos y biológicos, tales como cerdos donde su desempeño fue evaluado en términos de la variabilidad del volumen tidal, frecuencia ventilatoria, y relación I/E versus el desempeño manual de dos médicos. Todos los resultados finalizaron como se esperaba de forma satisfactoria. Conclusiones: Es un equipo seguro y efectivo, el cual debería ser probado y usado en distintas condiciones clínicas para estandarizar la seguridad ventilatoria y cuidado de pacientes que lo requieran.

Abstract Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate an automated device for ventilatory support based on AMBU manufactured in March 2020. Methods: The ESSI-1 INC was evaluated through pulmonary mechanics and physiology parameters through compensatory spirometer tests (TISSOTs), and an artificial lung Model5600i Dual Adult PNEU VIEW SYSTEM; it was also compared to the anesthetic ventilatory support equipment (AEONMED 7500) in porcine models, measuring ventilatory, hemodynamic and gasometric parameters. Results: This equipment (ESSI-1 INC) was successfully tested by mechanical and biological models, such as pigs in which its performance was evaluated in terms of variability of tidal volume, ventilation frequency, and I/E relationship versus the manual performance of two medical interns. All the results turned out as expected and were satisfactory. Conclusions: It is safe and effective equipment and should be tested and used in diverse clinical conditions to standardize the ventilatory safety and care of patients who require it.

Resumen Antecedentes: La insuficiencia venosa es un padecimiento frecuente que puede ser tratado mediante técnicas endovasculares, incluyendo la ablación endovenosa con láser. Objetivo: Evaluar las posibles complicaciones a corto plazo derivadas de la ablación endovenosa con láser para tratamiento de insuficiencia venosa en safena mayor y menor. Métodos: Se incluyeron 158 miembros inferiores con diagnóstico clínico y por ultrasonido Doppler de insuficiencia venosa superficial. Fueron sometidos a ablación endovenosa con láser 1470 nm y fibra radial (400 y 600 nm) de forma ambulatoria y el seguimiento postoperatorio se llevó a cabo entre 15-30 días posterior al tratamiento. Resultados: 32 sujetos (20%) presentaron complicaciones menores, las cuales fueron síndrome doloroso (10.7%), parestesia (6.3%), seroma (1.2%), hematoma (0.6%), equimosis sintomática (0.6%) y tromboflebitis superficial (1.2%). No se registraron complicaciones graves. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados coinciden con lo reportado comúnmente en la literatura, sin registrar complicaciones graves, por lo que consideramos que la ablación endovenosa con láser es un procedimiento seguro.

Abstract Background: Venous insufficiency is a frequent disease that can be managed by endovascular techniques, including endovenous laser ablation therapy. Objective: To evaluate short term complications derived from endovenous laser ablation therapy for venous insufficiency of the major and minor saphenous veins. Methods: 158 lower extremities with clinical and Doppler ultrasound diagnosis of superficial venous insufficiency. Ultrasound guided endovenous laser ablation was performed with a 1470 nm laser and radial fiber (400 and 600 nm). The procedures were ambulatory and follow-up consultation was performed 15-30 days post-treatment. Results: 32 patients (20%) developed the following minor complications: pain (10.7%), paresthesia (6.3%), seroma (2, 1.2%), hematoma (0.6%), symptomatic ecchymosis (0.6%) and superficial thrombophlebitis (1.2%). There were no major complications. Conclusions: Our results coincide with what is reported in the literature and no major complications were observed. Hence, we consider that endovenous laser ablation is a safe procedure.

Resumen Introducción: La colocación de catéteres intravasculares venosos umbilicales (CVU) y arteriales (CAU) es el procedimiento invasivo más frecuente en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN). Para introducirlos se utilizan las fórmulas de Wright y de Shukla, aunque esta última podría estar asociada con una inserción incorrecta, especialmente en neonatos < 1500 g. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar mediante radiografía de tórax cuál fórmula es mejor para la correcta colocación de catéteres umbilicales en recién nacidos ≤ 1500 g. Métodos: Se incluyeron los pacientes ingresados en la UCIN de un hospital de segundo nivel entre 2021-2022 que recibieron CVU o CAU mediante las fórmulas de Wrigth o Shukla. Resultados: Se incluyeron en total 129 recién nacidos: 78 CVU y 51 CAU. En CVU, Wright 50% y Shukla 36.8% tuvieron localización correcta, p = 0.24. En las CAU, Wright 56.6% y Shukla 52.4% tenían una ubicación correcta, p = 0.76. En CVU con peso < 1000 g, Wright 36.4% y Shukla 33.3% bien situados, p = 0.58. En CVU > 1000 g, Wright 66.6% y Shukla 38.4% bien situados, p = 0.065. En CAU < 1000 g, Wright 45% y Shukla 42.9%, p = 0.63. En CAU con peso > 1000 g, Wright 80% y Shukla 57.1%, p = 0.23. Conclusiones: La colocación del CVU fue 13% mejor con la fórmula de Wright. La fórmula de Wright superó en el 29% la colocación del CVU en los neonatos > 1000 g en comparación con la de Shukla, aunque no hubo diferencia significativa debido al tamaño de la muestra.

Abstract Background: Intravascular venous (VUC) or arterial (AUC) umbilical catheter placement is the most frequent invasive procedure in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Either Wright’s or Shukla’s formula is used to introduce the catheters. However, Shukla’s formula is associated with incorrect insertion, especially for newborns < 1500 g. This study aimed to determine by chest X-ray if Wright’s formula is better than Shukla’s formula for the correct placement of umbilical catheters in newborns ≤ 1500 g. Methods: We included patients admitted to the NICU of a secondary-level hospital between 2021-2022 who received VUC or AUC through the Wright or Shukla formulas. Results: A total of 129 newborns were included: 78 with VUC and 51 with AUC. In VUC, 50% with Wright and 36.8% with Shukla formulas had the correct location, (p = 0.24). In AUC, 56.6 % with Wright and 52.4% with Shukla formulas were placed correctly placed, (p = 0.76). VUC with weight < 1000 g were correctly placed in 36.4% with Wright and 33.3% with Shukla formulas (p = 0.58). VUC in newborns > 1000 g were correctly placed in 66.6% with Wright and 38.4% with Shukla formulas (p = 0.065). AUC in newborns < 1000 g were correctly placed in 45% using Wright and 42.9% Shukla formulas (p = 0.63). AUC in newborns > 1000 g were correctly placed in 80% using Wright and 57.1% Shukla formulas (p = 0.23). Conclusions: We found 13% more correctly placed VUC using Wright’s formula. Moreover, Wright’s formula was 29% above Shukla’s VUC placement in neonates > 1000 g, although there was no significant difference due to the sample size.

Abstract The use of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture can increase the productivity of agricultural crops; however, there are few studies that consider aromatic plants, such as basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of 'Sweet Nufar' basil inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Azospirillum brasilense. The treatments tested were: 1) without microorganisms (control), 2) Rizhophagus intraradices, 3) Funneliformis mosseae, 4) AMF consortium, 5) Azospirillum brasilense, 6) R. intraradices + A. brasilense and 7) without microorganisms and irrigated with 100 % Steiner's nutrient solution. Treatments 1 to 6 were irrigated with the same nutrient solution, but at 50 %. Fifty days after transplanting, growth variables, mineral concentration, colonization percentage and number of AMF spores were recorded. The AMF and A. brasilense bacterium increased the fresh biomass weight and leaf area of 'Nufar' basil, which was associated with the highest concentration of nitrogen and potassium in the plant tissue. This implies that the microorganisms evaluated increase the development and growth of basil grown with reduced levels of mineral nutrition, which represents a sustainable alternative in the agronomic management of this crop under greenhouse conditions.

Resumen El uso de microorganismos benéficos en la agricultura puede incrementar la productividad de los cultivos agrícolas; sin embargo, existen pocos estudios que consideran a las plantas aromáticas, como la albahaca (Ocimum basilicum L.). El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el crecimiento de albahaca ‘Sweet Nufar’ inoculada con hongos micorrícicos arbusculares (HMA) y Azospirillum brasilense. Los tratamientos ensayados fueron: 1) sin microorganismos (testigo), 2) Rizhophagus intraradices, 3) Funneliformis mosseae, 4) consorcio de HMA, 5) Azospirillum brasilense, 6) R. intraradices + A. brasilense y 7) sin microorganismos e irrigados con solución nutritiva de Steiner al 100 %. Los tratamientos del 1 al 6 se irrigaron con la misma solución nutritiva, pero al 50 %. Cincuenta días después del trasplante se midieron variables de crecimiento, concentración mineral, porcentaje de colonización y número de esporas de HMA. Los HMA y la bacteria A. brasilense incrementaron el peso de biomasa fresca y el área foliar de albahaca ‘Nufar’, lo cual se asoció con la mayor concentración de nitrógeno y potasio en el tejido vegetal. Lo anterior implica que los microorganismos evaluados aumentan el desarrollo y el crecimiento de albahaca cultivada con niveles de nutrición mineral reducido, lo que representa una alternativa sustentable en el manejo agronómico de dicho cultivo en condiciones de invernadero.

Abstract Although Três Lagoas municipality is located in a rare and highly fragmented Atlantic Forest-Cerrado ecotone, there is scarcity of biodiversity data to guide conservation decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to compile the first bird checklist in 31 localities in this municipality to propose conservation strategies based on avian richness, conservation and migratory status. A total of 419 bird species were recorded, of which 412 were exclusive to the Atlantic Forest-Cerrado ecotone and seven to the Cerrado domain (C. minor, L. xenopterus, P. unicinctus, T. curucui, S. pileata, S. melanopis and S. luteola). According to the results, 12 species are included in the Near Threatened category, four are vulnerable (C. fasciolata, L. xenopterus, A. tricolor and S. hypoxantha) and one is endangered (U. coronata). Regarding migratory birds, 112 were recorded (95 intracontinental, 17 intercontinental). Since the majority of these species are recorded in grasslands, aquatic habitats and Seasonal Deciduous Alluvial Forest, they necessarily have highest priority for conservation and restoration. Thus, we recommend that: (1) areas 2, 11 and 24 be considered as both Important Bird Area and “Area de Proteção Ambiental”; (2) riparian forest restoration along the Paraná river act as a local ecological corridor among these areas, allowing the recolonization, genetic exchange and restoration of locally reduced populations of migratory and near/threatened bird species.

Abstract Background: There is limited information to predict the direction in which canopy modification affects the microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) and, consequently, the magnitude and stability of litter decomposition in monodominant sacred fir (Abies religiosa) forests. Questions: What is the effect of tree stratum alteration on CUE and stability of litter decomposition in an A. religiosa forest? Study sites and dates: Two conditions inside a sacred fir forest were selected: A) a naturally monodominant homogeneous condition, and B) a heterogeneous condition with a non-monospecific tree stratum derived from local disturbances (wildfire and reforestation) occurred on a single occasion 18 years ago. Methods: In each condition (homogeneous and heterogeneous), the Importance Value Index (IVI) was calculated in the tree stratum, while chemical composition, microbial carbon (C) concentration, enzyme activities and C mineralization were measured in litter samples. The specific enzymatic activity and the metabolic quotient were calculated as CUE indicators, and the coefficient of variation as a proxy for litter decomposition stability. Results: A change in tree species composition and an increase in tree species richness in the heterogeneous condition was found, which decreased litter phosphorous (P) concentration. This promoted a high microbial activity and low CUE, favoring C mineralization. Furthermore, low stability during litter decomposition was observed as tree species richness increased. Conclusions: Tree stratum heterogeneity, as a consequence of past disturbances, decreases CUE and the stability of litter decomposition in an A. religiosa forest.

Resumen Antecedentes: Existe poca información para prever la dirección en la cual la modificación del dosel afecta el uso eficiente del carbono (UEC) por la comunidad microbiana y, consecuentemente, la magnitud y estabilidad de la descomposición del mantillo en bosques monodominantes de Abies religiosa. Preguntas: ¿Cuál es el efecto de una alteración del estrato arbóreo sobre el UEC y la estabilidad de la descomposición del mantillo en un bosque de A. religiosa? Sitios y años de estudio: Se seleccionaron dos condiciones: A) monodominante homogénea y B) heterogénea con un estrato arbóreo polidominante derivado de disturbios localizados (incendio y reforestación) ocurridos en una sola ocasión hace 18 años. Métodos: En cada condición, se obtuvo el Índice de Valor de Importancia en el estrato arbóreo, y la composición química, concentración de carbono (C) microbiano, actividades enzimáticas y mineralización de C del mantillo. Se calculó la actividad enzimática específica y el coeficiente metabólico como indicadores del UEC, y el coeficiente de variación como indicador de estabilidad de la descomposición. Resultados: El cambio en la composición y riqueza arbórea redujo la concentración de fósforo (P) del mantillo en la condición heterogénea. Esto aumentó la actividad microbiana y redujo el UEC, incrementando la mineralización de C. Además, existió una baja estabilidad durante la descomposición del mantillo conforme incrementó la riqueza arbórea. Conclusiones: La heterogeneidad del estrato arbóreo, como consecuencia de disturbios pasados, reduce el UEC y la estabilidad de la descomposición del mantillo en un bosque de A. religiosa.

Resumen Antecedentes: En la enfermedad arterial periférica (EAP), la medición de la hemodinamia del pie no ha sido bien descrita. Objetivo: Determinar el tiempo de aceleración plantar (PAT) como factor predictivo para salvamento de extremidad en pacientes con diagnóstico de isquemia crónica amenazadora de extremidad (CLTI). Material y método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, analítico y longitudinal de 2020 a 2022. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de CLTI que cumplieran los criterios de selección. Se realizó análisis estadístico con lo descrito a la clasificación de PAT. Resultados: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes en este estudio, todos sometidos a revascularización mediante angioplastía. El salvamento de extremidad se logró en los 31 (100%). Todos cursaron con disminución del PAT a clase 1 o 2, que logró asociarse a salvamento de extremidad. Conclusiones: El estudio demostró que una disminución del PAT posterior a angioplastía se relacionó con salvamento de extremidad. Por tanto, se propone al PAT como factor predictivo para salvamento de extremidad.

Abstract Background: In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the measurement of foot hemodynamics has not been well described. Objective: To determine the plantar acceleration time (PAT) as a predictive factor for limb salvage in patients diagnosed with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Material and method: A prospective, analytical, and longitudinal study was carried out from 2020 to 2022. Patients diagnosed with CLTI who met the selection criteria were included. Statistical analysis was performed with what was described for the PAT classification. Results: 31 patients were included in this study, all of whom underwent revascularization by angioplasty. Limb salvage was achieved in all 31 (100%). All of them had a decrease in PAT to class 1 or 2, which was associated with limb salvage. Conclusions: The study showed that a decrease in PAT after angioplasty was related to limb salvage. Therefore, PAT is proposed as a predictive factor for limb salvage.

ABSTRACT Striped bass, Morone saxatilis, is a marine species that belongs to the Moronidae family, which has great recreational and commercial importance and high production potential for human consumption. This research examines two acute stress factors that can be frequent in fish production units: a) handling is carried out constantly due to maintenance needs, size separation, growth evaluation, and health state, and b) hypoxia likely occur as the culture tank biomass, temperature, and fish metabolic rate increase. Juvenile fish (initial body weight 200 ± 3.0 g) were distributed in 110 L tanks and fed one week with different dietary tryptophan (Trp) levels: CD0.5 (0.5%), D1.0 (1.0%), D1.5 (1.5%) and D2.0 (2.0%). The fish were then exposed to stress by handling (5 min) or hypoxia (45 min). After that, blood hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (HB) and plasma cortisol, glucose (GLU), lactate (LACT), total protein (TP), albumin (AL), and globulin (GLOB) were analyzed, and AL/GLOB ratio was calculated. All analyzed parameters showed great sensitivity to acute stressors. Hypoxia increased Hct, cortisol, and GLU and decreased HB and LACT. Handling decreased HB and TP and increased GLU and LACT. D1.0 and D1.5 prevented Hct and LACT disturbance. D1.5 Trp prevented HB disturbance. All Trp supplemented diets prevented GLU change under hypoxia and TP change after handling. The results suggest that Trp played a role in M. saxatilis homeostasis restoration under acute stress.

ABSTRACT Background: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging improves the performance of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics through a better selection of patients. Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the detection rate (DR) of systematic and targeted cognitive biopsies in a cohort with the previous negative systematic biopsies. A secondary objective was to describe the value of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) in the detection of clinically significant PCa (CSPCa). Methods: We designed a prospective, single-center, and comparative study to determine the DR of systematic and targeted cognitive biopsies. The clinical and pathological characteristics of each patient were described. Results: A total of 111 patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System lesions > 3 were included in the study. PCa was detected in 41.4% (46 of 111 patients); 42 (91.3%) were detected by systematic biopsy and 30 (65.2%) by targeted biopsy. CSPCa was detected in 26 (23.4%), 23 (88.5%) by systematic biopsy, and 21 (76.9%) by targeted biopsy. PSAd > 0.15 was directly associated with CSPCa. Conclusion: The detection of PCa by systematic biopsy in this series was higher than 80%; hence, its routine use should not be replaced by targeted biopsy, since it continues to be the cornerstone of the diagnosis in patients with prior negative biopsies.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Immunity in cancer patients is modified both by the cancer itself and by oncospecific treatments. Whether a patient’s adaptive immunity is impaired depends on their levels of naive lymphocytes and other cell populations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients are at greater risk of progressing to severe forms of the disease and have higher mortality rates than individuals without cancer, particularly while they are receiving cancer-specific therapies. An individual’s protection against infection, their response to vaccines, and even the tests that determine the humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2, depend on lymphocyte populations, meriting their study. OBJECTIVE Estimate blood concentrations of lymphocytes involved in the immune response to new pathogens in cancer patients. METHODS We carried out an analytical study of 218 cancer patients; 124 women and 94 men, 26–93 years of age, who were treated at the National Oncology and Radiobiology Institute in Havana, Cuba, March–June, 2020. Patients were divided into five groups: (1) those with controlled disease who were not undergoing cancer-specific treatment; (2) those undergoing debulking surgery; (3) patients undergoing chemotherapy; (4) patients undergoing radiation therapy and (5) patients currently battling infection. We evaluated the following peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets via flow cytometry: B lymphocytes (total, naive, transitional, memory, plasmablasts and plasma cells); T lymphocytes (total, helper, cytotoxic and their respective naive, activated, central memory and effector memory subsets); and total, secretory and cytotoxic natural killer cells and T natural killer cells. We also estimated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios. Lymphocyte concentrations were associated with controlled disease and standard cancer therapy. For variables that did not fall within a normal distribution, ranges were set by medians and 2.5–97.5 percentiles. The two-tailed Mann–Whitney U test was used to measure the effect of sex and to compare lymphocyte populations. We calculated odds ratios to estimate lymphopenia risk. RESULTS All cancer patients had lower values of naive helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte populations, naive B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells than normal reference medians. Naive helper T cells were the most affected subpopulation. Memory B cells, plasmablasts, plasma cells, activated T helper cells, and cytotoxic central memory T cells were increased. Patients undergoing treatment had lower levels of naive lymphocytes than untreated patients, particularly during radiation therapy. The risk of B lymphopenia was higher in patients in treatment. The odds ratio for B lymphopenia was 8.0 in patients who underwent surgery, 12.9 in those undergoing chemotherapy, and 13.9 in patients in radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Cancer and conventional cancer therapies significantly affect peripheral blood B lymphocyte levels, particularly transitional T helper lymphocytes, reducing the immune system’s ability to trigger primary immune responses against new antigens.

Abstract We present our recently-built experimental setup designed to generate near-infrared and narrow-band correlated photon pairs by inducing four-wave mixing in a cold gas of 87Rb atoms confined in a magneto-optical trap. The experimental setup and its automation and control approach are described in detail. A characterization of the optical density of the atomic ensemble as well as the basic statistical measurements of the generated light are reported. The non-classical nature of the photon pairs is confirmed by observing a violation of Cauchy-Schwarz inequality by a factor of 5.6 × 10-5 in a Hanbury Brown - Twiss interferometer. A 1/e coherence time for the heralded, idler photons of 44 ± 0.1 ns is estimated from our observations. We are able to achieve a value of 104 s-1 pair-detection-rate, which results in a spectral brightness of 280 (MHz s)-1. The combination of high brightness and narrow-band spectrum makes this photon-pair source a viable tool in fundamental studies of quantum states and opens the door to use them in quantum technologies.

ABSTRACT The populations of Acropora palmata have decreased over the last four decades, and although there are several studies on their genetic diversity in the Caribbean, no studies have been published about the reefs from the southern Gulf of Mexico. This research aimed to determine, using five microsatellite markers, the genetic variation of three A. palmata populations in the Mexican Atlantic located in the southwest Gulf of Mexico, in the Campeche Bank, and in the Caribbean. The mean of genetic richness (Ng/N) in the studied reefs was 0.583; the lowest estimated value corresponded to the Campeche Bank reef. A low genetic diversity was registered in the studied reefs (reef mean He = 0.315 ± 0.052). The significant genetic structure observed among studied populations could be related to ocean currents from the region and specific biological characteristics, mainly, short larvae phase, high mortality, and high rate of self-recruitment. These results may be particularly useful for designing management strategies, considering the lack of studies of this type in the region.

ABSTRACT The term “triglyceride-rich lipoproteins” (TRLs) includes chylomicrons and their remnants, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL). In this manuscript, the mechanisms by which atherogenic TRLs contribute to the formation of atheroma plaques are reviewed. Cholesterol from TRLs that can be retained in the subendothelial space (i.e., remnants, IDLs, and small VLDLs) contributes to the genesis of atherosclerosis. Triglycerides of atherogenic TRLs induce inflammation of the arterial wall. Mechanisms that explain the involvement of TRLs in atherosclerosis are the generation of pro-atherogenic changes in high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins, accumulation of TRLs in plasma, and their passage to the subendothelial space where they cause endothelial dysfunction and inflammation of the vascular wall. Furthermore, plasma accumulation of TRLs causes hyperviscosity and a procoagulant state. Finally, this manuscript summarizes the controversial aspects of the clinical approach and the treatment of cases with dyslipidemia explained by atherogenic TRLs.