Investigating the Potential Double-Edged Score of Immigration-Related Stress, Discrimination, and Mental Health Access

Prior work has suggested that discrimination and immigration-related stress may impede mental health care seeking and utilization among Latinx populations. These effects may be more nuanced as both discrimination and immigration-related stress may increase symptomology, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Both symptoms may, in turn, prompt attempts to seek care. The current study examined the direct effects of discrimination and immigration-related stress on care access, as well as potentially indirect effects with PTSD and depression symptoms as mediators. Interviews and online surveys were completed with 234 Latinx residents of the Midwest, assessing everyday discrimination, discrimination in healthcare, PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, current mental health utilization, and previous unsuccessful attempts to seek care. Direct effects of discrimination and immigration-related stress were largely unrelated to care access variables. Discrimination in healthcare settings predicted both unsuccessful attempts to seek care and current use, but this effect was positive. The indirect effect was largely supported, but only for PTSD symptoms and not depression. Results indicate that further investigation is necessary to understand the direct effects of discrimination on care access. Further, discrimination and immigration-related stress may indirectly prompt attempts to seek mental health care

DIET OF OILBIRDS (STEATORNIS CARIPENSIS) IN CUEVA DE LOS GUÁCHAROS NATIONAL PARK (COLOMBIA): TEMPORAL VARIATION IN FRUIT CONSUMPTION, DISPERSAL, AND SEED MORPHOLOGY

Abstract  ∙ Oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) are specialized nocturnal frugivores that inhabit Neotropical forests and have the potential to play key ecological roles as seed dispersers. In this study, we focused on type and quantity of seeds dispersed by a population of Oilbirds in Cueva de Los Guácharos National Park (Colombia). We assessed temporal variation in diet composition, fruit nutrient composition and measured seed morphology. To do this, we used 5–10 seed traps in a cave from 2011 to 2016, conducting a 5‐day census 1–4 times each year. In 2015, we performed a census in all 12 months to document within year variation. We found seeds of 52 species (including 17 named species, 12 identified just to family, and 23 morphospecies). We found a clear dominance of Arecaceae and Lauraceae families. Intra‐annual variation in species richness reflects the fact that more biomass and higher seed numbers are deposited in the cave in periods of nesting (January–June), as well as during seasonal fruiting patterns in the region. Data on fruit contents from published literature indicated that oilbird diet includes a high representation of lipid‐rich fruits. Consumed seed size varied enormously (range: 0.01–5.99 g dry mass), the largest seeds being up to 29 mm wide and 54 mm long. Regurgitated seeds showed a negative allometric relationship between width and length. Overall, we found a diverse diet and that Oilbirds provide efficient seed dispersal in terms of seed quantity; however, many aspects of dispersal quality remain to be determined. Resumen ∙ Dieta de los Guácharos (Steatornis caripensis) en el parque nacional Cueva de Los Guácharos (Colombia): variación temporal en la cantidad de la dispersión y morfología de semillas Los guácharos (Steatornis caripensis) son aves nocturnas frugívoras especializadas que habitan bosques neotropicales y que tienen el potencial de desempeñar roles ecológicos claves como dispersoras de semillas. En este trabajo, estudiamos la dieta y la cantidad de semillas dispersadas por una población de guácharos en el Parque Nacional Natural Cueva de los Guácharos (Colombia). Para ello, evaluamos la variación temporal, comparamos la composición de lípidos y medimos la morfología de las semillas. De 2011 a 2016 dispusimos 5–10 trampas de semillas en la cueva principal del parque y llevamos a cabo censos de usualmente 5 días, 1–4 veces cada año. Adicionalmente, en 2015 hicimos censos mensuales durante todo el año. En la dieta de los guácharos encontramos semillas de 52 especies de plantas (incluyendo 17 especies, 12 taxones identificados hasta familia y 23 morfoespecies), en las cuales se reflejó una clara dominancia de las familias Arecaceae y Lauraceae. La variación intranual en la riqueza de especies de las semillas depositadas en la cueva mostró que en los periodos de anidación de los guácharos (enero a junio) se presentó el mayor número de semillas y la mayor biomasa, además una alta riqueza de especies en el primer semestre es coherente con los patrones de fructificación en la región. La dieta del guácharo incluyó una alta representación de frutos ricos en lípidos, lo cual fue inferido de la literatura publicada. Los tamaños de las semillas dispersadas variaron enormemente (peso seco entre 0.01 y 5.99 g), siendo las semillas más grandes de 29 mm de ancho y 54 mm de largo. Las semillas que fueron dispersadas mostraron una relación alométrica negativa entre el ancho y el largo. Aunque, nosotros reportamos que los guácharos tienen una dieta diversa y proveen una eficiente dispersión de semillas en términos de la cantidad, aún deben determinarse muchos aspectos de la calidad de la dispersión

Análisis preliminar del impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida en la provincia de Córdoba (Argentina) en 2020

En este artículo se realiza un análisis preliminar del impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la esperanza de vida en Córdoba (Argentina). Se utilizaron datos de la Dirección de Estadísticas e Información de la Salud (DEIS) y, para 2020, se recurrió a datos del Registro Civil de la Provincia de Córdoba. Se calculó el exceso de mortalidad de 2020 sobre la base de muertes esperadas. Con datos del INDEC y proyecciones propias, se estimó la esperanza de vida para 2020 y se comparó con la esperanza de vida en 2017-2019. Los resultados indican que en 2020 en la provincia hubo un 14,8% de exceso de mortalidad, lo que produjo una reducción de 2 años en la esperanza de vida de hombres y de 1,3 años de mujeres, si se consideran las proyecciones del INDEC, o 1,8 años de esperanza de vida en hombres y 1,1 años en mujeres, si se consideran proyecciones propias

Network-based analysis reveals differences in plant assembly between the native and the invaded ranges

Associated with the introduction of alien species in a new area, interactions with other native species within the recipient community occur, reshaping the original community and resulting in a unique assemblage. Yet, the differences in community assemblage between native and invaded ranges remain unclear. Mediterranean grasslands provide an excellent scenario to study community assembly following transcontinental naturalisation of plant species. Here, we compared the community resemblance of plant communities in Mediterranean grasslands from both the native (Spain) and invaded (Chile) ranges. We used a novel approach, based on network analysis applied to co-occurrence analysis in plant communities, allowing us to study the co-existence of native and alien species in central Chile. This useful methodology is presented as a step forward in invasion ecology studies and conservation strategies. We found that community structure differed between the native and the invaded range, with alien species displaying a higher number of connections and, therefore, acting as keystones to sustain the structure within the invaded community. Alien species acting like keystones within the Chilean grassland communities might exacerbate the threat posed by biological invasions for the native biodiversity assets. Controlling the spread of the alien species identified here as keystones should help managing potential invasion in surrounding areas. Network analyses is a free, easy-to-implement and straightforward visual tool that can be widely used to reveal shifts in native communities and elucidate the role of multiple invaders into communitie

La pérdida específica de células T de la subunidad catalítica p110? de PI-3-linasa da como resultado una producción mejorada de citocinas y una respuesta antitumoral

Class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunits p110? and p110? are targets in cancer therapy expressed at high levels in T lymphocytes. The role of p110? PI3K in normal or pathological immune responses is well established, yet the importance of p110? subunits in T cell-dependent immune responses is not clear. To address this problem, mice with p110? conditionally deleted in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes (p110??/??T) were used. p110??/??T mice show normal development of T cell subsets, but slightly reduced numbers of CD4+ T cells in the spleen. “In vitro,” TCR/CD3 plus CD28 activation of naive CD4+ and CD8+ p110??/??T T cells showed enhanced effector function, particularly IFN-? secretion, T-bet induction, and Akt, Erk, or P38 activation. Tfh derived from p110??/??T cells also have enhanced responses when compared to normal mice, and IL-2 expanded p110??/??T CD8+ T cells had enhanced levels of LAMP-1 and Granzyme B. By contrast, the expansion of p110??/??T iTreg cells was diminished. Also, p110??/??T mice had enhanced anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) IFN-?, or IL-4 responses and IgG1 and IgG2b anti-KLH antibodies, using CFA or Alum as adjuvant, respectively. When compared to WT mice, p110??/??T mice inoculated with B16.F10 melanoma showed delayed tumor progression. The percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes was higher and the percentage of Treg cells lower in the spleen of tumor-bearing p110??/??T mice. Also, IFN-? production in tumor antigen-activated spleen cells was enhanced. Thus, PI3K p110? plays a significant role in antigen activation and differentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes modulating antitumor immunity

Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Computational Studies on the Formation of Cu2+ and Zn2+ Complexes with an Indazole-Containing Azamacrocyclic Scorpiand: Evidence for Metal-Induced Tautomerism

Cu2+ and Zn2+ coordination chemistry of a new member of the family of scorpiand-like macrocyclic ligands derived from tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) is reported. The new ligand (L1) contains in its pendant arm not only the amine group derived from tren but also a 6-indazole ring. Potentiometric studies allow the determination of four protonation constants. UV−vis and fluorescence data support that the last protonation step occurs on the indazole group. Equilibrium measurements in the presence of Cu2+ and Zn2+ reveal the formation of stable [ML1]2+, [MHL1]3+, and [ML1(OH)]+ complexes. Kinetic studies on the acid-promoted decomposition of the metal complexes were carried out using both absorbance and fluorescence detection. For Zn2+, both types of detection led to the same results. The experiments suggest that [ZnL1]2+ protonates upon addition of an acid excess to form [ZnHL1]3+ within the mixing time of the stopped-flow instrument, which then decomposes with a first-order dependence on the acid concentration. The kinetic behavior is more complex in the case of Cu2+. Both [CuL1]2+ and [CuHL1]3+ show similar absorption spectra and convert within the mixing time to a new intermediate species with a band at 750 nm, the process being reverted by addition of base. The intermediate then decomposes with a secondorder dependence on the acid concentration. However, kinetic experiments with fluorescence detection showed the existence of an additional faster step. With the help of DFT calculations, an interpretation is proposed in which protonation of [CuL1]2+ to form [CuHL1]3+ would involve dissociation of the tren-based NH group in the pendant arm and coordination of a 2H-indazole group. Further protonation would lead to dissociation of coordinated indazole, which then will convert to the more stable 1H tautomer in a process signaled by fluorescence changes that would not be affecting to the d−d spectrum of the complex

Inhibitory Receptor Expression on T Cells as a Marker of Disease Activity and Target to Regulate Effector Cellular Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: Inhibitory receptors are essential for the regulation of effector immune responses and may play critical roles in autoimmune diseases. We evaluated whether inhibitory receptor expression on T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were correlated with immune activation, disease activity, and response to treatment, as well as whether inhibitory receptor–mediated pathways were functional. Methods: Using flow cytometry, we performed extensive phenotypic and functional evaluation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the blood and synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients ex vivo and after culture. The relationship of each parameter with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) and response to treatment was examined. Results: In RA patients with low levels of T cell activation, inhibitory receptor expression showed an inverse relationship with the DAS28-ESR. The frequency of T cells expressing multiple inhibitory receptors was reduced in untreated RA patients but returned to normal levels in treated patients. RA patients who responded to treatment showed an augmented frequency of inhibitory receptor–expressing T cells that correlated with reduced inflammatory cytokine production in comparison to nonresponders. Higher frequencies of effector and memory T cells that expressed multiple inhibitory receptors were seen in SF than in peripheral blood. Notably, inhibitory pathways were operative in blood and synovial T cells from all RA patients, although cells from nonresponder patients were less sensitive to inhibition. Conclusion: Inhibitory receptor expression on T cells from RA patients is inversely correlated with effector T cell function and disease activity and may predict response to treatment. Furthermore, different inhibitory pathways are functional and cooperatively suppress synovial T cells, providing a rationale for new treatment strategies to regulate acute local inflammation.Fil: Onofrio, Luisina Inés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Zacca, Estefanía. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Ferrero, Paola Virginia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Acosta, Cristina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Mussano, Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Onetti, Laura. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Cadile, Isaac. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Gazzoni, M. Victoria. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Jurado, Raúl. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital Nacional de Clínicas; ArgentinaFil: Tosello Boari, Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Ramello, María Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Montes, Carolina Lucia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Gruppi, Adriana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Acosta Rodriguez, Eva Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentin

Engaging with community researchers for exposure science: lessons learned from a pesticide biomonitoring study

A major challenge in biomonitoring studies with members of the general public is ensuring their continued involvement throughout the necessary length of the research. The paper presents evidence on the use of community researchers, recruited from local study areas, as a mechanism for ensuring effective recruitment and retention of farmer and resident participants for a pesticides biomonitoring study. The evidence presented suggests that community researchers' abilities to build and sustain trusting relationships with participants enhanced the rigour of the study as a result of their on-the-ground responsiveness and flexibility resulting in data collection beyond targets expected

Percepción de las enfermeras de UCI en relación al cuidado satisfactorio: convergencias y divergencias con la percepción del paciente crítico

Objetivo: Explorar las convergencias y divergencias entre la percepción de las enfermeras y los pacientes críticos, en relación a los cuidados satisfactorios proporcionados y recibidos. Métodos: Forma parte de un estudio cualitativo más amplio, según la Teoría Fundamentada. Realizado en 3 Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos con 34 boxes. Muestreo teórico por perfiles con n = 19 pacientes y n = 7 enfermeras tras la saturación de datos. El reclutamiento de pacientes incluidos en los perfiles de edad avanzada y larga estancia se dilató en el tiempo por la baja incidencia de estos. La recogida de datos consistió en: entrevista en profundidad a los pacientes críticos, grupo de discusión de enfermeras expertas en el cuidado al paciente crítico y diario de campo. Análisis temático de Teoría Fundamentada según Strauss y Corbin: codificación abierta, axial y selectiva. Se siguieron los criterios de rigor de Guba y Lincoln, de calidad de Calderón y los de reflexividad ética de Gastaldo y McKeever. Se obtuvo informe favorable del comité de ética del centro y consentimiento informado de los participantes. Resultados: Emergen 4 categorías coincidentes: las competencias profesionales, los cuidados humanos, técnicos y continuados. La combinación de estos elementos producen sentimientos de seguridad, tranquilidad, sentirse persona permitiendo al paciente una relación cercana y de confianza con la enfermera que realiza cuidados individualizados. No se han encontrado categorías divergentes. Conclusiones: Las percepciones de las enfermeras en relación a los cuidados coinciden con las percepciones de los pacientes críticos tanto en la definición como en las dimensiones sobre el cuidado satisfactorio

Feminist Pedagogy in the STEM Research Laboratory: an Intersectional Approach

The research laboratory is a crucial and indispensable classroom for STEM education. It is where we practice science as a craft and test the ideas that awaken our curiosity, allowing us to create knowledge. It is also a space where challenges await and struggles are imminent. Thus, supporting mentees through their traineeship in a research lab requires an intersectional approach and lens to provide equitable mentorship and guidance. The concept of intersectionality, initially devised by Black feminist professor Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, can be employed to generate practices and frameworks that democratize laboratory culture and provide trainees with a space in which they shape the laboratory culture while helping them recognize their positionality. This critical commentary provides insights and experiences when incorporating feminist frameworks to sustain equitable working environments in the research lab setting, specifically in leading a research group composed predominantly of Puerto Rican women