Synthesis and Characterization of LnAg(WO4)(MoO4)

Polycrystalline LnAg(WO4)(MoO4) powders, with Ln = La to Lu and Y, have been obtained by ceramic method. Rietveld refinement for all compounds reveals that they present tetragonal symmetry, space group I41/a (No. 88), where the Ln3+/Ag+ ions are located in the 4a atomic positions, since the W/Mo are randomly distributed into 4b crystal sites. In these compounds, a and b lattice parameters take values between those corresponding to tungstate and molybdate compounds. A progressive decrease in the lattice parameters is observed in going from La to Lu derivatives as a consequence of the well-known lanthanide contraction

Understanding Parents\u27 Views toward the Newly Enacted HPV Vaccine School Entry Policy in Puerto Rico: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: The Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) is an essential tool for the prevention of HPV-related cancers. In Puerto Rico, the Secretary of Health established a school entry requirement of at least one dose of HPV vaccination in girls and boys aged 11 and 12 years, taking effect in August 2018. Our study aimed to examine parents\u27 and guardians\u27 views of unvaccinated children about the process of implementation of the new HPV vaccination school entry policy in Puerto Rico and identify potential barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of this requirement. METHODS: During April through November 2019, we conducted three focus groups (n = 12) and eight in-depth semi-structured interviews with parents of children aged 11 and 12 who had not yet initiated the HPV vaccine series. The interview topics addressed were: perception of vaccination, HPV vaccine and it is inclusion as new school entry requirement practice, procedure of the sources of information, influencers, and willingness to change. The interviews were recorded and transcribed by our staff members. We identified emergent themes through thematic analysis. RESULTS: The participants\u27 perspective on the HPV vaccine school requirement was mixed. Lack of information of the HPV vaccines and lack of communication about the school-entry requirement were the themes most mentioned in the interviews. Moreover, previous negative experiences from friends or family members and adverse effects deterred some participants from vaccinating their kids. We discussed barriers in the process of soliciting an exemption. CONCLUSION: Most barriers mentioned by study participants are modifiable. Information about the HPV vaccine mandate\u27s implementation and educational materials regarding HPV vaccine safety need to be provided to address parents\u27 concerns related to the vaccine\u27s side effects. Schools (teachers, principal directors, and administrative staff), the government, and parent organizations need to be part of these efforts. This multilevel approach will help to improve disseminating information about HPV vaccination to clarify doubts and misinformation among parents

V232D Mutation in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: Not So Rare, Not So Mild

The frequency of some Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Transmembrane Conductance Regulator gene (CFTR) mutations varies between populations. Genetic testing during newborn screening (NBS) for CF can identify less common mutations with low clinical expression in childhood and previously considered mild but not fully characterized, such as the mutation p.Val232Asp (c.695T > A). The aim of this study was to describe CF patients with the V232D mutation. We identify CF children with the V232D mutation detected by NBS and compare them with CF adults with this mutation whose diagnosis was prompted by clinical symptoms in the same period. We studied clinical, biochemical, spirometric, and prognostic features in both populations. NBS program tested 276,523 children during a period of 14 years (2003-2017) and identified 54 cases of CF. Six children (11%) had the V232D mutation. Over the same period, 5 adults (age 37.6 ± 16.29 years old) with symptoms of CF and this mutation were also diagnosed. Follow-up duration was mean 10.1 years for adults and mean 6.5 years for children. In the adult group, lung function was impaired at diagnosis in all patients (Forced Expiratory Volume1-FEV1-67.12% ± 13.09) and worsened in children tested during evolution (FEV1first: 113%; FEV1last: 64%). Pancreatic insufficiency was present in adult group, with recurrent pancreatitis in 1 present. Although with less clinical expression in children, V232D is associated with pulmonary and pancreatic involvement during adulthood and CF cannot be considered mild. This mutation is present in 11% of all patients diagnosed with CF in our region. Its inclusion in some NBS programs should be taken into account in order to improve the prognosis of affected children.S

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs About Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Among Puerto Rican Mothers and Daughters, 2010: A Qualitative Study

IntroductionThe incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer can be reduced by increasing vaccination for HPV. Yet vaccination uptake and completion of the 3-dose series remain low among Puerto Rican females. This study explored psychosocial factors associated with HPV vaccination uptake decisions among Puerto Rican mothers and daughters.MethodsWe conducted 7 focus groups with young women aged 16 to 24 (n = 21) and their mothers (n = 9) to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to cervical cancer, HPV, and HPV vaccination. We analyzed the focus group transcripts and identified themes by using a constant comparison method of qualitative data analysis and interpretation, guided by a grounded theory approach.ResultsThe analysis identified several emergent themes related to vaccine uptake: 1) low knowledge about cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine; 2) inconsistent beliefs about susceptibility to HPV infection and cervical cancer; 3) vaccine effectiveness; 4) vaccine safety and side effects; 5) concerns that the vaccine promotes sexual disinhibition; and 6) availability of insurance coverage and overall cost of the vaccine.ConclusionOur study found that adolescent girls and young women in Puerto Rico have low levels of knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, low perceived susceptibility to HPV, and concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and these factors may influence uptake and completion of HPV vaccination. Interventions are needed for both mothers and daughters that address these psychosocial factors and increase access to vaccination

Community-Academic Partnership to implement a Breast and Cervical Cancer screening education program in Puerto Rico

To describe how a community-academic partnership between Taller Salud Inc., a community-based organization, and the Puerto Rico Community Cancer Control Outreach Program of the University of Puerto Rico was crucial in the adaptation and implementation of Cultivando La Salud (CLS), an evidence-based educational outreach program designed to increase breast and cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico. This collaboration facilitated the review and adaptation of the CLS intervention to improve cultural appropriateness, relevance, and acceptability for Puerto Rican women

Thienopyrimidine Derivatives as GPR55 Receptor Antagonists: Insight into Structure-Activity Relationship

GPR55 is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor involved in various pathophysiological conditions. However, there are only a few noncannabinoid GPR55 ligands reported so far. The lack of potent and selective GPR55 ligands precludes a deep exploration of this receptor. The studies presented here focused on a thienopyrimidine scaffold based on the GPR55 antagonist ML192, previously discovered by high-throughput screening. The GPR55 activities of the new synthesized compounds were assessed using β-arrestin recruitment assays in Chinese hamster ovary cells overexpressing human GPR55. Some derivatives were identified as GPR55 antagonists with functional efficacy and selectivity versus CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.M.E.A., P.H.R., and N.J. are supported by National Institutes of Health grant R01 DA0455698. M.E.A. and P.Z. thank the financial support NIH P30 DA013429. P.M. and N.J. are supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, Spain (MCIU)/FEDER grant RTI2018-095544-B-I00 and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) grant PIE-201580E033. P.M. acknowledges the Comunidad de Madrid (CM) programme “Atraccion de Talento” number 2018-T2/BMD-10819 and “Juan de la Cierva Incorporación Programme-MICIU” (IJC 2019-042182-I

Diagnóstico precoz de los errores congénitos del metabolismo

Los avances científicos recientes han permitido identificar un número importante de enfermedades consideradas como raras, aquellas que tienen una baja prevalencia o aparecen ocasionalmente en la población –en Europa, menos de 1 caso cada 2.000 ciudadanos–, entre las que se encuentran las enfermedades metabólicas. En España, se estima que hay, aproximadamente, tres millones de afectados por estas dolencias, cuya atención está siendo objeto de interés por las administraciones sanitarias. Las enfermedades metabólicas, o errores congénitos del metabolismo (ECM), son un grupo numeroso de dolencias hereditarias, cada una producida por el bloqueo de alguna vía metabólica en el organismo. La mayoría de ellas se heredan de forma autosómica recesiva, y su frecuencia se estima entre 1/1.000-3.000 recién nacidos vivos. Esta memoria recoge las investigaciones y trabajos llevados a cabo en la Unidad de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento de los Errores Congénitos del Metabolismo (UDTECM), del Departamento de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, dedicado a evitar enfermedades que supongan un riesgo para el pleno desarrollo del recién nacido. En ella se presentan los resultados globales del programa de diagnóstico precoz neonatal desarrollado durante más de 30 años, del que se han beneficiado cerca de 700.000 niños. La unidad, formada por un equipo multiprofesional, ha recibido el Premio Reina Sofía 2008, de Prevención de la Discapacidad

Diagnóstico precoz de los errores congénitos del metabolismo

Los avances científicos recientes han permitido identificar un número importante de enfermedades consideradas como raras, aquellas que tienen una baja prevalencia o aparecen ocasionalmente en la población –en Europa, menos de 1 caso cada 2.000 ciudadanos–, entre las que se encuentran las enfermedades metabólicas. En España, se estima que hay, aproximadamente, tres millones de afectados por estas dolencias, cuya atención está siendo objeto de interés por las administraciones sanitarias. Las enfermedades metabólicas, o errores congénitos del metabolismo (ECM), son un grupo numeroso de dolencias hereditarias, cada una producida por el bloqueo de alguna vía metabólica en el organismo. La mayoría de ellas se heredan de forma autosómica recesiva, y su frecuencia se estima entre 1/1.000-3.000 recién nacidos vivos. Esta memoria recoge las investigaciones y trabajos llevados a cabo en la Unidad de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento de los Errores Congénitos del Metabolismo (UDTECM), del Departamento de Pediatría del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, dedicado a evitar enfermedades que supongan un riesgo para el pleno desarrollo del recién nacido. En ella se presentan los resultados globales del programa de diagnóstico precoz neonatal desarrollado durante más de 30 años, del que se han beneficiado cerca de 700.000 niños. La unidad, formada por un equipo multiprofesional, ha recibido el Premio Reina Sofía 2008, de Prevención de la Discapacidad

A genome scan for milk production traits in dairy goats reveals two new mutations in <i>Dgat1</i> reducing milk fat content

The quantity of milk and milk fat and proteins are particularly important traits in dairy livestock. However, little is known about the regions of the genome that influence these traits in goats. We conducted a genome wide association study in French goats and identified 109 regions associated with dairy traits. For a major region on chromosome 14 closely associated with fat content, the Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene turned out to be a functional and positional candidate gene. The caprine reference sequence of this gene was completed and 29 polymorphisms were found in the gene sequence, including two novel exonic mutations: R251L and R396W, leading to substitutions in the protein sequence. The R251L mutation was found in the Saanen breed at a frequency of 3.5% and the R396W mutation both in the Saanen and Alpine breeds at a frequencies of 13% and 7% respectively. The R396W mutation explained 46% of the genetic variance of the trait, and the R251L mutation 6%. Both mutations were associated with a notable decrease in milk fat content. Their causality was then demonstrated by a functional test. These results provide new knowledge on the genetic basis of milk synthesis and will help improve the management of the French dairy goat breeding program

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field