Integrated study of factors affecting fetal weight in singleton pregnancies. Nomogram and development of basic and advanced fetal growth customized models

We have performed a multivariate analysis to explore the influence on birth and ultrasound fetal weight estimation of traditional factors as biochemical data and maternal characteristics in combination with non- traditionally explored predictors as paternal height, Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), single umbilical artery or Free-beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (fß- HCG). The study was performed for a Spanish population (region of Aragon) in singleton pregnancies at term (37-42 weeks). Also, we have created a nomogram and in order to predict the occurrence of SGA (small for gestational age) and LGA (large for gestational age) cases we provide a multivariate predictive model of fetal weight that have been compared with other models in the prediction of ultrasound and birth weights. After study we have created a software application for automated calculation of percentile fetal weight, adjusting the variables when they were significant

AVOCADO: A Virtual Observatory Census to Address Dwarfs Origins

Dwarf galaxies are by far the most abundant of all galaxy types, yet their properties are still poorly understood -especially due to the observational challenge that their intrinsic faintness represents. AVOCADO aims at establishing firm conclusions on their formation and evolution by constructing a homogeneous, multiwavelength dataset for a statistically significant sample of several thousand nearby dwarfs (-18 < Mi < -14). Using public data and Virtual Observatory tools, we have built GALEX+SDSS+2MASS spectral energy distributions that are fitted by a library of single stellar population models. Star formation rates, stellar masses, ages and metallicities are further complemented with structural parameters that can be used to classify them morphologically. This unique dataset, coupled with a detailed characterization of each dwar's environment, allows for a fully comprehensive investigation of their origins and to track the (potential) evolutionary paths between the different dwarf types.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure. To appear in the proceedings of IAU Symposium 277, "Tracing the Ancestry of Galaxies on the Land of our Ancestors", Carignan, Freeman, and Combes, ed

Controlled delivery of tauroursodeoxycholic acid from biodegradable microspheres slows retinal degeneration and vision loss in P23H rats

Successful drug therapies for treating ocular diseases require effective concentrations of neuroprotective compounds maintained over time at the site of action. The purpose of this work was to assess the efficacy of intravitreal controlled delivery of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) encapsulated in poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres for the treatment of the retina in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. PLGA microspheres (MSs) containing TUDCA were produced by the O/W emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Particle size and morphology were assessed by light scattering and scanning electronic microscopy, respectively. Homozygous P23H line 3 rats received a treatment of intravitreal injections of TUDCA-PLGA MSs. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography at P30, P60, P90 and P120. The density, structure and synaptic contacts of retinal neurons were analyzed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy at P90 and P120. TUDCA-loaded PLGA MSs were spherical, with a smooth surface. The production yield was 78%, the MSs mean particle size was 23 mu m and the drug loading resulted 12.5 +/- 0.8 mu g TUDCA/mg MSs. MSs were able to deliver the loaded active compound in a gradual and progressive manner over the 28-day in vitro release study. Scotopic electroretinografic responses showed increased ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes in TUDCA-PLGA-MSstreated eyes as compared to those injected with unloaded PLGA particles.TUDCA-PLGAMSs- treated eyes showed more photoreceptor rows than controls. The synaptic contacts of photoreceptors with bipolar and horizontal cells were also preserved in P23H rats treated with TUDCA-PLGA MSs. This work indicates that the slow and continuous delivery of TUDCA from PLGA-MSs has potential neuroprotective effects that could constitute a suitable therapy to prevent neurodegeneration and visual loss in retinitis pigmentosa

Optical Recombination Lines of Heavy-elements in Giant Extragalactic HII Regions

We present high resolution observations of the giant extragalactic H II regions NGC 604, NGC 2363, NGC 5461 and NGC 5471, based on observations taken with the ISIS spectrograph on the William Herschel Telescope. We have detected -by the first time- C II and O II recombination lines in these objects. We find that recombination lines give larger C^{++} and O^{++} abundances than collisionallly excited lines, suggesting that temperature variations can be present in the objects. We detect [Fe IV] lines in NGC 2363 and NGC 5471, the most confident detection of optical lines of this kind in H II regions. Considering the temperature structure we derive their H, He, C, N, O, Ne, S, Ar, and Fe abundances. From the recombination lines of NGC 5461 and NGC 5471 we determine the presence of C/H and O/H gradients in M101. We calculate the Delta Y/Delta O and Delta Y/Delta Z values considering the presence of temperature variations and under the assumption of constant temperature. We obtain a better agreement with models of galactic chemical evolution by considering the presence of temperature variations than by assuming that the temperature is constant in these nebulae.Comment: 42 pages, 5 figures. To be published in Ap

Studi Implementasi Pendidikan Karakter Pada Pembelajaran Matematika Pada Kelas Cerdas Istimewa Bakat Istimewa (Cibi) SMP Negeri 2 Surakarta

The objective of research was to describe the implementation of character education to mathematics learning, the constraints the teacher faced and the solution the teachers took to the constraints with the implementation of character education in mathematics learning in the gifted and talented class of SMP Negeri 2 Surakarta. This study was a descriptive qualitative research; the subject of researcher was one mathematics teacher and six students in the grade VII gifted and talented class. Techniques of validating data used were researcher persistence and time triangulation. Techniques of analyzing data used were (1) data reduction, (2) data display, and (3) conclusion drawing and verification. The results of research are as follows. 1) The process of character education implementation to learning was below. (a) The development of logical, critical, creative and innovative thinking character was conducted by means of assignment, directing the students to the correct answer and to make decision with debriefing. (b) The development of hard work character was conducted by means of group assignment. (c) The development of curiosity character was conducted by providing the example of material existing in real life. (d) The development of independency character was conducted by assigning the material reading to be discussed in the next meeting. (e) The development of self-confidence character was conducted by means of facilitating the students writing the result on the blackboard. 2) The constraints the teacher faced and the solutions the teacher took were as follows. (a) In the implementation of logical, critical, creative and innovative thinking character, the students monopolized actively the debriefing process so that the teacher should limit and provide other students the opportunity of asking question. (b) In the implementation of hard work character, not all students in the classroom had equal hard work ethos. The solutions taken were to play motivation video and to convince them about the ability they had, to display the students\u27 work, and to reward the students with the best performance. (c) In the implementation of curiosity character, the students who did not want to think too hard responded poorly to the stimulus given. In this case, the teacher could give reward in the form of mark (grade). (d) In the implementation of self-confidence character, the students with less self-confidence would select the easy assignment in presenting the group assignment, and they explained in very soft voice. The solutions taken were to give more mark to the students explaining group assignment, and to direct the students in the presentation. For teacher independency character, the teacher did not face a significant constraint

SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 accessory protein is a virulence factor

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) encodes six accessory proteins (3a, 6, 7a, 7b, 8, and 9b) for which limited information is available on their role in pathogenesis. We showed that the deletion of open reading frames (ORFs) 6, 7a, or 7b individually did not significantly impact viral pathogenicity in humanized K18-hACE2 transgenic mice. In contrast, the deletion of ORF8 partially attenuated SARS-CoV-2, resulting in reduced lung pathology and 40% less mortality, indicating that ORF8 is a critical determinant of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Attenuation of SARS-CoV-2-∆8 was not associated with a significant decrease in replication either in the lungs of mice or in organoid-derived human airway cells. An increase in the interferon signaling at early times post-infection (1 dpi) in the lungs of mice and a decrease in the pro-inflammatory and interferon response at late times post-infection, both in the lungs of mice (6 dpi) and in organoid-derived human airway cells [72 hours post-infection (hpi)], were observed. The early, but not prolonged, interferon response along with the lower inflammatory response could explain the partial attenuation of SARS-CoV-∆8. The presence of ORF8 in SARS-CoV-2 was associated with an increase in the number of macrophages in the lungs of mice. In addition, the supernatant of SARS-CoV-2-WT (wild-type)-infected organoid-derived cells enhanced the activation of macrophages as compared to SARS-CoV-2-∆8-infected cells. These results show that ORF8 is a virulence factor involved in inflammation that could be targeted in COVID-19 therapies. IMPORTANCE The relevance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ORF8 in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is unclear. Virus natural isolates with deletions in ORF8 were associated with wild milder disease, suggesting that ORF8 might contribute to SARS-CoV-2 virulence. This manuscript shows that ORF8 is involved in inflammation and in the activation of macrophages in two experimental systems: humanized K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and organoid-derived human airway cells. These results identify ORF8 protein as a potential target for COVID-19 therapies.</p

Mercury, cadmium, and lead levels in human placenta: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Placental tissue may furnish information on the exposure of both mother and fetus. Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) are toxicants of interest in pregnancy because they are associated with alterations in child development. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to summarize the available information regarding total Hg, Cd, and Pb levels in human placenta and possible related factors. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Lilacs, OSH, and Web of Science for original papers on total Hg, Cd, or Pb levels in human placenta that were published in English or Spanish (1976-2011). Data on study design, population characteristics, collection and analysis of placenta specimens, and main results were extracted using a standardized form. RESULTS: We found a total of 79 papers (73 different studies). Hg, Cd, and Pb levels were reported in 24, 46, and 46 studies, respectively. Most studies included small convenience samples of healthy pregnant women. Studies were heterogeneous regarding populations selected, processing of specimens, and presentation of results. Hg concentrations > 50 ng/g were found in China (Shanghai), Japan, and the Faroe Islands. Cd levels ranged from 1.2 ng/g to 53 ng/g and were highest in the United States, Japan, and Eastern Europe. Pb showed the greatest variability, with levels ranging from 1.18 ng/g in China (Shanghai) to 500 ng/g in a polluted area of Poland. CONCLUSION: The use of the placenta as a biomarker to assess heavy metals exposure is not properly developed because of heterogeneity among the studies. International standardized protocols are needed to enhance comparability and increase the usefulness of this promising tissue in biomonitoring studies.We thank the librarians of the Móstoles Hospital and of the National Health Sciences Library (ISCIII).S

Mortality prediction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comparing the GOLD 2015 and GOLD 2019 staging: a pooled analysis of individual patient data

In 2019, The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) modified the grading system for patients with COPD, creating 16 subgroups (1A-4D). As part of the COPD Cohorts Collaborative International Assessment (3CIA) initiative, we aim to compare the mortality prediction of the 2015 and 2019 COPD GOLD staging systems. We studied 17 139 COPD patients from the 3CIA study, selecting those with complete data. Patients were classified by the 2015 and 2019 GOLD ABCD systems, and we compared the predictive ability for 5-year mortality of both classifications. In total, 17139 patients with COPD were enrolled in 22 cohorts from 11 countries between 2003 and 2017; 8823 of them had complete data and were analysed. Mean +/- SD age was 63.9 +/- 9.8 years and 62.9% were male. GOLD 2019 classified the patients in milder degrees of COPD. For both classifications, group D had higher mortality. 5-year mortality did not differ between groups B and C in GOLD 2015; in GOLD 2019, mortality was greater for group B than C. Patients classified as group A and B had better sensitivity and positive predictive value with the GOLD 2019 classification than GOLD 2015. GOLD 2015 had better sensitivity for group C and D than GOLD 2019. The area under the curve values for 5-year mortality were only 0.67 (95% CI 0.66-0.68) for GOLD 2015 and 0.65 (95% CI 0.63-0.66) for GOLD 2019. The new GOLD 2019 classification does not predict mortality better than the previous GOLD 2015 system

Sex differences between women and men with COPD: A new analysis of the 3CIA study

Background: There is partial evidence that COPD is expressed differently in women than in men, namely on symptoms, pulmonary function, exacerbations, comorbidities or prognosis. There is a need to improve the characterization of COPD in females. Methods: We obtained and pooled data of 17 139 patients from 22 COPD cohorts and analysed the clinical differences by sex, establishing the relationship between these characteristics in women and the prognosis and severity of the disease. Comparisons were established with standard statistics and survival analysis, including crude and multivariate Cox-regression analysis. Results: Overall, 5355 (31.2%) women were compared with men with COPD. Women were younger, had lower pack-years, greater FEV1%, lower BMI and a greater number of exacerbations (all p &lt; 0.05). On symptoms, women reported more dyspnea, equal cough but less expectoration (p &lt; 0.001). There were no differences in the BODE index score in women (2.4) versus men (2.4) (p = 0.5), but the distribution of all BODE components was highly variable by sex within different thresholds of BODE. On prognosis, 5-year survival was higher in COPD females (86.9%) than in males (76.3%), p &lt; 0.001, in all patients and within each of the specific comorbidities that we assessed. The crude and adjusted RR and 95% C.I. for death in males was 1.82 (1.69–1.96) and 1.73 (1.50–2.00), respectively. Conclusions: COPD in women has some characteristic traits expressed differently than compared to men, mainly with more dyspnea and COPD exacerbations and less phlegm, among others, although long-term survival appears better in female COPD patients