Climacteric Lowers Plasma Levels of Platelet-Derived Microparticles: A Pilot Study in Pre-versus Postmenopausal Women

Background: Climacteric increases the risk of thrombotic events by alteration of plasmatic coagulation. Up to now, less is known about changes in platelet-(PMP) and endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMP). Methods: In this prospective study, plasma levels of microparticles (MP) were compared in 21 premenopausal and 19 postmenopausal women. Results: No altered numbers of total MP or EMP were measured within the study groups. However, the plasma values of CD61-exposing MP from platelets/megakaryocytes were higher in premenopausal women (5,364 x 10(6)/l, range 4,384-17,167) as compared to postmenopausal women (3,808 x 10(6)/l, range 2,009-8,850; p = 0.020). This differentiation was also significant for the subgroup of premenopausal women without hormonal contraceptives (5,364 x 10(6)/l, range 4,223-15,916; p = 0.047; n = 15). Furthermore, in premenopausal women, higher plasma levels of PMP exposing CD62P were also present as compared to postmenopausal women (288 x 10(6)/l, range 139-462, vs. 121 x 10(6)/l, range 74-284; p = 0.024). This difference was also true for CD63+ PMP levels (281 x 10(6)/l, range 182-551, vs. 137 x 10(6)/l, range 64-432; p = 0.015). Conclusion: Climacteric lowers the level of PMP but has no impact on the number of EMP in women. These data suggest that PMP and EMP do not play a significant role in enhancing the risk of thrombotic events in healthy, postmenopausal women. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Base

HIV Testing and Diagnosis Rates in Kiev, Ukraine: April 2013-March 2014

Data from Ukraine on risk factors for HIV acquisition are limited. We describe the characteristics of individuals testing for HIV in the main testing centres of the Ukrainian capital Kiev, including HIV risk factors, testing rates, and positivity rates. As part of a larger study to estimate HIV incidence within Kiev City, we included questions on possible risk factors for HIV acquisition and testing history to existing systems in 4 infectious disease clinics. Data were provided by the person requesting an HIV test using a handheld electronic tablet. All persons (≥16 yrs) presenting for an HIV test April 2013-March 2014 were included. Rates per 100,000 were calculated using region-specific denominators for Kiev. During the study period 6370 individuals tested for HIV, equivalent to a testing rate of 293.2 per 100,000. Of these, 467 (7.8%) were HIV-positive, with the highest proportion positive among 31-35 year olds (11.2%), males (9.4%), people who inject drugs (PWID) (17.9%) and men who have sex with men (MSM) (24.1%). Using published population size estimates of MSM, diagnosis rates for MSM ranged from 490.6 to 1548.3/100,000. A higher proportion of heterosexual women compared to heterosexual men reported contact with PWID, (16% vs. 4.7%) suggesting a bridging in risk between PWID and their sexual partners. Collection of HIV risk factor information in Kiev, essential for the purposes of developing effective HIV prevention and response tools, is feasible. The high percentage of MSM among those testing positive for HIV, may indicate a significant level of undisclosed sex between men in national figures

APRENDIZAGEM NA PERSPECTIVA DO CÉREBRO BAYESIANO

This narrative review presents the theoretical construct of the Bayesian Brain for the field of learning. The objective is to contribute to the expansion and consolidation of learning processes. The review presents the history of the Bayesian Brain framework, the definition of its basic nomenclature. It also makes explicit its basilar concepts, such as predictive processing and Bayesian inference. To exemplify learning, we analyzed constructs related to how oral language is learned for greater clarity in the exploration of the possibilities of understanding that the framework enables within the scientific method. This implies the observation and experimentation of phenomena based on a principle that integrates perception, cognition and action. This new approach can feed the cycle of hypotheses and empiricism on which science is based so that scientific evidence in the area of learning can be aligned with recent advances in the understanding of brain functioning.Esta revisión narrativa presenta el constructo teórico del cerebro bayesiano para el campo del aprendizaje. El objetivo es contribuir a la ampliación y consolidación de la comprensión de los procesos de aprendizaje. La revisión presenta la historia del marco del cerebro bayesiano, la definición de su nomenclatura básica, así como aclaraciones sobre los conceptos fundamentales, como el procesamiento predictivo y la inferencia bayesiana. Para ejemplificar el aprendizaje, analizamos los constructos en el área de cómo se aprende el lenguaje oral con el fin de ofrecer una mayor claridad en la exploración de las posibilidades de comprensión que el marco permite dentro del método científico. Esto implica la observación y experimentación de los fenómenos a partir de un principio que integra la percepción, la cognición y la acción. Este nuevo enfoque puede alimentar el ciclo de hipótesis y empirismo en el que se basa la ciencia para que la evidencia científica en el área del aprendizaje pueda alinearse con los avances recientes en la comprensión del funcionamiento del cerebro.Esta revisão narrativa apresenta o construto teórico do Cérebro Bayesiano para o campo da aprendizagem. O objetivo é contribuir para a ampliação e consolidação do entendimento de processos do aprender. A revisão apresenta o histórico do arcabouço do Cérebro Bayesiano, a definição de sua nomenclatura básica bem como esclarecimentos acerca dos conceitos fundantes, como os do processamento preditivo e da inferência bayesiana. Para exemplificação da aprendizagem, analisamos construtos na área de como se aprende a linguagem oral a fim de oferecer maior clareza na exploração das possibilidades de entendimento que o arcabouço possibilita dentro do método científico. Isso implica na observação e experimentação de fenômenos fundamentados em um princípio que integra percepção, cognição e ação. Essa nova abordagem pode alimentar o ciclo de hipóteses e empirismo sobre o qual se baseia a ciência para que evidências científicas na área da aprendizagem possam estar alinhadas com os recentes avanços no entendimento do funcionamento cerebral

Zonación composicional en granates de la sierra de Pie de Palo, San Juan, Argentina: Implicancias en la historia metamórfica

Compositional zoning of garnet from two domains of the Sierra de Pie de Palo (Western Sierras Pampeanas) evidence contrasting tectono-metamorphic histories. Garnets from Grt-amphibolites of the underlaying Grenville-age mafic-ultramafic belt (Complejo de Pie de Palo) on the western side of the Sierra show two discontinuous zones, one internal (core) and one external (rim). These zones are separated by inclusions of quartz and plagioclase arranged concentrically. Each zone shows different composition and also different patterns of variation for each end-member. In contrast, garnets from the Neoproterozoic Ca-metapelites in the overlaying southeastern domain of the Sierra de Pie de Palo show a continuous compositional zoning, characteristic of a single stage of growth during the Famatinian orogeny (Ordovician). Alm, Prp and Grs increase regularly outwards while Sps shows a reverse pattern. Garnet chemistry is consistent with the existence of a polymetamorphic basement (Grenvillian + Famatinian metamorphism) on the western side and a younger monometamorphic sedimentary cover.Fil: Ramacciotti, C. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Fil: Baldo, E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Fil: Casquet, C. Universidad Complutense. Instituto de Geociencias. Departamento de Petrología y Geoquímica; España.Fil: Colombo, F. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Geologí

OVERVIEW OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION FOR AN EFFICIENT INCLUSION

Language Acquisition is a developmental science that advances our knowledge about how we describe, explain, and predict linguistic phenomena to plan effective interventions. Knowing where dissension and consensus lie is adamant for documenting further progress. Establishing what we know and where challenges lie for more inclusive practices implicates on deepening our understanding about genetic endowments and implications on neural development and social cognition at the base of language acquisition. This narrative review includes recent advances on oral language acquisition and development, genetic profiles and neurobiological aspects that we need to acknowledge for better and more inclusive practices to enable acquisition of reading and writing skills.Language Acquisition is a developmental science that advances our knowledge about how we describe, explain, and predict linguistic phenomena to plan effective interventions. Knowing where dissension and consensus lie is adamant for documenting further progress. Establishing what we know and where challenges lie for more inclusive practices implicates on deepening our understanding about genetic endowments and implications on neural development and social cognition at the base of language acquisition. This narrative review includes recent advances on oral language acquisition and development, genetic profiles and neurobiological aspects that we need to acknowledge for better and more inclusive practices to enable acquisition of reading and writing skills

Nanofibrous Photothermal Materials from Natural Resources: A Green Approach for Artwork Restoration

Cleaning unwanted paint layers represents a significant challenge in cultural heritage restoration, requiring high effectiveness, spatial precision, and nontoxic techniques. Cleaning vandalic acts or street art paints is particularly challenging because of insoluble varnishes, which are very resistant to traditional removal treatments. Here, for the first time, we employ the photothermal effect for cleaning an artwork, using electrospun nonwovens incorporated with melanin nanoparticles (NPs). This material shows outstanding photothermal properties and photostability. The nonwoven incorporated with melanin NPs, in combination with a solvent, efficiently removes alkyd resin paint layers in a short time of application, with high spatial control. Moreover, an eco-compatible system is obtained by producing a nonwoven made up of a natural polymer electrospun in water, cuttlefish ink as a melanin source, and a green solvent. In summary, using the new pullulan-melanin nonwoven represents a novel and unusual application of the photothermal effect, and its fastness, effectiveness, and safety make it suitable for use in the artwork restoration field

Cognitive behaviour therapy response and dropout rate across purging and nonpurging bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder : DSM-5 implications

Background: With the imminent publication of the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there has been a growing interest in the study of the boundaries across the three bulimic spectrum syndromes [bulimia nervosa-purging type (BN-P), bulimia nervosa-non purging type (BN-NP) and binge eating disorder (BED)]. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine differences in treatment response and dropout rates following Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) across the three bulimic-spectrum syndromes. Method: The sample comprised of 454 females (87 BED, 327 BN-P and 40 BN-NP) diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria who were treated with 22 weekly outpatient sessions of group CBT therapy. Patients were assessed before and after treatment using a food and binging/purging diary and some clinical questionnaires in the field of ED. "Full remission" was defined as total absence of binging and purging (laxatives and/or vomiting) behaviors and psychological improvement for at least 4 (consecutive). Results: Full remission rate was found to be significantly higher in BED (69.5%) than in both BN-P (p < 0.005) and BN-NP (p < 0.001), which presented no significant differences between them (30.9% and 35.5%). The rate of dropout from group CBT was also higher in BED (33.7%) than in BN-P (p < 0.001) and BN-NP (p < 0.05), which were similar (15.4% and 12.8%, respectively). Conclusions: Results suggest that purging and non-purging BN have similar treatment response and dropping out rates, whereas BED appears as a separate diagnosis with better outcome for those who complete treatment. The results support the proposed new DSM-5 classification

Edad U/Pb SHRIMP en circones detríticos al sureste de Pie de palo, San Juan, Argentina: Evidencias de sedimentación y magmatismo paleozoico en las Sierras Pampeanas Occidentales

Fil: Ramacciotti, C. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Fil: Baldo, Edgardo G. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Fil: Casquet, C. Universidad Complutense. Instituto de Geociencias. Departamento de Petrología y Geoquímica; España.Fil: Galindo, C. Universidad Complutense. Instituto de Geociencias. Departamento de Petrología y Geoquímica; España.Fil: Verdecchia, S. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.La Sierra de Pie de Palo consiste de un sistema de corrimientos de vergencia oeste, cuyas láminas están compuestas por un basamento mesoproterozoico (Casquet et al., 2001; Vujovich et al., 2004; Rapela et al., 2010) aflorante en el centro oeste de la sierra, una cobertera metasedimentaria denominada Secuencia Metasedimentaria Difunta Correa (SMDC) de edad neoproterozoica (Baldo et al., 1998; Galindo et al., 2004; Vujovich et al., 2004; Rapela et al., 2005) cuyos principales afloramientos se encuentran en el sureste de la sierra; y por último, en el sector más occidental afloran rocas correspondientes a una plataforma carbonáticasiliciclástica con un metamorfísmo de bajo grado sobreimpuesto, denominadas Grupo Caucete, el cual posee una edad neoproterozoica-cámbrica (por ej.: Galindo et al., 2004; Naipauer et al., 2010). Cabe destacar la presencia de un magmatismo anorogénico de 774 ± 6 Ma (Baldo et al., 2006) y un magmatismo de arco ordovícico (Pankhurst et al., 1998).Fil: Ramacciotti, C. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Fil: Baldo, Edgardo G. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Fil: Casquet, C. Universidad Complutense. Instituto de Geociencias. Departamento de Petrología y Geoquímica; España.Fil: Galindo, C. Universidad Complutense. Instituto de Geociencias. Departamento de Petrología y Geoquímica; España.Fil: Verdecchia, S. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra; Argentina.Geologí

Extended Thromboprophylaxis with Betrixaban in Acutely Ill Medical Patients

Background Patients with acute medical illnesses are at prolonged risk for venous thrombosis. However, the appropriate duration of thromboprophylaxis remains unknown. Methods Patients who were hospitalized for acute medical illnesses were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous enoxaparin (at a dose of 40 mg once daily) for 10±4 days plus oral betrixaban placebo for 35 to 42 days or subcutaneous enoxaparin placebo for 10±4 days plus oral betrixaban (at a dose of 80 mg once daily) for 35 to 42 days. We performed sequential analyses in three prespecified, progressively inclusive cohorts: patients with an elevated d-dimer level (cohort 1), patients with an elevated d-dimer level or an age of at least 75 years (cohort 2), and all the enrolled patients (overall population cohort). The statistical analysis plan specified that if the between-group difference in any analysis in this sequence was not significant, the other analyses would be considered exploratory. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of asymptomatic proximal deep-vein thrombosis and symptomatic venous thromboembolism. The principal safety outcome was major bleeding. Results A total of 7513 patients underwent randomization. In cohort 1, the primary efficacy outcome occurred in 6.9% of patients receiving betrixaban and 8.5% receiving enoxaparin (relative risk in the betrixaban group, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65 to 1.00; P=0.054). The rates were 5.6% and 7.1%, respectively (relative risk, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.98; P=0.03) in cohort 2 and 5.3% and 7.0% (relative risk, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.92; P=0.006) in the overall population. (The last two analyses were considered to be exploratory owing to the result in cohort 1.) In the overall population, major bleeding occurred in 0.7% of the betrixaban group and 0.6% of the enoxaparin group (relative risk, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.67 to 2.12; P=0.55). Conclusions Among acutely ill medical patients with an elevated d-dimer level, there was no significant difference between extended-duration betrixaban and a standard regimen of enoxaparin in the prespecified primary efficacy outcome. However, prespecified exploratory analyses provided evidence suggesting a benefit for betrixaban in the two larger cohorts. (Funded by Portola Pharmaceuticals; APEX ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01583218. opens in new tab.

Does rapid HIV disease progression prior to combination antiretroviral therapy hinder optimal CD4 + T-cell recovery once HIV-1 suppression is achieved?

Objective: This article compares trends in CD4+ T-cell recovery and proportions achieving optimal restoration (>=500 cells/µl) after viral suppression following combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation between rapid and nonrapid progressors. Methods: We included HIV-1 seroconverters achieving viral suppression within 6 months of cART. Rapid progressors were individuals experiencing at least one CD4+ less than 200 cells/µl within 12 months of seroconverters before cART. We used piecewise linear mixed models and logistic regression for optimal restoration. Results: Of 4024 individuals, 294 (7.3%) were classified as rapid progressors. At the same CD4+ T-cell count at cART start (baseline), rapid progressors experienced faster CD4+ T-cell increases than nonrapid progressors in first month [difference (95% confidence interval) in mean increase/month (square root scale): 1.82 (1.61; 2.04)], which reversed to slightly slower increases in months 1–18 [-0.05 (-0.06; -0.03)] and no significant differences in 18–60 months [-0.003 (-0.01; 0.01)]. Percentage achieving optimal restoration was significantly lower for rapid progressors than nonrapid progressors at months 12 (29.2 vs. 62.5%) and 36 (47.1 vs. 72.4%) but not at month 60 (70.4 vs. 71.8%). These differences disappeared after adjusting for baseline CD4+ T-cell count: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.86 (0.61; 1.20), 0.90 (0.38; 2.17) and 1.56 (0.55; 4.46) at months 12, 36 and 60, respectively. Conclusion: Among people on suppressive antiretroviral therapy, rapid progressors experience faster initial increases of CD4+ T-cell counts than nonrapid progressors, but are less likely to achieve optimal restoration during the first 36 months after cART, mainly because of lower CD4+ T-cell counts at cART initiation