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This paper presents a tutorial for the germination of bean seeds (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) in strong electrostatic fields up to 1240 V/cm. The seeds were allowed to germinate under different electric field strengths for 48 h. Although most of such germination experiments did not show any visible effect, the field strength of 945 V/cm strongly increased the seedling's vigor during the early growth stage. In the end, 30 % more yield was obtained from stimulated seeds when compared to the control group. This article postulates for the first time a hypothesis of the mechanism of action of the electric field during germination. In biological cells of any species, water confined between narrow surfaces can undergo a phase transition that shifts its melting point to higher temperatures when an external electric field is applied. This effect has already been known as electrofreezing, and has been confirmed by several experimental and molecular modeling studies. As a consequence, the transport kinetics of molecules across cell organelle membranes might be altered, which in turn leads to different plant properties. With emphasis on the presented method, this work reports: •An inexpensive electric circuit for the generation of strong electric fields•Instructions regarding the setup and operation of an adequate germination chamber.

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Communication between the ovaries and the central nervous system occurs by peripheral innervation through the celiac plexus, superior ovarian nerve, and ovarian plexus nerve. The vagus nerve is involved in regulating the ovaries, but the neuroanatomical pathway that links them is not clear. Adult female rats were used for gross anatomy, acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, and the immunofluorescence analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH). The results obtained indicate that the right vagus nerve (RVN) travels parallel and caudal to the esophagus, where three nerve branches were identified. Also, a right vagal plexus (RVP) formed by microganglia was described, establishing communication with the celiac plexus, and was mainly reactive to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH); some serotoninergic and cholinergic neurons were also found. The left vagus nerve (LVN) travels over the esophagus, bifurcates before its insertion into the stomach and enters the RCG. This neuroanatomical and biochemical description of the RVN and LVN in the rat suggests the RVP is formed by presynaptic catecholaminergic terminals and cholinergic neurons. This information could support detailed studies of communication between the vagus nerve and the ovaries and identify the type of neural signaling involved in abdominal control of the vagus nerve.

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Ovarian functions decrease with perimenopause. The ovary has extrinsic innervation, but the neural influence on ovarian functions and dysfunction is not well-studied. The present study aimed to biochemically and morphometrically characterize the intrinsic neurons in ovaries from young adult, middle-aged, and senescent Long Evans CII-ZV rats (3, 12, and 15 months old, respectively). Ovaries were extracted from four rats of each age group (n = 12 total), cryopreserved, and processed for immunofluorescence studies with the primary NeuN/ß-tubulin and NeuN/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibodies. The soma area and number of intrinsic neurons in the ovarian stroma, surrounding follicles, corpus luteum, or cyst were evaluated. The intrinsic neurons were grouped in cluster-like shapes in ovarian structures. In senescent rats, the intrinsic neurons were mainly localized in the ovarian stroma and around the cysts. The number of neurons was lower in senescent rats than in young adult rats (p < 0.05), but the soma size was larger than in young adult rats. Immunoreactivity to TH indicated the presence of noradrenergic neurons in the ovary with the same characteristics as NeuN/ß-tubulin, which indicates that they are part of the same neuronal group. Taken together, the findings indicate that the intrinsic neurons may be related to the loss of ovarian functions associated with aging.

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Objetivo: Comparar los resultados y las complicaciones entre la fijación percutánea con clavijas (FPC) y el enclavado endomedular elástico (EEE). materiales y métodos:Se evaluaron las radiografías para determinar deformidades angulares en la consolidación. Se usó el sistema de Clavien-Dindo adaptado para clasificar las complicaciones. Resultados: El grupo A (FPC) incluyó a 17 pacientes y el grupo B (EEE), a 19. La edad promedio era de 12.5 ± 1.6 años y el seguimiento promedio fue de 27.6 ± 16.6 meses. Los pacientes con EEE requirieron menos tiempo de inmovilización (2.8 ± 1.8 vs. 5.9 ± 1.3 semanas, p 0,00029). Un paciente de cada grupo tuvo una angulación >10° en la consolidación. La tasa de complicaciones fue mayor en el grupo A (18% vs. 5,3%, p 0,27). En el grupo A, hubo 2 complicaciones tipo III (pérdida de corrección) y 2 tipo II (infección y granuloma). Un paciente del grupo B presentó una complicación tipo I (prominencia del implante). Dieciséis pacientes del grupo B se sometieron a una segunda cirugía para extraer el implante. Dos del grupo A requirieron revisión de la fijación por pérdida de alineación. Conclusiones: Ambas técnicas son eficaces para estabilizar fracturas metafiso-diafisarias de radio distal en adolescentes. El EEE tiene la ventaja de una inmovilización más corta y menos complicaciones, pero es más caro y requiere otra cirugía para extraer el implante. La FPC no requiere de anestesia para extraer el implante, aunque sí una inmovilización más prolongada y la tasa de complicaciones es más alta. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Objective: To compare results and complications of closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) versus dorsal entry elastic intramedullary nails (ESIN). Materials and methods: Radiographs were evaluated to determine angular deformities at the time of radiographic union. Complications were graded with a modification of the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: The CRPP group consisted of 17 patients (Group A) whereas the ESIN group consisted of 19 patients (Group B). The average age of the patient cohort was 12.5±1.6 years. The average follow-up was 27.6±16.6 months. The demographic data revealed no differences between groups (p> 0.05). Patients treated with ESIN required a shorter immobilization time (2.8±1.8 versus 5.9±1.3 weeks, p 0.00029). One patient in each group presented an angulation >10° at the time of consolidation. The complication rate was higher in group A (18% versus 5.3%, p 0.27). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, group A presented 2 type II (infection and granuloma), and 2 type III complications (loss of reduction). Group B presented one type I complication (implant prominence). Sixteen patients in group B underwent a second procedure for hardware removal. Two patients (11.8%) in group A required revision due to loss of reduction. Conclusions: Both techniques are effective in stabilizing metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the distal radius in the adolescent population. ESIN has the advantage of requiring a shorter immobilization time and fewer complications but needs a second surgery for implant removal. CRPP does not require anesthesia for implant removal, although it requires a longer postoperative immobilization, and has a higher complication rate. Level of Evidence: III

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Introduction: Previously, a physical-mathematical law was developed for the evaluation of continuous electrocardiographic and Holter registers, with which all cardiac attractors were deduced and normality, pathological states and evolution between states were differentiated.There were taken 200 cardiac dynamics, 150 with different types of cardiac pathologies and 50 normal ones, to which the exponential law was applied in 18 and 21 hours. For this, a sequence of heart rates was simulated, with which the chaotic attractor was constructed. Next, the mathematical diagnosis was determined with the law based on the spatial occupation of the attractor, and the fractal dimension was calculated. Finally, statistical validation of the mathematical method in 18 hours was performed against the Gold Standard. Results: Subjects with normal chaotic cardiac dynamics presented values in the Kp grid between 205 and 384, whereas subjects with pathological dynamics presented values between 61 and 191 in 18 hours. The evaluation of the concordance between the mathematical diagnosis in 18 hours and the conventional evaluation, taken as Gold Standard resulted in sensitivity and specificity values of 100% and a Kappa coefficient of 1. Conclusion: It was confirmed the clinical capacity of the law to diagnose objectively and with reproducibility in 18 hours.

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ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to estimate values of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by focusing on the physical and mental health of an adult population sample in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study with 368 adults representing an adult population. The questionnaires included the health-related quality of life "CDC-Healthy Days", the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Overall Disability Sum Score. The prevalence of fair or poor health status (FPH), frequent physical distress (FPD), frequent mental distress (FMD), and frequent activity limitation (FAL) was estimated according to socio-demographic characteristics, presence of depression, and physical disability. Results The mean age of 368 adults was 45.6 ± 18.3 years; 55.7% were males. Only 21% of this population considered their general health to be fair or poor. The prevalence of FPH, FPD, FMD and FAL was higher in women than in men, and increased with greater severity of depression and higher physical disability. Moreover, 12% of the population presented with mild depression, 3.8% with moderate depression, and less than 1% with severe depression. 94% of this population did not have an arms or legs disability. Discussion This study provides HRQOL values for an adult sample of the population of Barranquilla, Colombia. Overall, the HRQOL of this population, with subtle differences, is similar to other reports from Colombia. In general, women and people with depression and physical disabilities had a worse quality of life.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo Estimar los valores de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) enfocados en la salud física y mental de una muestra de población adulta en la ciudad de Barranquilla, Colombia. Métodos Estudio transversal, con 368 adultos. Los cuestionarios consistían en escala de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud "CDC-Healthy Days", la Escala de Depresión de Zung y el Puntaje General de la Discapacidad. La prevalencia del estado de salud regular o deficiente (FPH), el estrés físico frecuente (FPD), el estrés mental frecuente (FMD) y la limitación de la actividad frecuente (FAL) se estimaron según las características sociodemográficas, la presencia de depresión y la discapacidad física. Resultados La edad promedio de los 368 adultos fue de 45.6 ± 18.3 años, 55.7% fueron hombres. El 21% de esta población consideraba que su salud general era justa o pobre. La prevalencia de FPH, FPD, FMD y FAL fue mayor en mujeres que en hombres; incrementó con mayor severidad de depresión y con mayor discapacidad física en esta población. El 12% tenía depresión leve, 3.8% tenía depresión moderada y menos del 1% depresión grave. El 94% de esta población no tenía una discapacidad de brazos o piernas. Discusión Este estudio proporciona valores de CVRS en una muestra adulta de la población de Barranquilla, Colombia. En general, la CVRS de esta población, con pequeñas diferencias, es similar a otros estudios de Colombia. En general, las mujeres, las personas con depresión y discapacidades físicas tenían una peor calidad de vida.(AU)

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate values of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by focusing on the physical and mental health of an adult population sample in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 368 adults representing an adult population. The questionnaires included the health-related quality of life "CDC-Healthy Days", the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Overall Disability Sum Score. The prevalence of fair or poor health status (FPH), frequent physical distress (FPD), frequent mental distress (FMD), and frequent activity limitation (FAL) was estimated according to socio-demographic characteristics, presence of depression, and physical disability. RESULTS: The mean age of 368 adults was 45.6 ± 18.3 years; 55.7% were males. Only 21% of this population considered their general health to be fair or poor. The prevalence of FPH, FPD, FMD and FAL was higher in women than in men, and increased with greater severity of depression and higher physical disability. Moreover, 12% of the population presented with mild depression, 3.8% with moderate depression, and less than 1% with severe depression. 94% of this population did not have an arms or legs disability. DISCUSSION: This study provides HRQOL values for an adult sample of the population of Barranquilla, Colombia. Overall, the HRQOL of this population, with subtle differences, is similar to other reports from Colombia. In general, women and people with depression and physical disabilities had a worse quality of life.

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ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to estimate values of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by focusing on the physical and mental health of an adult population sample in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study with 368 adults representing an adult population. The questionnaires included the health-related quality of life "CDC-Healthy Days", the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the Overall Disability Sum Score. The prevalence of fair or poor health status (FPH), frequent physical distress (FPD), frequent mental distress (FMD), and frequent activity limitation (FAL) was estimated according to socio-demographic characteristics, presence of depression, and physical disability. Results The mean age of 368 adults was 45.6 ± 18.3 years; 55.7% were males. Only 21% of this population considered their general health to be fair or poor. The prevalence of FPH, FPD, FMD and FAL was higher in women than in men, and increased with greater severity of depression and higher physical disability. Moreover, 12% of the population presented with mild depression, 3.8% with moderate depression, and less than 1% with severe depression. 94% of this population did not have an arms or legs disability. Discussion This study provides HRQOL values for an adult sample of the population of Barranquilla, Colombia. Overall, the HRQOL of this population, with subtle differences, is similar to other reports from Colombia. In general, women and people with depression and physical disabilities had a worse quality of life.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo Estimar los valores de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) enfocados en la salud física y mental de una muestra de población adulta en la ciudad de Barranquilla, Colombia. Métodos Estudio transversal, con 368 adultos. Los cuestionarios consistían en escala de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud "CDC-Healthy Days", la Escala de Depresión de Zung y el Puntaje General de la Discapacidad. La prevalencia del estado de salud regular o deficiente (FPH), el estrés físico frecuente (FPD), el estrés mental frecuente (FMD) y la limitación de la actividad frecuente (FAL) se estimaron según las características sociodemográficas, la presencia de depresión y la discapacidad física. Resultados La edad promedio de los 368 adultos fue de 45.6 ± 18.3 años, 55.7% fueron hombres. El 21% de esta población consideraba que su salud general era justa o pobre. La prevalencia de FPH, FPD, FMD y FAL fue mayor en mujeres que en hombres; incrementó con mayor severidad de depresión y con mayor discapacidad física en esta población. El 12% tenía depresión leve, 3.8% tenía depresión moderada y menos del 1% depresión grave. El 94% de esta población no tenía una discapacidad de brazos o piernas. Discusión Este estudio proporciona valores de CVRS en una muestra adulta de la población de Barranquilla, Colombia. En general, la CVRS de esta población, con pequeñas diferencias, es similar a otros estudios de Colombia. En general, las mujeres, las personas con depresión y discapacidades físicas tenían una peor calidad de vida.(AU)

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OBJECTIVE: Ventricular fibrillation (VF)-related sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Current biological and imaging parameters show significant limitations on predicting cerebral performance at hospital admission. The AWAKE study (NCT03248557) is a multicentre observational study to validate a model based on spectral ECG analysis to early predict cerebral performance and survival in resuscitated comatose survivors. METHODS: Data from VF ECG tracings of patients resuscitated from SCD will be collected using an electronic Case Report Form. Patients can be either comatose (Glasgow Coma Scale - GCS - ≤8) survivors undergoing temperature control after return of spontaneous circulation (RoSC), or those who regain consciousness (GCS=15) after RoSC; all admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units in 4 major university hospitals. VF tracings prior to the first direct current shock will be digitized and analyzed to derive spectral data and feed a predictive model to estimate favorable neurological performance (FNP). The results of the model will be compared to the actual prognosis. RESULTS: The primary clinical outcome is FNP during hospitalization. Patients will be categorized into 4 subsets of neurological prognosis according to the risk score obtained from the predictive model. The secondary clinical outcomes are survival to hospital discharge, and FNP and survival after 6 months of follow-up. The model-derived categorisation will be also compared with clinical variables to assess model sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: A model based on spectral analysis of VF tracings is a promising tool to obtain early prognostic data after SCD.

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Abstract Objective: Ventricular fibrillation (VF)-related sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Current biological and imaging parameters show significant limitations on predicting cerebral performance at hospital admission. The AWAKE study (NCT03248557) is a multicentre observational study to validate a model based on spectral ECG analysis to early predict cerebral performance and survival in resuscitated comatose survivors. Methods: Data from VF ECG tracings of patients resuscitated from SCD will be collected using an electronic Case Report Form. Patients can be either comatose (Glasgow Coma Scale GCS --- ≤8) survivors undergoing temperature control after return of spontaneous circulation (RoSC), or those who regain consciousness (GCS = 15) after RoSC; all admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units in 4 major university hospitals. VF tracings prior to the first direct current shock will be digitized and analyzed to derive spectral data and feed a predictive model to estimate favorable neurological performance (FNP). The results of the model will be compared to the actual prognosis. Results: The primary clinical outcome is FNP during hospitalization. Patients will be categorized into 4 subsets of neurological prognosis according to the risk score obtained from the predictive model. The secondary clinical outcomes are survival to hospital discharge, and FNP and survival after 6 months of follow-up. The model-derived categorisation will be also compared with clinical variables to assess model sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Conclusions: A model based on spectral analysis of VF tracings is a promising tool to obtain early prognostic data after SCD.

Resumen Objetivo: La muerte súbita (MS) por fibrilación ventricular (FV) es una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad. Los métodos biológicos y de imagen actuales muestran limitaciones para predecir el pronóstico cerebral al ingreso hospitalario. AWAKE es un estudio observacional, multicéntrico, con el objetivo de validar un modelo basado en el análisis espectral del elec- trocardiograma (ECG), que predice precozmente el pronóstico cerebral y la supervivencia en pacientes resucitados y en estado de coma. Métodos: Se recogerán datos de los ECG con FV de pacientes reanimados de MS. Los pacientes pueden ser tanto supervivientes en estado de coma (Glasgow Coma Scale GCS ≤ 8) sometidos a control de temperatura tras la recuperación de circulación espontánea (RCE), como aquellos que recuperan la consciencia (GCS = 15) tras RCE; todos ellos ingresados en unidades de terapia intensiva cardiológica de 4 hospitales de referencia. Los registros de FV previos al primer choque se digitalizarán y analizarán para obtener datos espectrales que se incluirán en un modelo predictivo que estime el pronóstico neurológico favorable (PNF). El resultado del modelo se comparará con el pronóstico real. Resultados: El objetivo principal es el PNF durante la hospitalización. Los pacientes se categorizarán en 4 subgrupos de pronóstico neurológico según la estimación de riesgo obtenida en el modelo predictivo. Los objetivos secundarios son supervivencia al alta hospitalaria, y PNF y supervivencia a los 6 meses. El resultado de este modelo también se comparará con el pronóstico según variables clínicas. Conclusiones: Un modelo basado en el análisis espectral de registros de FV es una herramienta prometedora para obtener datos pronósticos precoces tras MS por FV.

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