Publications by authors named "Lucas R"

Justification and objectives: The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) Psoriasis and Pediatric Working Groups (PSW and PWG) have developed a set of recommendations for the management of pediatric psoriasis based on the best available evidence and experts' opinion. Methodology: The methodology of nominal groups was followed, with help from a scoping review. A coordinator was designated, and a group of experts was selected based on their experience and knowledge on the management of psoriasis.

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Gene model for the ortholog of Insulin-like peptide 5 ( ) in the May 2011 (Agencourt dana_caf1/DanaCAF1) Genome Assembly (GenBank Accession: GCA_000005115.1 ) of . This ortholog was characterized as part of a developing dataset to study the evolution of the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) across the genus using the Genomics Education Partnership gene annotation protocol for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences.

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Introduction: Although there are many known benefits of providing human milk to infants, breastfeeding-related pain is a significant reason for breastfeeding cessation. Breastfeeding-related pain is a unique experience due to breastfeeding's goal-directed purpose, repetitive nature, and socio-emotional reflections of successful parenting. Understanding how lactating parents cope with breastfeeding-related pain will inform clinical practice to encourage individuals to meet their lactation goals.

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Study Objectives: Melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells, which provide light information to time sleep and entrain circadian clocks, also influence perceived brightness raising the possibility that psychophysical paradigms could be used to explore the origins and implications of variability in melanopic sensitivity. We aimed to develop accessible psychophysical tests of melanopic vision and relate outcomes with a pupillometric measure of melanopsin function (post-illumination pupil response; PIPR) and prior light exposure.

Methods: Individually calibrated pairs of isoluminant stimuli differing in melanopic radiance from a four primary source were presented sequentially with superimposed random colour offsets in a two alternative forced choice brightness preference paradigm to 41 naïve adult participants with personal light exposure data for the prior 7 days and PIPR measures defined by comparing maintained pupil constriction for luminance matched 'red' vs 'blue' pulses.

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Aim: This work describes the validation of an in-house extraction free real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in throat swabs collected in gel amies.

Method: Throat swabs received by the laboratory were prospectively tested by routine bacterial culture and an in-house PCR assay targeting the GAS SpeB gene with a multiplexed RNaseP internal control. Samples with discrepant culture/PCR results had additional testing using the commercial Xpert Group A Strep PCR assay (Cepheid).

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Background: Fatigue is common in multiple sclerosis (MS); it significantly impairs quality of life, and treatment options are limited. A randomized controlled trial of Elevida, a self-guided, online German fatigue intervention, showed significant benefit. We tested an English version of Elevida with people with MS in Australia.

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Climate change is a health-risk and health-inequity multiplier with excessive heat exposure a direct climate change impact already affecting the health and livelihood of billions globally. Women face greater risks and burdens from climate change impacts. Biological sex may or may not influence an individual's thermoregulatory capacity, heat tolerance or heat susceptibility.

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  • The study compared peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), peak heart rate (HRpeak), and peak O2 pulse in hand-cyclists with spinal cord injury during two different tests on the same day.
  • Eight competitive hand-cyclists performed a maximal incremental test and a verification test at 100% V̇O2peak speed, finding that V̇O2peak was significantly higher in the verification test.
  • Despite similar HRpeak values in both tests, the verification test showed a higher peak O2 pulse, indicating its importance for accurately measuring V̇O2peak in this population.
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  • Light plays a crucial role in regulating the physiology and behavior of mammals, and improper light exposure can lead to health issues due to disrupted circadian rhythms.
  • The study introduces a new method for measuring light using a photoreceptor-specific (α-opic) approach that accounts for variations across different mammalian species and their unique photoreceptor types.
  • Results show that α-opic measurements provide better predictions of physiological responses to light than the traditional lux measurements, potentially enhancing animal welfare, scientific research, agriculture, and energy efficiency.
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This study aimed to verify the effect of grape juice (Vitis Labrusca) intake on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and exercise performance parameters (5-km running time-trial [TT], running economy, and countermovement jump [CMJ]). Twenty trained male runners were randomized into two blinded groups and consumed either placebo (n=9) or grape juice (n=11) for six consecutive days (600 mL/day). On the fourth day, the participants performed a downhill running (-15%) at speed that elicited 70% V̇O2max for 20 minutes, to induce muscle damage, followed by assessment of running economy, 5-km TT, and CMJ tests.

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The role of mitochondria in immunity is increasingly recognized, but it is unclear how variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contributes to variable infection outcomes. To quantify the effect of mtDNA variation on humoral and cell-mediated innate immune responses, we utilized a panel of fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster cytoplasmic hybrids (cybrids), where unique mtDNAs (mitotypes) were introgressed into a controlled isogenic nuclear background. We observed substantial heterogeneity in infection outcomes within the cybrid panel upon bacterial, viral and parasitoid infections, driven by the mitotype.

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Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the effect of caffeine (CAF) intake on pulmonary oxygen uptake (V˙O2) kinetics, muscle fatigue, and physiological and perceptual parameters during severe-intensity cycling exercise.

Methods: Twelve physically active men (age: 26 ± 5 years; V˙O2peak: 46.7 ± 7.

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  • The BAX inhibitor-1 (BI-1) gene family in plants regulates cell death under stress, which is important for plant development and maintaining tissue health.
  • A study on cucumber identified five BI-1 genes, revealing their evolutionary relationships, molecular characteristics, and protein interactions, highlighting their potential roles in stress response.
  • Elevated expression of certain BI-1 genes during cold stress and in response to viral infection suggests they could be key to developing cold-tolerant and virus-resistant cucumber varieties through breeding or genetic engineering.
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Introduction: Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) T regulatory cells are critical for maintaining self-tolerance, immune homeostasis, and regulating the immune system.

Methods: We investigated interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) signalling on T regulatory cells (Tregs) during () infection using a mouse model on a BALB/c background, specifically with IL-4Rα knockdown in Tregs (Foxp3IL-4Rα).

Results: We showed an impairment of Treg responses, along with a decreased bacterial burden and diminished tissue pathology in the liver and spleen, which translated into better survival.

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Introduction: Early exposure to medical school offices can help to facilitate interest in academic medicine and senior leadership positions. This workshop provides an overview of the roles, responsibilities, and activities within the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) and highlights opportunities for trainee engagement and leadership.

Methods: The Kern model was applied in the design of a 60-minute interactive module for medical students.

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Infection of lung endothelial cells with pneumococci activates the superoxide-generating enzyme NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), involving the pneumococcal virulence factor pneumolysin (PLY). Excessive NOX2 activity disturbs capillary barriers, but its global inhibition can impair bactericidal phagocyte activity during pneumococcal pneumonia. Depletion of the α subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in pulmonary endothelial cells increases expression and PMA-induced activity of NOX2.

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Purpose: To examine heat exposure at work and home and the work-recovery cycle and temporal variation of kidney strain, muscle injury and inflammation biomarkers in sugarcane workers.

Methods: 20 male sugarcane workers (age: 33 ± 7 years) with a workplace Rest.Shade.

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Background: Aging leads to a decline in muscle mass and strength, contributing to frailty and decreased quality of life. Sirolimus (rapamycin) , an mTOR inhibitor, has shown potential in preclinical studies to extend lifespan and improve health span. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of once-weekly sirolimus (rapamycin) administration on muscle strength and endurance in older adults engaged in a 13-week exercise program.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Fifteen cyclists performed four testing sessions with two cycling bouts each, using either caffeinated gum or placebo in a double-blind setup, but showed no significant difference in performance between the two types of gum after exercise.
  • * Results indicated that caffeinated gum did not effectively reduce muscle force decline, and moderate correlations suggested caution in linking isometric force measurements directly to fatigue in dynamic activities.
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Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a well-studied illness defined by clinical features (e.g., headache and nausea), as assessed by the Lake Louise score (LLS).

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Background: Previous natural history studies highlighted a consistent heterogeneity of disability trajectories among individuals with primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). However, evidence on disability progression in relapsing onset MS is scarce.The aim of this study was to investigate heterogeneity in disability accumulation over 10 years following a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination (FCD) and identify genetic, demographic, environmental and clinical factors associated with these trajectories.

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Objectives: Dysbiosis of the skin microbiota has been identified as a key factor in the development of acne. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a facial cream gel containing a biotechnological phytocomplex, niacinamide and succinic acid on the bacterial diversity of subjects with mild-moderate acne and its clinical benefits due to microbiota changes.

Methods: Open-label, clinical study in 44 subjects with mild-moderate acne treated with a facial cream gel for 8 weeks.

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