Correlation between Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography of the Normal Six-Banded Armadillo (Euphractus sexcintus) Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses.

This research aimed to study the rostral part of the head of the six-banded armadillo, applying advanced imaging techniques such as CT. Furthermore, by combining the images obtained through this technique with anatomical cross-sections, an adequate description of the structures that constitute the rostral part of the head of this species is presented. This anatomical information could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical evaluation of different disorders in the six-banded armadillo's nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Movement-goal relevant object shape properties act as poor but viable cues for the attribution of motor errors to external objects.

When a context change is detected during motor learning, motor memories-internal models for executing movements within some context-may be created or existing motor memories may be activated and modified. Assigning credit to plausible causes of errors can allow for fast retrieval and activation of a motor memory, or a combination of motor memories, when the presence of such causes is detected. Features of the movement-context intrinsic to the movement dynamics, such as posture of the end effector, are often effective cues for detecting context change whereas features extrinsic to the movement dynamics, such as the colour of an object being moved, are often not. These extrinsic cues are typically not relevant to the motor task at hand and can be safely ignored by the motor system. We conducted two experiments testing if extrinsic but movement-goal relevant object-shape cues during an object-transport task can act as viable contextual cues for error assignment to the object, and the creation of new, object-shape-associated motor memories. In the first experiment we find that despite the object-shape cues, errors are primarily attributed to the hand transporting the object. In a second experiment, we find participants can execute differing movements cued by the object shape in a dual adaptation task, but the extent of adaptation is small, suggesting that movement-goal relevant object-shape properties are poor but viable cues for creating context specific motor memories.

The differential sensitivity of the hypothalamic-hypophysial-ovarian axis to 5-hydroxytryptophan alters the secretion of estradiol.

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] modulates ovarian function. The precursor of 5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), has been used to treat depression. However, the effects of 5-HTP on ovarian and reproductive physiology remain unknown. In this research, we analysed the impact of 5-HTP on the monoaminergic system and its interactions with the reproductive axis and ovarian estradiol secretion when administered by distinct routes. Female rats 30 days of age were injected with 5-HTP i.p. (100 mg/kg), into the ovarian bursa (1.5 µg/40 µL) or into the median raphe nucleus (20 µg/2.5 µL) and were killed 60 or 120 min after injection. As controls, we used rats of the same age injected with vehicle (0.9% NaCl). Monoamine, gonadotrophin and steroid ovarian hormone concentrations were measured. The injection of 5-HTP either i.p. or directly into the ovarian bursa increased the concentrations of 5-HT and the metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid in the ovary. For both routes of administration, the serum concentration of estradiol increased. After i.p. injection of 5-HTP, the concentrations of luteinizing hormone were decreased and follicle-stimulating hormone increased after 120 min. Micro-injection of 5-HTP into the median raphe nucleus increased the concentrations of 5-HT in the anterior hypothalamus and dopamine in the medial hypothalamus after 120 min. Our results suggest that the administration of 5-HTP either i.p. or directly into the ovarian bursa enhances ovarian estradiol secretion.

Effect of 3 and 6 mg/kg of caffeine on fat oxidation during exercise in healthy active females.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 and 6 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass (mg/kg) on whole-body substrate oxidation during an incremental cycling exercise test in healthy active women. Using a double-blind placebo-controlled counterbalanced experimental design, 14 subjects performed three identical exercise trials after the ingestion of 3 or 6 mg/kg of caffeine or placebo. The exercise trials consisted of an incremental test on a cycle ergometer with 3-min stages at workloads from 30 to 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Substrate oxidation rates were measured by indirect calorimetry. During exercise, there was a significant effect of substance (F = 5.221; p = 0.016) on fat oxidation rate. In comparison to the placebo, 3 mg/kg of caffeine increased fat oxidation rates at 30 to 60% of VO2max (all p < 0.050) and 6 mg/kg at 30 to 50% of VO2max (all p < 0.050). There was also a significant effect of substance (F = 5.221; p = 0.016) on carbohydrate oxidation rate (F = 9.632; p < 0.001). In comparison to placebo, both caffeine doses decreased carbohydrate oxidation rates at 40 to 60% VO2max (all p < 0.050). The maximal rate of fat oxidation with placebo was 0.24 ± 0.03 g/min, which increased with 3 mg/kg to 0.29 ± 0.04 g/min (p = 0.032) and to 0.29 ± 0.03 with 6 mg/kg of caffeine (p = 0.042). Acute intake of caffeine improves the utilization of fat as a fuel during submaximal aerobic exercise in healthy active women with an effect of similar magnitude after the intake of 3 and 6 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass. Thus, the use of 3 mg/kg of caffeine would be more recommended than 6 mg/kg for women seeking increased fat utilization during submaximal exercise.

A new computational approach, based on images trajectories, to identify the subjacent heterogeneity of sperm to the effects of ketanserin.

The identification of kinematic subpopulations is of paramount importance to understanding the biological nature of the sperm heterogeneity. Nowadays, the data of motility parameters obtained by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system has been used as input to distinct algorithms to identify kinematic subpopulations. In contrast, the images of the trajectories were depicted only as examples of the patterns of motility in each subpopulation. Here, python code was written to reconstruct the images of trajectories, from their coordinates, then the images of trajectories were used as input to a machine learning clustering algorithm of classification, and the subpopulations were described statistically by the motility parameters. Finally, the images of trajectories in each subpopulation were displayed in a way we called Pollock plots. Semen samples of boar sperm were treated with distinct concentrations of ketanserin (an antagonist of the 5-HT2 receptor of serotonin) and untreated samples were used as a control. The motility of sperm in each sample was analyzed at 0 and 30 min of incubation. Six subpopulations were found. The subpopulation 2 presented the highest values of velocities at 0 or 30 min. After 30 min of incubation, the ketanserin increased the values of the curvilinear velocity at high concentrations, whereas the linearity and the straight velocity decreased. Our computational model permits better identification of the kinematic subpopulations than the traditional approach and provides insights onto the heterogeneity of the response to ketanserin; thus, it could significantly impact the research on the relationship between sperm heterogeneity-fertility.

Linfoma de células T/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal enmascarado en una sinusopatia

Introducción: El linfoma de células T citotóxico/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal es poco frecuente, pero con alta tasa de mortalidad. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad pueden simular una infección de senos paranasales. Objetivo: Presentar las manifestaciones clínicas de un paciente de 34 años de edad con diagnóstico de linfoma de células T citotóxico/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal. Caso clínico: Se presenta un paciente masculino de 34 años de edad con rinorrea verdosa fétida recurrente y obstrucción en fosa nasal derecha. En la evaluación inicial sugiere sinusitis crónica, sin embargo, debido al empeoramiento de las manifestaciones clínicas se realiza una tomografía computarizada que muestra lesiones sugestivas de infiltración neoplásica, una biopsia de la lesión confirma el diagnóstico de linfoma de células T/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal. Conclusiones: Los linfomas de células T citotóxico/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal son considerados neoplasias poco frecuentes, caracterizadas por el patrón rápidamente progresivo con afectación ósea; en su etapa inicial presenta manifestaciones clínicas similares a una sinusitis. La tomografía computarizada y la histopatología, son indispensables en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Nasal-type extranodal natural killer/cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma is rare but has a high mortality rate. The clinical manifestations of the disease can mimic a paranasal sinus infection. Objective: To present the clinical manifestations of a 34-year-old patient diagnosed with nasal-type extranodal natural killer/cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma. Clinical case: A 34-year-old male patient with recurrent greenish fetid rhinorrhea and obstruction in the right nostril is presented. In the initial evaluation, it suggests chronic sinusitis, however, due to the worsening of the clinical manifestations, a computed tomography is performed that shows lesions suggestive of neoplastic infiltration, a biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma/extranodal natural killer. Conclusions: Nasal-type extranodal natural killer/cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas are considered rare neoplasms characterized by a rapidly progressive pattern with bone involvement; in its initial stage it presents clinical manifestations similar to sinusitis. Computed tomography and histopathology are essential in the diagnosis of the disease.

Long-Term Effects of a Short Juvenile Feeding Period with Diets Enriched with the Microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana on the Subsequent Body and Muscle Growth of Gilthead Seabream, Sparus aurata L.

Currently, microalgae are used in fish diets, but their long-term growth effect is unknown. In this experiment, juvenile seabream specimens were fed with microalgae-enriched diets for three months, and then transferred to a microalgae-free diet for 10 months to assess long-term effects up to commercial size (≈27 cm and ≈300 g). The juvenile diets contained Nannochloropsis gaditana at 2.5 or 5% inclusion levels, either raw (R2.5 and R5 groups) or cellulose-hydrolyzed (H2.5 and H5 groups). The body length and weight were measured in 75 fish group-1 at commercial stage. The size, number, and fibrillar density of white muscle fibers and the white muscle transverse area were measured in nine fish group-1 at commercial stage. The results showed the highest body weight in H5 at commercial stage. The white muscle transverse area and the white fibres hyperplasia and density also showed the highest values in H5, followed by H2.5. In contrast, the highest hypertrophy was observed in C and R2.5, being associated with the lowest muscle growth in both groups. These results showed a microalgae concentration-dependent effect in hydrolyzed diets as well as an advantageous effect of the hydrolyzed versus raw diets on the long-term growth of Sparus aurata.

Factors associated with long COVID syndrome in a Colombian cohort.

Introduction: After acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, some patients persist with clinical symptoms, a phenomenon known as Long COVID syndrome. It is necessary to understand the factors associated with the persistence of these symptoms to develop individualized preventive approaches and effectively address this challenge. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the persistence of symptoms six months after COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods: A ambidirectional cohort, single-center study, that included individuals previously diagnosed with COVID-19 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive test, who were followed for a period of six months. Univariate, bivariate and a multivariate binomial regression model were performed to determine risk factors associated with the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms at the six months of follow-up. Results: The prevalence of long COVID syndrome was 47%. Age demonstrated no significant association with Long COVID (RR 0.999 [95% CI 0.996-1.002]); however, female sex (RR 1.148 [95% CI 1.038-1.268]), requirement of mechanical ventilation (RR 1.278 [95% CI 1.050-1.555]), presence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (RR 1.340 [95% CI 1.104-1.626]), Rheumatic Disease (RR 1.259 [95% CI 1.055-1.504]) and the Hospitalization Type: General Hospitalization (RR 1.247 [95% CI 1.090-1.427]) and ICU Hospitalization (RR 1.490 [95% CI 1.221-1.818]) were significantly associated with the persistence of symptoms at the six month of follow-up. Conclusion: Female sex, presence of COPD, rheumatic disease, hospitalization type and requirement of mechanical ventilation during index infection were identified as significant risk factors for the diagnosis of Long COVID. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing Long COVID syndrome in terms of prevention and management, taking these risk factors into consideration.

¿Basta con el habla? Evaluación del desarrollo del lenguaje en niños sordos prelocutivos durante los primeros seis años de vida. Una revisión sistemática / Is speech enough? Language development evaluation in the first 6 years of prelingually deaf children. A systematic review

RESUMEN Objetivo Sintetizar la información científica relevante sobre la evaluación del desarrollo del lenguaje en niños sordos prelocutivos durante los primeros seis años de vida, con el fin de determinar si es suficientes para confirmar la presencia de algún desarrollo de lenguaje en esta población, o si se requiere un enfoque más integral. Estrategia de investigación Se realizó una revisión estructurada de la literatura científica en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, Lilacs, Ibecs, Trip DataBase, Cochrane library, Clinical Trial y Nice. Criterios de selección revisiones sistemáticas, evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias, ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, estudios observacionales de cohorte y casos - controles; incluyendo publicaciones sobre evaluación de cualquier aspecto del desarrollo de lenguaje, cualquier intervención y en cualquier idioma, se excluyeron si únicamente evalúan audición o habla, sordera central, súbita, transitoria, sordoceguera, con otras discapacidades o con trastornos del espectro autista. Análisis de datos se usó la metodología GRADE para analizar la calidad de la evidencia. Resultados es factible realizar evaluaciones del desarrollo de lenguaje a niños sordos prelocutivos. Se obtiene una calidad de la evidencia moderada que sugiere cierta confianza en los resultados de las evaluaciones, siempre y cuando vengan acompañadas de una apreciación integral de otros elementos lingüísticos. Conclusión los resultados de las evaluaciones de lenguaje deben sostenerse, en mayor medida, en datos sobre el lenguaje receptivo y expresivo, y que cuyas evidencias pueden enriquecerse al adjuntar evaluaciones de elementos lingüísticos formales tanto de la modalidad oral como gestual, y de los componentes pragmáticos de los procesos comunicacionales.

ABSTRACT Purpose To synthesize the relevant scientific information regarding the assessment of language development in prelingually deaf children during their first six years of life, in order to determine whether it is sufficient to confirm the presence of some language development in this population, or if a more integrated approach would be more appropriate. Research strategies A structured review of the relevant scientific literature was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Lilacs, Ibecs, Trip DataBase, Cochrane library, Clinical Trial and Nice. Selection criteria Systematic reviews, health technology assessments, randomized clinical trials, observational cohorts and case-control studies; including publications of assessments concerning any aspect of language development or any intervention in any language. Evaluations related exclusively to hearing and speech, to central, sudden or transient deafness, to deaf-blindness, to further disabilities or to autism spectrum disorders, were excluded. Data analysis GRADE methodology was used to analyze evidence quality. Results It is possible to evaluate the language development of prelingually deaf children. A moderate quality of evidence was obtained, suggesting that the evaluations' results are fairly trustworthy, provided that the assessments are conducted within an integrated approach of other linguistic elements. Conclusion The results of the language evaluations must be supported mostly by receptive and expressive language data, and the found evidence can be improved by combining the assessments of the formal linguistic elements of both oral and gestural modalities with the pragmatic components of the communication process.

Resiliencia: Factores Predictores en Adolescentes / Resilience: Predictive Factors in Adolescents

Resumen La resiliencia constituye la capacidad de sobreponerse y adaptarse a situaciones vitales adversas de forma constructiva a partir de recursos personales y el uso factores protectores ambientales. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los factores predictores de la resiliencia a partir de variables personales (asertividad, autoestima y regulación emocional), y del contexto (apoyo familiar y apoyo social) en adolescentes del sureste de México. Participaron 1322 alumnos, seleccionados mediante un muestro no probabilístico por cuota, de escuelas secundarias y de bachillerato públicas de la Ciudad de Mérida, Yucatán, México. 644 hombres y 678 mujeres, (M= 14.64 años, DE = 1.88). Se les administró una batería de pruebas para medir cada una de las variables en el estudio. Los resultados obtenidos en al análisis de regresión múltiple para hombres y mujeres para cada una de las dimensiones de la resiliencia mostró diferencias y semejanzas para cada uno de los modelos encontrados por sexo. Esto evidencia diferencias de género importantes ya que el logro de la resiliencia implica vías diferentes para hombres y mujeres posiblemente reflejo de la socialización diferencial.

Abstract Resilience is the ability to overcome and adapt to adverse life situations constructively based on personal resources and the use of environmental protective factors. The objective of the study was to determine the predictors of resilience based on personal variables (assertiveness, self-esteem and emotional regulation), and the context (family support and social support) in adolescents from southeastern Mexico. 1322 students participated, selected through a non-probabilistic sample by quota, from public secondary schools and high schools in the city of Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. 644 men and 678 women, (M = 14.64 years, SD = 1.88). They were administered a battery of tests to measure each of the variables in the study. The results obtained in the multiple regression analysis for men and women for each of the dimensions of resilience showed differences and similarities for each of the models found by sex. This evidences important gender differences since the achievement of resilience implies different paths for men and women, possibly a reflection of differential socialization.

Endocannabinoid levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of multiple sclerosis patients treated with dimethyl fumarate.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a signalling network with immunomodulatory properties, is a potential therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an approved drug for MS whose mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated; the possibility exists that its therapeutic effects could imply the ECS. With the aim of studying if DMF can modulate the ECS, the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 21 healthy donors (HD) and 32 MS patients at baseline and after 12 and 24 months of DMF treatment. MS patients presented lower levels of 2-AG and PEA compared to HD. 2-AG increased at 24 months, reaching HD levels. AEA and PEA remained stable at 12 and 24 months. OEA increased at 12 months and returned to initial levels at 24 months. Patients who achieved no evidence of disease activity (NEDA3) presented the same modulation over time as EDA3 patients. PEA was modulated differentially between females and males. Our results show that the ECS is dysregulated in MS patients. The increase in 2-AG and OEA during DMF treatment suggests a possible role of DMF in ECS modulation.

A Bedside Test to Detect the Presence of Embryonic or Fetal Tissue in Vaginal Blood.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a rapid bedside test that detects alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) to identify the presence of embryonic or fetal tissue in vaginal blood. METHOD: This was a prospective cohort study. Reproductive-aged individuals were recruited into three groups: a negative control group consisting of nonpregnant individuals undergoing dilation and curettage (D&C) or experiencing vaginal bleeding; a positive control group of individuals with confirmed intrauterine pregnancy undergoing D&C; and the study group of pregnant individuals with first-trimester bleeding. Lateral flow immunoassay strips capable of detecting both AFP and IGFBP-1 were used to test vaginal blood for the presence of embryonic or fetal tissue. RESULTS: Ninety individuals were recruited: 31 in the positive control group, 23 in the negative control group, and 36 in the study group, including 12 individuals with ectopic pregnancies, 16 with active miscarriages, four with threatened miscarriages, and four with complete miscarriages. Vaginal blood from 14 of the 16 individuals with active miscarriages was correctly positive for embryonic or fetal tissue. Vaginal blood from all individuals with ectopic pregnancies, threatened miscarriages, and complete miscarriages was negative for embryonic or fetal tissue. Overall, 45 of 47 individuals with confirmed embryonic or fetal tissue in vaginal blood correctly tested positive using the test strips, a test sensitivity of 95.7% (95% CI 85.5-99.5%). Of the 43 individuals with confirmed absence of embryonic or fetal tissue in their vaginal blood, 42 were correctly negative, a test specificity of 97.7% (95% CI 87.7-99.9%). CONCLUSION: A rapid test strip detecting both AFP and IGFBP-1 can accurately identify the presence of embryonic or fetal tissue in vaginal blood. When positive, this could aid in diagnosing miscarriage and ruling out ectopic pregnancy at the bedside.

Effect of p-Synephrine on Fat Oxidation Rate during Exercise of Increasing Intensity in Healthy Active Women.

p-Synephrine is the principal alkaloid of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Several recent investigations have found that the intake of 2-3 mg/kg of p-synephrine raises fat oxidation rate during exercise of low-to-moderate intensity. However, these investigations have been carried out only with samples of male participants or mixed men/women samples. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to study the effect of p-synephrine intake on fat oxidation during exercise of increasing intensity in healthy women. Using a double-blind, randomized experiment, 18 healthy recreationally active women performed two identical exercise trials after the ingestion of (a) 3 mg/kg of p-synephrine and (b) 3 mg/kg of a placebo (cellulose). The exercise trials consisted of a ramp test (from 30 to 80% of maximal oxygen uptake; VO2max) on a cycle ergometer while substrate oxidation rates were measured at each workload by indirect calorimetry. In comparison to the placebo, the intake of p-synephrine increased resting tympanic temperature (36.1 ± 0.5 vs. 36.4 ± 0.4 °C p = 0.033, d = 0.87) with no effect on resting heart rate (p = 0.111) and systolic (p = 0.994) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.751). During exercise, there was no significant effect of p-synephrine on fat oxidation rate (F = 0.517; p = 0.484), carbohydrate oxidation rate (F = 0.730; p = 0.795), energy expenditure rate (F = 0.480; p = 0.833), heart rate (F = 4.269; p = 0.068) and participant's perceived exertion (F = 0.337; p = 0.580). The maximal rate of fat oxidation with placebo was 0.26 ± 0.10 g/min and it was similar with p-synephrine (0.28 ± 0.08 g/min, p = 0.449, d = 0.21). An acute intake of 3 mg/kg of p-synephrine before exercise did not modify energy expenditure and substrate oxidation during submaximal aerobic exercise in healthy active women. It is likely that the increase in resting tympanic temperature induced by p-synephrine hindered the effect of this substance on fat utilization during exercise in healthy active women.

Acute effects of para-chloroamphetamine on testosterone and markers of apoptosis in seminiferous epithelium of prepubertal male rats.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects the secretion of gonadotropins and testosterone. In prepubertal male rats, serotonin has a stimulating role in testosterone secretion. Here, we used prepubertal male rats to study the effects of para-chloroamphetamine (pCA) on circulating testosterone and gonadotropins and markers of apoptosis in germ cells from day 1 to day 5 post-treatment. The intraperitoneal administration of pCA induced a significant reduction in concentrations of hypothalamic serotonin and circulating testosterone, but gonadotropins were not affected. In the seminiferous epithelium of pCA-treated rats, increased the number of germ cells positive to markers of apoptosis, concomitantly with alterations in morphometry and the presence of multinucleated germ cells. Levels of testosterone were reduced starting from 1 day after pCA was administered. The time window between the administration of the pCA and collection of samples was sufficient to detect changes in testosterone levels, in contrast with a previous work where no changes were found. There was a possible relationship between the reduction of testosterone and an increase in the number of germ cells positive to apoptosis markers. However, the mechanism that links pCA-testosterone-germ cell positive to markers of apoptosis is unknown. Our outcomes support the view that pCA exposure during the prepubertal stage has an acute impact on testosterone levels and affects the structure and physiology of seminiferous epithelium.

Barreras y facilitadores en la atención primaria de salud en personas con discapacidad física / Barriers and facilitators in primary health care for people with physical disabilities

Introducción: La discapacidad se considera un problema de salud a nivel mundial. Las personas con discapacidad física son susceptibles de padecer distintos problemas de salud. A pesar de ser un grupo priorizado, el acceso a los servicios de salud es menor que el de la población en general, debido a barreras de distintos tipos. Objetivo: Describir las barreras y facilitadores de acceso a la atención primaria de salud en personas con discapacidad física. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica cuya metodología estuvo basada en la búsqueda, selección, revisión, interpretación y síntesis de la evidencia científica relacionada con el problema de investigación. Se utilizó como fuente de literatura científica primaria la publicada en las bases de datos Scielo, Redalyc, Latindex y PudMed en los últimos 5 años, con los términos de búsqueda MeSH en idoma español, inglés y portugués. Desarrollo: Se identificó un total de 67 documentos de los cuales se empleó 46 en la investigación realizada. Los restantes 21 manuscritos fueron excluidos por presentar deficiencias metodológicas que limitaban su utilización. Las principales barreras son las condiciones físicas de las unidades de salud; el funcionamiento del Sistema de Salud; el acceso de las personas con discapacidad a la atención primaria de salud; y las características del paciente y su entorno familiar. El principal facilitador es el relacionado con el Sistema de Salud. Conclusiones: El acceso de las personas con discapacidad física a los servicios de salud está condicionado por situaciones que se interpretan como barreras o facilitadores. En este sentido los factores relacionados con el sistema de salud nacional y con las características y el entorno de la persona con discapacidad pueden comportarse como barrera o como facilitador, en dependencia de su expresión(AU)

Introduction: Disability is considered a health problem worldwide. People with physical disabilities are susceptible to different health problems. Despite being a prioritized group, access to health services is lower than that of the general population, conditioned by the presence of different types of barriers. Objective: To describe the barriers and facilitators of access to primary health care in people with physical disabilities. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out whose methodology was based on the search, selection, review, interpretation and synthesis of the scientific evidence related to the research problem. It was used as a source of primary scientific literature published in the databases Scielo, Redalyc, Latindex and PudMed in the last 5 years, with the MeSH search terms in Spanish, English and Portuguese. Results: A total of 67 documents were identified, of which 46 were used in the research carried out. The remaining 21 manuscripts were excluded due to methodological deficiencies that limited their use. Conclusions: The access of people with physical disabilities to health services is conditioned by situations that are interpreted as barriers or facilitators. In this sense, the factors related to the national health system and the characteristics and environment of the person with a disability can act as a barrier or as a facilitator, depending on their expression(AU)

Evolutionary Dynamics of Mexican Lineage H5N2 Avian Influenza Viruses.

We have demonstrated for the first time a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the Mexican lineage H5N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) using complete genome sequences (n = 189), from its first isolation in 1993 until 2019. Our study showed that the Mexican lineage H5N2 AIV originated from the North American wild bird gene pool viruses around 1990 and is currently circulating in poultry populations of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan. Since the implementation of vaccination in 1995, the highly pathogenic AIV (HPAIV) H5N2 virus was eradicated from Mexican poultry in mid-1995. However, the low pathogenic AIV (LPAIV) H5N2 virus has continued to circulate in domestic poultry populations in Mexico, eventually evolving into five distinct clades. In the current study, we demonstrate that the evolution of Mexican lineage H5N2 AIVs involves gene reassortments and mutations gained over time. The current circulating Mexican lineage H5N2 AIVs are classified as LPAIV based on the amino acid sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein cleavage site motif as well as the results of the intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI). The immune pressure from vaccinations most likely has played a significant role in the positive selection of antigenic drift mutants within the Mexican H5N2 AIVs. Most of the identified substitutions in these viruses are located on the critical antigenic residues of the HA protein and as a result, might have contributed to vaccine failures. This study highlights and stresses the need for vaccine updates while emphasizing the importance of continued molecular monitoring of the HA protein for its antigenic changes compared to the vaccines used.

p-Chloroamphetamine decreases serotonin and induces apoptosis in granulosa cells and follicular atresia in prepubertal female rats.

Amphetamine derivatives negatively impact serotonin (5-HT) production, which triggers apoptosis in different tissues, depending on the receptor they bind. 5-HT in the ovary stimulates estradiol secretion, a survival factor of granulosa cells. The effect of amphetamine derivatives on the serotonergic system of the ovary and follicular development is unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of p-chloroamphetamine (pCA), derived from amphetamines, on estradiol production, follicular development, apoptosis of granulosa cells, and serotonin 5-HT7 receptor (R5-HT7) expression. Female rats (30 days old) were injected with 10 mg/kg of pCA intraperitoneally and were euthanized 48 or 120 h after treatment. The concentration of 5-HT in the hypothalamus decreased at 48 and 120 h after treatment and in the ovary at 120 h. The serum concentration of estradiol decreased at all times studied. Follicular atresia, TUNEL-positive (apoptotic) granulosa cells and Bax expression were elevated by pCA, but none of these effects was associated with R5-HT7 expression. These results suggest that pCA induces the dysregulation of the serotonergic system in the hypothalamus and the ovary, negatively impacting estradiol production and follicular development.

Entrepreneurs and Burnout. How Hardy Personality works in this process.

BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of entrepreneurship and the impact of burnout on workers' health, this study aims to explore the presence of burnout in entrepreneurs and the interaction of hardy personality (HP) in this process. METHOD: The sample included 255 Spanish entrepreneurs. Occupational factors, working hours, labour immersion, HP, burnout syndrome (i.e. Emotional exhaustion, Depersonalization and Lack of accomplishment) and burnout consequences were assessed. RESULTS: Descriptive analysis showed that entrepreneurs had low levels of occupational factors, burnout syndrome and consequences. Hierarchical regression exploratory results indicated that working hours, labour immersion, and Emotional exhaustion were the most relevant predictors of the consequences. Besides, mediation models with PROCESS macro (v.3.0) highlighted the indirect effect of occupational factors and showed that emotional exhaustion was the only component of burnout that mediated in between the predictors and the consequences. As well, HP moderated the relationship between occupational factors and emotional exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational factors are the main predictor of burnout in entrepreneurs and HP could prevent their effect on Emotional exhaustion. The results suggest the importance of training to promote HP for better health and performance of entrepreneurs.

Clinical and pathological features of Merkel cell carcinoma: A 4-year follow-up observational retrospective study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a malignant skin cancer with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. Knowledge of MCC has increased in recent years mostly due to improved diagnosis techniques. In Spain there is lack of information regarding the incidence and tumour characteristics, and the treatment approaches are not standardised. The objective of this study was to provide information of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of MCC patients in Spain. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study involving 192 patients from 25 Spanish hospitals. Evaluated variables included overall survival and incidence rate of Merkel cell polyomavirus, in patients diagnosed from 2012 to 2016. RESULTS: The Spanish incidence rate was estimated 0.32/100,000 inhabitants/year, with variations according to geographical regions, being slightly higher in areas with greater sunlight exposure. In total, 61.5% of tumours showed expansive growth (progressive growth of the tumour), 78.6% showed localisation in UV-exposed skin. 97.4% of patients were diagnosed by excisional biopsy. Surgery was the first line treatment in 96.6% of patients, radiotherapy in 24.6%, and chemotherapy in 6.3%. These treatments were not mutually exclusive. Median overall survival was 38.3 months (78.4% at 12 months and 60% at 24 months). MCPyV was present in 33.8% of patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of MCC in Spain is one of the highest in Europe, with a slight predominance in men. The sample has shown that a biopsy is available for diagnosis in most cases. Moreover, the treatment is surgical when the tumour is localized and is associated with lymphadenectomy, and/or it is radiotherapy if widespread.

Pilot Study of the Influence of Equine Assisted Therapy on Physiological and Behavioral Parameters Related to Welfare of Horses and Patients.

Different welfare indicators were studied in three patients with psychomotor alterations and in two horses throughout 9-10 equine assisted therapy sessions in each patient. In horses, heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, temperature and behavioral signs were studied. In patients, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, sleep quality, psychomotor and emotional parameters were analyzed. Data collection was recorded in the anticipatory phase (15 min before the start of the session), two interaction phases (after 30 min of horse-patient interaction on the ground and on horseback, respectively) and the recovery phase (15 min after the end of the session). During the anticipatory phase, most of physiological parameters of patients and horses and the stress behavioral signs of horses increased, followed by a relaxing phase during the horse-patient interaction on the ground. In horse-patient riding phase the heart and respiratory rates of the horses again increased. These results showed that the horses did not seem to suffer stress attributable to the therapy sessions, but only an increase in their parameters associated with activity and external stimuli. The patients improved their gross and fine motor skills, their cognitive and perceptual-sensitive parameters and it led to an improvement in the life quality of their families.