MISATTRIBUTION OF EMOTIONAL OVER-AROUSAL TO NEUTRAL FACES IN ACUTE PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA PSYCHOSIS.

INTRODUCTION: Misattribution of motivational salience to non-salient (neutral) stimuli could be viewed as a hallmark of psychosis in schizophrenia. Studies have recently revealed increased subjective experience of emotional arousal (EA) to neutral social stimuli in paranoid schizophrenia psychosis, suggesting a misattribution of emotional salience to them. We examined this phenomenon directly by quantifying the level of EA subjectively attributed to low-arousal, neutral-valenced faces. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A task for EA attribution to neutral (in the context of affective) facial expressions was applied to 44 actively psychotic paranoid schizophrenia inpatients and 44 well-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Psychotic patients, compared with healthy controls, rated the neutral faces as more aroused (t (86) = 3.15, p =.001) thus misattributing emotional salience to them. DISCUSSION: This finding supports the hypothesis that over-assignment of EA to neutral faces could be viewed as a subclinical affective mechanism of the clinically manifested experience of delusional perception. CONCLUSION: The study provides the first direct empirical evidence for misattribution of emotional salience in terms of over-attribution of EA to neutral faces during acute paranoid schizophrenia psychosis.

Impact of Increased Sonication-Induced Dispersion of Sepiolite on Its Interaction with Biological Macromolecules and Toxicity/Proliferation in Human Cells.

Sepiolite is a natural clay silicate that is widely used, including biomedical applications; notably sepiolite shows promising features for the transfer of biological macromolecules into mammalian cells. However, before its use, such an approach should address the efficiency of binding to biological macromolecules and cell toxicity. Because sepiolite spontaneously forms aggregates, its disaggregation can represent an important challenge for improving the suspension performance and the assembly with biological species. However, this can also influence the toxicity of sepiolite in mammalian cells. Here, a very pure commercial sepiolite (Pangel S9), which is present as a partially defibrillated clay mineral, is used to study the consequences of additional deagglomeration/dispersion through sonication. We analyzed the impact of extra sonication on the dispersion of sepiolite aggregates. Factors such as sonication time, sonicator power, and temperature are taken into account. With increasing sonication time, a decrease in aggregation is observed, as well as a decrease in the length of the nanofibers monitored by atomic force microscopy. Changes in the temperature and pH of the solution are also observed during the sonication process. Moreover, although the adsorption capacity of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein on sepiolite is increased with sonication time, the DNA adsorption efficiency remains unaffected. Finally, sonication of sepiolite decreases the hemolytic activity in blood cells and the toxicity in two different human cell lines. These data show that extra sonication of deagglomerated sepiolite can further favor its interaction with some biomacromolecules (e.g., BSA), and, in parallel, decrease sepiolite toxicity in mammalian cells. Therefore, sonication represents an alluring procedure for future biomedical applications of sepiolite, even when using commercial defibrillated particles.

Is source elevation an auditory distance cue? A preliminary study.

The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the angular elevation of a sound source could generate auditory cues which improve the auditory distance perception in a similar way to that previously reported by visual modality. For this purpose, we compared ADP curves obtained with sources located both at the listeners' ears and at ground level. Our hypothesis was that the participants can interpret the relation between elevation and distance of ground-level sources (which are linked geometrically) so we expected them to perceive their distances more accurately than those at ear level. However, the responses obtained with sources located at ground level were almost identical to those obtained at the height of the listeners' ears, showing that, under the conditions of our experiment, auditory elevation cues do not influence auditory distance perception.

Central nervous system, peripheral and hemodynamic effects of nanoformulated anandamide in hypertension.

PURPOSE: Hypertensive lesions induce alterations at hemodynamic, peripheral, and central levels. Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine; AEA) protects neurons from inflammatory damage, but its free administration may cause central adverse effects. AEA controlled release by nanoformulations could reduce/eliminate its side effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanoformulated AEA (nf-AEA) on systolic blood pressure (SBP), behavior, and central/peripheral inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic state in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MATERIALS/METHODS: Male rats were used, both Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and SHR (n â€‹= â€‹10 per group), with/without treatment with nf-AEA (obtained by electrospraying) at a weekly dose of 5 â€‹mg/kg IP for 4 weeks. SBP was measured and behavioral tests were performed. Inflammatory/oxidative markers were quantified at the central (brain cortex) and peripheral (serum) level. RESULTS: SHR showed hyperactivity, low anxiety, and high concentrations of central/peripheral inflammatory/oxidative markers, also higher apoptosis of brain cortical cells compared to WKY. As opposed to this group, treatment with nf-AEA in SHR significantly reduced SBP, peripheral/central inflammatory/oxidative makers, and central apoptosis. Nf-AEA also increased neuroprotective mechanisms mediated by intracellular heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), which were attenuated in untreated SHR. Additionally, nf-AEA reversed the abnormal behaviors observed in SHR without producing central adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest protective properties of nf-AEA, both peripherally and centrally, through a signaling pathway that would involve the type I angiotensin II receptor, Wilms tumor transcription factor 1, Hsp70, and iNOS. Considering non-nf-AEA limitations, this nanoformulation could contribute to the development of new antihypertensive and behavioral disorder treatments associated with neuroinflammation.

Effects of Cycloleucine in the Nucleus Accumbens Septi on the Elevated plus Maze Test in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, an important number of studies have emphasized the psychopharmacological actions of cycloleucine (1-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid) acting on the NR1 subunit (glycine allosteric site) of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartic acid) receptor. We studied the effects of its injection in an anxiety test. METHODS: The elevated plus maze test was used. Male rats bilaterally cannulated into the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) were employed. Rats were divided into 5 groups that received either 1 µL injections of saline or cycloleucine (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 µg) 15 min before testing. RESULTS: Time spent in the open arm was significantly increased by cycloleucine treatment with all doses (1 and 2 µg, p < 0.05; 0.5 and 4 µg, p < 0.01), like number of extreme arrivals (0.5 and 1 µg, p < 0.05; 2 µg, p < 0.01; and 4 µg, p < 0.001). Open arm entries were increased by the highest dose only (4 µg, p < 0.01). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Present results show no difference between all doses in the time spent in the open arm, suggesting an indirect, noncompetitive action of the drug. The increase in extreme arrivals and open arm entries suggests a dose influence in these parameters. We conclude that cycloleucine influence on the NMDA receptors within NAS leads to anxiolytic-like effects and behavioral disinhibition, which once more confirms the involvement of NAS in anxiety processing.

Kinetic studies of complex biomedical process by magnetic resonance: Cuban experiences.

The potentials of the magnetic resonance (MR) methods in the research of biomedical systems have been demonstrated during the 70 years of its existence. It is presented that the Cuban experience in quantitative magnetic resonance associated with molecular, preclinical and clinical studies of significant diseases and drugs development. MR "in vitro" and "in vivo" studies of sickle cell disease, the diabetic foot ulcer, the brain tumor response and the magnetic nano-particle pharmacokinetics, are presented as example. Furthermore, contributions and restrictions of magnetic resonance to diagnostic and optimization of therapeutic pathways are discussed in some concrete cases.

Effects of dizocilpine-induced glutamatergic blockade in the nucleus accumbens septi on the plus maze test.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, we have observed that specific N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) antagonists and non-NMDA antagonists injected within the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) induced an anxiolytic-like effect in the plus maze test in rats. In the present study, the effect of intracanalicular blockade of NMDA receptors using dizocilpine in the plus maze was studied in male rats bilaterally cannulated NAS. METHODS: Rats were divided into five groups that received either 1 µL injections of saline or dizocilpine (MK-801, [5R,10S]-[+]-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine) in different doses (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 µg) 15 min before testing. RESULTS: Time spent in the open arm increased under dizocilpine treatment with the two higher doses (2 and 4 µg, p<0.05), extreme arrivals were increased by the three higher doses (1 µg, p<0.05; 2 and 4 µg, p<0.01), and open arm entries by the three higher doses (1, 2, and 4 µg, p<0.05). A dose-effect relationship was observed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that dizocilpine-glutamatergic blockade in the accumbens lead to an anxiolytic-like effect and a behavioral disinhibition related to an increase in some motoric parameters, showing specific behavioral patterns.

Profilaxis de sinequias uterinas poslegrado / Prophilaxy of uterine synechia post-curetage

Determinar la incidencia de sinequias intrauterinas secundarias al uso de métodos complementarios poslegrado. Se relizó legrado uterino a 126 pacientes que ingresaron en la maternidad entre el 20/01/00 hasta el 30/06/00 por aborto incompleto o huevo muerto retenido. Las pacientes fueron divididas en tres grupos según muestreo incidental: 1. legrado solamente (control), 2. legrado más colocación de dispositivo intrauterino, y 3. legrado más tratamiento hormonal. Se realizó evaluación histeroscópica 2 a 3 meses poslegrado, a fin de determinar la presencia o ausencia de adherencias intrauterinas. La mayor incidencia de sinequias uterinas 12 casos (27,3 por ciento), se observó en el grupo de las pacientes que no recibieron terapia, resultando estadísticamente significativo. Se recomienda el uso de métodos profilácticos para la disminución de esta patología

A new rabbit species (Sylvilagus, Mammalia: Leporidae) from the lowlands of Venezuela

A new species of Venezuelan rabbit of the genus Sylvilagus from Fundo Millano (08 degrees 46'N and 69 degrees 56'W) and Chorrosco Bajo (08 degrees 05'N and 69 degrees 18'W), between 190 and 120 masl, state of Barinas, is described based on: 1. Body and skull measurements. 2. Coloration patterns of the pelage. 3. Arrangement and length of the color hair bands of dorsal, lateral, ventral nuchal, and gular patches. Body and cranial measurements, and some color patterns of the new species, Sylvilagus varynaensis, were compared with those of the closest relative groups such as S. brasiliensis (from Venezuela and Brazil), S. b. meridensis from the Venezuelan paramos, and three of the most representative groups of S. floridanus (S. f. continentis, S. f. orinoci, and S. f. valenciae). Most of the values recorded for these parameters were significantly higher for the new species (P < 0.005; Student "t" test). Cluster and principal components analysis of the data recorded for cranial characteristics indicated that S. varynaensis is the largest and darkest of the known Venezuelan rabbits, with a broader elongated skull and a different arrangement of the color hair bands.

Creatinina fosfoquinasa sérica en el diagnóstico del embarazo ectópico / Serum of creatine kinase at ectopic pregnancy diagnosis

Conocer el valor clínico de los niveles séricos de creatinina fosfoquinasa en el diagnóstico del embarazo ectópico. Estudio propéctivo y comparativo de 80 pacientes. Veinte pacientes son sospecha diagnóstica de embarazo ectópico y otros tres grupos de 20 pacientes con diagnóstico de aborto incompleto, huevo muerto retenido y gestación normal menor de 12 semanas, respectivamente, a los que se determinaron los niveles séricos de creatinina fosfoquinasa. Maternidad "Concepción Palacios", Caracas, Venezuela. Todos los embarazos ectópicos fueron tubáricos. No se apreció diferencia significativa (P<0,001) en la edad de gestación de la población. Tampoco se observó diferencia significativa (P<0,05) entre los niveles séricos de creatinina fosfoquinasa de las pacientes con embarazo ectópico (40,46 ñ 28,76 UI/l), aborto incompleto (37,3 ñ 22,13 UI/l), huevo muerto retenido (32,75 ñ 19,81 UI/l) o gestación normal menor de 12 semanas (38,91 ñ 23,74 UI/l). Los niveles séricos de creatinina fosfoquinasa carecen de valor clínico en el diagnóstico del embarazo ectópico

Bandaje de la arteria pulmonar por toracoscopía. Primer caso informado / Banding of pulmonary artery through thoracoscopy

La cirugía toracoscópica ha venido a revolucionar el manejo de los padecimientos quirúrgicos del tórax. En el campo de las cardiopatías congénitas, se ha reportado su utilización en anillos vasculares y en el cierre del conducto arterioso permeable. El bandaje de la arteria pulmonar, con el objeto de reducir un flujo sanguíneo pulmonar excesivo en padecimientos congénitos, fue propuesto en 1952 por Muller y Damman. A pesar de ser un procedimiento que demostró su efectividad, realización ha disminuido debido a la tendencia a la corrección temprana y definitiva de las malformaciones; sin embargo aún existen algunos padecimientos con aspectos específicos donde tiene aplicación. Decidimos comprobar la factibilidad del procedimiento por vía toracoscópica, diseñamos y perfeccionamos la técnica en el laboratorio de cirugía experimental. En septiembre de 1996, realizamo el primer bandaje pulmonar por toracoscopía a una paciente de 2 años con CIV muscular múltiple, con antecedentes de cuadros de bronconeumonía, tuberculosis pulmonar y endocarditis infecciosa, que presentaba insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva refractaria a tratamiento e hipertensión arterial pulmonar severa. El procedimiento fue realizado con éxito. Podemos concluir que el bandaje pulmonar puede ser realizado con seguridad y éxito por medio de la cirugía toracoscópica videoasistida

Biopsia endocervical: comparación entre cánula de pipelle y cureta de Duncan / Endocervical biopsy: comparation between pipelle cannula and duncan's curet

El presente estudio estuvo constituido por 100 pacientes que consultaron al Servicio de Ginecología de la Maternidad Concepción Palacios, entre septiembre de 1995 y septiembre de 1996 presentando patología con indicación de biopsia endocervical. Se asignaron al azar en 2 grupos, un grupo de estudio donde se practicó la biopsia con cánula de Pipelle y un grupo de control donde se usó la cureta de Duncan. Los grupos fueron similares en edad y paridad. El 44 por ciento de las pacientes del grupo de estudio no reportó dolor, mientras que el 100 por ciento del grupo control reportó algún grado de dolor. Comparando ambos métodos, con respecto a cantidad de sangre y tejido endocervical, no existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Se concluyó que el uso de la cánula de Pipelle es mejor tolerada por las pacientes, manteniendo la cantidad y calidad de la muestra para diagnóstico histológico