Morphological differentiation of peritumoral brain zone microglia.

The Peritumoral Brain Zone (PBZ) contributes to Glioblastoma (GBM) relapse months after the resection of the original tumor, which is influenced by a variety of pathological factors. Among those, microglia are recognized as one of the main regulators of GBM progression and probably relapse. Although microglial morphology has been analyzed inside GBM and its immediate surroundings, it has not been objectively characterized throughout the PBZ. Thus, we aimed to perform a thorough characterization of microglial morphology in the PBZ and its likely differentiation not just from the tumor-associated microglia but from control tissue microglia. For this purpose, Sprague Dawley rats were intrastriatally implanted with C6 cells to induce a GBM formation. Gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to locate the tumor and to define the PBZ (2 mm beyond the tumor border), thus delimitating the different regions of interest (ROIs: core tumoral zone and immediate interface; contralateral striatum as control). Brain slices were obtained and immunolabeled with the microglia marker Iba-1. Sixteen morphological parameters were measured for each cell, significative differences were found in all parameters when comparing the four ROIs. To determine if PBZ microglia could be morphologically differentiated from microglia in other ROIs, hierarchical clustering analysis was performed, revealing that microglia can be separated into four morphologically differentiated clusters, each of them mostly integrated by cells sampled in each ROI. Furthermore, a classifier based on linear discriminant analysis, including only three morphological parameters, categorized microglial cells across the studied ROIs and showed a gradual transition between them. The robustness of this classification was assessed through principal component analysis with the remaining 13 morphological parameters, corroborating the obtained results. Thus, in this study we provided objective and quantitative evidence that PBZ microglia represent a differentiable microglial morphotype that could contribute to the recurrence of GBM in this area.

Validation of the Artificial Intelligence Prognostic Scoring System for Myelodysplastic Syndromes in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia: A novel approach for improved risk stratification.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) is a rare haematological disorder characterized by monocytosis and dysplastic changes in myeloid cell lineages. Accurate risk stratification is essential for guiding treatment decisions and assessing prognosis. This study aimed to validate the Artificial Intelligence Prognostic Scoring System for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (AIPSS-MDS) in CMML and to assess its performance compared with traditional scores using data from a Spanish registry (n = 1343) and a Taiwanese hospital (n = 75). In the Spanish cohort, the AIPSS-MDS accurately predicted overall survival (OS) and leukaemia-free survival (LFS), outperforming the Revised-IPSS score. Similarly, in the Taiwanese cohort, the AIPSS-MDS demonstrated accurate predictions for OS and LFS, showing superiority over the IPSS score and performing better than the CPSS and molecular CPSS scores in differentiating patient outcomes. The consistent performance of the AIPSS-MDS across both cohorts highlights its generalizability. Its adoption as a valuable tool for personalized treatment decision-making in CMML enables clinicians to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from different therapeutic interventions. Future studies should explore the integration of genetic information into the AIPSS-MDS to further refine risk stratification in CMML and improve patient outcomes.

Liver cancer: A geometric approach to fractals and scaling analysis.

In the study of liver cancer, invasive techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. In the present work, an in vivo 3D study will be carried out using MRI and CT images, using scaling dynamics, that is, calculating critical exponents of local roughness and fractal dimension. The results obtained for stages IA, IIA, and IIIA in liver cancer correspond to what was proposed by F. Family and T. Vicsek (1991).

Hallazgos en tomografía de tórax en el seguimiento a 4, 8 y 12 meses después de una neumonía grave por COVID-19 / Chest Tomography Findings in Follow-Up at 4, 8 and 12 Months after Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

Introducción: el SARS-CoV-2 causa daño multiorgánico, con predilección al epitelio respiratorio. Los estudios de imagen en tórax han sido determinantes en muchas patologías y, durante la reciente pandemia, no fue excepción. En el seguimiento con tomografía de tórax post COVID-19 en varias series, se ha observado persistencia de lesiones al egreso y a lo largo de varios meses. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir los hallazgos tomográficos en pacientes con seguimiento hasta un año post egreso hospitalario por COVID-19 moderado-grave. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 moderado-grave de marzo 2020 a marzo 2022 en el hospital del ISSSTE, Chiapas-México; con prueba RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 positiva, TC de hospitalización y de seguimiento posterior al egreso (0-4 meses; 4-8 meses; 8-12 meses). Se utilizó la terminología de la sociedad Fleischner. Además, se evaluó la extensión por lóbulo afectado (>75%, 75-50%, 50-25%, <25%). Resultados: Se estudiaron 27 pacientes, 74% hombres, edad promedio 56 años. El patrón tomográfico predominante al ingreso fue el mixto con 56% y extensión pulmonar >75%; vidrio despulido 30% y 11% consolidación. Al cuarto y octavo mes el patrón mixto fue el más frecuente, al doceavo mes persistía en el 33% de los pacientes y en el 30% de los casos la tomografía fue normal. Conforme pasaron los meses, la extensión del daño fue limitándose. Conclusión: el seguimiento con tomografía en COVID-19 moderado-grave es indiscutible. Permite identificar con precisión el patrón tomográfico en los diferentes momentos de la enfermedad, optimizar el tratamiento y disminuir las secuelas.

Responses of different functional tests in candidates for bariatric surgery and the association with body composition, metabolic and lipid profile.

Individuals with obesity can have metabolic disorders and may develop impairments that affect the ability to exercise. The maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test is widely used to assess functional capacity. However, submaximal tests such as the two-minute step test (2MST) and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) also allow this assessment. We propose to analyze whether body composition, metabolic and lipid profile influence the maximal and submaximal performance, and investigate these variables in response to different functional tests. Forty-four individuals with obesity, aged 18-50 years, underwent analysis of body composition, metabolic and lipid profile, incremental treadmill test (ITMT), 6MWT, and 2MST. One-way ANOVA, Pearson or Spearman correlation, and Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. ITMT induced a greater metabolic, ventilatory, cardiovascular, and perceived exertion demand when compared to the 6MWT and 2MST (p < 0.05). In addition, 2MST elicited a higher chronotropic (HR) and metabolic (V̇O2) demand when compared to the 6MWT (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between tests and body composition, metabolic and lipid profile. Fat mass and low-density lipoprotein can explain 30% of the V̇O2 variance in the ITMT; and fat mass, glucose, and performance in the 2MST can explain 42% of the variance of the distance walked in the ITMT. Obesity and its metabolic impairments are capable of influencing responses to exercise. ITMT generated greater demand due to the high stress imposed, however, 2MST demanded greater metabolic and chronotropic demand when compared to the 6MWT.

Laser photo-thermal therapy of epithelial carcinoma using pterin-6-carboxylic acid conjugated gold nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid toward the internalization into cancer cells have received considerable attention recently. Folic acid is recognized by folate receptors, which are overexpressed in several cancer cells; it is limited in normal cells. In this work, pterin-6-carboxylic acid is proposed as an agonist of folic acid since the pterin-6-carboxylic acid structure has a pterin moiety, the same as folic acid that is recognized by the folate receptor. Here a simple photochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles functionalized with pterin-6-carboxylic acid is studied. These conjugates were used to cause photothermal damage of HeLa cells irradiating with a diode laser of 808 nm. Pterin-6-carboxylic acid-conjugated gold nanoparticles caused the death of the cell after near-infrared irradiation, dose-dependently. These results indicate a possible internalization of AuNPs via folate receptor-mediated endocytosis due to the recognition or interaction between the folate receptors of HeLa cells and pterin, P6CA.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia transiently increases hippocampal network activity in the gamma frequency band and 4-Aminopyridine-induced hyperexcitability in vitro.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the most distinct feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common breathing and sleep disorder that leads to several neuropathological consequences, including alterations in the hippocampal network and in seizure susceptibility. However, it is currently unknown whether these alterations are permanent or remit upon normal oxygenation. Here, we investigated the effects of CIH on hippocampal spontaneous network activity and hyperexcitability in vitro and explored whether these alterations endure or fade after normal oxygenation. Results showed that applying CIH for 21 days to adult rats increases gamma-band hippocampal network activity and aggravates 4-Aminopyridine-induced epileptiform activity in vitro. Interestingly, these CIH-induced alterations remit after 30 days of normal oxygenation. Our findings indicate that hippocampal network alterations and increased seizure susceptibility induced by CIH are not permanent and can be spontaneously reverted, suggesting that therapeutic interventions against OSA in patients with epilepsy, such as surgery or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), could be favorable for seizure control.

Estilo de vida y estrés postraumático en mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual en Santa Marta, Colombia / Lifestyle and post-traumatic stress disorder in displaced women victims of sexual abuse in Santa Marta, Colombia

RESUMEN Introducción: El fenómeno del desplazamiento forzoso en Colombia es una consecuencia de la violencia ejercida por diversos actores armados ilegales que afectan la estabilidad de un determinado sector de la población y del país. Objetivo: Identificar la relación entre estilo de vida y estrés postraumático en un grupo de mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva correlacional, con diseño transversal y muestreo intencional. Población constituida por 100 mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual, de la que se tomó muestra intencional de 20 mujeres, de entre 20 y 55 años de edad, que aceptaron participar y otras 20 mujeres desplazadas. Se aplicó el Cuestionario fantástico de estilo de vida y la Escala de gravedad de síntomas del trastorno de estrés postraumático. Para el análisis estadístico se hicieron análisis descriptivos, se aplicó la prueba T de student para diferencia de medias y Rho de Spearman para determinar la intensidad de la correlación entre las dos variables estudiadas. Resultados: Luego de un tiempo de reexperimentación de 1 a 5 años, el 80 % de las mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual se encontraban en nivel crónico grave de estrés postraumático, a diferencia del 35 % de mujeres desplazadas no víctimas. El 40 % de las mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual presentaron un estilo de vida inadecuado, a diferencia del 15 % de las mujeres desplazadas no víctimas. Conclusiones: El impacto negativo del trastorno de estrés postraumático perdura más en las mujeres que han sufrido una doble victimización que aquellas que solo sufrieron desplazamiento forzoso. Esta difícil situación afecta indudablemente la salud y el estilo de vida de esta población, aunque en el presente estudio no se comprobó correlación entre estilo de vida y estrés postraumático.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The phenomenon of forced displacement in Colombia is a consequence of the violence perpetrated by various illegal armed actors affecting the stability of a particular sector of the population and the country. Objective: To identify the relationship between lifestyle and post-traumatic stress disorder in a group of displaced women who were victims of sexual abuse. Methods: Descriptive correlational research with cross-sectional design and intentional sampling. Population constituted by 100 displaced women victims of sexual abuse, in which it was taken an intentional sample of 20 women, between 20 and 55 years old who accepted to participate, and other 20 displaced women. It was applied the Fantastic questionnaire of lifestyle and the Post-traumatic stress disorder´s symptoms severity scale. For the statistical analysis, descriptive analyzes were made, it was applied the student's T test for difference of means, and Spearman's Rho to determine the intensity of the correlation between the two variables studied. Results: After a 1 to 5 years´ time of re-experiencing, 80% of displaced women victims of sexual abuse were in severe chronic level of post-traumatic stress disorder, unlike the 35 % of non-victim displaced women. The 40 % of the displaced women victims of sexual abuse presented an inadequate lifestyle, unlike the 15 % of the non-victims displaced women. Conclusions: The negative impact of post-traumatic stress disorder lasts more in women who have suffered a double victimization than in those who only suffered forced displacement. This difficult situation undoubtedly affects the health and lifestyle of this population, although in the present study there was no evidence of correlation between lifestyle and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Estilo de vida y estrés postraumático en mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual en Santa Marta, Colombia / Lifestyle and post-traumatic stress disorder in displaced women victims of sexual abuse in Santa Marta, Colombia

Introducción: El fenómeno del desplazamiento forzoso en Colombia es una consecuencia de la violencia ejercida por diversos actores armados ilegales que afectan la estabilidad de un determinado sector de la población y del país. Objetivo: Identificar la relación entre estilo de vida y estrés postraumático en un grupo de mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva correlacional, con diseño transversal y muestreo intencional. Población constituida por 100 mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual, de la que se tomó muestra intencional de 20 mujeres, de entre 20 y 55 años de edad, que aceptaron participar y otras 20 mujeres desplazadas. Se aplicó el Cuestionario fantástico de estilo de vida y la Escala de gravedad de síntomas del trastorno de estrés postraumático. Para el análisis estadístico se hicieron análisis descriptivos, se aplicó la prueba T de student para diferencia de medias y Rho de Spearman para determinar la intensidad de la correlación entre las dos variables estudiadas. Resultados: Luego de un tiempo de reexperimentación de 1 a 5 años, el 80 por ciento de las mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual se encontraban en nivel crónico grave de estrés postraumático, a diferencia del 35 por ciento de mujeres desplazadas no víctimas. El 40 por ciento de las mujeres desplazadas víctimas de abuso sexual presentaron un estilo de vida inadecuado, a diferencia del 15 por ciento de las mujeres desplazadas no víctimas. Conclusiones: El impacto negativo del trastorno de estrés postraumático perdura más en las mujeres que han sufrido una doble victimización que aquellas que solo sufrieron desplazamiento forzoso. Esta difícil situación afecta indudablemente la salud y el estilo de vida de esta población, aunque en el presente estudio no se comprobó correlación entre estilo de vida y estrés postraumático(AU)

Introduction: The phenomenon of forced displacement in Colombia is a consequence of the violence perpetrated by various illegal armed actors affecting the stability of a particular sector of the population and the country. Objective: To identify the relationship between lifestyle and post-traumatic stress disorder in a group of displaced women who were victims of sexual abuse. Methods: Descriptive correlational research with cross-sectional design and intentional sampling. Population constituted by 100 displaced women victims of sexual abuse, in which it was taken an intentional sample of 20 women, between 20 and 55 years old who accepted to participate, and other 20 displaced women. It was applied the Fantastic questionnaire of lifestyle and the Post-traumatic stress disorder´s symptoms severity scale. For the statistical analysis, descriptive analyzes were made, it was applied the student's T test for difference of means, and Spearman's Rho to determine the intensity of the correlation between the two variables studied. Results: After a 1 to 5 years´ time of re-experiencing, 80 percent of displaced women victims of sexual abuse were in severe chronic level of post-traumatic stress disorder, unlike the 35 percent of non-victim displaced women. The 40 percent of the displaced women victims of sexual abuse presented an inadequate lifestyle, unlike the 15 percent of the non-victims displaced women. Conclusions: The negative impact of post-traumatic stress disorder lasts more in women who have suffered a double victimization than in those who only suffered forced displacement. This difficult situation undoubtedly affects the health and lifestyle of this population, although in the present study there was no evidence of correlation between lifestyle and post-traumatic stress disorder(AU)

Sudden Intrabulbar Amyloid Increase Simultaneously Disrupts Olfactory Bulb Oscillations and Odor Detection.

There seems to be a correlation between soluble amyloid beta protein (Aß) accumulation in the main olfactory bulb (OB) and smell deterioration in both Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and animal models. Moreover, this loss of smell appears to be related to alterations in neural network activity in several olfactory-related circuits, including the OB, as has been observed in anesthetized animals and brain slices. It is possible that there is a correlation between these two pathological phenomena, but a direct and simultaneous evaluation of the acute and direct effect of Aß on OB activity while animals are actually smelling has not been performed. Thus, here, we tested the effects of acute intrabulbar injection of Aß at a low dose (200 pmol) on the OB local field potential before and during the presence of a hidden piece of smelly food. Our results show that Aß decreases the power of OB network activity while impairing the animal's ability to reach the hidden food. We found a strong relationship between the power of the OB oscillations and the correlation between OBs and the olfactory detection test scores. These findings provide a direct link between Aß-induced OB network dysfunction and smell loss in rodents, which could be extrapolated to AD patients.

Single amyloid-beta injection exacerbates 4-aminopyridine-induced seizures and changes synaptic coupling in the hippocampus.

Accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aß) in temporal lobe structures, including the hippocampus, is related to a variety of Alzheimer's disease symptoms and seems to be involved in the induction of neural network hyperexcitability and even seizures. Still, a direct evaluation of the pro-epileptogenic effects of Aß in vivo, and of the underlying mechanisms, is missing. Thus, we tested whether the intracisternal injection of Aß modulates 4-aminopyridine (4AP)-induced epileptiform activity, hippocampal network function, and its synaptic coupling. When tested 3 weeks after its administration, Aß (but not its vehicle) reduces the latency for 4AP-induced seizures, increases the number of generalized seizures, exacerbates the time to fully recover from seizures, and favors seizure-induced death. These pro-epileptogenic effects of Aß correlate with a reduction in the power of the spontaneous hippocampal network activity, involving all frequency bands in vivo and only the theta band (4-10 Hz) in vitro. The pro-epileptogenic effects of Aß also correlate with a reduction of the Schaffer-collateral CA1 synaptic coupling in vitro, which is exacerbated by the sequential bath application of 4-AP and Aß. In summary, Aß produces long-lasting pro-epileptic effects that can be due to alterations in the hippocampal circuit, impacting its coordinated network activity and its synaptic efficiency. It is likely that normalizing synaptic coupling and/or coordinated neural network activity (i.e., theta activity) may contribute not only to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease but also to avoid hyperexcitation in conditions of amyloidosis.

Impacto del mindfulness en el estrés en trabajadores de una universidad de Lima sur / Impact of mindfulness on stress in workers of a university in southern Lima

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un programa de mindfulness en el estrés fisiológico, distrés emocional, estrés percibido y estrés laboral en un grupo de trabajadores. Materiales y métodos: Participaron 28 trabajadores universitarios (empleados y docentes), quienes habían registrado niveles altos de estrés laboral en una evaluación institucional previa. El programa consistió en seis sesiones de entrenamiento en mindfulness una vez por semana y con dos horas por sesión (12 horas en total), con las técnicas de la atención plena en la respiración, en el cuerpo, pensamiento, emociones y descanso. Se utilizaron mediciones de Biofeedback para evaluar cinco indicadores de estrés fisiológico (temperatura, respiración, pulso, volumen sanguíneo en la piel y presión arterial) y tres pruebas para medir estrés: Inventario de Distrés Emocional Percibido (a = .85), Inventario de Estrés Percibido a = .86), Escala de Estrés Laboral (a = .90), como medidas de pretest y postest. Resultados: Volumen sanguíneo en la piel (d = 0.8), pulso sanguíneo (d = 0.8) y frecuencia de la respiración abdominal (d = 0.9), distrés emocional (d = 0.9), el estrés percibido (d = 0.7) y el estrés laboral (d = 0.6). Conclusión: El mindfulness tuvo un impacto significativo en la reducción del estrés en trabajadores universitarios.

ABSTRACT Objetive: To assess the impacto of a mindfulness program on physiological stress. emotional distress, perceived stress, and work stress in a group of workers. Material and methods: 28 universiy workers (employees and teachers) participated, who had registered high levels of work stress in a previous institutional evaluation. The program consisted of six training sessions in mindfulness once a week and with two hours per sessions (12 hours in total) with the techniques of mindfulness in breathing, in the body (body scan), thinking, emotions and break. Biofeedback measurements were used to evaluate five physiological stress indicators and three tests to measures. Results: blood volumen in the skin (d = 0.8), blood pulse (d = 0.8) and frequency of abdominal breathing (d = 0.9), emotional distess (d = 0.9), perceived stress (d = 0.7) and work stress (d = 0.6). Conclusión: mindfulness had a significant impact on stress reduction in university workers.

El apoyo social percibido por las víctimas del conflicto armado en Colombia / Social Support as Perceived by Colombia's Armed Conflict Victims

Resumen El conflicto armado Colombiano ha afectado la salud mental de las víctimas. La evaluación de la salud mental se realiza a partir del bienestar psicológico, la calidad de vida y el apoyo social percibido. Se indican resultados del Apoyo Social en 1139 víctimas de los municipios de Barrancabermeja, Trujillo, Bello, Montería y Santa Marta, mediante el cuestionario MOS de Apoyo Social, el cual se encuentra en un nivel alto influido por la dimensión de apoyo emocional. No se encontró una relación significativa con la calidad de vida y el bienestar psicológico, excepto en uno de los municipios de la muestra.

Abstract The Colombian armed conflict has affected victims' mental health. Mental health assessment is done from the psychological well-being, life quality and the perceived social support. Results of Social support are indicated in 1,139 victims of the municipalities of Barrancabermeja, Trujillo, Bello, Montería, and Santa Marta, by using the MOS questionnaire of social support, which is at a high level, which is influenced by the emotional support dimension. No significant relationship with the life quality and psychological well-being was found, except in one of the municipalities of the sample.

Afectación Neuropsicológica de la Función Ejecutiva en Pacientes con Insuficiencia Renal Crónica / Neuropsychological Impairment of Executive Function in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

Resumen Objetivos: Analizar las diferencias en el rendimiento neuropsicológico de las funciones ejecutivas en pacientes tratados con Diálisis Peritoneal (DP) y Hemodiálisis (HD), además de valorar el nivel de afectación de las modalidades de tratamiento (DP vs HD) y las variables demográficas y clínicas sobre la respuesta cognitiva. Método: Estudio de corte transversal con muestreo no probabilístico que incluyó a 40 pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC), divididos en dos grupos: 20 pacientes sometidos a DP y 20 a HD. Se utilizó una batería de pruebas neuropsicológicas que incluyeron El Test de Palabras y Colores de STROOP, la parte B del Trail Making Test (TMT), la Torre de Hanoi y el subtest de Dígitos Inversos de la Escala Wechsler; además de un cuestionario sobre variables clínicas y demográficas. Resultados: Se evidenciaron diferencias significativas en el número de errores del TMT B y el número de movimientos de la Torre de Hanoi, siendo los pacientes sometidos a DP quienes rindieron mejor que los pacientes sometidos a HD. Por otra parte, los años de escolaridad y la edad de los pacientes parecen tener un efecto significativo sobre el rendimiento en las pruebas neuropsicológicas utilizadas. Conclusiones: Los pacientes sometidos a DP tienen un mejor rendimiento en pruebas de función ejecutiva, pero dicho rendimiento es modulado por los años de escolaridad y la edad. Se discute el papel de la escolarización y la edad sobre el rendimiento neuropsicológico y las posibles causas de las diferencias encontradas en los grupos evaluados.

Abstract Objectives: Analyze differences in neuropsychological performance of executive functions in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), and to assess the level of impact of treatment modalities (HD vs PD) and the demographic and clinical variables over cognitive function. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with non-probability sampling that included 40 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) divided into two groups, 20 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and 20 in hemodialysis. It was used a battery of neuropsychological tests including test Stroop words and colors, Part B of the Trail Making Test (TMT), Tower of Hanoi, and indirect Digit subtest of the Wechsler scale; and a questionnaire on demographic and clinical variables. Results: Significant differences were found in the number of errors of TMT B and the number of movements of the Tower of Hanoi, with the PD patients who performed better than patients undergoing HD. Moreover, years of schooling and the age of patients appear to have a significant effect on performance in the neuropsychological tests used. Conclusions: Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis have better performance on executive function tests, but this performance is modulated by the years of schooling and age. It is discussed the role of schooling and age on neuropsychological performance and possible causes of the differences in the evaluated groups.

Diferencias en el consumo de tabaco en estudiantes según el sexo universitarios / Differences of snuff consumption in university students by gender

RESUMEN Introducción: El consumo de tabaco afecta a toda la población, particularmente a los jóvenes universitarios, quienes están expuestos a presiones de grupo y otros factores que favorecen su inicio. El sexo juega un papel importante, es por ello que se hace necesario conocer las características del consumo según el sexo para poder diseñar campañas de prevención acordes con los requerimientos de cada grupo poblacional. Objetivo: Caracterizar el consumo de tabaco en estudiantes universitarios según el sexo. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo trasversal. La muestra correspondió a 323 estudiantes de los programas de Administración de empresas, Comercio, Contaduría, Enfermería, Derecho y Psicología, de una Universidad privada de Santa Marta; la información se recolectó mediante el cuestionario Prevalencia de consumo de tabaco en estudiantes universitarios. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 23 y se aplicaron las pruebas estadísticas Odds Ratio y Chi cuadrado bondad de ajuste. Resultados: La prevalencia de consumo de tabaco fue mayor en hombres que en mujeres y el riesgo de tabaquismo en los hombres fue 3,49 veces mayor que entre las mujeres. Conclusiones: Existe relación entre el consumo de tabaco y el sexo, por lo cual las características de consumo difieren en hombres y mujeres; esto relevante para el diseño de programas de prevención del consumo de tabaco(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Snuff consumption affects the entire population, particularly young students, who are exposed to group pressures and other factors that favor its inception. Sex plays an important role, which is why it is necessary to know the characteristics of consumption by gender in order to design prevention campaigns in line with the requirements of each population group. Objective: To characterize the consumption of snuff in college students by sex. Methods: A cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 323 students programs Business Administration, Commerce, Accounting, Nursing, Law and Psychology, a private University of Santa Marta; the information was collected through the questionnaire Prevalence of snuff in college students. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 and statistical tests Odds Ratio and Chi square of fit were applied. Results: The prevalence of Snuff was higher in men than in women and risk of smoking in men was 3.49 times higher than among women. Conclusions: There is a relationship between consumption of snuff and sex, so consumption characteristics differ in men and women; this relevant to the design of prevention programs snuff consumption(AU)

Differential formononetin content in cultivars and experimental lines of red clover (Trifolium pratense L. ) plants affect the feeding behaviour of Hylastinus obscurus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) / Contenido diferencial de formononetina en cultivares y líneas experimentales de plantas de trébol rosado (Trifolium pratense L. ) afecta la conducta alimenticia de Hylastinus obscurus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a perennial plant widely used as a forage resource for several animals. This plant is the exclusive host of Hylastinus obscurus (Marsham) which causes irreparable damages to the root system affecting their persistence. It has been reported that the presence of the isoflavonoid formononetin in roots of red clover could act as an antifeedant on H. obscurus. There are not studies related to the formononetin content in red clover roots to the antifeedant effect elicited by experimental lines and cultivar of red clover. Six red clover genotypes were investigated in both formononetin content and their respective antifeedant action. The results showed to Sabtoron High and Superqueli-INIA with both the highest formononetin content in red clover roots and antifeedant effect, allowing to suggest that this secondary metabolites could be used as a chemical factor for red clover plants. Moreover, a rapid methodology for searching red clover genotypes with high formononetin content is reported.

El trébol rosado (Trifolium pratense L.) es una planta perenne ampliamente utilizada como fuente de forraje de variados animales. Esta planta es el exclusivo hospedero de Hylastinus obscurus (Marsham) el cual causa irreparables daños al sistema radical afectando seriamente su persistencia. Se ha reportado que la presencia del isoflavonoide formononetina en raíces del trébol rosado podría actuar como antialimentario sobre H. obscurus. Actualmente no existen estudios que relacionen el contenido de formononetina en raíces de trébol rosado con el efecto antialimentario elicitado por líneas experimentales y cultivares de trébol rosado. Seis genotipos de esta leguminosa fueron evaluados en cuanto a su contenido de formononetina y actividad antialimentaria. Los resultados mostraron que los cultivares Sabtoron High y Superqueli-INIA presentaron altos niveles de formononetina en sus raíces y efecto antialimentario sobre H. obscurus, lo que permite sugerir que este metabolito secundario podría ser usado como factor químico para incrementar la persistencia de plantas de trébol rosado. Además, se informa una metodología rápida para la búsqueda de genotipos con altos contenidos de formononetina.

Rational cell culture optimization enhances experimental reproducibility in cancer cells.

Optimization of experimental conditions is critical in ensuring robust experimental reproducibility. Through detailed metabolomic analysis we found that cell culture conditions significantly impacted on glutaminase (GLS1) sensitivity resulting in variable sensitivity and irreproducibility in data. Baseline metabolite profiling highlighted that untreated cells underwent significant changes in metabolic status. Both the extracellular levels of glutamine and lactate and the intracellular levels of multiple metabolites changed drastically during the assay. We show that these changes compromise the robustness of the assay and make it difficult to reproduce. We discuss the implications of the cells' metabolic environment when studying the effects of perturbations to cell function by any type of inhibitor. We then devised 'metabolically rationalized standard' assay conditions, in which glutaminase-1 inhibition reduced glutamine metabolism differently in both cell lines assayed, and decreased the proliferation of one of them. The adoption of optimized conditions such as the ones described here should lead to an improvement in reproducibility and help eliminate false negatives as well as false positives in these assays.

Variables académicas y sociodemográficas relacionadas con el Síndrome de Burnout, en estudiantes de Ingenierías y Ciencias de la Salud de una universidad estatal de Colombia / Academic and demographic variables related to Burnout syndrome in engineering and health sciences programs students of universidad estatal from Colombia

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar las dimensiones del Síndrome de Burnout en estudiantes de Ingenierías y Ciencias de la Salud, en relación con las variables académicas (promedio ponderado, semestre y programa cursado) y sociodemográficas (edad, género) de los participantes. Método: Dicho estu dio se abordó bajo el enfoque de Bandura (1989), referido a la autoeficacia, bajo el modelo del espiral negativo "hacia abajo", desarrollado por Salanova, Bresó y Schaufeli (2005). Para ello, se desarrolló una investigación de paradigma empírico-analítico, de tipo descriptivo comparativo y diseño transversal. La población estuvo constituida por 1.028 estudiantes de los cuales se obtuvo una muestra estratificada de 280 de ambas facultades participantes; con un porcentaje de error del 5 % y un nivel de confianza del 95 %. A ellos se les aplicó el Inventario de Burnout Académi co (MBI-SS), validado para este estudio. Luego de obtener los resultados de la prueba, se utilizó el estadístico ANOVA para el respectivo análisis de varianzas por grupos. Resultados: Indicaron un nivel bajo y medio de agotamiento emocional y cinismo, pero con un nivel alto de autoeficacia, con diferencias significativas en autoeficacia con respecto al promedio académico y semestre, y de agotamiento con respecto al semestre, programa y facultad; siendo los estudiantes de Odon tología, Medicina, Ingeniería Ambiental y de Sistemas quienes presentaron mayor agotamiento emocional, físico y mental que los otros. Se concluye que existen grupos de estudiantes con diferentes niveles de agotamiento emocional y cinismo, según el género y la carrera que cursan.

Abstract Objective: Comparison of the Burnout syndrome approach, taking into account academic vari ables such as: average, semester and program completion and also demographic variables such as: age and gender in students in the engineering and health sciences programs. This study is cen tered on self-efficacy according to Bandura's theory (1989) and the "downward negative spiral" model developed by Salanova, Breso y Schaufeli (2005). For this purpose, a paradigm of empirical comparative descriptive and cross sectional research is developed. 1,028 students Method: 280 students were a stratified sample; who belong to the two participant programs; 5 % percent level (the margin of error) with 95 % percent level/a confidence level). Academic Burnout Syndrome inventory (MBI-SS) was applied to those students, and it was validated for this study. ANOVA statistical test for the respective variance analysis by groups was used in order to get the results. Results: results showed a low and medium level of emotional exhaustion and cynicism but a high level of self-efficacy with significant differences in relation to semester, grade average, exhausting semester, program and faculty were evident. Students from dentistry, medicine, environmental, engineering and system program and faculty showed greater physical and mental - emotional exhaustion than the others. It is concluded that emotional exhaustion and cynicism level is differ ent according to gender and career path among the student groups.

Factores de riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria entre universitarios: Estimación de vulnerabilidad por sexo y edad / Risk factors of eating disorders in university students: Estimation of vulnerability by sex and age

Resumen Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) constituyen un problema de salud pública que ha venido incrementando. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la vulnerabilidad de los estudiantes universitarios a presentar un TCA. Se trabajó con una muestra probabilística de 561 estudiantes (M edad = 21.7; DE =4.1), 42.8% varones y 57.2% mujeres. Los datos fueron recabados con base al Inventario de Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria-Criterio de Remisión (EDI-3-RF), además de registrar algunos indicadores antropométricos. Destacan los siguientes resultados: las mujeres presentaron mayor obsesión por la delgadez e insatisfacción corporal que los varones; las conductas bulímicas estuvieron más presentes en estudiantes menores de 20 años; los varones recurren en mayor medida al ejercicio físico como forma de control del peso; 7.7% presentaron bajo peso y preocupación excesiva por la comida y el peso, condición que amerita remisión a atención especializada. Resulta apremiante reforzar los esfuerzos encaminados a la implementación de estrategias de prevención e intervención dirigidas específicamente a los estudiantes universitarios, a través del diseño de programas destinados a promover hábitos de alimentación saludables, mejorar la percepción de la imagen corporal y disminuir la preocupación obsesiva por la delgadez.

Abstract Eating disorders (ED) are a public health problem which it has been increasing. The aim of this study was to estimate the vulnerability of university students to an ED. We worked with a probabilistic sample of 561 students (M age = 21.7; SD = 4.1), 42.8% men and 57.2% women. They completed the Inventory Eating Disorder-Reference criterion (EDI-3-RF), also we took anthropometric measures. The results show that: women have a significantly more obsession with thinness and body dissatisfaction; the students under 20years old showed significant more bulimic behaviors; men prefer to do physical exercise as a way to control their weight; about 7.7% should be referred to a specialized center for having low weight along with excessive concern about food and weight. It is concluded that it is necessary to implement preventive programs and intervention measures aimed towards to the university students who promote healthy eating habits, improve the perception of their body image and diminish the obsessive preoccupation with thinness.

Indicadores de riesgo y comunicación en salud mental sobre consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y violencia intrafamiliar en líderes comunitarias / Risk and communication indicators in mental health on consumption of psychoactive substances and intra-family violence in community leaders

Resumen Objetivo: Describir el nivel de comunicación ofrecido a la comunidad en el marco de la red de salud mental distrital, tomando como referente el riesgo para consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y de violencia intrafamiliar de un grupo de líderes comunitarias. Material y métodos: Se trata de una investigación exploratoria descriptiva, con diseño tran-seccional de campo. Participaron 20 mujeres líderes comunitarias de población vulnerable, que representan a 200 líderes comunales del distrito de Santa Marta (Colombia), con edades entre 21 a 60 años. Se les aplicaron dos pruebas, previa validación: ASSIST v3.1, para medir el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, y la Escala de Riesgo en situación de violencia intrafamiliar -AURORA-. El análisis estadístico incluyó un análisis univariado para establecer los riesgos de consumo de las participantes; y un análisis bivariado mediante la prueba chi cuadrado para determinar la independencia de las variables. Adicionalmente se realizó una entrevista no estructurada a 4 de las líderes. Resultados: Se halló que la edad y escolaridad de las líderes son determinantes: a menor edad mayor riesgo de consumo de alcohol y violencia intrafamiliar; y a mayor consumo de alcohol mayor riesgo de violencia intrafamiliar. Igualmente, se halló que la mayoría sigue la ruta de salud mental hacia la Policía Nacional y no hacia los entes especializados del distrito. Conclusiones: Existe un riesgo significativo temprano y una deficiente comunicación sobre la ruta de salud mental en esta población, que podría estar afectando su convivencia social y salud mental.

Abstract Objective: Describe the level of communication offered to the community within the framework of the district mental health network, taking as reference the risk for psychoactive substance use and intrafamily violence of a group of community leaders. Material and methods: This is an exploratory descriptive research, with field transectional design. Twenty female vulnerable community leaders representing 200 communal leaders from the District of Santa Marta, Colombia, aged between 21 and 60, participated. Two tests were applied, after validation: ASSIST v3.1, to measure the consumption of psychoactive substances; And the Risk Scale in situations of intra-family violence -AURORA-. Statistical analysis included a univariate analysis to establish participants' consumption risks; And a bivariate analysis using the chi-square test to determine the independence of the variables. In addition, an informal interview was conducted with 4 of the leaders. Results: It was found that the age and schooling of the leaders are determinant, at younger age greater risk of alcohol consumption and intrafamily violence; And, the higher the alcohol consumption, the higher the risk of intrafamily violence. Likewise, it was found that the majority follow the path of mental health towards the National Police and not to the specialized entities of the District. Conclusions: There is a significant early risk and poor communication about the mental health route in this population, which could be affecting their social coexistence and mental health.