Impact of an educational intervention about healthy lifestyles in teenagers.

BACKGROUND: During the last years, lifestyle has worsened along the entire European population, causing an alarming boom-up regarding overweight and obese people. Pediatric population is also influenced in this sense, which may predispose to suffer from several diseases in adulthood. Educational interventions at early ages could be an effective strategy to face this situation. AIM: To describe the impact of an educational intervention about healthy lifestyle in adolescents. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study analyzing the knowledge of high school students, before and after a brief educational intervention based on a self-elaborated questionnaire including questions from the validated questionnaire CAPA (from Spanish, Conocimientos en Alimentación de Personas Adolescentes). RESULTS: The results of this study show a significant increase in knowledge about healthy lifestyles in the study population after the educational intervention (14.3±3.8 vs. 16.5±4.5; p<0.001). In addition, this improvement presents an asymmetric distribution according to gender (13.2±3.6 vs. 14.9±4.6; p=0.002 in men; 15.6±3 vs. 18.1±3.6; p<0.001 in women) and the type of educational center (14.17±3.6 vs. 16.48±4.17; p<0.001 in public schools and 14.86±4.15 vs. 16.54±5.32; p=0.047 in private schools). Parents' educational level was associated with improvement in knowledge about healthy lifestyles (13.44±2.9 vs. 15.67±5.37; p=0.132 at low level, 14.22±3.42 vs. 16.9±4.68; p<0.001 at medium level and 15.75±3.3 vs. 17.39±4.5; p=0.022 at high level). CONCLUSION: Educational intervention taught by primary health care professionals is a useful and efficient tool for the acquisition of nutritional and healthy lifestyle knowledge in adolescents.

Discovery and insights from DSX mission's high-power VLF wave transmission experiments in the radiation belts.

Space weather phenomena can threaten space technologies. A hazard among these is the population of relativistic electrons in the Van Allen radiation belts. To reduce the threat, artificial processes can be introduced by transmitting very-low-frequency (VLF) waves into the belts. The resulting wave-particle interactions may deplete these harmful electrons. However, when transmitting VLF waves in space plasma, the antenna, plasma, and waves interact in a manner that is not well-understood. We conducted a series of VLF transmission experiments in the radiation belts and measured the power and radiation impedance under various frequencies and conditions. The results demonstrate the critical role played by the plasma-antenna-wave interaction around high-voltage space antennae and open the possibility to transmit high power in space. The physical insight obtained in this study can provide guidance to future high-power space-borne VLF transmitter developments, laboratory whistler-mode wave injection experiments, and the interpretation of various astrophysical and optical phenomena.

[Fatigue, quality of life, and use of healthcare resources in children with complex chronic diseases].

BACKGROUND: The objective was to assess fatigue in children with complex chronic diseases (CCCDs) and analyze its relationship with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, use of healthcare services, and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in CCCDs attended in a tertiary hospital during 2016. Fatigue (PedsFacit-F questionnaire) and quality of life (PedsQL) were determined, and the following variables were registered: use of health resources, disease group, time with disease, and educational level and type of employment of the parents. A multiple regression model was developed to predict the use of healthcare resources. RESULTS: Seventy children were included in this study; mean age 10.5 years (range: 8-17), 41.4% girls, and cancer was the most frequent group disease (28.6%). Annual use of healthcare resources (38.86; SD: 30.73) increased with fatigue (r=-0.292; p=0.015). Higher levels of fatigue were determined for children with cancer (24.9; SD: 10.7) in comparison to other pathologies, while lower levels were found for heart diseases (44.5; SD: 7.9). The QoL perceived by CCCDs (20.6; SD: 16.5) directly correlated (p<0.001) with that of their parents (22.8; SD: 16.8); a correlation with fatigue was seen in both cases (r=0.528 and r= 0.441; p<0.0001). The adjusted effect of higher levels of fatigue (lower scores), lower length of disease duration, and higher level of education of the mother, predicted greater use of healthcare resources. CONCLUSION: CCCDs with higher fatigue levels use healthcare resources more often and perceive a worse QoL. This should be considered when providing care to this population.

Anatomical and histological characterization of the digestive canal of the golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes) / Caracterización anatómica e histológica del canal digestivo del congrio dorado (Genypterus blacodes)

Given the importance of the Golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes) as an alternative to the production of salmonid species for worldwide diversification of aquaculture this study researched the morpho-histology of the digestive canal, providing a uniform nomenclature and basic information to support their nutritional management in captive conditions. The objective was to describe the normal morphology of the digestive canal. Twelve wild specimens were collected and dissected. Samples of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pyloric blind and intestines were obtained. An anatomical and histological description was performed. The digestive canal presented a short tubular esophagus, a slightly dilated, J-shaped stomach and thick walls. The stomach had a cardiac region that ended in a pyloric sphincter from which the intestine of thin walls. The intestine presented an anterior, middle and posterior segment. The anterior region of the first segment of the middle intestine presented 4-5 pairs of pyloric cecum. The middle intestine represented approximately 30 % of the total length of the digestive canal, with a smaller diameter compared to the first segment. The posterior intestine was separated from the middle intestine by a thick and powerful sphincter. The liver was large and elongated, and located in the peritoneal cavity located to the left plane and ventral to the swim bladder. The gallbladder was located lateral to the hepatic anterior wolf. The bile duct led to the duodenal region of the anterior intestine. Ventrally, the rectum ended in the anus, located in front of the anal fin. In general, the histological structures were variable according to the segment studied, a mucous tunic was recognized that presented a simple columnar epithelium, a lamina propria composed of loose connective tissue, a muscular layer of the mucosa composed of smooth muscle tissue and a submucosal layer composed of loose connective tissue, a circular and longitudinal stratum of muscular tunic, which had striated musculature and an adventitial tunic composed of a simple squamous epithelium. In conclusion, Golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes) presents a digestive system typical of a carnivorous benthic fish adapted to feed on fish and crustaceans.

Dada la importancia del Congrio colorado (Genypterus blacodes) como alternativa a la producción de especies salmonídeas para la diversificación mundial de la acuicultura, el objetivo del presente estudio es describir la morfología normal del canal digestivo de esta especie, proporcionando una nomenclatura uniforme e información básica para apoyar su manejo nutricional en condiciones de cautiverio. Doce especímenes silvestres fueron colectados y disecados. Se obtuvo muestras del esófago, estómago, hígado, ciego pilórico e intestinos. Se realizó una descripción anatómica e histológica. El canal digestivo presentó un esófago tubular corto, un estómago ligeramente dilatado, con forma de J y paredes gruesas. El estómago presentaba una región cardíaca que terminaba en un esfínter pilórico desde el cual el intestino de paredes delgadas. El intestino presentaba un segmento anterior, medio y posterior. La región anterior del primer segmento del intestino medio presentó 4-5 pares de ciegos pilóricos. El intestino medio representó aproximadamente el 30 % de la longitud total del canal digestivo, con un diámetro menor en comparación con el primer segmento. El intestino posterior estaba separado del intestino medio por un esfínter grueso y poderoso. El hígado era grande y alargado, y ubicado en la cavidad peritoneal ubicado al plano izquierdo y ventral a la vejiga natatoria. La vesícula biliar se ubicó lateral al lobo anterior hepático. El ducto biliar desembocó en la región duodenal del intestino anterior. Ventralmente, el recto terminó en el ano, ubicado frente a la aleta anal. En general, las estructuras histológicas fueron variables según el segmento estudiado, se reconoció una túnica mucosa que presentaba un epitelio columnar simple, una lámina propia de la mucosa compuesta por tejido conectivo laxo, una capa muscular de la mucosa compuesta por músculo liso tejido y una capa submucosa compuesta de tejido conectivo laxo, un estrato circular y longitudinal de túnica muscular, que tenía musculatura estriada y una túnica adventicia compuesta por un epitelio plano simple. En conclusión, Congrio colorado (Genypterus blacodes) presenta un sistema digestivo típico de un pez bentónico carnívoro adaptado para alimentarse de peces y crustáceos.

SEOM clinical guideline thyroid cancer (2019).

Thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent endocrine malignancy and accounts for around 3% of global cancer incidence. Different histologies and clinical scenarios make necessary a multidisciplinary approach that includes new diagnostic methods and surgical, radiopharmaceutical and systemic therapies. This guideline updates several aspects of management of thyroid cancer.

[Burnout and executive functions in Palliative Care health professionals: influence of burnout on decision making]. / Burnout y funciones ejecutivas en personal sanitario de Cuidados Paliativos: influencia del desgaste profesional sobre la toma de decisiones.

BACKGROUND: Health professionals show a high prevalence of burnout syndrome. This syndrome could be involved in the alteration of higher cognitive functions in the clinical setting. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether burnout is related to the executive functions of inhibition, working memory, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility in palliative care health professionals. METHOD: Degree of burnout was evaluated in seventy-seven health professionals from palliative care units by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS), while executive functions were evaluated by Stroop test (inhibition), Letter-Number Sequencing (working memory), Iowa Gambling Task (decision-making) and Trail Making Test (cognitive flexibility). The total sample was classified in relation to both degree of burnout (low, medium, high) in each subscale of MBI-HSS (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment), and the number of dimensions altered (high levels in none, one or more than one). RESULTS: Burnout syndrome was present in 54.5% of palliative care health professionals, 15.6% of them with more than one dimension altered; these professionals showed significantly lower scores than professionals without burnout in the Stroop test, the Letter-Number Sequencing and the Iowa Gambling Task. Higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were associated with significantly lower scores in the Iowa Gambling Task for assessing decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that palliative care health professionals with a higher level of burnout have an alteration of inhibition, working memory and decision-making. These executive functions can be relevant in the clinical setting since they could be related to the cognitive thinking required for correct clinical reasoning by health professionals.

[Influence of sociodemographic, occupational and life style factors on the levels of burnout in palliative care health professionals]. / Influencia de factores sociodemográficos, laborales y de estilo de vida sobre los niveles de burnout en personal sanitario de cuidados paliativos.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care health professionals have reported high levels of burnout. An understanding of factors associated with this syndrome in this population could foster new prevention and intervention strategies. The objectives were to evaluate the levels of burnout in each of its dimensions in a sample of palliative care health professionals and to analyze the relationship between levels of burnout and sociodemographic, occupational and lifestyle characteristics in this sample. METHODS: The total sample was composed of 92 palliative care health professionals. Sociodemographic, occupational and lifestyle characteristics were registered. The levels of burnout syndrome were evaluated by the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). The total sample was divided into three groups, depending on the level of burnout (non-burnout group, burnout group meeting one criterion, and burnout group meeting two or three criteria). Comparisons were performed amongst groups for all characteristics evaluated. RESULTS: The non-burnout professionals were significantly older and slept more than the professionals with more than one altered dimension; in addition, they had greater job seniority in the unit than those with a single altered dimension and did physical exercise more frequently than either of the burnout groups. CONCLUSION: The younger professionals, with more job seniority in the units of palliative care, and less hours of sleep and physical activity showed higher levels of burnout. Therefore, these factors should be considered for enhancing prevention and intervention strategies for these health professionals.

Data from proteomic characterization of the role of Snail1 in murine mesenchymal stem cells and 3T3-L1 fibroblasts differentiation.

The transcription factor (TF) Snail1 is a major inducer of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during embryonic development and cancer progression. Ectopic expression of Snail in murine mesenchymal stem cells (mMSC) abrogated their differentiation to osteoblasts or adipocytes. We used either stable isotopic metabolic labeling (SILAC) for 3T3-L1 cells or isobaric labeling with tandem mass tags (TMT) for mMSC stably transfected cells with Snail1 or control. We carried out a proteomic analysis on the nuclear fraction since Snail is a nuclear TF that mediates its effects mainly through the regulation of other TFs. Proteomics data have been deposited in ProteomeXchange via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifiers PXD001529 and PXD002157 (Vizcaino et al., 2014) [1]. Data are associated with a research article published in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics (Pelaez-Garcia et al., 2015) [2].

Sera from early-onset, severely preeclamptic women directly modulate HLA-E expression in the EA.hy296 endothelial cell line.

The expression of endothelial HLA-E in the context of the systemic inflammatory response observed in preeclampsia has not been established. An experimental study was designed to determine the effect of the sera of pregnant women on the expression of HLA-E in EA.hy296 endothelial cells. First, measurements of protein fractions were performed in sera from early-onset, severely preeclamptic women without HELLP syndrome, in which there was no significant difference in total proteins between the groups, but a reduced level of plasma albumin and an increase in α1-globulin were observed in both groups of pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women. Measurements of colloid osmotic pressure (COP) using a recalculated albumin/globulin ratio formula determined only a significant decrease in COP in all pregnant groups compared with non-pregnant women. The expression of membrane HLA-E was increased in EA.hy296 endothelial cells stimulated with sera of early-onset, severely preeclamptic women, while recombinant interferon-γ (IFN-γ) significantly reduced the expression of membrane HLA-E. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by Luminex in the serum samples, and increased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and decreased levels of IFN-γ were observed in early-onset, severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. Moreover, soluble HLA-E was detected in these serum samples by Western blot and ELISA, but no significant difference was found. This raises the possibility that a systemic inflammatory response promotes a compensatory mechanism of COP balance in severe preeclampsia by release of inflammation-induced factors, including endothelial HLA-E. Evidence is now provided regarding HLA-E expression by EA.hy296 cells.

Modulation of murine blastocyst hatching in vitro by glutamine and tryptophan

Enrichment of culture media with amino acids improves embryo development. However, little is known about the specific action of each amino acid during embryogenesis. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of L-glutamine (Gln) and tryptophan (Trp) on mouse embryo hatching, expansion and viability in vitro. Blastocysts were collected from 6- to 8-week-old female BALB/c mice (N = 30) and cultured in M2 medium containing either 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mM Trp, 1 mM Gln, or M2 alone. Gln significantly increased (100 percent; P < 0.05) blastocyst hatching at 24 h compared to M2 alone or Trp; moreover, Trp inhibited blastocyst hatching when compared to M2 alone (P < 0.05) at 72 h. In contrast, the percentage of embryos reaching the state of expanded blastocyst at 48 h was significantly higher in medium with 1 mM Gln (66.6 percent; P < 0.05) or with 0.125 mM Trp (61.1 percent; P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, Trp increased the percentage of degenerated blastocysts after 48 h (67.7 percent; P < 0.05), while Gln preserved blastocyst viability. These results suggest that Gln may enhance blastocyst hatching, expansion and viability in vitro.

Blastocyst-endometrium interaction: intertwining a cytokine network.

The successful implantation of the blastocyst depends on adequate interactions between the embryo and the uterus. The development of the embryo begins with the fertilized ovum, a single totipotent cell which undergoes mitosis and gives rise to a multicellular structure named blastocyst. At the same time, increasing concentrations of ovarian steroid hormones initiate a complex signaling cascade that stimulates the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells to decidual cells, preparing the uterus to lodge the embryo. Studies in humans and in other mammals have shown that cytokines and growth factors are produced by the pre-implantation embryo and cells of the reproductive tract; however, the interactions between these factors that converge for successful implantation are not well understood. This review focuses on the actions of interleukin-1, leukemia inhibitory factor, epidermal growth factor, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, and on the network of their interactions leading to early embryo development, peri-implantatory endometrial changes, embryo implantation and trophoblast differentiation. We also propose therapeutical approaches based on current knowledge on cytokine interactions.

Blastocyst-endometrium interaction: intertwining a cytokine network

The successful implantation of the blastocyst depends on adequate interactions between the embryo and the uterus. The development of the embryo begins with the fertilized ovum, a single totipotent cell which undergoes mitosis and gives rise to a multicellular structure named blastocyst. At the same time, increasing concentrations of ovarian steroid hormones initiate a complex signaling cascade that stimulates the differentiation of endometrial stromal cells to decidual cells, preparing the uterus to lodge the embryo. Studies in humans and in other mammals have shown that cytokines and growth factors are produced by the pre-implantation embryo and cells of the reproductive tract; however, the interactions between these factors that converge for successful implantation are not well understood. This review focuses on the actions of interleukin-1, leukemia inhibitory factor, epidermal growth factor, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, and on the network of their interactions leading to early embryo development, peri-implantatory endometrial changes, embryo implantation and trophoblast differentiation. We also propose therapeutical approaches based on current knowledge on cytokine interactions.

Biocompatibility and toxicological studies of carbon nanotubes doped with nitrogen.

In this report, we compare the toxicological effects between pure carbon multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs) and N-doped multiwalled carbon (CNx) nanotubes. Different doses of tubes were administered in various ways to mice: nasal, oral, intratracheal, and intraperitoneal. We have found that when MWNTs were injected into the mice's trachea, the mice could die by dyspnea depending on the MWNTs doses. However, CNx nanotubes never caused the death of any mouse. We always found that CNx nanotubes were far more tolerated by the mice when compared to MWNTs. Extremely high concentrations of CNx nanotubes administrated directly into the mice's trachea only induced granulomatous inflammatory responses. Importantly, all other routes of administration did not induce signs of distress or tissue changes on any treated mouse. We therefore believe that CNx nanotubes are less harmful than MWNTs or SWNTs and might be more advantageous for bioapplications.

Changes of the cortex proteome and Apolipoprotein E in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Transgenic mice carrying human Amyloid Precursor Protein mutations present amyloid plaque deposition in the brain upon aging. In this study, we characterized the changes of cortex proteome and endogenous Apolipoprotein E in these mice. Differential analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis images revealed spots altered upon aging, transgene addition and plaque deposition. Alpha-synuclein and cytochrome oxidase polypeptide Va were up-regulated in transgenic mice. Upon aging, expression of ATP synthase alpha, alpha enolase, UMP-CMP kinase, and dihydropyrimidinase like-2 protein was modified. These proteins and their modification probably play a role in the amyloid aggregate formation in these mice.

[Inferior vena cava thrombosis after corrective surgery for tricuspid atresia (Fontan technique) in a pediatric patient]. / Trombosis en vena cava inferior tras cirugía correctora de atresia tricuspídea (Técnica de Fontán) en paciente pediátrico.

A 13-year-old boy weighing 35 Kg underwent surgery to correct pulmonary valve atresia by total caval-pulmonary anastomosis (Fontan procedure). During surgery and recovery, no adverse events were observed. On the third day after surgery, the patient developed signs of low cardiac output, renal failure, and right ventricular insufficiency. In spite of an antithrombotic treatment protocol with sodium heparin (10 IU/Kg/h), venous return was found to be impeded by 2 thrombi in the inferior vena cava. Thrombolysis with urokinase was ineffective, and surgical thrombectomy was only partially successful. Finally, a high dose of intravenous heparin was prescribed (25 IU/Kg/h) and the thrombi were dissolved. The importance of prophylactic antithromboembolic therapy following corrective surgery for congenital heart disease must be emphasized. Ultrasound monitoring of these patients, even in the absence of clinical signs, has proven effective for early detection of the thrombotic events described in this report.

[Acute myocardial infarction in childhood. Report of 2 cases]. / Infarto agudo de miocardio en la infancia. A propósito de dos casos.

We review two cases of agenesis of the left coronary trunk, a very rare congenital malformation. Both patients presented at our children's hospital with acute myocardial infarction, the mortality rate of which is high in infancy and childhood. The most common causes of myocardial infarction are anomalous origin of left coronary artery and Kawasaki disease. Less common causes are myocarditis and absence of the left coronary artery. The patients' main symptoms of acute myocardial infarction were non-specific--dyspnea and feeding problems--as is usual in acute coronary disease in children. A definitive diagnosis was made by cardiac catheterization. Both patients required surgery: saphenous vein bypass graft in one case and heart transplantation in the second. We describe both cases and review the literature.

[Surgical repair of postpneumonectomy syndrome with vascular compromise]. / Corrección quirúrgica de un síndrome posneumonectomía con compromiso vascular.

Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a rare complication of pneumonectomy that develops as a result of excessive displacement of mediastinal structures into the empty cavity. We report the case of a 72-year-old man who developed dysphagia and progressive weakness, along with signs of hypotension due to low cardiac output, following removal of the left lung for lung cancer. Intubation and transfer to the intensive care unit was necessary. When such causes as pulmonary embolism, pneumonia and COPD exacerbation had been ruled out, postpneumonectomy syndrome was diagnosed. Two tissue expansion prostheses (100 mL and 400 mL) were implanted surgically to keep the mediastinum in position and reverse symptoms immediately. We conclude that postpneumonectomy syndrome after left pneumonectomy is a rare complication that may be more frequent than the literature suggests, given that signs may be masked by a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock that leads to death. Surgical repair is simple, reversing symptoms immediately.