Neuroticism in temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with altered limbic-frontal lobe resting-state functional connectivity.

Neuroticism, a core personality trait characterized by a tendency towards experiencing negative affect, has been reported to be higher in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared with healthy individuals. Neuroticism is a known predictor of depression and anxiety, which also occur more frequently in people with TLE. The purpose of this study was to identify abnormalities in whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity in relation to neuroticism in people with TLE and to determine the degree of unique versus shared patterns of abnormal connectivity in relation to elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. Ninety-three individuals with TLE (55 females) and 40 healthy controls (18 females) from the Epilepsy Connectome Project (ECP) completed measures of neuroticism, depression, and anxiety, which were all significantly higher in people with TLE compared with controls. Resting-state functional connectivity was compared between controls and groups with TLE with high and low neuroticism using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test. In secondary analyses, the same analytics were performed using measures of depression and anxiety and the unique variance in resting-state connectivity associated with neuroticism independent of symptoms of depression and anxiety identified. Increased neuroticism was significantly associated with hyposynchrony between the right hippocampus and Brodmann area (BA) 9 (region of prefrontal cortex (PFC)) (p < 0.005), representing a unique relationship independent of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hyposynchrony of connection between the right hippocampus and BA47 (anterior frontal operculum) was associated with high neuroticism and with higher depression and anxiety scores (p < 0.05), making it a shared abnormal connection for the three measures. In conclusion, increased neuroticism exhibits both unique and shared patterns of abnormal functional connectivity with depression and anxiety symptoms between regions of the mesial temporal and frontal lobe.

Neuroanatomical correlates of personality traits in temporal lobe epilepsy: Findings from the Epilepsy Connectome Project.

Behavioral and personality disorders in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have been a topic of interest and controversy for decades, with less attention paid to alterations in normal personality structure and traits. In this investigation, core personality traits (the Big 5) and their neurobiological correlates in TLE were explored using the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through the Epilepsy Connectome Project (ECP). NEO-FFI scores from 67 individuals with TLE (34.6 ±â€¯9.5 years; 67% women) were compared to 31 healthy controls (32.8 ±â€¯8.9 years; 41% women) to assess differences in the Big 5 traits (agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and extraversion). Individuals with TLE showed significantly higher neuroticism, with no significant differences on the other traits. Neural correlates of neuroticism were then determined in participants with TLE including cortical and subcortical volumes. Distributed reductions in cortical gray matter volumes were associated with increased neuroticism. Subcortically, hippocampal and amygdala volumes were negatively associated with neuroticism. These results offer insight into alterations in the Big 5 personality traits in TLE and their brain-related correlates.

Toxicological effect and enzymatic disorder of non-studied emerging contaminants in Artemia salina model.

Emerging contaminants such as sunscreens, hair dyes and flame retardants have been found at important concentrations in surface water (river, lake, ocean), but their negative impact on different aquatic species is not fully known. This study evaluated the effect of benzophenone (BZ), 2,5-diaminotoluene sulfate (PTD), p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBPA) on survival (LC50) and the impact of sublethal concentrations (LC25) on the activity of enzymes linked to stress oxidative process in brine shrimp under two temperature conditions (22 °C and 28 °C) for 24 h and 48 h of exposure time. LC50 values obtained for each chemical substance and the activity of GST, AChE and LDH were significantly affected by the temperature conditions and exposure time. In contrast, GPx was only altered by the tested compound. TBBPA (LC50 from 17.05 up to 28.55 µg/L) and BZ (LC50 from 14.86 up to 24.49 mg/L) resulted in the most toxic substances for A. salina. The impact of dyes, such as PTD and PPD, on aquatic organisms is limited. These are the first results that show that not only dyes, but their respective by-products induce harmful effects in brine shrimp (LC50 for PTD and PPD were 23.6-396.3 and 52.0-164.9 mg/L respectively). Although this study model was very useful to evaluate the ecotoxicity of the different ECs, additional research is needed to increase available information related to the effects of dyes and other non-studied micropollutants on aquatic systems in general.

Network, clinical and sociodemographic features of cognitive phenotypes in temporal lobe epilepsy.

This study explored the taxonomy of cognitive impairment within temporal lobe epilepsy and characterized the sociodemographic, clinical and neurobiological correlates of identified cognitive phenotypes. 111 temporal lobe epilepsy patients and 83 controls (mean ages 33 and 39, 57% and 61% female, respectively) from the Epilepsy Connectome Project underwent neuropsychological assessment, clinical interview, and high resolution 3T structural and resting-state functional MRI. A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was reduced to core cognitive domains (language, memory, executive, visuospatial, motor speed) which were then subjected to cluster analysis. The resulting cognitive subgroups were compared in regard to sociodemographic and clinical epilepsy characteristics as well as variations in brain structure and functional connectivity. Three cognitive subgroups were identified (intact, language/memory/executive function impairment, generalized impairment) which differed significantly, in a systematic fashion, across multiple features. The generalized impairment group was characterized by an earlier age at medication initiation (P < 0.05), fewer patient (P < 0.001) and parental years of education (P < 0.05), greater racial diversity (P < 0.05), and greater number of lifetime generalized seizures (P < 0.001). The three groups also differed in an orderly manner across total intracranial (P < 0.001) and bilateral cerebellar cortex volumes (P < 0.01), and rate of bilateral hippocampal atrophy (P < 0.014), but minimally in regional measures of cortical volume or thickness. In contrast, large-scale patterns of cortical-subcortical covariance networks revealed significant differences across groups in global and local measures of community structure and distribution of hubs. Resting-state fMRI revealed stepwise anomalies as a function of cluster membership, with the most abnormal patterns of connectivity evident in the generalized impairment group and no significant differences from controls in the cognitively intact group. Overall, the distinct underlying cognitive phenotypes of temporal lobe epilepsy harbor systematic relationships with clinical, sociodemographic and neuroimaging correlates. Cognitive phenotype variations in patient and familial education and ethnicity, with linked variations in total intracranial volume, raise the question of an early and persisting socioeconomic-status related neurodevelopmental impact, with additional contributions of clinical epilepsy factors (e.g., lifetime generalized seizures). The neuroimaging features of cognitive phenotype membership are most notable for disrupted large scale cortical-subcortical networks and patterns of functional connectivity with bilateral hippocampal and cerebellar atrophy. The cognitive taxonomy of temporal lobe epilepsy appears influenced by features that reflect the combined influence of socioeconomic, neurodevelopmental and neurobiological risk factors.

Niveles de aprobación de ESFUNO entre los años 2019 y 2020. Facultad de Enfermería Udelar / Approval levels of ESFUNO between the years 2019 and 2020. Faculty of Nursing Udelar / Níveis de aprovação do ESFUNO entre os anos de 2019 e 2020. Faculdade de Enfermagem da Udelar

El presente trabajo muestra los resultados de un estudio de carácter diagnóstico sobre el efecto de la aplicación de una metodología de enseñanza totalmente virtual para el curso ESFUNO de Facultad de Enfermería en el marco de la pandemia por Covid-19. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y analítico comparando el desempeño académico entre las generaciones del año 2019 y 2020 mediante contraste de proporciones. Se sistematizaron los datos de desempeño estudiantil para la exoneración del curso ESFUNO y los dos primeros períodos de exámenes a partir de la finalización del curso desarrollados desde la implementación del Plan 2016. A partir de los datos obtenidos se pudo observar que predominó la exoneración del curso con un porcentaje para el año 2019 de 56 % y para el año 2020 de 79 % siendo este un aumento significativo (p<0.05). Se observó un aumento significativo de la desvinculación en el año 2020 con respecto al año 2019 (27 % y 19 % respectivamente) (p<0.05). La proporción de estudiantes que salvaron el examen de ESFUNO aumento significativamente en el segundo periodo para el año 2019 (p<0.05) pero no así para el año 2020 (p>0.05). Al comparar la proporción de aprobación del primer periodo entre la generación que cursó en 2019y la generación que cursó en 2020 se observó un aumento significativo para el año 2020 (p<0.05). Finalmente se observó que en el año 2020 hubo una asociación positiva entre aquellos alumnos que sin exonerar tuvieron una nota media (5) y un mayor porcentaje de aprobación del examen. Se concluye que la utilización de la total virtualidad aplicada en el año 2020 en el curso ESFUNO no tuvo un impacto negativo sobre los niveles de aprobación del mismo ya sea a nivel de exoneración como a nivel de aprobación en el primer y segundo periodo de examen.

This work shows the results of a diagnostic study on the effect of the application of a totally virtual teaching methodology for the ESFUNO course of the School of Nursing, in the frame work of the Covid-19 pandemic. A descriptive and analytical observational study was carried out to compare academic performances between the 2019 and 2020 class by comparing proportions. Student performance data were systematized for the ESFUNO exam exemption and the first two exam periods immediately after the end of the course, for all the years since the implementation of the 2016 Plan. From the data obtained, it was observed that the exam exemption prevailed with a 56 % for the 2019 class and for a 79 % for the2020 class, this being a significant increase (p<0.05). A significant increase in disengagement was observed in 2020compared to 2019 (27 % and 19 % respectively) (p<0.05). The proportion of students who saved the ESFUNO exam in the second period, increased significantly for 2019 (p<0.05) but not for 2020 class (p>0.05). When comparing the passing rate during the first period between the 2019 and 2020 classes, a significant increase was observed for 2020 (p<0.05). Finally, it was observed that in 2020 there was a positive association between those students who, without exam exemption, had an average grade (5) and a higher percentage of students passing the exam. It is concluded that the use of the total virtuality applied in the year 2020 for the ESFUNO course did not have a negative impact on the approval rate, either at the exemption level or at the approval level in the first and second period of exam.

O presente trabalho mostra os resultados de um estudo diagnóstico sobre o efeito da aplicação de uma metodologia de ensino totalmente virtual para o curso ESFUNO da Faculdade de Enfermagem no contexto da pandemia Covid-19. Realizou-se um estudo observacional descritivo e analítico comparando o desempenho acadêmico entre as gerações de 2019 e 2020 através da comparação de proporções. Se sistematizaram os dados do desempenho estudantil para aprovação direta do curso ESFUNO e os dois primeiros períodos das provas a partir da finalização do curso desenvolvidos após a implementação do Plano 2016. Pelos dados obtidos, observou-se que houve predomínio da aprovação direta do curso, com uma porcentagem de 56% para o ano de 2019 e de 79 % para o ano de 2020, sendo este um aumento significativo (p<0.05). Observou-se, ainda, no ano de 2020 um aumento significativo da desvinculação do curso quando comparado ao ano de 2019 (27 % e 19 %, respectivamente) (p<0.05). A proporção de estudantes que passaram na prova de ESFUNO aumentou significativamente no segundo período para o ano de 2019 (p<0.05), porém não se observou o mesmo no ano de 2020 (p>0.05). Ao comparar a taxa de aprovação no primeiro período de recuperação entre a geração que cursou no ano de 2019 com a geração que cursou no ano de 2020, se observou um aumento significativo para o ano de 2020 (p<0.05). Finalmente, foi observado que no ano de 2020 houve uma associação positiva entre aqueles alunos que não obtiveram aprovação direta, mas tiveram nota média (5) e maior percentual de aprovação. Conclui-se que a utilização da modalidade totalmente virtual aplicada no ano de 2020 para realização do curso ESFUNO não teve um impacto negativo sobre os níveis de aprovação do mesmo, seja no nível de aprovação direta, como no nível de aprovação no primeiro e segundo períodos de provas.

Participation of glucose transporters on atrial natriuretic peptide-induced glucose uptake by adult and neonatal cardiomyocytes under oxygenation and hypoxia.

Natriuretic peptides, beside their endocrine actions, have paracrine functions which include regulating glucose uptake and metabolism. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) actions are mediated by cGMP which is implicated in the metabolic adaptation of glucose metabolism to oxygen deprivation in the heart. Although, it has been reported that ANP increases glucose uptake, cGMP decreases it. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the role of the glucose transporters 1 and 4 (GLUTS), in glucose uptake produced by ANP in fatty acid-dependent adult cardiomyocytes and glucose-dependent neonatal cardiomyocytes under oxygenation and hypoxia, which reverts adult metabolism to glucose-dependent. We also explored if the calcium-calmodulin complex participates in ANP-induced increase in glucose uptake. Neonatal cells had a higher glucose uptake than adult cells and GLUT 1 participated in basal uptake in both cell types. Hypoxia increased glucose uptake in adult cardiomyocytes but not in neonatal cells and this increase in glucose uptake was mediated by GLUT4. ANP increased glucose uptake in both adult and neonatal myocytes, under oxygenation and hypoxia, and GLUT4 favored this increase. Neonatal cells were less sensitive to ANP. Trifluoperazine, a calcium-calmodulin blocker, inhibited the ANP-induced increase in glucose uptake. This suggests that ANP promotes GLUT 4 calcium-mediated recruitment to the cell membrane. In conclusion, glucose uptake regulation is one of the paracrine metabolic effects of ANP in adult and neonatal cardiomyocytes under oxygenation and hypoxia. This effect of this peptide could explain the beneficial effects found in the internal medicine and surgical fields.

Estrés oxidativo en saliva generado por el humo de tabaco: impacto en la periodontitis y perspectivas hacia el uso de farmacología redox / Oxidative stress in saliva induced by tobacco smoke: impact on periodontitis and perspectives with redox pharmacology / Estresse oxidativo na saliva gerado pela fumaça do tabaco: impacto na periodontite e perspectivas para o uso da farmacologia redox

Numerosos reportes demuestran la presencia de biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo en la saliva de fumadores y hay un creciente interés en correlacionar estos procesos moleculares con la etiología de algunas enfermedades orales, como la periodontitis, una enfermedad inmunoinflamatoria crónica relacionada con un desequilibrio de la homeostasis redox celular. Objetivo: realizar una revisión narrativa sobre la relación entre la disminución de la capacidad antioxidante salival inducida por humo de tabaco, la periodontitis y el potencial uso de farmacología redox para el tratamiento de esta patología. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos como PUBMED (NLM, NIH, NCBI) y SciELO. Resultados: existe evidencia que relaciona la baja capacidad antioxidante salival con un retraso en el restablecimiento de las condiciones normales en la cavidad oral ante el desarrollo de periodontitis. A su vez, el estado inflamatorio asociado colabora sinérgicamente, provocando un mayor daño tisular con pérdida de tejidos de soporte dentario, fenómeno que podría ser modulado por la acción de farmacología redox. Conclusiones: la intervención con farmacología redox, podría atenuar los biomarcadores de progresión de la enfermedad periodontal, constituyendo una herramienta prometedora para utilizar en conjunto con las estrategias de tratamiento tradicionales.

Numerous reports demonstrate the presence of oxidative stress biomarkers in the saliva of smokers and there is a growing interest in correlating these molecular processes with the etiology of some oral diseases, such as periodontitis, a chronic immunoinlammatory disease related to an imbalance of cellular redox homeostasis. Aims: achieve a narrative review on the relationship between the decrease in salivary antioxidant capacity induced by tobacco smoke, periodontitis, and the potential use of redox pharmacology for the treatment of this pathology. Methods: a bibliographic search was carried out in databases such as PUBMED (NLM, NIH, NCBI) and SciELO. Results: there is evidence that relates the low salivary antioxidant capacity with a delay in the reestablishment of normal conditions in the oral cavity before the development of periodontitis. In turn, the associated inflammatory state collaborates synergistically, causing greater tissue damage with loss of dental support tissues, a phenomenon that could be modulated by the action of redox pharmacology. Conclusions: intervention with redox pharmacology could attenuate the biomarkers of periodontal disease progression, constituting a promising tool to be used in conjunction with traditional treatment strategies.

Muitos artigos demonstram a presença de biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo na saliva de fumantes e há um interesse crescente em correlacionar esses processos moleculares com a etiologia de algumas doenças bucais, como a periodontite, uma doença imunoinlamatória crônica relacionada a um desequilíbrio da redox celular homeostase. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão narrativa sobre a relaçã o entre a diminuiçã o da capacidade antioxidante salivar induzida pela fumaça do tabaco, periodontite e o uso potencial da farmacologia redox para o tratamento desta patologia. Métodos: uma pesquisa bibliográica foi realizada usando bases de dados como PUBMED (NLM, NIH, NCBI) e SciELO. Resultados: há evidências que relacionam a baixa capacidade antioxidante salivar com o retardo no restabelecimento das condições normais da cavidade oral antes do desenvolvimento da periodontite. Por sua vez, o estado inflamatório associado colabora sinergicamente, causando maior dano tecidual com perda de tecidos de suporte dentário, fenômeno que poderia ser modulado pela açã o da farmacologia redox. Conclusões: a intervençã o com a farmacologia redox poderia atenuar os biomarcadores de progressã o da doença periodontal, constituindo-se em uma ferramenta promissora para ser utilizada em conjunto com estratégias tradicionais de tratamento.