In vitro blood brain barrier exposure to mycotoxins and carotenoids pumpkin extract alters mitochondrial gene expression and oxidative stress.

Food and feed are daily exposed to mycotoxin contamination which effects may be counteracted by antioxidants like carotenoids. Some mycotoxins as well as carotenoids penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) inducing alterations related to redox balance in the mitochondria. Therefore, the in vitro BBB model ECV304 was subcultured for 7 days and exposed to beauvericine, enniatins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone (100 nM each), individually and combined, and pumpkin extract (500 nM). Reactive oxygen species were measured by fluorescence using the dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe at 0 h, 2 h and 4 h. Intracellular ROS generation reported was condition dependent. RNA extraction was performed and gene expression was analyzed by qPCR after 2 h exposure. The selected genes were related to the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and mitochondrial activity. Gene expression reported upregulation for exposures including mycotoxins plus pumpkin extract versus individual mycotoxins. Beauvericin and Beauvericin-Enniatins exposure significantly downregulated Complex I and pumpkin addition reverted the effect upregulating Complex I. Complex IV was the most downregulated structure of the ETC. Thioredoxin Interacting Protein was the most upregulated gene. These data confirm that mitochondrial processes in the BBB could be compromised by mycotoxin exposure and damage could be modulated by dietary antioxidants like carotenoids.

Auditory prediction errors and auditory white matter microstructure associated with psychotic-like experiences in healthy individuals.

Our sensory systems actively predict sensory information based on previously learnt patterns, which are continuously updated with information from the actual sensory input via prediction errors. Individuals with schizophrenia consistently show reduced auditory prediction errors as well as altered fractional anisotropy (indicative of white matter changes) in the arcuate fasciculus and the auditory interhemispheric pathway, both of which are auditory white matter pathways associated with prediction errors. However, it is not clear if healthy individuals with psychotic-like experiences exhibit similar deficits. Participants underwent electroencephalography (EEG) recordings while listening to a classical two-tone duration deviant oddball paradigm (n = 103) and a stochastic oddball paradigm (n = 89). A subset of participants (n = 89) also underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fractional anisotropy (FA), was extracted from the arcuate fasciculi and the auditory interhemispheric pathway. While prediction errors evoked by the classical oddball paradigm failed to reveal significant effects, the stochastic oddball paradigm elicited significant clusters at the typical mismatch negativity time window. Furthermore, we observed that FA of the arcuate fasciculi and auditory interhemispheric pathway significantly improved predictive models of psychotic-like experiences in healthy individuals over and above predictions made by auditory prediction error responses alone. Specifically, we observed that decreasing FA in the auditory interhemispheric pathway and reducing ability to learn stochastic irregularities are associated with increasing CAPE + scores. To the extent that these associations have previously been reported in patients with schizophrenia, the findings from this study suggest that both, auditory prediction errors and white matter changes in the auditory interhemispheric pathway, may have the potential to be translated into early screening markers for psychosis.

Sensory prediction errors in the continuum of psychosis.

Sensory prediction errors are fundamental brain responses that signal a violation of expectation in either the internal or external sensory environment, and are therefore crucial for survival and adaptive behaviour. Patients with schizophrenia show deficits in these internal and external sensory prediction errors, which can be measured using electroencephalography (EEG) components such as N1 and mismatch negativity (MMN), respectively. New evidence suggests that these deficits in sensory prediction errors are more widely distributed on a continuum of psychosis, whereas psychotic experiences exist to varying degrees throughout the general population. In this paper, we review recent findings in sensory prediction errors in the auditory domain across the continuum of psychosis, and discuss these in light of the predictive coding hypothesis.

Effects of a respiratory functional training program on pain and sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 8-week respiratory functional training program on pain tolerance, sleep, and urinary antioxidant and cortisol levels in 18 patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Participants underwent a 12-week intervention: 4 weeks as control and 8 weeks of breathing exercises. Pain tolerance assay was done by using an algometer, whereas sleep quality was evaluated by actigraphy and by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Cortisol and antioxidant levels were determined using commercial assay kits. RESULTS: Increases in the pain tolerance threshold were detected in the occiput point after one month of intervention as well as in the low cervical and second rib points after one and two months. Actigraphy revealed a decrease in sleep latency, whereas sleep questionnaire showed improvements in sleep quality, sleep duration and sleep efficiency. No changes in cortisol and antioxidant levels were detected. CONCLUSION: The 8-week breathing exercise intervention reduced pain and improved sleep quality.

Consumers' sensitivity to androstenone and the evaluation of different cooking methods to mask boar taint.

Boar taint is an unpleasant odour and flavour present in some entire male pigs that is due to the presence of androstenone and skatole. The aim of the study was to assess the sensitivity of 150 consumers to androstenone and to compare the acceptability and liking of meat from castrated and entire pigs, cooked with different cooking methods. Meat samples consisted of loins from castrated (CM) and entire male pigs (EM) with high levels of androstenone cooked by two cooking methods: sous-vide and fried/breaded with garlic and parsley. Consumers evaluated smell and flavour acceptability, and overall liking of CM and EM for each cooking method. The results of the study showed that dislike of androstenone odour increased significantly with sensitivity. The results of acceptability and overall liking were similar in CM and EM for both cooking methods. Therefore, the two cooking methods used in the study may be useful to mask boar taint.

The maturation of mismatch negativity networks in normal adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the generation of the mismatch negativity (MMN) and its development from adolescence to early adulthood. METHODS: We used dynamic causal modelling (DCM) to study connectivity models for healthy adults and adolescents. MMN was elicited with an auditory oddball paradigm in two groups of healthy subjects with mean age 14 (n=52) and 26 (n=26). We tested models with different hierarchical complexities including up to five cortical nodes. RESULTS: We showed that the network generating MMN consisted of 5 nodes that could modulate all intra- and internodal connections. The inversion of this model showed that adolescents had reduced backward connection from rIFG to rSTG (p<0.04) together with increased excitatory activity in rSTG (p<0.02). There was a reduced modulation of excitability in rSTG (p<0.02) and of forward connectivity from lA1 to lSTG (p<0.03). CONCLUSION: The cortical network generating MMN continues to develop in adolescence up to adulthood. Cortical regions in the temporal and frontal lobes, involved in auditory processing, mature with increasing fronto-temporal connectivity together with increased sensitivity in the temporal regions for changes in sound stimuli. SIGNIFICANCE: This study may offer an explanation for the neurobiological maturation of the MMN in adolescence.

Volatile profile of breast milk subjected to high-pressure processing or thermal treatment.

The effect of Holder pasteurisation (HoP) (62.5°C for 30 min) or high-pressure treatments (400 or 600 MPa for 3 or 6 min) on the volatile compound profile of human breast milk was evaluated, in order to compare both preservation technologies. A total of 46 different volatile compounds was found in milk samples. The most abundant compounds detected were aliphatic hydrocarbons. In general, the effect of some high-pressure treatments on the volatile profile of human milk was less intense than that caused by HoP. The treatments at 400 and 600 MPa for 3 min maintained the volatile compounds at similar levels to those found in control milk samples. However, the application of 600 MPa for 6 min changed the original volatile compounds of human milk, even more than HoP. Since, HPP at 400 or 600 MPa for 3 min preserved the original volatile compounds of human milk, this novel process may be an alternative to thermal pasteurisation.

Effect of different format-solvent rosemary extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) on frozen chicken nuggets quality.

Three kinds of Rosmarinus officinalis extract (powder-acetone, liquid-methanol, liquid-acetone) were used to examine the effects of format-solvent on the active compounds extracted (total phenolic, carnosol and carnosic acid content) and antioxidant activity (FRAP, ABTS). The results showed that both, as the format but also the solvent used, had significant effect on the parameters analyzed (p < 0.05). The highest antioxidant activity was found for the powder-acetone extract followed by the liquid methanol and liquid acetone extracts (p < 0.05). The effect of the three different extracts on the physical-chemical and sensory quality of frozen chicken nuggets was evaluated. At the dose proposed by the European Union Directive 2010/69/EU for the carnosic and carnosol compounds [150 ppm (mg/kg fat basic)], the format-solvent combination of the rosemary extracts used did not modify the chicken nuggets quality characteristics (pH, colour, sensory quality) and still underlines the effectiveness of these extracts.

Effects and interactions of tachykinins and dynorphin on FSH and LH secretion in developing and adult rats.

Kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons, which coexpress kisspeptins (Kps), neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (Dyn), regulate gonadotropin secretion. The KNDy model proposes that NKB (a stimulator, through NK3R) and Dyn (an inhibitor, through κ-opioid receptor) shape Kp secretion onto GnRH neurons. However, some aspects of this paradigm remain ill defined. Here we aimed to characterize the following: 1) the effects of NKB signaling on FSH secretion and 2) the role of Dyn in gonadotropin secretion after NK3R activation; 3) additionally, we explored the roles of other tachykinin receptors, NK1R and NK2R, on gonadotropin release. Thus, the effects of the NK3R agonist, senktide, on FSH release were explored across postnatal development in male and female rats; gonadotropin responses to agonists of NK1R substance P and NK2R [neurokinin A (NKA)] were also monitored. Moreover, the effects of senktide on gonadotropin secretion were assessed after antagonizing Dyn actions by nor-binaltorphimine didydrochloride. Before puberty, rats of both sexes showed increased FSH secretion to senktide (and Kp-10). Conversely, adult female rats were irresponsive to senktide in terms of FSH, despite proven LH responses, whereas the adult males did not display FSH or LH responses to senktide, even at high doses. In turn, substance P and NKA stimulated gonadotropin secretion in prepubertal rats, whereas in adults modest gonadotropin responses to NKA were detected. By pretreatment with a Dyn antagonist, adult males became responsive to senktide in terms of LH secretion and displayed elevated basal LH and FSH levels; nor-binaltorphimine didydrochloride treatment uncovered FSH responses to senktide in adult females. Furthermore, the expression of Pdyn and Opkr1 (encoding Dyn and κ-opioid receptor, respectively) in the mediobasal hypothalamus was greater in males than in females at prepubertal ages. Overall, our data contribute to refining our understanding on how the elements of the KNDy node and related factors (ie, other tachykinins) differentially participate in the control of gonadotropins at different stages of rat postnatal maturation.

Crude glycerine inclusion in Limousin bull diets: animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Three hundred and six Limousin young bulls (7±1months of age, initial body weight 273±43kg) were used to evaluate the effect of crude glycerine supplementation on animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. Animals were assigned to three different diets: Control (0% of crude glycerine), G2 and G4 (2 and 4% of crude glycerine, respectively). The diets were administrated ad libitum for 240days (final body weight 644±24kg). Average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, the gain:feed ratio, ultrasound measures in vivo, carcass characteristics, pH, water holding capacity, drip losses, and cooking losses were not affected (P>0.05) by diets. Diet decreased C16:0 (P<0.01) and C16:1 (P<0.05) contents in meat. The G4 meat showed lower C12:0, C14:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, c9,t11-c18:2, C20:0 and C20:4 levels (P<0.05) than control. Glycerine increased desirable fatty acid percentages (P<0.05) in intramuscular fat.

Primary drug resistance among pulmonary treatment-naïve tuberculosis patients in Amazonas State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is the main indicator of previous treatment in tuberculosis (TB) patients. MDR-TB among treatment-naïve patients indicates infection with drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, and such cases are considered primary drug-resistant cases. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of drug resistance in pulmonary TB (PTB) treatment-naïve patients and to identify the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the resistant population. METHODS: A total of 205 treatment-naïve PTB patients from Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, were enrolled. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed on all positive mycobacterial cultures using the 1% proportion method. RESULTS: Positive M. tuberculosis cultures were obtained from only 175 patients for DST. The prevalence of primary MDR-TB was 1.7% (3/175); 14.3% (25/175) of the cultures presented resistance to at least one of the drugs. Resistance to streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol was respectively 8.6%, 6.9%, 3.4% and 2.3%. An association between TB patients with resistance to more than one drug and known previous household contact with a TB patient was observed (P= 0.008, OR 6.7, 95%CI 1.2-67.3). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of primary MDR-TB currently is relatively low, it may become a major public health problem if tailored treatment is not provided, as resistance to more than one drug is significantly associated with household contact.

A Jerte valley cherry product provides beneficial effects on sleep quality. Influence on aging.

OBJECTIVE: In the present work, we evaluated the effect of the intake of a Jerte Valley cherry-based product (JVCP), compared to a placebo product, on sleep quality, urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6-s) levels and the serum concentration of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). DESIGN: This was a blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study. SETTING: University of Extremadura (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Ten young (20-30 years old), ten middle-aged (35-55 years old), and ten elderly (65-85 years old) participants. INTERVENTION: A placebo (Kool-Aid®) or JVCP (patent no. ES 2342141 B1) were consumed twice a day, as lunch and dinner desserts. MEASUREMENTS: Actigraphic monitoring was used to record and display the temporal patterns of the individuals' activity and rest. Urinary aMT6-s and serum cytokines (IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-8) were also determined. RESULTS: The consumption of the JVCP improved the nocturnal rest, measured by sleep efficiency, number of awakenings, total nocturnal activity, sleep latency, assumed sleep, actual sleep time and immobility. Moreover, it was detected an increase in both the levels of aMT6-s found in first-void morning urine and the concentrations of serum pro-somnogenic cytokines obtained from samples collected at the acrophase of the melatonin rhythm (1.00 am) in all experimental age groups after the JVCP consumption. Generally, better results were obtained with advancing age. CONCLUSION: The ingestion of the JVCP may contribute to establish a high-quality sleep and be used as a potential nutraceutical tool to prevent sleep disorders with the advance of age.

Changes in hypothalamic expression of the Lin28/let-7 system and related microRNAs during postnatal maturation and after experimental manipulations of puberty.

Lin28 and Lin28b are related RNA-binding proteins that inhibit the maturation of miRNAs of the let-7 family and participate in the control of cellular stemness and early embryonic development. Considerable interest has arisen recently concerning other physiological roles of the Lin28/let-7 axis, including its potential involvement in the control of puberty, as suggested by genome-wide association studies and functional genomics. We report herein the expression profiles of Lin28 and let-7 members in the rat hypothalamus during postnatal maturation and in selected models of altered puberty. The expression patterns of c-Myc (upstream positive regulator of Lin28), mir-145 (negative regulator of c-Myc), and mir-132 and mir-9 (putative miRNA repressors of Lin28, predicted by bioinformatic algorithms) were also explored. In male and female rats, Lin28, Lin28b, and c-Myc mRNAs displayed very high hypothalamic expression during the neonatal period, markedly decreased during the infantile-to-juvenile transition and reached minimal levels before/around puberty. A similar puberty-related decline was observed for Lin28b in monkey hypothalamus but not in the rat cortex, suggesting species conservation and tissue specificity. Conversely, let-7a, let-7b, mir-132, and mir-145, but not mir-9, showed opposite expression profiles. Perturbation of brain sex differentiation and puberty, by neonatal treatment with estrogen or androgen, altered the expression ratios of Lin28/let-7 at the time of puberty. Changes in the c-Myc/Lin28b/let-7 pathway were also detected in models of delayed puberty linked to early photoperiod manipulation and, to a lesser extent, postnatal underfeeding or chronic subnutrition. Altogether, our data are the first to document dramatic changes in the expression of the Lin28/let-7 axis in the rat hypothalamus during the postnatal maturation and after different manipulations that disturb puberty, thus suggesting the potential involvement of developmental changes in hypothalamic Lin28/let-7 expression in the mechanisms permitting/leading to puberty onset.

Diets enriched with a Jerte Valley cherry-based nutraceutical product reinforce nocturnal behaviour in young and old animals of nocturnal (Rattus norvegicus) and diurnal (Streptopelia risoria) chronotypes.

The decline in melatonin secretion with age seems to be one of the major reasons for increased sleep disruption in older animals. Previously, we showed that the administration with melatonin or its precursor, tryptophan, improved activity/rest rhythms in aged individuals. Here, it was evaluated the effect of a 10-day consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry-based nutraceutical product (patent no. ES2342141B1), which contains high levels of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, on the activity/rest rhythms of young and old rats (Rattus norvegicus) and ringdoves (Streptopelia risoria) as representatives of animals with nocturnal and diurnal habits, respectively, and its possible relationship with the serum levels of melatonin and glucose. Total diurnal and nocturnal activity pulses were logged at control, during, and up to 3 days after the treatment. Melatonin and glucose were measured with ELISA and testing kits respectively. In both young and old rats, the intake of the cherry nutraceutical decreased diurnal activity, whereas nocturnal activity increased. The opposite effect was observed for ringdoves. The treatment increased the circulating levels of melatonin in both species and restored the amplitude of the activity rhythm in the old animals to that of the non-treated young groups. The consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry-based nutraceutical product may help to counteract the impaired activity/rest rhythm found in aged animals.

Administration of distillate thyme leaves into the diet of Segureña ewes: effect on lamb meat quality.

The effect of including thyme by-products from the distillation industry into the diet of pregnant ewes on the final quality of lamb meat was evaluated during meat storage in modified atmosphere. A total of 36 Segureña ewes were randomly assigned to three homogeneous groups. One group was fed a basal diet (BD) as control (C), whereas the diet of the other two groups was modified by substituting 10% (T 1) and 20% (T 2) of the BD with pellets made from 50% barley and 50% distilled thyme leaves (DTL). Meat spoilage (total viable, psychrotroph (PSY), moulds and yeasts, Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), colour (CIELab coordinates, metmyoglobin) and sensory characteristics of fresh lamb meat packed in modified atmosphere packaging (70% O2 : 30% CO2) were analysed after storage at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. In general, the DTL-containing diet inhibited lipid and pigment oxidation in fresh lamb meat. Lower PSY counts and content of secondary oxidation product (TBARS) as a result of adding DTL to the ewe diet, whereas surface redness (a* values) was significantly higher on days 7 and 14. It can be concluded that thyme by-products from the distillation industry could be used as a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial in the feed for ewes.

Textural and viscoelastic properties of pork frankfurters containing canola-olive oils, rice bran, and walnut.

Textural, rheological and microstructural properties of frankfurters made with 20% pork backfat, 20% canola or 20% canola-olive (3:1) oils, including rice bran (RB) and walnut extract (WE) as macronutrients (2.5%) were investigated. Textural parameters, including hardness, gumminess and rupture-force, were highly (P<0.05) influenced by the fat-oil composition. Addition of RB or WE in vegetable oil emulsions improved textural consistency (P<0.05). However, RB addition reduced gelling capacity, suggesting antagonistic interactions between fiber and oil droplets. Vegetable oil addition favored gel network formation, and, when combined with WE, showed the highest improvement of gel elasticity. These textural and gelling properties were corroborated by frankfurter micrographs, which revealed interactions between vegetable oils, RB, or WE with protein matrix and fat globules affecting these parameters. The results suggest that functional plant-derived ingredients can be valuable to the modification of frankfurter formulations for improved nutrition and as well as textural quality.

Produção de biomassa de erva-cidreira [Lippia alba (Mill. ) N.E.Br. ] sob adubação com composto de capim elefante inoculado e sem inoculação de actinomicetos / Biomass production of Lippia alba (Mill. ) N.E.Br. under fertilization with compost inoculated elephant grass and without inoculation of actinomycetes

A erva-cidreira [Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br.] é uma espécie da família Verbenaceae amplamente utilizada pela população brasileira, devido às propriedades calmante, espasmolítica suave, analgésica, sedativa, ansiolítica e levemente expectorante. Para implantação do experimento foi produzido composto orgânico de capim elefante + esterco, na proporção de 70% de material vegetal e 30% de esterco, sem inoculação e inoculados com os isolados de actinomicetos do gênero Streptomyces: AC16; AC26; AC92 e AC103. Os compostos foram acondicionados em sacos de polietileno contendo 10,0 kg de solo adicionados na proporção equivalente a 20 t ha-1 e foram reaplicados logo após a primeira colheita. As colheitas da parte aérea foram realizadas aos 75 e 165 dias após o transplante. As raízes foram colhidas logo após a segunda colheita. Os tratatamentos com adubação orgânica promoveram aumento médio na produção de biomassa da erva-cidreira de 184, 83, 125, 115 e 122% para biomassa seca da parte aérea (MSPA) na primeira colheita, de MSPA na segunda colheita, biomassa seca total da parte aérea (MSTPA), biomassa seca de raiz (MSR) e biomassa seca total da cultura (MST), respectivamente, quando comparados com o tratamento controle, porém não houve efeito da inoculação de actinomicetos no composto orgânico. Nas condições em que este estudo foi realizado foi possível concluir que a adubação com composto orgânico de capim elefante influenciou positivamente a produção de biomassa seca da L. alba, mas a inoculação dos compostos com actinomicetos não exerceu influência.

L. alba is a species of the family Verbenaceae widely used by the Brazilian population, because of the soothing, gentle antispasmodic, analgesic, expectorant, sedative, anxiolytic and smoothly. For the implementation of the experiment produced organic compound of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Shum.) + manure at 70% plant material and 30% manure, uninoculated and inoculated with the actinomycete Streptomyces genus, AC16, AC26, AC92 and AC103. The compounds were placed in polyethylene bags containing 10.0 kg of soil added in a proportion equivalent to 20 t ha-1 and re-apply after the first harvest. The harvests of the shoots were taken at 75 and 165 days after transplantation. The roots were harvested after the second harvest. Dealing with organic fertilization promoted the average increase in biomass production of lemon grass 184, 83, 125, 115 and 122% for the dry stem biomass (MSPA) in the first harvest, second harvest of MSPA, total shoot biomass (MSTPA), dry biomass of the root (MSR) and the total crop biomass (MST), respectively, compared with the control, but no effect of inoculation of actinomycetes in compost. Under the conditions of this study was conducted, it was concluded that the organic compound fertilizer with elephant grass positively influenced the production of dry biomass of L. alba, but the injection of the compounds of the actinomycetes, without influence.

Uso de la técnica de miofeedback orientada en actividades de la vida diaria básicas en personas secueladas de un accidente cerebro vascular / Myofeedback in basic activities daily life in patiens with stroke

El Accidente Cerebro Vascular (ACV) es la segunda causa de muerte en Chile y sus secuelas repercuten en el desempeño ocupacional; 50 por ciento necesita asistencia para bañarse, 30 por ciento para vestirse y 10 por ciento para higiene personal. La recuperación funcional e independencia es el objetivo de la rehabilitación, sin embargo, existe escasa evidencia de técnicas efectivas para usuarios secuelados de un ACV. El Miofeedback se ha dirigido al reaprendizaje de movimientos aislados y repetitivos, por lo tanto este trabajo tiene como objetivo "conocer el funcionamiento motor, ocupacional y de satisfacción de movimientos en usuarios con ACV antes y después de la aplicación de un Programa de Miofeedback orientado en AVDB". El grupo de estudio corresponde 8 personas. Cada uno tuvo 10 sesiones individuales de 60 minutos, 2 veces por semana, usando el miofeedback durante la ejecución de las AVDB. Evaluadores doble enmascarado aplican 5 pautas de evaluación al inicio y al término del Programa. Los participantes logran mejoras estadísticamente significativas en 5 de las 6 pautas, utilizando una prueba no paramétrica (t-student). Según estos resultados el uso de Miofeedback genera cambios significativos en los participantes, permitiendo generar evidencia tanto del uso de la ocupación como medio terapéutico, como de la tecnología al servicio de la rehabilitación.

The Stroke is the second reason of death in Chile and its sequels (motor, cognitive, etc) affect the occupational performance, causing dependence in basic activities of the daily living (BADL): 50 percent needs assistance to washing, 30 percent to dress and 10 percent for personal hygiene. The functional recovery and independence is the aim of the rehabilitation, but there exists scanty evidence of effective techniques for chronic users whit stroke. The myofeedback has gone to the relearning of aislated and repetitive movement, therefore this work has as aim "to know the motor occupational function and satisfaction of movement of stroke patients before and after the application of a Miofeedback's Program, oriented to BADL". The group of study corresponds to 8 persons. Each one had 10 individual sessions of 60 minutes, twice a week, using the Miofeedback during the performance of the BADL. Double blinded apply 5 test; motor, occupational function and satisfaction of movement to initial and final of treatment. Participants achieve statistically significant improvements in 5 of 6 tests, using non-parametric test (t-student). According to these results Miofeedback's use generates significant changes in the participants, allowing to generate evidence both on the use of occupation as a therapeutic means, as on the technology at the service of rehabilitation.

The mammalian target of rapamycin as novel central regulator of puberty onset via modulation of hypothalamic Kiss1 system.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that operates as sensor of cellular energy status and effector for its coupling to cell growth and proliferation. At the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, mTOR signaling has been recently proposed as transducer for leptin effects on energy homeostasis and food intake. However, whether central mTOR also participates in metabolic regulation of fertility remains unexplored. We provide herein evidence for the involvement of mTOR in the control of puberty onset and LH secretion, likely via modulation of hypothalamic expression of Kiss1. Acute activation of mTOR by l-leucine stimulated LH secretion in pubertal female rats, whereas chronic l-leucine infusion partially rescued the state of hypogonadotropism induced by food restriction. Conversely, blockade of central mTOR signaling by rapamycin caused inhibition of the gonadotropic axis at puberty, with significantly delayed vaginal opening, decreased LH and estradiol levels, and ovarian and uterine atrophy. Inactivation of mTOR also blunted the positive effects of leptin on puberty onset in food-restricted females. Yet the GnRH/LH system retained their ability to respond to ovariectomy and kisspeptin-10 after sustained blockade of mTOR, ruling out the possibility of unspecific disruption of GnRH function by rapamycin. Finally, mTOR inactivation evoked a significant decrease of Kiss1 expression at the hypothalamus, with dramatic suppression of Kiss1 mRNA levels at the arcuate nucleus. Altogether our results unveil the role of central mTOR signaling in the control of puberty onset and gonadotropin secretion, a phenomenon that involves the regulation of Kiss1 and may contribute to the functional coupling between energy balance and gonadal activation and function.

Immunoglobulin-E reactivity to a glycosylated food allergen (peanuts) due to interference with cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants in heavy drinkers.

BACKGROUND: N-glycans in plant and invertebrate glycoproteins can induce extensive IgE cross-reactivity therefore limiting the specificity of in vitro allergy tests. IgE sensitization to N-glycans (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants, CCDs) may be increased in heavy drinkers, who therefore show IgE reactivity to aeroallergens, latex, and Hymenoptera venoms. The peanut, a CCD-bearing allergen, is the leading cause of severe food allergic reactions in many populations. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the potential interference of CCDs with determinations of IgE to peanuts in heavy drinkers. METHODS: We determined IgE to peanuts and IgE to a CCD marker (MUXF(3), the N-glycan from bromelain) in 41 heavy drinkers admitted to the hospital and 54 healthy controls. None of the participants reported symptoms of peanut allergy. In cases with positive (>or=0.35 kU/l) IgE to peanuts, we performed inhibition assays with a neoglycoprotein consisting of MUXF(3) molecules coupled to bovine serum albumin (MUXF(3)-BSA) and a similar neoglycoprotein lacking xylose and fucose (MM-BSA). In the same cases, we screened for IgE to a panel of recombinant nonglycosylated peanut allergens. SDS-PAGE immunoblotting and inhibition assays were performed in selected cases. RESULTS: The prevalence of positive IgE to peanuts was 22 and 3.7% in heavy drinkers and healthy controls, respectively (p < 0.001). Peanut-IgE positivity was closely related to the presence of IgE to CCDs. In most (8/9) heavy drinkers with positive IgE to peanuts, reactivity was inhibited by preincubation with MUXF(3)-BSA, but not with MM-BSA. IgE binding to multiple bands on immunoblotting studies was also inhibited by MUXF(3)-BSA preincubation. IgE to nonglycosylated recombinant peanut allergens was uniformly negative. CONCLUSION: Heavy drinking is associated with clinically asymptomatic IgE reactivity to peanuts, a relevant food allergen, in relation to CCD interference.