Effect of B-NIPOx in Experimental Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Mice.

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and represents a major public health problem, which is endemic in Latin America and emerging in the rest of the world. The two drugs that are currently available for its treatment, Benznidazole and Nifurtimox, are partially effective in the chronic phase of the disease. In this study, we designed and synthesized the benzyl ester of N-isopropyl oxamic acid (B-NIPOx), which is a non-polar molecule that crosses cell membranes. B-NIPOx is cleaved inside the parasite by carboxylesterases, releasing benzyl alcohol (a molecule with antimicrobial activity), and NIPOx, which is an inhibitor of α-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase isozyme II (HADH-II), a key enzyme in T. cruzi metabolism. We evaluated B-NIPOx cytotoxicity, its toxicity in mice, and its inhibitory activity on purified HADH-II and on T. cruzi homogenates. We then evaluated the trypanocidal activity of B-NIPOx in vitro and in vivo and its effect in the intestine of T. cruzi-infected mice. We found that B-NIPOx had higher trypanocidal activity on epimastigotes and trypomastigotes than Benznidazole and Nifurtimox, that it was more effective to reduce blood parasitemia and amastigote nests in infected mice, and that, in contrast to the reference drugs, it prevented the development of Chagasic enteropathy.

AT1 -R is involved in the development of long-lasting, region-dependent and oxidative stress-independent astrocyte morphological alterations induced by Ketamine.

Astrocytes play an essential role in the genesis, maturation and regulation of the neurovascular unit. Multiple evidence support that astrocyte reactivity has a close relationship to neurovascular unit dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation, providing a suitable scenario for the development of mental disorders. Ketamine has been proposed as a single-use antidepressant treatment in major depression, and its antidepressant effects have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties. However, Ketamine long-lasting effects over the neurovascular unit components remain unclear. Angiotensin II AT1 receptor (AT1 -R) blockers have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The present work aims to distinguish the acute and long-term Ketamine effects over astrocytes response extended to other neurovascular unit components, and the involvement of AT1 -R, in prefrontal cortex and ventral tegmental area. Male Wistar rats were administered with AT1 -R antagonist Candesartan/Vehicle (days 1-10) and Ketamine/Saline (days 6-10). After 14 days drug-free, at basal conditions or after Ketamine Challenge, the brains were processed for oxidative stress analysis, cresyl violet staining and immunohistochemistry for glial, neuronal activation and vascular markers. Repeated Ketamine administration induced long-lasting region-dependent astrocyte reactivity and morphological alterations, and neuroadaptative changes observed as exacerbated oxidative stress and neuronal activation, prevented by the AT1 -R blockade. Ketamine Challenge decreased microglial and astrocyte reactivity and augmented cellular apoptosis, independently of previous treatment. Overall, AT1 -R is involved in the development of neuroadaptative changes induced by repeated Ketamine administration but does not interfere with the acute effects supporting the potential use of AT1 -R blockers as a Ketamine complementary therapy in mental disorders.

Incidence of Cerebral Palsy, Risk Factors, and Neuroimaging in Northeast Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) comprises a group of lifelong motor and postural development disorders that can cause static motor encephalopathy. The etiology of CP is attributed to nonprogressive lesions of the central nervous system during fetal or infant brain development. A diagnosis of CP is based on a combination of clinical and neurological signs, typically identified between 12 and 24 months. A medical history, several available standardized tools, including the Neoneuro assessment, and the Hammersmith infant neurological examination (HINE) can be used to predict risk. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can contribute to the diagnosis of CP. The incidence of CP is 2 to 3 per 1000 live births, and in Western industrialized nations, it is 2.0-2.5 per 1000 live births; to our knowledge, no epidemiological studies have reported the incidence of CP in Mexico. AIM: To assess the incidence of CP in children aged up to 18 months in northeast Mexico and analyze the risk factors and neuroimaging findings. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, prospective, cohort, analytical study of newborn children in three community hospitals and an early intervention and CP center in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, from 2017 to 2021. This study included 3861 newborns randomly selected from a population of 75,951 mothers in the immediate puerperium. According to the Neoneuro tool, high-risk children (n = 432) had abnormal neurological results at birth; they were followed and assessed with the Spanish version of the HINE test by a pediatric neurologist and underwent neuroimaging studies. Neonates with normal results were randomly selected to be in the low-risk group (n= 864). These neonates were followed and assessed with the HINE by a neonatologist. RESULTS: The incidence of CP was 4.4 of 1000 up to 18 months old, which was higher than that reported in developed countries. Perinatal risk factors were predominantly recognized in the etiology of CP, such as brain hemorrhage, and prematurity, in addition to congenital anomalies. The most frequent neuroimaging findings were ventricular dilation/cortical atrophy and intraventricular/subependymal hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first on the incidence/prevalence of CP in Mexico, and there are no formal studies in this field in other Latin American countries either. The incidence of CP in northeast Mexico is higher than that reported in developed countries. The follow-up of high-risk young children must be reinforced in the Mexican population, as children with disabilities have high and sequential health-care needs and may usually be lost to follow-up. Neuroimaging of PVL was the more frequent finding by MRI in this population.

Liposomes Bearing Non-Bilayer Phospholipid Arrangements Induce Specific IgG Anti-Lipid Antibodies by Activating NK1.1+, CD4+ T Cells in Mice.

Liposomes are artificial models of cellular membranes that are used as delivery systems for genes, drugs and protein antigens. We have previously used them to study the antigenic properties of their phospholipids. Here, we used them to induce the production of IgG anti-non-bilayer phospholipid arrangements (NPAs) antibodies in mice; these antibodies cause cell lysis and trigger a lupus-like disease in mice. We studied the mechanisms that lead to the production of these antibodies, and provide evidence that NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells respond to NPA-bearing liposomes and deliver the help required for specific B cell activation and antibody class-switching to IgG. We found increased numbers of IL-4-producing NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs of mice administered with NPAs, and these cells also expressed CD40L, which is required for B cell activation. Additionally, we isolated and purified NK1.1+, CD4+ T cells from spleens and determined that they over-expressed 40 genes, which are key players in inflammatory processes and B cell stimulation and have TRAF6 and UNC39B1 as key nodes in their network. These results show that liposomes are membrane models that can be used to analyze the immunogenicity of lipids.

[The approach to gender violence from the perspective of communities in northern Córdoba Province, Argentina]. / El abordaje de la violencia de género desde la perspectiva de las comunidades del norte cordobés, Argentina.

Gender violence is a human rights violation and a serious public health problem that should be addressed with an inter-sector and interdisciplinary focus. Collaboration and coordination between sectors, including the health sector, is essential for guaranteeing such approach. The study aimed to learn which actors address gender violence in the communities and to study the communities' opinions concerning the public health system's role in (and approach to) this problem. A qualitative action-research project was conducted with local community self-diagnosis workshops, using various qualitative techniques and thematic analysis. The results pointed to various local actors that address the problem and showed that primary healthcare plays a relevant role, due mainly to its proximity to the population and interdisciplinary approach. The obstacles identified by the communities for the health system approach mainly involved the biomedical model of care, decentralization, and lack of resources, training, and integrated policies. In conclusion, the workshops facilitated the development of collective knowledge on the local reality, underlining the role of primary healthcare and the need to link action and approaches between sectors and communities.

La violencia de género es una violación a los derechos humanos y un grave problema de salud pública que debe ser abordado de forma intersectorial y con un enfoque interdisciplinario. La colaboración y coordinación entre los sectores, incluido salud, es fundamental para garantizar el correcto abordaje. Los objetivos de este trabajo son: conocer qué agentes abordan la violencia de género en las comunidades, y estudiar las opiniones de las comunidades en relación al rol y al abordaje del sistema público de salud ante esta problemática. Se realizó una investigación-acción cualitativa con talleres de autodiagnóstico comunitario local, utilizando diversas técnicas cualitativas. Análisis temático. Los resultados indican que existen diversos actores locales que abordan la problemática y que la atención primaria de la salud cumple un rol relevante, principalmente debido a sus características de cercanía con la población y abordaje interdisciplinario. Los obstáculos identificados por las comunidades para el abordaje desde el sistema de salud se vinculan principalmente con el modelo biomédico de atención, la descentralización y la falta de recursos, de capacitación y de políticas integradas. En conclusión, los talleres facilitaron la construcción de un conocimiento colectivo respecto a la realidad local, donde se destaca el rol de la atención primaria de la salud y la necesidad de articular acciones y abordajes entre sectores y localidades.

A violência de gênero e uma violação dos direitos humanos e um grave problema de saúde pública que deve ser abordado de forma transversal e com uma abordagem interdisciplinar. A colaboração e coordenação entre os setores, incluída a saúde, é fundamental para garantir a correta abordagem. Os objetivos deste trabalho são: conhecer quais são os agentes que abordam a violência de gênero nas comunidades, e estudar as opiniões das comunidades em relação ao rol e à função da abordagem do sistema público de saúde perante esta problemática. Foi realizada uma pesquisa-ação qualitativa com seminários de autoteste comunitário local, utilizando diferentes técnicas qualitativas. Análise temática. Os resultados indicam que existem diversos atores locais que abordam a problemática e que a atenção primaria em saúde cumpre uma função relevante, fundamentalmente, devido as suas características de proximidade com a população e abordagem interdisciplinaria. Os obstáculos identificados pelas comunidades relacionados para a abordagem desde o sistema de saúde estavam vinculados principalmente com o modelo biomédico de atenção, a descentralização e a falta de recursos, capacitação e políticas integradas. Em conclusão, os seminários facilitaram a construção de um conhecimento coletivo ao respeito da realidade local, onde se destaca a função da atenção primária à saúde e a necessidade de articular ações e abordagens entre setores e municípios.

Uso potencial de residuos agroindustriales como fuente de compuestos fenólicos con actividad biológica

Los compuestos fenólicos poseen propiedades bioactivas de interés en la Medicina. Investigaciones actuales se enfocan en la búsqueda de nuevas fuentes de este tipo de compuestos. Varios estudios se han propuesto recuperar, caracterizar e identificar compuestos fenólicos a partir de residuos agroindustriales buscando en ellos diversas actividades biológicas. La presente investigación se desarrolló con el objetivo de describir el uso potencial de residuos agroindustriales como una fuente de compuestos fenólicos con actividad biológica y su uso en la Medicina. Los residuos agroindustriales poseen un elevado potencial como novedosa fuente de compuestos fenólicos con actividad biológica, empleables en la farmacéutica, industria alimentaria y cosmética. Entre sus aplicaciones se encuentran las de antioxidante, antiinflamatorio, antimicrobiano y la actividad antiproliferativa. Varios de los residuos agroindustriales provienen de productos cultivables en Ecuador, de ahí que constituya una oportunidad a explotar en la industria nacional. Los estudios en Ecuador sobre el aprovechamiento de residuos agroindustriales se enfocan en la obtención de biocombustibles, bioplásticos y productos de alimentación animal, por lo que la búsqueda de compuestos bioactivos a partir de nuevas fuentes aún es un campo incipiente.

Phenolic compounds have bioactive properties of interest in Medicine. Current research focuses on the search for new sources of this type of compounds. Several studies have proposed recovering, characterizing and identifying phenolic compounds from agroindustrial waste, searching for various biological activities in them. The present research was developed with the objective of describing the potential use of agroindustrial waste as a source of phenolic compounds with biological activity and their use in Medicine. Agroindustrial waste has a high potential as a novel source of phenolic compounds with biological activity, which can be used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Among its applications are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity. Several of the agroindustrial waste come from cultivable products in Ecuador, hence it constitutes an opportunity to be exploited in the national industry. Studies in Ecuador on the use of agroindustrial waste focus on obtaining biofuels, bioplastics and animal feed products, so the search for bioactive compounds from new sources is still an incipient field.

Percepciones maternas sobre las prácticas alimentarias en escolares de Monterrey, México

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar las percepciones maternas sobre las prácticas alimentarias de niños en edad escolar que presentan diferente estado nutricional residentes en el área metropolitana de Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo fenomenológico, mediante entrevistas semi-estructuradas a 91 madres de familia con un hijo entre 6 y 11 años de edad, durante el año 2015 y 2017. Los resultados evidenciaron que las madres de familia fueron las responsables de la adquisición y preparación de las comidas aun cuando tuvieran un empleo. Para la elaboración de los alimentos la madre cocinó según los gustos de la familia siendo esto una forma de expresarles su cariño. Las emociones de las madres con respecto a la aceptación de los alimentos, los gustos, rechazos y el número de comidas diarias que realizan los hijos, varió dependiendo del estado nutricional. La alimentación durante los días de la semana fue diferente a la de los fines de semana. Las prácticas alimentarias fueron parte de acontecimientos y significados sociales aprendidos por las madres de familia y que no siempre estuvieron acorde con los cánones nutricionales establecidos por los expertos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to explore maternal perceptions of the feeding practices of school-age children with different nutritional status living in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out, through semi-structured interviews with 91 mothers with a child between 6 and 11 years of age, during the years 2015 and 2017. The results evidenced that mothers were responsible for purchasing and preparing meals even when they had a job. For food preparation, mothers cooked according to the tastes of the family, this being a way of expressing her affection. Mothers' emotions regarding food acceptance, tastes, rejections and the number of daily meals of children varied depending on the nutritional status. Eating on weekdays was different from eating on weekends. Food practices were part of events and social meanings learned by mothers and are not always in accordance with the nutritional canons established by experts.

El abordaje de la violencia de género desde la perspectiva de las comunidades del norte cordobés, Argentina / The approach to gender violence from the perspective of communities in northern Córdoba Province, Argentina / A abordagem da violência de gênero desde a perspectiva das comunidades do norte cordobês, Argentina

Resumen: La violencia de género es una violación a los derechos humanos y un grave problema de salud pública que debe ser abordado de forma intersectorial y con un enfoque interdisciplinario. La colaboración y coordinación entre los sectores, incluido salud, es fundamental para garantizar el correcto abordaje. Los objetivos de este trabajo son: conocer qué agentes abordan la violencia de género en las comunidades, y estudiar las opiniones de las comunidades en relación al rol y al abordaje del sistema público de salud ante esta problemática. Se realizó una investigación-acción cualitativa con talleres de autodiagnóstico comunitario local, utilizando diversas técnicas cualitativas. Análisis temático. Los resultados indican que existen diversos actores locales que abordan la problemática y que la atención primaria de la salud cumple un rol relevante, principalmente debido a sus características de cercanía con la población y abordaje interdisciplinario. Los obstáculos identificados por las comunidades para el abordaje desde el sistema de salud se vinculan principalmente con el modelo biomédico de atención, la descentralización y la falta de recursos, de capacitación y de políticas integradas. En conclusión, los talleres facilitaron la construcción de un conocimiento colectivo respecto a la realidad local, donde se destaca el rol de la atención primaria de la salud y la necesidad de articular acciones y abordajes entre sectores y localidades.

Abstract: Gender violence is a human rights violation and a serious public health problem that should be addressed with an inter-sector and interdisciplinary focus. Collaboration and coordination between sectors, including the health sector, is essential for guaranteeing such approach. The study aimed to learn which actors address gender violence in the communities and to study the communities' opinions concerning the public health system's role in (and approach to) this problem. A qualitative action-research project was conducted with local community self-diagnosis workshops, using various qualitative techniques and thematic analysis. The results pointed to various local actors that address the problem and showed that primary healthcare plays a relevant role, due mainly to its proximity to the population and interdisciplinary approach. The obstacles identified by the communities for the health system approach mainly involved the biomedical model of care, decentralization, and lack of resources, training, and integrated policies. In conclusion, the workshops facilitated the development of collective knowledge on the local reality, underlining the role of primary healthcare and the need to link action and approaches between sectors and communities.

Resumo: A violência de gênero e uma violação dos direitos humanos e um grave problema de saúde pública que deve ser abordado de forma transversal e com uma abordagem interdisciplinar. A colaboração e coordenação entre os setores, incluída a saúde, é fundamental para garantir a correta abordagem. Os objetivos deste trabalho são: conhecer quais são os agentes que abordam a violência de gênero nas comunidades, e estudar as opiniões das comunidades em relação ao rol e à função da abordagem do sistema público de saúde perante esta problemática. Foi realizada uma pesquisa-ação qualitativa com seminários de autoteste comunitário local, utilizando diferentes técnicas qualitativas. Análise temática. Os resultados indicam que existem diversos atores locais que abordam a problemática e que a atenção primaria em saúde cumpre uma função relevante, fundamentalmente, devido as suas características de proximidade com a população e abordagem interdisciplinaria. Os obstáculos identificados pelas comunidades relacionados para a abordagem desde o sistema de saúde estavam vinculados principalmente com o modelo biomédico de atenção, a descentralização e a falta de recursos, capacitação e políticas integradas. Em conclusão, os seminários facilitaram a construção de um conhecimento coletivo ao respeito da realidade local, onde se destaca a função da atenção primária à saúde e a necessidade de articular ações e abordagens entre setores e municípios.

Theory-driven intervention for changing personality: expectancy value theory, behavioral activation, and conscientiousness.

Considerable evidence suggests that personality traits may be changeable, raising the possibility that personality traits most linked to health problems can be modified with intervention. A growing body of research suggests that problematic personality traits may be altered with behavioral intervention using a bottom-up approach. That is, by targeting core behaviors that underlie personality traits with the goal of engendering new, healthier patterns of behavior that, over time, become automatized and manifest in changes in personality traits. Nevertheless, a bottom-up model for changing personality traits is somewhat diffuse and requires clearer integration of theory and relevant interventions to enable real clinical application. As such, this article proposes a set of guiding principles for theory-driven modification of targeted personality traits using a bottom-up approach, focusing specifically on targeting the trait of conscientiousness using a relevant behavioral intervention, Behavioral Activation (BA), considered within the motivational framework of expectancy value theory (EVT). We conclude with a real case example of the application of BA to alter behaviors counter to conscientiousness in a substance-dependent patient, highlighting the EVT principles most relevant to the approach and the importance and viability of a theoretically driven, bottom-up approach to changing personality traits.