Neuromodulation of Executive Dysfunction in Patients with Acute Stroke Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Study Protocol for a Triple-Blind, Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

Research on the benefits of non-invasive brain stimulation in stroke patients to improve executive functions is scarce. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with cognitive training for the rehabilitation of executive functions in acute and subacute stroke patients as well as to explore the underlying physiological mechanisms. A triple-blinded, randomized-controlled clinical trial will be conducted involving 60 stroke patients with frontal or basal ganglia lesions and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score less than 26. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive active tDCS (anode over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, cathode at the right supraorbital region, 20 min at 2 mA) or sham tDCS in a 1:1 ratio for 10 sessions, followed by targeted executive function training. The primary efficacy outcome will be the MoCA score, while secondary outcomes will include the five-digit test (inhibitory control), the Digit Span Task (working memory), the abbreviated version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting test (cognitive flexibility), modified Rankin scale (functional state), Beck-II depression inventory, apathy evaluation scale, and the WHOQOL-BREF (quality of life), assessed immediately after the intervention and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Additionally, resting-state functional connectivity and blood biomarkers, such as neurotrophins, growth factors, and inflammatory molecules, will be evaluated before and after the intervention. This study will contribute to the investigation of the efficacy of tDCS in rehabilitating executive functions in acute and subacute stroke patients. The multidimensional approach utilized in this study, which includes analysis of resting-state connectivity and neuroplasticity-related blood biomarkers, is expected to provide insights into the underlying brain mechanisms involved in the rehabilitation of dysexecutive syndrome.

Data-driven profiles of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using objective and ecological measures of attention, distractibility, and hyperactivity.

In the past two decades, the traditional nosology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been criticized for having insufficient discriminant validity. In line with current trends, in the present study, we combined a data-driven approach with the advantages of virtual reality aiming to identify novel behavioral profiles of ADHD based on ecological and performance-based measures of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. One hundred and ten Spanish-speaking participants (6-16 years) with ADHD (medication-naïve, n = 57) and typically developing participants (n = 53) completed AULA, a continuous performance test embedded in virtual reality. We performed hybrid hierarchical k-means clustering methods over the whole sample on the normalized t-scores of AULA main indices. A five-cluster structure was the most optimal solution. We did not replicate ADHD subtypes. Instead, we identified two clusters sharing clinical scores on attention indices, susceptibility to distraction, and head motor activity, but with opposing scores on mean reaction time and commission errors; two clusters with good performance; and one cluster with average scores but increased response variability and slow RT. DSM-5 subtypes cut across cluster profiles. Our results suggest that latency of response and response inhibition could serve to distinguish among ADHD subpopulations and guide neuropsychological interventions. Motor activity, in contrast, seems to be a common feature among ADHD subgroups. This study highlights the poor feasibility of categorical systems to parse ADHD heterogeneity and the added value of data-driven approaches and VR-based assessments to obtain an accurate characterization of cognitive functioning in individuals with and without ADHD.

Analysis of biofilm formation by Sporothrix schenckii.

The development of mature biofilms is an aid in numerous aspects of the life cycle of fungi. It is well known that Sporothrix schenckii complex causes a benign subcutaneous mycosis, but recent studies have suggestedthat biofilm formation may be one of the important factors involved in its virulence. Here we report the study of the biomass organization and a model of the stages of S. schenckii biofilm development: adsorption, active adhesion, microcolony formation, maturation, and dispersal of biofilm fragments. During the development, the biofilm is surrounded by extracellular matrix, which contains glycoprotein (mannose rich), carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acid. In addition, the extracellular DNA increases in extracellular matrix as a key component to structural integrity and antifungal resistance. The study of S. schenckii biofilm contributes to a better understanding of growth biofilm and physiology, adding new insights into the mechanisms of virulence and persistence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Follow-up study in local allergic rhinitis shows a consistent entity not evolving to systemic allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is a common disease that affects 25.7% of the rhinitis population and more than 47% of patients previously diagnosed with nonallergic rhinitis. Whether LAR is the first step in the natural history of allergic rhinitis (AR) with systemic atopy or a consistent entity is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the natural history of a population with LAR of recent onset and the development of AR and asthma. METHODS: A prospective 10-year follow-up study with initial cohorts of 194 patients with LAR of recent onset and 130 healthy controls is being undertaken. A clinical-demographic questionnaire, spirometry, skin prick test, and specific IgE to aeroallergens were done yearly. Nasal allergen provocation tests with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Alternaria alternata, Olea europea, and a mix of grass pollen were performed at baseline and after 5 years. RESULTS: At disease onset, most of the patients with LAR had moderate-to-severe persistent-perennial rhinitis; conjunctivitis and asthma were the main comorbidities (51.1% and 18.8%, respectively), and D pteronyssinus was the most relevant aeroallergen (51.1%). After 5 years of follow-up, a worsening of rhinitis was detected in 26.2%, with an increase in symptom persistence and severity, and new associations with conjunctivitis and asthma. Atopy was detected by skin prick test and/or serum specific-IgE in patients with LAR (6.81%) and in controls (4.5%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a similar rate of development of systemic atopy in LAR and controls, which suggests that LAR is an entity well differentiated from AR. To determine the natural course of LAR more precisely, this study is in progress to complete 10 years of follow-up.

Nasal allergen provocation test with multiple aeroallergens detects polysensitization in local allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Patients previously given a diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) might have a new form of local allergic rhinitis (LAR) with local production of specific IgE antibodies and a positive response to a nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated an NAPT protocol using multiple aeroallergens (NAPT-M) for the detection of polysensitization to several aeroallergens in patients with LAR. METHODS: NAPT-Ms with 2 different panels of aeroallergens for patients with perennial and seasonal rhinitis were performed in 25 patients with LAR and 25 patients with NAR whose disease was diagnosed by means of NAPTs 1 year earlier. The response to nasal challenge was evaluated based on subjective (nasal-ocular symptoms) and objective (acoustic rhinometry) parameters. Nasal levels of tryptase and eosinophil cationic protein were determined by means of immunoassay at baseline, 15 minutes, and 1, 2, and 24 hours after challenge. RESULTS: NAPT-Ms showed 100% concordance with the gold standard of NAPTs with a single aeroallergen. No false-positive or false-negative responses were detected. The use of NAPT-Ms achieved 75% reduction in the total number of visits required for final diagnosis in the NAR group (from 168 to 42 visits) and a 55% reduction in the LAR group (from 144 to 65 visits) compared with NAPTs with a single aeroallergen. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that clinically relevant polysensitization to aeroallergens in patients with LAR occurred and that the NAPT-M is a useful, specific, sensitive, reproducible, and less time-consuming in vivo diagnostic test for the screening of patients with LAR.

Is It Possible to Measure the Role of the Bystander and the Victim of Bullying in Children? Construct Validity of Two Brief Pictorial Scales With IRT and CFA Models.

The study's objective was to develop and validate the psychometric properties of two brief pictorial scales to evaluate the roles of bystanders and victims of bullying. A sample of 910 students was considered (49.6%, boys; 50.4%, girls) between the ages of 7 and 13 (M = 10, SD = 1.4). Both instruments present nine pictorial items representing two dimensions: physical bullying (items 1 to 4) and psychological bullying (items 5 to 9). An additional measure of anxiety was used to assess convergent validity. The Confirmatory Factorial Analysis shows that the two-dimensional oblique model, physical bullying and psychological bullying, presents a better fit to the bystander scale data (RMSEA = .040; CFI = .984; SRMR = .033) and in the victim scale (RMSEA = .051; CFI = .978; SRMR = .040) in comparison to other competitor models. From the perspective of the Item Response Theory (IRT), it was found that the items adequately discriminate the levels of the latent variable; therefore, items 1 (physical bullying) and 7 (psychological bullying) are the most accurate on the bystander scale, and items 3 (physical bullying) and 7 (psychological bullying), on the victim scale. It was also found that the degree of difficulty on both scales is lower for the psychological bullying dimension than for the physical bullying dimension. Both instruments demonstrated good psychometric properties; therefore, they can detect school bullying in classrooms.

Estudio de la variación de la inclinación de la cabeza y la evolución de la dentición - Parte III / Study of the variation of the head tilt and the evolution of the dentition - Part III

El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar la variación de la Posición Natural de Cabeza (PNC) entre personas con dentición mixta segunda fase y dentición permanente, mediante fotogrametría facial. Para esto se realizó un estudio comparativo observacional analítico. La muestra estuvo conformada por 80 voluntarios divididos en dos grupos de 40 participantes cada uno. Se utilizó fotografías faciales de perfil estandarizadas en PNC. Mediante el software Photoshop® se trazó el plano Intertrágico-Exocanto (t-ex) y se midió el ángulo formado respecto a la horizontal verdadera para determinar la inclinación de la PNC. El valor de este ángulo se obtuvo mediante el software UTHSCSA ImageTool 3.0®. Los datos fueron tabulados en una planilla Excel (Microsoft® Excel® 2016) y analizados estadísticamente en el programa Stata 14 S/E®. Se observaron diferencias estadísticas en la inclinación de la PNC entre los grupos, con valores promedio 26.17° y 33.44° para dentición mixta segunda fase y permanente respectivamente, con una diferencia promedio de 7.27°. Se concluyó que la PNC de personas con dentición permanente presenta una rotación antihoraria respecto a personas con dentición mixta segunda fase.

This research aimed at studying the variation of the Natural Head Position (NHP) between people with second transitional mixed dentition and permanent dentition, using facial photogrammetry. For this, an analytical observational comparative study was performed. The sample consisted of 80 volunteers divided into two groups of 40 participants each. Using standardized profile facial photographs in NHP and Photoshop® software, the intertragic-exocanthion plane (t- ex) was traced. The angle formed to the true horizontal was measured to determine the inclination of the NHP using the UTHSCSA ImageTool 3.0® software. The data were tabulated in an Excel Spreadsheet (Microsoft® Excel® 2016) and analyzed with Stata 14 S/E® software. Statistical differences in the inclination of the NHP between groups were observed, with average values ​​of 26.17° for second transitional mixed dentition and 33.44° for permanent dentition, with an average difference of 7.27°. It was concluded that the NHP of people with permanent dentition shows an anti-clockwise rotation in relation to people with second transitional mixed dentition.

A functional disturbance in the auditory cortex related to a low serotonergic neurotransmission in women with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine if the slope of the amplitude/stimulus intensity function (ASF) of the N1/P2 component of the auditory evoked potential was increased in women with type 2 diabetes reflecting a low brain serotonergic activity in the auditory cortex. METHODS: In a comparative study in women with type 2 diabetes and controls, we measured free, bound and total plasma L-tryptophan (L-Trp), neutral amino acids (NAA) and free fatty acids (FFA) and recorded the N1/P2 component of the auditory evoked potential. RESULTS: The diabetic patients were overweight and FFA and NAA in plasma were significantly elevated. The free, bound to albumin and total L-Trp were decreased. The values of free/total L-Trp and free/NAA ratios were significantly lower. The latencies of N1 and P2 at all intensities and the slope ASF of the N1/P2 component significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The decrease of the free fraction of L-Trp in plasma and the increase of the ASF slope of the N1/P2 component reflect a functional relationship between the brain serotonergic activity and the N1/P2 changes in the auditory cortex, suggesting a cortical impaired activity associated with anomalies of brain serotonergic neurotransmission in women with type 2 diabetes. We proposed the ASF slope together with measurement of the plasma FFT as noninvasive clinical indicators of serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain in these as well as in other types of patients.

A low brain serotonergic neurotransmission in children with type 1 diabetes detected through the intensity dependence of auditory-evoked potentials.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in children with type 1 diabetes the plasma free fraction of L-tryptophan (FFT) and the intensity-dependent auditory-evoked potentials (IDAEPs) as indicators of possible changes in brain serotonergic neurotransmission. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective and comparative study was performed in children with type 1 diabetes and normal control subjects. We measured FFT, bound and total plasma L-tryptophan, neutral amino acids (NAAs), albumin, free fatty acids (FFAs), glucose, and HbA1c(A1C) and recorded IDAEPs with four intensities (40, 60, 90, and 103 dB). RESULTS: The glycemia, A1C, FFAs, and NAAs in plasma were significantly elevated. The FFT and the FFT-to-total L-tryptophan and FFT-to-NAA ratios were reduced. The latencies of N1 and P2 increased at all intensities and the slope of the amplitude/stimulus intensity function (ASF slope) of the N1/P2 component significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of the FFT in plasma and increase in the N1/P2 component amplitude may reflect a functional relationship between the brain serotonergic activity with the N1/P2 changes. The increase of the ASF slope in children with type 1 diabetes suggests that the response of the auditory cortex to sound intensity stimulus may be regulated by the serotonergic tone and that decreased serotonergic neurotransmission may provoke a different behavior of sensory cortices. Therefore, the IDAEP (N1/P2 component) may be an electrophysiological indicator of brain changes of serotonergic neurotransmission in children with type 1 diabetes. These changes may be related to psychoemotional manifestations observed in diabetic children such as anxiety and depression.

Estudio comparativo de la posición natural de cabeza entre las clases esqueléticas mediante fotogrametría facial / Comparative study of the natural head position between skeletal classes using facial photogrammetry

El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar si existen diferencias en la inclinación de la Posición Natural de Cabeza (PNC) entre las clases esqueléticas, mediante fotogrametría. Para esto se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal. La muestra fue de 45 voluntarios de entre 18 y 50 años. Se determinó la clase esquelética mediante análisis de Steiner y Wits, en radiografías laterales de cráneo, utilizando el software BlueSkyPlan®. A cada participante se le tomó una fotografía de perfil en PNC. Posteriormente, en Photoshop®, se trazó un plano entre los puntos tragion y exocanto (plano t-ex) y la horizontal verdadera, para finalmente medir el ángulo formado en el programa UTHSCSA ImageTool3.0®, determinando así la inclinación de la cabeza. Luego de tabular los datos, se realizaron análisis estadísticos. Este estudio evidenció una diferencia de 6,68° en promedio en la inclinación de la PNC entre los pacientes clase II y I esquelética, con significación estadística, por lo que se concluye que los pacientes clase II esquelética tienen una PNC más inclinada en sentido horario respecto a los pacientes clase I, en la muestra analizada. Los pacientes clase III no mostraron diferencias.

The objective of this research is to evaluate the differences in the inclination of the Natural Head Position (NHP) between skeletal classes, using photogrammetry. For this, a cross-sectional analytical observational study was carried out. The sample consisted of 45 volunteers between 18 and 50 years old. The skeletal class was determined by Steiner and Wits analysis, in lateral skull radiographs, using the BlueSkyPlan® software. Each participant had a profile photograph taken at NHP. A plane was drawn between the tragion and exocanthion points and the true horizontal using Photoshop®, and the angle was measured using UTHSCSA ImageTool3.0® software, assessing the inclination of the head. After data tabulation, statistical analyses were performed. This study showed an average difference of 6.68° in the inclination of the NHP between skeletal class II and I patients, with statistical significance. It was concluded that skeletal class II patients have a more inclined NHP in a clockwise direction compared to class I patients, in the analyzed sample. Class III patients did not show differences.

Terapia miofuncional, maloclusión y disfunción orofacial: Evaluación fotogramétrica del perfil / Myofunctional therapy, malocclusion and orofacial dysfunction: Profile photogrammetric evaluation

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio observacional analítico es determinar el efecto de la Terapia Miofuncional en el perfil facial de voluntarios con maloclusión y disfunción orofacial, mediante fotogrametría. En una muestra de 15 pacientes, se midieron indirectamente mediante fotogrametría en el Software Blue Sky Plan® las siguientes variables cefalométricas: Ángulo Nasolabial, Prominencia Labial y Plano Estético. Se realizó toma de fotografías al comenzar la Terapia Miofuncional (primera sesión) y al finalizarla (décima sesión). Para comparar valores obtenidos en el mismo voluntario en cada variable cefalométrica entre principio y final de terapia, análisis estadísticos fueron realizados. Se determinó que no hay diferencia estadística en valores obtenidos en ninguna de las variables cefalométricas al comparar el inicio con el final de terapia. Por consiguiente, se concluyó que la Terapia Miofuncional no tiene un efecto significativo en estas variables de perfil facial en voluntarios con maloclusión y disfunción orofacial medidas mediante fotogrametría, pese a cambios funcionales percibidos por pacientes y evaluadores. Es fundamental poder realizar un diagnóstico riguroso y posterior derivación a Fonoaudiología, si corresponde, para lograr equilibrio funcional en los pacientes y reducir riesgo de progresión o reaparición de Anomalías Dentomaxilares.

ABSTRACT: This analytical observational study aimed to determine the effect of Myofunctional Therapy on the facial profile in volunteers with malocclusion and orofacial dysfunction, through photogrammetry. Fifteen patients were recruited, and the following cephalometric variables were measured indirectly through photogrammetry in the Blue Sky Plan Software (Blue Sky Bio®): Nasolabial Angle, Lip Prominence and Aesthetic Plane. Previous photographs were taken, at the beginning of Myofunctional Therapy (first session) and the end (tenth session). To compare the values of each variable in a volunteer between the beginning and end of therapy, statistical analyses were performed. There was no statistical difference in the values obtained in any of these variables when comparing the beginning and the end of myofunctional therapy. Therefore, it was concluded that myofunctional therapy does not have a statistically significant effect on these facial profile variables in volunteers with malocclusion and orofacial dysfunction measured by photogrammetry, despite the functional changes perceived by patients and evaluators. However, it is essential to perform a rigorous diagnosis and subsequent referral to speech therapy, if applicable, to achieve functional balance in the patients and reduce progression or recurrence risk of Dentomaxillary Abnormalities.

Neither increased nor decreased availability of cortical serotonin (5HT) disturbs barrel field formation in isocaloric undernourished rat pups.

Serotonin (5HT) is expressed transiently in primary sensory areas of the rat neocortex during the establishment of the thalamo-cortical topography and somatotopy. The precise role of 5HT during the specification of neocortical areas is still uncertain. We evaluated the effects of increasing and decreasing cortical serotonin concentrations on the specification of the barrel cortex using a rat model of isocaloric undernutrition. This manipulation increases brain 5HT levels during brain development. Undernourished animals were also treated with p-clorophenylalanine; an inhibitor of 5HT synthesis. Barrels representing the head were readily seen at postnatal day 5 in control and p-clorophenylalanine treated rats. In contrast, undernourished rats treated or not with p-clorophenylalanine showed no barrels representing the head but until postnatal day 7. Chromatographic analyses demonstrated that the concentration of cortical 5HT increased by 50% in undernourished pups during barrel field formation. Control and undernourished animals treated with p-clorophenylalanine had a significant reduction (90%) of 5HT in the cortex. The overall geometry of the barrel field and of individual barrels was similar among animal groups. Our results support that 5HT plays a small role in triggering and timing barrel field somatotopy.

Serotonin-related tryptophan in children with insulin-dependent diabetes.

In the course of the present research in school children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, we observed that the free fraction of L-tryptophan, the free fraction of L-tryptophan/total L-tryptophan, and the free fraction of L-tryptophan/neutral amino acids ratios, are significantly reduced. The decrease of free fraction of L-tryptophan in plasma with a concomitant decrease of the free fraction of L-tryptophan/neutral amino acids ratio suggest a decrease in the transport of the precursor amino acid to the brain and in the serotonin synthesis rate, similar to that observed in diabetic animals. This finding may be of relevance in the pathophysiology and in the clinical picture, which could be related to an alteration of serotonin metabolism and neurotransmission in the brain and may be possibly related to neuropsychiatric disorders in diabetic school children. Thus we propose that the free fraction of L-tryptophan and the free fraction of L-tryptophan/neutral amino acids ratios may be clinically useful as indicators of brain serotonergic activity in these patients. In our laboratory, we are currently obtaining additional data on the functional role of the brain serotonergic system in humans to further support the relevance of our results.

Addition of brewer's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the productive behavior and intestinal quality of guinea pigs / Adición de levadura de cerveza Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre el comportamiento productivo y calidad intestinal de los cobayos / Adição de levedura de cerveja Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre o comportamento produtivo e a qualidade intestinal das cobaias

Abstract The following study evaluated the effect of the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae over the productive parameters and intestinal quality of the guinea pigs, for a period of two months, 120 animals from 21 days old were used, distributed in three treatments TO (Testigo), T1 (2 kg S. cerevisiae/ton of feed), and T2 (4 kg S. cerevisiae/ton of feed) with four repetitions, including 10 guinea pigs per repetition. The studied variables were productive parameters and intestinal morphometry with indicators from measurements in height, width and number of intestinal villi; depth, width and number of Lieberkühn crypts; length of the crypt-villus axis and the thickness of the intestinal wall, obtaining samples of duodenum jejunum and ileum. The results determined that the addition of S. cerevisiae in the diet of guinea pigs does not significantly modify the productive parameters; however, a numerical difference was evidenced, being the T2 treatment (4 kg of S.cerevisiae / tonne of food) who recorded the highest weight gain with 766.3 gr and a feed conversion of 6.05; Regarding intestinal morphometry, Treatment T2 was able to demonstrate significant statistical difference (p<0,05) in the length of the crypt-villus axis, width of the ileum villi and thickness of the intestinal wall of guinea pigs under experiment.lt is concluded that the addition of S. cerevisiae in the feeding of guinea pigs does not exert favorable effects on the productive parameters, while in intestinal morphometry positive results are observed on the ileum.

Resumen El presente estudio evaluó el efecto de la adición de Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre los parámetros productivos y calidad intestinal de los cobayos, por un lapso de dos meses; para ello se utilizó 120 animales de 21 días de edad, distribuidos en tres tratamientos T0 (Testigo), T1 (2 kg S. cerevisiae/tonelada de alimento) y T2 (4 kg S. cerevisiae/tonelada de alimento), con cuatro repeticiones, incluyendo 10 cobayos por replica. Las variables estudiadas fueron parámetros productivos y morfometría intestinal con indicadores de medidas en altura, ancho y número de vellosidades intestinales; profundidad, ancho y número de criptas de Lieberkühn; longitud del eje cripta-vellosidad y el grosor de la pared intestinal, obteniendo muestras de duodeno yeyuno e íleon. Los resultados determinaron que la adición de S. cerevisiae en la dieta de cuyes no modifica significativamente los parámetros productivos; sin embargo se evidencio diferencia numérica, siendo el tratamiento T2 (4 kg de S. cerevisiae/tonelada de alimento) quien registro la mayor ganancia de peso con 766,3 gr y una conversión alimenticia de 6.05; referente a morfometría intestinal el Tratamiento T2 logro demostrar diferencia estadística significativa (p<0,05) en la longitud del eje cripta-vellosidad, ancho de vellosidad del íleon y grosor de la pared intestinal de los cobayos bajo experimento. Se concluye que la adición de S. cerevisiae en la alimentación de cobayos no ejerce efectos favorables sobre los parámetros productivos, mientras que en morfometría intestinal se aprecia resultados positivos sobre el ileón.

Resumo O presente estudo avalia o efeito da ingestão de Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre os parâmetros produtivos e de qualidade intestinal dos cobaias, por um periodo de dois meses; para ello se utilizou 120 animais de 21 días de idade distribuidos em tres tratamientos T0 (Testigo), T1 (2 kg de S. Cerevisiae / tonelada de alimento) e T2 (4 kg de S. cerevisiae/tonelada de alimento), com quatro repetições, incluindo 10 cobaias por réplica. As variáveis estudadas determinam parâmetros e morfometría intestinal com indicadores de altura, ancho e número de vellosidades intestinales; profundidad, ancho y número de criptas de Lieberkühn; longitude del eje cripta-vellosidad y el grosor de la pared intestinal, obteniendo muestras de duodeno yeyuno e ileon. Os resultados determinaram que a adição de S. cerevisiae na dieta de cobaias não modifica significativamente os parâmetros produtivos; entretanto, a diferença numérica foi evidenciada, sendo o tratamento T2 (4 kg de S. Cerevisiae / tonelada de alimento) que registrou o maior ganho de peso com 766,3 gr e uma conversão alimentar de 6,05; Em relação à morfometria intestinal, o Tratamento T2 foi capaz de demonstrar diferença estatística significante (p<0,05) no comprimento do eixo cripta-vilosidade, largura do íleo e espessura da parede intestinal das cobaias em experimento. Conclui-se que a adição de S. cerevisiae na alimentação de cobaias não exerce efeitos favoráveis sobre os parâmetros produtivos, enquanto na morfometria intestinal são observados resultados positivos no íleo.

¿Permiten la citología, el genotipado y la anoscopia de alta resolución establecer un protocolo para la detección precoz del carcinoma epidermoide de canal anal en población de riesgo? / Do cytology, genotyping, and high resolution anoscopy allow to establish a protocol for early detection of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal in risk population?

Introducción: El cáncer anal ha experimentado un aumento de incidencia en los últimos años. Está mediado por el VPH y precedido de cambios precancerosos planteando la posibilidad de dirigir los esfuerzos preventivos hacia los grupos de alto riesgo. Sigue siendo controvertida la indicación de cribado y los métodos de detección ideales. Objetivo: Validar las pruebas de cribado implementadas en la actualidad comparadas con la biopsia como "gold standard". Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal con recogida de datos prospectiva, en una cohorte de hombres VIH+ que tienen sexo con hombres, pertenecientes al Hospital Gregorio Marañón e Infanta Leonor en un periodo de 2 años. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 179 pacientes con 286 visitas a la consulta de screening en las que se llevaron a cabo 3 pruebas de cribado en paralelo (citología anal, genotipado del VPH y anoscopia de alta resolución (AAR) con toma de biopsia dirigida sobre zona sospechosa o aleatoria). La sensibilidad y especificidad para la detección de displasia de alto grado y cáncer y su grado de concordancia con la biopsia fue la siguiente: citología 3,23%/94,43% (k: 0,03), genotipado de VPH de alto riesgo 90,32%/27,45% (k: 0,05), AAR 32,26%/87,45 (k: 0, 17) siendo el rendimiento diagnóstico de las tres pruebas muy bajo. Conclusión: La citología presenta un rendimiento diagnóstico muy bajo comparado con el genotipado que representa el mayor. A la luz de nuestros resultados, los protocolos clínicos tal y como vienen desarrollándose en la actualidad deberían de ser abandonados.

Introduction: The incidence of anal cancer has increased in recent years. It is mediated by HPV and preceded by precancerous changes, raising the possibility of directing preventive efforts towards high-risk groups. The indication of screening remains controversial and which methods would be the ideal ones. Objective: To validate the screening tests established actually, comparing it with the biopsy considered as the "gold standard". Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, with prospective data collection in a cohort of VIH+ patients, who have male homosexual anal relations, belonging to Gregorio Marañón and Infanta Leonor Hospitals in a period of 2 years. Results: A total of 179 patients were selected with 286 visits to the screening Outpatient Clinic in which 3 parallel screening tests were performed (anal cytology, HPV genotyping and high resolution anoscopy (AAR) with a biopsy directed on a suspicious or random area). The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of high-grade dysplasia and cancer and their degree of agreement with the biopsy was as follows: cytology 3.23%/94.43% (k: 0.03), high HPV genotyping. risk 90.32%/27.45% (k: 0.05), AAR 32.26%/87.45 (k: 0, 17), the diagnostic accuracy of the three tests being very low. Conclusion: Cytology shows a very low diagnostic accuracy compared to the genotype that represents the highest one. In light of our results, clinical protocols as they are currently being developed should be abandoned.

Another abnormal trait in the serotonin metabolism path in intrauterine growth-restricted infants.

BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed to obtain information on the interaction kinetics of L-tryptophan (L-Trp) with plasma albumin from normal, intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) and nutritionally recovered (NR) newborn infants. METHODS: A case study cohort was planned in 37 newborns during the first 3 months of life. At birth two groups were formed. The first group included 20 newborns with IUGR. The control group (C) included 17 appropriate for gestational age newborns. At 30 days of age, 9 infants of the IUGR group showed a return to normal of the anthropometric parameters, these infants formed the NR group. Free, bound and total L-Trp were measured. To assess binding kinetics albumin was freed of fatty acids and tested in mole to mole samples from IUGR, NR and control babies. RESULTS: Plasma free L-Trp was increased, K(d) (dissociation constant) elevated and B(max )(maximal binding)decreased in IUGR patients up to postnatal day 90. These changes remained even after nutritional recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal kinetics of L-Trp binding to albumin explains the increased availability of this precursor amino acid in the plasma of IUGR infants. This finding corroborates previous results in IUGR rats and newborn babies, indicating enhanced potential for brain serotonergic synthesis.