A comprehensive study from the micro- to the nanometric scale: Evaluation of chilling injury in tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum).

Tomato fruit is susceptible to chilling injury (CI) during its postharvest handling at low temperature. The symptoms caused by this physiological disorder have been commonly evaluated by visual inspection at a macro-observation scale on fruit surface; however, the structure at deeper scales is also affected by CI. This work aimed to propose a descriptive model of the CI development in tomato tissue under the micro-scale, micro-nano-scale and nano-scale approaches using fractal analysis. For that, quality and fractal parameters were determined. In this sense, light microscopy, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were applied to analyse micro-, micro-nano- and nano-scales, respectively. Results showed that the morphology of tomato tissue at the micro-scale level was properly described by the multifractal behaviour. Also, generalised fractal dimension (Dq=0) and texture fractal dimension (FD) of CI-damaged pericarp and cuticle were higher (1.659, 1.601 and 1.746, respectively) in comparison to non-chilled samples (1.606, 1.578 and 1.644, respectively); however, FD was unsuitable to detect morphological changes at the nano-scale. On the other hand, lacunarity represented an appropriate fractal parameter to detect CI symptoms at the nano-scale due to differences observed between damaged and regular ripe tissue (0.044 and 0.025, respectively). The proposed multi-scale approach could improve the understanding of CI as a complex disorder to the development of novel techniques to avoid this postharvest issue at different observation scales.

Factores de riesgo psicosociales asociados a preeclampsia en mujeres mexicanas: análisis comparado en tres Estados / Psychosocial risk factors associated to pre-eclampsia among mexican women: a comparative analysis in three States / Fatores de risco psicossociais associados a pré-eclâmpsia em mulheres mexicanas: análise comparada em três Estados

Objetivo Analizar comparativamente los factores de riesgo psicosociales asociados con preeclampsia en mujeres mexicanas residentes de tres Estados. Método Estudio de casos y controles en 336 mujeres puérperas con y sin preeclampsia (130 del Estado de México, 114 de Yucatán y 92 de Veracruz). Se aplicaron dos cuestionarios y 5 escalas tipo Likert previamente validadas. Se llevó a cabo análisis estadístico comparativo mediante el software SPSS ver 20. Las variables cuantitativas se analizaron con Kruskal Wallis, las categóricas con frecuencias, el riesgo con razón de Momios (OR); IC de 95%. El riesgo se ajustó con regresión logística con a= 0.05. Resultados El análisis reveló violencia leve en los 3 Estados, con mayor frecuencia en el Estado de México y Veracruz (OR: 3.53; IC 95%: 1.13 - 10.97). La depresión, fue un hallazgo significativo para preeclampsia. Existe de 1 a 2 veces más riesgo para esta enfermedad en embarazadas del Estado de México que sufren algún grado de depresión (OR: 1.66; IC 95%: 1.058 - 2.607) y de 3 a 4 veces más riesgo cuando hay trastorno depresivo mayor (OR: 3.67; IC 95%: 1.23 - 10.89). En mujeres veracruzanas que reportaron algunas veces sintomatología depresiva está presente 3 veces más el riesgo de preeclampsia (OR: 3.12; IC 95%: 1.077 - 9.083) y 7.4 veces más riesgo cuando tienen menos de 5 consultas prenatales (OR: 7.42; IC 95%: 2.85 - 19.33). Conclusiones Se identificaron la depresión, sintomatología depresiva, violencia y el número de consultas prenatales menor a 5 como factores de riesgo psicosociales asociados a preeclampsia. Estos resultados permitirán proponer un modelo de intervención integral de enfermería para disminuirlos.

Objective To comparatively analyze the psychosocial risk factors associated to pre-eclampsia among Mexican women living in three States. Method This is a cases and controls study with 336 pregnant women with and without pre-eclampsia (130 from the State of Mexico, 114 from the state of Yucatan, and 92 from the state of Veracruz). Two questionnaires were administered, and 5 previously validated Likert type scales were used. A statistical comparative analysis was performed using SPSS v.20 software. Quantitative variables were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis procedure, categorical variables with frequencies calculation, and the associated risk with odds ratios in the 95% confidence interval. The associated risk was further adjusted through logistic regression a = 0.05). Results The analysis revealed a mild level of violence in all three States. States which reflected more frequency of violence risks were Mexico and Veracruz (OR: 3.53; IC 95%: 1.13 - 10.97). Depression was a significant finding associated to pre-eclampsia. A 1 to 2 times higher risk of associated pre-eclampsia was found among pregnant women with some degree of depression in the State of Mexico (OR: 1.66; IC 95%: 1.058 - 2.607), and this risk was 3 to 4 times higher in the presence of major depressive disorder (OR: 3.67; IC 95%: 1.23 - 10.89). Among women from the state of Veracruz who sometimes reported having depressive symptoms, the risk of pre-eclampsia association was 3 times higher (OR: 3.12; IC 95%: 1.077 - 9.083), while this risk was 7.4 times higher when these women had less than 5 prenatal assessment visits (OR: 7.42; IC 95%: 2.85 - 19.33). Conclusions Depression, depressive symptomatology, violence, and less-than-5 prenatal assessment visits were all identified as psychosocial risk factors associated to pre-eclampsia. These findings will support proposals for a corresponding nursing integral intervention model to address the related risk factors.

Objetivo Analisar comparativamente os fatores de risco psicossociais associados com pré-eclâmpsia em mulheres mexicanas residentes de três Estados. Método Estudo de casos e controles em 336 mulheres puérperas com e sem pré-eclâmpsia (130 do Estado do México, 114 de Yucatán e 92 de Veracruz). Aplicaram-se dois questionários e 5 escalas tipo Likert previamente validadas. Levou-se a cabo análise estatística comparativa mediante o software SPSS ver 20. As variáveis quantitativas analisaram-se com Kruskal Wallis, as categóricas com frequências, o risco com razão de Momios (OR); IC de 95%. O risco ajustou-se com regressão logística com a = 0.05. Resultados A análise revelou violência leve nos 3 Estados, com maior frequência no Estado de México e Veracruz (OR: 3.53; IC 95%: 1.13 -10.97). A depressão foi um achado significativo para pré-eclâmpsia. Existe de 1 a 2 vezes mais risco para esta doença em grávidas do Estado do México que sofrem algum grau de depressão (OR: 1.66; IC 95%: 1.058 - 2.607) e de 3 a 4 vezes mais risco quando tem transtorno depressivo maior (OR: 3.67; IC 95%: 1.23 - 10.89). Em mulheres veracruzanas que reportaram algumas vezes sintomatologia depressiva está presente 3 vezes mais o risco de pré-eclâmpsia (OR: 3.12; IC 95%: 1.077 -9.083) e 7.4 vezes mais risco quando têm menos de 5 consultas pré-natais (OR: 7.42; IC 95%: 2.85 - 19.33). Conclusões Identificaram-se a depressão, sintomatologia depressiva, violência e o número de consultas pré-natais menor a 5 como fatores de risco psicossociais associados à pré-eclâmpsia. Estes resultados permitiram propor um modelo de intervenção integral de enfermagem para diminuilos.

Correlación clínica del triage con el diagnóstico clínico de ingreso y egreso realizado en los pacientes que acuden al servicio médico de urgencias de un hospital privado / Clinical correlation of triage with clinical diagnosis at entering and discharge in patients assisting to emergency room of a private hospital

Resumen: OBJETIVO: determinar la correlación del triage por niveles de ingreso a urgencias y la reclasificación del triage de acuerdo con el diagnóstico de egreso de urgencias. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, realizado en el Hospital Ángeles Clínica Londres, Ciudad de México. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que acudieron al servicio de urgencias de la Clínica Londres de enero a febrero de 2016. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron en el estudio 144 pacientes. Respecto a la frecuencia de niveles de ingreso se reportó clasificado en color naranja a 4% de los pacientes, en amarillo a 56%, en verde a 33%, en azul a 7%. Al egreso se clasificó en color rojo a 4%, en anaranjado a 22%, en amarillo a 28%, en verde a 21% y en azul a 25%. CONCLUSIONES: no existe correlación del triage de ingreso por niveles con la reclasificación triage de egreso hospitalario, con lo que se comprueba la hipótesis nula. De acuerdo con los niveles triage de ingreso y egreso encontramos una subclasificación de 100% del nivel I (rojo), 80% del nivel II (anaranjado), 50% del nivel III (amarillo), 37% del nivel IV (verde) y 72% del nivel V (azul).

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of triage by levels at entering to emergency room and the reclassification of triage according to the diagnosis of emergency discharge. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, done at Hospital Angeles Clínica Londres, Mexico City. Patients older tan 18 years who assisted to the emergency room of Clinica Londres from January to February 2016 were included. RESULTS: There were included 144 patients. About the frequency of levels at entering 4% of patients were classified as orange color, 56% to yellow, 33 to green and 7% to blue. At discharge 4% was classified as red, 22% as orange, 28% as yellow, 21 as green and 25% as blue. CONCLUSIONS: There was no correlation of triage at entering by levels with reclassification of triage at discharge, with proves the null hypothesis. According to levels of triage at entering and discharge we found a subclassification of 100% of level I (red), 80% of level II (orange), 50% of level III (yellow), 37% of level IV (green) and 72% of level V (blue).

Clinical significance of the ABCB1 and ABCG2 gene expression levels in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

OBJECTIVES: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a clonal disease that accounts for 20% of acute leukemias in adults. A high percentage of adult patients (ranging from 70 to 80%) reach complete remission; however, the 5-year survival rate is only 20-40%. One of the main obstacles to treatment success is the drug resistance of leukemic cells. Therefore, our research group analyzed the ABCB1 and ABCG2 gene expression levels in 61 patients diagnosed with ALL and assessed whether the levels affected the clinical parameters and 40-month survival rate. METHODS: The ABCB1 and ABCG2 gene expression levels were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction in 61 patients diagnosed with ALL and 99 healthy donors as controls. The association between ABCB1 and ABCG2 gene expression levels and clinical variables was determined using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Overall survival (OS) was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The results showed high ABCB1 and ABCG2 gene levels, which were 4.5 and 2.3 times the levels of healthy donors, respectively. A total of 52% of the study patients expressed high ABCB1 levels and were significantly associated with the high-risk patient group and a decreased 40-month survival rate of 78%. Only 49% of the patients expressed high ABCG2 gene levels. No association was found between the clinical parameters and the ABCG2 gene expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of ABCB1 gene expression levels could be important for the diagnosis and monitoring of ALL patients.

Vida cotidiana y preeclampsia: Experiencias de mujeres del Estado de México / Daily life and pre-eclampsia: Experiences of women at the State of Mexico / Vida cotidiana e pré-eclâmpsia: Experiências de mulheres do Estado do México

Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia de vivir con preeclampsia en el contexto de la vida cotidiana de un grupo de mujeres del Estado de México que asisten al Hospital General de Chimalhuacán. Método: Investigación cualitativa de abordaje fenomenológico, hermenéutico con enfoque teórico de Alfred Schütz. La muestra fue definida por medio del criterio de saturación teórica. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de una entrevista semiestructurada y analizados con el método de van Manen. Seis criterios de rigor científico se utilizaron: Credibilidad, transferibilidad, consistencia, confirmabilidad, relevancia y adecuación teórico epistemológica. Resultados: Emergieron 5 categorías: 1) significado de la preeclampsia en la vida cotidiana; 2) experiencia de la dimensión física y emocional de vivir con preeclampsia; 3) interpretación del autocuidado en la vida cotidiana de la mujer con preeclampsia; 4) redes de apoyo que ayudan a sobrevivir la experiencia de tener preeclampsia; y 5) significado de los servicios de salud. Conclusiones: La preeclampsia es una enfermedad del embarazo de origen multifactorial y una de las principales causas de muerte materna en México, con impacto significativo en los servicios de salud. Se demuestra que en las mujeres con preeclampsia se potencializa su vulnerabilidad y riesgo de morir, al vivir en crisis, pues se ve trastocada y alterada su vida cotidiana, no solo en los aspectos biológicos al sentir malestares físicos y corporales, sino también en la parte emocional. Se observó la capacidad de auto-eco-socio-organización para equilibrar su entorno y vida cotidiana. Se ratificó que las redes de apoyo familiar y social son dadoras de bienestar e indispensables para fortalecer el cuidado.

Objective: To analyze the experience of living with pre-eclampsia among women at the State of Mexico who are attended at the General Hospital of Chimalhuacan. Method: This is a qualitative research with a phenomenological and hermeneutic approach with the theoretical focus of Alfred Schütz. The sample was defined using the criteria of theoretical saturation. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and analyzed using the Van Manen method. Six scientific rigor criteria were used: credibility, transferability, consistency, confirmability, relevance, and theoretical and epistemological adequacy. Results: Five categories emerged: 1) meaning of pre-eclampsy in daily life, 2) physical and emotional experience of living with pre-eclampsy, 3) interpretation of self-care in the daily life of women with pre-eclampsy, 4) supporting networks which help women survive the experience of having pre-eclampsy, and 5) meaning of the Health Services. Conclusions: Pre-eclampsy, a multi-factorial pregnancy illness with a high impact on Health Services, is one of the main causes of maternal deaths in Mexico. Because of their living in constant crisis, women with pre-eclampsy have higher vulnerability and risk of death, and their lives are affected both physically and emotionally. Here, it was ratified that supporting networks are critical to address this problem and strengthen these women's capacity to achieve a balance in their environment and daily life.

Objetivo: Analisar a experiência de viver com pré-eclâmpsia no contexto da vida cotidiana de um grupo de mulheres do Estado do México que assistem ao Hospital General de Chimalhuacán. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa de abordagem fenomenológica, hermenêutica com enfoque teórico de Alfred Schütz. A amostra foi definida utilizando o critério de saturação teórica. Os dados foram coletados a través de uma entrevista semiestruturada e analisados com o método de Van Manen. Seis critérios de rigor científico utilizaram-se: credibilidade, transferibilidade, consistência, confirmação, relevância e adequação teórico epistemológica. Resultados: emergiram 5 categorias: 1) significado da pré-eclâmpsia na vida cotidiana, 2) experiência da dimensão física e emocional de viver com pré-eclâmpsia, 3) interpretação do autocuidado na vida cotidiana da mulher com pré-eclâmpsia, 4) redes de apoio que ajudam a sobreviver a experiência de ter pré-eclâmpsia, e, 5) significado dos serviços de saúde. Conclusões: a pré-eclâmpsia é uma doença de gravidez de origem multifatorial e uma das principais causas de morte materna no México com impacto significativo nos serviços de saúde. Mostra-se que nas mulheres com pré-eclâmpsia potencializa-se sua vulnerabilidade e risco de morrer, no viver em crise, pois vê-se modificada e alterada sua vida cotidiana, não só nos aspectos biológicos ao sentir mal-estares físicos e corporais, senão também na parte emocional. Observou-se a capacidade de auto-eco-sócio-organização para equilibrar o seu entorno e vida cotidiana. Ratificou-se que as redes de apoio familiar e social são dadoras de bem-estar e indispensáveis para fortalecer o cuidado.

Evaluación de la fatiga en pacientes con artritis psoriásica y su asociación con otras variables de la enfermedad / Evaluation of fatigue in patients with psoriatic arthritis and association with other variables of the disease

Objetivo: Evaluar la frecuencia de fatiga en pacientes con APs y su asociación con otras variables de la enfermedad. Métodos: Pacientes ≥18 años con diagnóstico de APs según criterios CASPAR. Se evaluó fatiga, rigidez matinal, dolor, actividad de la enfermedad por el paciente y el médico por escala visual graduada (EVG). Se completaron los autocuestionarios ASQoL, PsAQoL, HAQ-A, BASFI y BASDAI. Se calcularon los índices compuestos DAS28, DAPSA y CPDAI. Resultados: Se incluyeron 112 pacientes. La mediana de fatiga fue de 3 cm (RIC 0-6). Fatiga tuvo aceptable correlación con BASDAI (r:0,63), pregunta Nº1 del BASDAI (r:0,48), DAS28 (r:0,45), DAPSA (r:0,5), HAQ-A (r:0,42), PsAQoL (r:0,49), ASQoL (r:0,48), BASFI (r:0,47), EVG de dolor (r:0,48) y de rigidez matinal (r:0,55). El 30% de nuestra cohorte presentó fatiga definida como EVG ≥6 cm. En el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, la actividad de la enfermedad articular periférica (DAPSA coef β: 0,36, p=0,0001) y la calidad de vida (PsAQoL coef β: 0,27, p=0,009) se asociaron significativamente a fatiga. Conclusión: El 30% de nuestra cohorte de pacientes presentó EVG de fatiga ≥6 cm. La fatiga se asoció independientemente con la actividad de la enfermedad articular periférica y la calidad de vida.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of fatigue in patients with PsA and its association with other disease variables. Methods: We included patients ≥18 years of age with PsA according to CASPAR criteria. Fatigue, morning stiffness, pain and global activity by both patients and physicians were assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS). ASQoL, PsAQoL, HAQ-A, BASFI and BASDAI were completed. DAS28, DAPSA and CPDAI were calculated. Results: We included 112 patients. Median fatigue VAS was 3 cm (IQR 0-6). Fatigue had an acceptable correlation with BASDAI (r:0.63), BASDAI question Nº1 (r:0.48), DAS28 (r:0.45), DAPSA (Rho:0.5), HAQ-A (Rho:0.42), PsAQoL (Rho:0.49), ASQoL (Rho:0.48), BASFI (Rho:0.47), pain (Rho:0.48) and morning stiffness (Rho:0.55) and a regular correlation with CPDAI (Rho:034). 30% of our cohort had fatigue, as defined by a VAS equal or greater than 6 cm. In multiple linear regression analysis, adjusting for sex, age and disease duration, peripheral disease activity (DAPSA βcoeff: 0.36, p=0.0001) and quality of life (PsAQoL βcoeff: 0.27, p=0.009) were associated with fatigue. Conclusion: Prevalence of fatigue in this cohort was 30% and it was associated with greater peripheral disease activity and worse quality of life.

Validación psicométrica de escalas PSS-14, AFA-R, HDRS, CES-D, EV en puérperas mexicanas con y sin preeclampsia / Psychometric validation of scales PSS-14, AFA-R, HDRS, CES-D, EV in postpartum Mexican women with and without preeclampsia / Validação das escalas PSS, AFA-R, HDRS, CES-D e EV em puérperas mexicanas com e sem pré-eclâmpsia

Objetivo: Validar las escalas psicométricas: Estrés percibido (PSS), Apoyo familiar y de amigos (AFA-R), Depresión de Hamilton (HDRS), Sintomatología depresiva (CES-D), Violencia e índice de severidad (EV) en mujeres mexicanas puérperas con y sin preeclamsia. Método: Estudio descriptivo que valida las propiedades psicométricas de las escalas PSS, AFA-R, HDRS, CES-D y EV. Las escalas fueron seleccionadas a través de una búsqueda en la web de los últimos 5 años. Las escalas fueron aplicadas por enfermeras mediante entrevista a 104 puérperas hospitalizadas con y sin preeclampsia. Para la confiabilidad se aplicó el alfa de Cronbach. La validez fue confirmada por un grupo de expertos y prueba piloto. Se utilizó análisis factorial por los métodos componentes principales, Káiser y Varimax. Resultados: Cada escala tuvo consistencia interna; calificaron con nivel aceptable (PSS 0.718 y EV 0.740) y nivel bueno (AFA-R 0.911, CES-D 0.869 y HDRS 0.806). La validez de contenido fue aprobada con: PSS 96.42%; EV 100%; AFA 100%; CES-D 98.75%, y HDRS 92.64%. La estructura factorial estuvo bien distribuida: cada factor obtuvo algunos pesos altos y los demás, próximos a cero. Cada variable estuvo saturada en uno o en 2 factores, por lo que casi no compartieron varianzas. PSS, con 6 factores, tuvo poder explicativo de la varianza total del 72.23%; AFA-R, con 3 factores y poder explicativo del 74.19%; HDRS, con 6 factores y poder explicativo del 70.58%; CES-D, con 6 factores y poder explicativo del 72.87%, y la escala EV tuvo varianza de cero. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos señalan que las escalas PSS, AFA-R, HDRS y CES-D por su confiabilidad, validez y utilidad funcionan teóricamente bien para medir las variables en el grupo de mujeres estudiadas; sin embargo para la escala EV debe considerarse un análisis factorial diferente en otra muestra similar.

Objective: To assess the following scales' psychometric characteristics: Perceived Stress (PSS), Family and Friends Support (AFA-R), Depression-Hamilton (HDRS), Depressive Symptomatology (CES-D), Violence and Index of Severity (EV) among Mexican populations, with and without pre-eclampsia. Method: Descriptive and psychometric study. A web search was conducted to decide on which scales use. Nurses applied the scales to 104 hospitalized post-partum women with and without pre-eclampsia. Cronbach alpha was measured to assess reliability. Validity was confirmed by a group of experts and by a pilot study. Principal components, Kaiser, and varimax factor analyses were carried out.ResultsEach scale had internal consistency-acceptable level: PSS .718 and EV .740; good level: AFA-R .911, CES-D .869 and HDRS .806. Content validity was assessed as PSS: 96.42%, EV: 100%, AFA 100%, CES-D: 98.75% and HDRS: 92.64%. The factor structure was well distributed. Each factor had few important weights, and the rest were close to zero. Each variable was not saturated except in one, and barely in two, factors, thus variance was almost not shared. PSS, with 6 factors, had an explicative power of the total variance of 72.23%; AFA-R, with 3 factors and explicative power of 74.19%; HDRS with 6 factors and explicative power of 70.58%; while CES-D, with 6 factors too, had an explicative power of 72.87%. The EV scale had a variance of zero. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the scales PSS, AFA-R, HDRS, and CES-D, due to their reliability, validity, and usefulness, theoretically work well to assess the different variables among the group of studied women. Another factor analysis on the EV scale should be considered for a similar sample.

Objetivo: Validar as escalas psicométricas: Estrese Percebido (PSS), Apoio Familiar e de Amigos (AFA-R), Depressão de Hamilton (HDRS), Sintomatologia Depressiva (CES-D), Violência e Índice DE Severidade (EV) em mulheres mexicanas puérperas com e sem pré-eclâmpsia. Método: Estudo descritivo que valida as propriedades psicométricas das escalas PSS, AFA-R, HDRS, CES-D e EV. As escalas foram escolhidas a través de uma busca na web dos últimos 5 anos. As escalas foram aplicadas por enfermeiras mediante entrevista a 104 puérperas hospitalizadas com e sem pré-eclâmpsia. Para a confiabilidade aplicou-se alfa de Crombach. A validade foi confirmada por um grupo de experientes e prova piloto. Utilizou-se analise fatorial pelos métodos componentes principais, Káiser e Varimax. Resultados: Cada escala teve consistência interna; qualificaram com nível aceitável (PSS 0.718 y EV 0.740) e com nível bom (AFA-R 0.911, CES-D 0.869 y HDRS 0.806). A validade de conteúdo foi aprovada com: PSS 96.42%; EV 100%; AFA 100%; CES-D 98.75%, e HDRS 92.64%. A estrutura fatorial esteve bem distribuída, cada fator obteve alguns pesos altos e os outros próximos a zero. Cada variável esteve saturada em um ou em outros fatores, pelo que quase não compartilharam variâncias. PSS, com 6 fatores, teve poder explicativo da variância total do 72.23%; AFA-R, com 3 fatores e poder explicativo do 74.19%; HDRS, com 6 fatores e poder explicativo do 70.58%; CES-D, com 6 fatores e poder explicativo do 72.87%, e a escala EV teve variância de zero. Conclusões: As descobertas assinalam que as escalas PSS, AFA-R, HDRS e CES-D por sua confiabilidade, validade e utilidade funcionam teoricamente bem para medir as variáveis no grupo de mulheres estudadas; porém, para a escala EV deve se considerar uma análise fatorial diferente em outra amostra semelhante.

CubMemPC: Prueba Computarizada para Evaluar la Memoria a Corto Plazo Visoespacial con y sin Distractores / CubMemPC: Computarized Test to Assess the Visuospatial Short-Term Memory with and without Distractors

La memoria a corto plazo es un sistema que mantiene poca información durante segundos; se subdivide en memoria inmediata si sólo mantiene la información, y en memoria de trabajo, si además de mantener dicha información opera sobre ella de manera simultánea. Una prueba que se ha utilizado ampliamente para evaluar la memoria a corto plazo visoespacial es "los cubos de Corsi", la cual consiste en recordar secuencias crecientes de toques de cubos. En este artículo se presenta el funcionamiento y ventajas del programa CubMemPc, una versión computarizada de "los cubos de Corsi" diseñada para evaluar la memoria a corto plazo (inmediata y de trabajo) visoespacial. El programa permite la aplicación de distintas secuencias de "toques de cubos", el registro tanto de las secuencias efectuadas por los sujetos como su tiempo de ejecución e incluir estímulos visuales como distractores. Esto último permite el estudio del efecto de las emociones sobre la memoria a corto plazo. Dada su disponibilidad, flexibilidad y manejabilidad CubMemPc puede ser utilizado tanto por investigadores en el área de las neurociencias cognitivas, como por profesionales de la psicología en la evaluación de la memoria a corto plazo visoespacial con o sin distractores.

Short-term memory is a system that holds a small amount of information during seconds; it is subdivided into immediate memory, if the information is only stored temporarily and working memory, if the information is stored and manipulated simultaneously. "Corsi block task" is a test that has been widely used to assess visuospatial working memory; in this task the assessed subject must to remember increasing sequences of cubes touches. This article describes the operation and advantages of CubMemPc program, which is a computerized version of "Corsi block task" designed to assess visuospatial short-term memory (immediate and working memory). The program makes it possible the application of different sequences of "cube touches", the registration of both the subject's responses and execution time. Besides, it allows including visual stimuli as distracters, which permit to study the effects of emotion on short-term memory. Given its availability, flexibility and manageability CubMemPc can be used by researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience and for psychology professionals in the assessment of visuospatial immediate memory and working memory with or without distracters.

Effects of nimodipine on multiunit activity of several brain structures following acute global cerebral ischemia-anoxia in cats.

The effects of nimodipine, a 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, on multiunit activity (MUA) of several brain structures were investigated in cats during 6 h immediately following acute global cerebral ischemia-anoxia induced by a 10 min cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA), as well as in cats exposed to sham procedures corresponding to CRA. Four groups of cats were studied: 1) CRA and continuous administration of nimodipine, 1 microgram/kg/min iv during 6 h; 2) CRA and continuous administration of vehicle; 3) sham and continuous administration of nimodipine as in group 1; 4) sham and vehicle as in group 2. MUA and electroencephalogram disappeared during ischemia-anoxia; their progressive recovery occurred throughout the hours following CRA, although 6 h after CRA MUA was still lower than its control prearrest values in all the recorded subcortical structures. Delta-like waves, isolated spikes, and bursts of fast EEG waves occurred during the recovery of EEG activity. Nimodipine inhibited the otherwise increasing MUA in mesencephalic reticular formation, hippocampus and putamen, but not in ventromedial hypothalamus, during the hours following acute global cerebral ischemia-anoxia. Absence of isolated spikes and bursts of fast EEG activity was noted in the EEG of CRA-, nimodipine-treated cats. Nimodipine significantly reduced MUA in hippocampus but not in other cerebral structures in cats of the sham treated group. The results suggest the involvement of 1,4 dihydropyridine sensitive calcium channels in the cellular mechanisms related to neuronal activity after cerebral ischemia-anoxia, and the possible relationship between the effects of nimodipine on MUA and better functional conditions of the central nervous system after acute global cerebral ischemia-anoxia.