Brain clocks capture diversity and disparity in aging and dementia.

Brain clocks, which quantify discrepancies between brain age and chronological age, hold promise for understanding brain health and disease. However, the impact of multimodal diversity (geographical, socioeconomic, sociodemographic, sex, neurodegeneration) on the brain age gap (BAG) is unknown. Here, we analyzed datasets from 5,306 participants across 15 countries (7 Latin American countries -LAC, 8 non-LAC). Based on higher-order interactions in brain signals, we developed a BAG deep learning architecture for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI=2,953) and electroencephalography (EEG=2,353). The datasets comprised healthy controls, and individuals with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. LAC models evidenced older brain ages (fMRI: MDE=5.60, RMSE=11.91; EEG: MDE=5.34, RMSE=9.82) compared to non-LAC, associated with frontoposterior networks. Structural socioeconomic inequality and other disparity-related factors (pollution, health disparities) were influential predictors of increased brain age gaps, especially in LAC (R2=0.37, F2=0.59, RMSE=6.9). A gradient of increasing BAG from controls to mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease was found. In LAC, we observed larger BAGs in females in control and Alzheimer's disease groups compared to respective males. Results were not explained by variations in signal quality, demographics, or acquisition methods. Findings provide a quantitative framework capturing the multimodal diversity of accelerated brain aging.

Effects of Delaying the Storage of 'Hass' Avocados under a Controlled Atmosphere on Skin Color, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity.

During ripening, 'Hass' avocado skin changes from green to purple/black. Low-temperature storage with a controlled atmosphere (CA) is the most widely used method for avocado storage; however, few studies have simulated this technology and considered the days of regular air (RA) storage prior to CA storage. Herein, the effect of delaying the storage of 'Hass' avocado (>30% dry matter) in a CA was examined. Long-term storage conditions (5 °C for 50 days) corresponded to (i) regular air storage (RA), (ii) CA (4 kPa O2 and 6 kPa CO2) and (iii) 10 days in RA + 40 days in a CA and (iv) 20 days in RA + 30 days in a CA. Evaluations were performed during storage and at the ready-to-eat (RTE) stage. Skin color remained unchanged during storage, but at the RTE stage, more color development was observed for fruits stored under CA conditions, as these fruits were purple/black (>50%). At the RTE stage, the anthocyanin content increased, and compared to fruit under RA, fruit under a CA contained a five-fold greater content. A 20-day delay between harvest and CA storage increased the fruit softening rate and skin color development after cold storage, reducing the effectiveness of CA as a postharvest technology for extending storage life.

Neurocognitive correlates of semantic memory navigation in Parkinson's disease.

Cognitive studies on Parkinson's disease (PD) reveal abnormal semantic processing. Most research, however, fails to indicate which conceptual properties are most affected and capture patients' neurocognitive profiles. Here, we asked persons with PD, healthy controls, and individuals with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD, as a disease control group) to read concepts (e.g., 'sun') and list their features (e.g., hot). Responses were analyzed in terms of ten word properties (including concreteness, imageability, and semantic variability), used for group-level comparisons, subject-level classification, and brain-behavior correlations. PD (but not bvFTD) patients produced more concrete and imageable words than controls, both patterns being associated with overall cognitive status. PD and bvFTD patients showed reduced semantic variability, an anomaly which predicted semantic inhibition outcomes. Word-property patterns robustly classified PD (but not bvFTD) patients and correlated with disease-specific hypoconnectivity along the sensorimotor and salience networks. Fine-grained semantic assessments, then, can reveal distinct neurocognitive signatures of PD.

Pneumocystis Exacerbates Inflammation and Mucus Hypersecretion in a Murine, Elastase-Induced-COPD Model.

Inflammation and mucus hypersecretion are frequent pathology features of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Selected bacteria, viruses and fungi may synergize as co-factors in aggravating disease by activating pathways that are able to induce airway pathology. Pneumocystis infection induces inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in immune competent and compromised humans and animals. This fungus is a frequent colonizer in patients with COPD. Therefore, it becomes essential to identify whether it has a role in aggravating COPD severity. This work used an elastase-induced COPD model to evaluate the role of Pneumocystis in the exacerbation of pathology, including COPD-like lung lesions, inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. Animals infected with Pneumocystis developed increased histology features of COPD, inflammatory cuffs around airways and lung vasculature plus mucus hypersecretion. Pneumocystis induced a synergic increment in levels of inflammation markers (Cxcl2, IL6, IL8 and IL10) and mucins (Muc5ac/Muc5b). Levels of STAT6-dependent transcription factors Gata3, FoxA3 and Spdef were also synergically increased in Pneumocystis infected animals and elastase-induced COPD, while the levels of the mucous cell-hyperplasia transcription factor FoxA2 were decreased compared to the other groups. Results document that Pneumocystis is a co-factor for disease severity in this elastase-induced-COPD model and highlight the relevance of STAT6 pathway in Pneumocystis pathogenesis.

Personas LGBT y Ciencia Ocupacional: una revisión de literatura / Pessoas LGBT e Ciência Ocupacional: uma revisão de literatura / LGBT people and Occupational Science: a literature review

Resumen Objetivo Conocer las investigaciones dentro de la Ciencia Ocupacional que involucran a la población LGBT. Metodología Se realizó una revisión de literatura utilizando las siguientes bases de datos PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS y EBSCOhost y una consulta directa en el listado de referencias. Resultados Se seleccionaron 24 artículos para ser analizados y se agruparon en 3 categorías generales según el tipo de grupo perteneciente a la población LGBT que se estudió. Las categorías que fueron (1) personas trans y ocupación, (2) hombres gays y ocupación y (3) mujeres lesbianas y ocupación. Estas categorías a su vez fueron divididas en ejes temáticas específicos. Conclusion Los estudios desde la ciencia ocupacional han abarcado de forma acotada las experiencias ocupacionales de las personas LGBT. La transición ocupacional y la performatividad del género a través de la ocupación son temas que se abordan de manera transversal en la mayoría de las categorías de análisis. Se destaca una falta de enfoque interseccional en las investigaciones emergentes para poder comprender de manera más compleja la ocupación y las estructuras de exclusión y discriminación que viven las personas LGBT.

Resumo Objetivo Conhecer as investigações dentro da Ciência Ocupacional que envolvem a população LGBT. Metodologia Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura utilizando as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS e EBSCOhost, e uma consulta direta na lista de referências. Resultados 24 artigos foram selecionados para serem analisados e agrupados em 3 categorias gerais de acordo com o tipo de grupo pertencente à população LGBT estudada. As categorias foram (1) pessoas trans e ocupação, (2) homens gays e ocupação e (3) mulheres lésbicas e ocupação. Essas categorias, por sua vez, foram divididas em eixos temáticos específicos. Conclusão Os estudos da ciência ocupacional têm abordado de forma limitada as experiências ocupacionais de pessoas LGBT. A transição ocupacional e a performatividade de gênero através da ocupação são questões abordadas de forma transversal na generalidade das categorias de análise. A falta de abordagem interseccional é destacada em pesquisas emergentes para poder compreender de forma mais complexa a ocupação e as estruturas de exclusão e discriminação vivenciadas por pessoas LGBT.

Abstract Objective To know the investigations within occupational science that involve the LGBT population. Methodology A literature review was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EBSCOhost, and a direct query in the list of references. Results 24 articles were selected to be analyzed and grouped into 3 general categories according to the type of group belonging to the LGBT population that was studied. The categories were (1) trans people and occupation, (2) gay men and occupation, and (3) lesbian women and occupation. These categories, in turn, were divided into specific thematic axes. Conclusion Occupational science studies have covered the occupational experiences of LGBT people in a limited way. Occupational transition and gender performativity through occupation are issues that are addressed transversally in most categories of analysis. A lack of intersectional approach is highlighted in emerging research to be able to understand in a more complex way the occupation and the structures of exclusion and discrimination experienced by LGBT people.

Response Mechanisms of "Hass" Avocado to Sequential 1-methylcyclopropene Applications at Different Maturity Stages during Cold Storage.

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is used for extending the postharvest life of the avocado during storage. Evaluated the effect of 1-MCP application at different times after harvest, i.e., 0, 7, 14, and 21 d at 5 °C, to identify the threshold of the ethylene inhibition response in "Hass" avocado. Our results showed that fruits from two maturity stages at harvest: low dry matter (20-23%) and high dry matter (27%). Changes in ethylene production rates and transcript accumulation of genes involved in ethylene metabolism were measured at harvest and during storage. 1-MCP treated fruit up to 14 d of storage showed similar values of firmness and skin color as fruit treated at harvest time. In contrast, when the application was performed after 21 d, the fruit showed ripening attributes similar to those of the untreated ones. To further understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the lack of response to 1-MCP at 21 d of storage, transcriptomic analysis was performed. Gene ontology analyses based on the DEG analysis showed enrichment of transcripts involved in the 'response to ethylene' for both maturity stages. All genes evaluated showed similar expression profiles induced by cold storage time, with a peak at 21 d of storage and an increased softening of the fruit and peel color. This was a two-year field study, and results were consistent across the two experimental years. Our results should help growers and markets in selecting the optimal timing of 1-MCP application in "Hass" avocados and should contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the avocado ripening process.

Evolución del estado nutricional en adolescentes chilenos entre el 2010 y 2019: una revisión narrativa / Evolution of nutritional status in Chilean adolescents between 2010 and 2019: a narrative review

INTRODUCCIÓN: La adolescencia es una fase crítica del crecimiento con múltiples cambios fisiológicos. Dentro de sus factores determinantes se encuentran el estado nutricional. Adicionalmente, en el año 2016 se implementó la Ley de Etiquetado Nutricional con el objetivo de asegurar una oferta saludable de alimentos. Por lo tanto, se considera relevante conocer la evolución del estado nutricional relacionado a la implementación de esta nueva ley. OBJETIVO: Describir la evolución del estado nutricional de adolescentes chilenos,durante el 2010 y 2019. MÉTODOS: Revisión narrativa, que reúne los datos utilizando bases científicas como revistas, paper e informes de Scielo, Google Académico, Scopus, Pubmed e información del Ministerio de Salud (MINSAL), publicados entre los años 2010 hasta el 2019, en inglés o español. RESULTADOS: El estado nutricional normal en los adolescentes, muestra una disminución de un 10%. El porcentaje de adolescentes con malnutrición por exceso en el 2010 fue de 37.1% y en el año 2019 de 47.6%, aumentando un 10,5% en 10 años. CONCLUSIÓN: El estado nutricional de los adolescentes chilenos, entre los años 2010 y 2019, ha mostrado una evolución hacia la malnutrición por exceso, Esto podría traer consecuencias negativas en la salud y aumentar el riesgo de enfermedades asociadas a un estilo de vida poco saludable en la adultez.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a critical phase of growth with multiple physiological changes. Among its determining factors is the nutritional status. Additionally, in 2016 the Nutritional Labeling Law was implemented with the aim of ensuring a healthy food supply. Therefore, it is considered relevant to know the evolution of nutritional status related to the implementation of this new law. OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of the nutritional status of Chilean adolescents between 2010 and 2019. METHODS: Narrative review, which gathers data usings cientific data bases such as journals, papers and reports from Scielo, Google Scholar, Scopus, Pubmed and information from the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), published between 2010 and 2019, in English or Spanish. RESULTS: The normal nutritional status in adolescents showed a decrease of 10%. The percentage of adolescents with excess malnutrition in 2010 was 37.1% and in 2019 47.6%, increasing by 10.5% in 10 years. CONCLUSION: The nutritional status of Chilean adolescents, between 2010 and 2019, has shown an evolution towards excess malnutrition. This could have negative consequences on health and increase the risk of diseases associated with an unhealthy lifestyle in adulthood.

Relationship among color development, anthocyanin and pigment-related gene expression in 'Crimson Seedless' grapes treated with abscisic acid and sucrose.

'Crimson Seedless' is one of the most important table grape varieties in Chile, but under certain environmental conditions, the fruit exhibits inadequate red color development, causing economic losses due to lower product quality. The use of plant growth regulators, such as abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene, during development increases the anthocyanin content of the skin, improving the color of the berry. Recently, sucrose has been identified as a signaling molecule capable of regulating the expression of genes of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of application of ABA and/or sucrose on color development and their relationship with anthocyanin metabolism. Applications of ABA (400 ppm or 200 ppm) and/or sucrose (90 mM) were performed close to the véraison stage. During development and at harvest, quality attributes such as berry firmness, total soluble solids and titratable acidity were not affected by these treatments. Increased red color development was observed in fruits treated with ABA and/or sucrose, due to accumulation of anthocyanins. Fruits subjected to sucrose treatment showed higher levels of anthocyanins than untreated fruits but lower levels than fruits treated with ABA. Increased expression of genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis was observed in ABA- and sucrose-treated fruits compared to untreated fruits. Based on these findings, we demonstrated that sucrose improved fruit color development by increasing synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins, thus allowing earlier harvests and improving table grape quality.

Weight increase is associated with skeletal muscle immunostaining for advanced glycation end products, receptor for advanced glycation end products, and oxidation injury.

BACKGROUND: Tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is associated with ageing, both in diabetics and nondiabetic subjects. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess immunostaining for AGEs, specifically carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and receptor for AGEs (RAGE), in muscle tissue of healthy male subjects differing in age and weight stability. METHODOLOGY: Muscle tissue was obtained during hernia surgery in middle-aged men reporting weight maintenance (WM, n = 10) or weight gain (WG, n = 7), and also in 4 elderly men. Tissue inmunostaining for CML and RAGE was performed. RESULTS: Intensity of CML and RAGE staining were highly correlated (r = 0.84) and also significantly associated with weight change and age. Muscle AGEs accretion was statistically associated with muscle expression of oxidative injury (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal) and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha). DISCUSSION: The increase of skeletal muscle AGEs/RAGE and markers of inflammation and oxidative injury in association with weight gain and old age suggest a pathogenic role of AGEs in weight gain and in sarcopenia of aging.

Weight increase and overweight are associated with DNA oxidative damage in skeletal muscle.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Weight maintenance within normal standards is recommended for prevention of conditions associated with oxidative injury. To compare oxidative damage in a post mitotic tissue, between adults differing in long-term energy balance. METHODS: During hernia surgery, a sample of skeletal muscle was obtained in 17 non-obese adults. Subjects were divided into two groups according to their self-reported weight change: weight maintainers (WM) reported <4kg increase, and weight gainers (WG) reported >5kg increment. Muscle immunohistochemistry for 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE), and TNF-alpha, as markers of oxidative injury and inflammation, were performed. As known positive controls for oxidative injury, we included 10 elderly subjects (66-101yr). Anthropometric measures and blood samples for clinical laboratory and serum cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) were obtained. RESULTS: 8OHdG was higher in WG compared with WM (149.1+/-16.2 versus 117.8+/-29.5, P=0.03), and was associated with anthropometric indicators of fat accumulation. 4HNE was similar in WG compared with WM (10.9+/-7.6 versus 9.8+/-6.3) but noticeably higher in elderly subjects (21.5+/-15.3, P=0.059). TNF-alpha protein in WG was higher compared with WM (114.0+/-41.7 versus 70.1+/-23.3, P=0.025), and was associated with weight increase. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate self-reported weight increase, and body fat accumulation, suggesting long-term positive energy balance is associated with muscle DNA oxidative injury and inflammation.

Cyclic AMP inhibits TGFbeta1-induced cell-scattering and invasiveness in murine-transformed keratinocytes.

Mouse-transformed keratinocytes cultured in the presence of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) acquire an array of morphologic and functional properties that give rise to a migratory phenotype that expresses mesenchymal molecular markers. This cellular conversion involves activation of the Ras-ERK pathway, enhancement of urokinase (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and induction of invasiveness. In our present work, we demonstrate that cAMP and forskolin are able to prevent the expression of these mesenchymal properties, probably due to blockade of the Ras-ERK pathway. Our results also show that cAMP and forskolin are able to abolish the TGF-beta1-induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton that is characteristic of the mesenchymal phenotype and also inhibits the disruption of the E-cadherin cell to cell interactions. The latter responses seem to depend on the activity of protein kinase A, as demonstrated by the activation of the Ras-ERK pathway by specific protein kinase A inhibitors.