Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Aerial Parts of Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo by Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction.

Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo is a subshrub or shrub that is indigenous to the arid and semiarid region of northern Argentina and is known to possess several medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions so as to maximize the yield of bioactive total phenolic compound (TPC) and flavonoids (F) of F. punensis' aerial parts by using non-conventional extraction methods, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE, and microwave-assisted extraction, MAE, and to compare the biological activities and toxicity of optimized extracts vs. conventional extracts, i.e., those gained by maceration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to apply factorial designs to optimize the parameters of extraction: solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, ultrasound amplitude, and microwave power. The experimental values for TPC and F and antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions were not significantly different from the predicted values, demonstrating the accuracy of the mathematical models. Similar HPLC-DAD patterns were found between conventional and UAE- and MAE-optimized extracts. The main constituents of the extracts correspond to phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and apigenin was identified. All extracts showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS•+, O2•- and H2O2, enabling the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). They also showed an antimutagenic effect in Salmonella Typhimurium assay and cytotoxic/anti-proliferative activity on human melanoma cells (SKMEL-28). Toxicological evaluation indicates its safety. The results of this work are important in the development of efficient and sustainable methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from F. punensis for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.

Effect of botulinum toxin type a combined with physical therapy on functional capacity in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) combined with physical therapy on functional capacity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Twenty-four children with spastic CP were treated with either BoNT-A and physical therapy or physical therapy alone. RESULTS: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found after 30 days of treatment for the Berg Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Ashworth Scale and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and after three months for the Berg Scale, TUG test and PEDI. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the control group. DISCUSSION: BoNT-A combined with physical therapy leads to significant improvements in spasticity and functionality in children with CP within a period of three months from the onset of treatment.

Obtaining Tissues of Human Amniotic Membrane and Identification of Pluripotent Markers.

The immunofluorescence technique has been used to identify pluripotent markers in the human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC). hAEC belonging to human fetal membranes, specificamently to amnion layer, and are arising by epiblast, this sugest that the hAEC have characteristics of epiblast cells, in other words, characteristcs of pluripotent stem cells. Here we describe obtaining human amnion tissue and identifying pluripotent markers by immunofluorescence.

Análisis de la competencia del profesor de Educación Física para la inclusión de escolares con discapacidad

El estudio se enmarca en la competencia percibida por propios profesores de Educación Física para la inclusión de escolares primarios con discapacidad física. Se formuló como objetivo analizar la competencia percibida por profesores de Educación Física para la inclusión de escolares primarios con discapacidad física, en dos municipios de la región central de Cuba. Los datos provienen de un cuestionario cumplimentado por 40 profesores de Educación Física de dos municipios de la Región central cubana (divididos en dos grupos de 20). Se utilizaron métodos teóricos como el analítico-sintético y el inductivo-deductivo; y empíricos como la entrevista, la observación y la encuesta; del nivel matemático y/o estadístico, la distribución empírica de frecuencia. El resultado de la investigación reflejó la descripción de la autopercepción de los profesores de ambas poblaciones, en las tres dimensiones, con resultados más favorables para el municipio de Cabaiguán. La autopercepción más favorable de los profesores del municipio de Cabaiguán, para realizar adaptaciones específicas, emitir instrucción a los iguales y seguridad en el proceso de inclusión de escolares con discapacidad en la clase de Educación Física.

O estudo enquadra-se na competência percebida pelos próprios professores de Educação Física para a inclusão de alunos do ensino fundamental com deficiência física. O objetivo foi formulado para analisar a competência percebida pelos professores de Educação Física para a inclusão de alunos do ensino fundamental com deficiência física, em dois municípios da região central de Cuba. Os dados provêm de um questionário respondido por 40 professores de Educação Física de dois municípios da região central de Cuba (divididos em dois grupos de 20). Foram utilizados métodos teóricos como analítico-sintético e indutivo-dedutivo; e empíricos, como entrevistas, observações e pesquisas; do nível matemático e/ou estatístico, a distribuição de frequência empírica. O resultado da pesquisa refletiu a descrição da autopercepção dos professores de ambas as populações, nas três dimensões, com resultados mais favoráveis para o município de Cabaiguán. A autopercepção mais favorável dos professores do município de Cabaiguán, para fazer adaptações específicas, dar instrução aos pares e segurança no processo de inclusão de alunos com deficiência nas aulas de Educação Física.

The study is part of the competence perceived by Physical Education teachers themselves for the inclusion of primary schoolchildren with physical disabilities. The objective was to analyze the competence perceived by Physical Education teachers for the inclusion of primary schoolchildren with physical disabilities, in two municipalities in the central region of Cuba. The data come from a questionnaire completed by 40 Physical Education teachers from two municipalities in the Cuban central region (divided into two groups of 20). Theoretical methods such as the analytical-synthetic and the inductive-deductive were used; as empirical ones the interview, the observation and the survey were used; and from the mathematical and/or statistical level, the empirical frequency distribution was used. The result of the research reflected the description of the self-perception of the teachers of both populations, in the three dimensions, with more favorable results for the municipality of Cabaiguán. The most favorable self-perception of teachers in the municipality of Cabaiguán, to make specific adaptations, issue instruction to equals and security in the process of inclusion of schoolchildren with disabilities in Physical Education class.

Caffeine Administration in Piglets with Low Birthweight and Low Vitality Scores, and Its Effect on Physiological Blood Profile, Acid-Base Balance, Gas Exchange, and Infrared Thermal Response.

Intrapartum asphyxia, fetal hypoxia, and their consequences (e.g., acidosis, hypercapnia, hypoglycemia, and hypothermia) are the main factors related to physio-metabolic imbalances that increase neonatal mortality in piglets, particularly in piglets with low birthweight and low vitality scores. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different doses of caffeine (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) administered orally to 480 newborn piglets with low birthweight and low vitality scores. Blood gas parameters (pH, pO2, pCO2, and HCO3-), physio-metabolic profile (Ca++, glucose, and lactate), and the thermal response assessed through infrared thermography in four thermal windows (ocular, auricular, snout, and hindlimb) and rectal temperature were evaluated during the first 24 h of life. Doses of 30 mg/kg resulted in significant differences at 24 h for all evaluated parameters, suggesting that caffeine administration improved the cardiorespiratory function and metabolic activity of piglets by reducing acidosis, restoring glycemia, and increasing surface and rectal temperature. In conclusion, caffeine at 30 mg/kg could be suggested as an appropriate dose to use in piglets with low birthweight and low vitality scores. Future research might need to study the presentation of adverse effects due to higher caffeine concentrations.

Increased proliferation and neuronal fate in prairie vole brain progenitor cells cultured in vitro: effects by social exposure and sexual dimorphism.

BACKGROUND: The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) is a socially monogamous rodent that establishes an enduring pair bond after cohabitation, with (6 h) or without (24 h) mating. Previously, we reported that social interaction and mating increased cell proliferation and differentiation to neuronal fate in neurogenic niches in male voles. We hypothesized that neurogenesis may be a neural plasticity mechanism involved in mating-induced pair bond formation. Here, we evaluated the differentiation potential of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of both female and male adult voles as a function of sociosexual experience. Animals were assigned to one of the following groups: (1) control (Co), sexually naive female and male voles that had no contact with another vole of the opposite sex; (2) social exposure (SE), males and females exposed to olfactory, auditory, and visual stimuli from a vole of the opposite sex, but without physical contact; and (3) social cohabitation with mating (SCM), male and female voles copulating to induce pair bonding formation. Subsequently, the NPCs were isolated from the SVZ, maintained, and supplemented with growth factors to form neurospheres in vitro. RESULTS: Notably, we detected in SE and SCM voles, a higher proliferation of neurosphere-derived Nestin + cells, as well as an increase in mature neurons (MAP2 +) and a decrease in glial (GFAP +) differentiated cells with some sex differences. These data suggest that when voles are exposed to sociosexual experiences that induce pair bonding, undifferentiated cells of the SVZ acquire a commitment to a neuronal lineage, and the determined potential of the neurosphere is conserved despite adaptations under in vitro conditions. Finally, we repeated the culture to obtain neurospheres under treatments with different hormones and factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, estradiol, prolactin, oxytocin, and progesterone); the ability of SVZ-isolated cells to generate neurospheres and differentiate in vitro into neurons or glial lineages in response to hormones or factors is also dependent on sex and sociosexual context. CONCLUSION: Social interactions that promote pair bonding in voles change the properties of cells isolated from the SVZ. Thus, SE or SCM induces a bias in the differentiation potential in both sexes, while SE is sufficient to promote proliferation in SVZ-isolated cells from male brains. In females, proliferation increases when mating is performed. The next question is whether the rise in proliferation and neurogenesis of cells from the SVZ are plastic processes essential for establishing, enhancing, maintaining, or accelerating pair bond formation. Highlights 1. Sociosexual experiences that promote pair bonding (social exposure and social cohabitation with mating) induce changes in the properties of neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from the SVZ in adult prairie voles. 2. Social interactions lead to increased proliferation and induce a bias in the differentiation potential of SVZ-isolated cells in both male and female voles. 3. The differentiation potential of SVZ-isolated cells is conserved under in vitro conditions, suggesting a commitment to a neuronal lineage under a sociosexual context. 4. Hormonal and growth factors treatments (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, estradiol, prolactin, oxytocin, and progesterone) affect the generation and differentiation of neurospheres, with dependencies on sex and sociosexual context. 5. Proliferation and neurogenesis in the SVZ may play a crucial role in establishing, enhancing, maintaining, or accelerating pair bond formation.

In this study, researchers evaluated whether social interactions and copulation induce changes in the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells in adult male and female voles using an in vitro neurosphere formation assay. The following groups were assigned: control animals without any exposure to another vole outside their litter, another group with social exposure consisting of sensory exposure to a vole of the opposite sex and a third group with social cohabitation and copulation. Forty eight hours after social interactions, cells were isolated from the neurogenic niche subventricular zone (SVZ) and cultured to assess their self-renewal and proliferation abilities to form neurospheres. The results showed in the social interaction groups, a greater number and growth of neurospheres in both males and females. Differentiation capacity was assessed by immunodetection of MAP2 and GFAP to identify neurons or glia, respectively, arise from neurospheres, with an increase in neuronal fate in groups with social interaction. In the second part of the study, the researchers analyzed the effect of different hormone and growth factor treatments and found that the response in both proliferation and differentiation potential may vary depending on the sociosexual context or sex. This study suggests that social interactions leading to pair bond formation alter the properties of SVZ cells, whereby proliferation and neurogenesis may have an impact on the establishment and maintenance of pair bonding.

Medicinal plants for digestive disorders: a review of ethnobotanical studies conducted in southern Brazil / Plantas medicinales para los trastornos digestivos: una revisión de estudios etnobotánicos realizados en el sur de Brasil

This review focuses on plant species traditionally used in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná states (southern Brazil) for the relief of digestive disorders. Fifty ethnobotanical studies were compiled, resulting in 384 species mentioned, of which those cited in common to every state were selected. The search retrieved 63 native species used to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders, distributed in 21 botanical fa milies, mainly Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae. The most cited species include Achyrocline satureioides (82%), Eugenia uniflora (70%), Baccharis crispa (46%), Psidium cattleyanum (36%), Solanum paniculatum (36%) and Monteverdia ilicifolia (34%). Scient ific studies have corroborated their popular use for the relief the gastrointestinal disorders, but most of them are preclinical and mainly exploratory. In conclusion, the folk use of medicinal species with therapeutic purposes is widespread in southern Br azil, but further studies are needed to guarantee their efficacy and safety.

Esta revisión presenta especies de plantas utilizadas en Rio Gra nde do Sul, Santa Catarina y Paraná (Sur de Brasil) con enfoque en el alivio de los trastornos digestivos. Se recopilaron 50 estudios etnobotánicos en los que se mencionaron un total de 384 especies, siendo seleccionadas las especies en común a todos los e stados. La búsqueda recuperó 63 especies nativas citadas como utilizadas para aliviar trastornos gastrointestinales, distribuidas en 21 familias botánicas, principalmente Asteraceae, Lamiaceae y Myrtaceae. Las especies con mayor frecuencia de citación fuer on: Achyrocline satureioides (82%), Eugenia uniflora (70%), Baccharis crispa (46%), Psidium cattleyanum (36%), Solanum paniculatum (36%) y Monteverdia ilicifolia (34%). Los estudios científicos han corroborado el uso de especies para el alivio de los trast ornos gastrointestinales, pero la mayoría de ellos son preclínicos y principalmente exploratorios. En conclusión, el uso popular de especies medicinales con fines digestivos está muy extendido en el sur de Brasil, pero aún se necesitan estudios científicos para garantizar la eficacia y seguridad de estas plantas.

Thermal Balance in Male Water Buffaloes Transported by Long and Short Journeys.

Transport is a stressor that can cause physiological and metabolic imbalances in livestock, resulting in stress-induced hyperthermia. In water buffaloes, studies regarding the thermal state of animals during mobilization are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the thermal response of 1516 water buffaloes using infrared thermography (IRT) during 15 short trips (783 animals, 60,291 records, average duration = 50.33 min ± 5.48 min) and 14 long trips (733 animals, 56,441 records, average duration = 13.31 h ± 47.32 min). The surface temperature was assessed in 11 regions (periocular, lacrimal caruncle, nasal, lower eyelid, auricular, frontal-parietal, pelvic limb, torso, abdominal, lumbar, and thoracic) during seven phases from pasture to post-transport. It was found that the surface temperature of the periocular, lacrimal caruncle, nasal, auricular, frontal-parietal, pelvic limb, torso, abdominal, lumbar, and thoracic regions was significantly higher during SJs (+3 °C) when compared to LJs (p < 0.0001). In particular, the frontal-parietal region had a significant increase of 10 °C during the post-transport phase (p < 0.0001) in both groups, recording the highest temperatures during this phase. Likewise, a strong positive significant correlation between the different regions was found (r = 0.90, p < 0.0001). It is worth mentioning that the herding, loading, pre-, and post-transport phases were the ones where the greatest thermal response was recorded, possibly due to the influence of human interaction. Finally, a strong positive correlation (r above 0.9, p > 0.001) between the periocular, lacrimal caruncle, pinna, and pelvic limb was found. According to the results, SJ could be considered a stressful event that hinders thermal generation, contrarily to LJ.

Pioglitazone enhances brain mitochondrial biogenesis and phase II detoxification capacity in neonatal rats with 6-OHDA-induced unilateral striatal lesions.

The psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPH) is the first-line pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but has numerous adverse side effects. The PPARγ receptor agonist pioglitazone (PIO) is known to improve mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant capacity, both of which may be deficient in ADHD, suggesting utility as an adjunct therapy. Here, we assessed the effects of PIO on ADHD-like symptoms, mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant pathways in multiple brain regions of neonate rats with unilateral striatal lesions induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as an experimental ADHD model. Unilateral striatal injection of 6-OHDA reduced ipsilateral dopaminergic innervation by 33% and increased locomotor activity. This locomotor hyperactivity was not altered by PIO treatment for 14 days. However, PIO increased the expression of proteins contributing to mitochondrial biogenesis in the striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum and prefrontal cortex of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In addition, PIO treatment enhanced the expression of the phase II transcription factor Nrf2 in the striatum, prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. In contrast, no change in the antioxidant enzyme catalase was observed in any of the brain regions analyzed. Thus, PIO may improve mitochondrial biogenesis and phase 2 detoxification in the ADHD brain. Further studies are required to determine if different dose regimens can exert more comprehensive therapeutic effects against ADHD neuropathology and behavior.

Programa del Adulto Mayor y su impacto integral en el municipio Trinidad, periodo 2020-2022 / Elderly Adult Program and its integral impact in Trinidad municipality, period 2020-2022

Fundamento: Con el aumento de la esperanza de vida en Cuba se hace necesario insertar al adulto mayor en la actividad física comunitaria, que es uno de los procesos de funcionamiento del Instituto Nacional de Deportes, Educación Física y Recreación, mediante el Programa del Adulto Mayor para mejorar la calidad de vida de este grupo etario. Objetivo: Determinar los rasgos distintivos que caracterizan el impacto integral del Programa del Adulto Mayor en la calidad de vida de los practicantes del municipio Trinidad en la provincia Sancti Spíritus. Metodología: Se realizó estudio exploratorio que incluyó a 10 directivos y 65 profesores que atienden directamente el Programa del Adulto Mayor en el municipio Trinidad y 64 adultos mayores practicantes sistemáticos; a profesores y directivos se les realizaron entrevistas. Se utilizaron los métodos inductivo-deductivo, análisis de documento, medición y la entrevista. Los métodos estadísticos matemáticos se aplicaron para el procesamiento de los datos, específicamente dentro de la estadística descriptiva se utilizaron tablas de distribución empírica de frecuencias. Resultados: El Programa e Indicaciones metodológicas no ofrecen información relacionada con el impacto integral del mismo, el 100 % de los directivos considera necesario que se investigue en relación con el impacto integral de este Programa, la totalidad de los profesores entrevistados expresaron que solo se evalúa la condición física del adulto mayor. El 80 % de los adultos mayores se sienten satisfechos con su estado de salud y el 98 % consideraron que el Programa mejora su calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Se ofrecen los rasgos distintivos que caracterizan el impacto integral del Programa del Adulto Mayor; las deficiencias detectadas orientan la necesidad de evaluar de forma integral el impacto del mismo en la calidad de vida de los practicantes sistemáticos.

Background: Due to the increase in life expectation in Cuba, it becomes necessary to insert the elderly adults in community physical activity, which is one of National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation functioning processes, by means of the Elderly Adult Program to improve quality of life in this age group. Objective: To determine the distinguishing features that characterize the integral impact of the Elderly Adult Program on the quality of life of the participants of the Municipality of Trinidad in the Province of Sancti Spiritus. Methodology: An exploratory study was conducted that included 10 managers and 65 teachers who directly attend the Elderly Adult Program in the municipality of Trinidad and 64 systematically practicing elderly adults; interviews were conducted with teachers and managers. Inductive-deductive methods, document analysis, measurement and interview were used. Mathematical-statistical methods were applied to process the data, specifically, within the descriptive statistics, empirical frequency distribution tables were used. Results: The Program and Methodological Indications do not offer information relating to the integral program impact, 100% of the managers consider necessary to investigate the integral impact of the program, most of the teachers interviewed said that only the physical condition of elderly adults is evaluated. The 80% of them are satisfied with their health and 98% believe the program improves their quality of life. Conclusions: The features that characterize the integral impact of the Senior Program are offered; the deficiencies detected suggest the need for a comprehensive evaluation of its impact on the life quality of systematic practitioners.

Main barriers to services linked to voluntary pregnancy termination on three grounds in Chile.

Introduction: After decades of absolute criminalization, on September 14, 2017, Chile decriminalized voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) when there is a life risk to the pregnant woman, lethal incompatibility of the embryo or fetus of genetic or chromosomal nature, and pregnancy due to rape. The implementation of the law reveals multiple barriers hindering access to the services provided by the law. Objectives: To identify and analyze, using the Tanahashi Model, the main barriers to the implementation of law 21,030 in public health institutions. This article contributes to the follow-up of this public policy, making visible the obstacles that violate women's rights of women to have dignified access to abortion and that affect the quality of health care in Chile. Material and method: Qualitative design, following the postpositivist paradigm. The sample consisted of relevant actors directly related to pregnancy termination. Snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews were used. Grounded theory was used through inductive coding, originating categories regrouped into meta-categories following Tanahashi's model. The rigor criteria of transferability, dependability, credibility, authenticity, and epistemological theoretical adequacy were used. The identity of the participants and the confidentiality of the information were protected. Results: From January 2021 to October 2022, 62 interviews were conducted with 20 members of the psychosocial support team; 18 managers; 17 members of the biomedical health team; 4 participants from of civil society, and three women users. The main obstacles correspond to availability barriers, accessibility barriers, acceptability barriers, contact barriers, and effectiveness barriers. Conclusions: Barriers to access abortion under three grounds violate the exercise of women's sexual and reproductive rights. It is urgent to carry out actions of control and follow-up of this public policy to the corresponding entities.

[Dietary and physical activity practices and preferences in children: An approach from school parliaments in educational public establishments]. / Prácticas y preferencias alimentarias y de actividad física en niños y niñas: Una aproximación desde los Parlamentos Escolares en establecimientos educacionales.

In Chile, overnutrition continues to increase, especially affecting children. Solving this public health problem requires the development of promotion and prevention strategies that consider the suggestions of the communities, especially those of the children themselves. OBJECTIVE: To know the opinions and suggestions of third and fourth-grade children from schools in the southern area of Santiago, Chile, regarding their eating practices and physical activity, as part of the FONDEF IT 1810016 project. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Seven School Meetings were held in seven schools using a participatory qualitative methodology, collecting the opinions of 176 children regarding both their food and physical activity habits and preferences. RESULTS: The most consumed and preferred foods are those easy to prepare and highly available, such as bread, pasta, and milk. Foods that require preparation or are less available, such as fish, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and homemade preparations, are less consumed and have less preference. Regarding physical activities, video games and soccer stand out. Students propose increasing the hours of physical education and recesses and improving the availability and access to healthy foods in school environments as a solution strategy. CONCLUSIONS: School Meetings as a participatory strategy contribute to the joint generation of knowledge. The need to include communities as participants in health initiatives recognizes, through their role, children as subjects of rights.

El paisaje lingüístico en los baños de mujeres de la Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza - Argentina

R E S U M E N En este artículo se apunta a analizar los (micro)discursos que se encuentran en los baños públicos de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza - Argentina Se focalizan las temáticas que se abordan, la clase de diálogos que se establecen y las valoraciones que se ponen de manifiesto. Se trata de una investigación de tipo cualitativo y exploratorio. Se trabaja con un corpus de imágenes recopilado en los baños públicos de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad Nacional de Cuyo en el mes de junio de 2022.

A B S T R A C T This article aims to describe and interpret the (micro)discourses that are found in the public bathrooms of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of the National University of Cuyo. In particular, the focus of this study is in the topics that are addressed, the kind of dialogues that are established and the assessments that are revealed. It is a qualitative and exploratory research. It works with a corpus of images collected in the public bathrooms of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of the National University of Cuyo in the month of June 2022.

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar os (micro)discursos encontrados nos banheiros públicos da Faculdade de Filosofia e Letras da Universidade Nacional de Cuyo. Focalizam-se os temas que são abordados, o tipo de diálogos que se estabelecem e as avaliações que se revelam. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória. O trabalho explora um corpus de imagens coletadas nos banheiros públicos da Faculdade de Filosofia e Letras da Universidade Nacional de Cuyo no mês de junho de 2020.

Confiabilidade teste-reteste de um protocolo de coleta do sinal eletromiográfico do músculo masseter em indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular / Test-retest reliability of a protocol for recording the electromyographic signal from the masseter muscle on patients with temporomandibular disorders

Introdução: A eletromiografia (EMG) tem sido utilizada para avaliar alterações no sistema mastigatório proporcionada pela disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Objetivos: Verificar a confiabilidade teste-reteste de um protocolo de coleta do sinal EMG do músculo masseter em indivíduos com DTM. Métodos: Estudo transversal composto por 20 indivíduos com DTM. Os testes foram realizados em duas sessões com 7 dias de intervalo. O sinal EMG foi avaliado pelas variáveis integral (iEMG) e a raiz quadrada da média do sinal (RMS). Resultados: Na análise intradia a confiabilidade para o RMS (ICC2,k: 0.85 a 0.96 ) e iEMG ICC2,k: 0.85 a 0.95) foi excelente, enquanto que a confiabilidade teste/reteste foi pobre para ambas as variáveis RMS (ICC2,1: 0.03 a 0.29) e iEMG (ICC2,1: 0.08 a 0.39). Conclusões: O protocolo de coleta do sinal EMG do músculo masseter em indivíduos com DTM demonstrou que os dados são reprodutíveis somente na mesma sessão de coletas enquanto que, para coletas em dias alternados a confiabilidade foi pobre.

Introduction: Electromyography (EMG) has been used to assess alterations in the masticatory system caused by temporomandybular disorders (TMD). Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the test-retest reliability of a protocol for recording the EMG signal from masseter muscle in TMD patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study comprising 20 individuals with TMD. Tests were performed in two sessions 7 days apart. The EMG signal was evaluated by the variables integral (iEMG) and the root mean square of the signal (RMS). Results: In the intraday analysis the reliability for the RMS (ICC2,k: 0.85 to 0.96) and iEMG (ICC2,k: 0.85 to 0.95) was excellent, while the test/retest reliability was poor for both RMS (ICC2,1: 0.03 to 0.29) and iEMG (ICC2,1: 0.08 to 0.39) variables. Conclusions: The protocol for collecting the EMG signal from the masseter muscle in an individual with TMD demonstrated that the data are reproducible only in the same recording session, whereas for c recording on alternate days, the reliability was poor.

Asociación entre el consumo de tabaco y alcohol en mujeres de 15 a 49 años en Costa Rica, según los resultados de la Encuesta de Mujer, Niñez y Adolescencia, 2018 / Association between tobacco and alcohol consumption in women aged 15 to 49 in Costa Rica, according to the results of the Survey of Women, Children and Adolescents, 2018

Resumen Este artículo analiza la asociación existente entre el consumo de tabaco y el consumo de alcohol en mujeres de 15 a 49 años en Costa Rica. Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico observacional de tipo transversal (n = 7.487), en el cual se valora, por medio de un diseño de regresión logística, parte de los datos provenientes de la Encuesta de Mujeres, Niñez y Adolescencia del año 2018. Se utilizaron las variables dependientes de consumo de tabaco y alcohol y las variables independientes de edad, zona, nivel educativo, situación marital y nivel socioeconómico. Los resultados confirman una relación entre el uso de tabaco y el de alcohol, cuya intensidad se modifica a partir de las variables descritas; en efecto, las mujeres que bebieron alcohol cuatro veces o más en el último mes tuvieron una prevalencia de consumo de tabaco más alta (OR = 18,80 (11,25-31.41)). Así mismo, quienes fuman diariamente tuvieron una prevalencia de consumo de alcohol inferior (OR = 4,09 (2,67-6,26)) a las que fuman ocasionalmente (OR = 8,86 (4,83-16,24)). Se concluye el vínculo entre el consumo de tabaco y el consumo de alcohol en mujeres de 15 a 49 años, con mayor frecuencia en jóvenes, solteras y residentes de la zona urbana.

Abstract This article analyses the association between consumption of tobacco and alcohol among Costa Rican women ages 15 to 49. A National Women, Children, and Adolescents Survey was disseminated across Costa Rica in 2018 (n = 7,487). The percentages of women who consumed tobacco and alcoholic beverages were calculated by age, socio-economic indicators, and civil status. A logistic regression design was used to analyze the relationship between tobacco and alcoholic beverages consumption. The relationship between tobacco and alcohol consumption was confirmed. Women who consumed alcohol four times or more in the past month had a higher prevalence of tobacco use (OR = 18.80 (11.25-31.41)). On the other hand, women who smoke had a lower prevalence of alcohol consumption (OR = 4.09 (2.67-6.26)) than women who smoke occasionally (OR = 8.86 (4.83-16.24)). There is an association between tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption in women between 15 and 49 years old. This relationship is present with greater force in young, single women and residents of urban areas.

Clinical pregnancy outcomes in women with mechanical prosthetic valves / Desenlaces clínicos en embarazo de mujeres con prótesis valvular mecánica

Abstract Introduction: Pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic valves (MPVs) have a higher risk of complications. We set out to identify and describe the main complications of pregnant women with MPVs, whether these are preventable, and their impact on cardiovascular, obstetric and fetal outcomes. Materials and methods: An analytical, observational study of a prospective cohort at a cardiac-obstetric clinic. The registry began in January 2016 and continues to date. This study reports the main cardiovascular, fetal and obstetric outcomes in pregnant women with MVPs included in the registry up to November 2021. We evaluated maternal, cardiac, obstetric, neonatal and safety outcomes. Results: From January 1, 2016, to November 1, 2021, 22 patients with a mechanical prosthetic valve who underwent 22 pregnancies were included in the REMEC. The mean age was 26.5 years (IQR 14-40). The median CARPREG II was 6 points, 86% were classified as mWHO class III and 14% were in class IV; 72.7% (16) had inadequate anticoagulation on admission, 18.1% (4) were not on any anticoagulant on admission, 40.9% (9) used VKAs and 40.9% (9) were on low molecular weight heparin. There was a 100% survival rate during follow up; however, the rate of complications was high. We found only four women (18%) with no obstetric or neonatal primary or secondary cardiac outcome. Primary cardiac events occurred in 18.1% of the patients, secondary cardiac events in 13%, obstetric outcomes in three (13.6%) and neonatal events in 45.4% (10). Fifty-nine percent of the patients had late evaluations. We found mechanical valve thrombosis in 36.3%. Conclusions: In our experience, although all the pregnant women survived, the rate of complications was high, with a higher proportion of neonatal complications. We found a high percentage of late evaluation, inadequate anticoagulation and preventable events. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2720).

Resumen Introducción: La gestante intervenida con prótesis valvular mecánica (PVM) tiene un mayor riesgo de complicaciones. Nos propusimos identificar y describir las principales complicaciones que se presentan en la embarazada con PVM, el carácter prevenible o no de éstas y su impacto en desenlaces cardiovasculares, obstétricos y fetales. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional analítico de una cohorte prospectiva en una clínica cardio- obstétrica. El registro comenzó en enero de 2016. El presente estudio informa los principales desenlaces cardiovasculares, fetales y obstétricos en embarazadas con PVM incluidas desde el inicio del registro hasta noviembre de 2021. Evaluamos desenlaces maternos, cardiacos y obstétricos, neonatales y de seguridad. Resultados: Entre el 1°. de enero de 2016 y el 1°. de noviembre de 2021 se incluyeron en el REMEC 22 pacientes con prótesis valvular mecánica que se sometieron a 22 embarazos. La edad media fue de 26.5 años (RIQ 14 - 40). Una mediana de CARPREG II de seis puntos, 86% estaban clasificadas como OMSm clase III y 14% en clase IV; 72.7% (16) tenían anticoagulación inadecuada al ingreso, 18.1% (4) no recibían ninguna terapia anticoagulante al ingreso, 40.9% (9) usaban AVK y 40.9% (9) venían con esquema de heparina de bajo peso molecular. Hubo una tasa de supervivencia de 100% durante el seguimiento. Sin embargo, la tasa de complicaciones fue alta. Encontramos solo cuatro mujeres (18%) sin desenlace cardiaco primario o secundario, obstétrico o neonatal. Se presentaron eventos cardiacos primarios en 18.1% de los pacientes, eventos cardiacos secundarios en 13%, desenlaces obstétricos en tres (13.6%) y en 45.4% (10) se presentaron eventos neonatales. Valoraciones tardías en 59% de las pacientes. Observamos trombosis valvular mecánica en 36.3%. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, a pesar de la supervivencia de todas las maternas, la tasa de complicaciones fue alta; con una mayor proporción de complicaciones neonatales. Encontramos un alto porcentaje de valoración tardía, anticoagulación inadecuada y de eventos prevenibles. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2720).

Assessment of thermal changes in water buffalo mobilized from the paddock and transported by short journeys.

Evaluating the welfare of buffaloes during transport is key to obtaining and commercializing high-quality meat products; however, effective assessments require recognizing several stressors that activate physiological mechanisms that can have repercussions on the health and productive performance of species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface temperatures of different body and head regions in this species during events prior, and posterior, to transport for short periods; that is, from paddock to loading. The second goal was to determine the level of correlation between thermal windows. This study used infrared thermography (IRT) to evaluate the surface temperature of 624 water buffaloes (Buffalypso breed) during 12 short trips (average duration = 2 h ± 20 min) by focusing on 11 regions of the body (Regio corporis), in the head regions (Regiones capitis) the face regions (Regiones faciei), Orbital region (Regio orbitalis) with special attention to structures such as the lacrimal caruncle, periocular area and lower eyelid (Regio palpebralis inferior); nasal region (Regio nasalis) with special attention to nostril thermal window; and regions of the skull (Regiones cranii) such as auricular region (Regio auricularis) with special attention to auditory canal and frontal-parietal region (Regio frontalis-parietalis) and trunk region (Truncus regionis) such as thoracic and abdominal regions, regions of the vertebral column (Columna vertebralis) with the thoracic vertebral region (Regio vertebralis thoracis) and lumbar region (Regio lumbalis); and regions of the pelvis limb (Regiones membri pelvini). Recordings were made during seven phases: paddock (P1), herding (P2), corral (P3), chute handling (P4), shipping (P5), pre- (P6), and post-transport (P7). A total of 48,048 readings were obtained from 11 thermal windows. The results showed that the surface temperatures of the windows increased by as much as 5°C during P2, P3, P5, P6, and P7 compared to P1 and P4 (p < 0.0001). Differences of at least 1°C were also observed between thermal windows in the craniofacial, lateral corporal, and peripheral zones (p < 0.0001). Finally, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.9, p < 0.0001) was found between the thermal windows. These findings lead to the conclusion that the surface temperature of the craniofacial and corporal regions of buffaloes transported for short periods varied in relation to the phase of mobilization (from paddock to post-transport), likely as a response to stressful factors, since herding and loading increased the thermal values in each window. The second conclusion is that there are strong positive correlations between central and peripheral thermal windows.

Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Model for Human Embryogenesis.

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs; embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) can recapitulate critical aspects of the early stages of embryonic development; therefore, they became a powerful tool for the in vitro study of molecular mechanisms that underlie blastocyst formation, implantation, the spectrum of pluripotency and the beginning of gastrulation, among other processes. Traditionally, PSCs were studied in 2D cultures or monolayers, without considering the spatial organization of a developing embryo. However, recent research demonstrated that PSCs can form 3D structures that simulate the blastocyst and gastrula stages and other events, such as amniotic cavity formation or somitogenesis. This breakthrough provides an unparalleled opportunity to study human embryogenesis by examining the interactions, cytoarchitecture and spatial organization among multiple cell lineages, which have long remained a mystery due to the limitations of studying in utero human embryos. In this review, we will provide an overview of how experimental embryology currently utilizes models such as blastoids, gastruloids and other 3D aggregates derived from PSCs to advance our understanding of the intricate processes involved in human embryo development.

Serial measurements of lymphocytes, D-dimer, LDH, and CRP do not improve the ability to predict COVID-19 adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the discriminatory ability of variations in lymphocyte, D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) serum levels at 48 to 72 hours of hospitalization compared with baseline measurements to predict unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We analyzed diagnostic test results based on a retrospective cohort to determine the ability of variations (gradients or ratios) in patients' lymphocyte, D-dimer, CRP, and LDH serum levels taken 48 to 72 hours after hospital admission to predict adverse outcomes such as death, mechanical ventilation, or intensive care unit (ICU) admission developing. RESULTS: Among 810 patients (56.1% men, age 61.6 ± 16.2 years), 37.5% had at least one adverse outcome; 28.2% required ICU admission, 26.5% required mechanical ventilation, and 19.4% died during hospitalization. In comparing baseline measurements with measurements at 48 to 72 hours, D-dimer, lymphocyte delta, LDH, and CRP had similar discriminatory ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.57 vs. 0.56, 0.53 vs. 0.57, 0.64 vs. 0.66, and 0.62 vs. 0.65, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring serum risk markers upon hospital admission can be used to evaluate risk of adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Repeating these measurements at 48 to 72 hours does not improve discriminatory ability.

The Role of Oxytocin in Domestic Animal's Maternal Care: Parturition, Bonding, and Lactation.

Oxytocin (OXT) is one of the essential hormones in the birth process; however, estradiol, prolactin, cortisol, relaxin, connexin, and prostaglandin are also present. In addition to parturition, the functions in which OXT is also involved in mammals include the induction of maternal behavior, including imprinting and maternal care, social cognition, and affiliative behavior, which can affect allo-parental care. The present article aimed to analyze the role of OXT and the neurophysiologic regulation of this hormone during parturition, how it can promote or impair maternal behavior and bonding, and its importance in lactation in domestic animals.