Gene Expression Analysis in Postmortem Brains from Individuals Who Died by Suicide: A Systematic Review.

Around the world, more the 700,000 individuals die by suicide every year. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms associated with suicidal behavior. Recently, an increase in gene expression studies has been in development. Through a systematic review, we aimed to find a candidate gene in gene expression studies on postmortem brains of suicide completers. Databases were systematically searched for published studies. We performed an online search using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases to search studies up until May 2023. The terms included were "gene expression", "expressed genes", "microarray", "qRT-PCR", "brain samples" and "suicide". Our systematic review included 59 studies covering the analysis of 1450 brain tissues from individuals who died by suicide. The majority of gene expression profiles were obtained of the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, ventral prefrontal cortex and orbital frontal cortex area. The most studied mRNAs came of genes in glutamate, γ-amino-butyric acid and polyamine systems. mRNAs of genes in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), HPA axis and chemokine family were also studied. On the other hand, psychiatric comorbidities indicate that suicide by violent death can alter the profile of mRNA expression.

Scale-up and fed-batch cultivation strategy for the enhanced co-production of microbial lipids and carotenoids using renewable waste feedstock.

Agro-industrial by-product valorization as a feedstock for the bioproduction of high-value products has demonstrated a feasible alternative to handle the environmental impact of waste. Oleaginous yeasts are promising cell factories for the industrial production of lipids and carotenoids. Since oleaginous yeasts are aerobic microorganisms, studying the volumetric mass transfer (kLa) could facilitate the scale-up and operation of bioreactors to grant the industrial availability of biocompounds. Scale-up experiments were performed to assess the simultaneous production of lipids and carotenoids using the yeast Sporobolomyces roseus CFGU-S005 and comparing the yields in batch and fed-batch mode cultivation using agro-waste hydrolysate in a 7 L bench-top bioreactor. The results indicate that oxygen availability in the fermentation affected the simultaneous production of metabolites. The highest production of lipids (3.4 g/L) was attained using the kLa value of 22.44 h-1, while higher carotenoid accumulation of 2.58 mg/L resulted when agitation speed was increased to 350 rpm (kLa 32.16 h-1). The adapted fed-batch mode in the fermentation increased the production yields two times. The fatty acid profile was affected according to supplied aeration and after the fed-batch cultivation mode. This study showed the scale-up potential of the bioprocess using the strain S. roseus in the obtention of microbial oil and carotenoids by the valorization of agro-industrial byproducts as a carbon source.

Servicio de atención psicológica a niños y adolescentes convalecientes a la COVID-19 en Villa Clara

Fundamento: los niños y los adolescentes constituyen una población sensible a los impactos psicológicos de la pandemia de COVID-19. Reconocerlo implica la necesidad de evaluación, seguimiento e intervención, especialmente cuando se trata de infantes que padecieron la enfermedad y requieren una atención pediátrica integral. Objetivo implementar un servicio de atención psicológica a niños y adolescentes convalecientes a la COVID-19. Métodos: se aplicó un diseño de investigación acción participativa desde un enfoque cualitativo constructivo-interpretativo. Está integrado por tres ejes de acciones: evaluación psicológica, intervención psicoterapéutica y apoyo social. Su diseño e implementación siguió etapas y se realizó de forma colaborativa. Los participantes implicados establecieron relaciones simétricas y siguieron un proceso cíclico de planificación-actuación-observación-reflexión; procedimiento base para atender y perfeccionar la práctica. Resultados: los resultados se obtuvieron con respecto a la evaluación y las acciones de intervención psicológica. Sobre la evaluación se destacan alteraciones clínico psicológicas con afectación de las funciones psíquicas y necesidades de preservación de la salud en los ámbitos personal y familiar. Respecto a la intervención psicológica, la totalidad de los beneficiarios recibió acciones de orientación psicológica y los diagnosticados con afección psiquiátrica recibieron acciones psicoterapéuticas. Todas las familias recibieron apoyo social. Conclusiones: se constató reducción o remisión de la intensidad de síntomas psicológicos, elaboración del duelo ante la pérdida, adecuación de afrontamientos o modificación de comportamientos, fortalecimiento de la capacidad de las redes sociales de apoyo, ampliación del conocimiento de la familia, y creación de canales de información entre la familia y la escuela.

Background: children and adolescents constitute a sensitive population to the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing it implies the need for evaluation, monitoring and intervention, especially when it comes to infants who have suffered from the disease and require comprehensive pediatric care. Objective: to implement a psychological care service for children and adolescents convalescent from COVID-19. Methods: a participatory action research design was applied from a constructive-interpretive qualitative approach. It is made up of three lines of action: psychological evaluation, psychotherapeutic intervention and social support. Its design and implementation followed stages and was carried out collaboratively. The participants involved established symmetrical relationships and followed a cyclical process of planning-acting-observing-reflecting; basic procedure to attend and improve the practice. Results: the results were obtained regarding the evaluation and the actions of psychological intervention. Regarding the evaluation, clinical-psychological alterations with affectation of the psychic functions and needs for the preservation of health in the personal and family spheres stand out. Regarding the psychological intervention, all the beneficiaries received psychological counseling actions and those diagnosed with a psychiatric condition received psychotherapeutic actions. All families received social support. Conclusions: The psychological symptoms intensity reduction or remission was verified, elaboration of grief in the loss, adaptation of coping or behavior modification, strengthening of the social support networks' capacity, expansion of family knowledge, and creation of information channels between the family and the school.

Chronic Pain and Depression are Increased in Outpatient Adults with Somatic Symptoms from Secondary Health Care Services.

BACKGROUND: Somatic symptom disorder is described as excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to physical symptoms. The presence of somatic symptoms has been associated with depression, alexithymia, and the presence of chronic pain. Individuals with somatic symptom disorder are frequent attenders of primary health care services. AIM: We focused on investigating if the presence of psychological symptoms, alexithymia, or pain could be risk factors for somatic symptoms in a secondary health care service. METHODS: A cross-sectional and observational study. A total of 136 Mexican individuals who regularly attend a secondary health care service were recruited. The Visual Analogue Scale for Pain Assessment, the Symptom Checklist 90, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 were applied. RESULTS: Of all the participants, 45.2% showed somatic symptoms. We observed that these individuals more frequently presented with complaints of pain (χ2 = 18.4, p < .001), as well as more severe (t = -4.6, p < .001), and prolonged (χ2 = 4.9, p = 0.02). They also exhibited higher severity in all psychological dimensions assessed (p < .001). Finally, cardiovascular disease (t = 2.52, p = .01), pain intensity (t = 2.94, p = .005), and SCL-90 depression (t = 7.58, p < .001) were associated with somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed a high frequency of somatic symptoms in outpatients attending secondary health care services. They may be accompanied by comorbid cardiovascular conditions, higher pain intensity, and other mental health-related symptoms, which may aggravate the general clinical picture presented by the patient seeking health care. The presence and severity of somatization should be taken into consideration in the first and second level health care services for an early mental state evaluation and treatment of these outpatients to have a better clinical assessment and health outcome.

Effect of risperidone on serum IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Risperidone has been significant correlated with a direct effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with schizophrenia. This fact allows the opportunity to link the probable immunomodulatory effect of antipsychotic medication. Specially, a proper functioning of IL-6 pathway plays a potential role in the treatment or development of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of risperidone on IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: Studies were identified through a systematic search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The articles found were subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria; then, the mean and standardised differences were extracted to calculate the standardised mean differences using the CMA software. RESULTS: IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia were compared before and after receiving risperidone as treatment. Increased levels of IL-6 levels were observed in individuals with schizophrenia who received risperidone (point estimate 0.249, lower limit 0.042, upper limit 0.455, p-value 0.018). In the Asian population sub-analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed (point estimate 0.103, lower limit -0.187, upper limit 0.215, p value 0.890). When we compared individuals with schizophrenia to the control groups, a significant increase of IL-6 levels was observed in the group with schizophrenia (point estimate 0.248, lower limit 0.024, upper limit 0.472, p-value 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Risperidone appears to play an important role in IL-6 levels in schizophrenia. Potential implications of increased IL-6 levels in people with schizophrenia should be considered in future studies.KEY POINTSIncreased levels of IL-6 levels were observed in individuals with schizophrenia who received risperidone.Risperidone appears to play an important role in IL-6 levels in schizophrenia.This study could serve for future research focussed on IL-6.

Consecuencias psicológicas y recursos psicosociales de afrontamiento en niños y adolescentes convalecientes a la COVID-19 / Psychological consequences and psychosocial coping resources in children and adolescents convalescing from COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: Los niños y los adolescentes constituyen una población vulnerable al impacto psicológico que desencadena la COVID-19. Objetivo: Develar consecuencias psicológicas y recursos psicosociales de afrontamiento en niños y adolescentes convalecientes a la COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación con enfoque cualitativo constructivo interpretativo, en el período comprendido entre abril de 2020 y septiembre de 2021. Las técnicas empleadas para la obtención de la información fueron: el rombo afectivo, la composición temática, la entrevista semiestructurada, el examen psiquiátrico, la Prueba de Percepción del Funcionamiento Familiar FF-SIL y la historia social psiquiátrica. La muestra estuvo conformada por 25 niños y adolescentes, a partir de criterios de conveniencia y disponibilidad, y con previo consentimiento informado de sus padres. En el procesamiento de los datos obtenidos se empleó la herramienta ATLAS.ti 9, software que permitió el análisis de frecuencias y de coocurrencias de códigos. Resultados: Se señalan, entre otros aspectos, alteraciones clínico-psicológicas con afectación de las funciones afectivas, conativas y de relación, así como necesidades de preservación de la salud en los ámbitos personal y familiar. Conclusiones: Las niñas, los niños y los adolescentes convalecientes a la COVID-19, evidencian síntomas clínico-psicológicos como la ansiedad, el miedo, la tristeza y la irritabilidad, y enfermedades psiquiátricas que clasifican dentro de los trastornos de ansiedad y de adaptación; los recursos psicosociales de afrontamiento, se caracterizaron por la limitada movilización de alternativas resilientes, el predominio de estados emocionales de felicidad ante el alta clínica y la presencia de apoyo social de tipo emocional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: children and adolescents constitute a vulnerable population to the psychological impact triggered by COVID-19. Objective: to reveal the psychological consequences and psychosocial coping resources in children and adolescents convalescing from COVID-19. Methods: a qualitative, constructive and interpretive research was carried out between April 2020 and September 2021. The affective rhombus and thematic composition techniques, the semi-structured interview, the psychiatric examination, the Family Functioning Perception Questionnaire (FF-SIL) and the psychiatric social history were used to obtain the information. The sample consisted of 25 children and adolescents, based on criteria of convenience and availability, and with the prior informed consent of their parents. The ATLAS.ti 9 software was the tool used to process the obtained data, allowing us the analysis of frequencies and code co-occurrences. Results: we pointed out, among other aspects, clinical and psychological alterations with impairment of the affective, conative and relational dimensions, as well as health preserving needs in personal and family spheres. Conclusions: children and adolescents convalescing from COVID-19 show clinical and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, fear, sadness, irritability and psychiatric diseases which classify within anxiety and adaptation disorders; the psychosocial coping resources were characterized by the limited mobilization of resilient alternatives, the predominance of emotional states of happiness after being discharge, and the presence of emotional social support.

High Serum Levels of IL-6 Are Associated with Suicide Attempt but Not with High Lethality Suicide Attempts: A Preliminary Case-Control Study.

Suicide attempts are an emerging health problem around the world. Increased levels of IL-6 have been associated with suicidal behavior. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the serum levels of IL-6 in individuals with suicide attempts and a comparison group and to associate the IL-6 levels with the lethality of the suicide attempt. Additionally, we associated the rs2228145 polymorphism of the IL6R gene with suicide attempts or with the IL-6 serum levels. Suicide attempts and their lethality were evaluated using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. The serum concentrations of IL-6 were measured by the ELISA technique in individuals with suicide attempts and then compared to a control group. The rs2228145 polymorphism of the IL6R gene was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found elevated serum levels of IL-6 in the suicide attempt group when compared to the control group (F = 10.37, p = 0.002). However, we found no differences of the IL-6 levels between high and low lethality. The IL6R gene polymorphism rs2479409 was not associated with suicide attempts. Our data suggest that IL-6 serum is increased in individuals with suicide attempts.

Association between TPH1 polymorphisms and the risk of suicide behavior: An updated meta-analysis of 18,398 individuals.

Objectives: We aimed to examine the association of TPH1 polymorphisms with the risk of suicide behavior (SB). Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Method: All relevant studies that evaluated the association between the A218C (rs1800532), A779C (rs1799913) and A6526G (rs4537731) polymorphisms and the susceptibility to SB published up to September 2021 were identified through a comprehensive systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO and Science Direct electronic databases. The association between TPH1 gene polymorphisms and SB was evaluated using inherence models by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses, heterogeneity analyses, and publication bias were also tested in this meta-analysis. Results: The meta-analysis for TPH1 A218C revealed an increased risk of SB in the dominant model (OR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.01-1.22). We also observed a positive association in the allelic (OR = 1.13, 95%CI 1.05-1.21), homozygous (OR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.06-1.40), heterozygous (OR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.08-1.37) and dominant (OR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.09-1.34) inherence models with the suicide attempt. Additionally, in the heterozygous (OR = 0.84, 95%CI 0.73-0.97) and dominant (OR = 0.79, 95%CI 0.68-0.91) inherence models we detected an association with completed suicide. Based on ethnicity, an association of SB in the European population also was observed (OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.12-1.51). However, for both A779C and A6526G polymorphisms we did not find evidence of an association with SB. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the A218C polymorphism of TPH1 gene could be a possible risk factor of SB. Future large-scale studies are required to analyze the molecular mechanisms by which affect the susceptibility of developing suicide behavior.

The MitoAging Project: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitochondrial genes and their association to longevity.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major hallmark of aging. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations (inherited or acquired) may cause a malfunction of the respiratory chain (RC), and thus negatively affect cell metabolism and function. In contrast, certain mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be beneficial to mitochondrial electron transport chain function and the extension of cellular health as well as lifespan. The goal of the MitoAging project is to detect key physiological characteristics and mechanisms that improve mitochondrial function and use them to develop therapies to increase longevity and a healthy lifespan. We chose to perform a systematic literature review (SLR) as a tool to collect key mtDNA SNPs associated with an increase in lifespan. Then validated our results by comparing them to the MitoMap database. Next, we assessed the effect of relevant SNPs on protein stability. A total of 28 SNPs were found in protein coding regions. These SNPs were reported in Japan, China, Turkey, and India. Among the studied SNPs, the C5178A mutation in the ND2 gene of Complex I of the RC was detected in all the reviewed reports except in Uygur Chinese centenarians. Then, we found that G9055A (ATP6 gene) and A10398G (ND3 gene) polymorphisms have been associated with a protective effect against Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, C8414T in ATP8 was significantly associated with longevity in three Japanese reports. Interestingly, using MitoMap we found that G9055A (ATP6 gene) was the only SNP promoting longevity not associated with any pathology. The identification of SNPs associated with an increase in lifespan opens the possibility to better understand individual differences regarding a decrease in illness susceptibility and find strategies that contribute to healthy aging.

Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in young individuals of 11-21 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most frequently consumed drug around the world. Its use has been associated with increased suicide behaviors; nonetheless, the association of cannabis smoking and suicide behaviors in adolescents has not yet been established. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis. METHODS: We performed an online searched using PubMed, EBSCO and Science Direct databases, up to July 2021. We calculated odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning and cannabis smoking in individuals of 11-21 years of age. RESULTS: Twenty studies reported suicide attempts in 34,859 young individuals, suicidal ideation in 26, 937 individuals, and suicide planning in 9054 young individuals. We found an increased risk of suicide attempt in cannabis smokers than in non-cannabis users (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.78-3.05; Z p value; <0.0001; I2 = 97.12%), as well as a significant association between cannabis smoking and suicidal ideation (OR: 2.04; 95%CI: 1.64-2.53; Z p value: <0.001; I2: 94.88) and suicide planning (OR: 1.674; 95% CI: 1.554-1.804; Z p value: 0.000; I2: 92.609). Subgroup analyses showed that American teens have an increased risk of suicidal ideation; the meta-regression analysis revealed that age was negatively associated with the risk of suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that cannabis smoking increased the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation and suicide planning in young individuals of 11-21 years of age. The high risk of suicide behaviors could vary depending on the population studied; therefore, more studies are necessary to corroborate the risk of presenting suicide behaviors in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis.

Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mexican Population: A Systematic Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health in the general population, but no systematic synthesis of evidence of this effect has been undertaken for the Mexican population. Relevant studies were identified through the systematic search in five databases until December, 2021. The selection of studies and the evaluation of their methodological quality were performed in pairs. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for study quality appraisal. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (protocol ID: CRD42021278868). This review included 15 studies, which ranged from 252 to 9361 participants, with a total of 26,799 participants. The findings show that COVID-19 has an impact on the Mexican population's mental health and is particularly associated with anxiety, depression, stress and distress. Females and younger age are risk factors for development mental health symptoms. Mitigating the negative effects of COVID-19 on mental health should be a public health priority in Mexico.

Fluoxetine modulates the pro-inflammatory process of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels in individuals with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clinical evidence suggests that inflammation is a key factor to understand the causes of depressive symptoms. Fluoxetine is one of the main first-line medications used for depression, and it is hypothesized that it participates in the decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence, our aim was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review to understand the interaction of fluoxetine in the IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α inflammatory process. Studies identified in PubMed and Scopus databases were used to perform a meta-analysis via the Comprehensive software. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as a summary statistic. The analysis included a total of 292 individuals with major depressive disorder who received fluoxetine for a period longer than 6 weeks; additionally, IL-1ß, IL-6 or TNF-α levels were measured at the end of the antidepressant treatment. The findings were significant revealed decreased levels of the cytokines studied. In conclusion, the pooled data suggest that fluoxetine treatment improved depressive symptomatology by the modulation of pro-inflammatory process such as IL-1ß, IL-6 or TNF-α.

Premisas conceptuales acerca de la categoría subjetividad que requiere el proceso formativo del médico general / Conceptual premises about the subjectivity category required by the training process of the general practitioner

RESUMEN El proceso formativo del médico general en la educación médica superior cubana no enfatiza en las premisas conceptuales como garantía de una adecuada comprensión cultural e histórica del sujeto y la subjetividad, que este profesional aporta en acción y relación dentro del tejido social. Se pretende sintetizar las premisas conceptuales implícitas en la categoría subjetividad, devenida objeto de estudio del proceso formativo del médico general; por ello, resultó indispensable la descripción de los principales aportes teóricos que posibilitaron, desde inicios de la década de los 80 del pasado siglo XX, el desarrollo dentro del contexto nacional de una teoría de la subjetividad. Se concluyó que las premisas conceptuales acerca de la categoría subjetividad que requiere el proceso formativo del médico general, aluden a determinadas zonas de sentido donde se vinculan las categorías subjetividad individual y social, sentidos subjetivos, mediaciones por la subjetividad, así como sujeto individual y social.

ABSTRACT The training process of the general practitioner in Cuban higher medical education does not emphasize the conceptual premises as a guarantee of an adequate cultural and historical understanding of the subject and subjectivity, which this professional contributes in action and relationship within the social fabric. The aim is to synthesize the implicit conceptual premises in the subjectivity category, which has become an object of study in the training process of the general practitioner; For this reason, it was essential to describe the main theoretical contributions that made possible, since the beginning of the 80s of the last century, the development within the national context of a theory of subjectivity. It was concluded that the conceptual premises about the subjectivity category required by the training process of the general practitioner, allude to certain areas of meaning where the categories individual and social subjectivity, subjective senses, mediations by subjectivity, as well as individual and social subject are linked.

La intervención psicosocial mediada por la subjetividad en la práctica clínica del apoyo social / Psychosocial intervention mediated by subjectivity in the clinical practice of social support

RESUMEN El apoyo social constituye una estrategia que revela convergencias entre el ejercicio profesional afín a la Psicología social y la práctica clínica que interrelaciona la atención individual de salud con las condiciones del ambiente familiar y social; sin embargo, estudios recientes efectuados en los ámbitos internacional y nacional, los cuales contribuyen a la sistematización de estrategias de intervención basadas en la práctica clínica del apoyo social, reflejan carencias condicionadas por brechas teórico-metodológicas ante la ausencia del enfoque psicosocial que estas requieren. El objetivo de esta comunicación fue sintetizar el enfoque psicosocial que precisa la práctica clínica del apoyo social. Resultó indispensable la descripción de los nexos entre: las categorías subjetividad social e individual, sentidos subjetivos, mediaciones por la subjetividad, sujeto individual y sujeto social. Se concluyó que la intervención psicosocial en la práctica clínica del apoyo social requiere una mediación subjetiva activo-transformadora permeada de diálogo y reflexión.

ABSTRACT Social support constitutes a strategy that reveals convergences between professional practice related to social psychology and clinical practice that interrelates individual health care with the conditions of the family and social environment; however, recent studies carried out at the international and national contexts that contribute to the systematization of intervention strategies based on social support, reflect deficiencies conditioned by theoretical-methodological gaps in the absence of the psychosocial approach that they require. The objective of this communication was to synthesize the psychosocial approach that the clinical practice of social support requires; therefore, the description of the links between the categories of social and individual subjectivity, psychological meanings, subjective mediations, individually and socially was indispensable. The author concludes that the psychosocial intervention in the clinical practice of social support requires an active-transforming subjective mediation with dialogue and reflection.

Possible Association of Cholesterol as a Biomarker in Suicide Behavior.

Suicides and suicidal behavior are major causes of mortality and morbidity in public health and are a global problem. Various authors have proposed changes in lipid metabolism (total cholesterol decrease) as a possible biological marker for suicidal behavior. The objective of this study was to review the studies that have demonstrated a relationship between serum cholesterol levels and suicidal behavior and to describe the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that associate changes in cholesterol concentration and suicidal behavior. Relevant literature related to serum cholesterol levels and suicidal behavior was identified through various database searches. The data from the existing literature present the findings that relate low cholesterol levels and possible pathophysiological mechanisms (neuroinflammation, serotonergic neurotransmission), genes related to cholesterol synthesis, pharmacological treatments that alter lipid metabolism and the possible participation in suicidal behavior. Nevertheless, future research is required to describe how serum cholesterol affects cholesterol metabolism in the CNS to establish and understand the role of cholesterol in suicidal behavior.

Oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia are high in cerebrospinal fluid but low in serum: A systematic review and meta-analysis : Oxytocin and Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness. Levels of oxytocin have been proposed as a biomarker of schizophrenia; however, the observed levels of oxytocin in individuals with schizophrenia have been inconsistent across studies. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate oxytocin levels in plasma, serum and cerebrospinal fluid to see if there are statistically different concentrations between individuals with schizophrenia and the comparison group. The meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The quality of the study was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects model was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis software with the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Serum oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia were significantly lower than that in comparison group (SMD = - 1.74, 95% CI = - 3.22 to - 0.26, p = 0.02) but cerebrospinal fluid oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia were significantly higher than those in the comparison group (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.05 to 1.04, p = 0.03). Our results suggest that oxytocin levels in cerebrospinal fluid are increased in individuals with schizophrenia but decreased in serum. Therefore, the oxytocin system dysregulation may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and it should be measured in more populations for a possible implementation as a biomarker of schizophrenia.

Configuración subjetiva del afrontamiento psicológico a la COVID-19 de adolescentes convalecientes del primer rebrote / Subjective configuration of psychological facing up to COVID-19 of convalescent adolescent´s for the first regrowth

Introducción: Para los adolescentes, enfermar de la COVID-19 constituye un acontecimiento estresante ante las demandas del ingreso hospitalario y la intervención médica. Objetivo: Reflejar la configuración subjetiva del afrontamiento psicológico a la COVID-19 de adolescentes convalecientes del primer rebrote de la enfermedad. Métodos: La investigación siguió un enfoque cualitativo constructivo interpretativo, a través de un estudio de casos múltiples. La muestra se seleccionó de forma intencional; se accedió a 13 adolescentes convalecientes de la COVID-19 en el período abril-octubre de 2020, que fueron incluidos para seguimiento por los servicios de Psicología y Psiquiatría infanto-juvenil, a partir de su permanencia en la provincia de Villa Clara. Se emplearon para la obtención de la información las técnicas composición y el rombo afectivo. El análisis de los contenidos se procesó con la herramienta ATLAS.ti. Resultados: El afrontamiento psicológico a la COVID-19 de adolescentes convalecientes del primer rebrote de la enfermedad, se caracterizó por malestares psicológicos como el miedo y la tristeza, la valoración positiva del trabajo del personal de la salud, la limitada movilización de recursos resilientes y la escasa percepción de apoyo social. Conclusiones: La rehabilitación en contextos de la vida cotidiana se afronta desde la preocupación por el proyecto de formación profesional, la necesidad de seguridad y protección encaminada a erradicar la pandemia, la preservación de la salud personal y familiar, y la compañía de los familiares que viven en el hogar(AU)

Introduction: For adolescent´s getting sick of COVID-19 constitute a stressful situation considering demands of being in hospital and due to the medical attention. Objective: Making known the subjective configuration of psychological facing up to COVID-19 of convalescent adolescent´s for the first regrowth of this illness trough a multi-case study. Methods: The research was carried out following an interpretative constructive qualitative approach trough a multi-case study. The sample was selected intentionally, having access to 13 convalescent adolescent´s suffering from COVID-19 over period of April-October, in 2020 that were included in order to be followed by infant and young psychiatric and psychology service from their stay on in our province of Villa Clara. Writing a composition and affective rhombus technique, were used to get some information. Content analysis was processed using the tool ATLAS.ti. Results: The psychological facing up to COVID-19 of convalescent adolescent´s for the first regrowth of this illness was characterized by psychological discomfort as fears and sadness, favorable assessment on the work of health staff, limited mobilization of tough resources and short of perception of social support. Conclusions: The rehabilitation on daily life context is faced from the concern for the Project of professional training, the protection and security needs putting into the end of pandemic, family and personal health preservation and the company of family that live at home(AU)

Concepción teórico-metodológica para la formación del modo de actuación atención médica integral desde la Psicología / Theoretical-methodological conception in view of the formation of a model of action in comprehensive medical care from psychology

Introducción: El reciente perfeccionamiento curricular de la carrera de Medicina en la educación superior cubana suscita la búsqueda de alternativas científicas que contribuyan a la sistematización del proceso formativo de la atención médica integral en los servicios de la asistencia sanitaria esencial. Objetivo: Exponer una concepción teórico-metodológica para la formación del modo de actuación atención médica integral desde la disciplina Psicología. Métodos: El proceso investigativo asumió un enfoque metodológico mixto o multimodal, que siguió un diseño mixto explicativo secuencial, en el que se integraron métodos teóricos, empíricos, así como de análisis de la información y procesamiento de los datos. Este se desarrolló en la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara entre septiembre de 2016 y enero de 2019, y abarcó los momentos de la exploración, el diseño y la evaluación del resultado científico propuesto. Resultados: Se pudo definir la connotación científica de la concepción teórico-metodológica propuesta, en respuesta a la estructura formal para la formación del modo de actuación atención médica integral y a la forma lógica de su vinculación con la disciplina Psicología. Conclusiones: Se estableció que una concepción teórico-metodológica para la formación del modo de actuación atención médica integral desde la disciplina Psicología debe integrar en su estructura los fundamentos generales que sustentan la lógica interna de esta, y los componentes teórico-conceptual y metodológico-instrumental que definen su organización e implementación práctica(AU)

Introduction: The recent curricular improvement of the medical major in Cuban higher education brings about the search for scientific alternatives that contribute to systematization of the training process for comprehensive medical care in essential healthcare services. Objective: To present a theoretical-methodological conception for the formation of a mode of action in comprehensive medical care from the psychology discipline. Methods: The research process followed a mixed or multimodal methodological approach, under a mixed sequential explanatory design, in which theoretical and empirical methods were integrated, as well as information analysis and data processing. This was developed, between September 2016 and January 2019, in the medical major of Villa Clara University of Medical Sciences, and covered the moments of exploration, design and assessment of the proposed scientific result. Results: It was possible to define the scientific connotation of the proposed theoretical-methodological conception, in response to the formal structure for the formation of a mode of action in comprehensive medical care and the logical way of its link with the psychology discipline. Conclusions: It was established that a theoretical-methodological conception for the formation of a mode of action in comprehensive medical care from the psychology discipline must integrate, into its structure, the general foundations that support its internal logic, as well as the theoretical-conceptual and methodological-instrumental components that define its organization and practical implementation(AU)

Analysis of DNA Polymerases Reveals Specific Genes Expansion in Leishmania and Trypanosoma spp.

Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are largely neglected diseases prevailing in tropical and subtropical conditions. These are an arthropod-borne zoonosis that affects humans and some animals and is caused by infection with protozoan of the genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma, respectively. These parasites present high genomic plasticity and are able to adapt themselves to adverse conditions like the attack of host cells or toxicity induced by drug exposure. Different mechanisms allow these adapting responses induced by stress, such as mutation, chromosomal rearrangements, establishment of mosaic ploidies, and gene expansion. Here we describe how a subset of genes encoding for DNA polymerases implied in repairing/translesion (TLS) synthesis are duplicated in some pathogenic species of the Trypanosomatida order and a free-living species from the Bodonida order. These enzymes are both able to repair DNA, but are also error-prone under certain situations. We discuss about the possibility that these enzymes can act as a source of genomic variation promoting adaptation in trypanosomatids.

Anemia in women of reproductive age in Ecuador: Data from a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a condition characterized by a decline in the number of functional red blood cells or hemoglobin. Women of reproductive age from low- and middle-income countries are at higher risk of anemia, which could lead to prenatal, obstetric and perinatal complications. The aim of our study was to explore associations between anemia status and a set of demographic, socio-economic and reproductive factors, among Ecuadorian women of reproductive age (WRA). METHODS: We used data from non-pregnant, WRA (≥12 and ≤49 years) women enrolled in the nationally representative cross-sectional Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT-ECU 2012). Anemia and moderate-severe anemia were assessed using hemoglobin concentrations cutoffs of <12 g/dL and <11 g/dL, respectively. Logistic regression was used to obtain unadjusted and adjusted prevalence odds ratios (aOR). All analyzes were adjusted for multi-stage sampling, stratification and clustering. RESULTS: The study population included a subset of 7415 non-pregnant WRA. Mean hemoglobin concentration was 12.84 g/dL (95% CI = 12.8-12.9). The overall prevalence of anemia and moderate-severe anemia was 16.8% and 5.0%, respectively. Some factors were associated with an increase in anemia prevalence odds: living in Guayaquil (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.16-2.84) and Quito (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.17-2.90) compared to living in the rural Amazon, having given birth to more than four alive children compared with being nulliparous (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.00-3.43), currently taking contraceptives compared with former use (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.09-1.97). In addition, moderate-severe anemia was associated with age and region of residence. CONCLUSION: In 2012, the prevalence of anemia among Ecuadorian WRA was considered a mild public health concern. However, we identified groups with higher anemia prevalence. Thus, emphasizing the importance of analyzing the prevalence in sub-populations of WRA and identifying populations where more frequent surveillance may be helpful.