STIM2 variants regulate Orai1/TRPC1/TRPC4-mediated store-operated Ca2+ entry and mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiomyocytes.

The stromal interaction molecules (STIMs) are the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ sensors that trigger store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in a variety of cell types. While STIM1 isoform has been the focus of the research in cardiac pathophysiology, the function of the homolog STIM2 remains unknown. Using Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp techniques, we showed that knockdown (KD) of STIM2 by siRNAs increased SOCE and the ISOC current in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs). Within this cardiomyocyte model, we identified the transcript expression of Stim2.1 and Stim2.2 splice variants, with predominance for Stim2.2. Using conventional and super-resolution confocal microscopy (STED), we found that exogenous STIM2.1 and STIM2.2 formed pre-clusters with a reticular organization at rest. Following SR Ca2+ store depletion, some STIM2.1 and STIM2.2 clusters were translocated to SR-plasma membrane (PM) junctions and co-localized with Orai1. The overexpression strategy revealed that STIM2.1 suppressed Orai1-mediated SOCE and the ISOC current while STIM2.2 enhanced SOCE. STIM2.2-enhanced SOCE was also dependent on TRPC1 and TRPC4. Even if STIM2 KD or splice variants overexpression did not affect cytosolic Ca2+ cycling, we observed, using Rhod-2/AM Ca2+ imaging, that Orai1 inhibition or STIM2.1 overexpression abolished the mitochondrial Ca2+ (mCa2+) uptake, as opposed to STIM2 KD. We also found that STIM2 was present in the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs) by interacting with the inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), and mitofusin-2 (MNF2). Our results suggested that, in NRVMs, STIM2.1 constitutes the predominant functional variant that negatively regulates Orai1-generated SOCE. It participates in the control of mCa2+ uptake capacity possibly via the STIM2-IP3Rs-VDAC-MCU and MNF2 complex.

Mixed-Mode Solar Drying and its Effect on Physicochemical and Colorimetric Properties of Zompantle (Erythrina Americana).

A mixed-mode solar drying was developed to evaluate the physicochemical and colorimetric properties of Zompantle (Erythrina americana). A 22-factorial design was used; the operation mode (mesh shade and direct) and airflow (natural convection and forced convection) were established as factors in this design. The initial moisture content in the Zompantle flower was reduced from 89.03% (w.b) to values that ranged from 3.84% to 5.84%; depending on the operation mode of the dryer, the final water activity ranged from 0.25 to 0.33. The Zompantle's components as proteins (4.28%), antioxidant activity (18.8%), carbohydrates (4.83%), fat (0.92%), fiber (3.71%), ash (0.94%), and total soluble solids (3°Brix) increased as the water was evaporated during the drying. The increment in the Zompantle's components depends on the operation mode; in direct mode and natural convection, the proteins, antioxidant activity, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, ash, and total soluble solids were 6.99%, 61.69%, 79.05%, 1.20%, 3.84%, 8.70%, and 45 °Brix, respectively. The total drying efficiency was 14.84% with the direct mode and natural convection (DM-NC) and 17.10% with the mesh shade and natural convection (MS-NC). The Hue angle measures the property of the color; the indirect mode and natural convection keep the hue angle close to the initial value (29.2 °). The initial chroma value of the Zompantle flower was 55.07; the indirect mode and natural convection kept high saturation (37.58); these dry conditions ensured a red color in the dehydrated Zompantle. Dehydrated Zompantle's flowers could have several practical applications, such as an additive in traditional Mexican cuisine.

Dual effect of cardiac FKBP12.6 overexpression on excitation-contraction coupling and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia depending on its expression level.

FKBP12.6, a binding protein to the immunosuppressant FK506, which also binds the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) in the heart, has been proposed to regulate RyR2 function and to have antiarrhythmic properties. However, the level of FKBP12.6 expression in normal hearts remains elusive and some controversies still persist regarding its effects, both in basal conditions and during ß-adrenergic stimulation. We quantified FKBP12.6 in the left ventricles (LV) of WT (wild-type) mice and in two novel transgenic models expressing distinct levels of FKBP12.6, using a custom-made specific anti-FKBP12.6 antibody and a recombinant protein. FKBP12.6 level in WT LV was very low (0.16 ± 0.02 nmol/g of LV), indicating that <15% RyR2 monomers are bound to the protein. Mice with 14.1 ± 0.2 nmol of FKBP12.6 per g of LV (TG1) had mild cardiac hypertrophy and normal function and were protected against epinephrine/caffeine-evoked arrhythmias. The ventricular myocytes showed higher [Ca2+]i transient amplitudes than WT myocytes and normal SR-Ca2+ load, while fewer myocytes showed Ca2+ sparks. TG1 cardiomyocytes responded to 50 nM Isoproterenol increasing these [Ca2+]i parameters and producing RyR2-Ser2808 phosphorylation. Mice with more than twice the TG1 FKBP12.6 value (TG2) showed marked cardiac hypertrophy with calcineurin activation and more arrhythmias than WT mice during ß-adrenergic stimulation, challenging the protective potential of high FKBP12.6. RyR2R420Q CPVT mice overexpressing FKBP12.6 showed fewer proarrhythmic events and decreased incidence and duration of stress-induced bidirectional ventricular tachycardia. Our study, therefore, quantifies for the first time endogenous FKBP12.6 in the mouse heart, questioning its physiological relevance, at least at rest due its low level. By contrast, our work demonstrates that with caution FKBP12.6 remains an interesting target for the development of new antiarrhythmic therapies.

Circadian regulation of Ca V 1.2 expression by RORα in the mouse heart.

Background: In addition to show autonomous beating rhythmicity, the physiological functions of the heart present daily periodic oscillations. Notably the ventricular repolarization itself varies throughout the circadian cycle which was mainly related to the periodic expression of K + channels. However, the involvement of the L-type Ca 2+ channel (Ca V 1.2 encoded by Cacna1c gene) in these circadian variations remains elusive. Methods: We used a transgenic mouse model (PCa-luc) that expresses the luciferase reporter under the control of the cardiac Cacna1c promoter and analyzed promoter activity by bioluminescent imaging, qPCR, immunoblot, Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) and Ca V 1.2 activity. Results: Under normal 12:12h light-dark cycle, we observed in vivo a biphasic diurnal variation of promoter activities peaking at 9 and 19.5 Zeitgeber time (ZT). This was associated with a periodicity of Cacna1c mRNA levels preceding 24-h oscillations of Ca V 1.2 protein levels in ventricle (with a 1.5 h phase shift) but not in atrial heart tissues. The periodicity of promoter activities and Ca V 1.2 proteins, which correlated with biphasic oscillations of L-type Ca 2+ current conductance, persisted in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes from PCa-Luc mice over the course of the 24-h cycle, suggesting an endogenous cardiac circadian regulation. Comparison of 24-h temporal patterns of clock gene expressions in ventricles and atrial tissues of the same mice revealed conserved circadian oscillations of the core clock genes except for the retinoid-related orphan receptor α gene (RORα), which remained constant throughout the course of a day in atrial tissues. In vitro we found that RORα is recruited to two specific regions on the Cacna1c promoter and that incubation with specific RORα inhibitor disrupted 24-h oscillations of ventricular promoter activities and Ca V 1.2 protein levels. Similar results were observed for pore forming subunits of the K + transient outward currents, K V 4.2 and K V 4.3. Conclusions: These findings raise the possibility that the RORα-dependent rhythmic regulation of cardiac Ca V 1.2 and K V 4.2/4.3 throughout the daily cycle may play an important role in physiopathology of heart function.

Two-pore channels (TPCs) acts as a hub for excitation-contraction coupling, metabolism and cardiac hypertrophy signalling.

Ca2+ signaling is essential for cardiac contractility and excitability in heart function and remodeling. Intriguingly, little is known about the role of a new family of ion channels, the endo-lysosomal non-selective cation "two-pore channel" (TPCs) in heart function. Here we have used double TPC knock-out mice for the 1 and 2 isoforms of TPCs (Tpcn1/2-/-) and evaluated their cardiac function. Doppler-echocardiography unveils altered left ventricular (LV) systolic function associated with a LV relaxation impairment. In cardiomyocytes isolated from Tpcn1/2-/- mice, we observed a reduction in the contractile function with a decrease in the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content and a reduced expression of various key proteins regulating Ca2+ stores, such as calsequestrin. We also found that two main regulators of the energy metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase and mTOR, were down regulated. We found an increase in the expression of TPC1 and TPC2 in a model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mice and in chronically isoproterenol infused WT mice. In this last model, adaptive cardiac hypertrophy was reduced by Tpcn1/2 deletion. Here, we propose a central role for TPCs and lysosomes that could act as a hub integrating information from the excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms, cellular energy metabolism and hypertrophy signaling.

Factors associated with different patterns of weight change after bariatric surgery: A longitudinal study.

Background: The mean weight loss (WL) after successful bariatric surgery is approximately one third of the initial body weight, which is mainly achieved between the first 2 years of follow-up. However, 15%-35% of patients do not achieve a significant percentage of total WL (%TWL). Information on factors associated with a higher or lower WL after bariatric surgery is limited. This study aimed to assess the change in %TWL and describe the factors associated with greater or lesser WL over time. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study included patients treated with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Baseline data were recorded before surgery. Follow-up was performed at 3 (n = 141), 6 (n = 208), 9 (n = 115), 12 (n = 216), 24 (n = 166), and 36 months (n = 99). Generalized estimating equation analysis was performed to assess the changes in %TWL over time and factors associated with different patterns of WL. Results: In total, 231 patients were included (women, 82.2%; basal body mass index (BMI) 41.4 ± 5.1 kg/m2). The tendencies to increase %TWL (32 ± 6.5) were evident in the first year and stabilized thereafter. Sustained nutritionist follow-up (2.3%, p = 0.004), baseline BMI >40 kg/m2 (0.4%, p < 0.001), and WL ≥ 10 kg before surgery (0.3%, p = 0.001) were associated with a higher %TWL. Patients who performed physical activity >30 min/day after surgery reduced their %TWL by 0.6% (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Modifiable factors such as nutritional monitoring and WL before surgery are associated with a significant increase in %TWL over time. Basal BMI was associated with a significant decrease in %TWL.

Perceptions and Practice Patterns of Urologists Relating to Intrarenal Pressure During Ureteroscopy: Findings from a Global Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Objectives: To explore beliefs and practice patterns of urologists regarding intrarenal pressure (IRP) during ureteroscopy (URS). Methods: A customized questionnaire was designed in a 4-step iterative process incorporating a systematic review of the literature and critical analysis of topics/questions by six endourologists. The 19-item questionnaire interrogated perceptions, practice patterns, and key areas of uncertainty regarding ureteroscopic IRP, and was disseminated via urologic societies, networks, and social media to the international urologic community. Consultants/attendings and trainees currently practicing urology were eligible to respond. Quantitative responses were compiled and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test, with subgroup analysis by procedure volume. Results: Responses were received from 522 urologists, practicing in six continents. The individual question response rate was >97%. Most (83.9%, 437/515) respondents were practicing at a consultant/attending level. An endourology fellowship incorporating stone management had been completed by 59.2% (307/519). The vast majority of respondents (85.4%, 446/520) scored the perceived clinical significance of IRP during URS ≥7/10 on a Likert scale. Concern was uniformly reported, with no difference between respondents with and without a high annual case volume (p = 0.16). Potential adverse outcomes respondents associated with elevated ureteroscopic IRP were urosepsis (96.2%, 501/520), collecting system rupture (80.8%, 421/520), postoperative pain (67%, 349/520), bleeding (63.72%, 332/520), and long-term renal damage (26.1%, 136/520). Almost all participants (96.2%, 501/520) used measures aiming to reduce IRP during URS. Regarding the perceived maximum acceptable threshold for mean IRP during URS, 30 mm Hg (40 cm H2O) was most frequently selected [23.2% (119/463)], with most participants (78.2%, 341/463) choosing a value ≤40 mm Hg. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale analysis of urologists' perceptions of ureteroscopic IRP. It identifies high levels of concern among the global urologic community, with almost unanimous agreement that elevated IRP is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Equipoise remains regarding appropriate IRP limits intraoperatively and the most appropriate technical strategies to ensure adherence to these.

EPAC1 inhibition protects the heart from doxorubicin-induced toxicity.

Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin (Dox), are widely used chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. However, they frequently induce cardiotoxicity leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This study sought to investigate the role of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and the potential cardioprotective effects of EPAC inhibition. We show that Dox induces DNA damage and cardiomyocyte cell death with apoptotic features. Dox also led to an increase in both cAMP concentration and EPAC1 activity. The pharmacological inhibition of EPAC1 (with CE3F4) but not EPAC2 alleviated the whole Dox-induced pattern of alterations. When administered in vivo, Dox-treated WT mice developed a dilated cardiomyopathy which was totally prevented in EPAC1 knock-out (KO) mice. Moreover, EPAC1 inhibition potentiated Dox-induced cell death in several human cancer cell lines. Thus, EPAC1 inhibition appears as a potential therapeutic strategy to limit Dox-induced cardiomyopathy without interfering with its antitumoral activity.

Impacto del Programa Recreo Saludable en la selección de refrigerios escolares / Impact of the healthy break programme on the selection of snacks at school

Objetivo: Conocer la opinión del profesorado sobre la calidad e influencia del Programa Recreo Saludable en la mejora de los refrigerios que lleva el alumnado.Método. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, mediante encuesta en línea autoadministrada al profesorado de los centros adheridos al Programa Recreo Saludable de Extremadura. Se preguntó por el seguimiento de las recomendaciones sobre consumo de refrigerios saludables, por parte de los alumnos, con respuestas tipo Likert de tres niveles de adherencia (alta: 75-100%, media: 50% y baja: 0-25%) y por la calidad de los recursos materiales y formativos. Se consideró el nivel de significación estadística para un p-valor menor de 0,05.Resultados. El 82,8%, 52,3% y 8,5% del profesorado observó una alta adherencia a la recomendación de incluir agua, fruta y pan integral, respectivamente, y el 38,1%, 33,0% y 62,7% a eliminar zumos envasados, lácteos azucarados y bollería, respectivamente. La satisfacción general y los recursos del programa se evaluaron en 4,3 y 4 puntos, sobre 5, respectivamente.Conclusiones. Para el profesorado encuestado, el programa tuvo un impacto alto en la inclusión de agua y la eliminación de bollería industrial en los refrigerios; medio en la inclusión de fruta y eliminación de zumos envasados y lácteos azucarados, y bajo en la inclusión de pan integral. Otorga una alta valoración a los recursos facilitados y una alta satisfacción general. (AU)

Objective: To ascertain the teachers' opinion about the quality and impact of the healthy break programme on the improvement of snacks brought in by students.Methods. Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study by means of a self-administered online survey to teachers from the centres taking part in the healthy break programme in Extremadura. We asked about the follow-up of the recommendations on the consumption of healthy snacks by students, with three levels of adherence Likert-type responses (high: 75%-100%, medium: 50% and low: 0%-25%) and quality of material and training resources. A P-value less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.Results. A total of 82.8%, 52.3% and 8.5% of teachers observed high adherence with the recommendation to include water, fruit and whole-grain bread, respectively. Moreover, 38.1%, 33.0% and 62.7% to eliminate packaged juices, sweetened dairy products and pastries, respectively. Overall satisfaction and programme resources were rated at 4.3 and 4 points, out of 5, respectively.Conclusions. For the teachers surveyed, the programme had a high impact on the inclusion of water and elimination of industrial pastries in snacks; a medium impact on the inclusion of fruit and elimination of packaged juices and sweetened dairy products; and a low impact on the inclusion of whole-grain bread. The teaching staff offered a high evaluation of the resources provided and general satisfaction. (AU)

Real-world performance of the MiniMed 780G advanced hybrid closed loop system in Latin America: Substantial improvement in glycaemic control with each technology iteration of the MiniMed automated insulin delivery system.

AIM: We studied real-world performance of MiniMed (MM) 780G system users from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Chile (geographical analysis), and the effect of each technology iteration of the MM system on glycaemic control (technology iteration analysis). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CareLink data from August 2020 to September 2022 were extracted. Endpoints included continuous glucose monitoring metrics. For the geographical analysis, aggregated endpoints for MM780G system users were calculated. For the technology iteration analysis, MM780G system user outcomes were compared with outcomes when the same individuals were still using the MM640G or MM670G system. RESULTS: On average, 1025 MM780G system users from the geographical analysis were followed for 136 (SD 135) days, spent 91.5 (14.3)% in advanced hybrid closed loop, showed a glucose management indicator (GMI) of 6.7 (0.3)%, a time in range between 70 and 180 mg/dl (TIR) of 76.5 (9.0)%, and a time below range 70 mg/dl (TBR) of 2.7 (2.1)%. The percentage of users reaching targets of GMI <7%, TIR >70% and TBR <4% was 80.8%, 78.1% and 80.1%, respectively. The technology iteration analysis on users transitioning from MM640G to MM780G system (N = 381) showed 0.4% decrease in GMI (7.1% to 6.7%, p < .0001), 10.7% increase in TIR (65.9% to 76.6%, p < .0001), while TBR remained. The percentage of insulin delivered automatically increased as well (47.5%-57.7%, p < .0001). Users transitioning from MM670G system (N = 78) showed a similar but less pronounced pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Real-world Latin American MM780G users on average showed good glucose control, achieving international targets. Glycaemic control increased with every technology iteration of the MM system, providing more automation each time.

A Glycemia Risk Index (GRI) of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Validated by Clinician Ratings.

BACKGROUND: A composite metric for the quality of glycemia from continuous glucose monitor (CGM) tracings could be useful for assisting with basic clinical interpretation of CGM data. METHODS: We assembled a data set of 14-day CGM tracings from 225 insulin-treated adults with diabetes. Using a balanced incomplete block design, 330 clinicians who were highly experienced with CGM analysis and interpretation ranked the CGM tracings from best to worst quality of glycemia. We used principal component analysis and multiple regressions to develop a model to predict the clinician ranking based on seven standard metrics in an Ambulatory Glucose Profile: very low-glucose and low-glucose hypoglycemia; very high-glucose and high-glucose hyperglycemia; time in range; mean glucose; and coefficient of variation. RESULTS: The analysis showed that clinician rankings depend on two components, one related to hypoglycemia that gives more weight to very low-glucose than to low-glucose and the other related to hyperglycemia that likewise gives greater weight to very high-glucose than to high-glucose. These two components should be calculated and displayed separately, but they can also be combined into a single Glycemia Risk Index (GRI) that corresponds closely to the clinician rankings of the overall quality of glycemia (r = 0.95). The GRI can be displayed graphically on a GRI Grid with the hypoglycemia component on the horizontal axis and the hyperglycemia component on the vertical axis. Diagonal lines divide the graph into five zones (quintiles) corresponding to the best (0th to 20th percentile) to worst (81st to 100th percentile) overall quality of glycemia. The GRI Grid enables users to track sequential changes within an individual over time and compare groups of individuals. CONCLUSION: The GRI is a single-number summary of the quality of glycemia. Its hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia components provide actionable scores and a graphical display (the GRI Grid) that can be used by clinicians and researchers to determine the glycemic effects of prescribed and investigational treatments.

Effect of Modified Solar Dryers on Colorimetric and Physicochemical Properties of Pumpkin Flower (Cucurbita maxima).

This study aimed to evaluate the solar dryers' cover material effects on the colorimetric and physicochemical properties of pumpkin flowers (Cucurbita maxima). A direct cabinet solar dryer was designed using three cover types: polycarbonate, polyethylene, and aluminum with selective surface (titanium oxide coating). A unifactorial experimental design with three levels was adopted. Pumpkin flower stability was assured by reducing the initial moisture content (95.22%) and water activity (0.989) to 3.15% and 0.276 in the polycarbonate dryer, to 3.03% and 0.279 in the selective surface dryer, and 5.19% and 0.364 in the polyethylene dryer. The drying kinetics showed that the drying time needed to achieve the moisture equilibrium was 480, 540, and 720 min in the respective dryers, depending on the ambient conditions. The initial pumpkin flower hue angle was 76.52°; however, this value decreased to 74.81, 69.52, and 70.23° in the dryers with polycarbonate, polyethylene, and the selective surface respectively; this behavior indicates a pumpkin flower tendency to orange color. The dryer with the selective surface obtained the best properties in pumpkin flowers. The pumpkin flower showed an initial total soluble solid of 1.5°Brix increased to 30°Brix in the polycarbonate and polyethylene dryers and 39°Brix in the selective dryer. The titanium oxide dryer observed an increment in ascorbic acid content from 3.5 to 8.806 mg/100 g, whereas 6.45 and 5.87 mg/100 g in the polycarbonate and polyethylene dryer, respectively.

Design and Usability of an Avatar-Based Learning Program to Support Diabetes Education: Quality Improvement Study in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: This quality improvement study, entitled Avatar-Based LEarning for Diabetes Optimal Control (ABLEDOC), explored the feasibility of delivering an educational program to people with diabetes in Colombia. The aim was to discover how this approach could be used to improve awareness and understanding of the condition, the effects of treatment, and strategies for effective management of blood-glucose control. METHODS: Individuals with diabetes were recruited by Colombian endocrinologists to a human-centered study to codesign the educational program, using the Double Diamond model. Participants contributed to two phases. The first phase focused on gathering unmet educational needs and choice of curriculum. Three prototypes were developed as a result. During phase 2, a different group of participants engaged with the program for several weeks, before reporting back. RESULTS: Thirty-six participants completed a Web survey during phase 1, and five were also interviewed by telephone. The majority (33 of 36; 91%) were receptive to the prospect of educational interventions and ranked the chosen topic of hypoglycemia highly. In phase 2, the three prototypes were tested by 17 participants, 10 of whom also gave feedback in focus groups. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 16 of 17 (94%) stating they would use a program like this again. The 3D version was the most highly rated. CONCLUSIONS: Immersive, avatar-based programs, delivered through smartphone, have the potential to deliver educational information that is trusted, engaging, and useful. Future work includes expansion of the curriculum, evaluation with a larger group, and exploration of the prospective role of artificial intelligence in personalizing this form of educational intervention.

Desarrollo y aplicación de un protocolo de evaluación de los movimientos generales de Prechtl en lactantes. De la teoría a la práctica / Development and application of a protocol for the evaluation of Prechtl's general movements "from theory to practice"

Introducción. Las guías internacionales plantean que la evaluación de los movimientos generales en los recién nacidos puede ser una herramienta altamente predictiva para el diagnóstico temprano de la parálisis cerebral. Su uso en países en desarrollo como Colombia es limitado, por ello el diseño de un protocolo de evaluación de los movimientos generales permitiría optimizar el acceso de poblaciones de riesgo a esta herramienta. Objetivos. Desarrollar un protocolo de evaluación de los movimientos generales y los desenlaces en el desarrollo de los niños con riesgo de parálisis cerebral después de los 14 meses y evaluar su aplicabilidad en niños con dificultades de acceso a los servicios de salud. Métodos. El protocolo se planteó con un esquema de valoración de cuatro etapas. Según la edad al momento de ingreso al programa, se realizaron ajustes para la valoración, el análisis y el seguimiento de los pacientes. Los videos, que fueron grabados según las recomendaciones publicadas en la literatura médica relacionada con la metodología utilizada, fueron evaluados por profesionales certificados. Resultados. Se reporta el protocolo sugerido para la evaluación cualitativa y semicuantitativa de los movimientos generales y se presentan los resultados de su aplicación en 11 niños incluidos en la prueba piloto. Este protocolo, que fue diseñado con base en una revisión de la literatura y la experiencia de dos de los investigadores, incluye información para grabar los videos, realizar la evaluación médica, aplicar la evaluación cualitativa de Prechtl de los movimientos generales del recién nacido y el examen neurológico infantil Hammersmith. Conclusión. La evaluación de los movimientos generales constituye una herramienta valiosa para la valoración del riesgo de parálisis cerebral en lactantes. La utilización de un protocolo garantiza una evaluación seriada y sistemática, por lo que es conveniente implementar su uso en centros de atención primaria y mejorar la accesibilidad a estas herramientas.

Introduction. International guidelines set up that the evaluation of the general movements in newborns could be a highly predictive tool for the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Their use in developing countries such as Colombia is limited; thus, the design of a protocol for the evaluation of general movements would allow to optimize the access of at-risk populations to this tool. Objectives. To develop a protocol for the evaluation of the general movements and outcomes in the development of the children at risk of presenting cerebral palsy after 14 months of age and assess its applicability in children with difficult access to healthcare services. Methods. The protocol was raised using a four-stage evaluation scheme. According to the age at the time of entry into the program, adjustments were made for the assessment, analysis and follow-up of the patients. The videos, which were recorded according to the recommendations published in the medical literature related to the methodology used, were evaluated by certified professionals. Results. The suggested protocol for the qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation of the general movements is reported and the results of its application in 11 children included in the pilot test are presented. This protocol, which was designed based on a literature review and the experience of two of the researchers, includes information to record the videos, perform the medical evaluation, apply the Prechtl´s qualitative evaluation of the general movements of the newborn and the Hammersmith infant neurological evaluation. Conclusion. The evaluation of the general movements constitutes a valuable tool for the assessment of the risk of cerebral palsy in infants. The use of a protocol guarantees a serial and systematic evaluation; therefore, it is convenient to implement its use in primary care centers and improve the accessibility to these tools.

Percepción del alumnado universitario sobre la discapacidad intelectual: estudio exploratorio descriptivo / Universitary Students’s Perception about Intellectual Disability: Initial Descriptive Reseach

Las políticas desarrolladas en las últimas décadas han favorecido la participación de las personas con discapacidad en todos los ámbitos de la vida y la educación no ha sido una excepción. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo explorar cuál es la percepción del alumnado universitario sobre la discapacidad intelectual. Para lograrlo, se elige un método cuantitativo, siendo el cuestionario diseñado “ad hoc” el instrumento con el que recoger la información. La muestra participante la componen un total de 216 universitarios. Los resultados obtenidos indican que los estudiantes perciben tener poca información sobre la discapacidad intelectual, la cual identifican con tener un nivel intelectual por debajo de la media. Reconocen el derecho de estas personas a formarse en la universidad y se muestran dispuestos a trabajar y formar grupo de iguales con estos compañeros. Estos aspectos permiten concluir con la necesidad de formar e informar al alumnado universitario sobre estos colectivos no solo porque el desconocimiento favorece la exclusión, sino porque son los profesionales del futuro y quienes pueden trabajar por una inclusión plena de estas personas desde sus diferentes ámbitos laborales. (AU)

The policies developed in recent decades have favored the participation of people with disabilities in all areas of life and education has not been an exception. The present work aims to explore what is the perception of university students about intel-lectual disability. To achieve this, a quantitative method is chosen, being the question-naire designed “ad hoc” the instrument with which to collect the information. The par-ticipating sample is made up of a total of 216 university students. The results obtained indicate that students perceive they have little information on intellectual disability, which they identify with having an intellectual level below the average. They recognize the right of these people to study at university and are willing to work and form a peer group with these colleagues. These aspects allow us to conclude with the need to train and inform university students about these groups not only because ignorance favors exclusion, but because they are the professionals of the future and those who can work for the full inclusion of these people from their different work environments. (AU)