Oridonin from Rabdosia rubescens: An emerging potential in cancer therapy - A comprehensive review.

Cancer incidences are rising each year. In 2020, approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths were recorded. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2024 the incidence of cancer will increase to 30.2 million individuals annually. Considering the invasive characteristics of its diagnostic procedures and therapeutic methods side effects, scientists are searching for different solutions, including using plant-derived bioactive compounds, that could reduce the probability of cancer occurrence and make its treatment more comfortable. In this regard, oridonin (ORI), an ent-kaurane diterpenoid, naturally found in the leaves of Rabdosia rubescens species, has been found to have antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antiasthmatic, antiinflammatory, and apoptosis induction properties. Extensive research has been performed on ORI to find various mechanisms involved in its anticancer activities. This review article provides an overview of ORI's effectiveness on murine and human cancer populations from 1976 to 2022 and provides insight into the future application of ORI in different cancer therapies.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of the human small intestinal microbiome and its response to a synbiotic.

Although fecal microbiota composition is considered to preserve relevant and representative information for distal colonic content, it is evident that it does not represent microbial communities inhabiting the small intestine. Nevertheless, studies investigating the human small intestinal microbiome and its response to dietary intervention are still scarce. The current study investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of the small intestinal microbiome within a day and over 20 days, as well as its responses to a 14-day synbiotic or placebo control supplementation in 20 healthy subjects. Microbial composition and metabolome of luminal content of duodenum, jejunum, proximal ileum and feces differed significantly from each other. Additionally, differences in microbiota composition along the small intestine were most pronounced in the morning after overnight fasting, whereas differences in composition were not always measurable around noon or in the afternoon. Although overall small intestinal microbiota composition did not change significantly within 1 day and during 20 days, remarkable, individual-specific temporal dynamics were observed in individual subjects. In response to the synbiotic supplementation, only the microbial diversity in jejunum changed significantly. Increased metabolic activity of probiotic strains during intestinal passage, as assessed by metatranscriptome analysis, was not observed. Nevertheless, synbiotic supplementation led to a short-term spike in the relative abundance of genera included in the product in the small intestine approximately 2 hours post-ingestion. Collectively, small intestinal microbiota are highly dynamic. Ingested probiotic bacteria could lead to a transient spike in the relative abundance of corresponding genera and ASVs, suggesting their passage through the entire gastrointestinal tract. This study was registered to http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02018900.

MUC13 negatively regulates tight junction proteins and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity via protein kinase C.

Glycosylated mucin proteins contribute to the essential barrier function of the intestinal epithelium. The transmembrane mucin MUC13 is an abundant intestinal glycoprotein with important functions for mucosal maintenance that are not yet completely understood. We demonstrate that in human intestinal epithelial monolayers, MUC13 localized to both the apical surface and the tight junction (TJ) region on the lateral membrane. MUC13 deletion resulted in increased transepithelial resistance (TEER) and reduced translocation of small solutes. TEER buildup in ΔMUC13 cells could be prevented by addition of MLCK, ROCK or protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. The levels of TJ proteins including claudins and occludin were highly increased in membrane fractions of MUC13 knockout cells. Removal of the MUC13 cytoplasmic tail (CT) also altered TJ composition but did not affect TEER. The increased buildup of TJ complexes in ΔMUC13 and MUC13-ΔCT cells was dependent on PKC. The responsible PKC member might be PKCδ (or PRKCD) based on elevated protein levels in the absence of full-length MUC13. Our results demonstrate for the first time that a mucin protein can negatively regulate TJ function and stimulate intestinal barrier permeability.

Sex-specific variations in spatial reference memory acquisition: Insights from a comprehensive behavioral test battery in C57BL/6JRj mice.

Sex differences in declarative memory are described in humans, revealing a female or a male advantage depending on the task. Specifically, spatial memory (i.e., spatial navigation) is typically most efficient in men. This sexual dimorphism has been replicated in male rats but not clearly in mice. In this study, sex differences in spatial memory were assessed in thirty-six C57BL/6 J mice (Janvier Labs; i.e., C57BL/6JRj mice), a widely used mouse substrain. Both male and female mice (12 weeks-old) were subjected to standard behavioral paradigms: the elevated plus maze, the open field test, the novel object and place tests, the forced swimming test, and the water maze test for spatial navigation. Across assessment, no sex differences were found in measures of locomotor activity, emotional and behavioral responses, and object and place recognition memories. In the water maze, male mice were faster in learning the platform location in the reference memory training and used more spatial strategies during the first training days. However, both sexes reached a similar asymptotic performance and performed similarly in the probe trial for long-term memory consolidation. No sex differences were found in the cued training, platform inversion sessions, or spatial working memory sessions. Hippocampal expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor was similar in both sexes, either in basal conditions or after performing the behavioral training battery. Importantly, female mice were not more variable than males in any measure analyzed. This outcome encourages the investigation of sex differences in animal models and the usefulness of including female mice in behavioral research.

Development of Chitosan/Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Complexes to Improve the Simvastatin Release Rate: Polymer/Polymer and Drug/Polymer Interactions' Effects on Kinetic Models.

Simvastatin (SIM) is a potent lipid-lowering drug used to control hyper-cholesterolemia and prevent cardiovascular diseases. SIM presents low oral bioavailability (5%) because of its low aqueous solubility. In this work, polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) are developed with different chitosan (CS) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) ratios that will allow for an increase in the SIM dissolution rate (2.54-fold) in simulated intestinal medium (pH 4.5). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealed highly porous structures. The changes between both complexes, PEC-SIM:CS:CMC (1:1:2) and (1:2:1), were related to the relaxation of the polymer chains upon absorption of the dissolution medium. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRPD) studies were used to evaluate the polymer/polymer and drug/polymer interactions on the different PEC-SIM:CS:CMC ratios. In addition, the PEC-SIM:CS:CMC (1:2:1) complex exhibited a high ratio of protonated amino groups (NH3+) and an increase in intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which were correlated with a high expansion of the interpolymer chains and an increase in the SIM dissolution rate. Different kinetic models such as zero-order, first-order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas were studied to evaluate the influence of CS/CMC ionic interactions on the ability to improve the release rate of poorly soluble drugs.

How Healthy Is It to Fortify Cocoa-Based Products with Cocoa Flavanols? A Comprehensive Review.

(1) Background: Cocoa's healthy benefits may be attributed to the potent antioxidant activity of cocoa polyphenols, mainly flavanols, which have been characterised as existing in a high concentration in cocoa. However, the phenolic composition of cocoa and cocoa-derived products is highly variable, and manufacturing processes might significantly reduce their phenolic content. For that reason, the full characterisation of cocoa and cocoa-derived products before evaluating their bioactivity is crucial. The aim of this review is to analyse the available evidence on the effect of flavanol-fortified cocoa-derived products on human health. (2) Methods: Forty-eight clinical trials focused on the health effect of consuming flavanol-fortified drinks, bars and chocolate have been reviewed, with a total of 1523 subjects. (3) Results: Although studies differ widely in methodology, dosage, duration, and target population, beneficial effects of flavanol-rich cocoa consumption have been observed at doses ranging from 45.3 mg/d to 1078 mg/d, especially on cardiovascular health and cognitive function. (4) Conclusions: Considering the high consumption and acceptability of cocoa and cocoa-derived products, the fortification of cocoa products as well as other highly consumed foods with cocoa flavanols could be an effective strategy for health promotion.

A Comprehensive Review of the Effect of Honey on Human Health.

Honey is a nutritious, healthy, and natural food, to which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties have been attributed, mainly due to its content of phenolic compounds. The aim of this review is to analyze the available evidence of the effect of honey on humans. Forty-eight clinical trials published between 1985 and 2022 were analyzed, with a total of 3655 subjects. More beneficial effects of honey intake than no or negative effects on different cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, glucose tolerance, mucositis caused by chemo-radiotherapy, cough in children and wound healing, among others have been observed. Although the number of studies conducted to date is limited and the different investigations are not standardized, beneficial effects of honey intake have been observed, especially when its intake replaces the intake of other sweeteners. In addition, honey could be a safe adjuvant to be administered alongside drugs used for certain diseases.

Melanoma cells with acquired resistance to vemurafenib have decreased autophagic flux and display enhanced ability to transfer resistance.

Over the last years, the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has risen significantly. Nearly half of the melanoma patients exhibit the BRAFV600E mutation. Although the use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi and MEKi) showed an impressive success rate in melanoma patients, durability of response remains an issue because tumor quickly becomes resistant. Here, we generated and characterized Lu1205 and A375 melanoma cells resistant to vemurafenib (BRAFi). Resistant cells (Lu1205R and A375R) exhibit higher IC50 (5-6 fold increase) and phospho-ERK levels and 2-3 times reduced apoptosis than their sensitive parents (Lu1205S and A375S). Moreover, resistant cells are 2-3 times bigger, display a more elongated morphology and have a modulation of migration capacity. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of sphingosine kinases, that prevents sphingosine-1-phosphate production, reduces migration of Lu1205R cells by 50 %. In addition, although Lu1205R cells showed increased basal levels of the autophagy markers LC3II and p62, they have decreased autophagosome degradation and autophagy flux. Remarkably, expression of Rab27A and Rab27B, which are involved in the release of extracellular vesicles are dramatically augmented in resistant cells (i.e. 5-7 fold increase). Indeed, conditioned media obtained from Lu1205R cells increased the resistance to vemurafenib of sensitive cells. Hence, these results support that resistance to vemurafenib modulates migration and the autophagic flux and may be transferred to nearby sensitive melanoma cells by factors that are released to the extracellular milieu by resistant cells.

Clinical validation of 3D-printed swabs in adults and children for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Throughout the entire coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were disruptions in the supply chain of test materials around the world, primarily in poor- and middle-income countries. The use of 3D prints is an alternative to address swab supply shortages. In this study, the feasibility of the clinical use of 3D-printed swabs for oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal sampling for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection was evaluated. For that purpose, paired samples with the 3D printed and the control swabs were taken from 42 adult patients and 10 pediatric patients, and the results obtained in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were compared. Additionally, in those cases where the result was positive for SARS-CoV-2, the viral load was calculated by means of a mathematical algorithm proposed by us. For both adults and children, satisfactory results were obtained in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR; no significant differences were found in the quantification cycle values between the 3D-printed swab samples and the control samples. Furthermore, we corroborated that the 3D-printed swabs caused less discomfort and pain at the time of sampling. In conclusion, this study shows the feasibility of routinely using 3D-printed swabs for both adults and children. In this way, it is possible to maintain local and cheaper consumption along with fewer distribution difficulties.

Changes in dietary habits during Covid-19 lockdown in Egypt: the Egyptian COVIDiet study.

PURPOSE: COVID-19 lockdown changed social habits and lifestyle, including dietary habits, of people worldwide. However, limited information is available about these changes in Egypt. This cross-sectional study investigates the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on dietary habits among the Egyptian populations. METHODS: An online questionnaire, based on sociodemographic data and dietary adherence in accordance with the validated PREDIMED MedDiet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), was used all over the Egyptian governorates. The dietary changes were statistically evaluated for significance in relation to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), education level and governorates. RESULTS: A total of 1010 participants (76% aged below 36 years, 77% female, 22% obese, and 62% university-level education) answered the questionnaire. Respondents ≤ 20 years had a significant increase in weight and consumption of carbonated beverages, commercial pastries, fried and fast food. Egyptians > 50 years old had a significant decrease in physical activity. Underweight people (less than 3% of participants) increased their fast food intake with a prominent rise in weight. However, obese people increased cooking frequency and increased eating times with a decrease in physical activity. Male participants reported increased intake of carbonated beverages and fast food, while female participants increased the intake of homemade pastries with a significant decrease in physical activity. Approximately 50% of participants with postgraduate education reported decreased intake of fast food and carbonated beverages as well as decreased body weight. Residents of Cairo showed a significant increase in vegetable intake, and fried food intake with a decrease in seafood consumption. Participants from the Delta region had a significant increase in pastries intake. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study explored the need for increasing awareness about healthy lifestyle in future lockdown periods.

Neurite outgrowth induced by stimulation of angiotensin II AT2 receptors in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells involves c-Src activation.

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor occurring in childhood, originates from the aberrant proliferation of neural crest cells. Accordingly, the mechanism underling neuronal differentiation could provide new strategies for neuroblastoma treatment. It is well known that neurite outgrowth could be induced by Angiotensin II (Ang II) AT2 receptors; however, the signaling mechanism and its possible interaction with NGF (neural growth factor) receptors remain unclear. Here, we show that Ang II and CGP42112A (AT2 receptor agonist) promote neuronal differentiation by inducing neurite outgrowth and ßIII-tubulin expression in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. In addition, we demonstrate that treatment with PD123319 (AT2 receptor antagonist) reverts Ang II or CGP42112A-induced differentiation. By using specific pharmacological inhibitors we established that neurite outgrowth induced by CGP42112A requires the activation of MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase), SphK (sphingosine kinase) and c-Src but not PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase). Certainly, CGP42112A stimulated a rapid and transient (30 s, 1 min) phosphorylation of c-Src at residue Y416 (indicative of activation), following by a Src deactivation as indicated by phosphorylation of Y527. Moreover, inhibition of the NGF receptor tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) reduced neurite outgrowth induced by Ang II and CGP42112A. In summary, we demonstrated that AT2 receptor-stimulated neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells involves the induction of MEK, SphK and c-Src and suggests a possible transactivation of TrkA. In that regard, AT2 signaling pathway is a key player in neuronal differentiation and might be a potential target for therapeutic treatments.

Metabolomic-Based Studies of the Intake of Virgin Olive Oil: A Comprehensive Review.

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is a high-value product from the Mediterranean diet. Some health and nutritional benefits have been associated with its consumption, not only because of its monounsaturated-rich triacylglycerols but also due to its minor bioactive components. The search for specific metabolites related to VOO consumption may provide valuable information to identify the specific bioactive components and to understand possible molecular and metabolic mechanisms implicated in those health effects. In this regard, metabolomics, considered a key analytical tool in nutritional studies, offers a better understanding of the regulatory functions of food components on human nutrition, well-being, and health. For that reason, the aim of the present review is to summarize the available scientific evidence related to the metabolic effects of VOO or its minor bioactive compounds in human, animal, and in vitro studies using metabolomics approaches.

Correlation of liver fibrosis quantification by morphometry using HepaScan with the analysis of liver biopsies. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for determining the degree of liver fibrosis (LF) continues to be biopsy evaluation. There are morphometry techniques that allow LF to be quantified on histopathological studies. OBJECTIVE: To measure the correlation between LF histological evaluation and fibrosis percentage (FP) morphometric quantification using the HepaScan software. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, prospective, prolective pilot study in which liver histological sections from 29 people who died from some liver disease and from 22 people who died from other causes (controls) were analyzed. FP was calculated with HepaScan on digital photographs of histological sections stained with the Masson technique, comparing it with the diagnosis established by three expert pathologists. RESULTS: Four-hundred and one images from the group with liver disease and 250 from the control group were analyzed. Inter-observer agreement had a kappa index of 0.329. There were FP statistically significant differences (p = 0.0001) between histopathological classification groups. HepaScan predictive capacity based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.983, 0.812, and 0.895 for mild, moderate, and severe fibrosis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HepaScan showed very good performance for evaluating FP in histological sections, which is why it can contribute to qualitative pathological diagnosis.

ANTECEDENTES: El estándar de oro para determinar el grado de fibrosis hepática (FH) continúa siendo la evaluación de la biopsia. Existen técnicas de morfometría que permiten cuantificar la FH en estudios histopatológicos. OBJETIVO: Medir la correlación entre la evaluación histológica de FH y la cuantificación por morfometría del porcentaje de fibrosis (PF) mediante HepaScan. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio piloto observacional, analítico, transversal, prospectivo y prolectivo en el que se analizaron cortes histopatológicos de hígado de 29 personas fallecidas por alguna hepatopatía y 22 personas fallecidas por otras causas (controles). El PF se calculó con HepaScan en fotografías digitales de cortes histológicos teñidos con la técnica Masson, comparándolo con el diagnóstico de tres patólogos expertos. RESULTADOS: Fueron analizadas 401 imágenes del grupo con hepatopatía y 250 del grupo de control. La concordancia interobservador tuvo un índice kappa de 0.329. Entre los grupos de clasificación histopatológica existieron diferencias estadísticas en el PF (p = 0.0001). La capacidad predictiva de HepaScan con base en el área bajo la curva característica operativa del receptor fue de 0.983, 0.812 y 0.895 para fibrosis leve, moderada y severa, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: HepaScan mostró muy buen desempeño para evaluar el PF en cortes histológicos, por lo que puede coadyuvar al diagnóstico patológico cualitativo.

Correlación de la cuantificación de fibrosis hepática por morfometría mediante HepaScan con el análisis de las biopsias hepáticas. Estudio piloto / Correlation of liver fibrosis quantification by morphometry using HepaScan with the analysis of liver biopsies. A pilot study

Resumen Antecedentes: El estándar de oro para determinar el grado de fibrosis hepática (FH) continúa siendo la evaluación de la biopsia. Existen técnicas de morfometría que permiten cuantificar la FH en estudios histopatológicos. Objetivo: Medir la correlación entre la evaluación histológica de FH y la cuantificación por morfometría del porcentaje de fibrosis (PF) mediante HepaScan. Material y métodos: Estudio piloto observacional, analítico, transversal, prospectivo y prolectivo en el que se analizaron cortes histopatológicos de hígado de 29 personas fallecidas por alguna hepatopatía y 22 personas fallecidas por otras causas (controles). El PF se calculó con HepaScan en fotografías digitales de cortes histológicos teñidos con la técnica Masson, comparándolo con el diagnóstico de tres patólogos expertos. Resultados: Fueron analizadas 401 imágenes del grupo con hepatopatía y 250 del grupo de control. La concordancia interobservador tuvo un índice kappa de 0.329. Entre los grupos de clasificación histopatológica existieron diferencias estadísticas en el PF (p = 0.0001). La capacidad predictiva de HepaScan con base en el área bajo la curva característica operativa del receptor fue de 0.983, 0.812 y 0.895 para fibrosis leve, moderada y severa, respectivamente. Conclusiones: HepaScan mostró muy buen desempeño para evaluar el PF en cortes histológicos, por lo que puede coadyuvar al diagnóstico patológico cualitativo.

Abstract Background: The gold standard for determining the degree of liver fibrosis (LF) continues to be biopsy evaluation. There are morphometry techniques that allow LF to be quantified on histopathological studies. Objective: To measure the correlation between LF histological evaluation and fibrosis percentage (FP) morphometric quantification using the HepaScan software. Material and methods: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, prospective, prolective pilot study in which liver histological sections from 29 people who died from some liver disease and from 22 people who died from other causes (controls) were analyzed. FP was calculated with HepaScan on digital photographs of histological sections stained with the Masson technique, comparing it with the diagnosis established by three expert pathologists. Results: Four-hundred and one images from the group with liver disease and 250 from the control group were analyzed. Inter-observer agreement had a kappa index of 0.329. There were FP statistically significant differences (p = 0.0001) between histopathological classification groups. HepaScan predictive capacity based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.983, 0.812, and 0.895 for mild, moderate, and severe fibrosis, respectively. Conclusions: HepaScan showed very good performance for evaluating FP in histological sections, which is why it can contribute to qualitative pathological diagnosis.

Occurrence of nano/microplastics from wild and farmed edible species. Potential effects of exposure on human health.

The occurrence of nano/microplastics (N/MPs) has become a global concern due to their risk on the aquatic environment, food webs and ecosystems, thus, potentially affecting human health. This chapter focuses on the most recent evidence about the occurrence of N/MPs in the most consumed wild and farmed edible species, the occurrence of N/MPs in humans, the potential impact of N/MPs on human health as well as future research recommendations for assessing N/MPs in wild and farmed edible species. Additionally, the N/MP particles in human biological samples, which include the standardization of methods for collection, characterization, and analysis of N/MPs that might allow evaluating the potential risk of the intake of N/MPs in human health, are discussed. Thus, the chapter consequently includes relevant information about the content of N/MPs of more than 60 edible species such as algae, sea cucumber, mussels, squids, crayfish, crabs, clams, and fishes.

Exploring the Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Different Cocoa Powders.

Cocoa, the main derivative of the seeds of Theobroma cacao L., has been recognized to have several effects on human health including antioxidant and neuro- and cardio-protective effects, among others. These effects have been attributed mainly to its bioactive compounds. In this context, the aim of this work is to evaluate the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds (i.e., phenolic compounds, procyanidins and methylxanthines) and the antioxidant activity of seven different cocoas (alkalized and non-alkalized) from different origins (Peru, Venezuela, Ivory Coast, Dominican Republic, and West Africa). It represents the first stage of a larger project aiming to find high polyphenol cocoa-based nutritional strategies and related biomarkers that may potentiate brain plasticity and cognitive function. Cocoa powders were extracted by ultrasound-assisted technology, and the total phenolic content (TPC) was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu. Methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) and procyanidin contents were determined by HPLC-FLD-DAD, and the antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. Non-alkalized cocoas showed higher phenolic and procyanidin contents and higher antioxidant activity compared to the alkalized ones. A strongly significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between the antioxidant activity and the TPC, especially with the total procyanidin content, but not with methylxanthines was found. In conclusion, the non-alkalized cocoas, especially the one from Peru, were the best candidates in terms of bioactive compounds. The cocoa from Peru had a TPC of 57.4 ± 14.4 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g d.w., 28,575.06 ± 62.37 µg of catechin equivalents/g d.w., and 39.15 ± 2.12 mg/g of methylxanthines. Further studies should be undertaken to evaluate its effect on brain plasticity and cognitive function.

Nutrition and adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus: Does what you eat help you remember?

Neurogenesis is a complex process by which neural progenitor cells (NPCs)/neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferate and differentiate into new neurons and other brain cells. In adulthood, the hippocampus is one of the areas with more neurogenesis activity, which is involved in the modulation of both emotional and cognitive hippocampal functions. This complex process is affected by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including nutrition. In this regard, preclinical studies performed in rats and mice demonstrate that high fats and/or sugars diets have a negative effect on adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). In contrast, diets enriched with bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, as well as intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, can induce AHN. Interestingly, there is also growing evidence demonstrating that offspring AHN can be affected by maternal nutrition in the perinatal period. Therefore, nutritional interventions from early stages and throughout life are a promising perspective to alleviate neurodegenerative diseases by stimulating neurogenesis. The underlying mechanisms by which nutrients and dietary factors affect AHN are still being studied. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that additional peripheral mediators may be involved. In this sense, the microbiota-gut-brain axis mediates bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain and could act as a link between nutritional factors and AHN. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize, the most recent findings related to the influence of nutrition and diet in the modulation of AHN. The importance of maternal nutrition in the AHN of the offspring and the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the nutrition-neurogenesis relationship have also been included.

Temozolomide treatment inhibits spontaneous motivation for exploring a complex object in mice: A potential role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in "curiosity".

Intrinsic exploratory biases are an innate motivation for exploring certain types of stimuli or environments over others, and they may be associated with cognitive, emotional, and even personality-like traits. However, their neurobiological basis has been scarcely investigated. Considering the involvement of the hippocampus in novelty recognition and in spatial and pattern separation tasks, this work researched the role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in intrinsic exploratory bias for a perceptually complex object in mice. Spontaneous object preference tasks revealed that both male and female C57BL/6J mice showed a consistent unconditioned preference for exploring "complex"-irregular-objects over simpler ones. Furthermore, increasing objects' complexity resulted in an augmented time of object exploration. In a different experiment, male mice received either vehicle or the DNA alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) for 4 weeks, a pharmacological treatment that reduced AHN as evidenced by immunohistochemistry. After assessment in a behavioral test battery, the TMZ-treated mice did not show any alterations in general exploratory and anxiety-like responses. However, when tested in the spontaneous object preference task, the TMZ-treated mice did not display enhanced exploration of the complex object, as evidenced both by a reduced exploration time-specifically for the complex object-and a lack of preference for the complex object over the simple one. This study supports a novel role of AHN in intrinsic exploratory bias for perceptual complexity. Moreover, the spontaneous complex object preference task as a rodent model of "curiosity" is discussed.

Validation of 3D-Printed Swabs for Sampling in SARS-CoV-2 Detection: A Pilot Study.

In this pilot study, we characterize and evaluate 3D-printed swabs for the collection of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal secretion samples for the SARS-CoV-2 detection. Swabs are made with the fused deposition modeling technique using the biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) which is a medical-grade, biodegradable and low-cost material. We evaluated six swabs with mechanical tests in a laboratory and in an Adult Human Simulator performed by healthcare professionals. We proved the adequacy of the PLA swab to be used in the gold standard reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for viral RNA detection. Then, we did in vitro validation for cell collection using the 3D-printed swabs and RNA extraction for samples from 10 healthy volunteers. The 3D-printed swabs showed good flexibility and maneuverability for sampling and at the same time robustness to pass into the posterior nasopharynx. The PLA did not interfere with the RNA extraction process and qRT-PCR test. When we evaluated the expression of the reference gene (RNase P) used in the SARS-CoV-2 detection, the 3D-printed swabs showed good reproducibility in the threshold cycle values (Ct = 23.5, range 19-26) that is comparable to control swabs (Ct = 24.7, range 20.8-32.6) with p value = 0.47. The 3D-printed swabs demonstrated to be a reliable, and an economical alternative for mass use in the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Complicaciones respiratorias en el posoperatorio inmediato en pacientes sometidos a cirugías de hemiabdomen superior

Las complicaciones respiratorias durante el posoperatorio inmediato justifica el interés del anestesiólogo por el conocimiento actualizado con el fin de disminuir la morbimortalidad. Con el objetivo de caracterizar las complicaciones respiratorias más frecuentes que se presentan en el posoperatorio inmediato de cirugía de hemiabdomen superior se realizó estudioobservacional, descriptivo de serie de casos, en 146 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de hemiabdomen superior atendidos en la unidad de cuidados posanestésicos del Hospital Provincial Clínico Quirúrgico Docente "Saturnino Lora", de Santiago de Cuba, duranteenero a diciembre de 2020; los datos se obtuvieron a partir de la historia clínica hospitalaria y examen clínico general realizado, los que fueron plasmados en una planilla confeccionada para el efecto. Fueron utilizados el test del Xi-cuadrado (X2), y la prueba de diferencias de proporciones, con un valor de p = 0,05durante el procesamiento estadístico. Los pacientes con edades mayores de 60 años, del sexo masculino y que presentaban como hábitos tóxicos el tabaquismo, la hipertensión arterial seguida de las neuropatías son las más frecuentes; mientras que los diagnósticos operatorios fueron la colecistitis aguda convencional y el trauma hepático. La intervención quirúrgica urgente, los pacientes ASA II, y los procedimientos que duraron más de 2 horas fueron los más frecuentes. Las complicaciones respiratorias más frecuentes encontradas fue la hipoxia; seguida de la ventilación mecánica prolongada y la atelectasia. Las complicaciones respiratorias encontradas en el posoperatorio inmediato de cirugía de hemiabdomen superior se asociaron desde el punto de vista estadístico con la clasificación ASA.

Respiratory complications during the immediate postoperative period justify the anesthesiologist's interest in updated knowledge in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. In order to characterize the most frequent respiratory complications that occur in the immediate postoperative period of upper hemiabdomen surgery, an observational, descriptive case series study was conducted in 146 patients undergoing upper hemiabdomen surgery attended at the post-anesthetic care unit of the "Saturnino Lora" Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. during January to December 2020; The data were obtained from the hospital clinical history and general clinical examination performed, which were reflected in a form prepared for this purpose. The Xi-square test (X2) and the proportions differences test were used, with a p value = 0.05 during statistical processing. Patients over 60 years of age, male and who presented smoking as toxic habits, hypertension followed by neuropathies are the most frequent; while the operative diagnoses were conventional acute cholecystitis and liver trauma. Urgent surgery, ASA II patients, and procedures lasting more than 2 hours were the most frequent. The most frequent respiratory complications found were hypoxia; followed by prolonged mechanical ventilation and atelectasis. The respiratory complications found in the immediate postoperative period of upper hemiabdomen surgery were statistically associated with the ASA classification.

As complicações respiratórias no pós-operatório imediato justificam o interesse do anestesiologista em atualizar o conhecimento para reduzir a morbimortalidade. Com o objetivo de caracterizar as complicações respiratórias mais frequentes que ocorrem no pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia de hemiabdome alto, foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo de série de casos em 146 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de hemiabdome superior atendidos na unidade de recuperação pós-anestésica do Hospital Provincial Clínico Cirúrgico Universitário "Saturnino Lora" em Santiago de Cuba de janeiro a dezembro de 2020; Os dados foram obtidos da história clínica hospitalar e do exame clínico geral realizados, os quais foram refletidos em um formulário elaborado para esse fim.Utilizou-se o teste do xi-quadrado (X2) e o teste de diferenças de proporções, com valor de p = 0,05 durante o processamento estatístico. Pacientes acima de 60 anos, do sexo masculino e que apresentavam o tabagismo como hábitos tóxicos, sendo a hipertensão arterial seguida de neuropatias os mais frequentes; enquanto os diagnósticos operatórios foram colecistite aguda convencional e trauma hepático. Cirurgias de urgência, pacientes ASA II e procedimentos com duração superior a 2 horas foram os mais frequentes. As complicações respiratórias mais frequentes encontradas foram hipóxia; seguido de ventilação mecânica prolongada e atelectasia. As complicações respiratórias encontradas no pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia de hemiabdome alto foram estatisticamente associadas à classificação ASA.