Protective effect of (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid, a hydroxy cinnamic acid derivative, in an ulcerative colitis model induced by TNBS.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The current treatment for mild-to-moderate UC involves the use of 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA), but much of this compound is unabsorbed and metabolized by N-acetylation. Several efforts have since been made to evaluate new molecules from synthetic or natural sources. Recently, it was reported that (E)-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2c) and (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2f) are as good or better myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors and antioxidants than 5-ASA. Then, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of 2c and 2f on a rat model of UC induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The results showed that TNBS caused the induction of colonic ulcers, as well as a significant increase in MPO activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) content. The administration of 2f, 2c and 5-ASA, decreased the ulcers presence, inhibited MPO peroxidation activity and MPO presence (as determined by immunofluorescence), and increased GSH and reduced MDA content. However, 2f was better than 2c and 5-ASA, then, the principal mechanism by which 2f presented a protective effect in a UC model induced by TNBS in rats is by inhibiting MPO activity and due to its antioxidant activity.

On Metacognition: Overconfidence in Word Recall Prediction and Its Association with Psychotic Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia.

A two-factor account has been proposed as an explanatory model for the formation and maintenance of delusions. The first factor refers to a neurocognitive process leading to a significant change in subjective experience; the second factor has been regarded as a failure in hypothesis evaluation characterized by an impairment in metacognitive ability. This study was focused on the assessment of metacognition in patients with schizophrenia. The aims of the study were to measure the overconfidence in metacognitive judgments through the prediction of word list recall and to analyze the correlation between basic neurocognition (memory and executive function) and metacognition through a metamemory test and the severity of psychotic symptoms. METHOD: Fifty-one participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were evaluated. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the severity of psychiatric symptoms, and the subtest of metamemory included in the Executive Functions and Frontal Lobe-2 battery (BANFE-2) was used to evaluate overconfidence and underestimation errors, intrusion and perseverative response, total volume of recall, and Brief Functioning Assessment Scale (FAST) for social functioning. RESULTS: The strongest correlation is observed between overconfidence errors and the positive factor of the PANSS (r = 0.774, p < 0.001). For the enter model in the multiple linear regression (r = 0.78, r2 = 0.61; F = 24.57, p < 0.001), the only significant predictor was overconfidence errors. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the relevance of a metacognitive bias of overconfidence, strongly correlated with psychotic symptoms, and support the hypothesis that metacognitive defects contribute to the failure to reject contradictory evidence. From our perspective, these findings align with current mechanistic models of schizophrenia that focus on the role of the prefrontal cortex.

The Impact of Radiation Therapy on Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma: Results From the EpSSG MTS 2008 Study.

PURPOSE: Radiation oncologists use radiation variably for children with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Data from the European paediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG) MTS 2008 study were retrospectively analyzed to validate the previous observation that the use of radiation is associated with improved outcomes and guide future recommendations on radiation use in this patient group. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The radiation delivered to 216 patients aged 0 to 21 years with metastatic RMS was retrospectively reviewed and classified as radical (all sites of disease irradiated within the protocol parameters), partial (some sites irradiated within the protocol parameters), and none (no radiation or delivered outside the protocol parameters). Landmark analysis excluded those with an event before day 221. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were modeled using the Kaplan-Meier method to investigate the impact of radiation. The joint effect of treatment and known prognostic factors was examined using the Cox regression model. RESULTS: Overall, 56 patients received radical, 104 partial, and 56 no radiation therapy per protocol. Owing to nonrandomized data, the groups were heterogeneous, particularly fewer sites of metatatic disease and less with bone metatases in those receiving radical radiation. The 3-year progression-free survival was 62.0% (95% CI, 47.9-73.4), 39.5% (95% CI, 29.8-49.1), 30.1% (95% CI, 18.7-42.3) for radical, partial, and no radiation therapy groups (P = .002), respectively, and the 3-year OS was 70.1% (95% CI, 55.8-80.6), 53.1% (95% CI, 42.6-62.5), and 52.3% (95% CI, 38.3-64.5; P = .019), respectively. Multivariable analysis confirmed incremental improvement in OS with additional radiation, with hazard ratio of 1, 1.8, and 2.4 (P = .022) for radical, partial, and no radiation therapy per protocol, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation to all sites of disease seems to improve outcomes for children with metastatic RMS and should be considered when feasible. If not feasible, radiation is still recommended to the primary site and involved regional lymphadenopathy. Randomized clinical trials are required to confirm these findings, given the heterogeneity between the groups and potential confounding factors in this analysis.

Radiation recall reaction induced by gemcitabine/docetaxel in children: A retrospective study on risk factors and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation recall reaction (RRR) is a rare inflammatory reaction developing in a previously irradiated field after a triggering agent. In pediatric patients, it is poorly understood and deficiently studied. Gemcitabine-docetaxel (G/D) in childhood cancer is mainly used as a salvage regimen for sarcomas. We aim to describe RRR triggered by G/D in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 21 patients receiving G/D along with radiotherapy at two hospitals from 2010 until 2022. RRR was considered as any toxicity occurring after G/D administration in a previously irradiated field. RRR features were described. Fisher's and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized to analyze the risk factors involved. RESULTS: Sixteen episodes of RRR developed in 16 (76.2%) patients. RRR mainly involved deep layers of the skin (58%) and occurred predominantly after two G/D cycles. The mean time between radiotherapy and chemotherapy was 28.5 days (0-1359 days), and the mean radiation volume 391 mL (157-1810 mL) for RRR. RRR treatment was mainly systemic steroids, with partial responses in six of 11 (58%) patients. Re-exposure to G/D was associated with a high rate of recurrence in nine of 15 (56.2%), prompting drug discontinuation. The major risk factors for RRR after G/D include, without statistical significance, a larger volume of the irradiated field and a shorter interval between chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of RRR after G/D in the pediatric population is higher than previously reported. Drug re-exposure is usually followed by recurrence. Higher irradiated volumes and a shorter time to the start of chemotherapy could be related with an increased risk of RRR.

Role of miRNA-mRNA Interactome in Pathophysiology of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is an inherited entity characterized by irregular cell-cell adhesion, cardiomyocyte death and fibro-fatty replacement of ventricular myocytes, leading to malignant ventricular arrythmias, contractile dysfunction and sudden cardiac death. Pathogenic variants in genes that encode desmosome are the predominant cause of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Moreover, signalling pathways such as Wnt/ß-catenin and transforming growth factor-ß have been involved in the disease progression. However, still little is known about the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy pathogenesis. We used mRNA and small RNA sequencing to analyse the transcriptome of health and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy of autopsied human hearts. Our results showed 697 differentially expressed genes and eight differentially expressed miRNAs. Functional enrichment revealed mitochondrial respiratory-related pathways, impaired response to oxidative stress, apoptotic signalling pathways and inflammatory response-related and extracellular matrix response pathways. Furthermore, analysis of the miRNA-mRNA interactome identified eleven negatively correlated miRNA-target pairs for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Our finding revealed novel arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy-related miRNAs with important regulatory function in disease pathogenesis, highlighting their value as potential key targets for therapeutic approaches.

The intersection between menopause and depression: overview of research using animal models.

Menopausal women may experience symptoms of depression, sometimes even progressing clinical depression requiring treatment to improve quality of life. While varying levels of estrogen in perimenopause may contribute to an increased biological vulnerability to mood disturbances, the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in the relief of depressive symptoms remains controversial. Menopausal depression has a complex, multifactorial etiology, that has limited the identification of optimal treatment strategies for the management of this psychiatric complaint. Nevertheless, clinical evidence increasingly supports the notion that estrogen exerts neuroprotective effects on brain structures related to mood regulation. Indeed, research using preclinical animal models continues to improve our understanding of menopause and the effectiveness of ERT and other substances at treating depression-like behaviors. However, questions regarding the efficacy of ERT in perimenopause have been raised. These questions may be answered by further investigation using specific animal models of reduced ovarian function. This review compares and discusses the advantages and pitfalls of different models emulating the menopausal stages and their relationship with the onset of depressive-like signs, as well as the efficacy and mechanisms of conventional and novel ERTs in treating depressive-like behavior. Ovariectomized young rats, middle-to-old aged intact rats, and females treated with reprotoxics have all been used as models of menopause, with stages ranging from surgical menopause to perimenopause. Additionally, this manuscript discusses the impact of organistic and therapeutic variables that may improve or reduce the antidepressant response of females to ERT. Findings from these models have revealed the complexity of the dynamic changes occurring in brain function during menopausal transition, reinforcing the idea that the best approach is timely intervention considering the opportunity window, in addition to the careful selection of treatment according to the presence or absence of reproductive tissue. Additionally, data from animal models has yielded evidence to support new promising estrogens that could be considered as ERTs with antidepressant properties and actions in endocrine situations in which traditional ERTs are not effective.

Clinical effects of re-evaluating a lung SBRT failure mode and effects analysis in a radiotherapy department.

PURPOSE: The increasing complexity of radiation treatments can hinder its clinical success. This study aimed to better understand evolving risks by re-evaluating a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) in lung SBRT. METHODS: An experienced multidisciplinary team conducted an FMEA and made a reassessment 3 years later. A process map was developed with potential failure modes (FMs) identified. High-risk FMs and their possible causes and corrective actions were determined. The initial FMEA analysis was compared to gain a deeper perspective. RESULTS: We identified 232 FMs. The high-risk processes were plan approval, target contouring, and patient evaluation. The corrective measures were based on stricter standardization of plan approval, pre-planning peer review, and a supporting pretreatment checklist, which substantially reduced the risk priority number in the revised FMEA. In the FMEA reassessment, we observed that the increased complexity and number of patients receiving lung SBRT conditioned a more substantial presence of human factors and communication errors as causal conditions and a potential wrong dose as a final effect. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting a lung SBRT FMEA analysis has identified high-risk conditions that have been effectively mitigated in an FMEA reanalysis. Plan approval has shown to be a weak link in the process. The increasing complexity of treatments and patient numbers have shifted causal factors toward human failure and communication errors. The potential of a wrong dose as a final effect augments in this scenario. We propose that digital and artificial intelligence options are needed to mitigate potential errors in high-complexity and high-risk RT scenarios.

Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Private Aesthetic Clinical Settings in Four Latin American Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent concern with non-existent or minor defects in one's physical appearance. BDD can be difficult to identify as patients often have limited insight into the condition. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the prevalence of BDD in patients presenting to private aesthetic clinical settings in four Latin American countries. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study From August to October 2022 to evaluate the prevalence of BDD among 360 patients seeking nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia using the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ). We reported prevalence estimates for the lowest and highest previously proposed DCQ cutoff points. RESULTS: The DCQ total scores in the study population ranged from 0 to 21, with a mean total score of 5.1 ± 3.4. The prevalence of positive screening results for BDD (total DCQ score ≥ 9) was 15.8%. The prevalence of a likely diagnosis of BDD (total DCQ score of ¥ 17) was 0.83%. LIMITATIONS: The convenience sample limited the generalizability of the findings to Latin America. CONCLUSION: We encourage colleagues to be more mindful of this diagnosis and to facilitate earlier psychological evaluation in patients who are positive for BDD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Surgical Proposition of a Slow-Growing Calvarial Exostosis in a Female Patient With a Congenital Iris Cyst of the Anterior Chamber and Mandibular Tori.

We present an unusual case of a woman in her early 50s with a slow-growing calvarial exostosis. Exostoses are bony spurs or osteomas extending outward beyond a bone's surface and may be benign or malignant. Calvarial exostoses are a less common bone tumor that can occur in the population. We present a case of a rare, slow-growing calvarial exostosis with a combination of mandibular tori and a congenital iris cyst. We discuss differentials of this exostosis and different syndromes that may cause it such as hereditary multiple exostoses and Gardner syndrome. The current article aims to spread awareness of this atypical presentation of exostoses and present our institution's surgical proposition for removing a calvarial exostosis to obtain a further histological analysis of its composition. As these masses may commonly be benign, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made through imaging alone to rule out more threatening conditions. We have addressed radiological findings and diagnostic and treatment options offered to the patient. The patient decided not to move forward with removing the mass and would continue to monitor and return should she notice any unusual or acute changes.

Human olfactory neural progenitor cells reveal differences in IL-6, IL-8, thrombospondin-1, and MCP-1 in major depression disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Background: Discovering biological markers is essential for understanding and treating mental disorders. Despite the limitations of current non-invasive methods, neural progenitor cells from the olfactory epithelium (hNPCs-OE) have been emphasized as potential biomarker sources. This study measured soluble factors in these cells in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and healthy controls (HC). Methods: We assessed thirty-five participants divided into MDD (n=14), BPD (n=14), and HC (n=7). MDD was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. BPD was evaluated using the DSM-5 criteria and the Structured Clinical Interview for Personality Disorders. We isolated hNPCs-OE, collected intracellular proteins and conditioned medium, and quantified markers and soluble factors, including Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and others. Analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test and linear regression. Results: We found that hNPCs-OE of MDD and BPD decreased Sox2 and laminin receptor-67 kDa levels. MASH-1 decreased in BPD, while tubulin beta-III decreased in MDD compared to controls and BPD. Also, we found significant differences in IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and thrombospondin-1 levels between controls and MDD, or BPD, but not between MDD and BPD. Conclusions: Altered protein markers are evident in the nhNPCs-OE in MDD and BPD patients. These cells also secrete higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines than HC cells. The results suggest the potential utility of hNPCs-OE as an in vitro model for researching biological protein markers in psychiatric disorders. However, more extensive validation studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and specificity in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Brachytherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma: Survey of international clinical practice and development of guidelines.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to address the lack of published data on the use of brachytherapy in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma by describing current practice as starting point to develop consensus guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An international expert panel on the treatment of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma comprising 24 (pediatric) radiation oncologists, brachytherapists and pediatric surgeons met for a Brachytherapy Workshop hosted by the European paediatric Soft tissue Sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG). The panel's clinical experience, the results of a previously distributed questionnaire, and a review of the literature were presented. RESULTS: The survey indicated the most common use of brachytherapy to be in combination with tumor resection, followed by brachytherapy as sole local therapy modality. HDR was increasingly deployed in pediatric practice, especially for genitourinary sites. Brachytherapy planning was mostly by 3D imaging based on CT. Recommendations for patient selection, treatment requirements, implant technique, delineation, dose prescription, dose reporting and clinical management were defined. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus guidelines for the use of brachytherapy in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma have been developed through multicenter collaboration establishing the basis for future work. These have been adopted for the open EpSSG overarching study for children and adults with Frontline and Relapsed RhabdoMyoSarcoma (FaR-RMS).

Predictors of malnutrition among older residents in Qatari long-term care facilities: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among older adults in long-term care facilities and is associated with adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Identifying the predictors of malnutrition in this population is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to malnourishment among older individuals living in long-term care facilities in Qatar. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 75 older adults from two long-term care facilities (Rumailah Hospital and Enaya Specialized Care Center) in Qatar. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, length of stay, mortality, weight, body mass index, co-morbidities, and laboratory parameters, were assessed. Data were analyzed using the most recent version of the SPSS software, version 29. Predictors of malnutrition and mortality were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 75 older individuals included in the study, 85% (64) were malnourished. The average age of the participants was 74.89 years, with a standard deviation of 10.21. Of all participants, approximately 61% (46) were males, and 39% (29) were females. Most malnourished older adults were classified as either at "moderate (29.69%)" or "severe risk (37.50%)," according to the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index. Malnourished participants experienced a significant percentage of weight change within 3 months (14.01 ± 7.89); the only statistically significant predictor of malnutrition was the percentage of weight change within 3 months with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.8 (confidence interval [CI] 1.56-14.75) and p-value of 0.006. Statistically significant predictors of mortality were malnutrition (OR 24.84, CI 1.09-564) and age (OR 1.07, CI 1.00-1.14). CONCLUSIONS: A significant predictor of malnutrition in older adults identified in this study was the sudden and recent change in weight, which can be employed to detect individuals at risk early and guide tailored interventions. Malnutrition is a significant predictor of mortality. Employing a multidimensional strategy to tackle malnutrition can improve outcomes for the older individuals.

Circulating sex hormones in women with severe anxiety during pregnancy / Hormonas sexuales circulantes en mujeres con ansiedad severa durante el embarazo

Abstract Introduction Anxiety, mood- and stress-related behaviors are regulated by sex hormones in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Very scarce information exists about the role of sex steroids in pregnant women displaying high levels of anxiety. Objective To determine sex hormones serum levels in pregnant women exhibiting high levels of anxiety symptoms. Method The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS/ HAM-A) was used to assess the intensity of anxiety symptoms in third-trimester pregnant women. Two groups were included in the study, pregnant women exhibiting severe anxiety (ANX; HARS scores ≥ 25; n = 101) and healthy control subjects (CTRL; n = 40) displaying lower scores for anxiety (HARS scores ≤ 7). Estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T) serum levels were measured using a standard chemiluminescent immunoassay. Bivariate and partial correlations were performed to detect significant associations between groups, clinical measures, biochemical data, and HARS scores. Results The anxiety group (ANX) showed an increase in E2 and T serum levels (p < .001) compared to CTRL. Conversely, significantly lower P4 levels were found in the symptomatic group (p < .001) as compared to the CTRL hormone values. The P4:E2 index was significantly reduced in pregnant women with high levels of anxiety (p < .001). Negative correlations between anxiety (HARS) scores, P4 serum levels (p = .02), and P4:E2 ratio (p = .04) were found in the symptomatic group. Conversely, T serum levels displayed a positive association (p = .001) with high levels of anxiety symptoms in the same group, after adjusting our data by clinical confounders. Discussion and conclusion Serum levels of sex-steroid hormones are altered in pregnant women exhibiting severe anxiety.

Resumen Introducción La ansiedad, el estado de ánimo y el estrés están regulados por diversos esteroides sexuales. Existe poca información sobre el papel que juegan estos esteroides en mujeres embarazadas con niveles elevados de ansiedad. Objetivo Determinar los niveles séricos de hormonas sexuales en mujeres embarazadas con altos índices de síntomas de ansiedad con respecto a mujeres gestantes sanas. Método Determinación de la intensidad de síntomas ansiosos empleando la escala de Hamilton de Ansiedad (HAM-A) en 141 mujeres embarazadas en el tercer trimestre de gestación. Cuantificación de los niveles séricos de estradiol (E2), progesterona (P4) y testosterona (T) por inmunoensayo estándar. Aplicación de las correlaciones de Pearson para detectar asociaciones entre parámetros clínicos y valores hormonales entre los grupos de estudio. Resultados Las mujeres con ansiedad severa (ANX; n = 101; HAM-A ≥ 25) mostraron niveles séricos más altos de E2 y T (p < .001), así como niveles más bajos de P4 (p < .001) en relación con el grupo control (CTRL, n = 40, HAM-A < 7). Se detectó una disminución significativa en el índice P4:E2 en el grupo de ANX (p < .001) y se observaron correlaciones negativas y positivas entre los puntajes elevados de ansiedad con los niveles circulantes de P4 (p = .02), en la taza P4:E2 (p = .04) y en los niveles séricos de T (p = .001) respectivamente, al ajustar nuestros datos con variables confusoras. Discusión y conclusión Los niveles circulantes de los esteroides sexuales se encontraron alterados en mujeres con ansiedad severa.

Bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed literature on perinatal depression in Mexico / Análisis bibliométrico de la literatura revisada por pares sobre depresión perinatal en México

Abstract Background Perinatal depression (PND) is a clinical disease developed in any stage during the pregnancy and postpartum period with serious health and economic implications. Objective The aim of this work was to analyze via bibliometrics indicators Mexico's production on PND to provide a view of the academic landscape and a comprehensive reference for subsequent research in the country. Method The Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases were used to perform a search for peer reviewed papers related to PND in México. The search was made following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The extracted data were processed with VOS Viewer to examine link strength and clusters associations of diverse bibliometrics variables. Results A total of 132 records were retrieved and we included 70 studies in the bibliometric analysis after application of the exclusion criteria. The authors with more papers were Navarrete L., and Asunción Lara M. The institutions with more papers were the National Institute of Perinatology, Ramón de la Fuente National Institute of Psychiatry, and National Institute of Public Health of Mexico. A diminution of the research considered in PND is observed in the last two years. Four keyword clusters were identified related to PND: symptoms, prevalence, pregnancy. Discussion and conclusion The scarce literature concerning PND in Mexico compared with other countries could be due the limited collaboration between the health institutes. An urgent need to increase research on PND in Mexico is evident to be applicable in the management of resources in the healthcare system.

Resumen Antecedentes La depresión perinatal (PND) es una enfermedad clínica que se desarrolla en cualquier etapa del embarazo y posparto con graves implicaciones sanitarias y económicas. Objetivo El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar a través de indicadores bibliométricos la producción de México sobre PND, para brindar una visión del panorama académico y un referente integral para investigaciones posteriores en el país. Método Se utilizaron las bases de datos Scopus y Web of Science (WoS) para realizar una búsqueda de artículos revisados por pares relacionados con la PND en México. La búsqueda se realizó siguiendo los elementos de informes preferidos para revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis (PRISMA). Los datos extraídos se procesaron con VOS Viewer para examinar la fuerza de los enlaces y las asociaciones de grupos de diversas variables bibliométricas. Resultados Se recuperaron un total de 132 registros y se incluyeron 70 estudios en el análisis bibliométrico después de la aplicación de los criterios de exclusión. Los autores con más artículos fueron Navarrete L. y Asunción Lara M. Las instituciones con más artículos fueron el Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, el Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente y el Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública de México. Se observa una disminución de las investigaciones consideradas en el PND en los últimos dos años. Se identificaron cuatro grupos de palabras clave relacionadas con la PND: síntomas, prevalencia y embarazo. Discusión y conclusión La escasa literatura sobre PND en México en comparación con otros países podría deberse a la limitada colaboración entre los institutos de salud. Se evidencia una necesidad urgente de realizar más investigaciones sobre PND en México que sean aplicables y útiles en la gestión de recursos en el sistema de salud.

Morin improves learning and memory in healthy adult mice.

BACKGROUND: Morin is a flavonoid found in many edible fruits. The hippocampus and entorhinal cortex play crucial roles in memory formation and consolidation. This study aimed to characterize the effect of morin on recognition and space memory in healthy C57BL/6 adult mice and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: Morin was administered i.p. at 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg/24 h for 10 days. The Morris water maze (MWM), novel object recognition, novel context recognition, and tasks were conducted 1 day after the last administration. The mice's brains underwent histological characterization, and their protein expression was examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques. RESULTS: In the MWM and novel object recognition tests, mice treated with 1 mg/kg of morin exhibited a significant recognition index increase compared to the control group. Besides, they demonstrated faster memory acquisition during MWM training. Additionally, the expression of pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), BDNF, and postsynaptic density protein 95 proteins in the hippocampus of treated mice showed a significant increase. In the entorhinal cortex, only the pro-BDNF increased. Morin-treated mice exhibited a significant increase in the hippocampus's number and length of dendrites. CONCLUSION: This study shows that morin improves recognition memory and spatial memory in healthy adult mice.

Benzodiazepine Consumption, Functionality, Cognition, and Somnolence in Older Adults at a Tertiary Care Psychiatric Hospital in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: The aging population in Mexico, particularly those aged 60 and above, faces challenges in healthcare, including potentially inappropriate prescriptions of benzodiazepines. Physiological changes in older adults make precise drug prescriptions crucial. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate and compare functionality, cognition, and daytime somnolence in older adults using benzodiazepines versus non-users. Additionally, it outlines the demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled 162 participants aged 60 and above, categorized as benzodiazepine consumers or non-consumers. Assessment tools included Lawton's Index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Benzodiazepine Dependence Questionnaire. Statistical analysis employed t-tests and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Benzodiazepine users (n=81) exhibited lower cognitive scores, increased sleepiness, and reduced daily living activities compared to non-users (n=81). Demographically, BZD users had lower education levels. CONCLUSION: Benzodiazepine use in older adults is associated with cognitive decline, daytime somnolence, and functional limitations, emphasizing the need for cautious prescription practices and continual monitoring. This study contributes insights into the impact of benzodiazepines on the cognitive health of older adults in Mexico.

Is brain perfusion correlated to switching mood states and cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder type I? A longitudinal study using perfusion imaging approach.

Type I Bipolar disorder (BD-I) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by manic or mixed-featured episodes, impaired cognitive functioning, and persistent work and social functioning impairment. This study aimed to investigate within-subject; (i) differences in brain perfusion using Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) between manic and euthymic states in BD-I patients; (ii) explore potential associations between altered brain perfusion and cognitive status; and (iii) examine the relationship between cerebral perfusion and mania symptom ratings. Seventeen adult patients diagnosed with BD-I in a manic episode were recruited, and clinical assessments, cognitive tests, and brain perfusion studies were conducted at baseline (mania state) and a follow-up visit 6 months later. The results showed cognitive impairment during the manic episode, which persisted during the euthymic state at follow-up. However, no significant changes in brain perfusion were observed between the manic and euthymic states. During mania, trends toward decreased perfusion in the left cerebellum and right superior parietal lobule were noted. Additionally, trends indicated a higher perfusion imbalance in the left superior and middle frontal gyrus during mania and the right superior and middle frontal gyrus during euthymia. No significant correlations existed between brain perfusion, mania symptom ratings, and cognitive performance, indicating that symptomatology might represent more than neural hemodynamics. These findings suggest that cognitive impairment may persist in BD-I patients and highlight the need for therapeutic interventions targeting cognitive deficits. More extensive studies with extended follow-up periods are warranted further to investigate brain perfusion and cognitive functioning in BD-I patients.