The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale has a Good Test-Retest Reliability in Well-Trained Athletes With and Without Previously Self-Identified Gastrointestinal Complaints.

BACKGROUND: Athletes often report gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. Standardized validated tests validated in athletes are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of the gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale (GSRS), a disease-specific instrument of 15 items to quantify the severity of various GI symptoms. METHODS: For this purpose, a 3-week repeated measurements design was used. The mean difference (Wilcoxon signed rank test), associations (Spearman correlations), and systematic difference using Bland-Altman calculations for repeated measurements, as well as its internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) on testing day 1 and day 2 were analyzed, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. A total of n = 70 well-trained athletes (26.1 ± 5.4 years, of which 40% were female) were included. RESULTS: A high Cronbach's α for GSRS was found on testing day 1 (0.825), and day 2 (0.823), suggesting a good and comparable internal consistency of the questionnaire. When assessing the multilevel temporal stability for total GSRS scores (28.0, IQR 22.0-36.3 vs 26.5, IQR 18.0-35.0), there was a small but significant difference (Z = - 2.489, and p = 0.013), but a fair correlation between day scores (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), and a Bland-Altman reporting difference between questionnaires within 10% of the total GSRS score, without significant reporting bias (p = 0.38). In most cases, except for hunger, burping, and loose stools, the individual GSRS items were reported in line with total scores and similar for sex. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the GSRS is reliable when used with athletes, with good internal consistency for most symptoms independently of sex, except for hunger, burping, and loose stools.

Cognitive phenotyping of GBA1-Parkinson's disease: A study on deep brain stimulation outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Heterozygous variants in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) gene are the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's Disease (PD). GBA1-PD patients exhibit earlier disease onset, severe motor impairment, and heightened cognitive decline. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) offers motor improvement for PD patients, but its cognitive effects, particularly in GBA1-PD, are debated. METHODS: This study involved 96 PD patients who underwent subthalamic nucleus DBS at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau between 2004 and 2023. Clinical and neuropsychological assessments were conducted pre- and post-surgery, focusing on Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS) and Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe). Patients were categorized into GBA1-PD and non-GBA1-PD groups, with non-GBA1-PD further divided into cognitive fast-progressors and slow-progressors. RESULTS: GBA1 variants were present in 13.5 % of patients. GBA1-PD patients showed greater cognitive decline over time, particularly in attention, conceptualization, and memory, compared to non-GBA1-PD. Non-GBA1-PD fast-progressors exhibited significant cognitive deterioration in initiation and conceptualization within the first year post-DBS. Motor outcomes improved similarly across all groups, but slow-progressors showed a greater reduction in Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose (LEDD). CONCLUSIONS: GBA1-PD patients experience more rapid cognitive decline, particularly in posterior-cortical and fronto-striatal functions. Additionally, a subset of non-GBA1-PD patients shows significant early cognitive decline post-DBS, especially in executive functions. Baseline MDRS scores do not predict cognitive outcomes, highlighting the need for further research to refine prognostic tools. Despite cognitive challenges, GBA1-PD patients benefit from DBS in terms of motor outcomes, underscoring the importance of individualized assessments for DBS suitability, regardless of genetic status.

Clinical course in older patients diagnosed with syncope treated in Spanish emergency departments: results from the Emergency Department and Elder Needs-17 study. / Evolución clínica de los pacientes mayores diagnosticados de síncope en servicios de urgencias en España: resultados del estudio EDEN-17.

OBJECTIVE: To study factors associated with hospitalization in an unselected population of patients aged 65 years or older treated for syncope in Spanish hospital emergency departments (EDs). To determine the prevalence of adverse events at 30 days in patients discharged home and the factors associated with such events. METHODS: We included all patients aged 65 years or older who were diagnosed with syncope during a single week in 52 Spanish EDs, recording patient clinical and ED case management data. We compared the findings between hospitalized patients and those discharged home, following the latter for 30 days. In discharged patients, we explored predictors of a composite adverse-event outcome (occurrence of any of the following: ED revisits, hospitalization related to the index visit, or any-cause death). RESULTS: A total of 477 patients with syncope were identified; 67 (14%) were admitted, and 5 (7.5%) died. The median (interquartile range) length of hospital stay was 6 days (3-11 days). Comorbidity increased the probability of hospitalization (odds ratio, 2.172; 95% CI, 1.013-4.655). Among the 410 patients (86%) discharged home from the ED, 9.2% experienced an adverse event within 30 days (ED revisits, 8.,1%; hospitalization, 2.2%; death, 1.5%). No factors were associated with the 30-day composite outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients aged 65 years or older are discharged home from EDs, and 30-day adverse events, while infrequent, are difficult to predict. Hospitalization was related to comorbidity and an absence of cognitive decline.

OBJETIVO: Investigar en una muestra no seleccionada de población mayor (65 o más años) atendida en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) españoles por síncope los factores que se asociaron con la hospitalización, prevalencia de eventos adversos (EA) a 30 días y los factores asociados a estos entre los pacientes dados de alta desde urgencias. METODO: Se incluyeron todos pacientes con 65 o más años diagnosticados de síncope durante una semana en 52 SUH españoles. Se recogieron datos de la situación clínica y el manejo en urgencias, que se compararon entre los pacientes hospitalizados y los dados de alta directamente desde urgencias. Estos últimos fueron seguidos durante 30 días y se identificaron aquellos que presentaron un EA combinado (reconsulta en urgencias u hospitalización relacionada con el evento índice y muerte por cualquier causa), y se investigaron los factores que predecían dicho EA combinado. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 477 pacientes con síncope. Hospitalizaron 67 (14%), de los que fallecieron 5 (7,5%) y la estancia mediana fue de 6 días (RIC 3-11). La comorbilidad incrementó la probabilidad de ingreso (OR: 2,172, IC 95%: 1,013-4,655). Entre los 410 pacientes dados de alta de urgencias (86%), el 9,2% tuvo un EA durante los 30 días siguientes (reconsulta a urgencias: 8,1%; hospitalización: 2,2%; muerte: 1,5%). Ningún factor se asoció con el riesgo de EA combinado a 30 días. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los pacientes con 65 años o más atendidos en los SUH por síncope son dados de alta directamente desde urgencias, y los EA a los 30 días fueron poco frecuentes, pero difíciles de predecir. La hospitalización se relacionó con presencia de comorbilidad y ausencia de deterioro cognitivo.

Negative impact of online gambling problematic in disabled and non-disabled university students: exploring the risk profile.

Introduction: The rise of online gambling has brought about significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on university students. This issue becomes even more complex when considering students with disabilities. Objectives: This research examines the gambling profile and beliefs of university students based on whether they have a disability. In turn, it seeks to identify if there is a typology of at-risk gamblers according to the disability variable. Finally, it aims to find out the prevalence of gambling among students depending on whether they have a disability and the typology of at-risk gambler. Method: A total of 704 university students (135 with disabilities and 569 without disabilities) completed the NODS Belief Questionnaire to assess problems associated with gambling and to generate a typological grouping of risk gamblers, as well as a questionnaire designed specifically for the gambler profile. Results: It was found that a small percentage of participants engage in gambling on a daily basis, with a higher frequency among students with disabilities. In addition, it was observed that the behavior and concern about financial expenditure on gambling interferes with their daily activities and is a cause for concern, with higher risk being observed to a greater extent in students with disabilities. Discussion: These data suggest the importance for universities and relevant authorities to address these problems comprehensively, providing adequate resources for students with disabilities and promoting a culture of wellbeing that discourages problematic gambling activities and encourages healthy alternatives for entertainment and stress management.

Appropriate Use of Antibiotics in Acute Pancreatitis: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: While selective use of antibiotics for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in acute pancreatitis (AP) is recommended, studies indicate a high rate of inadequate treatment. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was conducted, focusing on primary research and meta-analyses. Data were categorized based on core concepts, and a narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: The search identified a total of 1016 publications. After evaluating 203 full texts and additional sources from the grey literature, 80 studies were included in the review. The answers obtained were: (1) Preventive treatment does not decrease the incidence of IPN or mortality. Given the risks of bacterial resistance and fungal infections, antibiotics should be reserved for highly suspected or confirmed IPN; (2) The diagnosis of IPN does not always require microbiological samples, as clinical suspicion or computed tomography signs can suffice. Early diagnosis and treatment may be improved by using biomarkers such as procalcitonin and novel microbiological methods; (3) When indicated, early initiation of antibiotics is a key determinant in reducing mortality associated with IPN; (4) Antibiotics with good penetration into pancreatic tissue covering Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria should be used. Routine antifungal therapy is not recommended; (5) The step-up approach, including antibiotics, is the standard for IPN management; (6) Antibiotic duration should be kept to a minimum and should be based on the quality of source control and patient condition. CONCLUSIONS: Early antibiotic therapy is essential for the treatment of IPN, but prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended in AP. High-quality randomized controlled trials are required to better understand the role of antibiotics and antifungals in AP management.

Exploring Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors, and it has a growing prevalence worldwide. Symptoms include cognitive impairments, gastrointestinal (GI) issues, feeding difficulties, and psychological problems. A significant concern in ASD is food selectivity, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Common GI issues in ASD, such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, stem from abnormal gut flora and immune system dysregulation. Sensory sensitivities and behavioral challenges exacerbate these problems, correlating with neurological symptom severity. Children with ASD also exhibit higher oxidative stress due to low antioxidant levels like glutathione. Therapeutic diets, including ketogenic, high-antioxidant, gluten-free and casein-free, and probiotic-rich diets, show potential in managing ASD symptoms like behavior, communication, GI issues, and oxidative stress, though the evidence is limited. Various studies have focused on different populations, but there is increasing concern about the impact among children. This review aims to highlight the food preferences of the ASD population, analyze the effect of the physicochemical and nutritional properties of foods on the selectivity in its consumption, GI problems, and antioxidant deficiencies in individuals with ASD, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic diets, including diets rich in antioxidants, gluten-free and casein-free, ketogenic and essential fatty acids, and probiotic-rich diets in managing these challenges.

Preparation and Characterization of Zein-Metformin/Gelatin Nanofibers by Coaxial Electrospinning.

Metformin is a drug commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it has been associated with damaging side effects when used over a long period of time. A potential solution to this problem is the implementation of a prolonged-release system for metformin, which would enhance the efficiency of the doses administered to patients. To achieve this, it is necessary to use materials compatible with humans. Electrospinning is an efficient technique that can be employed for this purpose, utilizing solvents that are safe for human use. Therefore, the objective of this study was to prepare and characterize a system for the prolonged release of metformin from zein and gelatin through coaxial electrospinning as well as to investigate its in vitro release. Metformin-loaded zein/gelatin coaxial nanofibers were prepared using the coaxial electrospinning technique and then characterized by morphological, structural, and thermal analysis. Morphologically, metformin-loaded zein/gelatin coaxial nanofibers were obtained with an average diameter of 322.6 ± 44.5 nm and a smooth surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed band shifts at a higher wavenumber due to drug-protein interactions by hydrogen bonding between N-H and C=O groups. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results suggested a possible interaction between materials due to an increase in the degradation temperatures of zein and gelatin when metformin was included. The transition of the crystallinity of metformin to the amorphous form was also confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Coaxial nanofibers exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 66% and a profile release that showed an initial release of metformin (40%) in the first hour, followed by a gradual release until it reached equilibrium at 60 h and a cumulative release of 97% of metformin. It was concluded that using the coaxial electrospinning technique, it is possible to obtain nanofibers from polymeric solutions of zein and gelatin to encapsulate metformin, with a potential application as a prolonged-release system.

Impact of Stimulation Frequency on Verbal Fluency Following Bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of stimulation frequency on verbal fluency (VF) following subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) are not well understood. The present study examines the impact stimulation frequency has on VF following bilateral STN-DBS in PD. METHODS: Prospective study of 38 consecutive patients with PD with low frequency STN-DBS (LFS) (n = 10) and high frequency STN-DBS (HFS) (n = 14), and a non-operated PD control group consisting of patients with fluctuating response to dopaminergic medication (n = 14) homogeneous in age, education, disease duration, and global cognitive function. Patients were evaluated on VF tasks (letter, semantic, action verbs, alternating). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess distinctions between groups. Pre- and post-surgical comparisons of fluencies were performed for operated groups. A mixed ANOVA was applied to the data to evaluate the interaction between treatment (HFS vs. LFS) and time (pre- vs. post-surgery). Strategy use (clustering and switching) was evaluated. RESULTS: Semantic and letter fluency performance revealed significant differences between HFS and LFS groups. Pre- and post-surgical comparisons revealed HFS negatively affected letter, semantic, and action fluencies, but LFS had no effect on VF. No interaction effect or main effect of treatment was found. Main effect of time was significant for semantic and action fluencies indicating a decrease in postoperative fluency performance. Patients with LFS produced larger average cluster sizes than patients with HFS. CONCLUSION: LFS may be less detrimental to VF, but these findings suggest that VF decline following STN-DBS is not caused by stimulation frequency alone.

Evolving trends in neuropsychological profiles of post COVID-19 condition: A 1-year follow-up in individuals with cognitive complaints.

Cognitive difficulties are reported as lasting sequelae within post COVID-19 condition. However, the chronicity of these difficulties and related factors of fatigue, mood, and perceived health have yet to be fully determined. To address this, the current longitudinal study aimed to clarify the trends of cognitive test performance and cognitive domain impairment following COVID-19 onset, and whether hospitalization influences outcomes. 57 participants who reported subjective cognitive difficulties after confirmed COVID-19 infection were assessed at baseline (~6 months post COVID-19) and follow-up (~15 months later) visits. Assessments included measures across multiple cognitive domains and self-report questionnaires of fatigue, mood, and overall health. Analyses were conducted in three stages: at the test score level (raw and adjusted scores), at the cognitive domain level, and stratified by hospitalization status during infection. Results at the test-score level indicate that cognitive performance remains relatively stable across assessments at the group level, with no significant improvements in any adjusted test scores at follow-up. Cognitive domain analyses indicate significant reductions in attention and executive functioning impairment, while memory impairment is slower to resolve. On self-report measures, there was a significant improvement in overall health ratings at follow-up. Finally, those hospitalized during infection performed worse on timed cognitive measures across visits and accounted for a larger proportion of cases with short-term and working memory impairment at follow-up. Overall, our findings indicate that cognitive difficulties persist both at test score and cognitive domain levels in many cases of post COVID-19 condition, but evidence suggests some improvement in global measures of attention, executive functioning and overall self-rated health. Furthermore, an effect of hospitalization on cognitive symptoms post COVID-19 may be more discernible over time.

Enhanced degradation of phototreated recycled and unused low-density polyethylene films by Pleurotus ostreatus.

Polyethylene, one of the most used petroleum-derived polymers, causes serious environmental pollution. The ability of Pleurotus ostreatus to degrade UV-treated and untreated recycled and unused (new) low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films was studied. We determined the fungal biomass production, enzyme production, and enzyme yield. Changes in the chemical structure and surface morphology of the LDPE after fungal growth were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM. Functional group indices and contact angles were also evaluated. In general, the highest Lac (6013 U/L), LiP (2432 U/L), MnP (995 U/L) and UP (6671 U/L) activities were observed in irradiated recycled LDPE (IrRPE). The contact angle of all samples was negatively correlated with fermentation time; the smaller the contact angle, the longer the fermentation time, indicating effective biodegradation. The IrRPE samples exhibited the smallest contact angle (49°) at 4 weeks, and the samples were fragmented (into two pieces) at 5 weeks. This fungus could degrade unused (new) LDPE significantly within 6 weeks. The biodegradation of LDPE proceeded faster in recycled than in unused samples, which can be enhanced by exposing LDPE to UV radiation. Enzymatic production during fungal growth suggest that LDPE degradation is initiated by laccase (Lac) followed by lignin peroxidase (LiP), whereas manganese peroxidase (MnP) and unspecific peroxygenase (UP) are involved in the final degradation process. This is the first experimental study on the fungal growth and its main enzymes involved in LDPE biodegradation. This fungus has great promise as a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly organism capable of degrading LDPE.

HIV-1 Integrase T218I/S Polymorphisms Do Not Reduce HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors' Phenotypic Susceptibility.

The recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cabotegravir (CAB) has demonstrated efficacy as an antiretroviral agent for HIV treatment and prevention, becoming an important tool to stop the epidemic in the United States of America (USA). However, the effectiveness of CAB can be compromised by the presence of specific integrase natural polymorphisms, including T97A, L74M, M50I, S119P, and E157Q, particularly when coupled with the primary drug-resistance mutations G140S and Q148H. CAB's recent approval as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may increase the number of individuals taking CAB, which, at the same time, could increase the number of epidemiological implications. In this context, where resistance mutations, natural polymorphisms, and the lack of drug-susceptibility studies prevail, it becomes imperative to comprehensively investigate concerns related to the use of CAB. We used molecular and cell-based assays to assess the impact of T218I and T218S in the context of major resistance mutations G140S/Q148H on infectivity, integration, and resistance to CAB. Our findings revealed that T218I and T218S, either individually or in combination with G140S/Q148H, did not significantly affect infectivity, integration, or resistance to CAB. Notably, these polymorphisms also exhibited neutrality concerning other widely used integrase inhibitors, namely raltegravir, elvitegravir, and dolutegravir. Thus, our study suggests that the T218I and T218S natural polymorphisms are unlikely to undermine the effectiveness of CAB as a treatment and PrEP strategy.

Epigenome-wide association study of prostate cancer in African American men identified differentially methylated genes.

INTRODUCTION: Men with African ancestry have the highest incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (PCa) worldwide. METHODS: This study aimed to identify differentially methylated genes between tumor vs. adjacent normal and aggressive vs. indolent PCa in 121 African American patients. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation patterns in tumor DNA were assessed using the human Illumina Methylation EPIC V1 array. RESULTS: Around 5,139 differentially methylated CpG-sites (q < 0.01, lΔßl > 0.2) were identified when comparing normal vs. tumor, with an overall trend of hypermethylation in prostate tumors.  Multiple representative differentially methylated regions (DMRs), including immune-related genes, such as CD40, Galectin3, OX40L, and STING, were detected in prostate tumors when compared to adjacent normal tissues. Based on an epigenetic clock model, we observed that tumors' total number of stem cell divisions and the stem cell division rate were significantly higher than adjacent normal tissues. Regarding PCa aggressiveness, 2,061 differentially methylated CpG-sites (q < 0.05, lΔßl > .05) were identified when the grade group (GG)1 was compared with GG4/5. Among these 2,061 CpG sites, 155 probes were consistently significant in more than one comparison. Among these genes, several immune system genes, such as COL18A1, S100A2, ITGA4, HLA-C, and ADCYAP1, have previously been linked to tumor progression in PCa. CONCLUSION: Several differentially methylated genes involved in immune-oncologic pathways associated with disease risk or aggressiveness were identified. In addition, 261 African American-specific differentially methylated genes related to the risk of PCa were identified. These results can shedlight on potential mechanisms contributing to PCa disparities in the African American Population.

Coastal Dune Vegetation Dynamism and Anthropogenic-Induced Transitions in the Mexican Caribbean during the Last Decade.

In the Mexican Caribbean, environmental changes, hydrometeorological events, and anthropogenic activities promote dynamism in the coastal vegetation cover associated with the dune; however, their pace and magnitude remain uncertain. Using Landsat 7 imagery, spatial and temporal changes in coastal dune vegetation were estimated for the 2011-2020 period in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. The SAVI index revealed cover changes at different magnitudes and paces at the biannual, seasonal, and monthly timeframes. Climatic seasons had a significant influence on vegetation cover, with increases in cover during northerlies (SAVI: p = 0.000), while the topographic profile of the dune was relevant for structure. Distance-based multiple regressions and redundancy analysis showed that temperature had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on SAVI patterns, whereas precipitation showed little influence (p > 0.05). The Mann-Kendall tendency test indicated high dynamism in vegetation loss and recovery with no defined patterns, mostly associated with anthropogenic disturbance. High-density vegetation such as mangroves, palm trees, and shrubs was the most drastically affected, although a reduction in bare soil was also recorded. This study demonstrated that hydrometeorological events and climate variability in the long term have little influence on vegetation dynamism. Lastly, it was observed that anthropogenic activities promoted vegetation loss and transitions; however, the latter were also linked to recoveries in areas with pristine environments, relevant for tourism.

Use of diagnostic tests in elderly patients consulting the emergency department. Analysis of the emergency department and elder needs cohort (EDEN-8).

OBJECTIVE: Analyse the association between the use of diagnostic tests and the characteristics of older patients 65 years of age or more who consult the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We performed an analysis of the EDEN cohort that includes patients who consulted 52 Spanish EDs. The association of age, sex, and ageing characteristics with the use of diagnostic tests (blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), microbiological cultures, X-ray, computed tomography, ultrasound, invasive techniques) was studied. The association was analysed by calculating the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CI) using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 25,557 patients were analysed. There was an increase in the use of diagnostic tests based on age, with an aOR for blood test of 1.805 (95 %CI 1.671 - 1.950), ECG 1.793 (95 %CI 1.664 - 1.932) and X-ray 1.707 (95 %CI 1.583 - 1.840) in the group of 85 years or more. The use of diagnostic tests is lower in the female population. Most ageing characteristics (cognitive impairment, previous falls, polypharmacy, dependence, and comorbidity) were independently associated with increased use of diagnostic tests. CONCLUSIONS: Age, and the characteristics of ageing itself are generally associated with a greater use of diagnostic tests in the ED.

Synthesis and Characterization of Triticale Starch-Based Hydrogel for pH Responsive Controlled Diffusion.

Considering the FAO perspectives for agriculture toward 2030, many natural sources will be no longer profitable for the synthesis of many biomaterials. Triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) is a cereal crop synthesized to withstand those marginal conditions; however, it is primarily used as fodder worldwide. We reported for the first time the synthesis of a natural anionic hydrogel with gastrointestinal pH stimulus-response as a new alternative of smart material, based on Eronga triticale starch as sustainable biomass, using citrate (pK a ∼3.1, 4.7, and 6.4) as cross-linking agent. The scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction exhibited A and B-type starch granules, and semicrystallinity A-type. The presence of the anionic sensing group (COOH) was verified by infrared spectroscopy, the interactions by hydrogen bonds between starch and glycerol and esterification between starch and citric acid were identified by 1H NMR spectra, and through thermal analysis hydrogels exhibited four endothermic curves (179-319 °C, ∼0.711-39 kJ/mol E a). The results showed that the slight addition of glycerol increases the thermal stability, but a higher amount of glycerol decreases the intermolecular forces affecting the thermal stability contrary, the mechanical properties could be benefited. The rheological analyses showed viscoelastic tendency (G' > G″) with high stability (Tanδ < 1) in frequency, time, and strain sweeps. Gastrointestinal pH sensitivity (∼2-7.8) was verified (α ≤ 0.01) following Fick's diffusive parameters, which resulted in a tendency to gradually release BSA with increasing pH ∼3-7 by anomalous and case-II diffusion, showing greater release at pH ∼7.8/3.5 h (80-96%). We aim to expand the biomaterials area focusing on triticale starch due to its limited reported investigations, low-cost, green modification, and its rheological performance as plastic.

Online Games and Cognitive Distortions: A Comparative Analysis in Students with and without Disabilities.

Online games have experienced significant growth in recent years, with gaming becoming a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages. However, their impact on cognition, especially among vulnerable groups such as students with disabilities, is a topic that requires deeper exploration. The objectives of this study are twofold: firstly, to understand the typology of risk players (non-risk players, players with problems, and pathological players); and secondly, to compare cognitive distortions among students with problematic profiles. Both objectives will be analyzed based on the presence or absence of disability. A total of 704 students from various Spanish universities (135 with disabilities and 569 without disabilities), aged between 18 and 38, participated in the study by completing the Gamblers Belief Questionnaire (GBQ), aimed at measuring cognitive distortions related to gambling problems, as well as the Massachusetts Gambling Screen questionnaire, aimed at measuring gambling addiction. The results indicate a higher percentage of students with disabilities showing a greater risk profile for addiction. Additionally, this group of students exhibits more cognitive distortions. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing online gaming addiction and cognitive distortions among university students, with and without disabilities. Preventive measures are necessary, such as education on responsible technology use and the promotion of alternative activities. Moreover, specific intervention strategies need to be developed, including access to psychological health services for this student population.

Mangosteen extracts: Effects on intestinal bacteria, and application to functional fermented milk products.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tasty, polyphenol-rich tropical fruit. The edible part is highly appreciated by its aroma, taste and texture. The non-edible part, rich in polyphenols, has been traditionally used in Thai medicine. In this work, flavonoids and phenolic acid/derivatives were identified in mangosteen extracts (ME) from edible and non-edible portions. We first studied the effects of MEs on the growth, metabolism, antioxidant capacity, biofilm formation and antimicrobial capacity of eight bifidobacteria and lactobacilli strains from intestinal origin and two commercial probiotic strains (BB536 and GG). ME concentrations higher than 10-20 % were inhibitory for all strains. However, ME concentrations of 5 % significantly (P < 0.01) increased all strains antioxidant capacity, reduced biofilm-formation, and enhanced inhibition against Gram-positive pathogens. To apply these knowledge, bifunctional fermented milk products were elaborated with 5 % ME and individual strains, which were selected taking into account their growth with ME, and the widest range of values on antioxidant capacity, biofilm formation and antimicrobial activity (bifidobacteria INIA P2 and INIA P467, lactobacilli INIA P459 and INIA P708, and reference strain GG). Most strains survived well manufacture, refrigerated storage and an in vitro simulation of major conditions encountered in the gastrointestinal tract. As expected, products supplemented with ME showed higher polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity levels than control. After sensory evaluation, products containing strains INIA P2, INIA P708 and GG outstood as best.

Comparing the Proteomic Profiles of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated using Different Methods from Long-term Stored Plasma Samples.

BACKGROUND: The lack of standardized protocols for isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially from biobank-stored blood plasma, translates to limitations for the study of new biomarkers. This study examines whether a combination of current isolation methods could enhance the specificity and purity of isolated EVs for diagnosis and personalized medicine purposes. RESULTS: EVs were isolated from healthy human plasma stored for one year by ultracentrifugation (UC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), or SEC and UC combined (SEC + UC). The EV isolates were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy imaging, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blotting. Proteomic procedures were used to analyze protein contents. The presence of EV markers in all isolates was confirmed by western blotting yet this analysis revealed higher albumin expression in EVs-UC, suggesting plasma protein contamination. Proteomic analysis identified 542 proteins, SEC + UC yielding the most complex proteome at 364 proteins. Through gene ontology enrichment, we observed differences in the cellular components of EVs and plasma in that SEC + UC isolates featured higher proportions of EV proteins than those derived from the other two methods. Analysis of proteins unique to each isolation method served to identify 181 unique proteins for the combined approach, including those normally appearing in low concentrations in plasma. This indicates that with this combined method, it is possible to detect less abundant plasma proteins by proteomics in the resultant isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that the SEC + UC approach yields highly pure and diverse EVs suitable for comprehensive proteomic analysis with applications for the detection of new biomarkers in biobank-stored plasma samples.

Disruptions in reproductive health, sex hormonal profiles, and hypothalamic hormone receptors content in females of the C58/J mouse model of autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, as well as areas of focused interests and/or repetitive behaviors. Recent studies have highlighted a higher prevalence of endocrine and reproductive disturbances among females on the autism spectrum, hinting at potential disruptions within the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis. This research aims to explore the reproductive health disparities in ASD using an animal model of autism, the C58/J inbred mouse strain, with a focus on reproductive performance and hormonal profiles compared to the C57BL/6J control strain. Our findings revealed that the estrous cycle in C58/J females is disrupted, as evidenced by a lower frequency of complete cycles and a lack of cyclical release of estradiol and progesterone compared to control mice. C58/J females also exhibited poor performance in several reproductive parameters, including reproductive lifespan and fertility index. Furthermore, estrogen receptor alpha content showed a marked decrease in the hypothalamus of C58/J mice. These alterations in the estrous cycle, hormonal imbalances, and reduced reproductive function imply dysregulation in the HPO axis. Additionally, our in-silico study identified a group of genes involved in infertility carrying single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the C58/J strain, which also have human orthologs associated with autism. These findings could offer valuable insights into the molecular underpinnings of neuroendocrine axis disruption and reproductive issues observed in ASD.