Tissue-specific differences in Ca2+ sensitivity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP). Experiments in male rat liver and heart.

Permeability transition pore (PTP) opening dissipates ion and electron gradients across the internal mitochondrial membrane (IMM), including excess Ca2+ in the mitochondrial matrix. After opening, immediate PTP closure must follow to prevent outer membrane disruption, loss of cytochrome c, and eventual apoptosis. Flickering, defined as the rapid alternative opening/closing of PTP, has been reported in heart, which undergoes frequent, large variations in Ca2+. In contrast, in tissues that undergo depolarization events less often, such as the liver, PTP would not need to be as dynamic and thus these tissues would not be as resistant to stress. To evaluate this idea, it was decided to follow the reversibility of the permeability transition (PT) in isolated murine mitochondria from two different tissues: the very dynamic heart, and the liver, which suffers depolarizations less frequently. It was observed that in heart mitochondria PT remained reversible for longer periods and at higher Ca2+ loads than in liver mitochondria. In all cases, Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by ruthenium red and PT was delayed by Cyclosporine A. Characterization of this phenomenon included measuring the rate of oxygen consumption, organelle swelling and Ca2+ uptake and retention. Results strongly suggest that there are tissue-specific differences in PTP physiology, as it resists many more Ca2+ additions before opening in a highly active organ such as the heart than in an organ that seldom suffers Ca2+ loading, such as the liver.

Association of the polymorphisms rs179008 (TLR7), rs2004640 (IRF5), rs1800795 (IL-6) and rs2280788 (CCL5) with systemic lupus erythematosus in women of Mayan ethnicity from Yucatan.

Introduction: IFN-α is the main cytokine in SLE, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in different genes could induce it. Aim: To determine the association of rs2004640 (IRF5), rs179008 (TLR7), rs1800795 (IL-6) and rs2280788 (CCL5) with SLE in Mexican women with Mayan ethnicity. Methods: DNA and RNA were isolated from the peripheral blood of 110 patients and 200 healthy control subjects. SNP genotyping and gene expression analysis of IRF5, TLR7, IL-6 and IFN-α were determined by real-time PCR and analyzed with SNP Stat, Stata 10.1 and Graph Pad Prism v5. Results: rs2004640, rs179008, and rs1800795 in both groups were according to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Risk alleles rs179008T and rs2004640T frequencies were higher in controls (p = 0.015 and p = 0.028, respectively), whereas rs179008A frequency was higher in patients (p = 0.015). Allelic combination AGT frequency was higher in patients (p = 0.001). IL-6 rs1800795C > G and CCL5 rs2280788G > C frequencies did not show significant differences (p > 0.05), being rs2280788G (CCL5) monomorphic in controls. SLE patients showed higher TLR7, IRF5, IL6, and IFN-α mRNA levels. IRF5 expression was higher in SLE patients homozygous for rs2004640T (IRF5). Conclusion: This work showed the contribution of TLR7 and IRF5 in SLE pathogenesis in Mayan females from Yucatan.

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) and zinc oxide nanoparticles induce mitochondrial permeability and cardiac damage after oral exposure in rats.

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are found in diverse products for human use. E171 is used as whitening agent in food and cosmetics, and ZnO NPs in food packaging. Their potential multi-organ toxicity has raised concerns on their safety. Since mitochondrial dysfunction is a key aspect of cardio-pathologies, here, we evaluate the effect of chronic exposure to E171 and ZnO NPs in rats on cardiac mitochondria. Changes in cardiac electrophysiology and body weight were measured. E171 reduced body weight more than 10% after 5 weeks. Both E171 and ZnO NPs increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 110-120 to 120-140 mmHg after 45 days of treatment. Both NPs altered the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), reducing calcium requirement for permeability by 60% and 93% in E171- and ZnO NPs-exposed rats, respectively. Treatments also affected conformational state of adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT). E171 reduced the binding of EMA to Cys 159 in 30% and ZnO NPs in 57%. Mitochondrial aconitase activity was reduced by roughly 50% with both NPs, indicating oxidative stress. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed changes in mitochondrial morphology including sarcomere discontinuity, edema, and hypertrophy in rats exposed to both NPs. In conclusion, chronic oral exposure to NPs induces functional and morphological damage in cardiac mitochondria, with ZnO NPs being more toxic than E171, possibly due to their dissociation in free Zn2+ ion form. Therefore, chronic intake of these food additives could increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

Experiencias del equipo de salud en la aplicación del contacto piel con piel / Experiences of the Health Team in the Application of Skin-To- Skin Contact

Introducción: La Organización Panamericana de la Salud refiere que a nivel mundial pocos son los países que aplican el contacto piel con piel cuando lo realizan es por un tiempo inadecuado a pesar de los múltiples beneficios para la madre y el recién nacido. Objetivo: Describir la aplicación del contacto piel con piel desde la experiencia del equipo de salud en un centro materno infantil del sector público en Perú. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa con diseño descriptivo, de tipo estudio de caso, en una muestra no probabilística de 10 integrantes del equipo de salud, elegidos por conveniencia y determinado por saturación y redundancia. Los datos se recolectaron a través de la entrevista semiestructurada en línea. La información se procesó de manera manual, mediante el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: Se obtuvieron tres categorías: a) aplicación del contacto piel con piel en la atención inmediata del recién nacido, b) estrategias implementadas para la aplicación del contacto piel con piel y c) barreras afrontadas por el equipo de salud para aplicar el contacto piel con piel. Conclusiones: Desde la experiencia del personal de salud, es posible aplicar el contacto pial a piel previa capacitación y sensibilización al equipo de salud, y acondicionamiento del ambiente, a fin de implementarlo como política del establecimiento de salud(AU)

Introduction: The Pan American Health Organization reports that few countries worldwide apply skin-to-skin contact and when they use it is during an inadequate amount of time despite the multiple benefits for the mother and the newborn. Objective: To describe the application of skin-to-skin contact from the experience of the health team in a public maternal and child center in Peru. Methods: A qualitative research with a descriptive design, case study, was carried out in a non-probabilistic sample of 10 members of the health team, chosen by convenience and determined by saturation and redundancy. Data were collected through semi-structured online interviews. The information was processed manually, through thematic content analysis. Results: Three categories were obtained: a) application of skin-to-skin contact in the immediate care of the newborn, b) strategies implemented for the application of skin-to-skin contact, and c) barriers faced by the health team to apply skin-to-skin contact. Conclusions: From the experience of health personnel, it is possible to apply skin-to-skin contact after training and sensitization to the health team and conditioning of the environment, in order to implement it as a policy of the health facility(AU)

Food-grade titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles induce toxicity and cardiac damage after oral exposure in rats.

BACKGROUND: Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used as food additives for human consumption. NPs reach the bloodstream given their small size, getting in contact with all body organs and cells. NPs have adverse effects on the respiratory and intestinal tract; however, few studies have focused on the toxic consequences of orally ingested metallic NPs on the cardiovascular system. Here, the effects of two food-grade additives on the cardiovascular system were analyzed. METHODS: Titanium dioxide labeled as E171 and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs were orally administered to Wistar rats using an esophageal cannula at 10 mg/kg bw every other day for 90 days. We evaluated cardiac cell morphology and death, expression of apoptotic and autophagic proteins in cardiac mitochondria, mitochondrial dysfunction, and concentration of metals on cardiac tissue. RESULTS: Heart histology showed important morphological changes such as presence of cellular infiltrates, collagen deposition and mitochondrial alterations in hearts from rats exposed to E171 and ZnO NPs. Intracellular Cyt-C levels dropped, while TUNEL positive cells increased. No significant changes in the expression of inflammatory cytokines were detected. Both NPs altered mitochondrial function indicating cardiac dysfunction, which was associated with an elevated concentration of calcium. ZnO NPs induced expression of caspases 3 and 9 and two autophagic proteins, LC3B and beclin-1, and had the strongest effect compared to E171. CONCLUSIONS: E171 and ZnO NPs induce adverse cardiovascular effects in rats after 90 days of exposure, thus food intake containing these additives, should be taken into consideration, since they translocate into the bloodstream and cause cardiovascular damage.

Assessment of potential risks to human health associated with trace elements in three commercially important shark species captured in the Central Mexican Pacific.

Shark meat is a popular protein source worldwide. However, existing national control policies for ensuring the safety and quality of shark meat are minimal. There are concerns about the sustainability of shark populations, which bioaccumulate and biomagnify potentially toxic elements at higher rates than non-predatory fish, posing a risk to human health. In this study, the contributions of essential elements to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and potentially toxic elements to the Reference Dose (RfD) linked to shark consumption (200 g per week) were investigated for three shark species in the Central Mexican Pacific. We estimated risks and benefits for women, children, and men. Our results suggest that the three shark species are sources of Se, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn, but poor sources of Mn for women and men aged 19-50 years. A weekly ingestion of 200 g of shark meat exceeded the RfD-As by 4-14 times and the RfD-Pb by 1.1-1.7 times for adults, indicating a potential risk to human health. The three shark species were also significant sources of potentially toxic elements for children, including Hg, Cd, Cr, and Pb. An excessive intake of Se was observed, with levels at 8.4-10.6 and 4.3-5.3 times the RDA for children aged 1-8 and 9-13 years, respectively. Although shark meat can be a good source of essential nutrients, the lack of controls in the commercialization process indicates that it should be consumed in moderation due to the potential risks associated with excessive exposure to potentially toxic elements. This caution is particularly important for children and pregnant women, who are at higher risk of health complications from consuming contaminated food.

Lipotoxicity, glucotoxicity and some strategies to protect vascular smooth muscle cell against proliferative phenotype in metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis through a mechanism that involves vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, lipotoxicity and glucotoxicity. Several molecules found to be increased in MetS, including free fatty acids, fatty acid binding protein 4, leptin, resistin, oxidized lipoprotein particles, and advanced glycation end products, influence VSMC proliferation. Most of these molecules act through their receptors on VSMCs by activating several signaling pathways associated with ROS generation in various cellular compartments. ROS from NADPH-oxidase and mitochondria have been found to promote VSMC proliferation and cell cycle progression. In addition, most of the natural or synthetic substances described in this review, including pharmaceuticals with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties, attenuate VSMC proliferation by their simultaneous modulation of cell signaling and their scavenging property due to the presence of a phenolic ring in their structure. This review discusses recent data in the literature on the role that several MetS-related molecules and ROS play in the change from contractile to proliferative phenotype of VSMCs. Hence the importance of proposing an appropriate strategy to prevent uncontrolled VSMC proliferation using antioxidants, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agents.

Medidas preventivas y costumbres en las familias no contagiadas por la COVID-19 durante el confinamiento / Medidas preventivas e costumes em famílias não infectadas pelo COVID-19 durante o confinamento / Preventive measures and customs in families not infected by COVID-19 during confinement

Despite the exuberant figures of those infected and deceased by COVID-19, there are families that were not infected. Objective: To describe the preventive measures and customs in familiesnot infected by COVID-19 during confinement. Method: Descriptive qualitative research, 13 mothers from Ferreñafe with no member affected by COVID-19 participated. The data was collectedthrough the semi-structured interview through telephone calls and processed manually, with thematic content analysis. Results: Four categories were obtained: a) Preventive measures when leaving the home: use of a mask, alcohol and social distancing, b) Preventive measures at home: hand washing, disinfection of the home and what enters, c) Restriction of family gatherings and use ofsocial networks, d) Change of eating habits and use of home remedies. Conclusions: The familieschanged some customs or practices, complied with the confinement, social distancing, restrictedfamily gatherings, used cloth masks, medicinal alcohol, and bleach. In addition, they increased thefrequency of hand washing, home hygiene, healthy eating, the use of social networks, together withthe use of home remedies commonly used to prevent or treat respiratory diseases.(AU)

A pesar de las exuberantes cifras de infectados y fallecidos por la COVID-19, existenfamilias que no se infectaron. Objetivo: Describir las medidas preventivas y costumbres en las familias no contagiadas por la COVID-19 durante el confinamiento. Método: Investigación cualitativadescriptiva, participaron 13 madres de familia oriundas de Ferreñafe sin ningún integrante afectadopor la COVID-19. Los datos se recolectaron mediante la entrevista semiestructurada a través dellamadas telefónicas y se procesaron de manera manual, con el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: Se obtuvo 4 categorías: a) Medidas preventivas al salir del hogar: uso de mascarilla, alcoholy distanciamiento social, b) Medidas preventivas en el hogar: lavado de manos, desinfección delhogar y de lo que ingresa, c) Restricción de reuniones familiares y uso de redes sociales, d) Cambiode hábitos alimentarios y uso de remedios caseros. Conclusiones: Las familias cambiaron algunascostumbres o prácticas, cumplieron con el confinamiento, el distanciamiento social, restringieronlas reuniones familiares, usaron mascarillas de tela, alcohol medicinal, y lejía. Además, incrementaron la frecuencia del lavado de manos, la higiene del hogar, la alimentación saludable, el uso deredes sociales, unido al uso de remedios caseros utilizados comúnmente para prevenir o tratar lasenfermedades respiratorias.(AU)

Apesar dos números exuberantes de infectados e falecidos pela COVID-19, há famílias quenão foram infectadas. Objetivo: Descrever as medidas preventivas e costumes em famílias não infectadas pelo COVID-19 durante o confinamento. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa descritiva, participaram 13 mães de Ferreñafe sem membro afetado pelo COVID-19. Os dados foram coletados pormeio de entrevista semiestruturada por meio de ligações telefônicas e processados manualmente,com análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: Foram obtidas quatro categorias: a) Medidas preventivas ao sair de casa: uso de máscara, álcool e distanciamento social, b) Medidas preventivas emcasa: lavagem das mãos, desinfecção da casa e do que entra, c) Restrição de reuniões e uso familiardas redes sociais, d) Mudança de hábitos alimentares e uso de remédios caseiros. Conclusões: Asfamílias mudaram alguns costumes ou práticas, cumpriram o confinamento, distanciamento social,reuniões familiares restritas, máscaras de pano usadas, álcool medicinal e alvejante. Além disso,aumentaram a frequência de lavagem das mãos, higiene doméstica, alimentação saudável, uso deredes sociais, juntamente com o uso de remédios caseiros comumente usados para prevenir ou tratardoenças respiratórias.(AU)

Uso de teléfonos inteligentes en Enfermería / Smartphone use in nursing

Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia en la literatura científica sobre el uso de los teléfonos inteligentes en Enfermería. Método: Revisión integradora de literatura científica publicada en los últi mos 7 años, disponible en diferentes ba ses de datos; con los criterios de inclu sión, teléfonos inteligentes, estudiantes y profesionales de enfermería. La muestra de 16 artículos originales que cumplieron criterios de calidad, se procesó según análisis temático. Resultados: Solo hay publicacio nes en inglés y escasez de investigacio nes en el Continente Sudamericano. Pro fesionales y estudiantes de enfermería lo usan en horas laborales, y existe poca evidencia de la forma en la que se utili zan y su efecto. Conclusión: Usarlo para comuni carse fue la actividad primordial de los profesionales de enfermería y la bús queda de información, para los estudian tes, pero, existen profesionales y estu diantes que exceden su uso en redes sociales poniendo en riesgo la seguridad del paciente. Se recomienda establecer políticas realistas y capacitaciones (AU)

Objective: To analyze the eviden ce in the scientific literature on the use of smartphones in Nursing. Method: Integrative review of scientific literature published in the last 7 years, available in different databases; with the inclusion criteria, smartphones, students and nursing professionals. The sample of 16 original articles that met quality criteria was processed according to thematic analysis. Results: There are only publica tions in English and a lack of research in the South American Continent. Nursing professionals and students use it during working hours, and there is little evidence of the way in which they are used and their effect. Conclusion: Using it to communi cate was the primary activity of nursing professionals and the search for informa tion for students, but there are professio nals and students who exceed their use of social networks, putting patient safety at risk. It is recommended to establish realistic policies and training (AU)

Cuidados en el consultorio y en el hogar ante la vacunación infantil: Perspectiva de las enfermeras y las madres / Office and home care for childhood vaccination: perspective of nurses and mothers

Objetivo: Describir los cuidados en el consultorio y en el hogar ante la vacunación infantil desde la perspectiva de las enfermeras y las madres. Métodos: Investigación cualitativa con diseño etnográfico, la muestra fue ron 12 enfermeras, y 11 madres oriundas de Olmos-Perú. Los datos fueron reco lectados mediante la entrevista etnográ fica y observación participante registra dos en un diario de campo, y procesados mediante análisis temático. Resultados: a) Cuidados en el consultorio para calmar al niño durante la vacunación, b) Educación sobre las reacciones postvacunales para los cui dados en el hogar, c) Cuidados en el ho gar ante las reacciones postvacunales. Conclusión: Algunos de los cui dados que realizan las madres en su ho gar, divergen con los cuidados que re comienda el profesional de enfermería en el consultorio de atención integral del niño (AU)

To describe and analyze the in tercultural nurse-mother strategies during child immunization. Methods: Qualitative research with ethnographic design, the sample was 12 nurses and 11 mothers from Ol mos-Peru. The data was collected th rough the ethnographic interview and participant observation recorded in a field diary, and processed through thematic analysis. Results: a) Office care to calm the child during vaccination, b) Education on post-vaccination reactions for home care, c) Home care for post-vaccination reac tions. Conclusion: Some of the care performed by mothers at home diverges from the care recommended by the nur sing professional in the child's com prehensive care office (AU)

Prácticas culturales de higiene bucal y lavado de manos en escolares de una zona urbano marginal / Práticas culturais de higiene bucal e lavagem das mãos em escolares de uma área urbana marginal / Cultural practices of oral hygiene and hand washing in schoolchildren from a marginal urban area

Introduction: Some inappropriate cultural practices cause long-term diseases prevalent inchildhood such as: acute respiratory, diarrheal, dermal and parasitic. Objectives: To describe anddiscuss the cultural practices of oral hygiene and hand washing in schoolchildren in a marginalurban area. Methodology: Qualitative research, with a descriptive approach, the scenario was thehomes of schoolchildren aged 9 to 11 years, who reside in marginal urban areas of Ferreñafe, Peru;the sample was, 8 schoolchildren and 8 mothers, delimited by saturation and redundancy and nonprobabilistic sampling selected by snowball. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and processed according to content analysis, applying triangulation of subjects, prior informed consent of the participants and approval of a Research Ethics Committee. Results: a) Cultural practices of oral hygiene and b) Cultural practices of hand washing. Conclusions: Participants know the correct procedure of oral hygiene and hand washing, key moments, use basic andcultural materials and recognize diseases caused by lack of healthy practices. Their assessment is necessary to achieve effective intercultural interventions. (AU)

Algunas prácticas culturales inadecuadas ocasionan a largo plazo enfermedades prevalentes en la infancia como: respiratorias agudas, diarreicas, dérmicas y parasitarias. Objetivos: Describir y discutir las prácticas culturales de higiene bucal y lavado de manos en escolares de una zonaurbano marginal. Metodología: Investigación cualitativa, con abordaje descriptivo, el escenario fueron los hogares de los escolares en edades de 9 a 11 años, quienes residen en zonas urbano marginales de Ferreñafe, Perú; la muestra fue, 8 escolares y 8 madres, delimitada por saturación y redundancia y el muestreo no probabilístico seleccionada por bola de nieve. Los datos se recolectaronmediante entrevista semiestructurada y procesados según el análisis de contenido, aplicando triangulación de sujetos, previo consentimiento informado de los participantes y aprobación de un Comité de ética en investigación. Resultados: a) Prácticas culturales de higiene bucal y b) Prácticasculturales de lavado de manos. Conclusiones: Los participantes conocen el procedimiento correctode la higiene bucal y lavado de manos, los momentos claves, emplean materiales básicos y culturalesy reconocen enfermedades ocasionadas por falta de prácticas saludables. Siendo necesarios su valoración para lograr intervenciones interculturales efectivas. (AU)

Introdução: Algumas práticas culturais inadequadas causam doenças a longoprazo predominantes na infância, tais como: respiratória aguda, diarreia, dérmica e parasitária. Objetivos: Descrever e discutir as práticas culturais de higiene oral e lavagem dasmãos em crianças em uma área urbana marginal. Metodologia: Investigação qualitativa,com uma abordagem descritiva, o cenário foram as casas de estudantes dos 9 aos 11 anos,que residem em zonas urbanas marginais de Ferreñafe, Peru; a amostra foi, 8 estudantese 8 mães, delimitadas por saturação e redundância e amostras não probabilísticas selecionadas por bola de neve. Os dados foram recolhidos através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e processados de acordo com a análise de conteúdos, aplicando a triangulação de indivíduos, consentimento prévio informado dos participantes e aprovação de uma Comissão de Ética da Investigação. Resultados: a) Práticas culturais de higiene oral e b) Práticasculturais de lavagem manual. Conclusões: Os participantes conhecem o procedimentocorreto de higiene oral e lavagem das mãos, momentos-chave, utilizam materiais básicose culturais e reconhecem doenças causadas pela falta de práticas saudáveis. A sua avaliação é necessária para conseguir intervenções interculturais eficazes. (AU)

Association between fibromyalgia syndrome clinical severity and body composition. A principal component analysis / Asociación entre las manifestaciones clínicas del síndrome de fibromialgia y la composición corporal. Un análisis de componentes principales

Introduction: The type of body composition modulates the severity of some musculoskeletal conditions, in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), this type of association remains relatively unexplored. Objective: To analyze the association between the type of body composition and FMS using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The FMS clinical outcome measures were: Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Widespread Pain Index (WPI; and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Methods: Forty-three women with FMS (ACR 2010 criteria) were clinically and anthropometrically evaluated. The anthropometric data were integrated into two indicators using a PCA methodology (PCA-Fat and PCA-muscle). Additionally, the patients were classified into high and low categories for each clinical indicator, which were used as dependent variables in binomial logistic regression (BLR) models. Results: We found a positive correlation between PCA-Fat with WPI (r=0.326, P=.043) and FIQ (r=0.325, P=.044), and negative correlation (r=−0.384, P=.013) between PCA-muscle and SSS. In the BLR analysis, PCA-Fat was a significant predictor for high WPI (OR=2.477, P=.038); while for high SSS, PCA-muscle (OR=0.303, P=.009) was an inversely significant predictor. Conclusions: The results suggest that the volume of fat mass can negatively modulate the severity of FMS. We propose that the evaluation of body composition should be a basic element for the clinical approach of patients with FMS.(AU)

Introducción: El tipo de composición corporal modula la gravedad de algunos padecimientos musculoesqueléticos; en el síndrome de fibromialgia (SFM) este tipo de asociación permanece relativamente inexplorado. Objetivo: Mediante análisis de componentes principales (PCA), analizar la asociación entre el tipo de composición corporal y medidas de desenlace clínico del SFM, como la Escala de Gravedad de Síntomas, el Índice de Dolor Generalizado y el Cuestionario de Impacto de la Fibromialgia. Métodos: Cuarenta y tres mujeres con SFM (criterios ACR 2010) fueron evaluadas clínica y antropométricamente. Los datos antropométricos se integraron en 2 indicadores mediante una metodología de PCA (PCA-Fat y PCA-Muscle). Adicionalmente, las pacientes se clasificaron en categorías alta y baja para cada indicador clínico, los cuales se utilizaron como variables dependientes en modelos de regresión logística binomial. Resultados: Encontramos correlación positiva entre PCA-Fat, el Índice de Dolor Generalizado (r=0,326, p=0,043) y el Cuestionario de Impacto de la Fibromialgia (r=0,325, p=0,044), y correlación negativa (r=−0,384, p=0,013) entre PCA-Muscle y la Escala de Gravedad de Síntomas. En el modelo de regresión logística binomial, PCA-Fat fue un predictor significativo para un Índice de Dolor Generalizado alto (OR=2,477, p=0,038), mientras que para una Escala de Gravedad de Síntomas alta, PCA-Muscle (OR=0,303, p=0,009) fue un predictor inversamente significativo. Conclusiones: Los resultados evidencian que el volumen de masa grasa puede modular negativamente la gravedad del SFM. Proponemos que la evaluación de la composición corporal debe ser un elemento básico para el abordaje clínico de los pacientes con SFM.(AU)

Moral Disengagement as a Self-Regulatory Cognitive Process of Transgressions: Psychometric Evidence of the Bandura Scale in Chilean Adolescents.

Moral disengagement is a process of cognitive restructuring that allows individuals to disassociate from their internal moral standards and behave unethically without feeling distressed. It has been described as a key predictor of maladaptive behaviors (e.g., delinquency, aggression, and cyberbullying) and as a mediator between individual variables and unethical outcomes (e.g., empathy and aggression). We aimed to provide evidence of validity based on the internal structure, reliability, and correlations with other constructs of the most used instrument to measure disengagement from moral self-sanctions: Bandura's Mechanisms of Moral Disengagement Scale (MMDS). A non-probabilistic national sample of 528 Chilean adolescents from 14 to 18 years participated in the study. The results showed that the 10-item version of the MMDS had a unidimensional structure and good internal consistency. As expected, the MMDS-10 showed positive and medium correlations with abusive, violent antisocial, and delinquent behaviors and negative and medium associations with prosocial behavior and empathy. Additionally, moral disengagement fully mediated the relationship between empathy and violent antisocial behavior, supporting the hypothesis on moral disengagement as a self-regulatory cognitive process. The results confirm previous research, and the findings are discussed in terms of their implications for reducing the use of moral disengagement strategies in adolescence.

Association between fibromyalgia syndrome clinical severity and body composition. A principal component analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The type of body composition modulates the severity of some musculoskeletal conditions, in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), this type of association remains relatively unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the type of body composition and FMS using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The FMS clinical outcome measures were: Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Widespread Pain Index (WPI; and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). METHODS: Forty-three women with FMS (ACR 2010 criteria) were clinically and anthropometrically evaluated. The anthropometric data were integrated into two indicators using a PCA methodology (PCA-Fat and PCA-muscle). Additionally, the patients were classified into high and low categories for each clinical indicator, which were used as dependent variables in binomial logistic regression (BLR) models. RESULTS: We found a positive correlation between PCA-Fat with WPI (r=0.326, P=.043) and FIQ (r=0.325, P=.044), and negative correlation (r=-0.384, P=.013) between PCA-muscle and SSS. In the BLR analysis, PCA-Fat was a significant predictor for high WPI (OR=2.477, P=.038); while for high SSS, PCA-muscle (OR=0.303, P=.009) was an inversely significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the volume of fat mass can negatively modulate the severity of FMS. We propose that the evaluation of body composition should be a basic element for the clinical approach of patients with FMS.

MicroRNA: A Linking between Astrocyte Dysfunction, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The importance of miRNAs in cellular processes and their dysregulation has taken significant importance in understanding different pathologies. Due to the constant increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) worldwide and their economic impact, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), considered a prodromal phase, is a logical starting point to study this public health problem. Multiple studies have established the importance of miRNAs in MCI, including astrocyte regulation during stressful conditions. Additionally, the protection mechanisms exerted by astrocytes against some damage in the central nervous system (CNS) lead to astrocytic reactivation, in which a differential expression of miRNAs has been shown. Nevertheless, excessive reactivation can cause neurodegeneration, and a clear pattern defining the equilibrium point between a neuroprotective or detrimental astrocytic phenotype is unknown. Therefore, the miRNA expression has gained significant attention to understand the maintenance of brain balance and improve the diagnosis and treatment at earlier stages in the ND. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the emerging role of miRNAs in cellular processes that contribute to the loss of cognitive function, including lipotoxicity, which can induce chronic inflammation, also considering the fundamental role of astrocytes in brain homeostasis.

TRPV1 Contributes to Modulate the Nitric Oxide Pathway and Oxidative Stress in the Isolated and Perfused Rat Heart during Ischemia and Reperfusion.

The transient vanilloid receptor potential type 1 (TRPV1) regulates neuronal and vascular functions mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and by the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Here, we study the participation of TRPV1 in the regulation of myocardial injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion and in the control of NO, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), the cGMP pathway, CGRP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE-3). Isolated hearts of Wistar rats perfused according to the Langendorff technique were used to study the effects of an agonist of TRPV1, capsaicin (CS), an antagonist, capsazepine (CZ), and their combination CZ+CS. The hearts were subjected to three conditions: (1) control, (2) ischemia and (3) ischemia-reperfusion. We determined cardiac mechanical activity and the levels of NO, cGMP, BH4, CGRP, TAC, MDA and PDE-3 in ventricular tissue after administration of CS, CZ and CZ+CS. Western blots were used to study the expressions of eNOS, iNOS and phosphorylated NOS (pNOS). Structural changes were determined by histological evaluation. CS prevented damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion by improving cardiac mechanical activity and elevating the levels of NO, cGMP, BH4, TAC and CGRP. TRPV1 and iNOS expression were increased under ischemic conditions, while eNOS and pNOS were not modified. We conclude that the activation of TRPV1 constitutes a therapeutic possibility to counteract the damage caused by ischemia and reperfusion by regulating the NO pathway through CGRP.

Sources, Characteristics, and Therapeutic Applications of Mesenchymal Cells in Tissue Engineering.

Tissue engineering (TE) is a therapeutic option within regenerative medicine that allows to mimic the original cell environment and functional organization of the cell types necessary for the recovery or regeneration of damaged tissue using cell sources, scaffolds, and bioreactors. Among the cell sources, the utilization of mesenchymal cells (MSCs) has gained great interest because these multipotent cells are capable of differentiating into diverse tissues, in addition to their self-renewal capacity to maintain their cell population, thus representing a therapeutic alternative for those diseases that can only be controlled with palliative treatments. This review aimed to summarize the state of the art of the main sources of MSCs as well as particular characteristics of each subtype and applications of MSCs in TE in seven different areas (neural, osseous, epithelial, cartilage, osteochondral, muscle, and cardiac) with a systemic revision of advances made in the last 10 years. It was observed that bone marrow-derived MSCs are the principal type of MSCs used in TE, and the most commonly employed techniques for MSCs characterization are immunodetection techniques. Moreover, the utilization of natural biomaterials is higher (41.96%) than that of synthetic biomaterials (18.75%) for the construction of the scaffolds in which cells are seeded. Further, this review shows alternatives of MSCs derived from other tissues and diverse strategies that can improve this area of regenerative medicine.

Copy Number Variation and Frequency of rs179008 in TLR7 Gene Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Two Mexican Populations.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which genetic factors play a role in the susceptibility to develop it. Genes related to the synthesis of interferons such as TLR7 and genetics factors such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or copies number variation (CNV) in the gene have been involved with the development of the disease. The genetic differences between the populations contribute to the complexity of LES. Mexico has a mestizo population with a genetic load of at least three origins: Amerindian, Caucasian, and African. The mestizo of Yucatán is the only group whose contribution Amerindian is mainly Mayan, geographically distant from other Mexican Amerindians. We analyzed the CNV and the frequency of SNP rs179008 of the TLR7 as genetic risk factors in developing the disease in patients from Yucatán and Central Mexico. Results show that 14% of the cases of the Yucatecan population showed significantly >2 CNV and a higher risk of developing the disease (OR: 34.364), concerning 4% of those coming from Central Mexico (OR: 10.855). T allele and the A/T and T/T risk genotypes of rs179008 were more frequent in patients of Central Mexico than in those of Yucatán (50% vs. 30%, 93% vs. 30%, 4% vs. 1%), and association with susceptibility to develop SLE was observed (OR: 1.5 vs. 0.58, 9.54 vs. 0.66, 12 vs. 0.14). Data support the genetic differences between and within Mexican mestizo populations and the role of the TLR7 in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Helical 6-Strand Cruciate Tenorrhaphy: Description of a New Technique and Biomechanical Comparative Analysis With 2 Standard Techniques.

Background: Multiple flexor tendon repair techniques have been developed over the last years. Despite all this, there is no standard technique that has proven to be superior to others, leading to great variability in the use of techniques in surgical practice. We describe a novel tendon repair technique and compare its biomechanical characteristics with 2 conventional techniques. Methods: Comparative experimental biomechanical study in ex vivo animal models. In all, 66 deep flexor tendons of the pig's front legs were taken and it's repair was performed by 1 of 3 techniques (helical 6-strand cruciate tendon repair, Adelaide tendon repair, or modified Kessler). These repairs were subjected to biomechanical study, measuring, and registering the ultimate tensile strength, load to 2-mm gap force, and stiffness. Results: The helical 6-strand cruciate tenorrhaphy compared with the Adelaide and modified Kessler techniques carries statistically significant greater ultimate tensile strength before failure (65.5, 46, and 36 N, respectively, P < .001). It also required a greater load to 2-mm gap force and is less stiff, allowing greater strain before failure. This technique does not generate significant changes in the dimensions of the tendons compared to the others, and there was no significant difference in the strength of repair between surgeons. Conclusions: The helical 6-strand cruciate tenorrhaphy is a novel technique, useful for the repair of flexor tendons in the hand that holds up the necessary forces to initiate early mobilization in the postoperative period and has better biomechanical properties than 2 standard techniques.

Endogenous Liver Protections Against Lipotoxicity and Oxidative Stress to Avoid the Progression of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver to more Serious Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder characterized by an ectopic accumulation of lipids in at least 5% of hepatocytes. The first phase of the disease, called hepatic steatosis, progresses over time to chronic conditions, such as steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and finally, hepatic insufficiency and cancer. The accumulation of free fatty acids in hepatocytes, particularly saturated fatty acids, is a key process in the development and progression of NAFLD. Furthermore, the accumulation of oxidative stress markers in NAFLD is closely linked to lipotoxicity due to impaired lipid metabolism and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, endogenous mechanisms are activated early in the liver to protect against lipotoxicity and oxidative stress, thus preventing liver mass loss and disease progression. Thus, in order to develop appropriate therapies, the purpose of this review is to discuss recent data from the literature regarding the importance of intrinsic mechanisms deployed by the liver in protecting itself against the adverse effects related to chronic lipid accumulation and ROS generation.