Clinical utility of a personalized and long-term monitoring device for Parkinson's disease in a real clinical practice setting: An expert opinion survey on STAT-ON™.

BACKGROUND: STAT-ON™ is an objective tool that registers ON-OFF fluctuations making possible to know the state of the patient at every moment of the day in normal life. Our aim was to analyze the opinion of different Parkinson's disease experts about the STAT-ON™ tool after using the device in a real clinical practice setting (RCPS). METHODS: STAT-ON™ was provided by the Company Sense4Care to Spanish neurologists for using it in a RCPS. Each neurologist had the device for at least three months and could use it in PD patients at his/her own discretion. In February 2020, a survey with 30 questions was sent to all participants. RESULTS: Two thirds of neurologists (53.8% females; mean age 44.9±9 years old) worked in a Movement Disorders Unit, the average experience in PD was 16±6.9 years, and 40.7% of them had previously used other devices. A total of 119 evaluations were performed in 114 patients (range 2-9 by neurologist; mean 4.5±2.3). STAT-ON™ was considered "quite" to "very useful" by 74% of the neurologists with an overall opinion of 6.9±1.7 (0, worst; 10, best). STAT-ON™ was considered better than diaries by 70.3% of neurologists and a useful tool for the identification of patients with advanced PD by 81.5%. Proper identification of freezing of gait episodes and falls were frequent limitations reported. CONCLUSION: STAT-ON™ could be a useful device for using in PD patients in clinical practice.

SPATIAL VARIATION IN HELMINTH PARASITE COMMUNITIES OF THE FRENCH GRUNT, HAEMULON FLAVOLINEATUM (TELEOSTEI: HAEMULIDAE), FROM THE YUCATAN PENINSULA.

The French grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum, is an abundant fish and a good model for studying parasite communities. Specimens were collected at 4 localities between the Campeche Bank (within the Gulf of Mexico) and the Mexican Caribbean Sea to describe and compare the differences and similarities between localities and regions in the communities of parasitic helminths. Thus, we calculated the Hill numbers associated with species richness (q = 0) and the dominance estimator (q = 2) using rarefaction and extrapolation curves to provide asymptotic estimators of diversity. A 2-way PERMANOVA was used to determine whether there was a significant difference in parasite assemblage structure between localities or regions. A total of 11 helminth taxa (species level) were recorded in 104 individuals of H. flavolineatum, consisting of 8 digenean trematodes species, 2 acanthocephalan species, and 1 nematode species. Our findings include new reports of 7 parasite taxa and new geographical records for some parasites in H. flavolineatum. The highest dissimilarities in parasite composition were observed between the most distant locations (Banco Chinchorro vs. Cayo Arcas) that were each located in different regions. Species richness was similar between regions, although the most dominant helminths were Postmonorchis orthopristis and Dollfustrema sp. in the Mexican Caribbean and Campeche Bank regions, respectively. Future studies should explore how patterns in parasite community structure are affected by currents running south to north by the Yucatan Current through the Yucatan Channel and easterly to Campeche Bank.

Development of 3D-QSAR and pharmacophoric models to design new anti-Trypanosoma cruzi agents based on 2-aryloxynaphthoquinone scaffold.

In this work we have collected a set of 30 trypanosomicidal naphthoquinones and developed pharmacophoric and 3D-QSAR models as tools for the design of new potential anti-Chagasic compounds. Firstly, qualitative information was obtained from SAR and pharmacophoric models identifying some fragments around the 2-aryloxynaphthoquinone scaffold important for the antiparasitic activity. Then, 3D-QSAR CoMFA and CoMSIA models were developed. The models showed adequate statistical parameters where the steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic features explain the trypanosomicidal effect. Therefore, to validate our models, we carried out the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation on T. cruzi epimastigotes of five new compounds (33a-e). According to CoMFA model, three out of five compounds showed pIC50 values within one logarithmic unit of deviation. The two compounds that did not fit the predictions were those with high lipophilicity, which agreed with the SAR and pharmacophore models. Docking and molecular dynamic studies were performed on T. cruzi trypanothione reductase, in a proposed binding site for this type of naphthoquinone. Interestingly, 33a-e showed the same interaction pattern as a naphthoquinone inhibitor (2). Finally, predicted drug-likeness properties indicated that 33a-e have optimal oral bioavailability. Thus, this study provides new in silico models for obtaining novel trypanosomicidal compounds.

Trace classical conditioning impairment after lesion of the lateral part of the goldfish telencephalic pallium suggests a long ancestry of the episodic memory function of the vertebrate hippocampus.

There is an ongoing debate on the evolutionary origin of the episodic memory function of the hippocampus. A widely accepted hypothesis claims that the hippocampus first evolved as a dedicated system for spatial navigation in ancestral vertebrates, being transformed later in phylogeny to support a broader role in episodic memory with the emergence of mammals. On the contrary, an alternative hypothesis holds that the hippocampus of ancestral vertebrates originally encoded both the spatial and temporal dimensions of relational memories since its evolutionary appearance, thus suggesting that the episodic-like memory function of the hippocampus could be the primitive condition in vertebrate forebrain evolution. The present experiment was aimed at scrutinizing these opposing hypotheses by investigating whether the hippocampal pallium of teleost fish, a vertebrate group that shares with mammals a common ancestor that lived about 400 Mya, is, like the hippocampus of mammals, essential to associate time-discontiguous events. Thus, goldfish with lesions in the ventral part of the dorsolateral pallium (Dlv), a telencephalic region considered homologous to the hippocampal pallium of land vertebrates, were trained in trace versus delay eyeblink-like classical conditioning, two learning procedures that differ only in the temporal relationships between the stimuli to be associated in memory. The results showed that hippocampal pallium lesion in goldfish severely impairs trace conditioning, but spares delay conditioning. This finding challenges the idea that navigation preceded relational memory in evolutionary appearance and suggests the possibility that a relational memory function that associates the experienced events in both the spatial and temporal dimensions could be a primitive feature of the hippocampus that pre-existed in the common ancestor of vertebrates.

Caracterización clínica y tomográfica de pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 / Clinical and tomographic characterization of patients hospitalized with COVID-19

OBJETIVO: Realizar una caracterización clínica y por imágenes a pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y analizar si existen predictores de riesgo asociados con una mayor gravedad. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19, entre abril y julio de 2020. Se registraron datos demográficos, comorbilidades, exámenes de laboratorio, tipo de compromiso en tomografía computada (TC) de tórax, terapias recibidas y tipo de soporte respiratorio. En el análisis estadístico para identificar factores de riesgo se utilizó test χ2 de Pearson o test de Fisher para comparar variables categóricas y test de Mann-Whitney para comparar variables continuas. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 164 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 57 años (rango 21 a 89). 111 pacientes (68%) de género masculino y mediana de 7 días de síntomas previo al ingreso (rango 1 a 23). 68 pacientes (41%) tienen obesidad (significativamente mayor en pacientes < 60 años, p = 0,026), 56 (34%) hipertensión arterial (HTA) y 43 (26%) diabetes. El patrón predominante en la TC de ingreso fue de vidrio esmerilado (VE) con "crazy paving" (35%) y luego VE puro (28%). Como indicador de gravedad se tomó en cuenta el tipo de soporte ventilatorio requerido: 51 pacientes (31%) requieren soporte ventilatorio no invasivo (cánula nasal de alto flujo o VMNI) y 19 (11%) ventilación invasiva (VMI). Las variables predictoras de gravedad, estadísticamente significativas, fueron: HTA (p = 0,001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0,001) y Obesidad. (p = 0,002). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID 19 con mayor riesgo de evolución tórpida, del punto de vista respiratorio, fueron los pacientes obesos, hipertensos y diabéticos.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a clinical and imaging characterization in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and to analyze whether there are risk predictors associated with greater severity of the condition. METHOD: Observational, retrospective study. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were included between April and July 2020. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory tests, tomographic pattern in thorax tomography (TC), therapies received, and type of respiratory support were recorded. In the statistical analysis to identify risk factors, we used Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's test to compare categorical variables and Mann-Whitney test to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: 164 patients were analyzed. Median age was 57 years (21 to 89). 111 patients (68%) were male and a median of 7 days of symptoms prior to admission (1 to 23). 68 patients (41%) have obesity (significantly higher in patients < 60 years, p = 0.026), 56 (34%) arterial hypertension (HT) and 43 (26%) with diabetes mellitus. The predominant pattern in the admission CT scan was ground glass opacity (GGO) with "crazy paving" (35%) and then pure GGO (28%). Type of ventilatory support required was considered as an indicator of severity. 51 patients (31%) require non-invasive ventilatory support (high-flow nasal cannula or NIMV) and 19 (11%) invasive ventilation (IMV). The statistically significant predictor variables of severity were HT (p = 0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.001) and Obesity. (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients hospitalized for COVID 19 with the highest risk of respiratory torpid evolution were obese, hypertensive and diabetic patients

Position statement: asthma in Latin America. IS short-acting beta-2 agonist helping or compromising asthma management?

In Latin-America, with 603 million inhabitants, the average prevalence of asthma is estimated at 17%, but with wide fluctuations, ranging from 5% in some cities (Mexico) to 30% in Costa Rica. The risk of severe exacerbations seems to be higher in Latin America compared with other regions. A majority of patients uses daily quick-relief medication, with the belief that it is the most important treatment because of its rapid onset of action; without treating the underlying inflammation. Overuse of short-acting beta2 agonists (SABAs) is associated with increased risk of asthma deaths in a dose-response manner. Beta2 agonists increase the severity of asthma through enhanced bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reduced lung function. Also, it has been shown that overreliance on SABA delays recognition of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. We believe that overreliance on SABA in asthma is also an important public health issue. The fact that SABA use in GINA is not supported by a randomized trial but by an anonymous paper; makes us guess that we use SABA just because we are used to do so. In 2019 GINA strategy introduces one of the most important changes in the management of Asthma in the past 30 years, highlighting anti-inflammatory reliever therapy. A combination of low dose ICS/fast action bronchodilator will not only treat symptoms, but more importantly the underlying inflammation, protecting patients from preventable asthma attacks. After 50 years of a SABA centric approach in asthma management, it is time to leave behind a treatment based just on the bronchodilation and tackle the inflammation.

Clinical utility of a personalized and long-term monitoring device for Parkinson's disease in a real clinical practice setting: An expert opinion survey on STAT-ON™.

BACKGROUND: STAT-ON™ is an objective tool that registers ON-OFF fluctuations making possible to know the state of the patient at every moment of the day in normal life. Our aim was to analyze the opinion of different Parkinson's disease experts about the STAT-ON™ tool after using the device in a real clinical practice setting (RCPS). METHODS: STAT-ON™ was provided by the Company Sense4Care to Spanish neurologists for using it in a RCPS. Each neurologist had the device for at least three months and could use it in PD patients at his/her own discretion. In February 2020, a survey with 30 questions was sent to all participants. RESULTS: Two thirds of neurologists (53.8% females; mean age 44.9±9 years old) worked in a Movement Disorders Unit, the average experience in PD was 16±6.9 years, and 40.7% of them had previously used other devices. A total of 119 evaluations were performed in 114 patients (range 2-9 by neurologist; mean 4.5±2.3). STAT-ON™ was considered "quite" to "very useful" by 74% of the neurologists with an overall opinion of 6.9±1.7 (0, worst; 10, best). STAT-ON™ was considered better than diaries by 70.3% of neurologists and a useful tool for the identification of patients with advanced PD by 81.5%. Proper identification of freezing of gait episodes and falls were frequent limitations reported. CONCLUSION: STAT-ON™ could be a useful device for using in PD patients in clinical practice.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection: A South American Experience with 2887 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been increasingly performed in recent years. Most of the available evidence, however, comes from specialized centers in Asia, Europe and USA. Data from South America are limited and based on single-center experiences. To date, no multicenter studies evaluated the results of LLR in South America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience and results with LLR in South American centers. METHODS: From February to November 2019, a survey about LLR was conducted in 61 hepatobiliary centers in South America, composed by 20 questions concerning demographic characteristics, surgical data, and perioperative results. RESULTS: Fifty-one (83.6%) centers from seven different countries answered the survey. A total of 2887 LLR were performed, as follows: Argentina (928), Brazil (1326), Chile (322), Colombia (210), Paraguay (9), Peru (75), and Uruguay (8). The first program began in 1997; however, the majority (60.7%) started after 2010. The percentage of LLR over open resections was 28.4% (4.4-84%). Of the total, 76.5% were minor hepatectomies and 23.5% major, including 266 right hepatectomies and 343 left hepatectomies. The conversion rate was 9.7%, overall morbidity 13%, and mortality 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study assessing the dissemination and results of LLR in South America. It showed an increasing number of centers performing LLR with the promising perioperative results, aligned with other worldwide excellence centers.

Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in genetically determined Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

The aim was to review the existing reports on cognitive and behavioural symptoms in monogenic forms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and to identify recurring patterns of clinical manifestations in those with specific mutations. A systematic literature search was conducted to retrieve observational studies of monogenic PD. Data pertaining to cognitive and psychiatric manifestations were extracted using standardized templates. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Of the 1889 citations retrieved, 95 studies on PD-related gene mutations were included: 35 in SNCA, 35 in LRRK2, four in VPS35, 10 in Parkin, three in DJ1 and eight in PINK1. Nineteen studies (20%) provided adequate data from comprehensive cognitive assessment and 31 studies (32.6%) outlined psychiatric manifestations through the use of neuropsychiatric scales. Cognitive impairment was reported in all monogenic PD forms with variable rates (58.8% PINK1, 53.9% SNCA, 50% DJ1, 29.2% VPS35, 15.7% LRRK2 and 7.4% Parkin). In this regard, executive functions and attention were the domains most affected. With respect to psychiatric symptoms, depression was the most frequent symptom, occurring in 37.5% of PINK1 cases and 41.7% of VPS35 and LRRK2 cases. Co-occurrence of cognitive decline with visual hallucinations was evidenced. Widespread accumulation of Lewy bodies, distinctive of SNCA, PINK1 and DJ1 mutations, results in higher rates of cognitive impairment. Similarly, a higher degree of visual hallucinations is observed in SNCA mutations, probably owing to the more widespread accumulation. The lower rates of α-synuclein pathology in LRRK2 and Parkin may underpin the more benign disease course in these patients.

Incidental findings on brain MRI in a cohort of diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency and management of incidental findings in nonenhanced brain MRI of a middle-aged population of type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the results of 289 brain MRI obtained from subjects between 40-75 years recruited from a previous study. Incidental findings were classified into three categories: (1) Vascular findings; (2) neoplastic findings; and (3) others. On the other side, we made a classification of referral findings. To compare our results, we reviewed the prevalence and evidence about management of both incidental and referral findings in other series. RESULTS: We found an overall prevalence of incidental findings of 10.4% (30/289). Incidental findings raised according to age. The most common incidental findings were: 7 vascular (2.4%), 6 calcifications (2.1%), 6 cystic (2.1%) and 5 neoplastic (1.7%) lesions. A percentage of 1.7% (5/289) were referral findings which required further clinical work-up. CONCLUSION: Incidental findings are relatively common in patients with type 2 diabetes. The most frequent are vascular findings, accordance with previous studies. Referral findings are uncommon. Clinical evidence about how to best manage the majority of incidental findings is lacking.

Frequency of the CYP2C19*17 polymorphism in a Chilean population and its effect on voriconazole plasma concentration in immunocompromised children.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. Voriconazole is the first-line antifungal choice in the treatment of IFIs like aspergillosis. Voriconazole pharmacokinetics vary widely among patients and voriconazole is metabolized mainly in the liver by the CYP2C19 enzyme, which is highly polymorphic. The CYP2C19*17 allele is characterized by the presence of four single nucleotide polymorphisms expressing an ultra-rapid enzyme phenotype with an accelerated voriconazole metabolism, is associated with low (sub-therapeutic) plasma levels in patients treated with the standard dose. Considering that in our center a high percentage of children have sub-therapeutic levels of voriconazole when treated with standard doses, we sought to determine the frequency of the CYP2C19*17 polymorphism (rs12248560) in a Chilean population and determine the association between voriconazole concentrations and the rs12248560 variant in immunocompromised children. First, we evaluated the frequency of the rs12248560 variant in a group of 232 healthy Chilean children, and we found that 180 children (77.6%) were non-carriers of the rs12248560 variant, 49 children (21.1%) were heterozygous carriers for rs12248560 variant and only 3 children (1.3%) were homozygous carriers for rs12248560 variant, obtaining an allelic frequency of 12% for variant in a Chilean population. To determine the association between voriconazole concentrations and the rs12248560 variant, we analyzed voriconazole plasma concentrations in a second group of 33 children treated with voriconazole. In these patients, carriers of the rs12248560 variant presented significantly lower voriconazole plasma concentrations than non-carriers (p = 0,011). In this study, we show the presence of the rs12248560 variant in a Chilean population and its accelerating effect on the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in pediatric patients. From these data, it would be advisable to consider the variant of the patient prior to calculating the dosage of voriconazole.

Características clínicas de los pacientes con apneas obstructivas del sueño: diferencias según género / Clinical features in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: differences by gender

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) es más prevalente en hombres, los estudios poblacionales muestran una relación de 2:1, sin embargo, en los estudios clínicos la frecuencia llega a ser de hasta de 6:1. Estas diferencias en el ambiente clínico puede ser consecuencia de variaciones en el reporte de síntomas en hombres comparados con mujeres. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las diferencias de género en la presentación clínica de apnea obstructiva de sueño. Pacientes: Estudio transversal de pacientes sometidos a una poligrafía respiratoria (PR) con sospecha clínica de SAHOS. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, antropométricos, comorbilidades y las variables de la PR. Se realizó estudio t de student, Mann-Whitney y chi-cuadrado según correspondiera. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1.044 pacientes: edad promedio 53,2 ± 14 años, 76% hombres. Las mujeres con SAHOS poseen mayor IMC (32,2 ± 6,1 vs 30,8 ± 5,0; p=0,002) y edad (61,4 ± 12,2 vs 52,6 ± 13,9; p < 0,001), pero menor circunferencia de cuello (CC) (38,1 ± 3,6 vs 43,2 ± 3,3; p < 0,001), además, presentan menor IA/H y menor duración de las apneas. No hubo diferencias en los síntomas clásicos de apneas presenciada y somnolencia diurna, sin embargo, describen más frecuentemente insomnio, cefalea matinal, depresión y uso de fármacos hipnóticos. CONCLUSIONES: Las mujeres al momento del diagnóstico son de mayor edad y más obesas, aunque presentan una CC menor, presentan una enfermedad más leve, pero refieren más fatiga, cansancio, cefalea e insomnio. Debemos estar alerta en la presentación clínica diferente de las mujeres para mejorar la sospecha diagnóstica.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more prevalent in men, population studies show a ratio of 2:1, however in clinical studies the frequency is as high as 6:1. These differences in the clinical setting may be a consequence of variations in the reporting of symptoms in men compared to women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gender differences between women and men with recent diagnosis of OSA. Patients: A cross-sectional, study of patients undergoing home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) with clinical suspicion of OSA. Demographic, anthropometric, comorbidities and HSAT variables were collected. We performed t student analysis, Mann-Whitney test or chi square test as appropriate. RESULTS: 1,044 patients were included: mean age 53.2 ± 14 years, 76% men. Women with OSA have a higher BMI (32.2 ± 6.1 vs 30.8 ± 5.0, p = 0.002), were older (61.4 ± 12.2 vs 52.6 ± 13.9, p <0.001), but have a lower neck circumference (NC) (38.1 ± 3.6 vs. 43.2 ± 3.3, p <0.001). The women presented lower AHI and shorter duration of apneas. Although the classic symptoms of apnea and daytime sleepiness showed no differences, women reported more frequently insomnia, morning headache, depression and use of hypnotic drugs. CONCLUSIONS:: Clinical differences between gender are present at time of diagnosis. Woman are older and more obese, although they have a lower NC. They have a milder disease, but they refer to be more tired, headache, insomnia and depression. We must be alert in the different clinical presentation of women to improve the diagnostic suspicion.

Effect of body weight and energy intake on body composition analysis of broiler breeder hens.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different feeding programs and energy intakes on the body composition of broiler breeders (BB) from 22 wk of age to 65 wk of age. Cobb 500 BB that had been reared using three growth curves: (1) the control group followed Cobb 500 guidelines (SBW) for target body weights (BW), (2) the second group target BW was 20% heavier (HBW) than the SBW group, and (3) the third group target BW was 20% lighter (LBW) than the SBW group. At 21 wk of age, pullets from each growth curve were assigned to be fed one of six treatments. Diets were formulated and allocated to provide 330, 360, 390, 420, 450, or 480 kcal ME/hen/d and 24 g protein/hen/d, at peak intake. Body composition (lean mass, fat mass, and mineral content) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry throughout the production period. Significantly, greater (P < 0.05) amounts of fat mass and lower amounts of lean mass were evident at the beginning of the production period for HBW hens compared with SBW and LBW hens. Higher levels of energy intake also affected body composition. Namely, fat deposition was greatest throughout the production period in hens consuming 480 kcal/d at peak intake (P < 0.05). Critically, fluctuations to lean and fat mass throughout the production period are suggestive of underlying regulatory processes. Specifically, hens appears to maintain consistent lean mass throughout the production period with a coefficient of variation of <12% across all birds. The results of this study provide important BB body composition information from management and nutrition studies that showed the dynamics of body composition change during the production period.

Cambios en índice de masa corporal en pacientes portadores de apnea del sueño a un año de tratamiento con dispositivo de presión de aire positiva continua (CPAP) / Changes in body mass index in sleep apnea patients with a year of continuous positive airway pressure treatment (CPAP)

Resumen El síndrome de apnea hipoapnea del sueño (SAHS), está asociado fuertemente a la obesidad. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar las variaciones en el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en pacientes portadores de SAHS luego de un año de tratamiento con CPAP. Resultados: 104 pacientes varones fueron incluidos en este estudio, las variables analizadas fueron: índice de apnea-hipopnea (IAH), índice de masa corporal (IMC) y cuestionario de somnolencia diurna Epworth. Respecto a los datos obtenidos de IMC, se encontró tras un año de tratamiento con CPAP un descenso significativo de esta variable (p < 0,001). En la escala de somnolencia también se obtuvo un descenso significativo. Discusión: La evidencia ha sugerido regularmente que a mayor peso corporal existirían también niveles más elevados de IAH, las mejoras en el IMC referidas en este estudio, resaltan la importancia del correcto tratamiento no solo en el control de los eventos respiratorios, sino que en la disminución del peso corporal.

Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) it is highly related to obesity. The main purpose of this study is to determine the variation between Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Body Mass Index (BMI) on sleep apnea patients after a year of CPAP treatment on the Linde Sleep Center. Results: 104 male patients were included in this study, the variables analyzed were; AHI, BMI, Epworth daytime somnolence. As for the data obtained from BMI, after one year of treatment with CPAP, the BMI showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001). In the daytime sleepiness scale, a significant decrease was also found between pre and post treatment values. Discussion: Evidence has consistently suggested that higher body weight would also have higher levels of AHI, and the improvements in BMI referred to in this study emphasize the importance of proper treatment not only in control of respiratory events, but in the reduction of body weight.

Octopus maya parasites off the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. II. Salivary gland damage by cestodes.

The red octopus Octopus maya Voss et Solís-Ramírez, 1966 is an endemic species and one of the most important fishery resources of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Due to its economic importance and the fact that in recent years interest in farming this species has increased, several initiatives have been implemented to study its biology and requirements for cultivation. Parasites represent an important component of the biology of the red octopus, as they can have an impact on both wild and cultivated populations. A total of 44 O. maya specimens were sampled from the fishing ports of Ría Lagartos and Dzilam de Bravo, Yucatán; specimens were measured and subsequently subjected to histological analysis of the buccal masses where cestode larvae (Prochristianella sp.) were found in the anterior salivary glands. Results of a chi-squared test showed that specimen size class and infestation levels (parasite abundance) were significantly correlated, with parasite damage levels more pronounced in larger animals. The damage caused to the anterior salivary glands by this parasite could have serious implications for feeding and reproductive success of O. maya.

Driver distraction by smartphone use (WhatsApp) in different age groups.

This paper investigates the effect that texting with WhatsApp, one of the most common applications for instant messaging, exerts on driving performance. Because distracted driving also affects older drivers, who can have seriously compromised vision, we also analysed the associations between visual-function parameters and driving performance. A total of 75 drivers, experienced in sending WhatsApp messages (≥10WhatsApp messages/week), participated in this study and were divided into four age categories. Visual-function tests included contrast sensitivity with and without glare, retinal straylight and objective assessment of optical quality. Simulated driving performance was assessed under a baseline driving condition (without distraction) as well as a texting condition (WhatsApp messages) while driving. The participants used their own mobile phone. Lastly, objective results of driving performance were compared with subjective self-report data from the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ). The analysis indicated that functional changes occurring with age, such as a lower contrast sensitivity and greater retinal straylight, were correlated with a higher number of collisions, longer distances driven outside the lane, and greater standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP). The results showed a significant main effect of age for the driving-performance parameters. Also, compared to the baseline, texting WhatsApp messages while driving worsens driving performance for all age groups, most notably among older participants. Thus, the older drivers' SDLP was ∼14% higher than that for the baseline average of all the other drivers and rose to 29% under distraction, reflecting the impact of secondary tasks. The negative effect of the use of the smartphone during driving was also reflected in the number of collisions, with a greater risk of accidents in all the groups of drivers (by 8.3% for young adults, 25.0% for adults, 80.5% for middle-aged adults, and 134.5% for older drivers). Lastly, participants' subjective responses indicated that younger drivers (18-24 years) had a higher risk of deliberately violating safe driving practices (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrates that texting WhatsApp messages while driving significantly impairs the ability to drive safely, with older drivers being the group most adversely affected. It would be recommendable to include other nonstandard vision tests, which have shown associations with driving performance, in the examination for driver licensing. This would help raise the awareness of older drivers concerning their visual limitations, permitting them to adopt compensatory measures to improve their driving safety. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to raise awareness among the younger drivers of the risks involved in behaviour behind the wheel.

Healing activity of proteolytic fraction (P1G10) from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis in a cutaneous wound excision model.

The proteolytic enzymes from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis have demonstrated efficacy to accelerate healing of skin lesions. We report here the efficacy of the proteolytic fraction - P1G10 during repair of excisional wounds in rodent model and analyze possible mediators involved. Using 0.05% P1G10 we observed on day 3rd increased wound contraction accompanied by an increase in activated neutrophils and VEGF relative to the control. On day 7th neutrophils returned to normal levels, and at 0.01% P1G10, an increase in NAG activity used to monitor monocyte/macrophage, was observed. On the other hand, on day 7th, we observed a decrease in TGF-ß at 0.05% P1G10, accompanied by an increased transformation of the latent TGF-ß to its active form. Also, on day 7th a reduction in MMP-9 activity and the number of apoptotic cells was observed along with an increase in fibroblast levels. Morphometrically, it appears that treatment with P1G10 accelerates the decline of initial inflammatory phase and reduces some unwanted effects likely caused by remaining TGF-ß or MMPs, thus enhancing the quality of scar. Overall, these data suggest that the active proteolytic fraction P1G10 enhances the efficacy of repair in excisional cutaneous wounds.

Evaluation of the physical properties and conservation of the antioxidants content, employing inulin and maltodextrin in the spray drying of blueberry juice.

In this work, two carbohydrate polymers, inulin (I) and maltodextrin (MX), were compared as carrying agents in the spray drying of blueberry juice (BJ). The physicochemical properties and the conservation of the antioxidants content were characterized. Both systems, showed non-agglomerated particles and light-purple color appearance. Powders were subjected to the adsorption of water, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased with the water activity. The evolution of the microstructure in the MX-BJ remained unchanged, while the I-BJ presented an abrupt change from amorphous to crystalline. This was corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), observing in the I-BJ system, the change from spherical into irregular shape particles. In the conservation of the antioxidants content, the MX-BJ showed a better performance. Anyhow, the performance of both carbohydrate polymers as carrying agents in the spray drying of BJ was effective.

Diferencias clínicas en pacientes con apnea obstructiva del sueño de carácter postural / Clinical differences in positional obstructive sleep apnea patients

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is the result of repetitive collapse of the upper airway during the sleep. There is a group of patients with a positional component; which is defined as a reduction of at least 50% in the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) from the supine to a lateral position. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine positional OSA prevalence and compare clinical characteristics and polygraph recordings among this group of patients. Methods: Prospective study of polygraph recording of patients with suspect of OSA between 2009-2014. Demographic, anthropometric, comorbidities and polygraph recording data was collected. OSA was defined as AHI > 5 events per hour Results: From a total of 457 patients with OSA diagnose, 243 had a positional component (53%). Positional Sleep Apnea patients had mild AHI (p < 0.001), a lower neck circumference (p = 0.001), lower Body Mass Index (p = 0.003) and a lower presence of arterial hypertension (p = 0.001). The multivariable analysis confirmed that there is a lower probability in Positional OSA in patients with Severe AHI (OR 0,96: IC 0,94-0,97), with hypertension (0,54: IC 0,33-0,88) and males (OR 0,41: IC 0,21-0,81). Conclusions: Positional obstructive sleep apnea is a very frequent condition presented in 53% of OSA patients; these patients have often mild AHI, lower BMI, lower neck circumference, less hypertensive, and are usually females.

Introducción: El síndrome de apnea e hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) es producto de un colapso repetido a nivel de la vía aérea superior, durante el sueño. Existe un grupo de pacientes con SAHOS con componente postural, definida por una reducción del 50% o más en el índice de apnea hipopnea (IAH) de la posición supina a la lateral. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de SAHOS postural y comparar las características clínicas y de la poligrafía respiratoria (PR) de este grupo de pacientes. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo de PR entre 2009-2014, derivados a realización de estudio por sospecha clínica de SAHOS. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, antropométricos, comorbilidades y diferentes variables de la PR. Se definió presencia de SAHOS un IAH mayor de 5 eventos/h. Resultados: De un total de 457pacientes con diagnóstico de SAHOS, 243presentaban SAHOS postural (53%). Los pacientes con SAHOS postural eran más leves (p < 0,001), tenían una circunferencia cervical (p = 0,001) e índice de masa corporal (p = 0,003) menor y con menor frecuencia eran hipertensos (p = 0,001). El análisis multivariado confirmó menor probabilidad SAHOS postural en sujetos con IAH graves (OR 0,96: IC 0,94-0,97): hipertensos (0,54: IC 0,33-0,88) y de sexo masculino (OR 0,41: IC 0,21-0,81). Conclusiones: El SAHOS postural es una entidad muy frecuente que está presente en el 53% de los pacientes con SAHOS, estos sujetos tienden a presentar enfermedad más leve, tener un IMC y circunferencia cervical menor, menor frecuencia de hipertensión arterial y son preferentemente mujeres.

Goldfish hippocampal pallium is essential to associate temporally discontiguous events.

There is general agreement that the hippocampus of vertebrates, from fish to mammals, is involved in map-like spatial memory. However, in mammals the role of the hippocampus goes beyond the spatial domain as it is also involved in binding the temporally separate events that compose episodic memories. In this regard, the hippocampus of mammals is essential for trace classical conditioning, in which a stimulus-free time gap separates the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US), but not for delay conditioning, in which both stimuli coincide in time. Although the involvement of the hippocampus in encoding relational memories based on a temporal frame-work has been extensively studied in mammals, there is scarce evidence about the possible contribution of the hippocampus of non-mammalian vertebrates to the temporal, non-spatial dimension of relational memories. The present work was aimed to determine if the ventral part of the lateral division of the area dorsalis telencephali (Dlv) of goldfish, proposed as homologous to the hippocampus of mammals, is also involved in trace classical conditioning. With this purpose, goldfish with lesions in Dlv, complete telencephalon ablation and sham operation, were trained in delay and trace heart rate classical conditioning. Dlv lesions severely impaired the acquisition of the conditioned response when a stimulus-free time gap was elapsed between the CS and the US (trace conditioning), but not when both stimuli overlapped in time (delay conditioning), revealing that this region, like the hippocampus of mammals, is essential to form the temporal associative memories required by trace conditioning. Present data suggest that the presence of a hippocampal pallium involved in relational, episodic-like memory that preserves both the spatial and the temporal dimensions of past events, could be a primitive feature of the vertebrate brain that has been conserved through evolution.