Efectos posturales inmediatos de la amplificación mecanoceptiva en niños con disfunciones neuromotrices, valorados mediante una plataforma de presiones Wii Balance Board. Estudio consecutivo no controlado / Immediate postural effects of mechanoceptive amplification in children with neuromotor dysfunctions, assessed by means of a Wii Balance Board pressure platform. Uncontrolled consecutive study

Introducción: Los trastornos neurológicos son una causa frecuente de discapacidad infantil. Las disfunciones neuromotrices se afrontan clínicamente en la actualidad mediante tratamientos ortopédicos, farmacológicos y fisioterápicos. Las vibraciones terapéuticas son estudiadas para conocer sus efectos tróficos y neuromoduladores. Objetivo: Observar los cambios relacionados con el control postural en casos de disfunción neuromotriz infantil después de la aplicación de estímulos vibratorios ecológicos, medidos con una plataforma de fuerzas. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio consecutivo no controlado. Quince sujetos con discapacidad motora y edad media 9±3,4 años fueron valorados en bipedestación estática mediante la plataforma Wii Balance Board antes y después de una única dosis de amplificación mecanoceptiva (AM). Se analizaron variables del centro de presiones: posición media, excursión media, amplitud y recorrido. Resultados: La posición media conjunta del centro de presiones pre-AM se encontraba más alejada del centro anatómico en el eje frontal que en el sagital de manera estadísticamente significativa (p=0,041) y mostraron recorridos mediolaterales del centro de presiones significativamente más largos (p=0,001) que los anteroposteriores. Post-AM hubo aumentos significativos para la variables excursión media total (p=0,015), amplitud en eje frontal (p=0,010), y recorrido tanto en el total (p=0,005) como en los parciales de ambos ejes frontal (p=0,006) y sagital (p=0,004). A la observación, la posición sagital media conjunta se retrasó mientras que la posición frontal media conjunta se aproximó hacia el centro, con elevada correlación entre reubicación y excursión y entre amplitud y recorrido. Conclusión: Los sujetos obtuvieron un reequilibrio postural tendente hacia la posteriorización y hacia el miembro inferior estimulado después de la AM. (AU)

Introduction: Neurological disorders are a common cause of child disability. Neuromotor dysfunctions are currently being clinically faced through orthopedic, pharmacological and physiotherapeutic treatments. Therapeutic vibrations are studied to know their trophic and neuromodulator effects. Objective: To observe the changes related to postural control in cases of infantile neuromotor dysfunction after the application of ecological vibratory stimuli, measured with a force platform. Patients and methods: Consecutive uncontrolled study. 15 subjects with motor disabilities and a mean age of 9±3.4 years were assessed in static standing using the Wii Balance Board platform before and after a single dose of mechanoceptive amplification (AM). Variables of the center of pressures were analyzed: mean position, mean excursion, amplitude and path length. Results: The pre-MA center of pressures mean position of the ensemble was further from the anatomical center on the frontal axis than on the sagittal axis in a statistically significant way (p=.041) and subjects showed significantly longer mediolateral path lengths of the center of pressures (p=.001) than the anteroposterior path lengths. Post-AM there were significant increases for the total mean excursion variable (p=.015), for the amplitude on the frontal axis (p=.010), and for the path length both in the total (p=.005) as in the partials of axes frontal (p=.006) and sagittal (p=.004). At the observational level, the mean sagittal position of the ensemble was posteriorized while the mean frontal position of the ensemble approached toward the center, with a high correlation between relocation/excursion and amplitude/path length. Conclusion: The subjects obtained a postural rebalancing tending toward posteriorization and toward the stimulated lower limb after MA. (AU)

The significance of toll-like receptors in human diseases.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of transmembrane receptors that have been preserved throughout evolution and which selectively recognize a broad spectrum of microbial components and endogenous molecules released by injured tissue. Identification of these ligands by TLRs triggers signalling pathways which lead to the expression of numerous genes involved in a defensive response. In mammals, the products of these genes initiate inflammation, coordinate the effector functions of innate immunity, instruct and modulate adaptive immunity and initiate tissue repair and regeneration. Different mutations and experimental models which alter TLR function have revealed the significance of these receptors in susceptibility to infection and their involvement in the pathogenesis of a large number of non-infective inflammatory disorders such as cancer, allergy, autoimmunity, inflammatory bowel disease, or atherosclerosis. TLRs are currently viewed as important targets for the development of new vaccines and innovative therapies to prevent and treat human diseases.

The significance of toll-like receptors in human diseases

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of transmembrane receptors that have been preserved throughout evolution and which selectively recognize a broad spectrum of microbial components and endogenous molecules released by injured tissue. Identification of these ligands by TLRs triggers signalling pathways which lead to the expression of numerous genes involved in a defensive response. In mammals, the products of these genes initiate inflammation, coordinate the effector functions of innate immunity, instruct and modulate adaptive immunity and initiate tissue repair and regeneration. Different mutations and experimental models which alter TLR function have revealed the significance of these receptors in susceptibility to infection and their involvement in the pathogenesis of a large number of non-infective inflammatory disorders such as cancer, allergy, autoimmunity, inflammatory bowel disease, or atherosclerosis. TLRs are currently viewed as important targets for the development of new vaccines and innovative therapies to prevent and treat human diseases(AU)

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A new era for innate immunity.

In recent years our concept of the non-specific nature of innate immunity has changed following the identification of a network of germline-encoded receptors that recognise with substantial specificity molecular motifs of microorganisms and many other cues produced during tissue injury. Stimulation of these innate sensors by their specific ligands triggers signalling pathways that result in the activation of innate effector mechanisms as well as the priming of naive lymphocytes for the type of response that must be induced. These events culminate in the generation of an immune response appropriately adapted to the damage that has occurred. These new insights into innate immunity herald an entirely new era in the understanding of the molecular events that initiate and drive a host-protective response, changing many concepts about susceptibility to infections and providing greater insight into the underlying inflammatory pathology of other diseases. Targeted manipulation of innate immunity has enormous potential for the development of new vaccines and innovative therapies for the treatment of diseases such as infections, cancer, allergy, autoimmunity and autoinflammatory diseases. This article provides an overview of current trends in the field of innate immunity and its role in the control of infection and disease.

Toll-like receptors: a family of innate sensors of danger that alert and drive immunity.

The innate immune system possesses a network of germline-encoded receptors that recognize microbial molecular motifs and endogenous molecules produced by injured tissues and set in motion a defensive response which adapts to the damage that has occurred. This network includes Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a family of transmembrane receptors that recognize a wide spectrum of ligands at the cell surface and in the lumen of intracellular vesicles. Recognition of ligands by TLRs induces the recruitment of different cytoplasmic adaptor molecules and initiates signalling pathways which ultimately lead to the activation of transcriptional factors such as NF-kappaB , IRF1/3/5/7, or AP-1. These factors are involved in the expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, type I interferons, co-stimulatory molecules, and other factors of the effector response. TLRs regulate many aspects of both innate and adaptive immunity. To prevent an inappropriate or an overactive immune response, a complex network of molecules negatively regulates TLRs and their associated signalling pathways. TLRs are currently viewed as important targets for the development of new vaccines and innovative therapies which may help prevent or treat disorders such as cancer, allergy, autoimmunity, obesity, atherosclerosis, and other inflammatory diseases.

New aspects on inflammation in allergic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Allergic disease has currently reached epidemic proportions, with a high percentage of individuals in the developed world exhibiting an allergic response after exposure to some common environmental factors. Although new strategies for the treatment and management of allergic diseases have decreased the mortality rate, a high percentage of affected persons still require frequent hospitalization and experience decreased quality of life. METHODS: An internet-based literature search was performed for recent contributions on the underlying mechanisms provoking an allergic response and their potential for therapeutic approaches. RESULTS: Novel concepts on allergic responses have emerged: allergic disease may result from an imbalance between allergen activation of regulatory T cells and effector T helper 2 cells (Th2), a process in which dendritic cells are key players. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-21, IL-25, and human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) seem to be important contributors in allergic processes. New data on IgE effector responses and on the IgE-independent mechanisms involved in allergic reactions have resolved some unanswered questions about these reactions. CONCLUSIONS: These new findings on allergic diseases have important implications for diagnosis and management, with potential improvements in prevention and treatment, which could provide a cure in the future.

Attitudes of teachers about tobacco prevention at school.

BACKGROUND: To know the smoking habits of the Spanish teachers, the anti-smoking teaching and the influence on the smoking habits of the students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administrated and anonymous questionnaire. Of the he questionnaires addressed to the headmasters of 8,000 school centers selected as a random sample among the 18,457 existing in Spain, 3,050 valid answers were received. RESULTS: 29.7% of Spanish teachers are smokers, smoking significantly more (p < 0.001; 95% C.I.) in Secondary education (37.2 +/- 15.9%) than in Primary education (26.2 +/- 19.4%) and 7% smoke in front of the pupils, significantly more in state schools (p < 0.05) and in Secondary education (p < 0.001). There are positive correlations between the percentage of smoking teachers and the percentage of pupils who tasted tobacco (p < 0.001) or are regular smokers (p < 0.001), and also between the percentage of teachers who smoke in front of the pupils and the percentage of students who tried tobacco (p < 0.001) or smoke regularly (p < 0.001). In the school centers which apply the non-smoking regulation or teach antitobacco contents, the percentage of teachers smoking in front of pupils is significantly lower (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of teachers has an influence on the students; headmasters must ask for the application of non-smoking regulation and include health education contents in school curriculum.

[Opinion of heads of schools about the impact of school setting factors on the attitude of children and youngsters regarding smoking]. / Opinión de los directores escolares sobre la influencia de factores del medio escolar en la actitud de niños y jóvenes ante el tabaco.

AIM: Knowing the influence of school environment on children and teenagers' attitudes about tobacco consumption. METHODS: A survey was carried on 3.050 Spanish school headmasters (16% of the total in Spain), who were asked about the main variables related to the school environment able to influence the attitude of children and teenagers towards tobacco, such as the fulfilment of the official anti-tobacco legislation at educational centres, the education for nicotine poisoning prevention, or the teachers attitudes about tobacco, among others. Multiple regressions were made so as to value the variables that most influence the pupils' tasting tobacco and becoming usual smokers. RESULTS: In the opinion of the headmasters the variables that individually most influence the percentage of pupils that have tasted tobacco are the percentage of smoker teachers (beta 0.21) and the percentage of teachers who smoke in the presence of pupils (beta 0.091), as on the percentage of students usual smokers (beta 0.21 and 0.19 respectively). All the variables from school environment analysed jointly, explain some percentages of variance of the 9.65% and 10.7% of the estimated percentages of pupils who have tasted tobacco and pupils that are usual smokers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The efforts most be doubled, in order to reach the real fulfilment of the official anti-tobacco legislation in all educational centres and the pupils receive teachings for the prevention of tabaquisme in the context of Health Education, since these measures may make the schools play a more determinant role in the prevention of the nicotinism.

[Feeding habits of cichlid species (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in Caobas lake, Quintana Roo, Mexico]. / Hábitos alimentarios de las mojarras (Perciformes: Cichlidae) de la laguna Caobas, Quintana Roo, México.

Feeding habits of seven cichlid species (Archocentrus octofasciatus, A. spilurus, "Cichlasoma" robertsoni, "C." synspilum, "C." urophthalmus, Petenia splendida, Thorichthys meeki) in Lake Caobas, southern Yucatan Peninsula, were studied. Samples were taken with enclosure and cast nets during the dry and rainy seasons of 1995 (day and night). The environment was characterized by measuring temperature, conductivity and pH. All individuals were below 41 mm SL (N = 281). Frequency of occurrence and prey abundance were analyzed. Main prey items were chironomids, mites, copepods, cladocerans, and ostracods. The cichlids fed mainly on zooplankton, with the partial exceptions of P. splendida (piscivore), "C." synspilum and A. spilurus (herbivores). A cluster analysis showed that the most similar trophic spectra were those of T. meeki, "C." robertsoni and "C." salvini, which were also the least diverse. "C." synspilum and A. spilurus had an intermediate distance between their diets and those of other species. The species with the most distinctive feeding composition were P. splendida (with the most diverse and equitable diet) and the omnivore A. octofasciatus (whose diet was the richest one). T. meeki showed quantitative diel, ontogenetic, and seasonal diet changes, but none between sexes. "C." robertsoni, "C." salvini and "C." synspilum differ in food habits in Caobas and in other localities, a fact that underscores the trophic adaptability of cichlids. Trophic overlap between cichlids in Caobas could imply absence of competition, perhaps because resources are abundant in the ecosystem.

Seasonal rhythm of red pigment concentrating hormone in the crayfish.

The content of red pigment concentrating hormone (RPCH) in the eye-stalk of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii varies seasonally, with maximum values during the summer months and the lowest values in winter. The responsiveness of tegumentary chromatophores to synthetic RPCH varies concurrently.

Carbachol-induced inositol phosphate formation in rat striatum is mediated by both M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors.

In vibratome-cut slices from rat striatum and in the presence of 10 mM LiCl, the cholinergic agonist carbachol stimulated the accumulation of total [3H]inositol phosphates (EC50 11+/-1 microM and maximum effect 546+/-36% of basal). The response to 100 microM carbachol (497+/-24% of basal) was inhibited by muscarinic antagonists (1 microM), the rank order of efficacy being 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP; 100% inhibition) approximately pirenzepine (98+/-3%) > p-fluoro analog of hexahydro-sila-difenidol (pFHHSiD; 90+/-3%) >> methoctramine (32+/-7%) approximately tropicamide (30+/-10%). Antagonist inhibition curves best fit to a single-site model for 4-DAMP (pKi 8.9+/-0.2) whereas, for both pirenzepine and pFHHSiD, the best fit was to the two-site model. The pKi values for the high-affinity (8.3+/-0.2) and low-affinity (6.9+/-0.2) components for pirenzepine-mediated inhibition corresponded to those reported for M1 and M3 receptors, respectively. The pKi values for the high-affinity (8.2+/-0.3) and low-affinity (7.0+/-0.2) components for pFHHSiD inhibition were in good agreement with those reported for M3 and M1 receptors, respectively. Altogether these results indicate that carbachol-induced [3H]inositol phosphate formation in rat striatal slices is mediated by both M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors.

Muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors in rat striatum: a binding study.

In this study, the authors set out to determine the presence of M3 muscarinic receptors in rat striatum by examining the binding of [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS) to striatal membranes and its displacement by antagonists with different affinity for M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors -pirenzepine; 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, 4-DAMP; and the p-fluoro analog of hexahydro-sila-difenidol, pFHHSiD). The specific binding of [3H]NMS to membranes from rat striatum (551 +/- 40 fmol.mg prot.-1, KD 0.11 +/- 0.01 nM) was displaced in a concentration-dependent manner by all three antagonists tested. Inhibition curves best fit to a single-site model for 4-DAMP (pKi 9.1 +/- 0.1), whereas for both pirenzepine and pFHHSiD, the best fit was to the two-site model. The pKi values for the high-affinity (8.0 +/- 0.2) and low-affinity (6.7 +/- 0.2) components for pirenzepine-mediated inhibition of [3H]NMS binding corresponded to those reported for M1 and M3 receptors, respectively. The pKi values for the high-affinity (7.7 +/- 0.1) and low-affinity (7.1 +/- 0.2) components for pFHHSiD inhibition were in good agreement with those reported for M3 and M1 receptors, respectively. Altogether, these results indicate the presence in rat striatum of both M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors. These findings might be relevant to the design and use of muscarinic antagonists in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Functional characterisation of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating noradrenaline-induced inositol phosphate formation in rat thalamus slices.

In cross-chopped slices from rat thalamus and in the presence of 10 mM LiCl, noradrenaline stimulated the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates with [3H]inositol monophosphates ([3H]IP1) being the major product detected (86 +/- 2% of total [3H]inositol phosphates). Noradrenaline-induced [3H]IP1 accumulation was concentration-dependent and yielded and EC50 of 4.6 +/- 0.2 microM, maximum effect of 272 +/- 3% of basal formation and Hill coefficient (nH) of 1.6 +/- 0.1. The effect of 100 microM noradrenaline was inhibited by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin, (+)-niguldipine, 5-methylurapidil and WB-4101 (2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl) aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane). The inhibition curve for prazosin best fit to a single-site model whereas curves for (+)-niguldipine, 5-methylurapidil and WB-4101 best fit to a two-site model. The putative alpha 1D-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist BMY 7378 (8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8- azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione) showed low potency and efficacy to inhibit the response to noradrenaline. Pre-treatment of the slices with chloroethylclonidine (100 microM; 30 min) decreased by 64 +/- 4% the maximum response. Noradrenaline-induced [3H]IP1 accumulation was significantly reduced by Ca2+ removal (by 64 +/- 2%) and by the Ca(2+)-channel blockers Ni2+, Co2+ and nimodipine (inhibition of 56 +/- 6%, 54 +/- 5% and 41 +/- 5%, respectively). Taken together these results indicate that noradrenaline-induced inositol phosphate formation in thalamus slices is mainly mediated by the activation of both alpha 1B and alpha 1A subtypes of alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Carbachol stimulates inositol phosphate formation in rat thalamus slices through muscarinic M3-receptor activation.

In cross-chopped slices from rat thalamus and in the presence of 10 mM LiC1, the cholinergic agonist carbachol stimulated the accumulation of total [3H]inositol phosphates ([3H]IP2 = [3H]IP1 + [3H]IP2 + [3H]IP3). Best-fit values for the concentration-response curve for carbachol after 60 min incubation yielded an EC50 of 44 +/- 6 microM, maximum effect of 199 +/- 6% of basal accumulation and Hill coefficient (nH) of 1.1 +/- 0.1. Carbachol-induced [3H]IPs accumulation was inhibited by 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP; pKi 9.1) and the p-fluoro analogue of hexahydro-sila-difenidol (pF-HHSiD; pKi 8.1). Concentration-response curves for carbachol were shifted to the right in a parallel fashion by pirenzepine (100, 300 and 100 nM). A Schild plot of the data was linear (slope 0.95 +/- 0.04) and yielded a log KD for pirenzepine of -6.8 +/- 0.1. Taken together, these results suggest that carbachol-induced inositol phosphate accumulation in rat thalamus is mediated by muscarinic M3-receptors.

Permeation by zinc of bovine chromaffin cell calcium channels: relevance to secretion.

Zn2+ increased the rate of spontaneous release of catecholamines from bovine adrenal glands. This effect was Ca2+ independent; in fact, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the secretory effects of Zn2+ were enhanced. At low concentrations (3-10 microM), Zn2+ enhanced the secretory responses to 10-s pulses of 100 microM 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP, a nicotinic receptor agonist) or 100 mM K+. In the presence of DMPP, secretion was increased 47% above controls and in high-K+ solutions, secretion increased 54% above control. These low concentrations of Zn2+ did not facilitate the whole-cell Ca2+ (ICa) or Ba2+ (IBa) currents in patch-clamped chromaffin cells. Higher Zn2+ concentrations inhibited the currents (IC50 values, 346 microM for ICa and 91 microM for IBa) and blocked DMPP- and K(+)-evoked secretion (IC50 values, 141 and 250 microM, respectively). Zn2+ permeated the Ca2+ channels of bovine chromaffin cells, although at a much slower rate than other divalent cations. Peak currents at 10 mM Ba2+, Ca2+, Sr2+ and Zn2+ were 991, 734, 330 and 7.4 pA, respectively. Zn2+ entry was also evidenced using the fluorescent Ca2+ probe fura-2. This was possible because Zn2+ causes an increase in fura-2 fluorescence at the isosbestic wave-length for Ca2+, i.e. 360 nm. There was a slow resting entry of Zn2+ which was accelerated by stimulation with DMPP or high-K+ solution. The entry of Zn2+ was concentration dependent, slightly antagonized by 1 mM Ca2+ and completely blocked by 5 mM Ni2+. The entry of Ca2+ evoked by depolarization with high-K+ solution was antagonized by Zn2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intracerebral infection of Cebus apella with the XJ-Clone 3 strain of Junín virus.

To assess the usefulness of the South American primate Cebus apella as a model for neurovirulence of Junín virus, eight monkeys were inoculated with 10(5) LD50 of the attenuated XJ-Clone 3 Junín virus strain by the intrathalamic route. After the second week, weight loss and polyadenopathies were observed in most animals, one-half of which had a transient leukothrombocytopenia. Moderate clinical central nervous system (CNS) involvement was present in four of eight monkeys, while the rest had only mild neurologic signs. All recovered except one, which developed a deep coma and was killed in a pre-mortem stage at 18 days post-infection (pi). Junín virus was isolated from the throat from five, from the blood from three, and from the brain from two monkeys. In the most severely ill animal, virus titers higher than viremia were detected in both inoculated and contralateral brain hemispheres, as well as in lung, lymph node, and small intestine. Junín antigens and "in vivo" bound immunoglobulins were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) in the brain of four animals at 18, 21, 40, and 155 days pi. Moderate lymphocytic parenchymal and meningeal infiltration were observed in the brain of four animals, and gliosis was also present in the most affected monkey. Although the clinical response to infection was not uniform, all infected monkeys developed high IF antibodies. Cebus apella cannot be used as a highly sensitive model for Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). However, the results obtained show that the XJ-Clone 3 strain can replicate in the primate CNS and to induce lesions and immunoglobulin deposition. In addition, viral persistence is suggested by the late detection of viral antigens in brain at 40 and 155 days pi.

Human rheumatoid factor crossidiotypes. II. Primary structure-dependent crossreactive idiotype, PSL2-CRI, present on Wa monoclonal rheumatoid factors is present on Bla and other IgM kappa monoclonal autoantibodies.

The amino acid sequence of the L-CDR2 (complementarity-determining region) of Bla mRF (monoclonal rheumatoid factor) is identical to that of the Wa mRFs. The PSL2-CRI (crossreactive idiotype), as determined by anti-PSL2, which has been shown to be present on all Wa mRFs, is also present on the Bla mRF and other monoclonal autoantibodies. PSL2-CRI is, therefore, not unique to Wa mRFs and may be present on most IgM kappa monoclonal autoantibodies. Whether PSL2-CRI is a crossidiotype (XId) that is selectively present on autoantibodies or represents an allotypic marker for a V kappa III gene is undetermined.