In silico study of tacrine and acetylcholine binding profile with human acetylcholinesterase: docking and electronic structure.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative process, one of the most common and incident dementia in the population over 60 years. AD manifests the presence of complex biochemical processes involved in neuronal degeneration, such as the formation of senile plaques containing amyloid-ß peptides, the development of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and the suppression of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter. In this way, we performed a set of theoretical tests of tacrine ligand and acetylcholine neurotransmitter against the human acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Molecular docking was used to understand the most important interactions of these molecules with the enzyme. Computational chemistry calculation was carried out using MP2, DFT, and semi-empirical methods, starting from molecular docking structures. We have also performed studies regarding the non-covalent interactions, electron localization function, molecular electrostatic potential and explicit water molecule influence. For Trp86 residue, we show two main interactions in accordance to the results of the literature for TcAChE. First, intermolecular interactions of the cation-π and sigma-π type were found. Second, close stacking interactions were stablished between THA+ and Trp86 residue on one side and with Tyr337 residue on the other side.

EARLY FLOWERING 3 represses the nighttime growth response to sucrose in Arabidopsis.

Plant growth depends on the supply of carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis. Exogenously applied sucrose promotes the growth of the hypocotyl in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings grown under short days. Whether this effect of sucrose is stronger under the environmental conditions where the light input for photosynthesis is limiting remains unknown. We characterised the effects of exogenous sucrose on hypocotyl growth rates under light compared to simulated shade, during different portions of the daily cycle. The strongest effects of exogenous sucrose occurred under shade and during the night; i.e., the conditions where there is reduced or no photosynthesis. Conversely, a faster hypocotyl growth rate, predicted to enhance the demand of carbohydrates, did not associate to a stronger sucrose effect. The early flowering 3 (elf3) mutation strongly enhanced the impact of sucrose on hypocotyl growth during the night of a white-light day. This effect occurred under short, but not under long days. The addition of sucrose enhanced the fluorescence intensity of ELF3 nuclear speckles. The elf3 mutant showed increased abundance of PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4), which is a transcription factor required for a full response to sucrose. Sucrose increased PIF4 protein abundance by post-transcriptional mechanisms. Under shade, elf3 showed enhanced daytime and reduced nighttime effects of sucrose. We conclude that ELF3 modifies the responsivity to sucrose according to the time of the daily cycle and the prevailing light or shade conditions.

Relationship of Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Score with Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Histology and Response to Vitamin E or Metformin.

OBJECTIVES: To study the diagnostic performance of the enhanced liver fibrosis score (ELF) for detecting different stages of fibrosis and its usefulness in detecting histologic response to vitamin E or metformin in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who participated in the Vitamin E or Metformin for the Treatment Of NAFLD In Children (TONIC) trial. STUDY DESIGN: ELF was measured at baseline and weeks 24, 48, and 96 on sera from 166 TONIC participants. Associations between ELF with baseline and end of trial (EOT) fibrosis stages and other histologic features were assessed using χ2 tests and logistic regression models. RESULTS: ELF was significantly associated with severity of fibrosis at baseline and EOT. ELF areas under the curve for discriminating patients with clinically significant and advanced fibrosis were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.80) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.69-0.89), respectively. A 1-unit decrease in ELF at EOT was associated with overall histologic improvement (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.11-3.14; P = .02), resolution of steatohepatitis (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.09-3.25; P = .02), improvement in steatosis grade (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.06-2.82; P = .03), and hepatocellular ballooning (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.06-3.00; P = .03), but not with improvement in fibrosis stage (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.78-2.03; P = .34). CONCLUSIONS: ELF was associated with fibrosis stage in children who participated in TONIC. Although not associated with improvement in fibrosis, a decrease in ELF at EOT was associated with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis resolution and improvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease histology. ELF may be a useful noninvasive test to monitor treatment response in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Discerning the thermal cyclotrimerizations of fluoro- and chloroacetylenes through ELF, NBO descriptors and QTAIM analysis: pseudodiradical character.

In this study the thermal cyclotrimerization reactions of fluoro- and chloroacetylenes involving regioselectively stepwise {2 + 2} and stepwise {4 + 2} cycloadditions were studied using the topological analysis of the electron localization function (ELF), the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. These methodologies have shown that the electronic reorganization in the regioselectively stepwise {2 + 2} and stepwise {4 + 2} cycloadditions may be considered as {2n+2n} and {2π+2n} pseudodiradical process, respectively. Finally, the last phase of this thermal reaction can be understood as an electronic migration process under the pseudodiradical character in the thermal ring-opening reaction, with the subsequent formation of reaction products. In this sense, new insights are reported on the electronic behavior in the bond formation in the thermal cyclotrimerization of fluoroacetylene.

Operacionalización psicodinámica del eje estructura en un paciente drogodependiente / Psycho-dynamic Operationalization of the Structure Axis in Drug Addicted Patients / Operacionalização psicodinâmica do eixo estrutura num paciente drogo-dependente

Resumen Objetivo. Comprender la relación entre el perfil psicodinámico y la adicción a las drogas en pacientes internos en una comunidad terapéutica, considerando la operacionalización del eje estructura según el Diagnóstico Psicodinámico Operacionalizado (OPD-2). Método. Se implementó el estudio cualitativo de cuatro procesos individuales de psicoterapia psicodinámica. Cada caso fue analizado por separado y se operacionalizaron los ejes diagnósticos del OPD-2; instrumento validado internacionalmente para la investigación, evaluación, focalización e indicación del tratamiento. Resultados. El análisis de caso permitió concluir que las limitaciones en las capacidades cognitivas, emocionales y vinculares corresponden a un nivel estructural medio-bajo. Discusión. Para la intervención psicoterapéutica es importante comprender la dinámica psíquica que sostiene la conducta adictiva con base en un acertado diagnóstico dimensional.

Abstract Objective. To understand the relation between the psychodynamic profile and drug addiction in patients hospitalized in a therapeutic community, taking into account the operationalization of the structure axis based on the OperationalizationPsychodynamic Diagnostic (OPD-2). Method. A multi-case method was implemented consisting of the qualitative study of four individual processes of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Each case was analyzed individually and the diagnostic axes proposed by the OPD-2 were operationalized, this being an instrument of psychodynamic orientation, validated internationally through research, evaluation, focalization and treatment indication. The case of a drug-addicted patient in the process of rehabilitation was chosen for the purpose of multi-axial evaluation. Results. The case analysis concluded that limitations in cognitive, emotional and bonding abilities correspond to a middle-low structural level. Discussion. In psychotherapeutic interventions, it is important to understand the psychological dynamic present in addictive behavior starting with an appropriate dimensional diagnosis.

Resumo Escopo . Compreender a relação entre o perfil psicodinâmico e a adição às drogas em pacientes internos numa comunidade terapêutica, considerando a operacionalização do eixo estrutura com base no Diagnóstico Psicodinâmico Operacionalizado (OPD-2). Metodologia . Foi implementado um método multicaso, que consiste no estudo qualitativo de quatro processos individuais de psicoterapia psicodinâmica. Cada um dos casos foi analisado por separado e foram operacionalizados os eixos propostos pelo OPD-2, que é um instrumento de orientação psicodinâmica validado internacionalmente para a pesquisa, avalição, focalização e indicação do tratamento. Para o propósito da avaliação multiaxial, foi elegido o caso de um paciente drogo-dependente em processo de reabilitação. Resultados . A análise de caso permitiu concluir que as limitações nas capacidades cognitivas, emocionais e vinculares correspondem a um nível estrutural médio-baixo. Discussão . Para a intervenção psicoterapêutica é importante compreender a dinâmica psíquica que sustenta o comportamento aditivo com base num acertado diagnóstico dimensional.

Shedding light on the electronic structure of [Ru(η6-C16H16)(NH3)3]2+ complex: a computational insight.

Ruthenophanes have been recognized as potential candidates to the design of electrically conducting polymers, particularly due to their electrochemical, structural, and spectroscopic properties. The comprehension and rationalization of the metal-ligand interaction is fundamental to pave the way for future applications as the design of new conducting materials. For that reason, this investigation sheds light on the electronic details behind the cation-π interactions present in ruthenophanes by using [Ru(η6-C16H16)(NH3)3]2+ as a model. Zeroth-order symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT0) shows the interaction Ru(II)-[2.2]paracyclophane with a predominant covalent character. However, the hapticity analysis of [2.2]paracyclophane shows only two predominantly covalent Ru-C bonds, as highlighted by the total energy density, H(r), in the bond critical point (BCP) obtained from quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) method, and by second-order stabilization energy, ΔE(2), related to the processes: π C-C → dσ or dπ Ru, achieved in the natural bond orbital (NBO) method. The other two Ru-C chemical bonds show a largely electrostatic character, as can be visualized from the delocalization index, DI, between the electron basins in the electron localization function (ELF) method. Remarkably, the interacting quantum atoms (IQA) method showed practically the same value of the total interaction energy, E[Formula: see text], between Ru and these C atoms and, then, corroborates the hapticity four of the ligand: [2.2]paracyclophane. Source function distribution presents a correlation with the electronic interactions between different groups in [Ru(η6-C16H16)(NH3)3]2+. Graphical Abstract The nature of the interactions between [Ru(NH3)3]2+ and [2.2]paracyclophane in [Ru(η6-C16H16)(NH3)3]2+ was investigated with different methods of energy decomposition and electron density analysis. This interaction has a predominantly covalent character. It was possible to observe that some Ru-C interactions have a larger covalent character, in contrast for other that are mainly ionic.

On the electron flow sequence driving the hydrometallation of acetylene by lithium hydride.

The sequence of the electronic flow driving the hydrometallation of acetylene by lithium hydride (and that of the opposite ß-hydride elimination reaction from the alkenyl metal intermediate), was examined within the perspective provided by the bonding evolution theory (BET). The analysis was based on the application of catastrophe theory to the changes of the electron localization function topology along the intrinsic reaction coordinate. The description of the electronic processes occurring on the process was represented in terms of topological structural stability domains (SSDs) and the associated elementary bifurcation catastrophes. Within such a framework of representation, the "evolution" of the system through the different SSDs reveals the key chemical events driving the transformation, including the large polarization effect as a consequence of Pauli repulsion between ions of the positive cationic metal on the hydride domain, the activation of the CC triple bond to attack the cationic center, and the agostic stabilizing interactions involving the hardest cationic metal, followed by the attack of the hydride center. These results contribute to emphasizing the intrinsic value and usefulness of using topological-based approaches and associated tools to increase our knowledge and understanding of the subtleties underlying the electronic flow as nuclei evolve along the reaction coordinate, providing detailed and complementary insights in comparison to other interpretative tool such those based on orbital-based representations, concerning the intimate nature of the electronic rearrangement of key mechanistic processes in chemistry. Graphical abstract The sequence of the electron flow (indicated by letters a and b) along the intrinsic reaction path for the hydrometallation of acetylene by lithium hydride to yield ethenyl lithium via a four-membered transition structure (TS), as determined within the bonding evolution theory to provide the key chemical events driven the changes in the key bonding patterns. Blue arrow Main event on the side HC ≡ CH + LiH → TS, red arrow the TS → HLiC=CH2 pathway, green arrows relative motion of nuclei along the imaginary frequency at the position of TS on the intrinsic reaction coordinate.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure and restraint stress induce changes on the brain lipid profile of Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to electromagnetic fields can affect human health, damaging tissues and cell homeostasis. Stress modulates neuronal responses and composition of brain lipids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure, restraint stress (RS) or both (RS + ELF-EMF) on lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rat brain. METHODS: Twenty-four young male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, RS, ELF-EMF exposure, and RS + ELF-EMF for 21 days. After treatment, rats were euthanized, the blood was obtained for quantitate plasma corticosterone concentration and their brains were dissected in cortex, cerebellum and subcortical structures for cholesterol, triacylglycerols, total free fatty acids, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) analysis. In addition, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Increased values of plasma corticosterone were found in RS and ELF-EMF exposed groups (p < 0.05), this effect was higher in RS + ELF-EMF group (p < 0.05, vs. control group). Chronic ELF-EMF exposure increased total lipids in cerebellum, and total cholesterol in cortex, but decreased polar lipids in cortex. In subcortical structures, increased concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids were observed in RS + ELF-EMF group. FAMEs analysis revealed a decrease of polyunsaturated fatty acids of cerebellum and increases of subcortical structures in the ELF-EMF exposed rats. TBARS concentration in lipids was increased in all treated groups compared to control group, particularly in cortex and cerebellum regions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that chronic exposure to ELF-EMF is similar to physiological stress, and induce changes on brain lipid profile.

Computational study of the interaction between NO, NO+, and NO- with H2O.

In this computational study the interaction of NO., NO+, and NO- with H2O: [NO--H2O]., 1 ., [NO--H2O]+, 1 + , and [NO--H2O]-, 1 - was analysed. The optimized geometries indicate that the relative position of NO and H2O depends on the total charge: (ON.--H-OH), (NO---H-OH), and (ON+--OH2). Moreover, atomic spin density along with frontier molecular orbitals help to identify the preferred reduction or oxidation sites on the nitric oxide. Thus, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), electron localization function (ELF), and natural bond-bond polarizability (NBBP) methods aid to quantify the electron delocalization level between NO and H2O, 1 + > 1 . > 1 - , and show the predominantly ionic, and covalent character to inter-molecular, and intra-molecular chemical bonds, respectively. Furthermore, the natural bond orbital (NBO) and localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis (LMO-EDA) methods enable energy analyses of the interaction between NO and H2O in the complexes 1 ., 1 + , and 1 - . Where, the first method showed that the interaction between the natural bond orbitals in 1 - is more favorable, than in 1 + , and less in 1 ., however, the second method designates that the total interaction energy is lower for 1 + in relation to 1 - and 1 ., due mainly to the electrostatic component. As a final point, analysis of the electrostatic potential surfaces provides a clear and direct explanation for the relative position of the monomers. It also shows that the predominant Coulombic attraction between H2O and the charged NO+, and NO- compounds will be stronger in relation to the neutral NO.. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on testicular function of mice with chemically and physically induced subfertility.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) in chemically and physically subfertile mice. After 35 days, the following groups of mice were evaluated: control, sham, chemical subfertility, chemical subfertility-maca-supplemented, physical subfertility, physical subfertility-maca-supplemented and maca-supplemented only. Motility (32.36% ± 5.34%) and sperm count (44.4 ± 5.37 × 10(6) /ml) in the chemically and physically subfertile mice (11.81% ± 4.06%, 17.34 ± 13.07 × 10(6) /ml) decreased compared to the control (75.53% ± 2.97% and 57.4 ± 19.6 10(6) /ml) and sham (53.5% ± 7.86% and 58.4 ± 14.10 10(6) /ml). Maca was able to reverse the deleterious effect of motility (76.36 ± 1.97) as well as sperm count (53.5 ± 9.18 × 10(6) /ml) on chemical subfertility. In contrast, maca did not reverse the effects of induced physical subfertility nor motility (18.78% ± 14.41%) or sperm count (20.17 ± 11.20 × 10(6) /ml). The percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation in the physically subfertile mice increased (11.1% ± 19.29%) compared to the control (0.84% ± 0.85%). However, in the physically subfertile group, maca decreased sperm DNA fragmentation (2.29% ± 2.30%) closer to the sham (1.04% ± 0.62%) and the control (0.84% ± 0.85%). The group supplemented only with maca showed 0.54% ± 0.50% of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation. Yet, the differences observed were statistically not significant. In conclusion, it appears that maca activates the cytochrome P450 system after chemically induced subfertility. However, it does not reverse the low mitochondrial membrane potential in spermatozoa compromised in the physical subfertility group.

Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score: Analytical performance and distribution range in a large cohort of blood donors.

BACKGROUND: The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) is a serological score that includes hyaluronic acid (HA), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1), and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and shows good performance for detecting liver fibrosis. There are few studies evaluating ELF's intra and inter-assay variation and stability of the samples. The influence of host variables, such as age, gender and body mass index (BMI) is also not well known. We determined ELF's analytical performance and possible influences of gender, age and BMI. METHODS: The study included 958 healthy blood donors evaluated for age, gender, and BMI. RESULTS: Mean ELF scores were significantly different between female (8.53±0.75) and male groups (8.76±0.76) and also according to age strata (p<0.001). For both genders, ELF significantly varied in individuals with BMI under 25 (p<0.001). Analytes remained stable after freezing/thawing cycles and intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were low. CONCLUSIONS: ELF has appropriate precision and is quite robust, due to the high stability of the analytes in fresh and frozen samples. ELF's results are influenced by gender, age and BMI which should be taken into account when analyzing its results.

ELF (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis) como marcador não invasivo de fibrose hepática na hepatite C crônica / ELF (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis) as a non invasive predictor of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C

A fibrose hepática é o aspecto mais relevante e o mais importante determinante de morbimortalidade na hepatite C crônica (HCC). Historicamente, a biópsia hepática é o método de referência para avaliação da fibrose causada pela HCC, apesar de apresentar limitações. O estudo de marcadores não invasivos, que possam obviar a necessidade da biópsia, é uma área de constante interesse na hepatologia. Idealmente, a avaliação da fibrose hepática deveria ser acurada, simples, prontamente disponível, de baixo custo e informar sobre o prognóstico da patologia. Os marcadores não invasivos mais estudados são a elastografia hepática transitória (EHT) e os laboratoriais. A EHT já foi extensamente validada na HCC e está inserida na rotina de avaliação destes pacientes. Dentre os laboratoriais, existem diversos testes em continua experimentação e, até o momento, nenhum foi integrado à prática clínica no Brasil, embora já aplicados rotineiramente em outros países. O Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF), um teste que dosa no soro ácido hialurônico, pró-peptídeo amino-terminal do colágeno tipo III e inibidor tissular da metaloproteinase 1, tem se mostrado bastante eficaz na detecção de fibrose hepática significativa e de cirrose na HCC. Neste estudo o ELF teve o seu desempenho avaliado em relação a biópsia hepática e demonstrou apresentar boa acurácia na detecção tanto de fibrose significativa quanto de cirrose. Na comparação com a EHT apresentou acurácia semelhante para estes mesmos desfechos, com significância estatística. No entanto, foi observada uma superestimação da fibrose com a utilização dos pontos de corte propostos pelo fabricante. Este achado está em acordo com a literatura, onde não há consenso sobre o melhor ponto de corte a ser empregado na prática clínica. Com a ampliação da casuística foi possível propor novos pontos de corte, através da análise clássica, com a biópsia hepática como padrão ouro...

Liver fibrosis is the most relevant issue concerning chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and determines its prognosis. Historically, liver biopsy has been the reference method for evaluating fibrosis related to CHC, though it presents many drawbacks. There is a continuing interest in the development of non invasive markers capable of replacing liver biopsy. The ideal surrogate for fibrosis evaluation should be accurate, simple, low cost and yield prognostic information. So far, the most well known non invasive methods are transient hepatic elastography (TE) and laboratory panels. TE has already been extensively validated and is integrated in patients routine. There is plenty of laboratory panels in continuing evaluation and some are already integrated in daily practice abroad. In Brasil, until the present moment, it is not a reality. Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) panel comprises the serum concentration of hyaluronic acid, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1, and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen and has demonstrated good performance in detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in CHC patients. In the present study ELF had it’s performance evaluated against liver biopsy and obtained satisfactory accuracy in detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. In comparison to TE no statistically significant diference was observed, for the same endpoints mentioned before. However, the application of manufacturer’s cutoff points produced overestimation of fibrosis stages. These findings are in accordance with other author’s results, in that there is no consensus so far on the most adequate cutoff points for main clinical end points. Enlarging the data permited calculating new cutoff points, through the classical statistical approach, using liver biopsy as the gold standard...

Caracterización del ambiente físico en viviendas de hormigón en La Coronela, La Habana, 2010-2011 / Characterization of physical environment in concrete houses, La Coronela, Havana, 2010-2011

Introducción: el creciente aumento de la población ha ocasionado un déficit cuantitativo de viviendas, el cual es abordado desde diferentes soluciones constructivas. Una de ellas es la vivienda de edificios multifamiliares de hormigón, conocida como FORSA. Objetivos: caracterizar, desde el punto de vista sanitario, ambientes físicos de viviendas FORSA de edificios multifamiliares en el asentamiento La Coronela, en La Habana. Métodos: Para lograr esta caracterización se estudiaron factores de riesgo, como el microclima, temperaturas de cubiertas y envolventes y la penetración del viento, campos de radiación no ionizante de muy baja frecuencia (ELF), clima luminoso y ruido durante una semana correspondiente a la estación húmeda del año 2010 y otra a la estación seca de 2011. Se seleccionaron nueve viviendas de edificios multifamiliares de tres y cinco plantas, ubicadas en niveles bajos y altos, con y sin aleros, y con distintas orientaciones de fachada. Resultados: existía calor moderado en las dos estaciones estudiadas, que fue algo más cálido en las viviendas de edificios multifamiliares de cinco plantas. El nivel de la vivienda y la presencia de aleros no parecieron ofrecer efecto importante en el clima interior. El viento exterior penetró poco en los interiores. El componente magnético del campo ELF no transgredió los valores guía de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La iluminación natural resultó apropiada, no así la artificial, pero los coeficientes de reflexión de pisos resultan elevados. El nivel sonoro incumplió la norma sanitaria vigente NC 26 de 2012 aplicada para nuevas urbanizaciones. Conclusiones: El ambiente interior de las viviendas FORSA del asentamiento La Coronela presenta un clima ligeramente inconfortable para los residentes, independientemente del nivel de la vivienda y la presencia de aleros(AU)

Background: The growing increase in population has caused a quantitative deficit of houses which has been approached from different constructive solutions. One of these is the house of multifamily buildings made of concrete, known as FORSA. Objectives: to characterize, from a sanitary point of view, physical environments of FORSA houses of multifamily buildings in La Coronela settlement in Havana. Methods: to achieve this characterization, different risk factors were studied such as microclimate, cover and enclosure temperatures and wind penetration, non-ionizing radiation fields of extremely low frequency (ELF), light climate and noise during a week corresponding to the wet season of the year 2010 and another corresponding to the dry season of the year 2011. Nine houses of multifamily buildings of three and five floors were selected. They were located in low and high levels, with or without eaves and with different facade orientations. Results: there was moderate warmth in the two seasons studied, which was somewhat warmer in the houses of five floor multifamily buildings. The level of the houses and the presence of eaves seemed to offer no significant effect on the indoor climate. The external wind hardly penetrated indoors. The magnetic component of ELF field did not transgress the reference values of the World Health Organization. Natural lighting was appropriate but not the artificial one; whereas the reflection coefficients of floors were higher. The sound level breached the current sanitary standard NC 26 of 2012. Conclusions: the environment inside FORSA houses in the settlement "La Coronela" presents a slightly uncomfortable climate for residents, regardless the levels of houses and the presence of eaves(AU)

Caracterización del ambiente físico en viviendas de hormigón en "La Coronela", La Habana, 2010-2011 / Characterization of physical environment in concrete houses, "La Coronela", Havana, 2010-2011

Introducción: el creciente aumento de la población ha ocasionado un déficit cuantitativo de viviendas, el cual es abordado desde diferentes soluciones constructivas. Una de ellas es la vivienda de edificios multifamiliares de hormigón, conocida como FORSA. Objetivos: caracterizar, desde el punto de vista sanitario, ambientes físicos de viviendas FORSA de edificios multifamiliares en el asentamiento "La Coronela", en La Habana. Métodos: Para lograr esta caracterización se estudiaron factores de riesgo, como el microclima, temperaturas de cubiertas y envolventes y la penetración del viento, campos de radiación no ionizante de muy baja frecuencia (ELF), clima luminoso y ruido durante una semana correspondiente a la estación húmeda del año 2010 y otra a la estación seca de 2011. Se seleccionaron nueve viviendas de edificios multifamiliares de tres y cinco plantas, ubicadas en niveles bajos y altos, con y sin aleros, y con distintas orientaciones de fachada. Resultados: existía calor moderado en las dos estaciones estudiadas, que fue algo más cálido en las viviendas de edificios multifamiliares de cinco plantas. El nivel de la vivienda y la presencia de aleros no parecieron ofrecer efecto importante en el clima interior. El viento exterior penetró poco en los interiores. El componente magnético del campo ELF no transgredió los valores guía de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La iluminación natural resultó apropiada, no así la artificial, pero los coeficientes de reflexión de pisos resultan elevados. El nivel sonoro incumplió la norma sanitaria vigente NC 26 de 2012 aplicada para nuevas urbanizaciones. Conclusiones: El ambiente interior de las viviendas FORSA del asentamiento "La Coronela" presenta un clima ligeramente inconfortable para los residentes, independientemente del nivel de la vivienda y la presencia de aleros.

Background: The growing increase in population has caused a quantitative deficit of houses which has been approached from different constructive solutions. One of these is the house of multifamily buildings made of concrete, known as FORSA. Objectives: to characterize, from a sanitary point of view, physical environments of FORSA houses of multifamily buildings in "La Coronela" settlement in Havana. Methods: to achieve this characterization, different risk factors were studied such as microclimate, cover and enclosure temperatures and wind penetration, non-ionizing radiation fields of extremely low frequency (ELF), light climate and noise during a week corresponding to the wet season of the year 2010 and another corresponding to the dry season of the year 2011. Nine houses of multifamily buildings of three and five floors were selected. They were located in low and high levels, with or without eaves and with different facade orientations. Results: there was moderate warmth in the two seasons studied, which was somewhat warmer in the houses of five floor multifamily buildings. The level of the houses and the presence of eaves seemed to offer no significant effect on the indoor climate. The external wind hardly penetrated indoors. The magnetic component of ELF field did not transgress the reference values of the World Health Organization. Natural lighting was appropriate but not the artificial one; whereas the reflection coefficients of floors were higher. The sound level breached the current sanitary standard NC 26 of 2012. Conclusions: the environment inside FORSA houses in the settlement "La Coronela" presents a slightly uncomfortable climate for residents, regardless the levels of houses and the presence of eaves.

Defectos en la síntesis de cadena ζ en el linfocito T, generando señales intracelulares equivocadas, responsables de lupus eritematoso sistémico / Defects in the synthesis of ζ chain in T lymphocytes, generating wrong intracellular signals, responsible for systemic lupus erythematosus

La expresión anormal de moléculas claves en señalización y la función defectuosa de los linfocitos T cumplen un papel significativo en la patogénesis de la enfermedad autoinmune. Las células T muestran numerosas anormalidades en la señalización del complejo TCRζ¹, estas aberraciones resultan en la alteración de la expresión de citoquinas. Mientras algunas de estas anormalidades explican el aumento de la actividad de células B por células T con incremento de los anticuerpos, la disminución en la producción de IL-2 resulta en un aumento en la susceptibilidad a las infecciones, reducción en la activación de las células T, inducción de la muerte celular y prolongada sobrevida de las células T autorreactivas².

The abnormal expression of key molecules in signaling and the malfunction of the T cell T have a significant activity in the pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease. The cells T exhibit numerous abnormalities in the signaling of the complex TCRζ¹, these aberrations result in the alteration of the citoquines. While some of these abnormalities explain the increase of the activity of cells B for cells T with increment of the antibodies production, the decrease in the production of IL-2 induces an increase in the susceptibility to the infections, diminishing in the activation of the cells T, and expansion of the lifespan of the autorreactive cells².

Effect of alternating the magnetic feld on phosphate metabolism in the nervous system of Helix pomatia

The effect of extremely low frequency magnetic felds (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) - ELF-MF, on phosphate metabolism has been studied in the isolated ganglions of the garden snail Helix pomatia, after 7 and 16 days of snail exposure to ELF-MF. The infuence of ELF-MF on the level of phosphate compounds and intracellular pH was monitored by 31P NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the activity of enzymes involved in phosphate turnover, total ATPases, Na+/K+-ATPase and acid phosphatase has been measured. The exposure of snails to the ELF-MF for the period of 7 days shifted intracellular pH toward more alkaline conditions, and increased the activity of investigated enzymes. Prolonged exposure to the ELF-MF for the period of 16 days caused a decrease of PCr and ATP levels and decreased enzyme activity, compared to the 7-day treatment group. Our results can be explained in terms of: 1. increase in phosphate turnover by exposure to the ELF-MF for the period of 7 days, and 2. adaptation of phosphate metabolism in the nervous system of snails to prolonged ELF-MF exposure.