Gene expression changes by high-polyphenols cocoa powder intake: a randomized crossover clinical study.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of the intake of a single dose of high-polyphenols cocoa on gene expression in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and analyze conjugated (-)-epicatechin metabolites in plasma, which may be related with an antioxidant response in healthy human. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, cross-over, clinical trial in healthy young adults who consumed a single dose of high-polyphenols cocoa powder and maltodextrins as control, with a one-week washout period. Analysis of circulating metabolites, plasma antioxidant capacity and gene expression changes in PBMCs were performed under fasting conditions and 2-h after treatment using microarray in a subsample. Pathway analysis was conducted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Twenty healthy participants (9 F) were included in the study. A significant increase in circulating (-)-epicatechin metabolites was found after cocoa intake in all participants without related changes in antioxidant capacity of plasma. The metabolites profile slightly varied across subjects. Treatments triggered different transcriptional changes in PBMC. A group of 98 genes showed changes in expression after cocoa treatment, while only 18 were modified by control. Differentially expressed genes included inflammatory cytokines and other molecules involved in redox balance. Gene and network analysis after cocoa intake converged in functions annotated as decreased production of reactive oxygen species (p = 9.58E-04), decreased leukocyte activation (p = 4E-03) and calcium mobilization (p = 2.51E-05). CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between conjugated metabolites in plasma and antioxidant capacity. Changes in PBMCs gene expression suggest anti-inflammatory effects.

Supraspinal modulation of neuronal synchronization by nociceptive stimulation induces an enduring reorganization of dorsal horn neuronal connectivity.

KEY POINTS: The state of central sensitization induced by the intradermic injection of capsaicin leads to structured (non-random) changes in functional connectivity between dorsal horn neuronal populations distributed along the spinal lumbar segments in anaesthetized cats. The capsaicin-induced changes in neuronal connectivity and the concurrent increase in secondary hyperalgesia are transiently reversed by the systemic administration of small doses of lidocaine, a clinically effective procedure to treat neuropathic pain. The effects of both capsaicin and lidocaine are greatly attenuated in spinalized preparations, showing that supraspinal influences play a significant role in the shaping of nociceptive-induced changes in dorsal horn functional neuronal connectivity. We conclude that changes in functional connectivity between segmental populations of dorsal horn neurones induced by capsaicin and lidocaine result from a cooperative adaptive interaction between supraspinal and spinal neuronal networks, a process that may have a relevant role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain and analgesia. ABSTRACT: Despite a profusion of information on the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the central sensitization produced by intense nociceptive stimulation, the changes in the patterns of functional connectivity between spinal neurones associated with the development of secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia remain largely unknown. Here we show that the state of central sensitization produced by the intradermal injection of capsaicin is associated with structured transformations in neuronal synchronization that lead to an enduring reorganization of the functional connectivity within a segmentally distributed ensemble of dorsal horn neurones. These changes are transiently reversed by the systemic administration of small doses of lidocaine, a clinically effective procedure to treat neuropathic pain. Lidocaine also reduces the capsaicin-induced facilitation of the spinal responses evoked by weak mechanical stimulation of the skin in the region of secondary but not primary hyperalgesia. The effects of both intradermic capsaicin and systemic lidocaine on the segmental correlation and coherence between ongoing cord dorsum potentials and on the responses evoked by tactile stimulation in the region of secondary hyperalgesia are greatly attenuated in spinalized preparations, showing that supraspinal influences are involved in the reorganization of the nociceptive-induced structured patterns of dorsal horn neuronal connectivity. We conclude that the structured reorganization of the functional connectivity between the dorsal horn neurones induced by capsaicin nociceptive stimulation results from cooperative interactions between supraspinal and spinal networks, a process that may have a relevant role in the shaping of the spinal state in the pathogenesis of chronic pain and analgesia.

Mechanical, Metabolic and Perceptual Response during Sprint Training.

This study aimed to analyze perceptual, metabolic and mechanical responses to sprint training sessions. 9 male high-level sprinters performed 40 m running sprints up to a loss of 3% in speed, with 4 min rests between sets. Perceptual (rating of perceived exertion, RPE), mechanical (speed and countermovement jump height loss) and metabolic (blood lactate and ammonia) parameters were measured pre-exercise and after each sprint was performed. Relationships between the variables were calculated with a 90% confidence interval. Jump height loss showed almost perfect relationships with both blood lactate (r=0.96 (0.95 to 0.97)) and ammonia (r=0.95 (0.94 to 0.95)), whereas speed loss, number of sprints performed and RPE values showed large-very large relationships with blood lactate and ammonia. Furthermore, an almost perfect curvilinear relationship was observed between lactate and ammonia concentrations (R(2)=0.96 (0.95 to 0.97)). These results suggest that countermovement jump (CMJ) height can be used to quantify the fatigue induced during a typical sprint training session, and may prove a useful tool to facilitate individualized load monitoring. The results indicate that the CMJ is a better monitor of metabolic fatigue than traditional measures.

Determinant factors of repeat sprint sequences in young soccer players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between repeated explosive effort sequences (20+20 m shuttle sprint with change of direction, kicking and jumping), metabolic response (lactate and ammonia), and fitness qualities (strength and endurance) in under-19 soccer players. 21 players completed: 1) sprint test: 30 m (T30) and 40 m (20+20 m) shuttle sprints; 2) countermovement jumps (CMJ); 3) maximal kicking; and 4) 9 repeated-explosive effort sequences (RES); 4) a progressive isoinertial loading test in full squat to determine the load which subjects achieved ~1 m · s(-1) (V1-load); 6) Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT-1). Mean sprint time of the 9 repeated sprints (RSA(mean1-9)) showed correlation with V1-load (r=- 0.52 [- 0.79, - 0.25]) metabolic response (lactate, r=0.67 [0.47, 0.87] and ammonia, r=0.53 [0.27, 0.79]). YYIRT-1 correlated with RSA(mean1-9) (r(w)=- 0.78 [- 0.92, - 0.64]) when the body weight was controlled. Furthermore, the 3 first sprints (RSA(mean1-3)) correlated with RSA(best) (r=0.93 [0.88, 0.98]), V1-load (r=- 0.64 [-0.86, - 0.42]), and T30 (r=0.63 [0.41, 0.85]). These results suggest that the soccer player's lower body strength (V1-load, jumping and sprinting) explains a large part of the performance in the first sequences, whereas the aerobic capacity, estimated through YYIRT-1, becomes more important to performance as the number of sprints is increases.

Ovine ear model for fully endoscopic stapedectomy training.

Endoscopic surgery of the middle ear is progressively gaining the interest of otologists, as technological advances have overcome some of its main drawbacks. The long learning curve required to master this technique, urges the search for models to practice it. After the validation of sheep's ear as a proper training model for microscopic stapedectomy, our objective is to demonstrate its adequacy for practicing stapes surgery but performed through a fully endoscopic approach. Endoscopic stapedectomy was performed by two surgeons in 40 sheep ears (20 specimens each). To analyze the effects of the learning curve on surgical success, complication rates and surgical time reduction, the sample was divided in two groups: group 1 being the first ten procedures of each surgeon, and group 2 the second set of stapedectomies. The impact of the operated side and the resection of the chordal spine were also studied. No statistically significant differences were found considering the operated side. A statistically significant improvement in some of the surgical steps was demonstrated comparing both groups and also after the resection of the chordal spine. Mean surgical time declined from 38 to 31.5 min (p < 0.05). Using this model for endoscopic stapedectomy, a learning curve was objectively demonstrated, along with other subjective appreciations such as improvement in depth perception and one-hand instrument handling. We believe that sheep ear is an optimal model for endoscopic middle ear surgery, as it allows for the acquisition of the skills required to master this technique.

Testing the model of caudo-rostral organization of cognitive control in the human with frontal lesions.

The cascade model of cognitive control, mostly relying on functional neuroimaging studies, stipulates that the lateral frontal cortex (LFC) is organized as a cascade of executive processes involving three levels of cognitive control, implemented in distinct LFC areas from the premotor to the anterior prefrontal regions. The present experiment tested this model in patients with LFC lesions and studied the hierarchy of executive functions along the caudo-rostral axis, i.e. the respective roles of the different LFC areas in the control of behavior. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping and region of interest group analyses were conducted in 32 patients with focal LFC lesions who performed cognitive tasks assessing the cascade model. We first showed that three different LFC areas along the caudo-rostral axis subserved three distinct control levels, whose integrity is necessary for adaptive behavior. Second, we found that prefrontal cognitive control has an asymmetric organization: higher control processes involving more anterior prefrontal regions rely on the integrity of lower control processes in more posterior regions, while lower control processes can operate irrespective of the integrity of higher control processes. Altogether, these findings support a caudo-rostral cascade of executive processes from premotor to anterior prefrontal regions.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in kidney transplant donors and recipients in Mexico City.

Infectious diseases are common causes of morbidity and mortality among kidney transplant recipients. Chagas disease (CD) has been recognized as an emerging infectious complication of transplantation caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. CD is prevalent in Mexico, particularly in the southern coastal region. The impact on Mexican kidney transplant programs has not been previously studied prospectively. From 2009 through 2010, serum samples from 59 kidney transplant donors and 405 renal transplant recipients were screened for antibodies against T. cruzi. Serum was initially screened using a locally developed ELISA test; positive results were confirmed by an indirect immunofluorescense test, in accordance with Panamerican Health Organization/World Health Organization guidelines. None of the donors were seropositive for T. cruzi, while 8 (1.97%) kidney transplant recipients were confirmed to be seropositive for T. cruzi. None of them have developed clinical manifestations of CD, although specific screening of recipients was not performed. A prospective study is planned to define the epidemiology and outcome of CD among kidney transplant donors and recipients in Mexico more thoroughly.

Double covering with amniotic membrane in restrictive strabismus.

A case of severe restrictive strabismus after a consecutive exotropia surgery is presented. We describe the exitous managment through a technique consist of wrapping with amniotic membrane (AM) the affected muscle where we add a second AM graft in the reconstruction of the ocular Surface.

[Anogenital lesions produced by Human Papillomavirus. Prevalence study in children and adolescent not vaccinated]. / Lesiones anogenitales por Virus Papiloma Humano. Estudio de prevalencia en niños, niñas y adolescentes no vacunados.

In Chilean children and adolescents, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection prevalence is unknown. In 2014, the HPV vaccine was incorporated into the National Immunization Program for girls, and since 2019 for boys. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, genotypes, and characteristics of HPV infection in children and adolescents with anogenital lesions not vaccinated against HPV. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Children and adolescents with anogenital lesions who consulted at the Luis Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were studied. The reason for consultation, age, sex, family history of HPV lesions, history of sexual abuse, and consensual sexual activity were recorded. HPV was detected by PCR and typification by reverse hybridization of the L1 gene. The samples were analyzed in the Oncogenic Virus Section of the Institute of Public Health. RESULTS: 110 patients were studied; 44.5% were children. HPV was detected in 34 cases (30.9% [CI95% 22.4- 40.4]), 22 (44.9%) were children and 12 (19.7%) adolescents. Eleven (91.7%) adolescents had a history of sexual con tact (p < 0.005); 4 (18.2%) children disclosed sexual abuse. HPV was found in 25% of patients with genital lesions and 50% with perianal lesions (p < 0.015). The most frequent genotypes were 59, 58, 16, 18, 6, and 11. Only low-risk genotypes were detected in children and high-risk genotypes were detected in 11/12 (91.7%) of HPV (+) adolescents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HPV infection was 30%. In adolescents, the infection was related to sexual contact and high-risk HPV. In children, it was associated with low-risk genotypes. Perianal lesions are more frequently associated with HPV infec tion than genital lesions in children and adolescents. The visual inspection does not allow to specify the etiology of the genital lesions, so it is necessary to perform a PCR test for HPV.

[Prevalence of pain and musculoskeletal diseases in adult population in Osuna Health Management Area]. / Prevalencia de dolor y patología osteomuscular en la población adulta de músicos del Área de Gestión Sanitaria de Osuna.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PRMD (playing-related musculoskeletal disorders) in adults exposed to it due to their profession, in the area of Osuna. DESIGN: It is a cross-sectional study. Site: the study is based on data collected in the local community of musicians (music schools, conservatories and music bands from the region). PARTICIPANTS: 264 individuals older than 18 years old have participated. INTERVENTIONS: semi-structured interviews were conducted. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: the main variables considered were: presence of pain or discomfort related to musical practice, socio-demographic variables defining the sample (age, gender, profession), variables characterizing the musical trajectory of the participant (instrument, number of years playing, number of hours of practice per week), perception of pain, area of pain, interference with their mood, among others. RESULTS: 76% of the musicians had experienced PRMD in some occasion, being more frequent among women (p = 0,009; IC 95%), string musicians (p= 0,041; IC 95%) and among those doing less physical activity (p = 0,000006; IC 95%). CONCLUSIONS: Studying the prevalence of playing-related pain was of great interest, given the potential interventions that could be applied in Primary and Community medical care.

DNA-binding property of Sm nuclear antigen.

Antibodies in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus reacted with a nuclear acidic protein called Sm antigen, and these antibodies were used as reagents to identify Sm antigen in preparative fractionation procedures. DNA affinity chromatography showed that Sm antigen was associated with nuclear protein fractions which had DNA-binding capacity. Evidence was also presented that Sm antigen showed preferential binding for single-strand DNA over double-strand DNA. These studies demonstrate that spontaneously occurring anti-nuclear antibodies in disease states may be used to study the properties of cellular proteins which are present in trace amounts.

Causal role of prefrontal cortex in the threshold for access to consciousness.

What neural mechanisms support our conscious perception of briefly presented stimuli? Some theories of conscious access postulate a key role of top-down amplification loops involving prefrontal cortex (PFC). To test this issue, we measured the visual backward masking threshold in patients with focal prefrontal lesions, using both objective and subjective measures while controlling for putative attention deficits. In all conditions of temporal or spatial attention cueing, the threshold for access to consciousness was systematically shifted in patients, particular after a lesion of the left anterior PFC. The deficit affected subjective reports more than objective performance, and objective performance conditioned on subjective visibility was essentially normal. We conclude that PFC makes a causal contribution to conscious visual perception of masked stimuli, and outline a dual-route signal detection theory of objective and subjective decision making.

Diagnosis of an X-linked type 2 congenital stationary night blindness using electroretinography and CACNA1F sequencing. / Diagnóstico de un caso de ceguera nocturna estacionaria congénita tipo 2 ligada al cromosoma X mediante electrorretinografía y secuenciación del gen CACNA1F.

A 4-year-old boy, with no history of relevance, presented with bilateral visual impairment, more so in scotopic conditions, and did not improve with optical correction. No significant funduscopic abnormalities were seen, leading to a suspicion of retinal dystrophy. Sequencing of the CACNA1F gene detected the c.3081C>A (p.Tyr1027Ter) mutation, which had occurred de novo in the patient's mother. This mutation, in the aforementioned clinical context, and with a compatible electronegative pattern, establishes the diagnosis of X-linked type 2 congenital stationary night blindness. Electrophysiology and genetic testing should be part of the diagnostic protocol for any unexplained loss of vision in children. The description, nomenclature and classification of hereditary retinal dystrophies based on their genotypic and electroretinograpic characteristics, avoids diagnostic errors due to their usual clinical and phenotypic overlap.

Miliary tuberculosis and choroidal tuberculoma in a three-month old baby girl: Diagnosis and follow-up of a case. / Tuberculosis miliar y tuberculoma coroideo en una niña de 3 meses: diagnóstico y seguimiento de un caso.

A three-month old baby girl presented with fever of unknown origin and with signs of worsening of this episode. Funduscopy showed a solitary choroidal lesion in her left eye, as well as extraocular lesions suggesting disseminated tuberculosis. A favourable outcome was achieved after quadruple antibiotic course and cortisone therapy. Disseminated tuberculosis should be considered in cases of fever of unknown origin in children with an unsatisfactory evolution. Ocular examination is mandatory, due to the possible posterior uveitis signs that can help with early diagnosis and treatment of some diseases.

Dementia in a retired world boxing champion: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Dementia in retired boxers, also referred to as "dementia pugilistica" (DP), is usually attributed to repeated concussive and subconcussive blows to the head. We report the case of a former world boxing champion whose progressive cognitive decline could be ascribed to DP, cerebral infarcts and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This case demonstrates that dementia in retired boxers may be caused and/or exacerbated by etiologic factors other than DP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We correlated the clinical features with the histochemical and immunohistochemical changes observed on autopsy brain material from a retired boxer, reviewed the literature on boxing-related dementia, and compared our findings with previous reports on DP. RESULTS: Neuropathologic examination revealed numerous neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), rare neuritic plaques (NPs), multiple cerebral infarcts, fenestrated septum pellucidum, atrophic and gliotic mamillary bodies, and pale substantia nigra and locus ceruleus. CONCLUSIONS: Our neuropathologic data confirmed the notion that dementia in retired boxers could be due to several factors such as DP, multiple cerebral infarcts and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Our findings illustrate the need to comprehensively examine former boxers with dementia as well as carefully evaluate the neuropathologic changes that may cause or contribute to the patient's cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Such an approach is crucial in order to provide prompt and more definitive therapies.

[Tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis in Murcia]. / Enfermedad tuberculosa por Mycobacterium bovis en la región de Murcia.

Tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis is a common disease in developing countries, due to its reservoir and most common forms of transmission. Extrapulmonary cases are not uncommon. This fact and the exceptional nature of this mycobacterium, make the diagnosis difficult in our environment. The arrival of migrants from developing countries, where affected cattle and ingestion of contaminated products are frequent, we must be on the alert for an early diagnosis and adequate treatment. We report three cases diagnosed in our region, both with extrapulmonary presentations (cervical lymphadenitis and abdominal tuberculosis), and analyze the present situation of this illness in Spanish livestock, and the influence of immigration on it.

Exceso de mortalidad durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Ecuador. Análisis espacio temporal del exceso de mortalidad durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Ecuador / Excess Mortality during the COVID- 19 Pandemic in Ecuador. Spatiotemporal Analysis of Excess Mortality During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Ecuador

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 causó una elevada mortalidad en el mundo y en el Ecuador. Esta investigación se propuso analizar el exceso de mortalidad debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 en Ecuador. Método: Estudio observacional, longitudinal, cuantitativo y descriptivo. Clasificado como estudio ecológico en el campo de la epidemiología. Este estudio se centra en la medición del exceso de mortalidad durante los años 2020, 2021 y 2022, tomando como período base el promedio de defunciones ocurridas en el intervalo de 2015 a 2019. Resultados: Ecuador, en el período de enero 2020 a octubre 2022, acumuló un exceso total de muertes de 98.915. En el año 2020, el exceso de mortalidad fue mayor a 46.374, siendo el mes de abril el valor más alto de 15.484. En el año 2021, el exceso de muertes fue de 35.859, siendo abril el mes con mayor exceso de 7.330. Y el año 2022 el exceso de mortalidad fue de 16.682, el mes con mayor exceso fue enero con 4.204. Conclusión: Se evidenció un subregistro de defunciones, así como variaciones temporales y geográficas en el exceso de mortalidad. La provincia con mayor número de fallecidos y exceso de mortalidad fue Guayas seguida de Pichincha. Los resultados proporcionan un análisis del panorama durante la emergencia sanitaria, destacando la importancia de evaluar la capacidad de respuesta de los sistemas de salud en momentos de crisis y la necesidad imperativa de implementar medidas correctivas para el futuro.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant mortality in the world and in Ecuador. This research aimed to analyze the excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador. Method: An observational, longitudinal, quantitative and descriptive study, classified as an ecological study in the field of epidemiology. This study focuses on measuring excess mortality during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, using the average number of deaths that occurred in the period from 2015 to 2019 as the baseline. Results: From January 2020 to October 2022, Ecuador accumulated a total excess of deaths of 98,915. In 2020, the excess mortality was higher at 46,374, with the highest value occurring in April at 15,484. In 2021, the excess deaths amounted to 35,859, with April having the highest excess of 7,330. In 2022, the excess mortality was 16,682, with January recording the highest excess at 4,204. Conclusion: Evidence of underreporting of deaths, as well as temporal and geographi-cal variations in excess mortality, was observed. The province with the highest number of deaths and excess mortality was Guayas, followed by Pichincha. The results provide an analysis of the situation during the health emergency, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the healthcare system's capacity to respond during times of crisis and the imperative need to implement corrective measures for the future.

Takayasu arteritis: clinical features in 110 Mexican Mestizo patients and cardiovascular impact on survival and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: Takayasu Arteritis (TA) is a rare disease that mainly affects large elastic arteries. It is more frequently seen in Asia, the Mediterranean basin, South Africa and Latin America. We have characterized its clinical manifestations and identified the cardiovascular mortality predictors in a cohort of 110 Mexican Mestizo patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective review of 110 charts of TA patients complying with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, seen in a single hospital between 1976 and 2003. Demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics were described. With the use of actuarial table analysis at 2, 5, and 10 years, and Kaplan Meier methods applying t function for probability, plus Cox regression analysis, the following factors were identified as mortality predictors: systemic arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease and aortic valve regurgitation. Informed consent and approval from the institutional Internal Review Board (IRB) were obtained. RESULTS: We observed a slowly progressive widespread obstructive arterial disease with cardiovascular (48%), neuro-ophthalmic (36%), and skin morbidity (13%). Systemic hypertension and heart disease were significant mortality predictors. Twenty-six percent of cases died due to myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure, stroke, or surgical complications. CONCLUSION: TA in Mexican Mestizos shows a clinical pattern similar to the one recognized in the Far East. Management strategies must be directed at reducing the identified mortality risk factors.

Composición química y aplicaciones clínicas del aceite de oliva extra virgen

La composición química del aceite de oliva extra virgen (AOEV) se compone principalmente de triglicéridos, ácidos grasos insaturados como ácido oleico, ácido linoleico y el α-linolénico. También se destacan compuestos fenólicos de tres clases químicas: simples, secoiridoides y lignanos. En la presente revisión se analizó el consumo del AOEV en enfermedades crónicas, ciertos tipos de cáncer y en enfermedades neurodegenerativas. La evidencia muestra que el consumo de entre 8 y 40 g de AOEV diario tiene efectos protectores en enfermedades cardiovasculares, puede evitar la aparición de diabetes tipo 2 y aumentar los niveles de colesterol HDL. Respecto al cáncer, entre los efectos evaluados se destacan los encontrados a partir de los compuestos fenólicos hidroxitirosol (HT) y oleocantal, los que han demostrado un efecto protector en algunos tipos de cáncer como cáncer de piel y de mama. En las enfermedades neurodegenerativas, se observó que el consumo diario de 50 g de AOEV, tiene un efecto inhibidor en la degeneración neuronal atribuido a sus compuestos fenólicos como oleuropeina e HT. Investigaciones a futuro debieran enfocarse en determinar los efectos a largo plazo del consumo de AOEV en las diferentes enfermedades analizadas, para así poder ir estableciendo la "dosis" de AOEV que permita obtener resultados protectores sobre la salud. Además de explorar los efectos de las diferentes variedades de aceitunas (con sus componentes bioactivos particulares) con el fin de establecer los efectos en la salud y enfermedad asociados a variedades específicas.

The chemical composition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is mainly composed of triglycerides, unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid. Phenolic compounds of three chemical classes are also relevant, such as simple, secoiridoids, and lignans. Here, we review the association between EVOO consumption and chronic diseases, certain types of cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Evidence shows that consuming between 8 and 40 g of EVOO / day has protective effects on cardiovascular diseases, can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, and increases HDL cholesterol levels. Regarding cancer, phenolic compounds hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleocanthal have protective effects on some types of cancer, such as skin and breast cancer. Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, daily consumption of phenolic compounds such as oleuperin and hydroxytyrosol and 50 g of EVOO has an inhibitory effect on neuronal degeneration and a protective effect on neuroprotective capacity. Future research should focus on determining the long-term impact of EVOO consumption on different diseases to establish the "dose" of EVOO that will allow health-protective results. It is also necessary to establish the effects of the specific olives (with their particular bioactive components) to establish the different impacts on health and disease associated with olives varieties.

Functional Connectivity Changes in Behavioral, Semantic, and Nonfluent Variants of Frontotemporal Dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects behavior, language, and personality. This study aims to explore functional connectivity changes in three FTD variants: behavioral (bvFTD), semantic (svPPA), and nonfluent variant (nfvPPA). Seventy-six patients diagnosed with FTD by international criteria and thirty-two controls were investigated. Functional connectivity from resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was estimated for the whole brain. Two types of analysis were done: network basic statistic and topological measures by graph theory. Several hubs in the limbic system and basal ganglia were compromised in the behavioral variant apart from frontal networks. Nonfluent variants showed a major disconnection with respect to the behavioral variant in operculum and parietal inferior. The global efficiency had lower coefficients in nonfluent variants than behavioral variants and controls. Our results support an extensive disconnection among frontal, limbic, basal ganglia, and parietal hubs.