Scn1a haploinsufficiency in the prefrontal cortex engages to cognitive impairment and depressive phenotype.

Altered development and function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during adolescence is implicated in the origin of mental disorders. Deficits in the GABAergic system prominently contribute to these alterations. Nav1.1 is a voltage-gated Na+ channel critical for normal GABAergic activity. Here, we studied the role of Nav1.1 in PFC function and its potential relationship with the aetiology of mental disorders. Dysfunction of Nav1.1 activity in the medial PFC (mPFC) of adolescent mice enhanced the local excitation/inhibition ratio, resulting in epileptic activity, cognitive deficits and depressive-like behaviour in adulthood, along with a gene expression profile linked to major depressive disorder (MDD). Additionally, it reduced extracellular serotonin concentration in the dorsal raphe nucleus and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the hippocampus, two MDD-related brain areas beyond the PFC. We also observed alterations in oscillatory activity and impaired hippocampal-mPFC coherence during sleep. Finally, we found reduced expression levels of SCN1A, the gene encoding Nav1.1, in post-mortem PFC samples from human MDD subjects. Collectively, our results provide a novel mechanistic framework linking adolescence-specific alterations in Nav1.1 function in the PFC to the pathogenesis of epilepsy and comorbidities such as cognitive impairment and depressive disorders.

Optimizing Antenna Positioning for Enhanced Wireless Coverage: A Genetic Algorithm Approach.

The precise placement of antennas is essential to ensure effective coverage, service quality, and network capacity in wireless communications, particularly given the exponential growth of mobile connectivity. The antenna positioning problem (APP) has evolved from theoretical approaches to practical solutions employing advanced algorithms, such as evolutionary algorithms. This study focuses on developing innovative web tools harnessing genetic algorithms to optimize antenna positioning, starting from propagation loss calculations. To achieve this, seven empirical models were reviewed and integrated into an antenna positioning web tool. Results demonstrate that, with minimal configuration and careful model selection, a detailed analysis of antenna positioning in any area is feasible. The tool was developed using Java 17 and TypeScript 5.1.6, utilizing the JMetal framework to apply genetic algorithms, and features a React-based web interface facilitating application integration. For future research, consideration is given to implementing a server capable of analyzing the environment based on specific area selection, thereby enhancing the precision and objectivity of antenna positioning analysis.

Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) of the spleen can be safely diagnosed by a core percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsy.

Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) is a rare benign lesion of the spleen. SANT cannot be distinguished from other benign or malignant splenic tumors based on imaging findings. So, diagnosis relies on histopathologic examination. Although splenectomy is frequently considered as an option, core needle biopsy tissue analysis is safe and accurate to avoid surgery.

Fractal Dimension Analysis in Neurological Disorders: An Overview.

Fractal analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for characterizing irregular and complex patterns found in the nervous system. This characterization is typically applied by estimating the fractal dimension (FD), a scalar index that describes the topological complexity of the irregular components of the nervous system, both at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, that may be viewed as geometric fractals. Moreover, temporal properties of neurophysiological signals can also be interpreted as dynamic fractals. Given its sensitivity for detecting changes in brain morphology, FD has been explored as a clinically relevant marker of brain damage in several neuropsychiatric conditions as well as in normal and pathological cerebral aging. In this sense, evidence is accumulating for decreases in FD in Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and many other neurological disorders. In addition, it is becoming increasingly clear that fractal analysis in the field of clinical neurology opens the possibility of detecting structural alterations in the early stages of the disease, which highlights FD as a potential diagnostic and prognostic tool in clinical practice.

Effects of exercise on whole-blood transcriptome profile in children with overweight/obesity.

BACKGROUND: The current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of exercise is still limited, especially in childhood. We set out to investigate the effects of a 20-week exercise intervention on whole-blood transcriptome profile (RNA-seq) in children with overweight/obesity. METHODS: Twenty-four children (10.21 ± 1.33 years, 46% girls) with overweight/obesity, were randomized to either a 20-week exercise program (intervention group; n = 10), or to a no-exercise control group (n = 14). Whole-blood transcriptome profile was analyzed using RNA-seq by STRT technique with GlobinLock technology. RESULTS: Following the 20-week exercise intervention program, 161 genes were differentially expressed between the exercise and the control groups among boys, and 121 genes among girls (p-value <0.05), while after multiple correction, no significant difference between exercise and control groups persisted in gene expression profiles (FDR >0.05). Genes enriched in GO processes and molecular pathways showed different immune response in boys (antigen processing and presentation, infections, and T cell receptor complex) and in girls (Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway) (FDR <0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that 20-week exercise intervention program alters the molecular pathways involved in immune processes in children with overweight/obesity.

Substance P and Neurokinin-1 Receptor System in Thyroid Cancer: Potential Targets for New Molecular Therapies.

In recent years, numerous approaches have been developed to comprehend the molecular alterations underlying thyroid cancer (TC) oncogenesis and explore novel therapeutic strategies for TC. It is now well established that the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) is overexpressed in cancer cells and that NK-1R is essential for the viability of cancer cells. The binding of substance P (SP) to NK-1R in neoplastic cells plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by promoting neoplastic cell growth, protecting tumor cells from apoptosis, triggering invasion and metastasis through the enhanced migration of cancer cells, and stimulating endothelial cell proliferation for tumor angiogenesis. Remarkably, all types of human TC (papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic), as well as metastatic lesions, exhibit the overexpression of SP and NK-1R compared to the normal thyroid gland. TC cells synthesize and release SP, which exerts its multiple functions through autocrine, paracrine, intracrine, and neuroendocrine processes, including the regulation of tumor burden. Consequently, the secretion of SP from TC results in increased SP levels in plasma, which are significantly higher in TC patients compared to controls. Additionally, NK-1R antagonists have demonstrated a dose-dependent antitumor action. They impair cancer cell proliferation on one side and induce apoptosis of tumor cells on the other side. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that NK-1R antagonists inhibit neoplastic cell migration, thereby impairing both invasiveness and metastatic abilities, as well as angiogenesis. Given the consistent overexpression of NK-1R in all types of TC, targeting this receptor represents a promising therapeutic approach for TC. Therefore, NK-1R antagonists, such as the drug aprepitant, may represent novel drugs for TC treatment.

Advancements in veterinary medicine: the use of Flowgy for nasal airflow simulation and surgical predictions in big felids (a case study in lions).

Flowgy is a semi-automated tool designed to simulate airflow across the nasal passage and detect airflow alterations in humans. In this study, we tested the use and accuracy of Flowgy in non-human vertebrates, using large felids as the study group. Understanding the dynamics of nasal airflow in large felids such as lions (Panthera leo) is crucial for their health and conservation. Therefore, we simulated airflow during inspiration through the nasal passage in three lions (Panthera leo), two of which were siblings (specimens ZPB_PL_002 and ZPB_PL_003), without breathing obstructions. However, one of the specimens (ZPB_PL_001) exhibited a slight obstruction in the nasal vestibule, which precluded the specimen from breathing efficiently. Computed tomography (CT) scans of each specimen were obtained to create detailed three-dimensional models of the nasal passage. These models were then imported into Flowgy to simulate the airflow dynamics. Virtual surgery was performed on ZPB_PL_001 to remove the obstruction and re-simulate the airflow. In parallel, we simulated the respiration of the two sibling specimens and performed an obstructive operation followed by an operation to remove the obstruction at the same level and under the same conditions as the original specimen (ZPB_PL_001). Thus, we obtained a pattern of precision for the operation by having two comparable replicas with the obstructed and operated specimens. The simulations revealed consistent airflow patterns in the healthy specimens, demonstrating the accuracy of Flowgy. The originally obstructed specimen and two artificially obstructed specimens showed a significant reduction in airflow through the right nostril, which was restored after virtual surgery. Postoperative simulation indicated an improvement of >100% in respiratory function. Additionally, the temperature and humidity profiles within the nostrils showed marked improvements after surgery. These findings underscore the potential of Flowgy in simulating nasal airflow and predicting the outcomes of surgical interventions in large felids. This could aid in the early detection of respiratory diseases and inform clinical decision-making, contributing to improved veterinary care and conservation efforts. However, further research is needed to validate these findings in other species and explore the potential of integrating Flowgy with other diagnostic and treatment tools in veterinary medicine.

What lies underneath: Precise classification of brain states using time-dependent topological structure of dynamics.

The self-organising global dynamics underlying brain states emerge from complex recursive nonlinear interactions between interconnected brain regions. Until now, most efforts of capturing the causal mechanistic generating principles have supposed underlying stationarity, being unable to describe the non-stationarity of brain dynamics, i.e. time-dependent changes. Here, we present a novel framework able to characterise brain states with high specificity, precisely by modelling the time-dependent dynamics. Through describing a topological structure associated to the brain state at each moment in time (its attractor or 'information structure'), we are able to classify different brain states by using the statistics across time of these structures hitherto hidden in the neuroimaging dynamics. Proving the strong potential of this framework, we were able to classify resting-state BOLD fMRI signals from two classes of post-comatose patients (minimally conscious state and unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) compared with healthy controls with very high precision.

Linking Chronic Otitis Media and Nasal Obstruction: A CFD Approach.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate a possible relationship between altered nasal flow and chronic otitis media (COM) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Retrospective cohort sample of CT scans from patients with COM and controls without COM to compare the results of various nasal airflow parameters determined by CFD between a group of patients with COM (N = 60) and a control group of subjects without any evidence of ear disease (N = 81). The CT were subjected to various procedures to carry out CFD studies, determining the resistance to nasal flow, the proportion of flow through the right and left nasal cavity, and two nondimensional estimators. The results of CFD studies between patients with COM and controls were compared. RESULTS: Whereas only 12.3% of the controls had CFD alteration (10 out of 81), 43.3% of the patients suffering COM displayed alterations of our nondimensional parameters R-ϕ (26 out of 60). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the incidence of alterations in nasal airflow by studying with CFD is significantly higher in patients with COM than in controls. To our knowledge, this is the first article linking nasal cavity and COM using a CFD approach. Our results support the hypothesis that nasal flow alterations could be implicated in the etiopathogenesis of the COM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 132:1224-1230, 2022.

Using a station within an objective structured clinical examination to assess interprofessional competence performance among undergraduate nursing students.

AIM/OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyse the use of a station within an OSCE to assess interprofessional competence performance in undergraduate nursing students. The specific objectives were: - To measure the students' level of competence performance in relation to the interprofessional competences Roles and Responsibilities, Communication and Teamwork. - To determine inter-observer concordance in the assessment of the interprofessional competences. BACKGROUND: Teamwork competencies are key to improving patient safety and avoiding medical errors. Today, healthcare professionals work in interdisciplinary teams. To foster a culture of safety, some of the measures that can be taken at the individual, team and organisational levels include fostering clear communication among team members, knowledge of respective roles and functions, and deepening team functioning through respect and trust in judgement and capabilities. The World Health Organization recommends starting to develop these competencies in university studies, through interprofessional education. There are numerous programmes in universities all over the world, but more research is needed on the assessment of interprofessional education activities, preferably through objective methods. Competency performance can be assessed by an external evaluator, in a simulated environment, with the Objective Structured Clinical Examination, which is widely used in nursing. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: 63 second-year nursing undergraduate students completed an interprofessional competencies station within an 8-station OSCE. Communication, Roles and Responsibility and Teamwork competences were assessed. The Interprofessional Collaborator Assessment Rubric (ICAR) was used as a model to assess the performance of students. Inter-observer concordance analysis was performed using the kappa coefficient and the concordance rate. RESULTS: 92.1% of students reached a good level in communication competence, 88.9% in roles and responsibility competence, and 55.6% in teamwork competence. The global concordance rate was 83.8%, and the kappa coefficient was 0.67. CONCLUSIONS: Most students have demonstrated interprofessional competence performance at a good level. However, the inter-observer concordance obtained for some of the items was not as expected. The assessment of interprofessional competencies, as it deals mainly with relational and communicative aspects, requires greater preparation both in terms of the specification of assessment items and in agreement between examiners.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in children with overweight/obesity: Insights into the molecular mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES: High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) during adulthood. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of high CRF levels at the early stage of life. This study aimed to analyze the whole-blood transcriptome profile of fit children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) compared to unfit children with OW/OB. DESIGN: 27 children with OW/OB (10.14 ± 1.3 years, 59% boys) from the ActiveBrains project were evaluated. VO2 peak was assessed using a gas analyzer, and participants were categorized into fit or unfit according to the CVD risk-related cut-points. Whole-blood transcriptome profile (RNA sequencing) was analyzed. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using the limma R/Bioconductor software package (analyses adjusted by sex and maturational status), and pathways' enrichment analysis was performed with DAVID. In addition, in silico validation data mining was performed using the PHENOPEDIA database. RESULTS: 256 genes were differentially expressed in fit children with OW/OB compared to unfit children with OW/OB after adjusting by sex and maturational status (FDR < 0.05). Enriched pathway analysis identified gene pathways related to inflammation (eg, dopaminergic and GABAergic synapse pathways). Interestingly, in silico validation data mining detected a set of the differentially expressed genes to be related to CVD, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, inflammation, and asthma. CONCLUSION: The distinct pattern of whole-blood gene expression in fit children with OW/OB reveals genes and gene pathways that might play a role in reducing CVD risk factors later in life.

Thermo-responsive hydrogels for cancer local therapy: Challenges and state-of-art.

Despite the enormous efforts done by the scientific community in the last decades, advanced cancer is still considered an incurable disease. New formulations are continuously under investigation to improve drugs therapeutic index, i.e., increase chemotherapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects. In this context, hydrogels-based systems for drug local sustained/controlled release have been proposed to reduce off-target effects caused by the repeated administration of systemic/oral anticancer drugs and improve their therapeutic effectiveness. Moreover, it increases the patient welfare by reducing the number of administrations needed. Among the several types of existing hydrogels, the thermo-responsive ones, which are able to change their physical state from liquid at 25 °C to a gel at the body temperature, i.e., 37 °C, gained special attention as in situ sustained drug release depot-systems in cancer treatment. To date, several thermo-responsive hydrogels have been used for drugs and/or genetic material delivery, yielding promising results both at preclinical and clinical evaluation stages. This culminates in the market authorization of Jelmyto® for the treatment of urothelial cancer. Here are summarized and discussed the last 10 years advances regarding the application of thermo-responsive hydrogels in local cancer treatment.

Hacia rutas saludables: efecto de las etiquetas nutricionales en las conductas alimentarias en un comedor universitario / Towards healthy pathways: Effect of nutrition labels on eating behaviours in a university canteen

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de incluir información nutricional y de propiedades de los alimentos en un comedor universitario de Salamanca (España), para promover las conductas alimentarias saludables. Diseño: Estudio experimental y correlacional transversal. Emplazamiento: Comedor universitario de Salamanca (España). Participantes: En el experimento se recogió información de la elección de 1.122 menús por parte de estudiantes universitarios. El cuestionario fue respondido por 48 estudiantes universitarios que participaron en el experimento. Medidores principales: Metodología mixta (experimento de campo y cuestionario en línea). La variable independiente fue la inclusión o no de información nutricional de los menús. Con el cuestionario se evaluó la actitud de los estudiantes sobre este tipo de herramientas. Resultados: El experimento muestra una mejora en la dieta de los estudiantes universitarios con la inclusión de elementos informativos que apelan a la elección más saludable, aumentando su consumo de fruta, verduras, legumbres, pescado y carne blanca. Los encuestados mostraron un alto grado de receptividad de estas herramientas para la promoción de la salud. A pesar de esto, su autopercepción de mejoría de la dieta era más optimista que lo cuantificado en el experimento. Los estudiantes universitarios muestran un grado de aprobación muy alto frente a otras herramientas de promoción de alimentación saludable, especialmente aquellas de carácter educativo e informativo. Se comprobó que una preocupación mayor por la dieta estaba asociada con un mayor apoyo de estas herramientas. Conclusión: Existe una mejora en la alimentación de los estudiantes universitarios y una actitud positiva frente a herramientas de promoción de la salud, especialmente por parte de quienes tienen una autopercepción más saludable.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of including nutritional and food properties information in a university canteen in Salamanca (Spain) to promote healthy eating behaviours. Design: Experimental and correlational cross-sectional study. Location: University Dining Hall of Salamanca (Spain). Participants: In the experiment, information was collected on the choice of 1122 menus by university students. The questionnaire was answered by 48 university students who participated in the experiment. Main measurements: Mixed methodology (field experiment and online questionnaire). The independent variable was the inclusion or not of nutritional information from the menus. The questionnaire was used to evaluate the students’ attitude towards this type of tool. Results: The experiment shows an improvement in the diet of university students with the inclusion of information elements that appeal to the healthiest choice, increasing their consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish and white meat. The students surveyed showed a high degree of receptivity to these health promotion tools. Despite this, their self-perception of dietary improvement was more optimistic than that quantified in the experiment. University students showed a very high degree of approval of other health promotion tools, especially those of an educational and informative nature. A greater concern for diet was associated with greater support for these tools. Conclusion: There is an improvement in the diet of university students and a positive attitude towards health promotion tools, especially by those with a healthier self-perception. There is a need for new tools based on behavioural sciences in health promotion by private industry and public entities.(AU)

Significance of the Overexpression of Substance P and Its Receptor NK-1R in Head and Neck Carcinogenesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of our study has been, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, to increase the scientific evidence on the implications of SP and its receptor NK-1R in head and neck carcinogenesis. We searched studies published before May-2020 without date and publication language restrictions (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus). We evaluated the quality of the studies included (QUIPS tool). We performed heterogeneity, sensitivity, small-study effects, and subgroup analyses. A total 16 studies and 1308 cases met inclusion criteria. Qualitative evaluation demonstrated that not all studies were performed with the same scientific rigor, finding the greatest risk of bias in the study confounding and prognostic factors measurement domains. Quantitative evaluation showed a greater SP/NK-1R overexpression in malignant head and neck lesions compared to benign lesions (p = 0.02), and that expression was observed in malignant salivary gland pathology. Likewise, we found a higher overexpression of NK-1R compared to SP (p = 0.02). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show evidence that the upregulation of SP and NK-1R are oncogenic events involved in head and neck carcinogenesis, probably acting in the early stages of malignization. In addition, there is evidence of a greater relevance of the upregulation of the NK-1R receptor compared to SP, which highlights the interest in deepening the development of targeted therapies on the receptor. Future studies assessing the relationships between SP/NK-1R among subjects with head and neck tumors could consider the recommendations given in this systematic review and meta-analysis to improve and standardize future research.

[Towards healthy pathways: Effect of nutrition labels on eating behaviours in a university canteen]. / Hacia rutas saludables: efecto de las etiquetas nutricionales en las conductas alimentarias en un comedor universitario.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of including nutritional and food properties information in a university canteen in Salamanca (Spain) to promote healthy eating behaviours. DESIGN: Experimental and correlational cross-sectional study. LOCATION: University Dining Hall of Salamanca (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: In the experiment, information was collected on the choice of 1122 menus by university students. The questionnaire was answered by 48 university students who participated in the experiment. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Mixed methodology (field experiment and online questionnaire). The independent variable was the inclusion or not of nutritional information from the menus. The questionnaire was used to evaluate the students' attitude towards this type of tool. RESULTS: The experiment shows an improvement in the diet of university students with the inclusion of information elements that appeal to the healthiest choice, increasing their consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish and white meat. The students surveyed showed a high degree of receptivity to these health promotion tools. Despite this, their self-perception of dietary improvement was more optimistic than that quantified in the experiment. University students showed a very high degree of approval of other health promotion tools, especially those of an educational and informative nature. A greater concern for diet was associated with greater support for these tools. CONCLUSION: There is an improvement in the diet of university students and a positive attitude towards health promotion tools, especially by those with a healthier self-perception. There is a need for new tools based on behavioural sciences in health promotion by private industry and public entities.

Substance P and Neurokinin 1 Receptor in Chronic Inflammation and Cancer of the Head and Neck: A Review of the Literature.

Head and neck cancer is a growing worldwide public health problem, accounting for approximately 1,500,000 new cases and 500,000 deaths annually. Substance P (SP) is a peptide of the tachykinin family, which has roles related to a large number of physiological mechanisms in humans. The implications of SP in carcinogenesis have recently been reported through the stimulation of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), or directly, through the effects derived from the constitutive activation of NK1R. Consequently, SP/NK1R seems to play relevant roles in cancer, upregulating cell proliferation, cell migration and chronic inflammation, among other oncogenic actions. Furthermore, there is growing evidence pointing to a central role for SP in tumour progression, singularly so in laryngeal and oral squamous cell carcinomas. The current narrative review of the literature focuses on the relationship between the SP/NK1R system and chronic inflammation and cancer in the head-and-neck region. We described a role for SP/NK1R in the transition from chronic inflammation of the head and neck mucosa, to preneoplastic and neoplastic transformation and progression.

Distinct whole-blood transcriptome profile of children with metabolic healthy overweight/obesity compared to metabolic unhealthy overweight/obesity.

BACKGROUND: Youth populations with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) exhibit heterogeneity in cardiometabolic health phenotypes. The underlying mechanisms for those differences are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze the whole-blood transcriptome profile (RNA-seq) of children with metabolic healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) and metabolic unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO) phenotypes. METHODS: Twenty-seven children with OW/OB (10.1 ± 1.3 years, 59% boys) from the ActiveBrains project were included. MHO was defined as having none of the following criteria for metabolic syndrome: elevated fasting glucose, high serum triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high systolic or diastolic blood pressure, while MUO was defined as presenting one or more of these criteria. Inflammatory markers were additionally determined. Total blood RNA was analyzed by 5'-end RNA-sequencing. RESULTS: Whole-blood transcriptome analysis revealed a distinct pattern of gene expression in children with MHO compared to MUO children. Thirty-two genes differentially expressed were linked to metabolism, mitochondrial, and immune functions. CONCLUSIONS: The identified gene expression patterns related to metabolism, mitochondrial, and immune functions contribute to a better understanding of why a subset of the population remains metabolically healthy despite having overweight/obesity. IMPACT: A distinct pattern of whole-blood transcriptome profile (RNA-seq) was identified in children with metabolic healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) compared to metabolic unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO) phenotype. The most relevant genes in understanding the molecular basis underlying the MHO/MUO phenotypes in children could be: RREB1, FAM83E, SLC44A1, NRG1, TMC5, CYP3A5, TRIM11, and ADAMTSL2. The identified whole-blood transcriptome profile related to metabolism, mitochondrial, and immune functions contribute to a better understanding of why a subset of the population remains metabolically healthy despite having overweight/obesity.

[Impact of university students lifestyle in the promotion of public health policies. The case of nudges.] / Impacto del estilo de vida de los estudiantes universitarios en la promoción de políticas públicas en salud. El caso de los nudges.

OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, public policy makers are applying new tools to promote healthy habits, starting from the behavioral economics sciences and social psychology. These tools are known as nudges, and before being applied, the degree of acceptance that the population presents about them must be analyzed. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the lifestyle of the university population and the degree of acceptance of tools for the promotion of public health policies. METHODS: Cross-sectional correlational study of a representative sample of 590 university students (95% CI, α=5%) from Spanish universities using an online questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed applying Chi-squared test and Student t-test for independent samples. RESULTS: Young university students have an inadequate diet, with a deficient consumption of fruit and vegetables (only 27.8% consume them several times a day, the recommended daily amount being 5 pieces) and a high consumption of junk food, alcohol (68.81% and 63.39%, respectively, consumed between 1 and 2 times a week) and meat (consumed 3 to 4 times a week by 46.61%). By correlating the socio-demographic variables with food, significant results were found. The group of men, the youngest students, who are more supportive of the political right, and the religious practitioners, are the ones with the worst habits. In addition, those with older, more affiliated with the political left, less religious practice and better eating habits, they performed more responsible habits. There was a positive correlation between approval of nudges and responsible habits and less meat consumption (p<0,001), being significant in the nudges on food. CONCLUSIONS: The acceptance of public policies on health is related to healthy eating and to the most socially committed behaviors. In addition, these factors are more frequent among women, the older group, who show more support for the political left and have fewer religious beliefs.

OBJETIVO: En la última década, los responsables de políticas públicas están aplicando nuevas herramientas para el fomento de hábitos saludables, partiendo de las ciencias de la economía conductual y la psicología social. Estas herramientas se conocen como nudges, y antes de ser aplicadas ha de analizarse el grado de aceptación que la población presenta sobre ellas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si existía relación entre el estilo de vida de la población universitaria y el grado de aceptación de herramientas para el fomento de políticas públicas en salud. METODOS: Se elaboró un estudio correlacional transversal de una muestra representativa de 590 estudiantes universitarios (IC 95%, α=5%) de universidades españolas, mediante un cuestionario en línea. Se realizaron análisis bivariados y multivariados aplicando chi-cuadrado y la prueba t de Student para muestras independientes. RESULTADOS: Los jóvenes universitarios tienen una alimentación inadecuada, con un deficiente consumo de fruta y verdura (solo el 27,8% las consumen varias veces al día, siendo la cantidad diaria recomendada de 5 piezas) y un consumo elevado de comida basura, alcohol (el 68,81% y el 63,39%, respectivamente, los consumían entre 1 y 2 veces por semana) y carne (consumida de 3 a 4 veces por semana por el 46,61%). Al correlacionar las variables sociodemográficas con la alimentación se encontraron resultados significativos, siendo los hombres y los estudiantes más jóvenes que apoyaban más a la derecha política, y los practicantes de alguna religión quienes tenían peores hábitos. Se obtuvo una correlación positiva entre la aprobación de nudges y los hábitos responsables con el menor consumo de carne (p<0,001), siendo significativo en los nudges que abordaban medidas sobre alimentación. CONCLUSIONES: La aceptación de políticas públicas en salud está relacionada con la alimentación saludable y con las conductas socialmente más comprometidas. Además, estos factores son más frecuentes entre las mujeres, en el grupo de mayor edad, entre quienes muestran más apoyo a la izquierda política y entre quienes tienen menos creencias religiosas.

The substance P and neurokinin-1 receptor system in human thyroid cancer: an immunohistochemical study.

To develop a new therapeutic strategy against thyroid cancer (TC), the expression of both substance P (SP) and neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) must be demonstrated in TC cells. This study aims to examine by immunohistochemistry, the localization of SP and the NK-1R in human TC samples (papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic), in metastasis and in healthy thyroid samples. SP and the NK-1R were expressed in all normal and TC samples. In healthy glands, SP was located in follicular cells (nucleus) and colloid and NK-1R in follicular cells (cytoplasm) and stroma. In TC samples, SP was visualized in follicular cells (nucleus and cytoplasm), stroma and colloid and NK-1R in follicular cells (cytoplasm), stroma and colloid. A semiquantitative scoring system (Allred Unit Scoring System) was applied. The expression (Allred total score) of SP and NK-1R was weaker in normal thyroid glands than in TC. In comparison with TC samples, a lower intensity/proportion of SP (nucleus and cytoplasm of follicular cells; stroma) was observed in normal samples. By contrast, in the colloid of TC samples the presence of SP was lower than in normal samples. In comparison with TC samples, the presence of the NK-1R in the cytoplasm of follicular cells and colloid was lower in normal thyroid samples, whereas the expression of this receptor in the stroma was higher. The results reported in this study suggest that the NK-1R could be a new target for the treatment of TC and use of the NK-1R antagonists could serve as a new anti-TC therapeutic strategy.