PRESENCE OF ANTI-NEOSPORA CANINUM ANTIBODIES IN TEMAZATE DEER (MAZAMA TEMAMA) AND WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) FROM THE CENTRAL REGION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO.

This study documents the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and their association with certain risk factors in 2 deer species from the central region of Veracruz State, Mexico. A total of 90 blood samples, 20 from temazate deer (Mazama temama) and 70 from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), were taken from 3 farms, and serum samples were subjected to ELISA indirect test to detect N. caninum antibodies; the association between the serological status and the possible risk factors was then estimated. The overall presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 57.7% (52/90; 95% CI 46.9-67.9), with positive animals identified on all farms; in white-tailed deer it was 57% and in temazate deer 60%. Prevalence was higher in females than males. Adult animals had a higher prevalence than young ones. The risk analysis identified the age in the adult animal category (odds ratio 5.8) as being associated with the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies. These results provide evidence of the significant contamination of oocysts in the environment and allow us to estimate the contribution of deer to the sylvatic cycle.

The dynamics of psychological attributes and symptomatic comorbidity of depression in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: This investigation aimed to explore attribute dynamics and symptomatic comorbidity of depression with internalizing, externalizing, and other personal-contextual problems in children and adolescents from a network analysis. METHODS: We tested an attribute network of regularized partial correlations, standard and alternative centrality measures, and comorbidity bridge symptoms according to centrality bridge measures. RESULTS: Regularized partial correlation network and a centrality measures graph shown the prominent position of social problems and anxiety-depression. Minimum spanning tree (MST) found a hierarchical dynamics between attributes where mixed anxiety-depression was identified as the core and the other attributes were hierarchically connected to it by being positioned in six branches that are differentiated according to their theoretical contents. The most central connections are established with the attributes of their own community or theoretical groups, and 37 bridge symptoms were identified in all networks. CONCLUSIONS: A significant role of mixed anxiety depression as an activator and intermediary of psychopathologies was supported as a central attribute of internalizing problems. Aggressive behavior as part of the broad externalizing dimension was one of the constructs that most intensively activate the network, and social problems were also distinguished as a relevant factor not only in terms of connections and central attributes but also in terms of bridge symptoms and comorbidity. This framework extends to the study of symptomatic "comorbidity."

Uso de la plataforma Moodle en los estudiantes de la asignatura Enfermería en Urgencias

Introducción: La Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas dispone de un aula virtual soportada por la plataforma Moodle. Su uso, a pesar de las actividades de superación realizadas como talleres, cursos y adiestramientos, continúa siendo un reto para estudiantes y profesores, pues no todos son capaces de explotar las herramientas que brinda esta plataforma en función de cumplir con los objetivos determinados en los programas de estudio de cada asignatura. Objetivo: Valorar el uso que hacen de la plataforma Moodle los estudiantes de la asignatura Enfermería en Urgencias, en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo en el período mayo-julio de 2023, para evaluar el uso de la plataforma Moodle que hacen los estudiantes de la asignatura Enfermería en Urgencias en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que existió un buen uso de algunas de las herramientas de la plataforma Moodle por parte de los estudiantes, lo que llevó a una alta adquisición de conocimientos. Conclusiones: Sin duda, las nuevas tecnologías pueden suministrar medios para la mejora de los procesos de enseñanza aprendizaje, pero su utilización a favor o en contra de una sociedad más desarrollada, dependerá en gran medida de la educación, de los conocimientos y la capacidad crítica de sus usuarios, que son las personas que ahora se están formando.

Introduction: The Matanzas University of Medical Sciences has a virtual classroom supported by the platform Moodle. Its use, despite the improvement activities carried out, like workshops, courses and trainings continues to be a challenge for students and teachers, since not everyone is capable of exploiting the tools provided by this platform in order to meet the objectives determined in the study programs for each subject. Objective: To assess the use made of the Moodle platform by students of the subject Emergency Nursing, at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Matanzas. Materials and methods: A quantitative study was carried out in the period May-July2023, to assess the use of the Moodle platform by students of the subject Emergency Nursing at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Matanzas. Results: The results showed that there was good use of some of the Moodle platform tools by the students, which led to a high acquisition of knowledge. Conclusions: Without a doubt, new technologies can provide means for the improvement of teaching-learning processes, but their use for or against amore developed society will depend to a large extend on the education, knowledge and critical capacity of their users, who are the people who are now being trained.

Gestational monitoring in buffalo females: detection of Neospora caninum by PCR.

This study establishes the serological frequency against Neospora caninum on day zero and the presence of N. caninum DNA surveyed throughout the gestation of Bubalus bubalis females in a bovine buffalo system in the central zone of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Blood samples were taken from 11 females in 6 different sampling periods and analyzed for N. caninum antibodies detection on day zero. DNA detection by PCR was performed on all sampling periods. The gestation months of the females were recorded for five trimesters by ultrasonography, as well as births and pregnancy losses. Recorded seropositivity and positivity for agent DNA were 90.9% (95% CI 58.7-9.7) and 36.3% (95% CI 10.9-69.2), respectively, on day zero. N. caninum DNA was detected between 18.1% (95% CI 2.3-51.7) and 45.4% (95% CI 16.7-76.6) over the five trimesters of observation, with three births and three abortions recorded. The studied water buffalo population had a high presence of N. caninum antibodies; however, the detection of N. caninum DNA remained below 47% in the females. The association was only observed in the detection of DNA with pregnant females (P 0.007). Our results support the hypothesis of the resistance of water buffaloes to infection and the onset of clinical signs against infection by N. caninum even upon a high possibility of infection and reinfection described in this production system in Mexico.

Infestation of rabbits with just-molted adults of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus: biological parameters and efficiency.

In this study, we report for the first time the successful infestation of rabbits with just-molted, unfed adults of Rhipicephalus microplus. Six New Zealand White rabbits were experimentally infested with 20 female and 20 male unfed adult ticks released into plastic chambers fixed on the shaved backs of each host. The attachment and feeding processes were successful. The biological characteristics of the ticks and the occurrence of adverse events in the tick-attachment area were studied. The average engorgement period was 10.7 days, and 33.3% of the engorged females completed the parasitic phase. The average weight of the recovered engorged females was 149.8 mg, with an average egg mass weight of 70.9 mg, a conversion efficiency index of 47.3%, and a hatching percentage of 88.31%. The adverse reactions found in the tick-attachment area were the usual inflammatory responses of the organism to infestation by these ectoparasites; however, it did not prevent the ticks from feeding and completing their life cycle. These data indicate that the infestation of rabbits with just-molted, unfed adult ticks could be a valuable, alternative animal model for rapid and economical evaluation of vaccine candidates and new molecules with acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus.

Effect of thiamine pyrophosphate on the characteristics of farrowing and piglet vitality.

Asphyxia is considered the main non-infectious cause of prepartum mortality in swine, as well as an important factor that negatively affects neonatal vitality and can trigger physiological and metabolic disorders. Hence, the search for pharmacological protocols to reduce the harmful effects of asphyxia is a key area of research. Recent observations show that administering thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) prior to a hypoxic event in certain species (rabbits, rats) has a neuroprotector effect that preserves energy metabolism under hypoxic conditions. Given this, the objective of this study was to evaluate a prophylactic protocol in high- and low-vitality neonate piglets based on TPP's effect on physiological and metabolic responses, body temperature, and weight. A total of 149 piglets born from 15 multiparous sows were used. The dams were randomly divided into two groups: control (NaCl 0.9%) and TPP (25 ml of TTP) administered 24 and 12 h before the expected farrowing date. The following reproductive variables of the sows were recorded: duration of farrowing, total number of piglets born per litter, number of liveborn piglets per litter, number of stillbirths and mummified fetuses at birth, and number of live piglets at weaning. In addition, the expulsion interval and vitality of all neonates were evaluated, body temperatures were recorded at ten intervals, and physiological profiles (blood gases, electrolytes, glucose) were registered for each neonate. Results show that the TPP-treated sows had shorter farrowing duration (P = 0.0060) and higher percentage of high-vitality neonates (60%). Moreover, their offspring exhibited greater vitality, fewer imbalances in their physiological and metabolic profiles, and greater weight gain at weaning (P < 0.0001). Findings suggest that administering TPP exerts a protective effect when hypoxic events occur, though this differs from results obtained with rat pups, where applying TPP after such events did not provide protection from asphyxia-induced damage. These differences may be due to the moment at which TPP was applied. The application time we selected was distinct from the procedure followed with rats because it was based on a dataset that describes the influence of administering TPP as a prophylactic treatment before a hypoxic event. Prophylactic administration of TPP to sows at the end of gestation exerted a neuroprotective effect on neonatal vitality and gas exchanges and energy metabolism in the offspring that were reflected in the greater weekly weight gain in those piglets.

Network Analysis of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Experiencing psychological problems during childhood and adolescence is common. However, the detection of behaviors as symptoms of psychopathologies requiring clinical diagnosis and treatment remains low. In order to advance understanding of psychological phenomena and particularly their behavioral manifestations, new theoretical and methodological perspectives such as network analysis are applied. METHOD: In the present study, we explore the dynamics of the symptoms of different internalizing, externalizing, and personal-contextual problems using network analysis. We estimate networks of regularized partial correlations, including measures of standard centrality, and the global and structural impact of symptoms on each network. RESULTS: The results show that the syndromes we studied are activated through dynamics of symptoms that are strongly related to each other and act as intermediaries of potential psychopathological problems in children and adolescents (e.g., "feels sad", "worries", "won't talk", "nausea", "threatens others", "steals outside"). Centrality measures and impact coefficient ranges were strength (­2.39, 2.05), betweenness (­1.43, 3.38), closeness (­2.60, 2.23), and expected influence (­2.87, 2.13). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the need to explore attribute dynamics as well as symptomatic comorbidity between them.

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Spanish Children and Adolescents: An Exploration of Comorbidity from the Network Perspective.

The combination of depression and anxiety is among the most prevalent comorbidities of disorders leading to substantial functional impairment in children and adolescents. The network perspective offers a new paradigm for understanding and measuring psychological constructs and their comorbidity. The present study aims to apply network analysis to explore the comorbidity between depression and anxiety symptoms. Specifically, the study examines bridge symptoms, comorbidity, and shortest pathway networks and estimates the impact of the symptoms in the network's connectivity and structure. The findings show that "feeling lonely" and "feeling unloved" are identified as the most central bridge symptoms. The shortest path network suggests that the role of a mixed anxiety-depressive symptomatology, and specific and non-specific symptoms of clinical criteria, such as "worries," "feels depressed," "fears school," and "talks about suicide" could serve as a warning for comorbidity.

Network Analysis of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms in Children and Adolescents / Análisis de Redes de Síntomas Internalizados y Externalizados en Niños y Adolescentes

Background: Experiencing psychological problems during childhood and adolescence is common. However, the detection of behaviors as symptoms of psychopathologies requiring clinical diagnosis and treatment remains low. In order to advance understanding of psychological phenomena and particularly their behavioral manifestations, new theoretical and methodological perspectives such as network analysis are applied. Method: In the present study, we explore the dynamics of the symptoms of different internalizing, externalizing, and personal-contextual problems using network analysis. We estimate networks of regularized partial correlations, including measures of standard centrality, and the global and structural impact of symptoms on each network. Results: The results show that the syndromes we studied are activated through dynamics of symptoms that are strongly related to each other and act as intermediaries of potential psychopathological problems in children and adolescents (e.g., “feels sad,” “worries,” “won’t talk,” “nausea,” “threatens others,” “steals outside”). Centrality measures and impact coefficient ranges were strength (−2.39, 2.05), betweenness (−1.43, 3.38), closeness (−2.60, 2.23), and expected influence (−2.87, 2.13). Conclusions: The results suggest the need to explore attribute dynamics as well as symptomatic comorbidity between them.(AU)

Antecedentes: La experiencia de problemas psicológicos durante la infancia y la adolescencia es común. Sin embargo, la detección de conductas como síntomas de Psicopatologías que requieren diagnóstico y tratamiento clínico sigue siendo infravalorada. Por ello, para evolucionar en la comprensión de los fenómenos psicológicos considerando sus manifestaciones conductuales particulares, se aplican nuevas perspectivas teóricas y metodológicas como el análisis de redes. Método: En el presente estudio exploramos la dinámica de los síntomas de diferentes problemas internalizados y externalizados y personales-contextuales aplicando el análisis de redes. Se estimaron redes de correlaciones parciales regularizadas que incluye medidas de centralidad estándar e impacto global y estructural de los síntomas de distintos síndromes. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que los síndromes se activan a través de dinámicas de síntomas fuertemente relacionados con los demás y que actúan como intermediarios de potenciales problemas psicopatológicos en niños y adolescentes (por ejemplo, “sentirse triste”, “preocuparse”, “negarse a hablar”, “tener náuseas”, “amenazar a los demás”, “robar fuera”). Las medidas de centralidad y coeficientes de impacto oscilaron entre: fuerza (−2.39, 2.05), intermediación (−1.43, 3.38), cercanía (−2.60, 2.23) e influencia esperada (−2.87, 2.13). Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos sugieren la necesidad de explorar la dinámica multiconstructo, así como la comorbilidad sintomática entre ellas.(AU)

Enfermedad de Alzheimer: actualización en su prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento / Alzheimer's disease: update in prevention, diagnosis and treatment

Introducción: En el mundo, 55 millones de personas viven con demencia. Se estima que este número se incrementará a 82 millones en 2030 y 152 millones en 2050, a menos que se implementen intervenciones que permitan su prevención, retardar su comienzo, enlentecer o detener su progresión. Objetivo: Actualizar sobre los cambios recientes en la epidemiologia, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Material y Métodos: Revisión de la literatura sobre el tema, publicada entre el 1 de enero de 2010 y el 30 de diciembre de 2021, que incluyó las bases de datos (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Lilacs, SciELO y Cochrane CENTRAL, utilizando los términos "Alzheimer", OR "demencia", OR "deterioro cognitivo". Desarrollo: Los gobiernos deben prepararse para un tsunami de demanda de servicios de salud como resultado del envejecimiento de la población mundial, la mejora de los diagnósticos, incluidos los biomarcadores y los tratamientos farmacológicos emergentes. La detección oportuna del deterioro cognitivo, el diagnóstico causal y el manejo adecuado de la entidad nosológica es crucial. Conclusiones: Los sistemas de salud a nivel mundial deberían introducir evaluaciones de la función cognitiva para las personas mayores de 55 años, facilitados por la evolución en la ciencia de los biomarcadores, con la oportunidad de promover estrategias de reducción de riesgos. La existencia de factores de riesgo potencialmente modificables significa que la prevención de la demencia es posible mediante una estrategia de salud pública, con intervenciones claves que retrasen o desaceleren el comienzo del deterioro cognitivo y la demencia(AU)

Introduction: Worldwide, nearly 55 million people are living with dementia. It is estimated that this number will reach nearly 82 million in 2030 and over 152 million in 2050, unless the risk factors are identified and interventions are implemented to prevent, delay the onset, and slow or stop its progression. Objective: To provide an update on recent changes in the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Material and Methods: Bibliographic review of the literature on this subject published between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2021 in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE Lilacs, SciELO and Cochrane CENTRAL databases, using the terms " Alzheimer", OR "dementia", OR "cognitive impairment". Results: The governments must prepare for a tsunami of demands for health services as a result of the world population aging and improve the diagnoses, including biomarkers and emerging pharmacological treatments. The timely detection of cognitive impairment, and the causal diagnosis and proper management of the nosological entity is crucial. Conclusions: The health systems should introduce annual neurocognitive assessments on a global level for people over 55 years of age, facilitated by the development of biomarker science, with the opportunity to promote risk reduction strategies. The existence of potentially modifiable risk factors means that dementia can be prevented through the implementation of a public health strategy with key interventions that delay or slow down the onset of cognitive impairment and dementia(AU)

Molecular evidence of Leishmania spp. in spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) from The Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, Mexico.

The black-handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) is a platyrrhine primate distributed in southern Mexico, Central America, and part of South America. Two subspecies inhabit Mexico: Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus and Ateles geoffroyi yucatanensis, both threatened with extinction. Serological evidence of exposure of spider monkeys to various groups of parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi in México and Leishmania spp. in Brazil has been reported. The genus Leishmania encompasses about 23 species of flagellate protozoa that are transmitted by the bite of females of Phlebotominae sand flies. These parasites cause a zoonotic disease called leishmaniasis, which generates skin, mucocutaneous and/or visceral manifestations. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the presence of Leishmania sp. in spider monkeys from the Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, Mexico. Blood samples from 10 free- ranging specimens of A. geoffroyi yucatanensis and 11 specimens in captivity of A. geoffroyi vellerosus were collected and used. The samples were subjected to a conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction test for the identification of a 116 bp fragment of a region from the kinetoplast minicircle of the parasite. Our analyzes showed that 71.4% of the sampled animals had fragment sizes compatible with Leishmania spp. The implications involve the survival of the specimens and the possibility that these primates act as sentinels of the disease. Furthermore, it is the first report suggesting the presence of Leishmania spp. in A. geoffroyi vellerosus and A. geoffroyi yucatanensis in Veracruz, Mexico.

Sobrecarga y asociaciones de riesgo en cuidadores de personas con demencia durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 / Overburden and correlates among caregivers of people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: La existencia del SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) representa un problema de salud sin precedentes en todo el mundo, incluidas las personas con demencia, sus familias y cuidadores. Objetivo: Estudiar las características del cuidado y el grado de sobrecarga en cuidadores de personas con demencia durante la pandemia causada por la COVID-19. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo. El universo comprendió 3000 personas de 65 años seleccionadas por un muestreo aleatorio simple sin reposición procedentes del estudio poblacional Envejecimiento y Alzheimer, de ellas 160 participantes, residentes en La Habana fueron evaluados en dos momentos diferentes; 2016 - 2018 y del 1 de octubre al 30 de noviembre de 2020. Resultados: Los cuidadores evaluados durante la pandemia presentaron mayor estrés o sobrecarga según la escala de Zarit (p=0,017) y mayor morbilidad según el cuestionario general de salud (p<0,0001) en relación con el estudio realizado en 2016-2018. El estrés en los cuidadores se asoció con la presencia y severidad de los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales, OR=1.02 (IC 95 por ciento 1,00-1,03), el estadio de la demencia OR= 1,61 (IC 95 P, 1,45-1,76), mayores necesidades de cuidados OR=1.56 (IC 95 por ciento, 1.14-2.77), temor a enfermar por la COVID-19 OR= 1.52 (IC 95 por ciento, 1.11-4.12), inseguridad en el futuro OR= 1,26 (IC 95 por ciento, 1,04-2,53) y el abandono del trabajo por el cuidado OR= 1,19 (IC 95 por ciento, 1,01-2,12). Conclusiones: Nuestros hallazgos confirman mayor estrés y sobrecarga en cuidadores de personas que viven con demencia durante la pandemia y la necesidad de una acción coordinada en las estrategias del sistema nacional de salud, dirigida a las personas con demencias y los cuidadores(AU)

Introduction: The existence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) represents an unprecedented health problem around the world, including people with dementia, their families and caregivers. Objectives: To study the characteristics of caregivers and care recipients as well as the burden among caregivers of people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Prospective observational study. The universe comprised 3000 people aged 65 years who were selected by simple random sampling without replacement from the population based study of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Of them, 160 participants from Havana were evaluated at two different moments: in 2016 - 2018 and from October 1 to November 30, 2020. Results: The caregivers who were evaluated during the pandemic presented higher levels of stress or higher Zarit burden Interview scores (p=0,017) as well as a greater morbidity as measured by the General Health Questionnaire (p<0,0001) in relation to the study conducted in 2016-2018. Stress among caregivers was associated with the presence and severity of behavioral and psychological symptoms, OR = 1,02 (95 percent CI 1.00-1.03); stages of dementia, OR = 1,61 (95 percent CI, 1.45-1.76); greater care needs, OR = 1,56 (95 percent CI, 1.14-2.77); fear of getting sick from COVID-19, OR = 1,52 (95 percent CI, 1.11-4.12); insecurity about the future, OR = 1,26 (95 percent CI, 1.04 -2.53) and job abandonment due to care, OR = 1,19 (95 percent CI, 1.01-2.12). Conclusions: Our findings confirm that there is greater stress and burden among caregivers of people living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic and that there is a need to achieve coordinated actions in the national health system strategies aimed at supporting people with dementia and caregivers(AU)

Novel chimeric E2CD154 subunit vaccine is safe and confers long lasting protection against classical swine fever virus.

E2CD154 is a vaccine candidate against classical swine fever (CSF) based on a chimeric protein composed of the E2 glycoprotein fused to porcine CD154 antigen, and formulated in the oil adjuvant Montanide™ ISA 50 V2. This vaccine confers early protection in pigs and prevents vertical transmission in pregnant sows. The objectives of this study were to assess the safety of this immunogen in piglets, to compare several doses of antigen in the formulation, and to study the duration of the immunity provided by this vaccine for up to 9 months. Three trials were conducted by immunizing pigs with a two-dose regime of the vaccine. Challenge experiments were carried out with the highly pathogenic Margarita strain. No local or systemic adverse effects were documented, and neither macroscopic nor microscopic pathological findings were observed in the vaccinated animals. The three antigen doses explored were safe and induced CSF protective neutralizing antibodies. The dose of 50 µg was selected for further development because it provided the best clinical and virological protection. Finally, this protective immunity was sustained for at least 9 months. This study demonstrates that E2CD154 vaccine is safe; defines a vaccine dose of 50 µg antigen, and evidences the capacity of this vaccine to confer long term protection from CSFV infection for up to 9 months post- vaccination. These findings complement previous data on the evaluation of this vaccine candidate, and suggest that E2CD154 is a promising alternative to modified live vaccines in CSF endemic areas.

Energy Supplementation during the Last Third of Gestation Improves Mother-Young Bonding in Goats.

We tested whether maternal energy supplementation during the last third of gestation improves birth weight, neonatal wellbeing, and mother-young bonding. Thirty-six pregnant French Alpine goats were randomly allocated among three nutritional treatments for the last third of pregnancy: (i) Control, fed alfalfa (T-0; n = 12); (ii) alfalfa + 150 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-150; n = 12); (iii) alfalfa + 300 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-300; n = 12). At birth, we collected progeny data on birth weight, birth type, sex, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, time to standing, time to udder connection, and time to first feeding. For the dams, we collected data on the duration of labor, time to clean the progeny, and time to allow first suckling. At birth, body weight, rectal temperature, heart rate, and the respiratory rate did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). In the dams, labor duration was not affected by the treatments (p > 0.05). The T-150 dams were faster to clean the newborn and allow first suckling (p < 0.05). The T-150 progeny were faster to stand and the T-300 progeny were faster to connect to the udder (p < 0.05). We conclude that energy supplementation of the dam during the last third of gestation does not affect the birth weight of the progeny, but enhances the mother-young bonding.

Levels of Vitamins and Homocysteine in Older Adults with Alzheimer Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment in Cuba.

INTRODUCTION Age-related cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer disease, are among the main causes of disability and dependence in older adults worldwide. High blood homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) are a risk factor for diseases whose metabolism involves different B vitamins. Antioxidant vitamins provide a protective effect by mitigating oxidative stress generated by these diseases. Epidemiological studies have presented varying results on the relationships between blood levels of these vitamins and such cognitive disorders. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the association of vitamin and homocysteine levels with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease in a group of Cuban older adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Havana, Cuba, of 424 persons aged ≥65 years: 43 with Alzheimer disease, 131 with mild cognitive impairment, and 250 with no signs of cognitive impairment. Dementia was diagnosed using criteria of the International 10/66 Dementia Research Group and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), and mild cognitive impairment was diagnosed using Petersen's criteria. Blood levels of vitamins (thiamine, B-2, folate, B-12, C and A) and homocysteine were measured by standard procedures. Analysis of variance for continuous variables and percentage comparison tests for dichotomous variables were used to compare groups. RESULTS Persons with Alzheimer disease presented signifi cantly lower levels of vitamins B-2, C and A than healthy participants (p <0.05). Homocysteine levels were signifi cantly higher in those with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment than in participants with no cognitive impairment (p <0.05). Statistically, levels of thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 were not signifi cantly different across groups. Compared with those without cognitive impairment, prevalence rates (PR) in the Alzheimer group were signifi cantly higher for hyperhomocysteinemia (PR = 3.26; 1.84-5.80) and defi - ciency of all B vitamins: thiamine (PR = 1.89; 1.04-3.43), B-2 (PR = 2.85; 1.54-5.26), folate (PR = 3.02; 1.53-5.95), B-12 (PR = 2.21; 1.17-4.19), vitamin C (PR = 3.88; 2.12-7.10) and A (PR = 5.47; 3.26-9.17). In mild cognitive impairment, prevalence rates were signifi cantly higher for hyperhomocysteinemia (PR = 1.42; 1.08-1.87), vitamin B-2 defi ciency (PR = 1.70; 1.24-2.32) and vitamin A defi - ciency (PR =1.88; 1.05-3.38). CONCLUSIONS Hyperhomocysteinemia and various vitamin defi ciencies are related to Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between different nutritional biomarkers and dementia. A better understanding of this relationship could provide a basis for therapeutic and preventive strategies. KEYWORDS Vitamins, homocysteine, geriatrics, Alzheimer disease, cognitive impairment, Cuba.

Immunogenicity of E2CD154 Subunit Vaccine Candidate against Classical Swine Fever in Piglets with Different Levels of Maternally Derived Antibodies.

E2CD154 is a novel subunit vaccine candidate against classical swine fever virus (CSFV). It contains the E2 envelope protein from CSFV fused to the porcine CD154 molecule formulated in the oil adjuvant MontanideTM ISA50 V2. Previous works evidenced the safety and immunogenicity of this candidate. Here, two other important parameters related to vaccine efficacy were assessed. First, the existence of high maternally derived antibody (MDA) titers in piglets born to sows vaccinated with E2CD154 was demonstrated. These MDA titers remained above 1:200 during the first seven weeks of life. To assess whether the titers interfere with active vaccination, 79 piglets from sows immunized with either E2CD154 or a modified live vaccine were vaccinated with E2CD154 following a 0-21-day biphasic schedule. Animals immunized at either 15, 21, or 33 days of age responded to vaccination by eliciting protective neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers higher than 1:600, with a geometric mean of 1:4335, one week after the booster. Those protective levels of NAb were sustained up to six months of age. No vaccination-related adverse effects were described. As a conclusion, E2CD154 is able to induce protective NAb in piglets with different MDA levels and at different days of age.

Caffeine administered to pregnant sows improves piglet vitality, gas exchange and body weight gain.

Intra-partum asphyxia is the most common non-infectious etiology limiting the performance of neonate piglets. Previous studies indicate caffeine (orally and subcutaneously) reverses the effects of intra-partum asphyxia in neonate piglets. In this study, there was investigation of whether use of a novel therapeutic protocol for administering caffeine subcutaneously to pregnant sows would improve the newborn piglets' vitality, physio-metabolic profiles and body weight gain. Sows were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10 each). Caffeine or NaCl 0.9% was administered 2 days pre-farrowing. Physio-metabolic profiles were measured using blood from the anterior vena cava. The vitality of piglets was evaluated immediately after birth. Piglets (n = 180) were weighed at birth and on days 7, 14 and 21 of lactation. Caffeine positively affected the vitality of the piglets, as indicated by greater vitality scores than that for the control group (8.72 ±â€¯0.12 compared with 7.28 ±â€¯0.16, P < 0.001). Metabolic values were similar between groups, but pO2 values were greater in the piglets with greater vitality scores treated with caffeine (19.10 ±â€¯0.82 compared with 14.49 ±â€¯1.42, P < 0.01), indicating increased respiratory rates. Body weight gain at day 21 was greater in the piglets treated with caffeine that had greater vitality scores than the control piglets having greater vitality scores (6.87 ±â€¯0.18 compared with 6.52 ±â€¯0.25 kg, P < 0.05). Caffeine administration before birth improves the vitality and respiratory capacity of piglets, increasing their adaptation to extra-uterine environment.

Facetas de la "Escala de depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos para niños y adolescentes" (CES-DC) en españoles: validación empírica / Facets of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children and Adolescents (CES-DC) in Spanish population: An empirical validation

El presente estudio explora la dimensionalidad de la "Escala de depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos para niños y adolescentes" (CES-DC; Radloff, 1977, 1991) en una muestra de 986 niños y adolescentes españoles (55% chicas) con edades entre los 9 y 18 anos. Se realizo un análisis factorial confirmatorio para un modelo de cuatro factores de primer orden basado en la estructura original (Afecto depresivo, Somatización, Afecto positivo y Problemas interpersonales), así como para otro modelo alternativo de segundo orden que agrega los factores previos. Se examinaron las propiedades psicométricas por items, por dimensiones y para la escala total. También se valoro la validez de criterio con diferentes variables que teóricamente se relacionan con la sintomatología depresiva. Los resultados muestran que los modelos explorados son adecuados para la población infantojuvenil española con pruebas de validez de criterio y propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias. Se discute el potencial discriminativo y las cualidades de la escala para la evaluación de la sintomatología depresiva en niños y adolescentes

The present study explores the dimensionality of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children and Adolescents (CES-DC; Radloff, 1977, 1991) in a sample of 986 Spanish children and adolescents (55% girls) between 9 and 18 years old. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed for a first order 4-factor model based on the original structure (Depressed affect, Somatic, Positive affect, and Interpersonal difficulties) and for another alternative model of second order which includes the previous factors. We examined the psychometric properties by items, by dimensions and for the total scale. The criterion validity was also evaluated with different variables which are theoretically related to the depressive symptomatology. The results show that the tested models are adequate for Spanish children and adolescents. Furthermore, evidence of criterion validity and psychometric properties were satisfactory. The potential discriminant validity and quality of the scale to assess the children's depressive symptoms are discussed