Magnetically controlled insertion of magnetic nanoparticles into membrane model.

Polysaccharide-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been reported to show potential applications in many biomedical fields. In this report, we have studied the interactions between magnetite (Fe3O4) MNPs functionalized with polysaccharides (diethylamino-ethyl dextran, DEAE-D or chitosan, CHI) with different membranes models by Langmuir isotherms, incorporation experiments, and brewster angle microscopy (BAM). In this report, zwitterionic 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE) and anionic 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (DSPA) phospholipid, were used to form membrane models. Incorporation experiments (π-t) as well as the compression isotherms demonstrate positive interactions between MNPs and DSPE or DSPA monolayers. The study assessed the impact of varying initial surface pressure on a preformed phospholipid monolayer to determine the maximum insertion pressure (MIP) and synergy. Our findings indicate that the primary driving force of the coated MNPs incorporation into the monolayer predominantly stems from electrostatic interaction. The drop in the subphase pH from 6.0 to 4.0 led to an enhancement of the MIP value for DSPA phospholipid monolayer. On the other hand, for DSPE, the drop in the pH does not affect the MIP values. Besides, the presence of a magnetic field induces an enhancement of the insertion process of the MNPs into DSPA preformed monolayer, demonstrating that a previous interaction between MNPs and phospholipid preformed monolayer needs to take place to enhance the incorporation process. This work opens novel perspectives for the research of the influence of magnetic fields on the incorporation of MNPs into model membranes.

Detección de alto riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 mediante el cuestionario FINDRISC en personal de enfermería del Hospital Schestakow de San Rafael, Mendoza / Detection of high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus using FINDRISC test in nursing staff at the Schestakow Hospital in San Rafael, Mendoza

Resumen Introducción: la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) tiene gran importancia para la salud pública mundial, porque es una de las enfermedades no transmisibles más frecuentes, por la severidad y diversidad de sus complicaciones crónicas. Objetivo: el objetivo fue determinar el riesgo de desarrollar DM2 en personal de enfermería del Hospital T. J. Schestakow, San Rafael. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo transversal, se tomó una muestra no probabilística, que incluyó 109 enfermeros. Se evaluó el estado nutricional a través del índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la circunferencia de cintura (CC). Los datos personales y los obtenidos del cuestionario FINDRISC fueron adquiridos a través de un cuestionario realizado a los enfermeros. Resultados: el riesgo de desarrollar DM2 según las categorías de FINDRISC fue bajo en un 35,6% (n=41), ligeramente aumentado en un 39,4% (n=43), moderado en un 10,1% (n=11), alto y muy alto riesgo en un 12,9% (n=14). Esto está fuertemente influenciado por los antecedentes familiares de primer grado, la actividad física, la medicación antihipertensiva recibida, la glucemia elevada, el IMC, la circunferencia de cintura y la edad. El consumo de frutas y verduras no fue un factor determinante del riesgo de diabetes en la muestra estudiada (p>0,05). En cuanto a la CC y el IMC, ambos se correlacionaron de manera moderada-alta con el puntaje de FINDRISC, por lo cual estos indicadores fueron mejores predictores del riesgo para desarrollar diabetes. Conclusión: el riesgo de padecer DM2 es latente y constante, por lo que el uso de instrumentos fáciles y rápidos para su detección, como lo es el cuestionario FINDRISC, pueden ayudar en la prevención y toma de conciencia del autocuidado.

Abstract Introduction: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a great importance for global public health, because it is one of the most frequent non-communicable diseases, due to the severity and diversity of its chronic complications. Objective: the objective of this study was to determine the risk of developing T2DM in nursing staff of the T. J. Schestakow Hospital, San Rafael. Material and methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, a non-probabilistic sample was taken, which included 109 nurses. Nutritional status was assessed through body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Personal data and data obtained from the FINDRISC test were acquired through a questionnaire administered to nurses. Results: the risk of developing T2DM according to the Findrisc categories was low in 35.6% (n=41), slightly increased in 39.4% (n=43), moderate in 10.1% (n=11), high and very high risk in 12.9% (n=14). This is strongly influenced by first-degree family history, physical activity, antihypertensive medication, elevated blood glucose, BMI, waist circumference, and age. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was not a determinant of diabetes risk in the studied sample (p>0.05). Regarding WC and BMI, both were moderately to high correlated with the Findrisc score so these indicators were better predictors of the risk of developing diabetes. Conclusion: the risk of suffering from T2DM is latent and constant, so the use of quick and easy tools for its detection, such as the FINDRISC questionnaire, can help in the prevention and awareness of self-care.

Psychological Well-Being in Asian and Asian American University Students: Impacts of Discrimination During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine what modifiable behavioral and sociological factors were predictive of psychological distress and suicide risk in Asian and Asian American students, the ethnic group with the highest unmet mental health need in collegiate populations. We also compared these relationships in Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 to better understand how the impact of these factors changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and concurrent increase in Anti-Asian discrimination. METHODS: We used factor analysis to extract a wide range of predictor variables from the Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment III. Next, we used structural equation modeling to identify significant drivers of psychological distress (Kessler-6 scale) and suicidality (Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised scale) in Asian and Asian American students (n = 4,681 in 2019 and 1,672 in 2020). RESULTS: When compared to 2019, experiencing discrimination in 2020 had a substantially larger effect on both psychological distress and suicidality among Asian and Asian American university students. Loneliness and depression were also significant drivers of negative mental health outcomes both years, and their effect magnitudes remained largely unchanged. Being well rested had a protective effect against psychological distress both years. DISCUSSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, discrimination was an important driver of psychological distress and suicidality in Asian and Asian American students. These findings suggest that organizations should enhance culturally competent mental healthcare services, while also working at the systems level to reduce bias and discrimination.

Dexamethasone and Dexamethasone Phosphate: Effect on DMPC Membrane Models.

Dexamethasone (Dex) and Dexamethasone phosphate (Dex-P) are synthetic glucocorticoids with high anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions that gained visibility because they reduce the mortality in critical patients with COVID-19 connected to assisted breathing. They have been widely used for the treatment of several diseases and in patients under chronic treatments, thus, it is important to understand their interaction with membranes, the first barrier when these drugs get into the body. Here, the effect of Dex and Dex-P on dimyiristoylphophatidylcholine (DMPC) membranes were studied using Langmuir films and vesicles. Our results indicate that the presence of Dex in DMPC monolayers makes them more compressible and less reflective, induces the appearance of aggregates, and suppresses the Liquid Expanded/Liquid Condensed (LE/LC) phase transition. The phosphorylated drug, Dex-P, also induces the formation of aggregates in DMPC/Dex-P films, but without disturbing the LE/LC phase transition and reflectivity. Insertion experiments demonstrate that Dex induces larger changes in surface pressure than Dex-P, due to its higher hydrophobic character. Both drugs can penetrate membranes at high lipid packings. Vesicle shape fluctuation analysis shows that Dex-P adsorption on GUVs of DMPC decreases membrane deformability. In conclusion, both drugs can penetrate and alter the mechanical properties of DMPC membranes.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, a different entity?

BACKGROUND: Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a novel disease that is associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). MIS-C usually affects children older than 5 years of age and adolescents, with a median of 8-years and an interquartile range of 3 to 11 years. A multisystemic inflammatory disease has been described in neonates and named MIS-N (multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in Neonates). We report three cases of Mexican newborns with MIS-N presenting with multiorgan compromise and a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG who developed Kawasaki disease (KD)-like cardiac features and discuss the current dilemma regarding diagnosis and treatment in these patients.

Pitcairnia y Deuterocohnia (Bromeliaceae: Pitcairnoideae) del departamento de Lambayeque, Perú / Pitcairnia and Deuterocohnia (Bromeliaceae: Pitcairnioideae) from Lambayeque, Peru

Resumen Este estudio proporciona una lista comentada de las especies de Pitcairnioideae (Bromeliaceae) del departamento de Lambayeque, Perú. Se reporta un total de cinco especies, una de ellas por primera vez para la zona de estudio y dos representan endemismos norperuanos. Las ecoregiones donde se encuentran corresponden al Desierto Cálido Tropical (DCT), Bosque Seco estacional (BSe), la transición Matorral Desértico-Bosque Seco (MD-BS) y el Bosque Pluvial Montano del Noroeste (BPMN), en las tres provincias del departamento. Se discuten las razones de endemismos, amenazas y criterios de categorización de estas.

Abstract This study provides an annotated list of the species of Pitcairnioideae (Bromeliaceae) from Lambayeque, Peru. A total of five species are reported, one of them for the first time for the study area and two represent northern Peruvian endemisms. The ecoregions where they are found correspond to the Tropical Warm Desert (DCT), Seasonal Dry Forest (BSe), the Desert Scrub-Dry Forest transition (MD-BS) and the Northwest Montane Pluvial Forest (MNPF), in the three provinces of the department. The reasons for endemism, threats and criteria for their categorization are discussed.

LptD-antigen system on gold nanoparticles: an innovative strategy in the nanovaccine development.

Nanovaccine development is a growing research field in which the development of new carriers and bioconjugation approaches is a priority. In this sense, this report describes for the first time, the development of a novel conjugate that consists of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) obtained by a one-step synthesis using an immunogenic peptide of the Lipopolysaccharide-assembly protein LptD fromVibrio parahaemolyticusbacteria as a reducing and capping agent. The resultingLptD@AuNPscompounds were fully characterized and the results showed the high capacity of the peptide to form complexes and reduce gold ions. The reaction yield estimated was higher than 83% and the chemical integrity of the peptide on the NP surface revealed a tyrosine amino acid bonding on the AuNP surface. Furthermore, theLptD@AuNPsystem showed high colloidal stability in a wide pH range (3-11 pH values), where the hydrodynamic diameter and Zeta potential behavior were strongly influenced by the functional groups of the antigenic peptide. The cytotoxicity assays showed that the obtained system is safe for mouse leukocytes, while immunized mice withLptD@AuNPsproduced specific IgG antibodies. These encouraging results revealed the efficacy of some antigenic peptides as reducers and capping agents, in addition, opening the path to determine immunogenicity and immunoprotective efficacy of theLptD@AuNPsystem against the disease induced byVibrio parahaemolyticus.

Biochemical changes in the cytoplasm of bovine oocytes during the in vitro maturation process: a Raman microscopy study.

The sequence and chronology of the main biochemical changes occurring in the cytoplasm of bovine oocytes during the in vitro maturation process were tracked by Raman microscopy applied to cells previously subjected to enzymatic digestion of the zona pellucida. Specific spectral markers for proteins, lipids and carbohydrates were used to evaluate the developmental status of the ooplasm at four different times. Spectral changes revealed that lipid accumulation was dominant during the first six hours of culture while protein content reached the average levels characteristic of mature oocytes within the last four hours of the maturation process. A time-dependent decrease in carbohydrates was also observed. Finally, the carbohydrate-to-protein (P1037/P1002) ratio proved to be sensitive enough to determine the cytoplasmic maturation state of bovine oocytes and promises to be useful in future research aimed at optimizing culture conditions through the promotion of protein accumulation in the ooplasm.

Enhancing the Nutritional Value of Red Meat through Genetic and Feeding Strategies.

Consumption of red meat contributes to the intake of many essential nutrients in the human diet including protein, essential fatty acids, and several vitamins and trace minerals, with high iron content, particularly in meats with high myoglobin content. Demand for red meat continues to increase worldwide, particularly in developing countries where food nutrient density is a concern. Dietary and genetic manipulation of livestock can influence the nutritional value of meat products, providing opportunities to enhance the nutritional value of meat. Studies have demonstrated that changes in livestock nutrition and breeding strategies can alter the nutritional value of red meat. Traditional breeding strategies, such as genetic selection, have influenced multiple carcass and meat quality attributes relevant to the nutritional value of meat including muscle and fat deposition. However, limited studies have combined both genetic and nutritional approaches. Future studies aiming to manipulate the composition of fresh meat should aim to balance potential impacts on product quality and consumer perception. Furthermore, the rapidly emerging fields of phenomics, nutrigenomics, and integrative approaches, such as livestock precision farming and systems biology, may help better understand the opportunities to improve the nutritional value of meat under both experimental and commercial conditions.

Nuevos registros de Puya (Bromeliaceae) en el departamento de Lambayeque, Perú / New records of Puya (Bromeliaceae) in the department of Lambayeque, Peru

Resumen Este estudio proporciona una lista comentada de las especies de Puya (Bromeliaceae) registradas en el departamento de Lambayeque, Perú. Se reportan un total de cinco especies, de las cuales cuatro se registran por primera vez y una de ellas se confirma como endemismo de los Andes del Departamento. Las ecorregiones donde se encuentran corresponden al Bosque Seco estacional (BSe), la transición Matorral Desértico-Bosque Seco (MD-BS) y Jalca (JA). Se presenta una clave para las especies reportadas y se discuten las razones de los endemismos, amenazas y sus criterios de categorización.

Abstract This study provides an annotated checklist of the Puya (Bromeliaceae) species registered from Lambayeque Department; Peru. A total of five species are reported, four are registered for the first time and one of them is confirmed as endemism of Lambayeque Andes. Species were from the seasonal Dry Forest (BSe), Desert Scrub-Dry Forest transition (MD-BS) and Jalca (JA) ecoregions. A key for the Puya reported species is presented and the reasons for endemisms, threats and their categorization criteria are discussed.

Catarata en árbol de navidad en la enfermedad de Steinert / Christmas tree cataract in Steinert disease

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COVID-19 and Extracellular Vesicles: An Intriguing Interplay.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome ß-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the potential to become a long-lasting global health crisis. The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has surpassed 22 million globally, resulting in over 700,000 deaths with more than 15 million people having recovered (https://covid19.who.int). Enormous efforts are underway for rapid vaccine and treatment developments. Amongst the many ways of tackling the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging. SUMMARY: EVs are lipid bilayer-enclosed structures secreted from all types of cells, including those lining the respiratory tract. They have established roles in lung immunity and are involved in the pathogenesis of various lung diseases, including viral infection. In this review, we point out the roles and possible contribution of EVs in viral infections, as well as ongoing EV-based approaches for the treatment of COVID-19, including clinical trials. Key Messages: EVs share structural similarities to viruses and recent findings demonstrate that viruses exploit EVs for cellular exit and EVs exploit viral entry mechanisms for cargo delivery. Moreover, EV-virus interplay could be exploited for future antiviral drug and vaccine development. EV-based therapies, especially the mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs, are being intensively studied for the treatment of COVID-19.

Distribución etaria, antecedentes familiares y estadio del cáncer de mama en mujeres asistidas en hospitales públicos en Córdoba: 2004 - 2010 / Age distribution, family history, and stage of breast cancer in women treated in public hospitals in Cordoba, Argentina: 2004 - 2010

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la edad de la mujer al momento del diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, el estadio del mismo y los antecedentes familiares de cáncer de mama en las mujeres que consultaron en el ámbito público de la Ciudad de Córdoba durante el período 2004-2010. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El presente fue un estudio observacional efectuado en cuatro instituciones públicas, a partir del total de datos de los Servicios de Anatomía Patológica y Estadística registrados en las historias clínicas (n=1423). Se evaluó la tendencia de edad de diagnóstico con regresión lineal y el tipo histológico y grado del tumor según la edad de la mujer, con regresión de Poisson. RESULTADOS: En relación a la edad del diagnóstico, el 8,74% de las mujeres estudia-das eran menores a 40 años, lo cual representa una mayor proporción a los valores in-formados en la literatura mundial. En relación a la distribución por edad del total de pacientes con cáncer de mama, la mayor frecuencia fue en el grupo de 50 a 59 años. DISCUSIÓN: La proporción de mujeres mayores de 40 años detectadas en estadio tardío fue el 44,22%, siendo superior a los valores informados en los países desarrollados. La tendencia de edad de diagnóstico se incrementó en un 0,39 por año, y no hubo cambio en el tipo del estadio. En términos de antecedentes familiares, se detectó la presencia en el 15,95% de los casos, si bien es de destacar que la frecuencia de registro de estos antecedentes en las historias clínicas fue limitada

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the age at which women treated in public hospitals in the City of Córdoba, Argentina from 2004 to 2010 were diagnosed with breast cancer, their stage at diagnosis, and their family history of breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was carried out in four public institutions, using the to-tal number of cases registered in medical records by the pathology and statistical services (n=1423). Trends in age at diagnosis over the study period was evaluated with linear regres-sion, and tumor stage and histology according to age was analyzed with Poisson regression. RESULTS: In terms of diagnostic age, 8.74% of the women studied were under 40 years of age, which represents a higher percentage of cases, in comparison with international literature. With regards to age distribution, the greatest number of cases was observed in the group be-tween 50 and 59 years of age. DISCUSSION: The proportion of women older than 40 years detected with late stage cancer was 44.22%, which is higher than the values reported in developed countries. The diagnostic age trend increased by 0.39 per year, and there was no change in the stage at diagnosis. Finally, 15.95% of the women had reported family history of breast cancer, although it is noteworthy that the frequency of recording family history in the medical charts was limited.

Nódulos de Lisch y neurofibromatosis tipo I / Lisch nodules in neurofibromatosis type I

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Hemangioma capilar retiniano y enfermedad de Von Hippel-Lindau / Retinal capillary hemangioma and von Hippel-Lindau disease

No disponible

Interaction of the antibiotic peptide nisin with anionic membranes in different phase-states: a vibrational study.

Interactions between the antibiotic peptide nisin and multilamellar vesicles of phosphoglycerol lipids in different phase-states were studied using vibrational spectroscopy. The infrared amide I' band of nisin, both in solution and in the membrane-bound state, was analyzed in the temperature range comprised between 20 and 60 °C in order to study its conformational behavior. Nisin presented mainly unordered and ß-turns conformations. Their relative populations varied according to the environment and as the temperature increased: ß turns were more favored in the membrane-bound state than in solution, but at higher temperatures the disordered conformation was dominant in both states. Spectral changes of specific infrared bands belonging to the hydrocarbon and polar moieties of lipids were also analyzed to evaluate the perturbation of the lipid membrane order. Nisin interactions with the membrane polar region induced a high restriction to water incorporation, promoting a small increase in the temperature of the lipid phase transition. Raman spectra of nisin/phosphoglycerol systems at ambient temperature were also analyzed. They revealed that the peptide incorporation to a membrane in the fluid phase caused drastic structural modifications in the hydrophobic region of the bilayer. Although nisin may be able to disrupt the hydrophobic portion of the bilayer in the gel phase, the most of the peptide molecule remained at the membrane surface interacting with the polar headgroups. This work provides evidence of a differential effect of nisin on anionic membranes, depending on the phase-state of the lipid.

¿Qué les pasa a estos niños? Respuestas desde los Saberes Psi en Buenos Aires (1900-1940) / What happens to these children? Answers from Psy Knowledge in Buenos Aires (1900-1940) / O que acontece com estas crianças? Respostas dos Saberes Psi em Buenos Aires (1900-1940)

El objetivo general de este trabajo apunta a conocer si los saberes psi impactan en la concretización de políticas públicas y, en el caso de que así fuera, dilucidar los modos en que lo hacen. En particular, aquí se propone analizar la incidencia de los saberes psi en la solución a las problemáticas de la infancia presentes en Buenos Aires desde comienzos del siglo XX hasta 1940. Se puntualizan los principales aportes que el campo de la psicología ofrece a las problemáticas sociales en torno a la infancia y se analizan las concepciones psicológicas acerca de la niñez presentes según los principales referentes del campo de la psiquiatría infantil. Se considera el marco legislativo imperante durante este período como elemento de análisis fundamental para este estudio. Se concluye que, lejos de considerar aquellos aportes psi como influencias directas y lineales en las políticas estatales, se trata de interacciones entre los actores, las prácticas sociales y los objetos discursivos.

The aims of this work is to know if psy knowledge impacts on the concretion of public politics and, if so, to elucidate the ways in which they do it. In this case, it is proposed to analyze the impact of psy knowledge in the solution to the childhood issues in Buenos Aires since the beginning of the XX century to 1940. The main contributions the field of psychology offers to the social issues related to childhood are stressed. After that, the psychological notions about childhood are analyzed according to the main researchers from the field of childhood psychiatry. The legislative framework prevailing during this period is considered as an element of fundamental analysis for this study. Far from considering those psy contributions like direct and linear influences in the state policies, we can conclude that they are interactions among actors, social practices and discourse objects.

O objetivo geral deste trabalho visa conhecer se o saberes psi têm impacto na concretização das políticas públicas e, em caso afirmativo, para elucidar as formas em que o fazem. Em particular, aqui se propõe a analisar a incidência dos saberes psi na solução das problemáticas relacionadas a infância presentes em Buenos Aires desde o começo do século XX até 1940. São pontuadas as principais contribuições que o campo da psicologia oferece às problemáticas sociais relativas à infância e são analisadas as concepções psicológicas acerca da infância presentes conforme os principais referenciais do campo da psiquiatria infantil. O quadro legislativo prevalecente durante este período é considerado como um elemento de análise fundamental para este estudo. Se concluiu que, longe de considerar contribuições psi da época como influências diretas e lineares nas políticas estatais, se trata de interações entre os atores, as práticas sociais e os objetos discursivos.