Cognitive rehabilitation program in patients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an increase of studies dedicated to cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, few of these analyze the impact on such variables as cognitive reserve. The study aims to explore the effects of a cognitive rehabilitation program comprising a combination of cognitive and physical exercises, as well as group sessions to improve cognitive performance, emotional state, and cognitive reserve index. METHOD: Fifty patients with MS were subdivided into 2 groups: the control group, which performed aerobic exercise (n=25), and the experimental group (n=25), which participated in the integrated cognitive rehabilitation program (ICRP). All participants were evaluated 3 times (baseline, post-treatment, and long-term) with the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests, Cognitive Reserve Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and a scale evaluating trait and state anxiety. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed improvements in cognitive function, with significant changes in measures of information processing speed, attention, memory, cognitive reserve index, and long-term mood. CONCLUSIONS: The ICRP was effective in improving cognitive and emotional function in MS, and increased the cognitive reserve index.

Fear of Relapse Scale: Spanish version and psychometric characteristics in a sample of patients with Relapsing-Remitting multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Relapses are a hallmark of multiple sclerosis, being a characteristic feature of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The occurrence of a relapse constitutes a source of significant discomfort that impacts all domains of daily life of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). In this study we first explored the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Fear of Relapse Scale (FoR) in a sample of patients with RRMS. Besides, we explored the relationship between the Fear of Relapse Scale with fatigue and cognitive perceived deficits in our PwMS sample. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted on 173 MS patients from 12 Spanish-speaking countries (Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Dominican Republic, Spain, Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and El Salvador). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to assess the factor structure of the scale. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the effects of health self-perception, fatigue, and perceived cognitive deficits over fear of relapse. RESULTS: The three-factor model in the CFA yielded a good model fit (χ2/df = 2.25, P < .001, RMSEA = .078, CFI = .91). McDonalds' Omega of the FoR (Spanish version) was .91. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between FoR and health self-perception, and a positive correlation between FoR, fatigue, and perceived cognitive deficits. Finally, level of fatigue was a predictor of fear of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the Fear of Relapse Scale is a valid and reliable instrument to explore the experience of fear of relapse in patients with RRMS.

Cognitive rehabilitation program in patients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an increase of studies dedicated to cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, few of these analyze the impact on such variables as cognitive reserve. The study aims to explore the effects of a cognitive rehabilitation program comprising a combination of cognitive and physical exercises, as well as group sessions to improve cognitive performance, emotional state, and cognitive reserve index. METHOD: Fifty patients with MS were subdivided into 2 groups: the control group, which performed aerobic exercise (n=25), and the experimental group (n=25), which participated in the integrated cognitive rehabilitation program (ICRP). All participants were evaluated 3 times (baseline, post-treatment, and long-term) with the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests, Cognitive Reserve Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and a scale evaluating trait and state anxiety. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed improvements in cognitive function, with significant changes in measures of information processing speed, attention, memory, cognitive reserve index, and long-term mood. CONCLUSIONS: The ICRP was effective in improving cognitive and emotional function in MS, and increased the cognitive reserve index.

In vivo antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles produced via a green chemistry synthesis using Acacia rigidula as a reducing and capping agent.

INTRODUCTION: One of the main issues in the medical field and clinical practice is the development of novel and effective treatments against infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. One avenue that has been approached to develop effective antimicrobials is the use of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), since they have been found to exhibit an efficient and wide spectrum of antimicrobial properties. Among the main drawbacks of using Ag-NPs are their potential cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells and the latent environmental toxicity of their synthesis methods. Therefore, diverse green synthesis methods, which involve the use of environmentally friendly plant extracts as reductive and capping agents, have become attractive to synthesize Ag-NPs that exhibit antimicrobial effects against resistant bacteria at concentrations below toxicity thresholds for eukaryotic cells. PURPOSE: In this study, we report a green one-pot synthesis method that uses Acacia rigidula extract as a reducing and capping agent, to produce Ag-NPs with applications as therapeutic agents to treat infections in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Ag-NPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, selected area electron diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible, and Fourier transform infrared. RESULTS: We show that Ag-NPs are spherical with a narrow size distribution. The Ag-NPs show antimicrobial activities in vitro against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a clinical multidrug-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. Moreover, antimicrobial effects of the Ag-NPs, against a resistant P. aeruginosa clinical strain, were tested in a murine skin infection model. The results demonstrate that the Ag-NPs reported in this work are capable of eradicating pathogenic resistant bacteria in an infection in vivo. In addition, skin, liver, and kidney damage profiles were monitored in the murine infection model, and the results demonstrate that Ag-NPs can be used safely as therapeutic agents in animal models. CONCLUSION: Together, these results suggest the potential use of Ag-NPs, synthesized by green chemistry methods, as therapeutic agents against infections caused by resistant and nonresistant strains.

[Cognitive training combined with aerobic exercises in multiple sclerosis patients: a pilot study]. / Entrenamiento cognitivo combinado con ejercicios aerobicos en pacientes con esclerosis multiple: estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: The scientific evidences associated to the effectiveness of different techniques of cognitive rehabilitation are still contradictory. AIM: To compare a program of combined training (physical and cognitive) in front of a program of physical training and to observe their effectiveness about the optimization of the cognitive functions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was carried out an experimental study in 32 patients with MS. The patients were distributed in two groups: 16 to the experimental group (combined cognitive training with aerobic exercises) and 16 patients to the control group (aerobic exercises). The intervention was planned for six weeks combining cognitive tasks by means of a game of dynamic board of cubes and signs (TaDiCS ®) and a program of aerobic exercises. The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Test and the Stroop Test were applied to evaluate the cognitive yield. Also, the Beck Depression Inventory was administered. RESULTS: There were found significant differences in the intergrupal analysis after the intervention in the variable learning and visuoespacial long term memory (p = 0.000), attention (p = 0.026) and inhibitory control (p = 0.007). Also, in the intragroup analysis there were found significant differences in these variables and information processing speed in the group that received the combined training. These patients also showed a significant improvement in the emotional state (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The cognitive training combined with the aerobic exercises is effective to improve the cognitive performance.

TITLE: Entrenamiento cognitivo combinado con ejercicios aerobicos en pacientes con esclerosis multiple: estudio piloto.Introduccion. Las evidencias cientificas asociadas a la efectividad de distintas tecnicas de rehabilitacion cognitiva todavia resultan contradictorias. Objetivo. Comparar un programa de entrenamiento combinado (fisico y cognitivo) frente a un programa de entrenamiento fisico y observar su eficacia sobre la optimizacion de las funciones cognitivas en pacientes con esclerosis multiple (EM). Pacientes y metodos. Se realizo un estudio experimental en 32 pacientes con EM. Los pacientes se distribuyeron en dos grupos: 16 al grupo experimental (entrenamiento cognitivo combinado con ejercicios aerobicos) y 16 al grupo control (ejercicios aerobicos). La intervencion se planifico para seis semanas combinando tareas cognitivas mediante un juego de tablero dinamico de cubos y signos (TaDiCS ®) y un programa de ejercicios aerobicos. Se aplico la bateria breve repetible de tests neuropsicologicos y el test de Stroop para evaluar el rendimiento cognitivo. Ademas, se administro el inventario de depresion de Beck. Resultados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el analisis intergrupo despues de la intervencion en las variables aprendizaje y memoria a largo plazo visuoespacial (p = 0,000), atencion (p = 0,026) y control inhibitorio (p = 0,007). Asimismo, en el analisis intragrupo se encontraron diferencias significativas en estas variables y en la velocidad en el procesamiento de la informacion en el grupo que recibio el entrenamiento combinado. Estos pacientes tambien mostraron una mejoria significativa en el estado de animo (p = 0,043). Conclusion. El entrenamiento cognitivo combinado con los ejercicios aerobicos resulta eficaz para mejorar el funcionamiento cognitivo.

The Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) protects the kidney from damage produced by a single and low dose of carbon tetrachloride in adult male rats.

Gingko biloba leaves have been used as herbal medicine in China for 5000 years, and the standardized leaf extract (GB-STE) has some beneficial effects in the treatment of age-related, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of the Gingko biloba extract (GbE) against the toxicity of a single and relatively low dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In male adult Wistar rats, we determined the urine flux, the concentration of total proteins in urine, the concentration of glucose in urine, and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in renal cortex as well as two markers of renal function (clearance of inulin and p-aminohippurate); we also compared the histological lesions caused by CCl4. Carbon tetrachloride increased the urinary concentration of total proteins, and the renal concentration of MDA; however, it did not modify the urine flux, urinary concentration of glucose, nor the inuline or the p-aminohipurate clearances. Morphologically, CCl4 generated some tubular damage that was more intense in the inner cortex of kidneys. The GbE extract counteracted the effects of CCl4 on the concentration of total proteins in urine, the concentration of renal MDA, and the renal histological changes. In conclusion the main toxic effects produced by CCl4 were prevented by the GbE, probably due to their antioxidant properties and the inhibition of the main P450 isoenzyme (CYP2E1) that metabolize CCl4.

Differential cytogenetic profile in advanced chronic myeloid leukemia with sequential lymphoblastic and myeloblastic blast crisis.

Frequency of additional chromosomal abnormalities in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is estimated to be 7% in chronic phase and increases to 40-70% in advanced disease. Progression of CML from chronic phase to accelerated phase or blast crisis is often associated with secondary chromosomal aberrations. We report an exceptional case of CML as debut in lymphoblastic blast crisis and a subsequent progression in myeloblastic blast crisis with rare cytogenetic abnormalities.

Three new teosintes (Zea spp., Poaceae) from México.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Teosinte species are the closest relatives of maize and represent an important but increasingly rare genetic resource for maize improvement and the study of evolution by domestication. Three morphologically and ecologically distinct teosinte populations were recently discovered in México. The taxonomic status of these rare and endangered populations was investigated by detailed comparisons to previously characterized wild Zea species. • METHODS: Three new teosinte populations were compared to known teosinte taxa on the basis of morphological, ecogeographic, cytological, and molecular characteristics. Phenetic and phylogenetic analyses were performed using morphological and molecular data, respectively. • KEY RESULTS: The newly discovered populations are distinct from each other and from other Zea species to represent three new entities based on their unique combinations of morphological, ecological, ploidy, and DNA markers. A perennial diploid population from Nayarit is distinguished by early maturing plants, and having male inflorescences with few tassel branches and long spikelets. A perennial tetraploid population from Michoacán is characterized by tall and late maturing plants, and having male inflorescences with many branches. An annual diploid population from Oaxaca is characterized by having male inflorescences with fewer branches and longer spikelets than those found in the sister taxa Z. luxurians and Z. nicaraguensis, plants with high thermal requirements, and very long seed dormancy. • CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from multiple independent sources suggests placement of the three new populations of teosinte as distinct entities within section Luxuriantes of the genus Zea. However, more extensive DNA marker or sequence data are required to resolve the taxonomy of this genus.

Protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on liver damage by a single dose of CCl(4) in male rats.

Functional and morphological alterations were generated by p.o. (per os) administration of a single oral dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4); 0.125 mL/kg b.w., equivalent to 293 mg/kg) to adult male Wistar rats. CCl(4) significantly increased (p < 0.05) the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 7478 ± 1044%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 6964 ± 833%), compared to control rats; CCl(4) also significantly decreased serum concentration of albumin (23 ± 5.5%) and increased the concentration of malondialhdeyde (MDA) in liver (300 ± 33%). Furthermore, CCl(4) down-regulated the mRNA steady-state level of tumor necrosis factor a(TNF-a). CCl(4) produced necrosis in the central lobe area, extended to the periphery, nuclear alterations (pycnosis, karyolysis and karyorrhexis), and cytoplasmic acidophilia. The pretreatment with 4 mg/kg (p.o.) of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), for 5 days, prevented most of the damage caused by CCl(4): significantly decreased the serum activities of ALT and AST (54 and 65%, respectively), compared to CCl(4)-treated rats; GbE partially prevented the increase of liver MDA (55 ± 14%) and the decrease of albumin concentration to 12 ± 0.2%. This pretreatment prevented the down-regulation of TNF-a and up-regulated the interleukine 6 (IL-6) mRNA steady-state level. Moreover, the GbE reduced the amount of necrotic areas in the central lobe area, compared to CCl(4)-treated rats.

Pollutant transport during a regional O3-episode in the mid-Atlantic states.

Ozone (O3) concentrations in the Baltimore-Washington (B-W) metropolitan area frequently exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in the summer months. The most extreme O3 events occur in multi-day high O3 episodes. These events can be regional in scale, with O3 concentrations exceeding the NAAQS at numerous locations along the eastern U.S. seaboard, and are typically associated with slow-moving or stagnant high pressure systems. In the B-W region, the most extreme events typically occur with surface high pressure overhead or just west of the region and an upper air high-pressure area (ridge) to the west or northwest. Besides providing conditions conductive to local O3 production (subsidence and strong low-level inversions, weak horizontal winds, little cloud cover), this weather pattern may also result in transport of O3 and its precursors from heavily industrialized areas west and north of the B-W region. In this paper, observations and back trajectories made during the severe regional O3 event of July 12-15, 1995, are used to confirm the hypothesis that significant regional-scale transport of O3 and its precursors occur during extreme O3 events of the standard type in the B-W area.