Decision-Making Time Cells in Hippocampal Dorsal CA1.

Sequential neural dynamics encoded by "time cells" play a crucial role in hippocampal function. However, the role of hippocampal sequential neural dynamics in associative learning is an open question. In this manuscript, we used two-photon Ca2+ imaging of dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons in head-fixed mice performing a go-no-go associative learning task. We found that pyramidal cells responded differentially to the rewarded or unrewarded stimuli. The stimuli were decoded accurately from the activity of the neuronal ensemble, and accuracy increased substantially as the animal learned to differentiate the stimuli. Decoding the stimulus from individual pyramidal cells that responded differentially revealed that decision-making took place at discrete times after stimulus presentation. Lick prediction decoded from the ensemble activity of cells in dCA1 correlated linearly with lick behavior indicating that sequential activity of pyramidal cells in dCA1 constitutes a temporal memory map used for decision-making in associative learning.

Sobredosis de acetaminofén y comportamientos relacionados con suicidio / Acetaminophen overdose and suicide-related behaviors / Overdose de paracetamol e comportamentos suicidas

Objetivo: este trabajo busca caracterizar el comportamiento relacionado con el suicidio en la población admitida al Hospital San Vicente Fundación, Rionegro, con sobredosis de acetaminofén entre enero 2019 y diciembre 2020 y detectar factores asociados con la dosis tóxica. Metodología: análisis descriptivo con información obtenida de historias clínicas. Resultados: 63 individuos presentaron ingestión aguda de dosis tóxica de acetaminofén como comportamiento relacionado con suicidio. Cuarenta y tres eran mujeres, 60% tenía antecedente de enfermedad psiquiátrica, 35% reportó al menos un intento suicida previo y 22% consumieron 25g o más. La lesión hepática aguda se asoció con una dosis tóxica. Conclusiones: evidenciamos una alta prevalencia de antecedente de enfermedad psi­quiátrica y comportamiento relacionado con suicidio y casi un tercio de los pacientes ingirió dosis mayores al umbral de riesgo para falla hepática. Además, la impulsividad e ingesta en casa sugiere que políticas públicas restrictivas pueden no impactar en la reducción de estos eventos en la población.

Objective: this work seeks to characterize the behavior related to suicide in the po­pulation admitted to the Hospital San Vicente Fundación, Rionegro, with an overdose of acetaminophen between January 2019 and December 2020, and to identify factors associated with the toxic dose. Methodology: descriptive analysis with information obtained from medical records. Results: 63 individuals presented acute ingestion of a toxic dose of acetaminophen as behavior related to suicide. Forty-three were women, 60% had a history of psychiatric illness, 35% reported at least one previous suicide attempt, and 22% consumed 25g or more. Acute liver injury was associated with a toxic dose. Conclusions: we evidenced a high prevalence of a history of psychiatric illness and beha­vior related to suicide; almost a third of the patients ingested doses greater than the risk threshold for liver failure. In addition, impulsiveness and eating at home suggests that res­trictive public policies may not have an impact on reducing these events in the population.

Objetivo: Este trabalho busca caracterizar o comportamento relacionado ao suicídio na população internada no Hospital San Vicente Fundación, Rionegro, com overdose de acetaminofeno entre janeiro de 2019 e dezembro de 2020 e detectar fatores associados à dose tóxica. Metodologia: análise descritiva com informações obtidas dos prontuários. Resultados: 63 indivíduos apresentaram ingestão aguda de dose tóxica de paracetamol como comportamento relacionado ao suicídio. Quarenta e três eram mulheres, 60% tinham histórico de doença psiquiátrica, 35% relataram pelo menos uma tentativa de suicídio anterior e 22% consumiram 25g ou mais. A lesão hepática aguda foi associada a uma dose tóxica. Conclusões: evidenciamos alta prevalência de história de doença psiquiátrica e com-portamento relacionado ao suicídio e quase um terço dos pacientes ingeriu doses superiores ao limiar de risco para insuficiência hepática. Além disso, a impulsividade e a alimentação em casa sugerem que políticas públicas restritivas podem não ter impacto na redução desses eventos na população.

Characterization and application of a coating of starch extracted from avocado (Persea americana L. cv. Hass) seeds as an alternative to reduce acrylamide content in French fries.

The starch extracted from avocado (Persea americana L. cv. Hass) seeds was characterized and used in the preparation of an edible coating to reduce the oil uptake and acrylamide content in French fries. Starch characterization was carried out using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, gelatinization, and scanning electron microscopy. Uncoated (UFF) and coated (CFF) French fries were compared and evaluated for moisture, water activity (Aw), fat, color, firmness, acrylamide content, and sensorial analysis. The extracted starch presented a high crystalline structure and good stability to mechanical work and heat treatments. The CFF French fries showed significantly higher Aw, color parameter a*, but lower luminosity and acrylamide content than UFF samples. Similarly, the CFF samples tended to decrease the fat content, although without statistical differences. Avocado seed starch can be an economical and technically feasible alternative to the food industry as an effective coating to reduce acrylamide content in French fries.

Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes intoxicados con acetaminofén con intenciones suicidas / Epidemiological profile of patients intoxicated with acetaminophen for suicidal purposes / Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes intoxicados com acetaminofen (Paracetamol) com intenções suicidas

Objetivo: este estudio busca describir los individuos evaluados por sobredosis de acetaminofén entre 2019 y 2020 en un centro de referencia de trasplante hepático en Colombia. Metodología: estudio derivado del análisis secundario de historias clínicas entre el 1.º de enero de 2019 y el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Los criterios de inclusión abarcan individuos con ingestión aguda y voluntaria de dosis tóxicas de acetaminofén (>4 g/día). Resultados: sesenta y tres casos, 68% mujeres, 67% menores de 18 años y 54% estudiantes. Reportó historia personal de enfermedad psiquiátrica el 60% y el 35% al menos un intento de suicidio previo. La mediana de dosis de acetaminofén fue 15g, 46% refirieron co-ingesta de otras sustancias y 13% estaba bajo efecto de sustancias psicoactivas. El 57% tenía la intención clara de suicidarse, así como 81% vomitó antes de acudir al servicio de urgencias, 22% recibió medidas de descontaminación y 10% no recibió N - acetilcisteína. Quince individuos desarrollaron lesión hepática aguda, nueve con criterios de severidad. Conclusiones: la población era predominantemente joven, la historia de enfermedad psiquiátrica fue muy prevalente y la mayoría refirieron un evento vital que explicara el comportamiento impulsivo de consumo. Ninguno desarrolló criterios para trasplante hepático, lo cual podría explicarse por la edad de los individuos, los episodios de vómito temprano, y la ausencia de enfermedad hepática crónica o de consumo de sustancias hepatotóxicas.

Objective: this study aims to describe patients with overdose intake of acetaminophen between 2019 and 2020 at a reference center for liver transplantation in Colombia. Methodology: study derived from a secondary analysis of the clinical records between January 1st, 2019, to December 31st, 2020. Inclusion criteria were individuals with voluntary acute ingestion of toxic doses of acetaminophen (>4 g/day). Results: sixty-three cases, 68% women, 67% <18-year-old, and 54% students. 60% had personal history of psychiatric illness and 35% reported at least one previous suicide attempt. The median dose of acetaminophen was 15g, 46% referred to co-ingestion with other substances and 13% were under the effect of any psychoactive substance. 57% had a clear intention of suicide. 81% vomited before the arrival to the emergency room, 22% received decontamination intervention with gastric lavage or activated charcoal, and 10% did not receive any dose of N-Acetylcysteine. Fifteen individuals developed an acute liver injury, nine with severity criteria. Conclusions: the population was predominantly young, the personal history of psychiatric disease was highly prevalent, and most of the cases referred a vital event that explains the impulsive behavior in acetaminophen consumption. None developed criteria for liver transplantation, and this could be explained by the young age of the individuals, the episodes of early vomiting, and the absence of chronic liver disease or hepatotoxic substance consumption.

Objetivo:este estudo busca descrever os indivíduos avaliados por sobredose de acetaminofen entre 2019 e 2020 num centro de referência de transplante hepático na Colômbia. Metodologia: estudo derivado da análise secundário de histórias clínicas entre o dia 1.º de janeiro de 2019 e 31 de dezembro de 2020. Os critérios de inclusão abrangem indivíduos com ingestão aguda e voluntária de dose tóxicas de acetaminofen (>4 g/dia).Resultados:sessenta e três casos, 68% mulheres, 67% menores de 18 anos e 54% estudantes. Reportou história pessoal de doença psiquiátrica, 60% e 35% pelo menos uma tentativa de suicídio prévio. A média de dose de acetaminofen foi de 15g, 46% referiram com ingestão de outras sustâncias e 13% estava sob efeito de sustâncias psicoativas. 57% tinham a intenção clara de suicidar-se, assim como 81% vomitou antes de acudir ao serviço de urgências, 22% receberam medidas de descontaminação e 10% não recebeu N - acetilcisteína. Quinze indivíduos desenvolveram lesão hepática aguda, nove com critérios de severidade. Conclusões: a população era predominantemente jovem, a história de doençapsiquiátrica foi muito prevalente e a maioria referiram um evento vital que explicasse o comportamento impulsivo de consumo. Nenhum desenvolveu critérios para transplantehepático, o qual se poderia explicar pela idade dos indivíduos, os episódios de vómito precoce, e a ausência de doença hepática crónica ou de consumo de sustâncias hepatotóxicas.

Experiencias psicóticas e ideación suicida en adolescentes / Psychotic experiences and suicidal behavior in adolescents / Experiências psicóticas e ideação suicida em adolescentes

Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre experiencias psicóticas y trastornos mentales no psicóticos en población general. Metodología: Estudio de prevalencia analítico con fuente de información secundaria en población general de 15 a 65 años seleccionados de modo aleatorio por muestreo probabilístico. El instrumento de recolección de la información fue el CIDI (por su sigla en inglés), que realiza diagnóstico de 23 trastornos mentales según criterios DSM-IV (por su sigla en inglés). Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas psiquiátricas y seis experiencias psicóticas (alucinaciones e ideas delirantes) como variable principal. El estudio primario fue aprobado por el Comité de Investigación y de Ética Universitario. Se consideró significancia estadística valor de p<0.05. Se calcularon como medidas de asociación OR con su IC95%. Resultados: Se evaluaron 2 072 personas, el 1.85% presentó experiencias psicóticas, de los cuales el 53.3 % eran mujeres, y el 44.4 %, adolescentes. Hubo asociación entre experiencias psicóticas e ideación suicida (OR 3.51, IC95% 1.49-8.29]), ser adolescente (OR 2.29, IC95% 1.24-4.22]) y pertenecer al régimen contributivo de salud (OR 0.34, IC95% 0.18-0.63). Conclusiones: Los jóvenes y aquellas personas con ideación suicida tuvieron mayor probabilidad de reportar experiencias psicóticas. Dentro del intento global por comprender mejor para actuar de forma más efectiva frente al comportamiento suicida especialmente en la población más joven, una mejor comprensión del papel que desempeñan las experiencias psicóticas (EP) puede ser de ayuda.

Objective: To determine the association between psychotic experiences and non-psychotic mental disorders in the general population. Methodology: Analytical prevalence study with secondary information source applied in the general population aged 15 to 65 years old, randomly selected by probabilistic sampling. The instrument for collecting the information was the Composite International Diagnosis Interview (CIDI), which diagnoses 23 mental disorders according to the DSM-IV criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Sociodemographic and psychiatric clinical variables were assessed, but the main variable evaluated consisted in six psychotic experiences (hallucinations and delusions). The primary study was approved by the University Research and Ethics Committee. The p-value <0.05 was the threshold for statistical significance. OR and its 95% CI were calculated as association measures. Results: 2072 people were evaluated, 1.85% presented psychotic experiences, of which 53.3% were women and 44.4% were adolescents. An association was found between psychotic experiences and suicidal ideation (OR 3.51, 95% CI [1.49-8.29]), being an adolescent (OR 2.29, 95% CI [1.24-4.22]) and belonging to the contributory health system (OR 0.34, 95% CI [0.18-0.63]).Conclusions: Young people and those with suicidal ideation were more likely to report psychotic experiences. Within the overall attempt to better understand in order to act more effectively in the face of suicidal behavior, especially in the younger population, a better understanding of the role of psychotic experiences (PE) can be of help

Objetivo: Determinar a associação entre experiências psicóticas e transtornos mentais não psicóticos na população em geral. Metodologia: Estudo analítico de prevalência com fonte secundária de informação na população geral de 15 a 65 anos, selecionada aleatoriamente por amostragem probabi-lística. O instrumento de coleta de informações foi o CIDI (por sua sigla em inglês), que faz o diagnóstico de 23 transtornos mentais de acordo com os critérios do DSM-IV (por sua sigla em inglês). Variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas psiquiátricas e seis experiências psicóticas (alucinações e delírios) foram avaliadas como a variável principal. O estudo principal foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Universidade. A significância estatística foi considerada um valor de p <0,05. Eles foram calculados como medidas de associação OR com seu IC 95%. Resultados: foram avaliadas 2.072 pessoas, 1,85% apresentaram experiências psicóticas, sendo 53,3% mulheres e 44,4% adolescentes. Houve associação entre experiências psi-cóticas e ideação suicida (OR 3,51, IC 95% 1,49-8,29]), ser adolescente (OR 2,29, IC 95% 1,24-4,22]) e pertencer ao regime contributivo de saúde (OR 0,34, 95 % CI 0,18-0,63). Conclusões: Jovens e aqueles com ideação suicida foram mais propensos a relatar ex-periências psicóticas. Na tentativa geral de compreender melhor como agir de maneira mais eficaz diante do comportamento suicida, especialmente na população mais jovem, pode ser útil uma melhor compreensão do papel das experiências psicóticas (TP).

Unifying casualty distributions within and across conflicts.

The distribution of whole war sizes and the distribution of event sizes within individual wars, can both be well approximated by power laws where size is measured by the number of fatalities. However the power-law exponent value for whole wars has a substantially smaller magnitude - and hence a flatter distribution - than for individual wars. We provide detailed numerical evidence that confirms that these numerically different power-law exponent values are interrelated in a simple way by the effect of aggregating fatalities from individual events within wars to whole wars. We offer intuition for this finding and hence strengthen the case for a unified description and understanding of human conflict across scales.

Disrupted inhibitory plasticity and homeostasis in Fragile X syndrome.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder instigated by the absence of a key translation regulating protein, Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). The loss of FMRP in the CNS leads to abnormal synaptic development, disruption of critical periods of plasticity, and an overall deficiency in proper sensory circuit coding leading to hyperexcitable sensory networks. However, little is known about how this hyperexcitable environment affects inhibitory synaptic plasticity. Here, we show that in vivo layer 2/3 of the primary somatosensory cortex of the Fmr1 KO mouse exhibits basal hyperexcitability and an increase in neuronal firing rate suppression during whisker activation. This aligns with our in vitro data that indicate an increase in GABAergic spontaneous activity, a faulty mGluR-mediated inhibitory input and impaired inhibitory plasticity processes. Specifically, we find that mGluR activation sensitivity is overall diminished in the Fmr1 KO mouse leading to both a decreased spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic input to principal cells and a disrupted form of inhibitory long-term depression (I-LTD). These data suggest an adaptive mechanism that acts to homeostatically counterbalance the cortical hyperexcitability observed in FXS.

Actitudes, conocimientos y prácticas frente a la automedicación con productos herbales y psicofármacos en estudiantes de medicina de Medellín-Colombia / Attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding self-medication with herbal products and psychotropic drugs among medical students in Medellin, Colombia / Atitudes, conhecimentos e práticas frente à automedicação com produtos ervais e psicofármacos em estudantes de medicina de Medellín-Colômbia

Objetivo: la automedicación en estudiantes de medicina es una práctica común que representa importantes riesgos personales. El objetivo de este artículo es explorar las actitudes, conocimientos y prácticas frente a la automedicación de productos herbales y psicofármacos en estudiantes de medicina. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal que incluyó 625 estudiantes matriculados en los doce semestres del pregrado de medicina en una universidad privada de Medellín-Colombia. Se diseñó un cuestionario para el estudio que incluía variables sociodemográficas, un listado de psicofármacos y productos herbales y aspectos relacionados con las actitudes, los conocimientos y las prácticas frente a la automedicación durante el último año. Resultados: edad mediana 20 años. Rango intercuartílico 2 años, edad mínima 18 y máxima 28 años. El 67% fueron mujeres, la razón mujer: hombre fue 2:1. El 39.5% de los estudiantes se automedica con productos herbales o psicofármacos. El 16.7% se automedicó para dormir mejor. El 14.5% para disminuir el estrés y la ansiedad y el 8.3% para mejorar el ánimo. El 90.1% de los estudiantes consideraron la automedicación una práctica insegura. Sin embargo el 78.6% afirmó que continuaría haciéndolo. Conclusiones: cuatro de cada diez estudiantes de medicina encuestados (39.5%) se automedica con productos herbales o psicofármacos para mejorar síntomas mentales comunes como insomnio, depresión y ansiedad. El elevado uso de medicamentos sin supervisión profesional expone a los estudiantes a efectos secundarios indeseables, dependencia y manejo subóptimo de síntomas mentales que deterioran la calidad de vida de futuros profesionales de la salud.

Objective: Self-medication is a common practice among university students worldwide. The objective of this article is to explore the attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding self-medication of herbal products and psychotropic drugs in medical students. Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive study that included 625 students from all twelve semesters offered at the medicine program at a private university in Medellin, Colombia. A questionnaire was designed for the study which included sociodemographic variables, a list of psychotropic drugs and herbal products, and aspects related to attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding self-medication during the last year. Results: Median age was 20 years and interquartile range was 2 years; minimum age was 18 and maximum was 28 years. 67% were women; the female to male ratio was 2:1. 39.5% of the students self-medicated with herbal or psychoactive drugs. 16.7% self-medicated to sleep better, 14.5% to reduce stress and anxiety, and 8.3% for mood enhancement. 90.1% of the students considered self-medication an unsafe practice. However, 78.6% stated that they would continue self-medicating. Conclusion: Four out of ten (39.5%) medical students surveyed self-medicate with herbal products or psychotropic drugs to improve common mental symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. The high use of medications without professional supervision exposes students to undesirable side effects, dependence, and suboptimal management of mental symptoms that deteriorate the quality of life of future health professionals.

Objetivo: a automedicação em estudantes de medicina é uma prática comum que representa importantes riscos pessoais. O objetivo deste artigo é explorar as atitudes, conhecimentos e práticas frente à automedicação de produtos ervais e psicofármacos em estudantes de medicina. Metodologia: estudo descritivo transversal que incluiu 625 estudantes matriculados nos doze semestres da graduação de medicina numa universidade privada de Medellín-Colômbia. Se desenhou um questionário para o estudo que incluía variáveis sócio-demográficas, um listado de psicofármacos e produtos ervais e aspectos relacionados com as atitudes, os conhecimentos e as práticas frente à automedicação durante o último ano. Resultados: idade média 20 anos. Faixa interquartílico 2 anos, idade mínima 18 e máxima 28 anos. 67% foram mulheres, a razão mulher: homem foi de 2:1. 39.5% dos estudantes se automedica com produtos ervais ou psicofármacos. 16.7% se automedicou para dormir melhor. 14.5% para diminuir o estresse e a ansiedade e 8.3% para melhorar o ânimo. 90.1% dos estudantes consideraram a automedicação uma prática insegura. Embora 78.6% afirmou que continuaria fazendo. Conclusões: quatro de cada dez estudantes de medicina entrevistados (39.5%) se automedica com produtos ervais ou psicofármacos para melhorar sintomas mentais comuns como insônia, depressão e ansiedade. O elevado uso de medicamentos sem supervisão profissional expõe aos estudantes a efeitos secundários indesejáveis, dependência e manejo em deficiência de sintomas mentais que deterioram a qualidade de vida de futuros profissionais da saúde.

Automedicación de analgésicos y antibióticos en estudiantes de pregrado de medicina / Self-medication of analgesics and antibiotics in medical students / Automedicação de analgésicos e antibióticos em estudantes de graduação de medicina

Objetivo: automedicación es el uso de productos medicinales sin prescripción médica. En estudiantes de medicina es una práctica común y puede asociarse con efectos adversos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de automedicación con antibióticos y analgésicos en estudiantes de pregrado de medicina y caracterizar las actitudes, los conocimientos y las prácticas frente a este comportamiento. Metodología: estudio transversal que contó con 625 estudiantes de pregrado de medicina de una universidad privada de Medellín-Colombia. Se diseñó una encuesta con 45 preguntas. La variable dependiente fue la automedicación de antibióticos y analgésicos. Se obtuvieron proporciones y promedios con sus medidas de dispersión. Se exploraron posibles asociaciones entre la práctica de la automedicación, el sexo y el semestre de formación. Se tomó como valor significativo p <0.05. Resultados: se incluyeron 625 estudiantes que aceptaron responder la encuesta, lo cual equivale al 58% de la totalidad de estudiantes matriculados. El 67% está conformado por mujeres. La razón mujer: hombre fue 2:1. La mediana para la edad fue 20 años (rango intercuartil: 3). La prevalencia de automedicación con analgésicos fue de 84% para las mujeres y 81% para los hombres y la de antibióticos de 28% para mujeres y 21% para hombres. El 90.1% de los estudiantes considera la automedicación como una práctica insegura; el 93% afirma que automedicarse con antibióticos produce resistencia antimicrobiana; sin embargo, el 78.6% afirma que continuará automedicándose. Discusión: la automedicación de analgésicos y antibióticos es un comportamiento común y complejo en estudiantes de pregrado de medicina. A pesar de tener el conocimiento de los riesgos que asumen por esta práctica, la mayoría no está dispuesta a cambiarla.

Objective: Self-medication is a common practice among university students worldwide. It is also common among medical students and has been associated, in the case of non-steroid, antiinflamatory drugs, with renal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal adverse effects and multidrug-resistance in the case of antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and analgesics in undergraduate medical students and to characterize the attitudes, knowledge, and practices related to this behavior. Methodology: Cross-sectional study. 625 undergraduate medical students from a private university in Medellín, Colombia participated. A 45-question survey was designed. The dependent variable was self-medication of antibiotics and analgesics. Proportions and means with their dispersion measurements were obtained. We explored possible associations between the practice of self-medication, gender, and the training semester. Significant value was taken as p <0.05. Results: The survey was taken by 625 undergraduate medical students, that is, 58% of all students. Of these, 67% were women. The female to male ratio was 2:1. The median age was 20 years (interquartile range: 3). The prevalence of self-medication with analgesics was 84% for women and 81% for men, while with antibiotics it was 28% for women and 21% for men. 90.1% of students expressed that practicing self-medication was unsafe; likewise, 93% of students recognized that self-medication with antibiotics produces antimicrobial resistance. Regardless, 78.6% said they would continue to self-treat. Discussion: Self-medication with analgesics and antibiotics is a common and complex behavior in undergraduate medical students. While they are aware of the risks involved in this practice, most are not willing to change it.

Objetivo: automedicação é o uso de produtos medicinais sem prescrição médica. Em estudantes de medicina é uma prática comum e pode associar-se com efeitos adversos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de automedicação com antibióticos e analgésicos em estudantes de graduação de medicina e caracterizar as atitudes, os conhecimentos e as práticas frente a este comportamento. Metodologia: estudo transversal que contou com 625 estudantes de graduação de medicina de uma universidade privada de Medellín-Colômbia. Se desenhou uma enquete com 45 perguntas. A variável dependente foi a automedicação de antibióticos e analgésicos. Se obtiveram proporções e médias com suas medidas de dispersão. Se exploraram possíveis associações entre a prática da automedicação, o sexo e o semestre de formação. Se tomou como valor significativo p <0.05. Resultados: se incluíram 625 estudantes que aceitaram responder a enquete, o qual equivale a 58% da totalidade de estudantes matriculados. 67% está conformado por mulheres. A razão mulher: homem foi 2:1. A média da idade foi 20 anos (faixa interquartil: 3). A prevalência de automedicação com analgésicos foi de 84% para as mulheres e 81% para os homens e a de antibióticos de 28% para mulheres e 21% para homens. 90.1% dos estudantes considera a automedicação como uma prática insegura; 93% afirma que automedicar-se com antibióticos produz resistência antimicrobiana; porém, 78.6% afirma que continuará se automedicando. Discussão: a automedicação de analgésicos e antibióticos é um comportamento comum e complexo em estudantes de graduação de medicina. Apesar de ter o conhecimento dos riscos que assumem por esta prática, a maioria não está disposta a mudar.

Generation of mice lacking DUF1220 protein domains: effects on fecundity and hyperactivity.

Sequences encoding DUF1220 protein domains show the most extreme human lineage-specific copy number increase of any coding region in the genome and have been linked to human brain evolution. In addition, DUF1220 copy number (dosage) has been implicated in influencing brain size within the human species, both in normal populations and in individuals associated with brain size pathologies (1q21-associated microcephaly and macrocephaly). More recently, increasing dosage of a subtype of DUF1220 has been linked with increasing severity of the primary symptoms of autism. Despite these intriguing associations, a function for these domains has not been described. As a first step in addressing this question, we have developed the first transgenic model of DUF1220 function by removing the single DUF1220 domain (the ancestral form) encoded in the mouse genome. In a hypothesis generating exercise, these mice were evaluated by 197 different phenotype measurements. While resulting DUF1220-minus (KO) mice show no obvious anatomical peculiarities, they exhibit a significantly reduced fecundity (χ(2) = 19.1, df = 2, p = 7.0 × 10(-5)). Further extensive phenotypic analyses suggest hyperactivity (p < 0.05) of DUF1220 mice and changes in gene expression levels of brain associated with distinct neurological functions and disease. Other changes that met statistical significance include an increase in plasma glucose concentration (as measured by area under the curve, AUC 0-30 and AUC 30-120) in male mutants, fasting glucose levels, reduce sodium levels in male mutants, increased levels of the liver functional indicator ALAT/GPT in males, levels of alkaline phosphatase (also an indicator of liver function), mean R and SR amplitude by electrocardiography, elevated IgG3 levels, a reduced ratio of CD4:CD8 cells, and a reduced frequency of T cells; though it should be noted that many of these differences are quite small and require further examination. The linking of DUF1220 loss to a hyperactive phenotype is consistent with separate findings in which DUF1220 over expression results in a down-regulation of mitochondrial function, and potentially suggests a role in developmental metabolism. Finally, the substantially reduced fecundity we observe associated with KO mice argues that the ancestral DUF1220 domain provides an important biological functionthat is critical to survivability and reproductive success.

Differential localization of NT-3 and TrpM5 in glomeruli of the olfactory bulb of mice.

Olfactory sensory neurons that express transient receptor potential channel M5 (TrpM5) or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) project to defined clusters of glomeruli situated ventrally in the main olfactory bulb. Using genetically labeled mice, we investigated whether expression of NT-3-driven ßgal and TrpM5-driven GFP marked overlapping sets of glomeruli and whether expression of these markers was coordinated. Our results indicate that these markers largely characterize independent sets of olfactory sensory neuron axons and glomeruli. Further, in glomeruli in which both TrpM5-GFP and NT-3-ßgal labeled axons occur, they are expressed independently. The nature of staining for these two markers also differs within glomeruli. Within each labeled TrpM5-positive glomerulus, the level of TrpM5-GFP expression was similar throughout the glomerular neuropil. In contrast, NT-3-driven ßgal expression levels are heterogeneous even within heavily labeled glomeruli. In addition, a population of very small TrpM5-GFP positive glomeruli is apparent while no similar populations of NT-3-ßgal glomeruli are evident. Taken together, these data suggest that TrpM5 and NT-3 characterize two largely independent receptor populations both conveying odorant information to the ventral olfactory bulb.

Potenciación de la capacidad antioxidante de fresa (Fragaria ananassa Duch. ) por incorporación de vitamina e utilizando la técnica de impregnación a vacío / Enhancement of the antioxidant capacity of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa Duch. ) by incorporation of vitamin e using the vacuum impregnation technique

El presente estudio evaluó la capacidad antioxidante y el contenido de vitamina E en fresas fortificadas con vitamina E sintética (dl-α-tocoferol acetato) por la técnica de impregnación al vacío. La vitamina fue cuantificada por HPLC y sus niveles registrados por cada 100 g fruta fresca. La capacidad antioxidante se determinó durante el almacenamiento, en muestras envasadas con y sin vacío, por los métodos DPPH●, FRAP y Folin-Ciocalteau. El proceso de impregnación en la fresa permitió alcanzar niveles de 19,12 ± 3,01 mg de dl-α-tocoferol acetato/100 g de fruta fresca, sin que el tiempo de almacenamiento ni el tipo de envasado ocasionaran efectos significativos en ella. Estos resultados fueron coherentes con el incremento de la capacidad antioxidante expresados como valores DPPH●, FRAP y Folin-Ciocalteau de 14,7%, 82,2% y 56,8%, respectivamente. Los resultados reflejaron la potenciación de la capacidad antioxidante de la fresa por el efecto de la incorporación de la vitamina E mediante el proceso de impregnación al vacío.

This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and vitamin “E” content in strawberries fortified with synthetic vitamin E (dl-α-tocopherol acetate) by vacuum impregnation technique. The vitamin is quantified by HPLC and their levels are recorded per 100 g fresh fruit. The antioxidant capacity was determined during storage in samples packaged with and without vacuum, by the methods DPPH, FRAP and Folin-Cicalteau. The impregnation process can achieve levels in strawberry of 19.12 ± 3.01 mg of vitamin E dl-α-tocopherol acetate/100 g in fresh fruit, with no significant effect over time of storage or the type of packaging. These results were consistent to increased antioxidant capacity as values DPPH, FRAP and Folin-Cicalteau in the order of 14.7%, 82.2% and 56.8% respectively. In general, the results reflect a strengthening of the antioxidant capacity of strawberries, by the effect of vitamin E incorporated by the vacuum impregnation process.

Risk factors for decreased bone density and effects of HIV on bone in the elderly.

UNLABELLED: Most studies of bone density in HIV-infected individuals focus on young men. This study compares differences in bone density in elderly HIV positive men and women to HIV negative controls. Bone density was lower in the lumbar spine and hip in the HIV-infected group. Antiretrovirals may be associated with decreased bone mineralization. INTRODUCTION: Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be at increased risk for osteoporosis. Prolonged exposures to HIV and/or antiretroviral therapy are possible causes for this association. This study compares differences in bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly HIV positive men and women to HIV negative controls. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 57 HIV-infected and 47 HIV negative subjects over age 55. BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip and markers of bone turnover were compared. RESULTS: BMD was borderline lower in the lumbar spine and significantly lower in the hip in the HIV-infected group. Controlling for age, sex, race and body mass index, differences between the groups were significant at both sites. There was no difference in markers of bone turnover between the groups. Tenofovir use was significantly associated with decreased BMD at the spine while protease inhibitor use was significantly associated with decreased BMD at the hip. CONCLUSION: Elderly men and women with HIV have lower bone mass than HIV negative controls. Decreased body mass index was the most important risk factor associated with decreased BMD. Bone demineralization was observed among HIV-infected subjects receiving either tenofovir or a protease inhibitor.

Aspergillus infection limited to renal allograft: case report and review of literature.

We report a case of a 28-year-old recipient of a cadaveric renal transplant who developed Aspergillus infection in the allograft without having disseminated disease. We review the previously reported cases of isolated Aspergillus in kidney transplant recipients and discuss the possible route of transmission in our patient. We also discuss the alternate but successful treatment that our patient received.

Teoría y práctica del Desarrollo Familiar en Colombia / Theory and practice of Family Development in Colombia

Este artículo tiene la intención de discutir y de compartir con la comunidad académica internacional la propuesta de la nueva disciplina del Desarrollo Familiar surgida en Caldas, Colombia, en la década de los 80s, y la cual se ha venido construyendo en tres vertientes: como un modelo teórico-conceptual que fundamenta científicamente las relaciones familia-sociedad en el contexto del desarrollo; otro, como estrategia política de cambio socio-familiar; y finalmente, su parte aplicada en programas universitarios de formación de agentes de cambio en niveles de pre y postgrado.El artículo está organizado en dos secciones: en la primera, se presentan los fundamentos históricos de la creación y desarrollo de la Ciencia de Familia y, en particular, de la disciplina Desarrollo Familiar en Colombia. En la segunda parte, se discuten las bases teóricas, conceptuales y metodológicas de la nueva disciplina, en una perspectiva autóctona y singular en tanto se enfoca en familia y desarrollo; entendido éste como un proceso que se manifiesta en tres niveles de existencia humana: el personal, el familial y el societal. Palabras clave: ciencia de familia, desarrollo familiar, epistemología alternativa, agencia, empoderamiento familial, equidad, democracia familial, Desarrollo alternativo micro y macro, nueva disciplina, cambio familiar y social.

Biopsies of human olfactory epithelium.

It has been shown that olfactory epithelium can be safely biopsied from the living, intact human being. Observations of the ultrastructure of this epithelium shows changes that can then be correlated with the etiology and degree of olfactory loss, allowing a greater understanding of both normal transduction and of the pathology of dysfunction. Examples of the common forms of olfactory dysfunction are presented and discussed. Additionally, the technique will allow additional immuno-histochemical and molecular study of the tissue, will increase the understanding of both normal and pathological function and should translate to new therapeutic regimens.

Variability of position of the P2 glomerulus within a map of the mouse olfactory bulb.

Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) that express a common odorant receptor molecule target specific glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. We systematically assessed the location of the olfactory glomeruli that receive input from ORNs expressing P2 receptors in the P2-internal ribosome entry site-tau-lacZ mouse. We present a new mapping method that includes an Internet-accessible computer program for generating two- and three-dimensional maps of the glomerular sheet in the olfactory bulbs of mice. Cylindrical coordinates were used to define glomerular location: The coordinates were given as the anteroposterior (AP) distance parallel to the long axis of the bulb (rostrocaudal; RC) and angular measurements with origin defined by the remnant ependymal layer in the center of the granule cell layer in the bulb. Using this method, we can apply rigorous statistical methods to give objective estimates of position and variability. At the 95% confidence interval, the lateral P2 glomerulus lies at coordinates 1,008 microm +/- 306 microm AP x 146 degrees +/- 12 degrees, and the medial P2 glomerulus lies at 1,828 microm +/- 196 microm AP x 204 degrees +/- 8 degrees. We estimate that these coordinates encompass a domain containing 29 and 37 of the 1,800 glomeruli ( approximately 2%) for the lateral and medial glomeruli, respectively. Furthermore, the data reported here demonstrate that the rostrocaudal position of small P2 glomeruli is three times more variable than that of large glomeruli.

Olfactory fingerprints for major histocompatibility complex-determined body odors.

Recognition of individual body odors is analogous to human face recognition in that it provides information about identity. Individual body odors determined by differences at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC or H-2) have been shown to influence mate choice, pregnancy block, and maternal behavior in mice. Unfortunately, the mechanism and extent of the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) involvement in the discrimination of animals according to H-2-type has remained ambiguous. Here we study the neuronal activation patterns evoked in the MOB in different individuals on exposure to these complex, biologically meaningful sensory stimuli. We demonstrate that body odors from H-2 disparate mice evoke overlapping but distinct maps of neuronal activation in the MOB. The spatial patterns of odor-evoked activity are sufficient to be used like fingerprints to predict H-2 identity using a novel computer algorithm. These results provide functional evidence for discrimination of H-2-determined body odors in the MOB, but do not preclude a role for the AOB. These data further our understanding of the neural strategies used to decode socially relevant odors.

Characteristics of odorant elicited calcium changes in cultured human olfactory neurons.

An important step in establishing and utilizing a cell culture system for the in vitro study of olfaction is assessing whether the cultured cells possess physiological properties similar to those of mature olfactory neurons. Various investigators have successfully established proliferating cell lines from olfactory tissue, but few have demonstrated the characteristics of odor sensitivity of these cells. We successfully established cultured cell lines from adult human olfactory tissue obtained using an olfactory biopsy procedure and measured their ability to respond to odor stimulation using calcium imaging techniques. A subset of the human olfactory cells in culture displayed a distinct morphology and specifically expressed immunocytochemical markers characteristic of mature human olfactory neurons such as OMP, G(olf), NCAM and NST. Under defined growth conditions, these cultured cells responded to odorant mixes that have been previously shown to elicit intracellular calcium changes in acutely-isolated human olfactory neurons. These odorant-elicited calcium responses displayed characteristics similar to those found in mature human olfactory neurons. First, cultured cells responded with either increases or decreases in intracellular calcium. Second, increases in calcium were abolished by removal of extracellular calcium. Third, inhibitors of the olfactory signal transduction cascades reversibly blocked these odorant-elicited intracellular calcium changes. Our results demonstrate that cultures of adult human olfactory cells established from olfactory biopsies retain some of the in vivo odorant response characteristics of acutely isolated cells from the adult olfactory epithelium. This work has important ramifications for investigation of olfactory function and dysfunction using biopsy procedures and in vitro assays of odor sensitivity.

Mature olfactory receptor neurons express connexin 43.

The expression of the gap junction subunit connexin 43 was studied in the olfactory epithelium of adult mice. In agreement with conclusions from previous immunohistochemical studies, we observed expression of mRNA encoding for connexin 43 in layers of the epithelium containing nuclei belonging to sustentacular cells. However, we also observed expression of connexin 43 mRNA in the layers containing nuclei belonging to mature olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), immature ORNs, and basal cells. Connexin 43 mRNA expression was low in dorsomedial regions of the nasal cavity but higher ventrally. This differential regional distribution was consistent with expression in a transgenic mouse of a LacZ reporter gene driven by the proximal 6.5 kb of the connexin 43 promoter. LacZ was expressed in cells colabeled with antibody against olfactory marker protein (OMP), corroborating that mature ORNs express connexin 43. LacZ staining also was observed in sustentacular and basal cells and in immature ORNs. Double-label studies with antibodies against connexin 43 and OMP and expression of connexin 43 in the epithelium of bulbectomized mice were also consistent with expression of connexin 43 in mature ORNs. This is the first report of expression of a connexin subunit in mature ORNs. Our findings of connexin subunits in mature ORNs raise the novel possibility that gap junctions may play a fundamental role in information processing in the olfactory epithelium.