Effects of early-life stress followed by access to stevia or sucralose during adolescence on weight gain, glycemia, and anxiety-related behaviors in male and female rats.

Early-life stress and subsequent high-calorie diets during adolescence are known to be risk factors for developing metabolic and psychological disorders. Although non-nutritive sweeteners such as stevia and sucralose have been a useful alternative to reduce sugar consumption, the effects of prolonged consumption of these sweeteners on metabolism and behavior in adolescents remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of early-stress followed by access to stevia or sucralose during adolescence on weight gain, glycemia, and anxiety-related behaviors in male and female rats. During postnatal days (PNDs) 1-21, pups were separated twice a day, for 180 min each time, from their dam nest while non-separated pups served as controls. The pups were weaned, separated by sex and randomly distributed into the stevia, sucralose and water conditions. During PNDs 26-50, two bottles containing water and stevia or sucralose were placed in the animal home-cages, and body weight and blood glucose measures were scored. On PNDs 50 and 51, behavioral measures were obtained in the open-field test. Results showed that male rats consuming stevia reduced body weight gain, blood glucose and increased locomotion. Early-stress led to low blood glucose and alterations in anxiety and locomotion-related behaviors in a sex-dependent manner. Moreover, sucralose access during adolescence reversed the effects of early-stress on anxiety-related behaviors in female rats. The results suggest that the consumption of stevia and sucralose could be an alternative for the replacement of sugar-sweetened beverages, especially in adolescents who have had adverse early-life experiences.

Divergent Gut Microbiota: Archaeal and Bacterial Signatures Unveil Unique Patterns in Colombian Cyclists Compared to Weightlifters and Non-Athletes.

Engagement in physical activity, across various sports, promotes a diverse microbiota in active individuals. This study examines the gut microbiota of Colombian athletes, specifically weightlifters (n = 16) and road cyclists (n = 13), compared to non-athletes (n = 15). Using Kruskal-Wallis tests, the physical activity level of a group of non-athletic individuals and the sports experience of a group of professional athletes is analyzed. The median age of participants is 24 years, comprising 25 men and 19 women. The microbiota is collected using fecal samples. Participants provided these samples during their pre-competitive stage, specifically during the concentration phase occurring two weeks prior to national competitions. This timing is chosen to capture the microbial composition during a period of heightened physical preparation. Questionnaire responses and microbial composition assessments identify disparities among groups. Microbial composition analysis explores core microbiome, abundance, and taxonomy using Pavian, MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0, and GraPhlAn. ANCOM-BC2 reveals differentially abundant species. Road cyclists exhibit decreased Bacteria and increased Archaea abundance. Phylum-level variations included Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria, while Bacteroidetes prevailed. Key families influencing gut microbiota are Bacteroidaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Selenomonadaceae. Weightlifters exhibit unique viral and archaeal community connections, while cyclists showed specialized microbial interplay influenced by endurance exercise. Correlation network analysis emphasizes distinctive microbial interactions within athlete groups, shedding light on the impact of physical activities on gut microbiota and athlete health.

Correlation between Diameter of Yolk Sac on Transvaginal Ultrasonography at 6-12 Weeks of Gestation and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between yolk sac diameter at 6 to 12 weeks of gestation measured via transvaginal ultrasound and adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital from July 1, 2019 to January 30, 2020. It included 120 pregnant women attending the outpatient clinic at 6 to 12 weeks of gestation. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed to measure inner yolk sac diameter. Normal diameter was considered to be 2-5 mm. Cases were followed up in routine antenatal care until the 16th week of gestation. RESULTS: Significant associations were found between maternal age and yolk sac diameter; yolk sac diameter and early miscarriage; a high percentage of cases of positive fetal life occurred when a normal yolk sac diameter (2-5 mm) was present (p<0.001); in yolk sac diameters <2mm positive fetal life was 0.0% and negative fetal life was 42.9%; in yolk sac diameters of 2-5mm positive fetal life was 81.1% and the negative fetal life was 7.1%; and in yolk sac diameters >5mm positive fetal life was 18.9% and negative fetal life was 50.0% (p<0.001), x2 60.094; and the best cutoff value for yolk sac diameter was >0.56, with a sensitivity of 78.6%, a specificity of 84.3%. CONCLUSIONS: We found a highly significant correlation between yolk sac diameter and early pregnancy loss.

Methylene blue as an adjuvant during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an experimental study in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Methylene Blue (MB) has been shown to attenuate oxidative, inflammatory, myocardial, and neurological lesions during ischemia-reperfusion and has great potential during cardiac arrest. This study aimed to determine the effects of MB combined with epinephrine during cardiac arrest on myocardial and cerebral lesions. METHOD: Thirty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: the sham group (SH, n = 5), and three groups subjected to cardiac arrest (n = 11/group) and treated with EPI 20 µg.kg-1 (EPI), EPI 20 µg.kg-1 + MB 2 mg.kg-1 (EPI + MB), or saline 0.9% 0.2 ml (CTL). Ventricular fibrillation was induced by direct electrical stimulation in the right ventricle for 3 minutes, and anoxia was maintained for 5 minutes. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) consisted of medications, ventilation, chest compressions, and defibrillation. After returning to spontaneous circulation, animals were observed for four hours. Blood gas, troponin, oxidative stress, histology, and TUNEL staining measurements were analyzed. Groups were compared using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: No differences in the Returning of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) rate were observed among the groups (EPI: 63%, EPI + MB: 45%, CTL: 40%, p = 0.672). The mean arterial pressure immediately after ROSC was higher in the EPI+MB group than in the CTRL group (CTL: 30.5 [5.8], EPI: 63 [25.5], EPI+MB: 123 [31] mmHg, p = 0.007). Serum troponin levels were high in the CTL group (CTL: 130.1 [333.8], EPI: 3.70 [36.0], EPI + MB: 43.7 [116.31] ng/mL, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The coadministration of MB and epinephrine failed to yield enhancements in cardiac or brain lesions in a rodent model of cardiac arrest.

Methylene blue as an adjuvant during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an experimental study in rats

Abstract Introduction: Methylene Blue (MB) has been shown to attenuate oxidative, inflammatory, myocardial, and neurological lesions during ischemia-reperfusion and has great potential during cardiac arrest. This study aimed to determine the effects of MB combined with epinephrine during cardiac arrest on myocardial and cerebral lesions. Method: Thirty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: the sham group (SH, n = 5), and three groups subjected to cardiac arrest (n = 11 /group) and treated with EPI 20 μg.kg−1 (EPI), EPI 20 μg.kg−1 + MB 2 mg.kg−1 (EPI + MB), or saline 0.9% 0.2 ml (CTL). Ventricular fibrillation was induced by direct electrical stimulation in the right ventricle for 3 minutes, and anoxia was maintained for 5 minutes. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) consisted of medications, ventilation, chest compressions, and defibrillation. After returning to spontaneous circulation, animals were observed for four hours. Blood gas, troponin, oxidative stress, histology, and TUNEL staining measurements were analyzed. Groups were compared using generalized estimating equations. Results: No differences in the Returning of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) rate were observed among the groups (EPI: 63%, EPI + MB: 45%, CTL: 40%, p = 0.672). The mean arterial pressure immediately after ROSC was higher in the EPI+MB group than in the CTRL group (CTL: 30.5 [5.8], EPI: 63 [25.5], EPI+MB: 123 [31] mmHg, p = 0.007). Serum troponin levels were high in the CTL group (CTL: 130.1 [333.8], EPI: 3.70 [36.0], EPI +MB: 43.7 [116.31] ng/mL, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The coadministration of MB and epinephrine failed to yield enhancements in cardiac or brain lesions in a rodent model of cardiac arrest.

Flowchart for selecting an appropriate surgical airway in neurologically impaired pediatric intubated patients: a case series

Abstract Objective: Medical advances have resulted in increased survival rates of neurologically impaired children who may require mechanical ventilation and subsequent tracheostomy as a surgical airway. However, at present, there is no definite consensus regarding the timing and methods for placement of a surgical airway in a neurologically impaired intubated child who needs to be cared for over a long-term period. We therefore created a flowchart for the selection of a surgical airway for Neurologically Impaired Pediatric Patients (NIPPs). Methods: The flowchart includes information on the patients' backgrounds, such as intubation period, prognosis related to reversibility, and history of aspiration pneumonia. To evaluate the importance of the flowchart, first we conducted a survey of pediatricians regarding selection of a surgical airway, and we also evaluated the appropriateness of the flowchart among pediatricians and caregivers through questionnaire surveys which include satisfaction with the decision-making process, and postoperative course after discharge. Results: A total of 21 NIPPs with intubation underwent surgery and a total of 24 participants (14 pediatricians and 10 caregivers) completed the survey. The answers regarding the importance of the flowchart showed that eleven pediatricians had experience selecting of surgical airways, nine of whom had had experiences in which they had to make a difficult decision. The answers regarding the appropriateness of the flowchart revealed that all pediatricians and caregivers were satisfied with the decision-making process and postoperative course after discharge using the flowchart. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of our flowchart for selecting an appropriate surgical airway in NIPP. By referring to our flowchart, pediatricians and caregivers are likely to be able to select an appropriate surgical airway, leading to increased satisfaction with the decision-making process and postoperative course. Level of Evidence: 4.

TREATMENT WITH HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN A PIG MODEL OF SEPSIS-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY: EFFECTS ON MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS AND TUBULAR CELLS IN THE KIDNEY.

ABSTRACT: Background: Approximately 50% of patients with sepsis develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which is predictive of poor outcomes, with mortality rates of up to 70%. The endothelium is a major target for treatments aimed at preventing the complications of sepsis. We hypothesized that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) could attenuate tubular and endothelial injury in a porcine model of sepsis-induced AKI. Methods: Anesthetized pigs were induced to fecal peritonitis, resulting in septic shock, and were randomized to treatment with fluids, vasopressors, and antibiotics (sepsis group; n = 11) or to that same treatment plus infusion of 1 × 10 6 cells/kg of hUC-MSCs (sepsis+MSC group; n = 11). Results: At 24 h after sepsis induction, changes in serum creatinine and mean arterial pressure were comparable between the two groups, as was mortality. However, the sepsis+MSC group showed some significant differences in comparison with the sepsis group: lower fractional excretions of sodium and potassium; greater epithelial sodium channel protein expression; and lower protein expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and aquaporin 2 in the renal medulla. Expression of P-selectin, thrombomodulin, and vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly lower in the sepsis+MSC group than in the sepsis group, whereas that of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was lower in the former. Conclusion: Treatment with hUC-MSCs seems to protect endothelial and tubular cells in sepsis-induced AKI, possibly via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, it might be an effective treatment for sepsis-induced AKI.

Can a Therapeutic Strategy for Hypotension Improve Cerebral Perfusion and Oxygenation in an Experimental Model of Hemorrhagic Shock and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?

BACKGROUND: Restoration of brain tissue perfusion is a determining factor in the neurological evolution of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhagic shock (HS). In a porcine model of HS without neurological damage, it was observed that the use of fluids or vasoactive drugs was effective in restoring brain perfusion; however, only terlipressin promoted restoration of cerebral oxygenation and lower expression of edema and apoptosis markers. It is unclear whether the use of vasopressor drugs is effective and beneficial during situations of TBI. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of resuscitation with saline solution and terlipressin on cerebral perfusion and oxygenation in a model of TBI and HS. METHODS: Thirty-two pigs weighing 20-30 kg were randomly allocated into four groups: control (no treatment), saline (60 ml/kg of 0.9% NaCl), terlipressin (2 mg of terlipressin), and saline plus terlipressin (20 ml/kg of 0.9% NaCl + 2 mg of terlipressin). Brain injury was induced by lateral fluid percussion, and HS was induced through pressure-controlled bleeding, aiming at a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mmHg. After 30 min of circulatory shock, resuscitation strategies were initiated according to the group. The systemic and cerebral hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters, lactate levels, and hemoglobin levels were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance for repeated measures. The significance level established for statistical analysis was p < 0.05. RESULTS: The terlipressin and saline plus terlipressin groups showed an increase in MAP that lasted until the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). There was a notable increase in intracranial pressure in all groups after starting treatment for shock. Cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral oximetry showed no improvement after hemodynamic recovery in any group. The groups that received saline at resuscitation had the lowest hemoglobin concentrations after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of hypotension in HS with saline and/or terlipressin cannot restore cerebral perfusion or oxygenation in experimental models of HS and severe TBI. Elevated MAP raises intracranial pressure owing to brain autoregulation dysfunction caused by TBI.

Improving COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a message co-design process for a national mHealth intervention in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination is a global priority. Latin American countries have some of the highest COVID-19 death rates worldwide with vaccination hampered by a variety of reasons, including mis- and disinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine supply constraints. Addressing vaccine hesitancy through effective messages has been found to help increase vaccine uptake. Participatory processes could be used to co-design health messages for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the methodology used to co-design evidence-based audio messages to be deployed in a cohort of individuals through an interactive voice response (IVR) mobile phone survey intervention, aimed towards increasing vaccination uptake in an adult population in Colombia. METHODS: Participants of the COVID-19 vaccination message co-design process included a sample of the general population of the country, representatives of the funder organisation, and research team members. The co-design process consisted of four phases: (1) formative quantitative and qualitative research, (2) message drafting based on the results of the formative research, (3) message content evaluation, and (4) evaluation of the voices to deliver the audio messages; and was informed by reflexive meetings. RESULTS: Three categories of evidence-based audio messages were co-designed, each corresponding to an arm of the mHealth intervention: (1) factual messages, (2) narrative messages, and (3) mixed messages. An additional fourth arm with no message was proposed for control. The iterative co-design process ended with a total of 14 audio messages recorded to be deployed via the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Co-developing health messages in response to health emergencies is possible. Adopting more context-relevant, participatory, people-centred, and reflexive multidisciplinary approaches could help develop solutions that are more responsive to the needs of populations and public health priorities. Investing resources in message co-design is deemed to have a greater potential for influencing behaviours and improving health outcomes.

Insights Regarding the Role of Inflammasomes in Leukemia: What Do We Know?

Inflammation is a physiological mechanism of the immune response and has an important role in maintaining the hematopoietic cell niche in the bone marrow. During this process, the participation of molecules produced by innate immunity cells in response to a variety of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns is observed. However, chronic inflammation is intrinsically associated with leukemogenesis, as it induces DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells and contributes to the creation of the preleukemic clone. Several factors influence the malignant transformation within the hematopoietic microenvironment, with inflammasomes having a crucial role in this process, in addition to acting in the regulation of hematopoiesis and its homeostasis. Inflammasomes are intracellular multimeric complexes responsible for the maturation and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß and interleukin-18 and the cell death process via pyroptosis. Therefore, dysregulation of the activation of these complexes may be a factor in triggering several diseases, including leukemias, and this has been the subject of several studies in the area. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the relationship between inflammation and leukemogenesis, in particular, the role of inflammasomes in different types of leukemias, and we describe the potential therapeutic targets directed at inflammasomes in the leukemic context.

Flowchart for selecting an appropriate surgical airway in neurologically impaired pediatric intubated patients: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: Medical advances have resulted in increased survival rates of neurologically impaired children who may require mechanical ventilation and subsequent tracheostomy as a surgical airway. However, at present, there is no definite consensus regarding the timing and methods for placement of a surgical airway in a neurologically impaired intubated child who needs to be cared for over a long-term period. We therefore created a flowchart for the selection of a surgical airway for Neurologically Impaired Pediatric Patients (NIPPs). METHODS: The flowchart includes information on the patients' backgrounds, such as intubation period, prognosis related to reversibility, and history of aspiration pneumonia. To evaluate the importance of the flowchart, first we conducted a survey of pediatricians regarding selection of a surgical airway, and we also evaluated the appropriateness of the flowchart among pediatricians and caregivers through questionnaire surveys which include satisfaction with the decision-making process, and postoperative course after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 21 NIPPs with intubation underwent surgery and a total of 24 participants (14 pediatricians and 10 caregivers) completed the survey. The answers regarding the importance of the flowchart showed that eleven pediatricians had experience selecting of surgical airways, nine of whom had had experiences in which they had to make a difficult decision. The answers regarding the appropriateness of the flowchart revealed that all pediatricians and caregivers were satisfied with the decision-making process and postoperative course after discharge using the flowchart. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of our flowchart for selecting an appropriate surgical airway in NIPP. By referring to our flowchart, pediatricians and caregivers are likely to be able to select an appropriate surgical airway, leading to increased satisfaction with the decision-making process and postoperative course.

Psychometric properties of the needs scale for families of adults with intellectual disabilities, Colombian version.

Aim: Assess the psychometric properties of reliability and validity of the Family Needs Assessment (FNA) questionnaire designed for adults in Colombia. Conducting research studies to validate the FNA questionnaire in other contexts and age groups is important. Methods: Five hundred fifty-four caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities participated in the study (298 men and 256 women). The ages of the individuals with disabilities ranged from 18 to 76 years. The authors carried out the linguistic adaptation of the items and cognitive interviews to identify if the items evaluated what was intended. A pilot test with 20 participants was also conducted. An initial confirmatory factor analysis was carried out. Given that, this analysis did not show a good adjustment of the theoretical model initially proposed, an exploratory factor analysis was carried out to elucidate the most appropriate structure for the Colombian population.. Results: The factor analysis found five factors, each with a high ordinal alpha (Caregiving and family interaction, social interaction and future planning, Economy, and recreation, independent living skills or autonomy, and Services related to disability). Of the 76 items, 59 were preserved, which had a factorial load greater than 0.40; and 17 were left out because they did not meet this requirement.. Conclusion: Future research considers corroborating the five factors found and establishing their clinical applications. Concerning the concurrent validity, the families perceive that high need for social interaction and future planning and little support for the person with an intellectual disability.

Objetivo: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de confiabilidad y validez del cuestionario FNA versión adultos en Colombia. Se justifica realizar investigaciones que validen el cuestionario FNA (Family Needs Assessment) en otros contextos y grupos etarios. Métodos: Participaron 554 cuidadores de adultos con discapacidad intelectual (madres, padres o cuidadores). La edad de la persona con discapacidad osciló entre 18-76 años, 298 hombres y 256 mujeres. Se realizó la adaptación lingüística de los ítems, entrevistas cognitivas para identificar si los ítems evaluaban lo que se pretendía, y una prueba piloto a 20 participantes. Se llevó a cabo el análisis factorial confirmatorio, dado que éste no evidenció un buen ajuste del modelo teórico inicialmente propuesto, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio para dilucidar la estructura propia para Colombia. Resultados: El análisis factorial encontró cinco factores cada uno con un alfa ordinal alto (Cuidado e interacción familiar, Interacción social y planeación de futuro, Economía y recreación, habilidades de vida independiente y autonomía y Servicios relacionados con la discapacidad). De los 76 ítems se conservaron 59, aquellos que tuvieron una carga factorial superior a 0.40; y se eliminaron 17 debido a que no cumplieron este requis. Conclusión: En el campo investigativo, los cinco factores encontrados se deben corroborar en estudios posteriores, así como, establecer sus aplicaciones clínicas. En cuanto a la validez concurrente, las familias perciben que alta necesidad en Interacción social y planeación del futuro y poco apoyo a la persona con discapacidad intelectual en este aspecto.

Monitoring System for Operating Variables in Incubators in the Neonatology Service of a Highly Complex Hospital through the Internet of Things (IoT).

BACKGROUND: Around 15 million premature babies are born annually, requiring specialized care. Incubators are vital for maintaining their body temperature, which is crucial for their well-being. Ensuring optimal conditions in incubators, including constant temperature, oxygen control, and comfort, is essential for improving the care and survival rates of these infants. METHODS: To address this, an IoT-based monitoring system was developed in a hospital setting. The system comprised hardware components such as sensors and a microcontroller, along with software components including a database and a web application. The microcontroller collected data from the sensors, which was then transmitted to a broker via WiFi using the MQTT protocol. The broker validated and stored the data in the database, while the web application provided real-time access, alerts, and event recording. RESULTS: Two certified devices were created, employing high quality components. The system was successfully implemented and tested in both the biomedical engineering laboratory and the neonatology service of the hospital. The results of the pilot test supported the concept of IoT-based technology, demonstrating satisfactory responses in temperature, humidity, and sound variables within the incubators. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring system facilitated efficient record traceability, allowing access to data over various timeframes. It also captured event records (alerts) related to variable problems, providing information on duration, date, hour, and minutes. Overall, the system offered valuable insights and enhanced monitoring capabilities for neonatal care.

Distribution of tuberculosis cases in the state of Paraná: an ecological study, Brazil, 2018-2021.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the distribution of tuberculosis cases in the state of Paraná, Brazil, between 2018 and 2021. METHODS: this was an ecological study using secondary data obtained from compulsory notifications; detection rates per 100,000 inhabitants were described according to health regions in the state; percentage changes between 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 were calculated. RESULTS: a total of 7,099 cases were registered. The highest rates were observed in the health regions of Paranaguá (52.4/100,000 in 2018-2019; 38.2/100,000 in 2020-2021) and Foz do Iguaçu (34.4/100,000 in 2018-2019; 20.5/100,000 in 2020-2021), and the lowest rates in Irati (6.3/100,000 in 2018-2019; 8.8/100,000 in 2020-2021) and Francisco Beltrão (8.5/100,000 in 2018-2019; 7.6/100,000 in 2020-2021); in 2020-2021, it could be seen a decrease in percentage changes in 18 health regions, while there was an increase in four of them, especially Foz do Iguaçu (-40.5%) and Cianorte (+53.6%). CONCLUSION: high rates were found in the coastal and triple border regions; and there was a decline in detection rates in the pandemic period.

Effects of exercise and physical activity on gut microbiota composition and function in older adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The characterization and research around the gut microbiome in older people emphasize microbial populations change considerably by losing the diversity of species. Then, this review aims to determine if there is any effect on the gut microbiota of adults older than 65 that starts an exercise intervention or improves physical activity level. Also, this review describes the changes in composition, diversity, and function of the gut microbiota of older subjects that had improved their physical activity level. METHODS: The type of studies included in this review were studies describing human gut microbiota responses to any exercise stimulus; cross-sectional studies focused on comparing gut microbiota in older adults with different physical activity levels-from athletes to inactive individuals; studies containing older people (women and men), and studies written in English. This review's primary outcomes of interest were gut microbiota abundance and diversity. RESULTS: Twelve cross-sectional studies and three randomized controlled trials were examined. Independently of the type of study, diversity metrics from Alpha and Beta diversity remained without changes in almost all the studies. Likewise, cross-sectional studies do not reflect significant changes in gut microbiota diversity; no significant differences were detected among diverse groups in the relative abundances of the major phyla or alpha diversity measures. Otherwise, relative abundance analysis showed a significant change in older adults who conducted an exercise program for five weeks or more at the genus level. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we did not identify significant shifts in diversity metrics; only one study reported a significant difference in Alpha diversity from overweight people with higher physical activity levels. The abundance of some bacteria is higher in aged people, after an exercise program, or in comparison with control groups, especially at the genus and species levels. There needs to be more information related to function and metabolic pathways that can be crucial to understand the effect of exercise and physical activity in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID: CRD42022331551.

Alkylation converts riboflavin into an efficient photosensitizer of phospholipid membranes.

A new decyl chain [-(CH2)9CH3] riboflavin conjugate has been synthesized and investigated. A nucleophilic substitution (SN2) reaction was used for coupling the alkyl chain to riboflavin (Rf), a model natural photosensitizer. As expected, the alkylated compound (decyl-Rf) is significantly more lipophilic than its precursor and efficiently intercalates within phospholipid bilayers, increasing its fluorescence quantum yield. The oxidative damage to lipid membranes photoinduced by decyl-Rf was investigated in large and giant unilamellar vesicles (LUVs and GUVs, respectively) composed of different phospholipids. Using a fluorogenic probe, fast radical formation and singlet oxygen generation was demonstrated upon UVA irradiation in vesicles containing decyl-Rf. Photosensitized formation of conjugated dienes and hydroperoxides, and membrane leakage in LUVs rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids were also investigated. The overall assessment of the results shows that decyl-Rf is a significantly more efficient photosensitizer of lipids than its unsubstituted precursor and that the association to lipid membranes is key to trigger phospholipid oxidation. Alkylation of hydrophilic photosensitizers as a simple and general synthetic tool to obtain efficient photosensitizers of biomembranes, with potential applications, is discussed.

Psychometric properties of the needs scale for families of adults with intellectual disabilities, Colombian version

Aim: Assess the psychometric properties of reliability and validity of the Family Needs Assessment (FNA) questionnaire designed for adults in Colombia. Conducting research studies to validate the FNA questionnaire in other contexts and age groups is important. Methods: Five hundred fifty-four caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities participated in the study (298 men and 256 women). The ages of the individuals with disabilities ranged from 18 to 76 years. The authors carried out the linguistic adaptation of the items and cognitive interviews to identify if the items evaluated what was intended. A pilot test with 20 participants was also conducted. An initial confirmatory factor analysis was carried out. Given that, this analysis did not show a good adjustment of the theoretical model initially proposed, an exploratory factor analysis was carried out to elucidate the most appropriate structure for the Colombian population.. Results: The factor analysis found five factors, each with a high ordinal alpha (Caregiving and family interaction, social interaction and future planning, Economy, and recreation, independent living skills or autonomy, and Services related to disability). Of the 76 items, 59 were preserved, which had a factorial load greater than 0.40; and 17 were left out because they did not meet this requirement.. Conclusion: Future research considers corroborating the five factors found and establishing their clinical applications. Concerning the concurrent validity, the families perceive that high need for social interaction and future planning and little support for the person with an intellectual disability.

Objetivo: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de confiabilidad y validez del cuestionario FNA versión adultos en Colombia. Se justifica realizar investigaciones que validen el cuestionario FNA (Family Needs Assessment) en otros contextos y grupos etarios. Métodos: Participaron 554 cuidadores de adultos con discapacidad intelectual (madres, padres o cuidadores). La edad de la persona con discapacidad osciló entre 18-76 años, 298 hombres y 256 mujeres. Se realizó la adaptación lingüística de los ítems, entrevistas cognitivas para identificar si los ítems evaluaban lo que se pretendía, y una prueba piloto a 20 participantes. Se llevó a cabo el análisis factorial confirmatorio, dado que éste no evidenció un buen ajuste del modelo teórico inicialmente propuesto, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio para dilucidar la estructura propia para Colombia. Resultados: El análisis factorial encontró cinco factores cada uno con un alfa ordinal alto (Cuidado e interacción familiar, Interacción social y planeación de futuro, Economía y recreación, habilidades de vida independiente y autonomía y Servicios relacionados con la discapacidad). De los 76 ítems se conservaron 59, aquellos que tuvieron una carga factorial superior a 0.40; y se eliminaron 17 debido a que no cumplieron este requis. Conclusión: En el campo investigativo, los cinco factores encontrados se deben corroborar en estudios posteriores, así como, establecer sus aplicaciones clínicas. En cuanto a la validez concurrente, las familias perciben que alta necesidad en Interacción social y planeación del futuro y poco apoyo a la persona con discapacidad intelectual en este aspecto.

Treatment of refractory localized pulmonary nocardiosis caused by Nocardia mexicana with a combination of medication and surgery.

Pulmonary nocardiosis is a rare disease that is often difficult to cure because of its tendency to recur. Here, we report a case of refractory localized pulmonary nocardiosis caused by Nocardia mexicana. A 60-year-old Japanese woman had recurring pulmonary nocardiosis four times previously and each time she was treated with antibiotics for a sufficient duration; nevertheless, the disease continued to recur, probably because of resistance to antibiotics. As a fifth treatment, we performed middle lobe resection and pre- and post-operative antimicrobial therapy for 6 months. The combination of medication and surgery was useful for treating refractory localized pulmonary nocardiosis.

Dynamic associations between emotion expressions and strategy use in Chinese American and Mexican American preschoolers.

Previous studies of emotion regulation in young children commonly used between-person approaches, which limit our understanding of dynamic and temporal relations between emotion expressions and strategy use. Further, previous work has mainly focused on temperamental reactivity among White children, and it is unclear whether these findings can generalize to children of Asian and Latinx origins. In the current study, we examined the within-person temporal associations between emotion expressions and strategy use among 3- to 5-year-old children in low-income Chinese American (CA) and Mexican American (MA) families. Children's emotion expressions (positive and negative) and strategy use (gaze aversion, self-soothing, fidgeting, and language) during an unfair social interaction task were coded by 10-s epoch. Executive functions were examined as between-person level predictors of strategy use. Multilevel modeling was conducted to examine whether positive and negative emotion expressions at one epoch (t-1) predicted strategy use at the following epoch (t). The results indicate that positive emotion expressions predicted an increase in fidgeting at the next epoch (ß = .34, p < .01). Executive functions were unrelated to strategy use. Cultural group differences were found: CA children displayed lower intensity of positive emotion and fewer strategy use compared with MA children. The present findings inform theories on the dynamics of emotion regulation in young children and have implications for interventions with underrepresented immigrant populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Sildenafil in endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis and septic shock still represent great challenges in critical care medicine. Sildenafil has been largely used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, but its effects in sepsis are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that sildenafil can attenuate endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension in a porcine model of endotoxemia. METHODS: Twenty pigs were randomly assigned to Control group (n.ß=.ß10), which received saline solution; or to Sildenafil group (n.ß=.ß10), which received sildenafil orally (100.ßmg). After 30.ßminutes, both groups were submitted to endotoxemia with intravenous bacterial lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS) infusion (4.ß..g.kg-1.h-1) for 180.ßminutes. We evaluated hemodynamic and oxygenation functions, and also lung histology and plasma cytokine (TNF.., IL-1.., IL6, and IL10) and troponin I response. RESULTS: Significant hemodynamic alterations were observed after 30.ßminutes of LPS continuous infusion, mainly in pulmonary arterial pressure (from Baseline 19.ß...ß2.ßmmHg to LPS30 52.ß...ß4.ßmmHg, p.ß<.ß0.05). There was also a significant decrease in PaO2/FiO2 (from Baseline 411.ß...ß29 to LPS180 334.ß...ß49, p.ß<.ß0.05). Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower in the Sildenafil group (35.ß...ß4.ßmmHg at LPS30, p.ß<.ß0.05). The Sildenafil group also presented lower values of systemic arterial pressure. Sildenafil maintained oxygenation with higher PaO2/FiO2 and lower oxygen extraction rate than Control group but had no effect on intrapulmonary shunt. All cytokines and troponin increased after LPS infusion in both groups similarly. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil attenuated endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension preserving the correct heart function without improving lung lesions or inflammation.