Rosai-Dorfman sphenoorbital histiocytosis with intraparenchymal invasion: Do we have to consider this skull base pathology as a malignant disease?

Background: Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare type of histiocytosis that can manifest with diverse symptoms. It usually presents with systemic involvement, and only a few cases have been reported at the level of the skull base. RDD typically follows a benign course during the progression of the disease. In this particular case reported, after the skull base invasion, the disease started to infiltrate the brain parenchyma. Our objective for this case report was to present this particular progression pattern and the nuances of its surgical treatment. In addition, a revision of the current literature was performed about skull base RDD with intracranial invasion and brain parenchyma infiltration not previously described. Case Description: We are presenting the case study of a 57-year-old male patient who was experiencing severe headaches and an increase in volume in the right fronto-orbital region. On clinical examination, no neurologic clinical symptoms were observed. Contrast computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor mass that affected the right orbit, frontal paranasal sinus, greater sphenoid wing, and right frontal lobe with moderate adjacent brain edema. The patient underwent surgery using an extended pterional approach with intracranial, orbital decompression, and frontal sinus cranialization, accompanied by frontal lobe tumor resection. Neuropathologic diagnosis revealed a Rosai-Dorfman histiocytosis disease. Conclusion: The etiopathogenesis of RDD is still not completely understood. The current literature considers this disease to have a predominantly benign course. Nevertheless, as we have shown in this case, it may, in some cases, present direct parenchymal invasion. We consider that prompt surgical treatment should be ideal to avoid the local and systemic progression of the disease.

Exogenous Antioxidants in Remyelination and Skeletal Muscle Recovery.

Inflammatory, oxidative, and autoimmune responses cause severe damage to the nervous system inducing loss of myelin layers or demyelination. Even though demyelination is not considered a direct cause of skeletal muscle disease there is extensive damage in skeletal muscles following demyelination and impaired innervation. In vitro and in vivo evidence using exogenous antioxidants in models of demyelination is showing improvements in myelin formation alongside skeletal muscle recovery. For instance, exogenous antioxidants such as EGCG stimulate nerve structure maintenance, activation of glial cells, and reduction of oxidative stress. Consequently, this evidence is also showing structural and functional recovery of impaired skeletal muscles due to demyelination. Exogenous antioxidants mostly target inflammatory pathways and stimulate remyelinating mechanisms that seem to induce skeletal muscle regeneration. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe recent evidence related to the molecular mechanisms in nerve and skeletal muscle regeneration induced by exogenous antioxidants. This will be relevant to identifying further targets to improve treatments of neuromuscular demyelinating diseases.

Class I MHC Polymorphisms Associated with Type 2 Diabetes in the Mexican Population.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been linked to the expression of Human Leukocyte Antigens, principally to the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II, with only scarce reports of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in specific populations. The objective of the present work was to explore the presence of polymorphisms in the MHC Class I related to T2D in the Mexican population using the Genome-Wide Association Studies Slim Initiative in Genomic Medicine of the Americas (GWAS SIGMA) database. This database contains information on 3848 Mexican individuals with T2D and 4366 control individuals from the same population without a clinical or hereditary history of the disease. The searching criteria considered a p-value of <0.005 and an odds ratio (OR) of >1.0. Ten novel, statistically significant nucleotide variants were identified: four polymorphisms associated with HLA-A (A*03:01:01:01) and six with HLA-C (C*01:02:01:01). These alleles have a high prevalence in Latin American populations and could potentially be associated with autoimmunity mechanisms related to the development of T2D complications.

Design, assembly and validation of a low-cost, high-fidelity simulator for heart exploration.

INTRODUCTION: Heart exploration is an essential clinical competence that requires continuous training and exposure. Low availability and accessibility to patients with heart disease constitutes a barrier to acquiring this competence. Inadequate cardiac auscultation skills in medical students, residents, and graduate physicians have been documented. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a low-cost, high-fidelity simulator for heart exploration. METHODS: A low-cost, high-fidelity heart examination simulator capable of reproducing normal cardiac sounds was designed and developed. Subsequently, the simulator was validated by a group of experts who gave their opinion according to a Likert scale. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent agreed that the simulator motivates the learning of heart exploration, and 92 % considered it to be a realistic model; 91 % considered that the simulator is an attractive tool to reinforce learning and 98 % recommended its further use. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the simulator facilitates the acquisition of skills and stimulates learning in the student, which can be attributed to repeated practice, longer exposure time and cognitive interaction.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La exploración cardiaca es una competencia clínica fundamental que requiere exposición o entrenamiento continuo. La baja disponibilidad y accesibilidad de pacientes con patología cardiaca constituye una barrera para adquirir esta competencia. Se han documentado inadecuadas habilidades de auscultación cardiaca en estudiantes de medicina, residentes y médicos graduados. OBJETIVO: Elaborar y validar un simulador de alta fidelidad y bajo costo para exploración cardiaca. MÉTODOS: Se diseñó y elaboró un simulador para exploración cardiaca, realista y de bajo costo capaz de reproducir ruidos cardiacos normales. Posteriormente se realizó la validación del simulador por un grupo de expertos que emitieron su opinión de acuerdo con una escala tipo Likert. RESULTADOS: El 94 % afirmó que el simulador motiva el aprendizaje de la exploración cardiaca y 92 % lo consideró un modelo realista; 91 % consideró que el simulador es una herramienta atractiva para fortalecer el aprendizaje y 98 % recomendó seguir utilizándolo. CONCLUSIONES: El uso del simulador facilita la adquisición de competencias y estimula el aprendizaje en el estudiante, lo cual puede ser atribuido a la práctica deliberada, a un mayor tiempo de exposición y a la interacción cognitiva.

Effect of sterilization on 3-point dynamic response to in vitro bending of an Mg implant.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to characterize a biomedical magnesium alloy and highlighting the loss of mechanical integrity due to the sterilization method. Ideally, when using these alloys is to delay the onset of degradation so that the implant can support body loads and avoid toxicological effects due to the release of metal ions into the body. METHODS: Standardized procedures according to ASTM F-1264 and ISO-10993-5 were used, respecting detailed methodological controls to ensure accuracy and reproducibility of the results, this testing methodology is carried out in accordance with the monographs of the Pharmacopoeia for the approval of medical devices and obtaining a health registration. An intramedullary implant (IIM) manufactured in magnesium (Mg) WE43 can support loads of the body in the initial period of bone consolidation without compromising the integrity of the fractured area. A system with these characteristics would improve morbidity and health costs by avoiding secondary surgical interventions. RESULTS: As a property, the fatigue resistance of Mg in aggressive environments such as the body environment undergoes progressive degradation, however, the autoclave sterilization method drastically affects fatigue resistance, as demonstrated in tests carried out under in vitro conditions. Coupled with this phenomenon, the relatively poor biocompatibility of Mg WE43 alloys has limited applications where they can be used due to low acceptance rates from agencies such as the FDA. However, Mg alloy with elements such as yttrium and rare earth elements (REEs) have been shown to delay biodegradation depending on the method of sterilization and the physiological solution used. With different sterilization techniques, it may be possible to keep toxicological effects to a minimum while still ensuring a balance between the integrity of fractured bone and implant degradation time. Therefore, the evaluation of fatigue resistance of WE43 specimens sterilized and tested in immersion conditions (enriched Hank's solution) and according to ASTM F-1264, along with the morphological, crystallinity, and biocompatibility characterization of the WE43 alloy allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and biological properties of WE43. CONCLUSIONS: These results will support decision-making to generate a change in the current perspective of biomaterials utilized in medical devices (MDs), to be considered by manufacturers and health regulatory agencies. An implant manufactured in WE43 alloy can be used as an intramedullary implant, considering keeping elements such as yttrium-REEs below as specified in its designation and with the help of a coating that allows increasing the life of the implant in vivo.

Diseño, elaboración y validación de un simulador realista y de bajo costo para exploración cardiaca / Design, assembly and validation of a low-cost, high-fidelity simulator for heart exploration

Resumen Introducción: La exploración cardiaca es una competencia clínica fundamental que requiere exposición o entrenamiento continuo. La baja disponibilidad y accesibilidad de pacientes con patología cardiaca constituye una barrera para adquirir esta competencia. Se han documentado inadecuadas habilidades de auscultación cardiaca en estudiantes de medicina, residentes y médicos graduados. Objetivo: Elaborar y validar un simulador de alta fidelidad y bajo costo para exploración cardiaca. Métodos: Se diseñó y elaboró un simulador para exploración cardiaca, realista y de bajo costo capaz de reproducir ruidos cardiacos normales. Posteriormente se realizó la validación del simulador por un grupo de expertos que emitieron su opinión de acuerdo con una escala tipo Likert. Resultados: El 94 % afirmó que el simulador motiva el aprendizaje de la exploración cardiaca y 92 % lo consideró un modelo realista; 91 % consideró que el simulador es una herramienta atractiva para fortalecer el aprendizaje y 98 % recomendó seguir utilizándolo. Conclusiones: El uso del simulador facilita la adquisición de competencias y estimula el aprendizaje en el estudiante, lo cual puede ser atribuido a la práctica deliberada, a un mayor tiempo de exposición y a la interacción cognitiva.

Abstract Introduction: Heart exploration is an essential clinical competence that requires continuous training and exposure. Low availability and accessibility to patients with heart disease constitutes a barrier to acquiring this competence. Inadequate cardiac auscultation skills in medical students, residents, and graduate physicians have been documented. Objective: To develop and validate a low-cost, high-fidelity simulator for heart exploration. Methods: A low-cost, high-fidelity heart examination simulator capable of reproducing normal cardiac sounds was designed and developed. Subsequently, the simulator was validated by a group of experts who gave their opinion according to a Likert scale. Results: Ninety-four percent agreed that the simulator motivates the learning of heart exploration, and 92 % considered it to be a realistic model; 91 % considered that the simulator is an attractive tool to reinforce learning and 98 % recommended its further use. Conclusions: The use of the simulator facilitates the acquisition of skills and stimulates learning in the student, which can be attributed to repeated practice, longer exposure time and cognitive interaction.

Cytotoxic Effects of Blue Scorpion Venom (Rhopalurus junceus) in a Glioblastoma Cell Line Model.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the leading cause of death worldwide. Besides current therapies and treatments to counter cancer, new alternatives are required to diminish the cell proliferation of oncogenic processes. METHODS: One of the most promissory therapy includes the use of blue scorpion venom as a specific cytotoxic agent to kill tumoral cells, including Glioblastoma multiforme. OBJECTIVES: We show evidence of the cytotoxic effect of blue scorpion venom in a cellular model of Glioblastoma multiforme. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that 50 µg/ml of scorpion venom is capable to diminish the viability of Glioblastoma populations. CONCLUSION: It is possible that the action mechanism could be associated with a loss of membrane integrity. Additionally, some metalloproteinases as MMP2 and MMP9 may also participate in the potential action mechanism.

Epidrug Repurposing: Discovering New Faces of Old Acquaintances in Cancer Therapy.

Gene mutations are strongly associated with tumor progression and are well known in cancer development. However, recently discovered epigenetic alterations have shown the potential to greatly influence tumoral response to therapy regimens. Such epigenetic alterations have proven to be dynamic, and thus could be restored. Due to their reversible nature, the promising opportunity to improve chemotherapy response using epigenetic therapy has arisen. Beyond helping to understand the biology of the disease, the use of modern clinical epigenetics is being incorporated into the management of the cancer patient. Potential epidrug candidates can be found through a process known as drug repositioning or repurposing, a promising strategy for the discovery of novel potential targets in already approved drugs. At present, novel epidrug candidates have been identified in preclinical studies and some others are currently being tested in clinical trials, ready to be repositioned. This epidrug repurposing could circumvent the classic paradigm where the main focus is the development of agents with one indication only, while giving patients lower cost therapies and a novel precision medical approach to optimize treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. This review focuses on the main approved epidrugs, and their druggable targets, that are currently being used in cancer therapy. Also, we highlight the importance of epidrug repurposing by the rediscovery of known chemical entities that may enhance epigenetic therapy in cancer, contributing to the development of precision medicine in oncology.

Estado nutricional de niños y niñas con parálisis cerebral que asisten a centros de rehabilitación.

OBJETIVO: Describir el estado nutricional de niños con parálisis cerebral (PC) en centros de rehabilitación y terapéuticos de Argentina, y analizar el riesgo de desnutrición en relación su nivel según el sistema de la clasificación de la función motora gruesa (GMFCS). MÉTODO: Este fue un estudio transversal con datos recolectados de 321 niños (196 varones, 125 mujeres) con PC de 2 a 19 años (edad media 9 años 3 meses, DE 4 años) de 17 centros de rehabilitación y terapéuticos en cinco provincias argentinas. El estado nutricional se definió con puntajes z según peso, talla e índice de masa corporal para la edad utilizando patrones de crecimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se utilizó Odds ratio para evaluar la asociación entre el nivel GMFCS y el estado nutricional. RESULTADOS: De los niños con PC estudiados, 52.4% tenían nivel IV y V de GMFCS. En cuanto al estado nutricional, 41,7% eran normales, 19,0% tenían desnutrición moderada, 33,9% desnutrición severa, 2,5 % sobrepeso, y 2,8% obesidad. En comparación con los niños con niveles I-III de GMFCS, los niños con niveles IV y V de GMFCS presentaron 4 veces más probabilidades de presentar desnutrición moderada y 14 veces más probabilidades de tener desnutrición severa. INTERPRETACIÓN: Existe una alta prevalencia de desnutrición asociada a la PC (niveles IV y V de GMFCS) entre niños de centros de rehabilitación y terapéuticos en Argentina. El riesgo de desnutrición severa aumenta cuando aumenta el compromiso motor.

Nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy attending rehabilitation centers.

AIM: To describe the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) from rehabilitation and therapeutic centers in Argentina, and to analyze their risk of undernutrition based on their Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected from 321 children (196 males, 125 females) with CP age 2 to 19 years (mean age 9y 3mo, SD 4y 5mo) from 17 rehabilitation and therapeutic centers in five Argentine provinces. Nutritional status was defined by height, weight, and body mass index for age z-scores using World Health Organization growth charts. Odds ratios were used to evaluate the association between GMFCS level and nutritional status. RESULTS: Of the children with CP studied, 52.4% were in GMFCS levels IV and V. Regarding the nutritional status, 41.7% were normal, 19.0% had moderate undernutrition, 33.9% severe undernutrition, 2.5% overweight, and 2.8% obese. When compared to those in GMFCS levels I to III, the odds of children in GMFCS levels IV and V having moderate undernutrition are four times greater and the odds of having severe undernutrition are 14 times greater. INTERPRETATION: There is a high prevalence of undernutrition associated with CP (GMFCS levels IV and V) among children in rehabilitation and therapeutic centers in Argentina. Risk of severe undernutrition increases with increased motor compromises.

FAM83H-AS1 is a potential modulator of cancer driver genes across different tumors and a prognostic marker for ER/PR + BRCA patients.

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a serious public health problem, as it is the most frequent malignant tumor in women worldwide. BRCA is a molecularly heterogenic disease, particularly at gene expression (mRNAs) level. Recent evidence shows that coding RNAs represent only 34% of the total transcriptome in a human cell. The rest of the 66% of RNAs are non-coding, so we might be missing relevant biological, clinical or regulatory information. In this report, we identified nine novel tumor types from TCGA with FAM83H-AS1 deregulation. We used survival analysis to demonstrate that FAM83H-AS1 expression is a marker for poor survival in IHC-detected ER and PR positive BRCA patients and found a significant correlation between FAM83H-AS1 overexpression and tamoxifen resistance. Estrogen and Progesterone receptor expression levels interact with FAM83H-AS1 to potentiate its effect in OS prediction. FAM83H-AS1 silencing impairs two important breast cancer related pathways: cell migration and cell death. Among the most relevant potential FAM83H-AS1 gene targets, we found p63 and claudin 1 (CLDN1) to be deregulated after FAM83H-AS1 knockdown. Using correlation analysis, we show that FAM83H-AS1 can regulate a plethora of cancer-related genes across multiple tumor types, including BRCA. This evidence suggests that FAM83H-AS1 is a master regulator in different cancer types, and BRCA in particular.

Eight-and-a-half syndrome: video evidence and updated literature review.

The eight-and-a-half syndrome (EHS)-defined by the combination of a seventh cranial nerve palsy and an ipsilateral one-and-a-half syndrome-is a rare brainstem syndrome, which localises to the caudal tegmental region of the pons. We present a case of the EHS secondary to an inflammatory lesion on a previously healthy 26-year-old woman, with a literature review emphasising the relevance of aetiological assessment.

Physical Fitness and Indicators of Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Intellectual Disability / Condición física e indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular en población con discapacidad intelectual / Condição física e indicadores de risco cardiovascular em população com deficiência intelectual

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical condition and indirect indicators of cardiovascular risk in children and young people with intellectual disabilities. Materials and Methods: The study was an observational cross-sectional one, which evaluated the physical condition of 175 students with intellectual disabilities, using the Brockport Physical Fitness battery for children under 18 years of age. For those over 18 years, the same tests were used, but with age scales. For the statistical analysis, normality tests and Pearson correlation were applied with the statistics program SPSS 20.1 version, with 95 % confidence levels. Results: In body composition, a population older than 18 years had higher values than those under 18 years. In children under 18 years of age, a direct correlation was observed between the anthropometric variables, forming a high cardiovascular risk (r = 0.77 p 0.01); a negative correlation was observed between anthropometric variables with aerobic power and strength (r = -0.423, r = -0.593 p 0.01). In the population over 18 years of age, there was a negative correlation between arm strength (r = -0.60 p 0.01) and aerobic power (r = -0.471 p 0.01) with cardiovascular risk variables. Conclusion: A relationship between the variables of cardiovascular risk and qualities such as strength and aerobic capacity is observed, being physical fitness variables risk predictors.

Resumen Introducción: el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la relación entre condición física e indicadores indirectos de riesgo cardiovascular de niños y jóvenes con discapacidad intelectual. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional de corte transversal, que evalúa la condición física de 175 estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual, utilizando la bateria Brockport Physical Fitness para menores de 18 años; para mayores de 18, se utilizaron las mismas pruebas, pero con baremos para su edad. Para el análisis estadístico, se aplicaron pruebas de normalidad y de correlación de Pearson con el programa estadístico SPSS versión 20.1, con niveles de confianza del 95 %. Resultados: en la composición corporal, la población mayor de 18 años obtuvo valores más altos que los menores de 18 años. En menores de 18 años, se observó una correlación directa entre las variables antropométricas, configurando un riesgo cardiovascular alto (r = 0.77 p = 0.01); se observa una correlación negativa entre variables antropométricas con potencia aeróbica y fuerza (r = -0.423; r = -0.593 p = 0.01). En la población mayor de 18 años, se observó una correlación negativa entre fuerza de brazos (r = -0.60 p = 0.01) y potencia aeróbica (r = -0.471 p = 0.01), con variables de riesgo cardiovascular. Conclusión: se observa una relación entre las variables de riesgo cardiovascular y cualidades como fuerza y capacidad aeróbica, siendo las de condición física predictoras de un posible riesgo.

Resumo Introdução: determinar a relação entre condição física e indicadores de risco cardiovascular de crianças e jovens com deficiência intelectual (DI). Materiais e métodos: estudo observacional de corte transversal, que avalia a condição física de 175 estudantes com deficiência intelectual (DI), utilizando a bateria Brockport Physical Fitness para as pessoas com menos de 18 anos; para as pessoas com mais de 18 anos se utilizaram as mesmas provas, mas com medidas diferentes para sua idade. Para a análise estatística se aplicaram provas de normalidade e de correlação Pearson com o programa estatístico SPSS versão 20.1, com níveis de confiança de 95 %. Resultados: em composição corporal, na população com mais de 18 anos obteve valores mais altos que na população mais jovem. Na população com menos de 18 anos, observou-se uma correlação direta entre as variáveis antropométricas, configurando um risco cardiovascular alto (r=0.77 p 0.01); se observa uma correlação negativa entre variáveis antropométricas com potência aeróbica e força (r=-0.423; r=-0.593 p 0.01). Na população com mais de 18 anos se observou uma correlação negativa entre força de braços (r= -0.60 p 0.01) e potência aeróbica (r=-0.471 p 0.01), com variáveis de risco cardiovascular. Conclusão: observa-se uma relação entre as variáveis de risco cardiovascular e qualidade como força e capacidade aeróbica, sendo variáveis de condição física preditoras de um possível risco.

Novel thiosemicarbazones induce high toxicity in estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer cells (MCF7) and exacerbate cisplatin effectiveness in triple-negative breast (MDA-MB231) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cells.

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP), known as cisplatin, has been extensively used against breast cancer, which is the most frequent cancer among women, and lung cancer, the leading cancer that causes death worldwide. Novel compounds such as thiazole derivatives have exhibited antiproliferative activity, suggesting they could be useful against cancer treatment. Herein, we synthesized two novel thiosemicarbazones and an aldehyde to combine with CDDP to enhance efficacy against ER-positive breast MCF7 cancer cells, triple-negative/basal-B mammary carcinoma cells (MDA-MB231) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) human cells. We synthesized 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-(2-mercaptoetanothiolyl)benzaldehyde (ALD), 5-[(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thio]-2-furaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (TSC1) and 5-[(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thio]-2-furaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (TSC2) and used them alone or in combination with subtoxic CDDP concentrations to evaluate cytotoxicity, cytoskeleton integrity and mitochondrial function. We found that none of the synthesized compounds improved CDDP activity against MCF7 cell cultures; however, TSC2 was effective in enhancing the cytotoxicity of CDDP against MDA-MB231 and A549 cancer cell cultures. We demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect is related to the TSC2 capacity to induce disruption in the cytoskeleton network and to decrease mitochondrial function.

Effect of flavonoids on antimicrobial activity of microorganisms present in dental plaque.

PURPOSE: Dental caries is a multi-factorial oral disease, requiring a susceptible host, cariogenic microorganisms and suitable substrate. Caries is extended worldwide in spite of the availability of countless prophylactic means, including fluoride toothpaste and dental sealers. Many efforts have been made to achieve isolation of pure natural products for medicinal use. Flavonoids are bioactive polyphenol compounds possessing multidimensional effects such as antibacterial action. METHODS: The present study targeted the characterization of antibacterial and antifungal activity of various flavonoids (apigenin, catechin, luteolin, morin, myricetin, naringin, quercetin and rutin). Nine strains present in dental plaque were used: Agreggatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces viscosus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus sanguinis as well as Candida albicans fungal strain. RESULTS: Results revealed that luteolin, morin, naringin, quercetin and rutin effectively inhibited bacterial and fungal growth. However, morin was the most effective flavonoid. CONCLUSION: It might then be concluded that flavonoids show bacteriostatic effect on all of tested bacteria and fungus.

Copper and Neurotoxicity in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Free radicals (FR) act on living organisms and present unpaired electrons in the molecular orbitals of oxygen or nitrogen species. They are classified as redox reactions and account for a wide range of processes in biological systems. Genetic and environmental factors may alter the levels of FR in the cell, leading to deleterious consequences such as membrane lipid peroxidation, protein nitration, enzyme, carbohydrate and DNA damage, ultimately resulting in premature aging and a pro-inflammatory microenvironment as observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). O2 radical ability to act as a Lewis base and to form a complex with metal transition such as iron and copper (Lewis acids) leads to biomolecules oxidation at physiological pH, thus increasing the possibility of injury and oxidative damage in biological tissues. In this review, we discuss the role of metals, like copper, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) derivative (s-APP-alpha) as an antioxidant and a possible adjuvant in the treatment of some autistic spectrum disorder symptoms (ASD).

Evaluating the conservation state of the páramo ecosystem: An object-based image analysis and CART algorithm approach for central Ecuador.

Ecuadorian páramo ecosystems (EPEs) function as water sources, contain large soil carbon stores and high levels of biodiversity, and support human populations. The EPEs are mainly herbaceous páramo (HP). To inform policy and management and help drive ecological science toward a better understanding of the HP ecosystem, and the relationships among its multiple ecosystem services, we asked: (1) What is the state of the HP regarding its land use/land cover (LULC)?; and (2) Is the HP being pushed away from its natural state or it is regenerating? To answer these questions, we assessed the LULC in central EPEs using Landsat 8 imagery, Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and a Classification and Regression Trees (CART) algorithm. Results show that two-fifths of the paramo ecosystem remain as native HP (NHP) and two-fifths as anthropogenic HP (AHP). Although the anthropic alteration of the pedogenesis of young paramo soil leads to the establishment of AHP, we found evidence of regeneration and resilience of the NHP. The results of this study will be useful to scientists and decision-makers with interest in páramo ecosystems in central Ecuador. The proposed methodology is simple, fast, and could be implemented in other landscapes to establish comprehensive monitoring systems useful in landscape assessment and planning.