Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) suggest an acetate-driven protective role in gut microbiota disrupted by Clostridioides difficile.

Clostridioides difficile may have a negative impact on gut microbiota composition in terms of diversity and abundance, thereby triggering functional changes supported by the differential presence of genes involved in significant metabolic pathways, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). This work has evaluated shotgun metagenomics data regarding 48 samples from four groups classified according to diarrhea acquisition site (community- and healthcare facility-onset) and positive or negative Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) result. The metagenomic-assembled genomes (MAGs) obtained from each sample were taxonomically assigned for preliminary comparative analysis concerning differences in composition among groups. The predicted genes involved in metabolism, transport, and signaling remained constant in microbiota members; characteristic patterns were observed in MAGs and genes involved in SCFA butyrate and acetate metabolic pathways for each study group. A decrease in genera and species, as well as relative MAG abundance with the presence of the acetate metabolism-related gene, was evident in the HCFO/- group. Increased antibiotic resistance markers (ARM) were observed in MAGs along with the genes involved in acetate metabolism. The results highlight the need to explore the role of acetate in greater depth as a potential protector of the imbalances produced by CDI, as occurs in other inflammatory intestinal diseases.

Survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia.

Background: People living with HIV have an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. However, with the increase in life expectancy and advances in antiretroviral therapy, the survival of patients with cancer and HIV has changed. Objective: To determine the survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Data from the HIV database was crossed with data from the hospital and population-based cancer registries between 2011-2019. Patients <18 years, limited available clinical information on the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and cancer, and non-oncological tumor diagnosis were excluded. Results: A total of 173 patients were included. The frequencies of AIDS-defining neoplasms were: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (42.8%), Kaposi sarcoma (27.8%), and cervical cancer (4.6%). Overall survival was 76.4% (95% CI 68.9-82.3) at five years. Poorer survival was found in patients with AIDS-defining infections (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) and non-AIDS-defining infections (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), while there was better survival in patients who received antiretroviral therapy (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) and oncological treatment (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). The presence of non-AIDS-defining infections increases the risk of dying (HR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), while oncological treatment decreases it (HR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusions: In people living with HIV, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma are the most common neoplasms. Factors such as AIDS-associated and non-AIDS-associated infections have been identified as determinants of survival. Cancer treatment seems to improve survival.

Antecedentes: Las personas que viven con VIH tienen un riesgo mayor de cáncer en comparación con la población general. Sin embargo, con el aumento de la esperanza de vida y los avances en la terapia antirretroviral, la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer y VIH ha cambiado. Objetivo: Determinar la supervivencia de los pacientes que viven con VIH y cáncer en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Los datos de la base de datos de VIH se cruzaron con los datos de los registros de cáncer de base hospitalaria y poblacional entre 2011-2019. Se excluyeron los pacientes <18 años, con información clínica limitada disponible sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del VIH y el cáncer y los casos con diagnóstico de tumor no oncológico. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 173 pacientes. Las frecuencias de neoplasias definitorias de SIDA fueron: linfoma no Hodgkin (42.8%), sarcoma de Kaposi (27.8%) y cáncer cervical (4.6%). La supervivencia global fue del 76.4% (IC 95% 68.9-82.3) a los cinco años. Se encontró una peor supervivencia en pacientes con infecciones definitorias de SIDA (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) e infecciones no definitorias de SIDA (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), mientras que hubo una mejor supervivencia en pacientes que recibieron terapia antirretroviral (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) y tratamiento oncológico (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). La presencia de infecciones no definitorias de SIDA aumentó el riesgo de morir (HR = 2.39, IC 95% 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), mientras que el tratamiento oncológico lo disminuyó (HR = 0.33, IC 95% 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusiones: En las personas que viven con VIH, el linfoma no Hodgkin y el sarcoma de Kaposi son las neoplasias más comunes. Se han identificado factores como las infecciones asociadas al SIDA y las infecciones no asociadas al SIDA como determinantes de la supervivencia. El tratamiento del cáncer parece mejorar la supervivencia.

El trasfondo romántico del concepto de religión de Max Scheler

En la modernidad, la reflexión moral ha estado influida por orientaciones fundamentadas en la razón y en el sentimiento. Dos ejemplares de estas orientaciones son la Ilustración y el Romanticismo, respectivamente. El desarrollo de estos movimientos culturales e intelectuales está asociado a las demandas por los derechos políticos y sociales, junto a la insistencia en la importancia de la solidaridad y la hermandad en el desarrollo de las comunidades. Este artículo de reflexión presenta una perspectiva interpretativa del concepto de religión de Max Scheler La reflexión está enfocada en las raíces románticas de la propuesta Scheleriana, derivadas de la discusión moderna entre el Racionalismo y el Romanticismo. Adicionalmente, se presenta el contexto político y social al que responde la conceptualización de Scheler: Como resultado de esta reflexión, se concluye que el concepto de religión de Scheler reivindica la importancia de los valores y el compromiso moral frente a las crisis políticas que sufrió Europa a inicios del siglo XX.

In modernity moral reflection has been influenced by orientations grounded in reason and in feeling. Two exemplars of these orientations are the Enlightenment and Romanticism, respectively The development of these cultural and intellectual movements is associated with demands for social and political rights, together with the insistence in the importance of solidarity and brotherhood in the development of communities. This reflection paper presents an interpretative perspective of Max Scheler's concept of religion. The reflection is focused on the romantic roots of the Schelerian proposal, derived from the modern discussion between Rationalism and Romanticism. Additionally the political and social context to which Scheler's conceptualization responds is presented. As a result of this reflection, it is concluded that Scheler's concept of religion claims the importance of values and moral commitment against Europe's political crises at the beginning of the 20th century.

Na modernidade, a reflexão moral foi influenciada por orientações baseadas na razão e no sentimento. Dois exemplos dessas orientações são o Iluminismo e o Romantismo, respectivamente. O desenvolvimento desses movimentos culturais e intelectuais está associado a demandas por direitos políticos e sociais, juntamente com a insistência na importância da solidariedade e da fraternidade no desenvolvimento das comunidades. Este artigo de reflexão apresenta uma perspectiva interpretativa sobre o conceito de religião de Max Scheler O foco da reflexão são as raízes românticas da abordagem scheleriana, derivadas da discussão moderna entre racionalismo e romantismo. Além disso, é apresentado o contexto político e social ao qual a conceitualização de Scheler responde. Como resultado dessa reflexão, conclui-se que o conceito de religião de Scheler reivindica a importância dos valores e do compromisso moral diante das crises políticas sofridas pela Europa no início do século XX.

Survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia

Background: People living with HIV have an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. However, with the increase in life expectancy and advances in antiretroviral therapy, the survival of patients with cancer and HIV has changed. Objective: To determine the survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Data from the HIV database was crossed with data from the hospital and population-based cancer registries between 2011-2019. Patients <18 years, limited available clinical information on the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and cancer, and non-oncological tumor diagnosis were excluded. Results: A total of 173 patients were included. The frequencies of AIDS-defining neoplasms were: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (42.8%), Kaposi sarcoma (27.8%), and cervical cancer (4.6%). Overall survival was 76.4% (95% CI 68.9-82.3) at five years. Poorer survival was found in patients with AIDS-defining infections (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) and non-AIDS-defining infections (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), while there was better survival in patients who received antiretroviral therapy (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) and oncological treatment (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). The presence of non-AIDS-defining infections increases the risk of dying (HR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), while oncological treatment decreases it (HR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusions: In people living with HIV, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma are the most common neoplasms. Factors such as AIDS-associated and non-AIDS-associated infections have been identified as determinants of survival. Cancer treatment seems to improve survival.

Antecedentes: Las personas que viven con VIH tienen un riesgo mayor de cáncer en comparación con la población general. Sin embargo, con el aumento de la esperanza de vida y los avances en la terapia antirretroviral, la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer y VIH ha cambiado. Objetivo: Determinar la supervivencia de los pacientes que viven con VIH y cáncer en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Los datos de la base de datos de VIH se cruzaron con los datos de los registros de cáncer de base hospitalaria y poblacional entre 2011-2019. Se excluyeron los pacientes <18 años, con información clínica limitada disponible sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del VIH y el cáncer y los casos con diagnóstico de tumor no oncológico. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 173 pacientes. Las frecuencias de neoplasias definitorias de SIDA fueron: linfoma no Hodgkin (42.8%), sarcoma de Kaposi (27.8%) y cáncer cervical (4.6%). La supervivencia global fue del 76.4% (IC 95% 68.9-82.3) a los cinco años. Se encontró una peor supervivencia en pacientes con infecciones definitorias de SIDA (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) e infecciones no definitorias de SIDA (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), mientras que hubo una mejor supervivencia en pacientes que recibieron terapia antirretroviral (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) y tratamiento oncológico (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). La presencia de infecciones no definitorias de SIDA aumentó el riesgo de morir (HR = 2.39, IC 95% 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), mientras que el tratamiento oncológico lo disminuyó (HR = 0.33, IC 95% 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusiones: En las personas que viven con VIH, el linfoma no Hodgkin y el sarcoma de Kaposi son las neoplasias más comunes. Se han identificado factores como las infecciones asociadas al SIDA y las infecciones no asociadas al SIDA como determinantes de la supervivencia. El tratamiento del cáncer parece mejorar la supervivencia.

How Does Preoperative Anemia Impact Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty?: Experience From Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common condition and a known risk factor for complications after primary total hip arthroplasty. Few studies have evaluated this topic in Latin American countries where this problem can be more important. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of preoperative anemia in 30-day complications after primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study involving patients who had a primary total hip arthroplasty aged more than 18 years and did not have any type of malignancy. Two hundred thirty six patients were divided into 2 groups: 58 who had anemia and 178 who did not have anemia. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between anemia as a risk factor for blood transfusions, extended lengths of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. RESULTS: A higher proportion of patients in the anemia group required blood transfusions (24.1% versus 7.3%, < 0.001), ICU admission (39.7% versus 11.2%, P ≤ .001), and a hospital stay of more than 5 days (37.9% versus 11.8%, < .001). Preoperative anemia was identified as a risk factor for requiring transfusions (Odds ratio 3.82, Confidence Interval 95%: 1.47-9.94, P = .006) and ICU admission (Odds ratio 2.48, Confidence interval 95%: 1.11-5.50, P = .026). CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia proved to be a risk factor for requiring blood transfusions and ICU admission. Treating this potentially modifiable risk factor can improve patient morbidity and mortality, while positively impacting healthcare costs, reducing the need for postsurgical services such as ICU management, and extended hospitalizations.

Microbial Interdomain Interactions Delineate the Disruptive Intestinal Homeostasis in Clostridioides difficile Infection.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) creates an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota due to the interaction of the components making up this ecosystem, but little is known about the impact of this disease on other microbial members. This work has thus been aimed at evaluating the taxonomic composition, potential gene-associated functions, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of gut microbiomes. A total of 48 DNA samples obtained from patients with health care facility-acquired (HCFO) and community-onset (CO) diarrhea were distributed in the following four groups according to CDI status: HCFO/+ (n = 13), HCFO/- (n = 8), CO/+ (n = 13), and CO/- (n = 14). These samples were subjected to shotgun metagenomics sequencing. Although the CDI groups' microbiota had microbiome alterations, the greatest imbalance was observed in the in the HCFO+/- groups, with an increase in common pathogens and phage populations, as well as a decrease in beneficial microorganisms that leads to a negative impact on some intestinal homeostasis-related metabolic processes. A reduction in the relative abundance of butyrate metabolism-associated genes was also detected in the HCFO groups (P < 0.01), with an increase in some virulence factors and antibiotic-resistance markers. A set of 51 differentially abundant species in the groups with potential association to CDI enabled its characterization, leading to their spatial separation by onset. Strong correlations between phages and some archaeal and bacterial phyla were identified. This highlighted the need to study the microbiota's various components since their imbalance is multifactorial, with some pathogens contributing to a greater or lesser extent because of their interaction with the ecosystem they inhabit. IMPORTANCE Clostridioides difficile infection represents a serious public health problem in different countries due to its high morbi-mortality and the high costs it represents for health care systems. Studies have shown the impact of this infection on intestinal microbiome homeostasis, mainly on bacterial populations. Our research provides evidence of the impact of CDI at both the compositional (bacteria, archaea, and viruses), and functional levels, allowing us to understand that the alterations of the microbiota occur systemically and are caused by multiple perturbations generated by different members of the microbiota as well as by some pathogens that take advantage of the imbalance to proliferate. Likewise, the 51 differentially abundant species in the study groups with potential association to CDI found in this study could help us envisage future treatments against this and other inflammatory diseases, improving future therapeutic options for patients.

Altered Behavioral Responses Show GABA Sensitivity in Muscleblind-Like 2-Deficient Mice: Implications for CNS Symptoms in Myotonic Dystrophy.

Considerable evidence from mouse models and human postmortem brain suggests loss of Muscleblind-like protein 2 (MBNL2) function in brain is a major driver of CNS symptoms in Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Increased hypersomnia, fatigue, and surgical complications associated with general anesthesia suggest possible sensitivity to GABAergic inhibition in DM1. To test the hypothesis that MBNL2 depletion leads to behavioral sensitivity to GABAA receptor (GABAA-R) modulation, Mbnl2 knock-out (KO) and wild-type (WT) littermates were treated with the anesthetic sevoflurane, the benzodiazepine diazepam, the imidazopyridine zolpidem, and the benzodiazepine rescue agent, flumazenil (Ro 15-1788), and assessed for various behavioral metrics. Mbnl2 KO mice exhibited delayed recovery following sevoflurane, delayed emergence and recovery from zolpidem, and enhanced sleep time at baseline that was modulated by flumazenil. A significantly higher proportion of Mbnl2 KO mice also loss their righting reflex [loss of righting reflex (LORR)] from a standard diazepam dose. We further examined whether MBNL2 depletion affects total GABAA-R mRNA subunit levels and validated RNA-sequencing data of mis-spliced Gabrg2, whose isoform ratios are known to regulate GABA sensitivity and associated behaviors. While no other GABAA-R subunit mRNA levels tested were altered in Mbnl2 KO mouse prefrontal cortex, Gabrg2S/L mRNA ratio levels were significantly altered. Taken together, our findings indicate that loss of MBNL2 function affects GABAergic function in a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy (DM1).

Incidencia de luxación primaria de patela en Colombia / IncidenceofprimarypatellardislocationinColombia

Introducciónyobjetivos:Laluxaciónagudaprimariadepatelarepresentael3%delaslesionestraumáticasdelarodilla.Diferentesestudioshanestimadolaincidenciadeluxacióndepatelaentre2y77.4por100,000personasa ̃no.HaypocosestudiosenLatinoamérica.ElobjetivodeesteestudioescalcularlaincidenciadeluxaciónpatelofemoralenuncentrodereferenciaenelsuroccidentedeColombia,evaluarlatendenciaenlosúltimosa ̃nosydescribirlatasademanejoquirúrgico.Materialesymétodos:Estudioobservacionalanalíticotipocortetransversalqueincluyótodoslospacientesmayoresde9a ̃nosconluxaciónprimarialateraldepatelaentreenerode2011yjuniode2018,enunhospitaldeatenciónavanzadaenColombia.Resultados:Enestapoblación,laincidenciadeluxaciónlateralpatelofemoralfuede32.38por100,000personas-a ̃no.Elgrupodeedadentre14-18a ̃nostuvolamayorincidencia(187.74por100.000).Soloenelgrupoentre10-13a ̃nos,elsexofemeninotuvounaincidenciasignificati-vamentemayorqueloshombres(179.05vs59.85por100,000,p<0.001).Conclusiones:Conincidenciade32.38por100,000personas-a ̃no,laluxaciónpatelofemoralesunapatologíaortopédicafrecuenteennuestrapoblación.Elpicodeincidenciaesentre14-18a ̃nos

Introductionandobjectives:Primaryacutepatellardislocations(PAPD)accountfor3%ofalltraumatickneelesions,andseveralstudieshaveestimatedthegeneralincidenceofpatellardislocationtobebetween2and77.4per100,000person-years.FewstudieshaveevaluatedtheincidenceofprimarylateralpatellardislocationinLatinAmerica.TheaimofthestudywastoevaluatetheincidenceofpatellardislocationinpatientsfromareferencecenterintheColombiansouthwest,reporttrendsintheincidenceofdislocation,anddescribetherateofsurgicaltreatment.Materialsandmethods:Weperformedanobservational,analytical,cross-sectionalstudyincludingallpatientsolderthan9yearsoldwithprimarylateralpatellardislocation(PLPD),betweenJanuary2011andJune2018,inatertiarycarecenterinLatinAmerica.Results:Inourpopulation,theincidenceofprimarylateralpatellardislocation(PLPD)was32.38per100,000person-years.Theagegroupbetween14and18yearsoldhadthehighestincidence(187.74per100.000).Inthe10to13-year-oldgroup,femaleshadasignificantlyhigherincidence(179.05vs59.85/100,000,p-value<0.001).Conclusions:Withanincidenceof32.38per100,000person-years,primarypatellardislocationisafrequentorthopaedicinjuryinourpopulation.Thepeakincidencebyagegroupwasinadolescentsbetween14to18yearsold

Patellofemoral Dislocation Recurrence After a First Episode: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Lateral patellar dislocation can become a recurrent problem after the first episode. Identifying those patients who are at increased risk of redislocation is important for the treatment decision-making process. PURPOSE: To identify clinical and radiologic risk factors for recurrence of patellar dislocation after a first episode. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The study included patients with lateral patellar dislocation and a 1-year minimum follow-up who were seen between 2011 and 2018. Patients aged 10 to 65 years were included. Patient characteristics, physical examination (patellar apprehension, J sign), and radiographs were reviewed. The Caton-Deschamps and Insall-Salvati ratios were used to evaluate patella alta. High-grade trochlear dysplasia was defined as Dejour types B, C, and D. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients (139 knees) with primary lateral patellar dislocation were included. Recurrent dislocation was seen in 83 knees (59.71%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Caton-Deschamps ratio ≥1.15 (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.09-5.22; P = .029), age <21 years (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.11-5.77; P = .027), and high-grade trochlear dysplasia (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.90-9.17; P < .001) were significantly associated with patellar redislocation. Based on the presence of these factors, the probability of dislocation after a first lateral patellar dislocation was 31.2% with no factors present, 36.6% with any 1 factor present, 71.7% with any 2 factors present, and 86.2% if all 3 conditions were present. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that patella alta, high-grade trochlear dysplasia, and age <21 years were independent risk factors for patellar redislocation after a first episode, with an additive effect when they were present together. This may help to guide the type of treatment for these patients.

Body mass index and knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: this study aims to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), age at which knee joint arthroplasty is performed and complications. The hypothesis is that the higher the BMI, the greater likelihood that the patient will require surgery at an earlier age.Methods: this is a cohort study with all patients who underwent a primary knee arthroplasty, between August 2013 and February 2019, in a tertiary level university hospital. Association between BMI, age and complications were analyzed. Quality of life of patients was also evaluated with the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). RESULTS: 565 primary total knee replacements (TKR) were performed. A cut-off point was found in BMI of 30; 348 patients had a BMI ≤30 and 173 patients had a BMI >30. When comparing the two groups, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0186) was found in the age at which the TKR was performed. There was a significant improvement for both groups in functional score (Oxford knee score). Additionally, intra and post-operative complications showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: patients with BMI greater than 30 required primary knee arthroplasty at a younger age (average: 3.5 years), compared to patients with a lower BMI. Obesity does not appear to confer and independent risk for surgery in the short and mid-term. Knee arthroplasty improves significantly quality of life in the short and mid-term, regardless of their BMI, as measured with the OKS.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre el consumo de sal/sodio en niños del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia / Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding salt/sodium consumption in children of Antioquia, Colombia

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo identificar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas (CAP) relacionados con la ingesta de sal/sodio en niños, desde la perspectiva de los cuidadores. Este, es un estudio de corte transversal en el que participaron 2997 cuidadores que asistieron a una sesión educativa sobre alimentación saludable realizada en el marco del proyecto "Acciones Complementarias del Programa de Alimentación Escolar y Maná Infantil" de la Gobernación de Antioquia, liderado por la Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética de la Universidad de Antioquia, entre agosto y septiembre de 2015. Al recolectar la información, se obtuvo que un alto porcentaje de encuestados refieren no conocer la diferencia entre sal y sodio (79,1%) y desconocen la cantidad de sodio contenida en los alimentos que consumen sus hijos; no obstante, consideran importante limitar la ingesta de sal en los niños. Finalmente, se identifica un alto número de personas dispuestas a disminuir la ingesta de sal en sus hijos, pero no sucede lo mismo cuando se hace referencia al sodio, debido a que se requiere un conocimiento más especializado y específico para tomar decisiones relacionadas con el contenido de este mineral en los alimentos, dado que está oculto.

The present study aims to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to salt / sodium intake in children from the perspective of caregivers. We conducted a crosssectional study involving 2997 caregivers who attended an educational session on healthy eating carried out within the framework of the project "Complementary Actions of the School Feeding Program and Children's Mana" carried out by the Government of Antioquia and led by the School of Nutrition and Dietetics of the University of Antioquia between August and September 2015. When collecting the information, it was found that a high percentage of persons surveyed reported not knowing the difference between salt and sodium (79.1%) and not knowing the amount of sodium contained in their child's foods; however, they considered the limiting of salt intake important for their children. Finally, a high percentage of participants were willing to reduce the salt intake of their children, but this was not the case with regard to sodium, because more specialized and specific knowledge is required to make decisions related to the content of this mineral in food, since it is hidden.

Culturing C2C12 myotubes on micromolded gelatin hydrogels accelerates myotube maturation.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle contributes to roughly 40% of lean body mass, and its loss contributes to morbidity and mortality in a variety of pathogenic conditions. Significant insights into muscle function have been made using cultured cells, in particular, the C2C12 myoblast line. However, differentiation of these cells in vitro typically yields immature myotubes relative to skeletal muscles in vivo. While many efforts have attempted to improve the maturity of cultured myotubes, including the use of bioengineered substrates, lack of molecular characterization has precluded their widespread implementation. This study characterizes morphological, molecular, and transcriptional features of C2C12 myotubes cultured on crosslinked, micropatterned gelatin substrates fabricated using previously established methods and compares them to myotubes grown on unpatterned gelatin or traditional plasticware. METHODS: We used immunocytochemistry, SDS-PAGE, and RNAseq to characterize C2C12 myotubes grown on micropatterned gelatin hydrogels, unpatterned gelatin hydrogels, and typical cell culture substrates (i.e., plastic or collagen-coated glass) across a differentiation time course. The ability to form aligned sarcomeres and myofilament protein concentration was assessed. Additionally, the transcriptome was analyzed across the differentiation time course. RESULTS: C2C12 myotubes grown on micropatterned gelatin hydrogels display an increased ability to form aligned sarcomeres as well as increased contractile protein content relative to myotubes cultured on unpatterned gelatin and plastic. Additionally, genes related to sarcomere formation and in vivo muscle maturation are upregulated in myotubes grown on micropatterned gelatin hydrogels relative to control myotubes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that growing C2C12 myotubes on micropatterned gelatin hydrogels accelerates sarcomere formation and yields a more fully matured myotube culture. Thus, the use of micropatterned hydrogels is a viable and simple approach to better model skeletal muscle biology in vitro.

An engineered RNA binding protein with improved splicing regulation.

The muscleblind-like (MBNL) family of proteins are key developmental regulators of alternative splicing. Sequestration of MBNL proteins by expanded CUG/CCUG repeat RNA transcripts is a major pathogenic mechanism in the neuromuscular disorder myotonic dystrophy (DM). MBNL1 contains four zinc finger (ZF) motifs that form two tandem RNA binding domains (ZF1-2 and ZF3-4) which each bind YGCY RNA motifs. In an effort to determine the differences in function between these domains, we designed and characterized synthetic MBNL proteins with duplicate ZF1-2 or ZF3-4 domains, referred to as MBNL-AA and MBNL-BB, respectively. Analysis of splicing regulation revealed that MBNL-AA had up to 5-fold increased splicing activity while MBNL-BB had 4-fold decreased activity compared to a MBNL protein with the canonical arrangement of zinc finger domains. RNA binding analysis revealed that the variations in splicing activity are due to differences in RNA binding specificities between the two ZF domains rather than binding affinity. Our findings indicate that ZF1-2 drives splicing regulation via recognition of YGCY RNA motifs while ZF3-4 acts as a general RNA binding domain. Our studies suggest that synthetic MBNL proteins with improved or altered splicing activity have the potential to be used as both tools for investigating splicing regulation and protein therapeutics for DM and other microsatellite diseases.

Impeding Transcription of Expanded Microsatellite Repeats by Deactivated Cas9.

Transcription of expanded microsatellite repeats is associated with multiple human diseases, including myotonic dystrophy, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and C9orf72-ALS/FTD. Reducing production of RNA and proteins arising from these expanded loci holds therapeutic benefit. Here, we tested the hypothesis that deactivated Cas9 enzyme impedes transcription across expanded microsatellites. We observed a repeat length-, PAM-, and strand-dependent reduction of repeat-containing RNAs upon targeting dCas9 directly to repeat sequences; targeting the non-template strand was more effective. Aberrant splicing patterns were rescued in DM1 cells, and production of RAN peptides characteristic of DM1, DM2, and C9orf72-ALS/FTD cells was drastically decreased. Systemic delivery of dCas9/gRNA by adeno-associated virus led to reductions in pathological RNA foci, rescue of chloride channel 1 protein expression, and decreased myotonia. These observations suggest that transcription of microsatellite repeat-containing RNAs is more sensitive to perturbation than transcription of other RNAs, indicating potentially viable strategies for therapeutic intervention.

Drawing sounds: representing tones and chords spatially.

Research on the crossmodal correspondences has revealed that seemingly unrelated perceptual information can be matched across the senses in a manner that is consistent across individuals. An interesting extension of this line of research is to study how sensory information biases action. In the present study, we investigated whether different sounds (i.e. tones and piano chords) would bias participants' hand movements in a free movement task. Right-handed participants were instructed to move a computer mouse in order to represent three tones and two chords. They also had to rate each sound in terms of three visual analogue scales (slow-fast, unpleasant-pleasant, and weak-strong). The results demonstrate that tones and chords influence hand movements, with higher-(lower-)pitched sounds giving rise to a significant bias towards upper (lower) locations in space. These results are discussed in terms of the literature on forward models, embodied cognition, crossmodal correspondences, and mental imagery. Potential applications sports and rehabilitation are discussed briefly.

Notas sobre el desarrollo de la psicología política en Colombia / Notes on the development of political psychology in Colombia

Se presenta una conversación con el docente investigador Álvaro Díaz Gómez, la cual a través de una autobiografía intelectual da cuenta del desarrollo de la psicología política en Colombia desde sus precariedades y sus potencialidades. Lo anterior se enmarca en su devenir latinoamericano mostrando diversos autores, enfoques, perspectivas y problemas de investigación. Así, se reconocen cuatro características de la psicología política: 1.- es psicología en cuanto aborda procesos psicosociales que en cuanto disciplina ha investigado y documentado; 2.- es un área de investigación y actuación de la psicología en los procesos políticos; 3.- es una tradición que se ha institucionalizado permitiendo la existencia de pioneros, enfoques, comunidades académicas, formas de difusión; 4.- es plural dados los campos sobre los cuales puede actuar. Desde allí, se propone que la psicología política asuma como campo de indagación lo político y de manera específica la subjetividad política.

This paper presents a conversation with the researcher professor Alvaro Diaz Gomez, which through an intellectual autobiography, talks about the development of political psychology in Colombia since its precariousness and potentialities. This is framed in the Latin-American perspective presenting different authors, approaches, views and research problems. Four characteristics about Political Psychology: 1- It is Psychology in terms of facing psychosocial processes, does research and designs documents about it. 2. - It is research and performing psychological area in regards to political processes. 3. - It is a tradition that allows the existence of pioneers, approaches, academic communities, and dissemination ways. 4. - It is plural due to the performing fields. It was proposed that the political psychology assumes politics as an inquiry field and the political subjectivity in specific.

Bioestimulación cutánea periocular con plasma rico en plaquetas / Cutaneous biostimulation using platelet-rich plasma

La presente revisión fue realizada con el objetivo de ampliar los conocimientos sobre el envejecimiento cutáneo y los tratamientos restitutivos empleados en la cirugía plástica ocular, especialmente la bioestimulación cutánea con plasma rico en plaquetas, como alternativa novedosa de rejuvenecimiento periocular. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica amplia y actualizada en bases de datos que ofrece Infomed, como Ebsco, Hinari, Pubmed, Google académico y textos básicos de Oftalmología y Cirugía Estética. El plasma rico en plaquetas es un preparado biológico efectivo para la bioestimulación cutánea; incrementa la producción de colágeno; elastina y ácido hialurónico, proporciona una piel con más brillo, mejor textura, hidratación y elasticidad; presenta múltiples ventajas y mínimas complicaciones, lo que contribuye a elevar la calidad de vida de los pacientes(AU)

The objective of this review was to expand knowledge on skin aging and restorative treatments used in ocular plastic surgery, especially cutaneous biostimulation with platelet-rich plasma, as a novel alternative of periocular rejuvenation. A comprehensive literature search was performed in updated databases that Infomed provides such as Ebsco, Hinari, Pubmed and Google and basic academic texts of cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology. The platelet-rich plasma is an effective biological preparation for skin biostimulation, increases the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, and provides a brighter skin, improved texture, hydration and elasticity. It really has many advantages and minimal complications, thus contributing to raise the quality of life of patients(AU)

Bioestimulación cutánea periocular con plasma rico en plaquetas / Cutaneous biostimulation using platelet-rich plasma

La presente revisión fue realizada con el objetivo de ampliar los conocimientos sobre el envejecimiento cutáneo y los tratamientos restitutivos empleados en la cirugía plástica ocular, especialmente la bioestimulación cutánea con plasma rico en plaquetas, como alternativa novedosa de rejuvenecimiento periocular. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica amplia y actualizada en bases de datos que ofrece Infomed, como Ebsco, Hinari, Pubmed, Google académico y textos básicos de Oftalmología y Cirugía Estética. El plasma rico en plaquetas es un preparado biológico efectivo para la bioestimulación cutánea; incrementa la producción de colágeno; elastina y ácido hialurónico, proporciona una piel con más brillo, mejor textura, hidratación y elasticidad; presenta múltiples ventajas y mínimas complicaciones, lo que contribuye a elevar la calidad de vida de los pacientes(AU)

The objective of this review was to expand knowledge on skin aging and restorative treatments used in ocular plastic surgery, especially cutaneous biostimulation with platelet-rich plasma, as a novel alternative of periocular rejuvenation. A comprehensive literature search was performed in updated databases that Infomed provides such as Ebsco, Hinari, Pubmed and Google and basic academic texts of cosmetic surgery and ophthalmology. The platelet-rich plasma is an effective biological preparation for skin biostimulation, increases the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, and provides a brighter skin, improved texture, hydration and elasticity. It really has many advantages and minimal complications, thus contributing to raise the quality of life of patients(AU)