Using Microfluidic Hepatic Spheroid Cultures to Assess Liver Toxicity of T-2 Mycotoxin.

The Fusarium fungi is found in cereals and feedstuffs and may produce mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites, such as the T-2 toxin (T-2). In this work, we explored the hepatotoxicity of T-2 using microfluidic 3D hepatic cultures. The objectives were: (i) exploring the benefits of microfluidic 3D cultures compared to conventional 3D cultures available commercially (Aggrewell plates), (ii) establishing 3D co-cultures of hepatic cells (HepG2) and stellate cells (LX2) and assessing T-2 exposure in this model, (iii) characterizing the induction of metabolizing enzymes, and (iv) evaluating inflammatory markers upon T-2 exposure in microfluidic hepatic cultures. Our results demonstrated that, in comparison to commercial (large-volume) 3D cultures, spheroids formed faster and were more functional in microfluidic devices. The viability and hepatic function decreased with increasing T-2 concentrations in both monoculture and co-cultures. The RT-PCR analysis revealed that exposure to T-2 upregulates the expression of multiple Phase I and Phase II hepatic enzymes. In addition, several pro- and anti-inflammatory proteins were increased in co-cultures after exposure to T-2.

Factores psicológicos de los estudiantes universitarios y calidad de vida: Una revisión sistemática prepandemia / Psychological factors of university students and quality of life: A systematic review pre-pandemic

Resumen El presente trabajo es una revisión sistemática documental para el desarrollo de un marco de referencia sobre los factores psicológicos de estudiantes universitarios en relación con la calidad de vida prepandemia. Se utilizó un método cualitativo descriptivo a través de una revisión sistemática documental a partir de la metodología PRISMA (Khan et al., 2003; Moher et al., 2009). Como fuente de información, se utilizaron trabajos publicados en las bases de datos RedALyC, Scopus, Elsevier, EBSCO, Springer Link, Medline y Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection durante el período 2015 al 2020. Para el análisis descriptivo, se seleccionaron 29 documentos que cumplían con los criterios de selección en el marco del proceso de búsqueda, identificación, selección, elección e interpretación. Los resultados muestran la prevalencia de estudios de tipo cuantitativo, así como el interés vigente por el momento del ciclo vital adolescencia-juventud en uno de sus contextos de desarrollo: la universidad, y los factores psicológicos sumados a los aspectos contextuales emergentes como la ansiedad, la ideación suicida y la depresión. Asimismo, se evidencia el efecto de estos aspectos en la percepción de la calidad de vida y del bienestar psicológico y emerge el concepto de estilos de vida como variable que actúa como producto y condición en el desarrollo de los estudiantes en esta etapa del ciclo vital. Finalmente, se evidencian categorías como la inteligencia emocional, la resiliencia y el afrontamiento, que se constituyen en insumos para formular propuestas que permitan favorecer el desarrollo de adolescentes-jóvenes en el contexto universitario.

Abstract This work presents a systematic documentary review for the development of a frame of reference on the psychological factors of university students in relation to the pre-pandemic quality of life. Psychological factors are understood as psychological well-being and present the development of individual capabilities and human growth from self-acceptance, autonomy, positive relationships, life purpose and personal growth, which reflect attitudes and values of people, which are directly related to their quality of life. Likewise, it is evident in the literature that the stage of university life is framed by biopsychosocial changes that establish it as a period of attention for mature development and is considered as a transition for the later stages of the human life cycle. In this sense, from an ecological theory perspective, the environment in which people relate has a direct influence on their formative development (Bronfenbrenner, 1987), since the levels of environment in which they are immersed determine positive or negative behavior, affecting their social and cultural conditions (Shelton, 2019). Therefore, changes in behavior are associated with some risk factors that can affect the health and quality of life of university students. The methodological approach used is focused on a descriptive qualitative study, through a systematic documentary review by the PRISMA methodology (Khan et al., 2003 y Moher et al., 2009) with the main characteristics, trends and particularities existing in the literature on psychological factors in young university students. For the systematic review of this work, we chose to use the five stages called: Search, Identification, Screening, Eligibility, and Interpretation. The Search procedure was initiated from the categories of psychological factors related to the quality of life in university students and from the search equations. As a source of information, papers published in the databases of RedALyC, Scopus, Elsevier, EBSCO, Springer Link, Medline and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection during the period between January 2015 and first half of the year 2020 were used. For the Identification stage, inclusion and exclusion criteria were elaborated considering articles published in scientific journals of psychology and health in the period covered. In the Screening stage, they found a total of 41 950 papers in 82 journals registered in the databases. The following were eliminated: 28 125 papers outside the selection period, 1 457 duplicate studies, and 11 733 articles from other disciplines. Therefore, in the Eligibility stage, 635 papers were selected for the reading of the title and summary; of these, 263 documents were chosen for the reading of the complete texts and, a total of 29 papers were left in the last stage of Interpretation for the study and analysis of the results. The results show the prevalence of quantitative studies, as well as the current interest for the moment of the life cycle of adolescence-youth in one of its developmental contexts: the university; and the psychological factors added to the contextual aspects involved in the emergence and approach of problems such as anxiety, suicidal ideation and depression. Likewise, the effect of these aspects on the perception of quality of life and psychological well-being is evident. Similarly, the concept of lifestyles emerges as a variable that acts as a product and condition in the development of students at this stage of the life cycle. Finally, categories such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping are shown to be inputs to formulate proposals that can favor the development of adolescents and young people. In conclusion, it is necessary to carry out more studies on psychological factors and the problems associated with them, as a reflection of the quality of life from the perspective of promoting the health of university students.

On the Prediction of In Vitro Arginine Glycation of Short Peptides Using Artificial Neural Networks.

One of the hallmarks of diabetes is an increased modification of cellular proteins. The most prominent type of modification stems from the reaction of methylglyoxal with arginine and lysine residues, leading to structural and functional impairments of target proteins. For lysine glycation, several algorithms allow a prediction of occurrence; thus, making it possible to pinpoint likely targets. However, according to our knowledge, no approaches have been published for predicting the likelihood of arginine glycation. There are indications that arginine and not lysine is the most prominent target for the toxic dialdehyde. One of the reasons why there is no arginine glycation predictor is the limited availability of quantitative data. Here, we used a recently published high-quality dataset of arginine modification probabilities to employ an artificial neural network strategy. Despite the limited data availability, our results achieve an accuracy of about 75% of correctly predicting the exact value of the glycation probability of an arginine-containing peptide without setting thresholds upon whether it is decided if a given arginine is modified or not. This contribution suggests a solution for predicting arginine glycation of short peptides.

An Unexpected Case of Lagochilascariasis: Interdisciplinary Management and Use of 12S and 18S rDNA Analysis.

A Mexican 24-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital due to increased left retroauricular volume with skin fistulisation, resembling an infection by the uncommon worm Lagochilascaris minor. The patient was submitted to lateral skull base surgery. No adult worms or eggs were observed during light and scanning electron microscopy analysis, as well as by histopathologic examination of the small piece of removed tissue, only L3 stage larvae of Lagochilascaris spp. were identified. Polymerase chain reaction-sequencing assays were performed using primers for the mitochondrial 12S and the nuclear 18S rDNA gene. DNA of some L minor adults, previously identified, were used as control. The molecular analysis identified the worm as L minor. According to previous reports, lagochilascariasis is a complicated infection that requires an interdisciplinary management by different clinical specialists. This is the first time that 12S and 18S rDNA genes are reported as molecular markers for diagnosis of L minor.

Subfrontal Schwannoma: Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Although attributing the origin of schwannomas from the olfactory nerve is nearly impossible, if they do not have Schwann cells, intracranial supratentorial schwannomas are mainly located in the anterior skull base. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 46-year-old female who presented with right tinnitus, dizziness, and bifrontal headache, progressive, starting 2 years before. Imaging studies revealed an incidentally neoplastic, extraaxial, homogeneously appearing tumor on the right anterior skull base. The patient underwent surgical treatment with total resection of the tumor by a bicoronal approach. The histopathologic study reported schwannoma. CONCLUSION: We describe this case in detail and discuss the likely origin of this tumor, with a concomitant literature review.

Theoretical and experimental study of polycyclic aromatic compounds as ß-tubulin inhibitors.

In this work, through a docking analysis of compounds from the ZINC chemical library on human ß-tubulin using high performance computer cluster, we report new polycyclic aromatic compounds that bind with high energy on the colchicine binding site of ß-tubulin, suggesting three new key amino acids. However, molecular dynamic analysis showed low stability in the interaction between ligand and receptor. Results were confirmed experimentally in in vitro and in vivo models that suggest that molecular dynamics simulation is the best option to find new potential ß-tubulin inhibitors. Graphical abstract Bennett's acceptance ratio (BAR) method.

Estrategias de inclusión en contextos escolares / Inclusion strategies in school contexts

Resumen En este artículo se presenta una revisión de las estrategias de inclusión social en la escuela presentadas en artículos científicos y textos, las cuáles fueron identificadas a través del análisis de contenido de tipo categorial en cuatro categorías; competencia, singularidad, vínculos y participación. Se encuentran aportes desde los avances en la comprensión de la inclusión a partir de estrategias que trascienden su nexo con la diversidad en su concepción como minoría, y la necesaria conexión entre el reconocimiento de la singularidad para la construcción de vínculos, el desarrollo de competencias y su incidencia en la participación como elemento clave de la inclusión.

Abstract This article presents a review of the social inclusion strategies at schools mentioned in scientific articles and books. These strategies were identified through categorical content analysis in four categories: competency, singularity, bonding and participation. There are contributions from strategies that go beyond their connection to diversity from its idea of "minority", and the necessary connection between the recognition of the uniqueness for link building, skill development and their impact on participation as a key element of inclusion.

[Intracranial meningioma in pregnancy. Case report and literature review]. / Meningioma intracraneal en el embarazo. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía.

BACKGROUND: Brain tumors are the fifth leading cause of death in women of 20-39 years of age, including pregnant with similar onset and evolution. CASE REPORT: 33 years of age with neurological manifestations due to an intracranial meningioma and 37 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy was terminated and the tumor was removed; the results were favorable for the mother and child. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of intracranial tumors during pregnancy is extremely low. Headache is the first symptom in almost 90% of cases, but are also common: nausea, vomiting, seizures and neurological deficits. MRI is the diagnostic study of choice. Meningiomas are the most common benign primary brain tumors of the central nervous system. They are a rare association; pregnant patients often experience more symptoms under accelerated tumor growth of a neoplasm usually slow growing. The treatment is surgical, although the current trend is the conservative treatment to achieve viable pregnancies. Emergency neurosurgery is reserved for cases with suspected increase in ICP, herniation, progressive neurological deterioration or other condition that threatens the life of the mother. The choice between Caesarean delivery and not only neurosurgery, there are multiple obstetrical, neurological and anesthesia to be taken into account factors. The prognosis is generally excellent with a 5-year survival greater than 90%.

A randomized clinical trial of high-dosage coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: no evidence of benefit.

IMPORTANCE: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function, has been shown in preclinical Parkinson disease (PD) models to reduce the loss of dopamine neurons, and was safe and well tolerated in early-phase human studies. A previous phase II study suggested possible clinical benefit. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether CoQ10 could slow disease progression in early PD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A phase III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial at 67 North American sites consisting of participants 30 years of age or older who received a diagnosis of PD within 5 years and who had the following inclusion criteria: the presence of a rest tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity; a modified Hoehn and Yahr stage of 2.5 or less; and no anticipated need for dopaminergic therapy within 3 months. Exclusion criteria included the use of any PD medication within 60 days, the use of any symptomatic PD medication for more than 90 days, atypical or drug-induced parkinsonism, a Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) rest tremor score of 3 or greater for any limb, a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 25 or less, a history of stroke, the use of certain supplements, and substantial recent exposure to CoQ10. Of 696 participants screened, 78 were found to be ineligible, and 18 declined participation. INTERVENTIONS: The remaining 600 participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo, 1200 mg/d of CoQ10, or 2400 mg/d of CoQ10; all participants received 1200 IU/d of vitamin E. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Participants were observed for 16 months or until a disability requiring dopaminergic treatment. The prospectively defined primary outcome measure was the change in total UPDRS score (Parts I-III) from baseline to final visit. The study was powered to detect a 3-point difference between an active treatment and placebo. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the participants were well balanced, the mean age was 62.5 years, 66% of participants were male, and the mean baseline total UPDRS score was 22.7. A total of 267 participants required treatment (94 received placebo, 87 received 1200 mg/d of CoQ10, and 86 received 2400 mg/d of CoQ10), and 65 participants (29 who received placebo, 19 who received 1200 mg/d of CoQ10, and 17 who received 2400 mg/d of CoQ10) withdrew prematurely. Treatments were well tolerated with no safety concerns. The study was terminated after a prespecified futility criterion was reached. At study termination, both active treatment groups showed slight adverse trends relative to placebo. Adjusted mean changes (worsening) in total UPDRS scores from baseline to final visit were 6.9 points (placebo), 7.5 points (1200 mg/d of CoQ10; P = .49 relative to placebo), and 8.0 points (2400 mg/d of CoQ10; P = .21 relative to placebo). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Coenzyme Q10 was safe and well tolerated in this population, but showed no evidence of clinical benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00740714.

Hipertrofia virginal mamaria en niños y manejo quirúrgico

Introducción: La hipertrofia virginal mamaria es un padecimiento en mujeres, principalmente durante su pubertad, que se presenta con un crecimiento rápido de la mama, causando alteraciones psicológicas, estéticas y funcionales. Se trata de una patología mamaria benigna, cuyo diagnóstico clínico puede ser difícil cuando se produce de forma unilateral, y su tratamiento quirúrgico es aún controversial. Métodos: Se presenta los casos clínicos de 5 pacientes con el diagnóstico de hipertrofia virginal mamaria, tratadas en el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez en los años 2009-2011, refiriendo sus características clínicas, tratamiento quirúrgico realizado y resultados obtenidos. Resultados: La mayoría de las pacientes tuvo una reducción mamaria con pedículo superior o inferior, con buenos resultados estéticos al final, y sin necesidad al momento de intervenciones posteriores por recurrencia. Una paciente con sospecha de tumor filoides fue sometida a mastectomía subcutánea. La única complicación presentada fue necrosis del complejo areola pezón en una paciente. Conclusiones: La técnica quirúrgica a emplear debe ser valorada en cada paciente, realizando una evaluación integral sobre las características del paciente, presentación y objetivos personales. Creemos que la técnica de reducción mamaria en los adolescentes con esta patología es una buena propuesta, con buenos resultados estéticos, fácilmente aceptada por el paciente pediátrico, disminuyendo la morbilidad de un segundo procedimiento quirúrgico.

Introduction: Virginal breast hypertrophy is a female condition frequently present during puberty as a fast growing breast that causes psychological, aesthetic and functional alterations. It is a benign breast pathology of difficult clinical diagnosis when present unilaterally, and its surgical treatment is still controversial. Methods: Five clinical cases of virginal breast hypertrophy were treated at Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez from 2009-2011. We present their clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and results obtained. Results: Most patients had either superior or inferior pedicle mammary reduction with favorable results or no re-intervention due to recurrence. A patient had suspicion of phyllodes tumor and subcutaneous mastectomy was performed. The only complication was nipple areola complex necrosis in one patient. Conclusions: The surgical technique should be individualized in each patient according to characteristics, presentation, and personal objectives. Mammary reduction for adolescents with this pathology is a good option, with good aesthetic results, easily accepted by the pediatric patient, lowering morbidity of a second surgical procedure.

Significados acerca de la atención educativa en el aula regular a niñas y niños en situación de discapacidad en tres instituciones educativas / Meanings about educational services in the regular classroom for children with disabilities in three educational institutions

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo comprender los significados acerca de la atención educativa en el aula regular a niñas y niños en situación de discapacidad, en tres instituciones educativas. Para ello, se planteó una investigación cualitativa que se desarrolló a partir de algunos principios de la etnometodología. La información se obtuvo a través de estrategias de investigación como la entrevista a profundidad, el cuento y la comprensión de documentos que involucraban a los que se consideran principales protagonistas de la atención educativa en el aula regular de niñas y niños en situación de discapacidad: niñas y niños, padres o acudientes, profesores y directivas de las instituciones. Esta información se sistematizó a través del análisis de contenido de tipo categorial, codificación y vaciado en matrices. Como producto del desarrollo de esta investigación se identificaron los significados desde tres subcategorias: canónico, excepcional y negociaciones con respecto a la discapacidad, la integración y la inclusión escolar.

This research aimed at understanding the meanings about the educational services in the regular classroom for children with disabilities in three educational institutions. To achieve this, a qualitative research developed from some guidelines of the ethomethodology was proposed. The information was obtained through research strategies such as participant observation, depth interviews, the story and understanding of documents involving those who are considered key players in providing education in the regular classroom for children with disabilities: children, parents or guardians, teachers and directors of institutions. This information was systematized through content analysis of categorical type, encoding and cast in matrixes. As results of the development of this research, the meanings were identified from three subcategories: canonical, exceptional and negotiations with regard to disability, school integration and inclusion.

Seleno-auranofin (Et3PAuSe-tagl): synthesis, spectroscopic (EXAFS, 197Au Mössbauer, 31P, 1H, 13C, and 77Se NMR, ESI-MS) characterization, biological activity, and rapid serum albumin-induced triethylphosphine oxide generation.

Seleno-auranofin (SeAF), an analogue of auranofin (AF), the orally active antiarthritic gold drug in clinical use, was synthesized and has been characterized by an array of physical techniques and biological assays. The Mössbauer and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) parameters of the solid compound demonstrate a linear P-Au-Se coordination environment at a gold(I) center, analogous to the structure of auranofin. The (31)P, (13)C, and (1)H NMR spectra of SeAF in chloroform solution closely resemble those of auranofin. The (77)Se spectrum consists of a singlet at 481 ppm, consistent with a metal-bound selenolate ligand. The absence of (2)J(PSe) coupling in the (31)P and (77)Se spectra may arise from dynamic processes occurring in solution or because the (2)J(PSe) coupling constants are smaller than the observed bandwidths. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectra of SeAF in 50:50 methanol-water exhibited strong signals for [(Et(3)P)(2)Au](+), [(Et(3)PAu)(2)-mu-Se-tagl](+), and [Au(Se-tagl)(2)](-), which arise from ligand scrambling reactions. Three assays of the anti-inflammatory activity of SeAF allowed comparison to AF. SeAF exhibited comparable activity in the topically administered murine arachadonic acid-induced and phorbol ester-induced anti-inflammatory assays but was inactive in the orally administered carrageenan-induced assay in rats. However, in vivo serum gold levels were comparable in the rat, suggesting that differences between the in vivo metabolism of the two compounds, leading to differences in transport to the inflamed site, may account for the differential activity in the carrageenan-induced assay. Reactions of serum albumin, the principal transport protein of gold in the serum, demonstrated formation of AlbSAuPEt(3) at cysteine 34 and provided evidence for facile reduction of disulfide bonds at cysteine 34 and very rapid formation of Et(3)P=O, a known metabolite of auranofin.

Marcos de referencia de los maestros fortalecedores del pensamiento matemático en niños / Reference framework of maths teachers in the classroom

Esta investigación tuvo como propósito principal caracterizar los marcos de referencia de los maestros que favorecen la comprensión de las matemáticas en estudiantes de primaria en 10 colegios de Bogotá. Se utilizó una investigación de tipo cualitativo, en la cual se identificaron estudiantes que evidenciaban un desempeño académico en el área de matemáticas por encima del promedio, luego se recogió información a través de la observación en el aula y de la entrevista semiestructurada a los maestros. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido de tipo categorial y las matrices de cotejación. Como resultado se evidenció el papel predominante de la afectividad, los contextos inmediatos y la historia de vida de los estudiantes en los marcos de referencia de los maestros.

The aim of this research was to characterize the reference framework of teachers that favour mathematical comprehension at the elementary level in ten schools in Bogotá. A qualitative research was used in which the students who showed performance above average were identified. The information was then gathered through direct classroom observation and semi- structured interview of the instructors. A categories analysis as a type of content analysis was also used. As a result, the predominant roll of affectivity was found out together with immediate contexts, and the life history of the students in the reference framework of the teachers.