Physical Activity, Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Body Dissatisfaction in Physical Education of Extremadura Adolescents: An Exploratory Study.

In recent years, physical activity levels among youths have declined significantly. This has led to a decline in adherence to physical activity recommendations. In this sense, physical education offers an ideal environment that contributes positively to improving adherence to physical activity recommendations, as it teaches students movement-related skills and knowledge. The objective of the present research was to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels, body composition, fitness in Physical Education, and body dissatisfaction levels, and to analyse sex differences in relation to the study variables. The sample was formed of 1166 participants from the 1st and 2nd secondary compulsory education, of which 642 were boys (age 13.16 ± 0.91), and 524 girls (age 13.08 ± 0.85). The measure of physical activity was the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Body composition was assessed using weight and height to calculate their body mass index. Cardiorespiratory capacity was assessed using the Course-Navette test in Physical Education lessons. The results showed the relationship between physical activity and body mass index, cardiorespiratory capacity, and body satisfaction. It was also confirmed that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower body mass index, improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower levels of body dissatisfaction to a greater extent in boys than in girls. The study concludes that improvements in the study variables were associated with increased physical activity. In addition, it seems necessary to promote healthy lifestyles in physical education lessons, especially during adolescence, as they could serve as a gateway for the improvement of health-related fitness in future generations. Increasing the amount of physical activity among young people is vital. Therefore, it would be essential to develop intervention programs in physical education classes, especially during adolescence, aimed at promoting and increasing physical activity and its benefits.

Masaje terapéutico para estudiantes universitarios con estrés / Therapeutic massage for college students with stress / Therapeutic massage for college students with stress / Massagem terapêutica para estudantes universitários com estresse

Introducción: El estrés psíquico en los estudiantes universitarios de Licenciatura en Turismo puede provocar manifestaciones negativas en el orden psíquico, físico y social. Objetivo: Exponer la validez de un procedimiento de masaje terapéutico que contribuya a disminuir el estrés psíquico en los estudiantes de Licenciatura en Turismo en la Universidad de Holguín. Método: Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa, se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos; para el procesamiento de los datos se utilizó la estadística matemática. Se seleccionaron 17 expertos para la valoración del procedimiento empleado, con una experiencia promedio de 17 años, la investigación fue de septiembre 2019 a julio 2022. Se seleccionó una muestra de 82 estudiantes, a la cual se le aplicó un test antes y después de concluir el tratamiento con masaje terapéutico. Resultados: Mediante la observación a los estudiantes en los diferentes contextos de actuación y la revisión de las fuentes de información se evidenció resultados indicadores de estrés psíquico. En encuesta aplicada a los profesores, se demostró pocos conocimientos teóricos y metodológicos para la aplicación del masaje terapéutico para estudiantes universitarios con estrés psíquico. Conclusiones: El procedimiento elaborado para disminuir el estrés se aplicó y demuestra su efectividad en la salud y el bienestar de la muestra seleccionada.(AU)

Introduction: Psychological stress in university students studying Bachelor of Tourism can cause negative manifestations in the psychological, physical and social order. Objective: To present the validity of a therapeutic massage procedure that contributes to reducing psychological stress in Bachelor of Tourism students at the University of Holguín. Method: A quantitative research was carried out, theoretical and empirical methods were used.Mathematical statistics were used to process the data.17 experts were selected to evaluate the procedure used, with an average experience of 17 years. The research was from September 2019 to July 2022. A sample of 82 students was selected, to whom a pre-test was applied before treatment,with therapeutic massage, and a post-test at the end. Results: By observing the students in the different contexts of action and reviewing the sources of information, results indicative of psychological stress were evident.In a survey administered to teachers, little theoretical and methodological knowledge was demonstrated for the application of therapeutic massage for university students with psychological stress. Conclusions: The procedure developed to reduce stress was applied and demonstrate its effectiveness on the health and well-being of the selected sample.(AU)

Introdução: O estresse psicológico em estudantes universitários do Bacharelado em Turismo pode causar manifestações negativas de ordem psicológica, física e social. Objetivo: Apresentar a validade de um procedimento de massagem terapêutica que contribui para a redução do estresse psicológico em estudantes do Bacharelado em Turismo da Universidade de Holguín. Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, foram utilizados métodos teóricos e empíricos.Estatística matemática foi usada para processar os dados.Para avaliar o procedimento utilizado foram selecionados 17 especialistas, com experiência média de 17 anos. A pesquisa ocorreu de setembro de 2019 a julho de 2022. Foi selecionada uma amostra de 82 estudantes, aos quais foi aplicado um pré-teste antes do tratamento com massagem terapêutica, e um pós-teste no final. Resultados: Ao observar os estudantes nos diferentes contextos de atuação e revisar as fontes de informação, ficaram evidentes resultados indicativos de estresse psicológico.Em pesquisa realizada com professores, foi demonstrado pouco conhecimento teórico e metodológico para a aplicação da massagem terapêutica em estudantes universitários com estresse psicológico. Conclusões: O procedimento desenvolvido para reduzir o estresse foi aplicado e demonstrou sua eficácia na saúde e no bem-estar da amostra selecionada.(AU)

Manifestaciones de trastornos musculoesqueléticos en moldeadores manuales metalúrgicos

Introducción: Los trastornos musculoesqueléticos en el contexto laboral metalúrgico repercuten negativamente desde la perspectiva personal, económica y social de los trabajadores. Objetivo: Identificar las manifestaciones de trastornos musculoesqueléticos en los moldeadores manuales metalúrgicos del área de fundición de la empresa Holmeca de la provincia Holguín, Cuba, en el período comprendido enero-marzo de 2021. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, no experimental de corte transversal en 19 moldeadores manuales metalúrgicos, en el que se incluyeron variables sociodemográficas, ubicación de zonas dolorosas, intensidad del dolor, tiempo de aparición y duración del trastorno. Se emplearon métodos teóricos, empíricos. Fue utilizado el Cuestionario Nórdico estandarizado de Kuorinka y la Escala Visual Analógica. El procesamiento de la información se llevó a cabo mediante la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Se identificaron las zonas dolorosas y la prevalencia más alta de dolor musculoesqueléticos en: muñeca/mano (94,74 %), hombro (89,47 %), dorsal/lumbar (89,47 %) y codo/antebrazo (84,21 %). La intensidad del dolor fue determinada como intenso en el 36,84 % y moderado en el 42,11 % de los trabajadores; mientras que en el 21,05 % fue leve. El tiempo de padecimiento delos trastornos fue de 3-38 años,que aparecieron luego de 5 a 7 años de haber comenzado las labores en el área de estudio. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de manifestaciones de trastornos musculoesqueléticos en los moldeadores manuales metalúrgicos del área de fundición de la empresa Holmeca de Holguín es elevada. Se identifican en mano/muñeca, hombro, lumbar y codo/antebrazo, como las zonas anatómicas más afectadas en este grupo poblacional.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders in the metallurgical work context have a negative impact from the personal, economic and social perspective of workers. Objective: To identify the manifestations of musculoskeletal disorders in metallurgical manual molders in the foundry area of the Holmeca company in the province of Holguín, Cuba, in the period from January to March 2021. Method: An observational, non-experimental study was carried out. cross-sectional study in 19 metallurgical manual shapers, which included sociodemographic variables, location of painful areas, pain intensity, time of onset and duration of the disorder. Theoretical and empirical methods were used. The standardized Kuorinka Nordic Questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale were used. The information processing was carried out using descriptive statistics. Results: The painful areas and the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal pain were identified in: wrist/hand (94.74%), shoulder (89.47%), dorsal/lumbar (89.47%) and elbow/forearm (84.21%). The intensity of the pain was determined as intense in 36.84% and moderate in 42.11% of the workers; while in 21.05% it was mild. The duration of the disorders was 3-38 years, which appeared after 5 to 7 years after beginning work in the study area. Conclusions: The prevalence of manifestations of musculoskeletal disorders in metallurgical manual molders in the foundry area of the Holmeca company in Holguín is high. They are identified in the hand/wrist, shoulder, lumbar and elbow/forearm, as the anatomical areas most affected in this population group.

Introdução: As lesões osteomusculares no contexto do trabalho metalúrgico têm um impacto negativo na perspectiva pessoal, económica e social dos trabalhadores. Objetivo: Identificar as manifestações de distúrbios osteomusculares em moldadores manuais metalúrgicos da área de fundição da empresa Holmeca, na província de Holguín, Cuba, no período de janeiro a março de 2021. Método: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, não experimental. estudo transversal em 19 modeladores manuais metalúrgicos, que incluiu variáveis sociodemográficas, localização das áreas dolorosas, intensidade da dor, tempo de início e duração do distúrbio. Foram utilizados métodos teóricos e empíricos. Foram utilizados o Questionário Nórdico Kuorinka padronizado e a Escala Visual Analógica. O processamento das informações foi realizado por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: As áreas dolorosas e as maiores prevalências de dores musculoesqueléticas foram identificadas em: punho/mão (94,74%), ombro (89,47%), dorsal/lombar (89,47%) e cotovelo/antebraço (84,21%). A intensidade da dor foi determinada como intensa em 36,84% e moderada em 42,11% dos trabalhadores; enquanto em 21,05% foi leve. A duração dos distúrbios foi de 3 a 38 anos, surgindo após 5 a 7 anos após o início do trabalho na área de estudo. Conclusões: É elevada a prevalência de manifestações de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos em moldadores manuais metalúrgicos na área de fundição da empresa Holmeca em Holguín. São identificadas na mão/punho, ombro, lombar e cotovelo/antebraço, como as áreas anatômicas mais acometidas neste grupo populacional.

Regulation of Syntaxin3B-Mediated Membrane Fusion by T14, Munc18, and Complexin.

Retinal neurons that form ribbon-style synapses operate over a wide dynamic range, continuously relaying visual information to their downstream targets. The remarkable signaling abilities of these neurons are supported by specialized presynaptic machinery, one component of which is syntaxin3B. Syntaxin3B is an essential t-SNARE protein of photoreceptors and bipolar cells that is required for neurotransmitter release. It has a light-regulated phosphorylation site in its N-terminal domain at T14 that has been proposed to modulate membrane fusion. However, a direct test of the latter has been lacking. Using a well-controlled in vitro fusion assay, we found that a phosphomimetic T14 syntaxin3B mutation leads to a small but significant enhancement of SNARE-mediated membrane fusion following the formation of the t-SNARE complex. While the addition of Munc18a had only a minimal effect on membrane fusion mediated by SNARE complexes containing wild-type syntaxin3B, a more significant enhancement was observed in the presence of Munc18a when the SNARE complexes contained a syntaxin3B T14 phosphomimetic mutant. Finally, we showed that the retinal-specific complexins (Cpx III and Cpx IV) inhibited membrane fusion mediated by syntaxin3B-containing SNARE complexes in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, our results establish that membrane fusion mediated by syntaxin3B-containing SNARE complexes is regulated by the T14 residue of syntaxin3B, Munc18a, and Cpxs III and IV.

Human astrovirus capsid protein releases a membrane lytic peptide upon trypsin maturation.

The human astrovirus (HAstV) is a non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that is a common cause of gastroenteritis. Most non-enveloped viruses use membrane disruption to deliver the viral genome into a host cell after virus uptake. The virus-host factors that allow for HAstV cell entry are currently unknown but thought to be associated with the host-protease-mediated viral maturation. Using in vitro liposome disruption analysis, we identified a trypsin-dependent lipid disruption activity in the capsid protein of HAstV serotype 8. This function was further localized to the P1 domain of the viral capsid core, which was both necessary and sufficient for membrane disruption. Site-directed mutagenesis identified a cluster of four trypsin cleavage sites necessary to retain the lipid disruption activity, which is likely attributed to a short stretch of sequence ending at arginine 313 based on mass spectrometry of liposome-associated peptides. The membrane disruption activity was conserved across several other HAstVs, including the emerging VA2 strain, and effective against a wide range of lipid identities. This work provides key functional insight into the protease maturation process essential to HAstV infectivity and presents a method to investigate membrane penetration by non-enveloped viruses in vitro. IMPORTANCE Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are an understudied family of viruses that cause mild gastroenteritis but have recent cases associated with a more severe neural pathogenesis. Many important elements of the HAstV life cycle are not well understood, and further elucidating them can help understand the various forms of HAstV pathogenesis. In this study, we utilized an in vitro liposome-based assay to describe and characterize a previously unreported lipid disruption activity. This activity is dependent on the protease cleavage of key sites in HAstV capsid core and can be controlled by site-directed mutagenesis. Our group observed this activity in multiple strains of HAstV and in multiple lipid conditions, indicating this may be a conserved activity across the AstV family. The discovery of this function provides insight into HAstV cellular entry, pathogenesis, and a possible target for future therapeutics.

First-principles based Monte Carlo modeling of the magnetization of oxygen-deficient Fe-substituted SrTiO3.

Transition-metal (TM) substituted SrTiO3 has attracted much attention because its magnetism and/or ferroelectricity can be tuned via cation substitution, point defects, strain and/or oxygen deficiency. For example, Goto et al. [Phys. Rev. Applied, 7, 024006 (2017)] reported the magnetization of SrTi1-xFexO3-δ (STF) grown under different oxygen pressures and on various substrates. Here, we use hybrid density functional theory to calculate the effects of different oxygen vacancy (VO) states in STF on the magnetization for a variety of Fe cation arrangements. The magnetic states of the cations associated with the VO ground-states for x = {0.125, 0.25} are used within a Monte Carlo model for collinear magnetism to simulate the spontaneous magnetization. Our model captures several experimental features of STF, i.e., an increase in magnetization for small δ up to a maximum of ∼0.35µB per formula unit at an intermediate number of vacancies, with a slower decrease in magnetization with an increasing number of vacancies. Our approach gives insight into the relation between vacancy concentration and the oxygen pressure required to maximize the magnetization.

Effects of the inclusion of physical activity in secondary education academic classes on educational indicators and health markers: rationale and methods of the ACTIVE CLASS study.

Background: Increasing physical activity (PA) levels and reducing sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents is a need, especially in schools. Active breaks and physically active learning are examples of two emerging methodologies that have been shown to be effective in increasing PA levels and additionally produce improvements in children's educational markers. However, the evidence in adolescents is very limited. This paper presents the design, measurements, and interventions implemented in the ACTIVE CLASS study, whose objectives are: (i) evaluate the effects of two interventions on PA levels, sedentary time, health-related physical fitness academic indicators, cognition, and markers of psychological health among secondary education students; (ii) evaluate teachers' and students' experiences about the implementation of these the two school-based PA intervention. Methods: A randomized controlled study is conducted with a total of 292 students aged 12-14 years old from six schools (7th and 8th grade) in Spain (three in Cadiz and three in Caceres). One school from each study provinces is randomly assigned to either the active break intervention group, the physically active learning intervention group, or the control group. The interventions have a duration of 16 weeks. Nine main measurement categories are assessed: PA and sedentary time, health-related physical fitness, academic indicators, cognition, psychological health, motivational variables, dietary patterns, sociodemographic characteristics, as well as qualitative information through semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups. Three independent measurements of evaluation are distinguished: pre-intervention, post-intervention (week 16) and retention measurement (4 weeks after the intervention). For quantitative variables, descriptive, correlational, regression and repeated measures ANOVA will be applied. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, the ACTIVE CLASS study is the first of its kind in Spain to evaluate the effects of incorporating active breaks and physically active learning in secondary education. In addition, this project provides important information on the effects of two school-based PA intervention arms on educational variables and health markers in adolescents. This will provide valuable and innovative training to the educational community, enabling them to implement teaching methodologies that have the potential to enhance academic performance and improve the quality of life for their students. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05891054.

Sedentary behaviours and their relationship with academic performance in adolescents: A mediation analysis.

The present research aims to examine the relationship between the four dimensions of sedentary behaviours and academic performance, as well as to test the association between sedentary behaviours and academic performance in boys and girls in a sample of Spanish adolescents. A total of 2,216 adolescents aged 11 to 16 years old, both males (13.30 ± 0.92) and females (13.06 ± 0.86), participated. Sleep duration, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours were measured through questionnaires. Academic performance was assessed with students´ marks. Potential confounders such as sex, age, socioeconomic status, and cardiorespiratory fitness were also measured. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, analysis of differences, and multiple mediation analysis were conducted. It was observed that girls spend more time on sedentary educational or social behaviours, while boys spend much more time on screen time. Sedentary behaviours such as educational time, screen time, and relaxing time were associated with academic performance. Specifically, educational time appears to be positively related to academic performance. Nevertheless, screen time and relaxing time were negatively associated with academic performance. The multiple mediation analysis revealed that screen time was the most negative behaviour on academic performance. The outcomes are discussed to improve knowledge about sedentary behaviours and academic performance.

IgA-Dominant Infection-Associated Glomerulonephritis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The renal involvement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported. The etiology of kidney injury appears to be tubular, mainly due to the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the key joint receptor for SARS-CoV-2; however, cases with glomerular implication have also been documented. The multifactorial origin of this renal involvement could include virus-mediated injury, cytokine storm, angiotensin II pathway activation, complement dysregulation, hyper-coagulation, and microangiopathy. We present the renal histological findings from a patient who developed acute kidney injury and de novo nephrotic syndrome, highly suggestive of acute IgA-dominant infection-associated glomerulonephritis (IgA-DIAGN) after SARS-CoV-2 infection, as evidenced by the presence of this virus detected in the renal tissue of the patient via immunohistochemistry assay. In summary, we document the first case of IgA-DIAGN associated to SARS-CoV-2. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 S may act as a super antigen driving the development of multisystem inflammatory syndrome as well as cytokine storm in patients affected by COVID-19, reaching the glomerulus and leading to the development of this novel IgA-DIAGN.

Detergent-assisted Reconstitution of Recombinant Drosophila Atlastin into Liposomes for Lipid-mixing Assays.

Membrane fusion is a crucial process in the eukaryotic cell. Specialized proteins are necessary to catalyze fusion. Atlastins are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident proteins implicated in homotypic fusion of the ER. We detail here a method for purifying a glutathione S-transferase (GST) and poly-histidine tagged Drosophila atlastin by two rounds of affinity chromatography. Studying fusion reactions in vitro requires purified fusion proteins to be inserted into a lipid bilayer. Liposomes are ideal model membranes, as lipid composition and size may be adjusted. To this end, we describe a reconstitution method by detergent removal for Drosophila atlastin into preformed liposomes. While several reconstitution methods are available, reconstitution by detergent removal has several advantages that make it suitable for atlastins and other similar proteins. The advantage of this method includes a high reconstitution yield and correct orientation of the reconstituted protein. This method can be extended to other membrane proteins and for other applications that require proteoliposomes. Additionally, we describe a FRET based lipid mixing assay of proteoliposomes used as a measurement of membrane fusion.

The atlastin membrane anchor forms an intramembrane hairpin that does not span the phospholipid bilayer.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is composed of flattened sheets and interconnected tubules that extend throughout the cytosol and makes physical contact with all other cytoplasmic organelles. This cytoplasmic distribution requires continuous remodeling. These discrete ER morphologies require specialized proteins that drive and maintain membrane curvature. The GTPase atlastin is required for homotypic fusion of ER tubules. All atlastin homologs possess a conserved domain architecture consisting of a GTPase domain, a three-helix bundle middle domain, a hydrophobic membrane anchor, and a C-terminal cytosolic tail. Here, we examined several Drosophila-human atlastin chimeras to identify functional domains of human atlastin-1 in vitro Although all chimeras could hydrolyze GTP, only chimeras containing the human C-terminal tail, hydrophobic segments, or both could fuse membranes in vitro We also determined that co-reconstitution of atlastin with reticulon does not influence GTPase activity or membrane fusion. Finally, we found that both human and Drosophila atlastin hydrophobic membrane anchors do not span the membrane, but rather form two intramembrane hairpin loops. The topology of these hairpins remains static during membrane fusion and does not appear to play an active role in lipid mixing.

The Impact of Preoperative BMI (Obesity Class I, II, and III) on the 12-Month Evolution of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Whether or not the initial body mass index (BMI) influences weight loss and comorbidities improvement after bariatric surgery continues to be a matter of debate. The main reason for this is a lack of studies including obesity class I. METHODS: Retrospective study with patients submitted to gastric bypass at a single institution. They were classified based on initial BMI (obesity class I, II, and III), and a comparative analysis of their metabolic profile (glucose, HbA1c%, C-peptide, insulin and diabetes medication), lipid profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL), and clinical data (systolic/diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular risk) was performed at 0 and 12 months. Diabetes remission and weight loss were also analyzed. RESULTS: Two-hundred and twenty patients were included (23 in group 1, 113 in group 2, and 84 in group 3). Initial weight, BMI, and number of patients with T2DM were statistically different in group 1; other parameters were homogenous. At 12 months, every group had similar improvement of the metabolic profile, excepting serum insulin. Diabetes remission was 57.9, 61.1, and 60% for group 1, 2, and 3. For weight loss, there were differences between groups when using BMI and percentage of excess weight loss, but not with percentage of total weight loss. The non-metabolic and clinical data improved without differences, except for total cholesterol and LDL. CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic, lipid, and clinical profiles associated with obesity present similar improvement 1 year after laparoscopic gastric bypass, despite different baseline BMI. Diabetes remission and percentage of total weight loss were also similar.

Crystal structure of an orthomyxovirus matrix protein reveals mechanisms for self-polymerization and membrane association.

Many enveloped viruses encode a matrix protein. In the influenza A virus, the matrix protein M1 polymerizes into a rigid protein layer underneath the viral envelope to help enforce the shape and structural integrity of intact viruses. The influenza virus M1 is also known to mediate virus budding as well as the nuclear export of the viral nucleocapsids and their subsequent packaging into nascent viral particles. Despite extensive studies on the influenza A virus M1 (FLUA-M1), only crystal structures of its N-terminal domain are available. Here we report the crystal structure of the full-length M1 from another orthomyxovirus that infects fish, the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV). The structure of ISAV-M1 assumes the shape of an elbow, with its N domain closely resembling that of the FLUA-M1. The C domain, which is connected to the N domain through a flexible linker, is made of four α-helices packed as a tight bundle. In the crystal, ISAV-M1 monomers form infinite 2D arrays with a network of interactions involving both the N and C domains. Results from liposome flotation assays indicated that ISAV-M1 binds membrane via electrostatic interactions that are primarily mediated by a positively charged surface loop from the N domain. Cryoelectron tomography reconstruction of intact ISA virions identified a matrix protein layer adjacent to the inner leaflet of the viral membrane. The physical dimensions of the virion-associated matrix layer are consistent with the 2D ISAV-M1 crystal lattice, suggesting that the crystal lattice is a valid model for studying M1-M1, M1-membrane, and M1-RNP interactions in the virion.

Urinary Klotho measured by ELISA as an early biomarker of acute kidney injury in patients after cardiac surgery or coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiac surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions which markedly worsens prognosis. In recent years, new early biomarkers of AKI have been identified, but many important aspects still remain to be solved. Klotho is a pleiotropic protein that acts as a paracrine and endocrine factor in multiple organs. Reduced renal Klotho levels have been show in several animal models of AKI. No study has been published in which Klotho was tested in humans as an early marker of AKI. The aim of this work is to assess the usefulness of measuring urinary Klotho for the early diagnosis of AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery or coronary angiography. METHODS: Urinary Klotho was measured 12 hours after intervention in 60 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure secondary to coronary or valvular conditions, who underwent coronary angiography (30 patients) or cardiac bypass surgery or heart valve replacement (30 patients). The primary endpoint used was the onset of AKI according to the RIFLE classification system. Human Klotho levels were measured using an ELISA assay. RESULTS: We found no differences in urinary Klotho levels between AKI patients and those who did not develop AKI. Moreover, there was not significant correlation between urinary Klotho levels and the presence of AKI. CONCLUSION: Urinary Klotho measured by ELISA does not seem to be a good candidate to be used as an early biomarker of AKI.

Klotho urinario determinado por ELISA como biomarcador precoz de fracaso renal agudo en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca o angiografía coronaria / ELISA-measured urinary Klotho as an early biomarker of acute kidney failure in patients undergoing heart surgery or coronary angiography

Introducción y objetivos: El fracaso renal agudo (FRA) es una complicación frecuente tras la cirugía cardiaca y las intervenciones percutáneas coronarias cuya aparición empeora el pronóstico de manera marcada. En los últimos años se han identificado nuevos biomarcadores precoces de FRA, pero aún quedan muchos aspectos importantes por resolver. Klotho es una proteína pleiotrópica que actúa como un factor paracrino y endocrino en múltiples órganos. En diversos modelos animales de FRA se ha demostrado niveles disminuidos de Klotho renal. No se ha publicado ningún estudio en el que se haya probado Klotho como marcador precoz de FRA en humanos. El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar la utilidad de la determinación de Klotho en orina para el diagnóstico precoz del FRA en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo ofallo cardiaco sometidos a cirugía cardiaca o angiografía coronaria. Métodos: Se midió Klotho urinario 12 horas tras la intervención en 60 pacientes ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos por síndrome coronario agudo o fallo cardiaco secundarios a enfermedad coronaria o valvular y a los que se realizó angiografía coronaria (30 pacientes)o cirugía cardiaca de recambio valvular o bypass (30 pacientes). El criterio de valoración primario fue la aparición de FRA según la clasificación RIFLE. Los niveles de Klotho humano se midieron utilizando un ensayo ELISA. Resultados: No encontramos diferencias en los niveles de Klotho en orina entre los pacientes que desarrollaron FRA y aquellos que no. Además, no había correlación significativa entre niveles de klotho en orina y presencia de FRA. Conclusión: Klotho urinario medido por ELISA no parece ser un buen candidato para ser usado como biomarcador precoz de FRA (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiacsurgery and percutaneous coronary interventions that markedly worsens prognosis. In the last years new early biomarkers for AKI have been identified, but many important aspects still remain to be solved. Klotho is a pleiotropic protein that acts as a paracrine and endocrine hormonal factor in multiple organs. Renal Klotho deficiency has been shown in several AKI animal models. No study has been published in which Klotho was tested in humans as an early biomarker of AKI. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of urinary determination of Klotho for the early detection of AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure undergoing cardiac surgery or coronary angiography. Methods: Urinary Klotho was measured 12 hours after intervention in 60 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure due to coronary or valvular pathologies, who underwent coronary angiography (30 patients), or cardiac bypass surgery or heart valve replacement (30 patients). The endpoint used for evaluating our patients was the appearance of AKI, in keeping with the RIFLE classification system. Human Klotho levels were measured using an ELISA assay. Results: We found no differences in urinary Klotho levels between patients with AKI and those who did not develop AKI. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between urinary Klotho levels and AKI development. Conclusions: Urinary Klotho measured by ELISA does not seem to be a good candidate to be used as an early biomarker of AKI (AU)

The Atlastin C-terminal tail is an amphipathic helix that perturbs the bilayer structure during endoplasmic reticulum homotypic fusion.

Fusion of tubular membranes is required to form three-way junctions found in reticular subdomains of the endoplasmic reticulum. The large GTPase Atlastin has recently been shown to drive endoplasmic reticulum membrane fusion and three-way junction formation. The mechanism of Atlastin-mediated membrane fusion is distinct from SNARE-mediated membrane fusion, and many details remain unclear. In particular, the role of the amphipathic C-terminal tail of Atlastin is still unknown. We found that a peptide corresponding to the Atlastin C-terminal tail binds to membranes as a parallel α helix, induces bilayer thinning, and increases acyl chain disorder. The function of the C-terminal tail is conserved in human Atlastin. Mutations in the C-terminal tail decrease fusion activity in vitro, but not GTPase activity, and impair Atlastin function in vivo. In the context of unstable lipid bilayers, the requirement for the C-terminal tail is abrogated. These data suggest that the C-terminal tail of Atlastin locally destabilizes bilayers to facilitate membrane fusion.

Repercusión ecocardiográfica del estado de hidratación en los pacientes en diálisis / Echocardiographic impact of hydration status in dialysis patients

Introducción: La enfermedad cardiovascular es la principal causa de muerte en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica. La hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI) es la manifestación más frecuente y está relacionada con la hipertensión arterial y la hiperhidratación. El objetivo del presente trabajo es estratificar a los pacientes en diálisis según el estado de hidratación y valorar las posibles alteraciones ecocardiográficas en los distintos grupos. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio transversal de 117 pacientes, 65 en hemodiálisis (HD) y 52 en diálisis peritoneal (DP). Las exploraciones realizadas fueron: bioimpedancia multifrecuencia con el sistema BCM-Body Composition Monitor de Freesenius, ecocardiografía transtorácica y analítica de sangre. Definimos hiperhidratación cuando el cociente volumen extracelular-volumen corporal total (ECW/TBW) normalizado para edad y sexo es > 2,5% de la desviación estándar. Resultados: Los pacientes en HD están pre-HD (67,1%) más hiperhidratados de forma significativa que los de DP (46,1%), presentando casi la mitad de la población hiperhidratada hipertensión arterial; tras la sesión de HD se consigue un mejor control del estado de hidratación (26,1%). Los pacientes en DP presentan con más frecuencia cifras de tensión arterial alta y/o llevan tratamiento antihipertensivo (DP 76,9 vs. HD 49,2%). La HVI es más frecuente en los pacientes en HD e hiperhidratados, siendo la más prevalente la HVI excéntrica. Los pacientes hiperhidratados presentan cifras superiores, de forma significativa, del IVAI (volumen de aurícula izquierda indexada por superficie corporal, la IMVI (masa ventricular izquierda indexada) y el cociente sobrehidratación-agua extracelular. Conclusiones: La bioimpedancia es una técnica que nos permite detectar un gran número de pacientes hiperhidratados. Al estudiar las alteraciones ecocardiográficas en los pacientes en diálisis encontramos una alta correlación entre el estado de hidratación por ECW/TBW normalizado para edad y sexo, y el IVAI e IMVI (AU)

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in Chronic Kidney Disease patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most common manifestation and it is linked to arterial hypertension and overhydration. The goal of this paper is to stratify dialyzed patients according to hydration status and to make an evaluation about the possible echocardiography alterations of the different groups. Methods: a transversal study was carried out with 117 patients: 65 were on hemodialysis and 52 on peritoneal dialysis. We performed the following tests: multifrequency bioimpedance with the BCM-Body Composition Freesenius’ Monitor system, transthoracic echocardiography, and blood tests. If ECW/TBW (extracellular water vs total body water) normalization ratio for age and gender was > 2.5% SD, the patient was considered overhydrated. Results: HD patients are significantly overhydrated before HD (67.1%) compared to DP patients (46.1%), and almost half of the overhydrated population presents arterial hypertension. However, after an HD session, a better control of the hydration status is reached (26.1%). DP patients frequently present high arterial pressure and/or are under antihypertensive treatment (DP 76.9% vs HD 49.2%). Left ventricular hypertrophy is much more common in HD overhydrated patients, eccentric LVH being more prevalent. Overhydrated patients present significantly high values of LAVI, ILVM, OH/ECW. Conclusions: Bioimpedance technique allows for the detection of a large number of overhydrated patients. Echocardiographic alterations in dialyzed patients show a high correlation between the hydration stage by ECW/TBW normalized ratio for age and gender and the LAVI and ILVM (AU)

Echocardiographic impact of hydration status in dialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in Chronic Kidney Disease patients. Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most common manifestation and it is linked to arterial hypertension and overhydration. The goal of this paper is to stratify dialyzed patients according to hydration status and to make an evaluation about the possible echocardiography alterations of the different groups. METHODS: A transversal study was carried out with 117 patients: 65 were on hemodialysis and 52 on peritoneal dialysis. We performed the following tests: multifrequency bioimpedance with the BCM-Body Composition Freesenius' Monitor system, transthoracic echocardiography, and blood tests. If ECW/TBW (extracellular water vs total body water) normalization ratio for age and gender was > 2.5% SD, the patient was considered overhydrated. RESULTS: HD patients are significantly overhydrated before HD (67.1%) compared to DP patients (46.1%), and almost half of the overhydrated population presents arterial hypertension. However, after an HD session, a better control of the hydration status is reached (26.1%). DP patients frequently present high arterial pressure and/or are under antihypertensive treatment (DP 76.9% vs HD 49.2%). Left ventricular hypertrophy is much more common in HD overhydrated patients, eccentric LVH being more prevalent. Overhydrated patients present significantly high values of LAVI, ILVM, OH/ECW. CONCLUSIONS: Bioimpedance technique allows for the detection of a large number of overhydrated patients. Echocardiographic alterations in dialyzed patients show a high correlation between the hydration stage by ECW/TBW normalized ratio for age and gender and the LAVI and ILVM.

Early biomarkers of acute kidney failure after heart angiography or heart surgery in patients with acute coronary syndrome or acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in cardiac surgery and coronary angiography, which worsens patients' prognosis. The diagnosis is based on the increase in serum creatinine, which is delayed. It is necessary to identify and validate new biomarkers that allow for early and effective interventions. AIMS: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in urine (uNGAL), interleukin-18 (IL-18) in urine and cystatin C in serum for the early detection of AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure, and who underwent cardiac surgery or catheterization. METHODS: The study included 135 patients admitted to the intensive care unit for acute coronary syndrome or heart failure due to coronary or valvular pathology and who underwent coronary angiography or cardiac bypass surgery or valvular replacement. The biomarkers were determined 12 hours after surgery and serum creatinine was monitored during the next six days for the diagnosis of AKI. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for NGAL was 0.983, and for cystatin C and IL-18 the AUCs were 0.869 and 0.727, respectively. At a cut-off of 31.9 ng/ml for uNGAL the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 91%. CONCLUSIONS: uNGAL is an early marker of AKI in patients with acute coronary syndrome or heart failure and undergoing cardiac surgery and coronary angiography, with a higher predictive value than cystatin C or IL-18.