Multiple Sclerosis and Its Relationship with Oxidative Stress, Glutathione Redox System, ATPase System, and Membrane Fluidity

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a focus on inflammation, demyelination, and damage to axons leading to neurological deficits. MS pathology is associated with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), causing oxidative/nitrosative stress. Deregulation of glutathione homeostasis and alterations in glutathione‐dependent enzymes are implicated in MS. Reactive oxygen species enhance both monocyte adhesion and migration across brain endothelial cells. In addition, ROS can activate the expression of the nuclear transcription factor‐kappa, which upregulates the expression of many genes involved in MS, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α and nitric oxide synthase, among others, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and energy deficits that result in mitochondrial and cellular calcium overload. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential can increase the release of cytochrome c, one pathway that leads to neuronal apoptosis. Clinical studies suggest that omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects in MS and animal models of MS. Here, we review the relationship of oxidative stress, the glutathione redox system, the ATPase system, and membrane fluidity with the development of MS. In addition, we describe the main findings of a clinical trial conducted with relapsing‐remitting MS patients who received a diet supplemented with 4 g/day of fish oil or olive oil. The effects of PUFAs supplementation on the parameters indicated above are analyzed in this work

Effectiveness of an intervention for improving drug prescription in primary care patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy:Study protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial (Multi-PAP project)

This study was funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII (Grant Numbers PI15/00276, PI15/00572, PI15/00996), REDISSEC (Project Numbers RD12/0001/0012, RD16/0001/0005), and the European Regional Development Fund ("A way to build Europe").Background: Multimorbidity is associated with negative effects both on people's health and on healthcare systems. A key problem linked to multimorbidity is polypharmacy, which in turn is associated with increased risk of partly preventable adverse effects, including mortality. The Ariadne principles describe a model of care based on a thorough assessment of diseases, treatments (and potential interactions), clinical status, context and preferences of patients with multimorbidity, with the aim of prioritizing and sharing realistic treatment goals that guide an individualized management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a population of young-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The intervention seeks to improve the appropriateness of prescribing in primary care (PC), as measured by the medication appropriateness index (MAI) score at 6 and 12months, as compared with usual care. Methods/Design: Design:pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. Unit of randomization: family physician (FP). Unit of analysis: patient. Scope: PC health centres in three autonomous communities: Aragon, Madrid, and Andalusia (Spain). Population: patients aged 65-74years with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs prescribed in ≥3months). Sample size: n=400 (200 per study arm). Intervention: complex intervention based on the implementation of the Ariadne principles with two components: (1) FP training and (2) FP-patient interview. Outcomes: MAI score, health services use, quality of life (Euroqol 5D-5L), pharmacotherapy and adherence to treatment (Morisky-Green, Haynes-Sackett), and clinical and socio-demographic variables. Statistical analysis: primary outcome is the difference in MAI score between T0 and T1 and corresponding 95% confidence interval. Adjustment for confounding factors will be performed by multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: It is essential to provide evidence concerning interventions on PC patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity, conducted in the context of routine clinical practice, and involving young-old patients with significant potential for preventing negative health outcomes. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02866799Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Variables psicológicas implicadas en la actitud e iniciativa emprendedora (II): personalidad, cognición y emoción

El proyecto titulado: Variables implicadas en la actitud e iniciativa emprendedora (II): personalidad, cognición y emoción, es la continuidad de otro presentado en la convocatoria anterior (2016-2017) cuyo objetivo era evaluar variables psicológicas en la actitud emprendedora de los estudiantes universitarios de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM). Este segundo proyecto ha tenido por objetivo principal ampliar la evaluación a otras facultades y áreas de conocimiento de nuestra universidad a fin de obtener el mapa y perfil de la iniciativa emprendedora del universitario UCM

La vinculación de la Formación Profesional con el mundo del trabajo

Estudiar en detalle la experiencia de las prácticas en alternancia, tal y como ha venido desarrollándose a lo largo de estos años y cómo está hoy teniendo lugar en los módulos profesionales. Ver en qué medida los centros de FP están respondiendo a las nuevas exigencias que hoy se les plantean, tanto desde la perspectiva del sistema productivo, como de la inserción laboral de los jóvenes. Evaluar las posibilidades de la Reforma para lograr la vinculación del Sistema Educativo con el mundo del trabajo. Alumnos, ex-alumnos, responsables y profesores de 6 institutos de FP de Madrid y jefes de personal y responsables de formación de 7 empresas. Optan por un estudio intensivo realizado con técnicas cualitativas. Consta de 4 partes. La primera está dedicada a los problemas, organización y funcionamiento de las prácticas de los alumnos en las empresas. Exponen los resultados desde un triple punto de vista: formación técnica y profesional, socialización de los jóvenes en el mundo del trabajo, incorporación al mercado laboral. La segunda está dedicada a las empresas: visión que sobre las prácticas han proporcionado los responsables, problemática del empleo para los alumnos de FP, posibilidades y los problemas que implica la participación de las empresas en un sistema de formación concertada, con los centros educativos. El objetivo en la III parte es analizar, desde la perspectiva de la vinculación con el mundo del trabajo, la realidad educativa que se vive hoy en los centros de FP. La cuarta y última parte aborda el tema de la reforma de la FP. Historial del centro, características del profesorado, datos estadísticos sobre los alumnos. Aplicación de la Reforma en el terreno de la Formación Profesional: 1. En la Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria, el área de tecnología y las materias optativas no son un contrapeso suficiente al academicismo del programa; 2. Los módulos profesionales plantean, hoy por hoy, la falta de tiempo para realizar los objetivos de formación que se pretenden alcanzar; 3. Los jóvenes son bastante reticentes hacia los módulos. Por un lado, no parecen proporcionar una titulación realmente válida y por otro, cierran la posibilidad de continuar estudios a otros niveles; 4. La selección de las empresas sigue siendo un tema sin resolver; 5. No existe una programación de las prácticas hecha entre centro y empresa; 6. Las prácticas en alternancia socializa a los jóvenes en relación con el mundo del trabajo; 7. El que los jóvenes se formen técnica y profesionalmente depende del tipo de tareas y actividades que se les encomienden. Para montar un sistema de FP concertada como pretende la Reforma, la implicación de las empresas es fundamental. Es preciso configurar puestos formativos y formar al personal que atiende a los jóvenes. Es necesario el apoyo de un marco institucional previo y de una buena infraestructura organizativa.MadridBiblioteca de Educación del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte; Calle San Agustín, 5 - 3 Planta; 28014 Madrid; Tel. +34917748000; Fax +34917748026; [email protected]

Two-Dimensional Thin Layer Chromatography-Bioautography Designed to Separate and Locate Metabolites with Antioxidant Activity Contained on Spirulina platensis

Spirulina platensis contains several biologically active compounds, some of them with antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, not all of these compounds have been identified to date. As a first step to achieving such identification, a methodology to perform two-dimensional thin layer chromatography bioautographies on silica gel thin layer chromatography plates was proposed. Starting with a reference binary system, 5 other binary systems were tested, in which the relative polarity was systematically increased. To further improve the separation behavior, a phase modifier (NH4OH) was used. The best separation results were obtained with the isopropyl alcohol/ethyl acetate/NH4OH ternary system. This experimental system allowed four well-resolved spots showing antioxidant activity as well as two additional areas with mixtures containing antioxidant compounds. Although the proposed methodology was designed with a specific application, it would be predictable that its field of use could be considerably greater, making the convenient modifications on the solvent polarity and “masking level” produced by the ammonium derivatives

Mitochondrial ATPase activity and membrane fluidity changes in rat liver in response to intoxication with Buckthorn (Karwinskia humboldtiana)

BACKGROUND: Karwinskia humboldtiana (Kh) is a poisonous plant of the rhamnacea family. To elucidate some of the subcellular effects of Kh toxicity, membrane fluidity and ATPase activities as hydrolytic and as proton-pumping activity were assessed in rat liver submitochondrial particles. Rats were randomly assigned into control non-treated group and groups that received 1,1.5 and 2 g/Kg body weight of dry powder of Kh fruit, respectively. Rats were euthanized at day 1 and 7 after treatment RESULTS: Rats under Kh treatment at all dose levels tested, does not developed any neurologic symptoms. However, we detected alterations in membrane fluidity and ATPase activity. Lower dose of Kh on day 1 after treatment induced higher mitochondrial membrane fluidity than control group. This change was strongly correlated with increased ATPase activity and pH gradient driven by ATP hydrolysis. On the other hand, membrane fluidity was hardly affected on day 7 after treatment with Kh. Surprisingly, the pH gradient driven by ATPase activity was significantly higher than controls despite an diminution of the hydrolytic activity of ATPase CONCLUSIONS: The changes in ATPase activity and pH gradient driven by ATPase activity suggest an adaptive condition whereby the fluidity of the membrane is altere

Effect of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on the Properties of Chemically Modified Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul Fibers

Agave tequilana Weber var. azul fibers (ATF) are widely used as a reinforcement material despite their polarity makes them incompatible with hydrophobic matrices. Consequently, ATF are commonly modified employing different chemical processes (e.g., mercerization and coupling agents) to change their surface characteristics to improve the interface between the fibers and the polymeric matrix. Nevertheless, these treatments could damage the fibers during the process, negatively affecting their natural properties. The use of nanotechnology to repair this natural material could help to restore its intrinsic properties and give it new ones as antibacterial activity. In this work, chemically treated ATF were used as templates for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a natural extract obtained from Agave tequilana Weber var. azul leaves (ATL) as reducing agent. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images as well as dynamic light scattering results indicate that stable nanometric particles were successfully synthesized on all fibers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction results confirm the composition of the nanoparticles. Tensile tests indicate that AgNPs improved the mechanical properties of fibers previously mercerized and treated with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene as coupling agent. Additionally, an antibacterial effect against S. enterica was conferred to ATF due to the presence of AgNPs

A política do intangível : museus e patrimônios em nova perspectiva

Apresentação, Livio Sansone 7; Ao ritmo dos Bumbas: obliterações e desigualdades na construção de um patrimônio festivo brasileiro (c. 1900-1950), Antonio Evaldo Almeida Barros 13; Batuko de Cabo Verde: percurso histórico-musical, Gláucia Nogueira 47; A capoeira como patrimônio cultural: na roda da memória quem inscreve identidades?, Gabriel da Silva Vidal Cid 71; Novas configurações e narrativas sobre o lugar das manifestações culturais numa localidade do recôncavo baiano, Agrimaria Nascimento Matos 93; Bembé do mercado de Santo Amaro: o patrimônio afro imprime as cores da festa, Ana Rita Araújo Machado 107; Legados artísticos e culturais afro-colombianos: em memória de Delia, Juan e Manuel Zapata Olivella, Sergio Andrés Sandoval 139; Os papéis de Juan Gualberto Gómez no arquivo nacional de Cuba: ensaio experimental sobre a memória histórica dos negros e mulatos, Pedro Alexander Cubas Hernández 167; El patrimonio que tenemos y el que ellos quieren ver. Destinos indígenas y políticas de turismo y patrimonio cultural inmaterial en Colombia, Margarita Chaves e Giselle Nova 197; Patrimonializaciones y emprendimientos culturales del afropacífico: el festival Petronio Álvarez de Cali como plataforma para la promoción de los etnicismos, Carlos Andrés Meza 219; Algumas considerações sobre museus digitais, Marcelo Nascimento Bernardo da Cunha 241; Museus on-line: longevidade e conservação digital da memória, Jamile Borges da Silva 263; Museu digital da memória afro-brasileira: um ato de resistência, Myrian Sepúlveda dos Santos 277; Global african hair: representação e recepção do cabelo crespo numa exposição fotográfica, Angela Figueiredo 293; Las memorias rebeldes: museo itinerante arte por la memoria, Karen Bernedo Morales 313; Patrimonio.Org e os dilemas da patrimonialização do intangível: da invisibilidade á hipervisibilidade de alguns aspectos da cultura afro-brasileira, Livio Sansone 327; Sobre os autores 347