Epigenetic modifications as outcomes of exercise interventions related to specific metabolic alterations: a systematic review

Background: Chronic diseases arise as a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle primarily characterized by physical inactivity and unbalanced diets. Regular physical activity can improve health, and there is consistent evidence that these improvements may be the result of epigenetic modifications. Objective: To identify epigenetic modificationsas outcomes of exercise interventions related to specific metabolic alterations. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) methodology for manuscript research and preparation was followed using PubMed and EBSCO databases for literature review. Out of 2,638 articles identified, only 34 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: The sections of the review were organized by metabolic alterations in which studies were grouped according to healthy, diseased, and trained individuals. Resistance exercise in humans induced epigenetic changes in pathways associated with energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity, contributing to healthy skeletal muscle. Endurance exercise also caused modifications in biomarkers associated to metabolic alterations through changes in DNA methylation and the expression of specific miRNAs. However, both resistance and endurance exercise are necessary to obtain a better physiological adaptation and a combination of both seems to be needed to properly tackle the increasing prevalence of non-communicable pathologies. Conclusion: Given the heterogeneity and complexity of the existing literature, it is currently not possible to propose a specific recommendation about the type, intensity, or duration of exercise that could be beneficial for different subsets of the population (healthy, diseased, and/or trained). Nevertheless, this review highlights the importance of exercise for health and shows the need to perform more research in this emerging area to identify epigenetic biomarkers that could serve as indicators of exercise adaptations

Los asentamientos rurales de época romana en el contexto del Baixo Miño: el yacimiento de Currás, Tomiño

The archaeological site of Currás (Tomiño), excavated in 1972, has been subject to new studies forty years on. New archaeological activities and the discovery of new graphical, oral and material documentation, have given us a new perception of this Roman and medieval settlement and necropolis. In this article we will present the main results of this research, which provide new data about this type of rural setting at the Baixo Miño territory, and consequently at the NW of the Iberian Peninsula.El yacimiento arqueológico de Currás (Tomiño), descubierto en el año 1972, ha sido objeto de nuevos estudios 40 años después. Gracias al proyecto de investigación llevado a cabo entre los años 2013 y 2015, se ha recuperado material gráfico y arqueológico inédito de la primera intervención, y se han documentado en detalle las principales características de este yacimiento, lo que ha permitido obtener una percepción más completa de este asentamiento romano y de su necrópolis tardorromana y altomedieval. En este artículo presentamos los principales resultados de esta investigación que aporta nuevos datos sobre los asentamientos rurales en el territorio del Baixo Miño y consecuentemente en el Noroeste de la Península Ibérica. [gl] O xacemento arqueolóxico de Currás (Tomiño), descuberto no ano 1972, voltou a ser obxecto de estudio 40 anos despois. Grazas a un proxecto de investigación levado a cabo entre os anos 2013 e 2015 recuperouse material gráfico e arqueolóxico inédito do momento da descuberta, así como se documentaron en detalle as principais características deste xacemento romano e da súa necrópole tardorromana e altomedieval. Neste artigo presentamos os principais resultados deste estudo que aporta novas consideracións sobre este tipo de asentamentos rurais no territorio do Baixo Miño e consecuentemente no Noroeste da Península Ibérica

WEARABLE DEVICE FOR REAL TIME pH MEASUREMENT IN SWEAT

Nowadays, it is more and more common to find devices that permits to everybody carry out analysis of different analytes of interest as glucose in blood or creatinine in urine by themselves, thanks to the development of the Point-of-Care (POC) devices. POC’s permit the in situ analysis of the samples, in an easy way, quickly and by the use of a small amount of sample in the sampling area of the device, obtaining result with no need of instrumentation or by the use of a very simple one. In order to match these objectives and make the device useful for everybody in any condition, the WHO has described the ASSURED guidelines for the POC devices[1]. In the recent years, and thanks to the capillary properties of different materials as paper, thread or cloth, the development of the POC devices are turning to a new strategy that implies the inclusion of the POC devices in t-shirts, bracelets or patches obtaining in this way wearables sensors. In this kind of sensor, instead of the addition of the sample in the sampling area, it moves through the device arriving to recognition/transduction area were the property of the sensor changes and can be measured and related to the concentration of the analyte. In this work, we present a wearable POC that permits the real-time determination of the pH in sweat. For this purpose, we have developed a μCAD (Figure) that contains a pH indicator (4-[4-(2-hydroxyethanesulfonyl)-phenylazo]-2,6-dimethoxyphenol (GJM-534) [2]) covalently immobilized on cotton cloth, which color is going to change from yellow (pH around 6) to pink (pH around 9) depending on the pH. The size and shape of the μCAD (see Figure) was designed taking into account the low flow rate of sweat generated in the wrist when sweating (0.01 μL/min) including a superabsorbent material working as passive pump to avoid the saturation of sample of the μCAD. The colorimetric device was calibrated using the H parameter from the HSV color space as analytical parameter, obtaining the calibration function and analytical parameters of the device, the reversibility of the μCAD, response time and stability. Finally, the μCAD was integrated into a bracelet that includes a color detector and a microprocessor that registered the color of the μCAD in real-time and send the information via Bluetooth to a smartphone, obtaining and registering the pH of the sweat while doing exercise.This study was supported by project from the Spanish MINECO (CTQ2016-78754-C2-1-R)

Genetic diversity of Phytophthora infestans in the Northern Andean region.

RIGHTS : This article is licensed under the BioMed Central licence at http://www.biomedcentral.com/about/license which is similar to the 'Creative Commons Attribution Licence'. In brief you may : copy, distribute, and display the work; make derivative works; or make commercial use of the work - under the following conditions: the original author must be given credit; for any reuse or distribution, it must be made clear to others what the license terms of this work are.BACKGROUND: Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, the causal agent of potato late blight, is responsible for tremendous crop losses worldwide. Countries in the northern part of the Andes dedicate a large proportion of the highlands to the production of potato, and more recently, solanaceous fruits such as cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum), all of which are hosts of this oomycete. In the Andean region, P. infestans populations have been well characterized in Ecuador and Peru, but are poorly understood in Colombia and Venezuela. To understand the P. infestans population structure in the Northern part of the Andes, four nuclear regions (ITS, Ras, β-tubulin and Avr3a) and one mitochondrial (Cox1) region were analyzed in isolates of P. infestans sampled from different hosts in Colombia and Venezuela. RESULTS: Low genetic diversity was found within this sample of P. infestans isolates from crops within several regions of Colombia and Venezuela, revealing the presence of clonal populations of the pathogen in this region. We detected low frequency heterozygotes, and their distribution patterns might be a consequence of a high migration rate among populations with poor effective gene flow. Consistent genetic differentiation exists among isolates from different regions. CONCLUSIONS: The results here suggest that in the Northern Andean region P. infestans is a clonal population with some within-clone variation. P. infestans populations in Venezuela reflect historic isolation that is being reinforced by a recent self-sufficiency of potato seeds. In summary, the P. infestans population is mainly shaped by migration and probably by the appearance of variants of key effectors such as Avr3a

Oxidative Stress and Parkinson’s Disease: Effects on Environmental Toxicology

Epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with environmental factors such as exposure to substances derived from industrial processes, use of agrochemicals, or living in a rural environment. The hypothesis that certain environmental toxins could be the source of the EP is supported by the discovery that chemicals such as herbicides paraquat, diquat, and the fungicide maneb are selectively toxic in nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Also, one of the insecticides produced by plants, such as rotenone, and by-product of the synthesis of synthetic heroin MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) can be reproduced in animal models where neurochemicals, histopathological, and clinical characteristic of PD can be found. Interestingly, there are similarities in the chemical structure of paraquat and MPTP. Recent evidence exhibited that inflammation and oxidative stress play an essential role in the development of PD. So, in our laboratory we found that in an animal model melatonin decreases the products of lipid oxidation, nitric oxide metabolites, and the activity of cyclooxygenase 2, which are induced by an intraperitoneal injection of MPTP. This suggests that the neuroprotective effects of melatonin are partially attributed to its antioxidant scavenging and anti-inflammatory action

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

Application of Concept Maps in computer engineering to assess meaningful learning

[ES] Actualmente existen una cantidad muy vasta de trabajos relacionados con nuevos modelos y estilos de aprendizaje e instrucción matemática. En el caso del área que abarca la instrucción matemática – aplicada, existe menos información de éxito y trabajo al respecto. Esto ocurre en la carrera de Ingeniería en Computación, que se imparte en el Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), México. Debido a su naturaleza la Teoría de Autómatas (TA) y los Compiladores (Cs), presentan dificultades en la comprensión de los conceptos y aplicaciones por parte del alumno, por lo que, consideramos que mediante la estrategia de enseñanza utilizando mapas conceptuales desarrollados por J. Novak habrá un resultado favorable en dinamismo, comprensión y un aprendizaje significativo a largo plazo que le proporcione elementos sólidos para asignaturas consecuentes, los cuales, son necesarios e indispensables. Se presenta la propuesta elaborada por la Academia de profesores, que imparten la asignatura, la metodología de implementación, así como, ejercicios desarrollados por alumnos durante su evolución, ésta, al llevarse a cabo producto de una invitación al éxito, deriva en una mejora para comprender las dos materias, gracias a los resultados aprobatorios y las calificaciones mayores resultantes.[EN] There are currently a very vast amount of work related to new models and styles of learning and mathematical instruction. In the case of the area covering the mathematical instruction ‐ applied, there is less information success and work thereon. This occurs in the engineering degree in computer science is taught at the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), Mexico. Due to its nature the theory of automata (TA) and compilers (Cs), present difficulties in understanding the concepts and applications by the student, so, we believe that there will be a propicius result in dynamism, understanding and meaningful learning in the long term that will provide solid elements for consequential subjects through the teaching strategy using mind maps developed by j. Novak, which are necessary and indispensable. The elaborate proposal is presented by Academy of professors, who taught the subject, implementation methodology, as well as exercises developed by students during their evolution, this to be carried out product of an invitation to success leads to an improvement to understand the two subjects, with passing results and resulting higher scores.González García, F.; Veloz Ortiz, JF.; Rodríguez Moreno, IA.; Veloz Ortiz, LE.; Guardían Soto, B.; Ballester Valorí, A. (2012). Aplicación de mapas conceptuales en ingeniería en computación para evaluar aprendizaje significativo. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 10(3):459-475. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2012.6032OJS459475103Alfonseca, E. (2007). Autómatas y Lenguajes Formales. McGraw-Hill Interamericana. España.Aho, Ullman. (2000). Compiladores. Addison Wesley Pearson. México.Ausubel, D. Novak, J. y Hasian, H. (1978). Educational Psychology: a cognitive view. Rinehart Winston, New York.Ballester, A. (2002). El aprendizaje significativo en la práctica. España.González, F. (2008). El Mapa conceptual y el diagrama V: Recursos para la enseñanza superior en el siglo XXI. Narcea Ed. Madrid.González, F. y Novak, J. (1996). 2ª Edición. Aprendizaje significativo: Técnicas y aplicaciones Ediciones pedagógicas. Madrid.Iraizoz, N. y González, F. (2003). El mapa conceptual: un instrumento apropiado para comprender textos expositivos. Blitz. España.Moreira, M. (1997). Aprendizaje Significativo: teoría y Práctica. Visor Dis, Madrid.Novak, J. (2010, 2nd ed.): Learning, creating and using knowledge: Concept maps as facilitative tools in schools and corporations. Routledge. New York.Novak, J. Gowin, B. (1988). Aprendiendo a aprender. Martínez Roca. Barcelona.Ullman, H. (2000). Automata Theory and Formal Languages Introduction. Addison Wesley. NY

Values related to professionalism in dental education at the University of Chile: Student and faculty perceptions

Published versionObjective: It is recognized that professionalism should play a central role in dental education. However, its implementation into the curricula of dental schools is still limited. Our objective was to identify the main values related to professionalism based on the perceptions of students and faculty members from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile.Methods: A Dental Values Survey was validated and culturally adapted in order to guarantee the greatest possible internal validity. The adapted survey was administered to students and faculty members (416 and 225, respectively). The final survey contained 64 items rated on a Likert scale of 1‐5. Each item was categorized according to five dimensions: Altruism, Consciousness, Personal Satisfaction, Quality of Life and Professional Status. The values were compared between faculty and students and among students at different courses. A values scale was constructed by selecting the five items with the highest average score for each dimension.Results: Survey respondents composed 34.32% of the universe, of which 50.46% were faculty and 49.54% were students. Values associated with Altruism, Consciousness and Professional Status, were the highest rated by students and faculty. Values associated with Personal Satisfaction and Quality of Life received the lowest scores for both groups.Conclusions: To provide the best possible attention to patients (Consciousness), and that patients have access to affordable dental care (Altruism), are the values at the top of our scale. On the other hand, to maintain financial stability and to be well paid (Quality of Life) were the less considered

Common variants in genes related to lipid and energy metabolism are associated with weight loss after an intervention in overweight/obese adolescents

Background: Some SNPs related to lipid and energy metabolism may be implicated not only in the development of obesity and associated comorbidities, but also in the weight loss response after a nutritional intervention. Objective: In this context, the present study analyzed four SNPs located within four genes known to be associated with obesity and other obesity-related complications, and their putative role in a weight-loss intervention in overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: The study population consisted of 199 overweight/obese adolescents (13-16 yr old) undergoing 10 weeks of a weight loss multidisciplinary intervention: the EVASYON programme (www.estudioevasyon.org). Adolescents were genotyped for 4 SNPs, and anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers were analyzed at the beginning and after the intervention. Results: Interestingly, APOA5(rs662799) was associated with the baseline anthropometric and biochemical outcomes, whereas FTO (rs9939609) seemed to be related with the change of these values after the 10-week intervention. The other two SNPs, located in the CETP (rs1800777) and the APOA1 (rs670) genes, showed important relationships with adiposity markers. Specifically, a combined model including both SNPs turned up to explain up to 24% of BMI-SDS change after 10 weeks of the multidisciplinary intervention, which may contribute to under - stand the weight loss response. Conclusion: Common variants in genes related to lipid and energy metabolism may influence not only biochemical outcomes but also weight loss response after a multidisciplinary intervention carried out in obese/overweight adolescents..Antecedentes: Algunas variantes genéticas relacionadas con el metabolismo lipídico y energético pueden estar implicadas en la respuesta a una intervención nutricional además de estar asociadas con el desarrollo de obesidad y comorbilidades asociadas. Objetivo: En este sentido, este artículo analiza cuatro polimorfismos situados en cuatro genes que han sido previamente asociados con la obesidad u otras complicaciones asociadas a la misma, así como su posible papel en la respuesta a una intervención para la pérdida de peso en adolescentes con sobrepeso u obesidad. Métodos: La población en estudio está formada por 199 adolescentes con sobrepeso u obesidad (13-16 años) llevando a cabo una intervención multidisciplinar de 10 semanas para la pérdida de peso: programa EVASYON (www.estudioevasyon.org). Los adolescentes fueron genotipados para los 4 SNPs y tanto al comienzo como al final de la intervención se analizaron marcadores bioquímicos y se tomaron medidas antropométricas. Resultados: Rs662799 del gen APOA5 se asoció al inicio con parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos, mientras que el rs9939609 del gen FTO parecía estar asociado con el cambio de estas variables tras 10 semanas de intervención. Las variantes rs1800777 del gen CETP y rs670 del gen APOA1 mostraron una importante asociación con marcadores de adiposidad. Concretamente, un modelo combinado incluyendo los dos polimorfismos logró explicar hasta un 24% del cambio en el IMC-SDS tras 10 semanas de intervención. Conclusión: Variantes genéticas previamente relacionadas con el metabolismo lipídico y energético, pueden repercutir no solamente en valores bioquímicos sino también en la respuesta a una intervención multidisciplinar para la pérdida de peso en adolescentes con sobrepeso u obesidad