Are circulating cytokines reliable biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that has no effective treatment. The lack of any specific biomarker that can help in the diagnosis or prognosis of ALS has made the identification of biomarkers an urgent challenge. Multiple panels have shown alterations in levels of numerous cytokines in ALS, supporting the contribution of neuroinflammation to the progressive motor neuron loss. However, none of them is fully sensitive and specific enough to become a universal biomarker for ALS. This review gathers the numerous circulating cytokines that have been found dysregulated in both ALS animal models and patients. Particularly, it highlights the opposing results found in the literature to date, and points out another potential application of inflammatory cytokines as therapeutic targets

Perception of primary health professionals about Female Genital Mutilation : from healthcare to intercultural competence

We are grateful to the INTERDISCIPLINARY GROUP FOR THE PREVENTION AND STUDY OF HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES (GIPE/PTP) study group members for their contribution to develop the knowledge about the FGM in Spain. We recommend visiting the group website: http://mgf.uab.esBackground: The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a d eeply-rooted tradition in 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, carries important negative consequences for the health and quality of life of women and children. Migratory movements have brought this harmful traditional practice to our medical offices, with the subsequent conflicts related to how to approach this healthcare problem, involving not only a purely healthcare-related event but also questions of an ethical, cultural identity and human rights nature. Methods: The aim of this study was to analyse the perceptions, degree of knowledge, attitudes and practices of the primary healthcare professionals in relation to FGM. A transversal, descriptive study was performed with a self-administered questionnaire to family physicians, paediatricians, nurses, midwives and gynaecologists. Trends towards changes in the two periods studied (2001 and 2004) were analysed. Results: A total of 225 (80%) professionals answered the questionnaire in 2001 and 184 (62%) in 2004. Sixteen percent declared detection of some case in 2004, rising three-fold from the number reported in 2001. Eighteen percent stated that they had no interest in FGM. Less than 40% correctly identified the typology, while less than 30% knew the countries in which the practice is carried out and 82% normally attended patients from these countries. Conclusion: Female genital mutilations are present in primary healthcare medical offices with paediatricians and gynaecologists having the closest contact with the problem. Preventive measures should be designed as should sensitization to promote stands against these practices

Is there any relationship between physical activity levels and academic achievement? a cross-cultural study among spanish and chilean adolescents

The current scientific literature has shown significant disparity in results when physical activity is linked to academic achievement among adolescents. Thus, the main objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the relationship among students’ academic achievement, intention to be physically active, and physical activity levels depending on the country (Spain or Chile), as well as to analyze these relationships based on students’ socio-economic status, type of school, school year, gender, and body mass index; and (2) to analyze the differences between all these variables depending on the students’ country and gender. In total, 3052 adolescents participated in the research (14.58 ± 1.39 years): 734 Chilean students (336 males and 398 females) and 2318 Spanish students (1180 males and 1138 females). Various questionnaires were used to measure the study variables. The results revealed significant relationships between academic achievement and the rest of the variables in Spanish adolescents, but in the Chilean population, academic achievement was significantly related only to socio-economic status and the type of school. Moreover, Spanish students obtained higher scores, especially the males, except for academic achievement, which was higher in females. There were also significant differences in academic achievement, intention to be physically active, physical activity levels, and socio-economic status depending on the country, with all scores being higher in Spain. Given the results, the country seems to be an important factor when comparing academic achievement and physical activity levels, besides other demographic variables

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) promotes metastatic phenotypes through EGFR/HER2 transactivation in prostate cancer cells

The involvement of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in several relevant processes that contribute to prostate cancer progression was analyzed. Firstly, we evaluated GHRH effects on cell proliferation and adhesion in human cancer prostate cell lines, LNCaP and PC3, by using specific assays (BrdU incorporation and collagen adhesion). The expression levels of the main marker molecules of these processes were measured by RT-PCR, Western blotting and zymography assays. GHRH increased both cell proliferation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels in LNCaP cells and in PC3 cells; however, such a rise was faster in the PC3 cells that represent the most aggressive stage of prostate cancer. Furthermore, GHRH significantly reduced cell adhesion and E-cadherin levels in LNCaP and PC3 cells and up-regulated the total and nuclear expression of ?-catenin in PC3 cells. In addition, we assessed cell cycle, cell migration and VEGF secretion in PC3 cells. GHRH augmented the number of cells in G2/M-phase but diminished that corresponding to G1-phase. Cell-cycle specific markers were evaluated since GHRH effects may be related to their differential expression; we observed a decrease of p53, p21, and Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Furthermore, GHRH increased the expression of CD44, c-myc and cyclin D1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, and VEGF secretion. We also observed that EGFR and/or HER2 transactivation is involved in cell adhesion, cell migration and VEGF secretion produced by GHRH. Consequently, present results define GHRH as a proliferative, anti-apoptotic and migratory agent in prostate cancer.Junta de Comunidadesde Castilla-La Manch

Perception of primary health professionals about Female Genital Mutilation: from healthcare to intercultural competence

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a deeply-rooted tradition in 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, carries important negative consequences for the health and quality of life of women and children. Migratory movements have brought this harmful traditional practice to our medical offices, with the subsequent conflicts related to how to approach this healthcare problem, involving not only a purely healthcare-related event but also questions of an ethical, cultural identity and human rights nature.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The aim of this study was to analyse the perceptions, degree of knowledge, attitudes and practices of the primary healthcare professionals in relation to FGM. A transversal, descriptive study was performed with a self-administered questionnaire to family physicians, paediatricians, nurses, midwives and gynaecologists. Trends towards changes in the two periods studied (2001 and 2004) were analysed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 225 (80%) professionals answered the questionnaire in 2001 and 184 (62%) in 2004. Sixteen percent declared detection of some case in 2004, rising three-fold from the number reported in 2001. Eighteen percent stated that they had no interest in FGM. Less than 40% correctly identified the typology, while less than 30% knew the countries in which the practice is carried out and 82% normally attended patients from these countries.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Female genital mutilations are present in primary healthcare medical offices with paediatricians and gynaecologists having the closest contact with the problem. Preventive measures should be designed as should sensitization to promote stands against these practices.</p

Atraumatic maxillary sinus elevation using threaded bone dilators for immediate implants. A three-year clinical study

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sinus floor elevation using sequential bone dilators. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients took part in the study (18 women and 12 men) with ages ranging between thirty-six and sixty-three years, selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, who showed a bone deficit in the upper posterior alveolar margin of 5-8 mm in height. Sixty expanded platform internal connection implants were placed with diameters of 4/5/4 mm and lengths varying between 10 (n=10) and 11.5 mm (n= 50). Results: Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 software. The average intra-sinus bone gain with MP3 biomaterial of porcine origin was 4.13 +/- 0.97 SD mm at the moment of implant placement, 3.90 +/- 1.15 SD mm after twelve months, 3.74 +/- 1.05 SD mm after 24 months and 3.62 +/- 1.75 SD mm after 36 months. Two implants were lost at the moment of prosthesis placement. Conclusions: Alveolar lifting technique in the upper maxilla using bone dilators achieved a 96.6 % implant success rate after a three-year follow-up. Intra-sinus bone biomaterial remodeling was 0.51 +/- 0.08 mm from day zero to the thirty-six-month follow-up. This is a procedure that reduces the amount of surgery necessary and is of both aesthetic and functional benefit to the patient

Analysis of the Changes in the Behavior of Tourist Consumers in the Murcia Region (Spain) Since the Appearance of COVID-19

[Abstract] Tourism was temporarily paralyzed with the arrival of COVID-19 due to the restrictions imposed, being one of the economic sectors most affected by the pandemic. The Region of Murcia, whose main economic engine is the services sector, is not left out of this situation. However, the decline in the number of travelers has not been so marked except, of course, during the months of home confinement. The pandemic has changed the behavior of people, so the main objective of the work is to know how the behavior of citizens in tourism has changed in the Region of Murcia. For this, the tourist occupancy data offered by the National Statistics Institute (INE) have been analyzed and 610 surveys have been carried out to analyze how the perception of citizens has been modified when traveling after the pandemic. The results show evident changes, since more tourist products are demanded away from the traditional overcrowded ones, such as rural or nature tourism, and the frequency of trips has decreased substantially, increasing interest in nearby places, even to be able to return to the address on the same day. Thus, the pandemic can be established as a turning point towards a change of consciousness among travelers, betting on a more sustainable tourism.[Resumen] El turismo se vio paralizado temporalmente con la llegada de la COVID-19 debido a las restricciones impuestas, siendo uno de los sectores económicos más afectados por la pandemia. La Región de Murcia, cuyo principal motor económico es el sector servicios, no queda al margen de esta situación. Sin embargo, el declive del número de viajeros no ha sido tan acusado salvo, como es lógico, durante los meses de confinamiento domiciliario. La pandemia ha cambiado la conducta de las personas, por lo que el objetivo principal del trabajo es conocer cómo ha variado el comportamiento de los ciudadanos en materia turística en la Región de Murcia. Para ello, se han analizado los datos de ocupación turística que ofrece el Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) y se han efectuado 610 encuestas para analizar cómo se ha visto modificada la percepción de los ciudadanos a la hora de viajar tras la pandemia. Los resultados manifiestan cambios evidentes, pues se demandan más productos turísticos alejados de los tradicionales masificados, como el turismo rural o de naturaleza, y la frecuencia de los viajes ha disminuido de forma sustancial, creciendo el interés por lugares cercanos, incluso para poder regresar al domicilio en el mismo día. Así, la pandemia puede establecerse como un punto de inflexión hacia un cambio de conciencia entre los viajeros, apostando por un turismo más sostenibleEsta investigación se enmarca dentro del Proyecto de I+D+i-RTI Tipo Coord. (2021-2025) con Referencia: PID2020-114186RB-C21, y cuyo título es: Estrategias de adaptación y alternativas a partir de los destinos de turismo de interior en tiempos de cambi

Prostaglandin transporter PGT as a new pharmacological target in the prevention of inflammatory cytokine-induced injury in renal proximal tubular HK-2 cells

Aims: Inflammatory cytokines contribute to proximal tubular cell (PTC) injury leading to the deterioration of renal function and acute kidney injury (AKI) development. They also stimulate cyclo‑oxygenase-2 (COX-2)- dependent production and release to the extracellular medium of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a mediator of PTC injury. However, in several settings PGE2 re-uptake by prostaglandin transporter (PGT) is critical for PGE2- mediated PTC injury. Here we investigated several deleterious effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines in PTC and their prevention by PGT targeting. Main methods: In human kidney-2 (HK-2) PTC exposed to an inflammatory cytokine cocktail, consisting of interleukins (IL) IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-2, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), were determined the changes in several parameters related to PTC injury, their dependency on PGE2 (through modulation by antagonists of PGE2 receptors) and the preventive effect of PGT inhibitor bromosulfophthalein. Key findings: The cytokine cocktail induced a COX-2-dependent increase in intracellular PGE2 (iPGE2) and cell death, together to a decrease in cell number and cell proliferation. There was also loss of adherent cells to collagen IV, changes in actin cytoskeleton and loss of monolayer integrity, together to an increase in paracellular permeability. All the changes were sensitive to antagonist of PGE2 receptors AH6809 and were fully prevented by bromosulfophthalein. Significance: These results indicate that PGT-, iPGE2-dependent mechanisms mediate inflammatory cytokineinduced HK-2 cell injury and suggest that treatment with PGT inhibitors might help to prevent AKI induced by sepsis, renal ischemia/reperfusion and other pathological conditions in which inflammatory cytokines contribute to PTC damageThis work was supported by a grant COVID-19 2021 2020/00003/ 016/001/009 from the Universidad de Alcala and a grant Ayudas a la Investigacion ´ Departamento de Biología UAM. This research is part of the project on COVID-19 and diabetes (REACT UE-CM2021-02) funded by the Community of Madrid in agreement with the University of Alcala, ´ and co-funded with REACT-EU resources from the European Regional Development Fund “A way to make Europe

Plan de intervención de fisioterapia convencional complementado con fisioterapia digital para un paciente con enfermedad de parkinson y apnea obstructiva del sueño. A propósito de un caso

Introducción: la AOS es un trastorno caracterizado por la obstrucción de las vías respiratorias superiores durante el sueño, asociada con una somnolencia diurna excesiva y manifestaciones neurocognitivas. La EP es una patología neurodegenerativa con una alteración progresiva del SNC afectando al sistema extrapiramidal. Ante los síntomas motores y no motores, resulta imprescindible la figura del fisioterapeuta. Además, la fisioterapia digital está adquiriendo un papel fundamental en el ámbito de la neurorrehabilitación por lo que se complementa el tratamiento con el uso de apps.Objetivos: analizar la relación entre la EP y AOS; además de medir la efectividad del plan de intervención de fisioterapia convencional complementado con fisioterapia digital.Metodología: Caso clínico de tipo descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal e intrasujeto (tipo A-B). Se realiza una valoración inicial, se plantea el diagnóstico fisioterápico y los objetivos terapéuticos; en función de estos, se desarrolla el plan de intervención fisioterápico con una duración de 10 semanas y se realiza una valoración final.Resultados: Se observa tras el tratamiento una disminución de la somnolencia, aumento de la calidad del sueño, mayor calidad de vida, menor impacto de la EP, aumento de la capacidad física y mejora en equilibrio, transferencias, marcha y destreza manual.Discusión: tras comparar los resultados con la bibliografía existente se obtiene evidencia sobre la efectividad del plan de intervención propuesto. Pese a la mejora de los resultados, no son estadísticamente significativos.Conclusiones: el estudio muestra la eficacia de la intervención fisioterápica, aunque los resultados no se pueden extrapolar a otros pacientes con las mismas patologías debido a la escasa calidad metodológica.Palabras clave: "apnea obstructiva del sueño", "enfermedad de Parkinson", "fisioterapia", "fisioterapia digital".<br /