Epidemiological impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the Spanish-Portuguese border region

Background: Dementia has reached epidemic proportions and become a huge Public Health problem. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. In Spain, more than 800,000 people suffer from AD (Spanish Society of Neurology-SEN). Age is the main risk marker for developing this disease. Its prevalence is three times higher in women than in men due to females’ higher life expectancy. The aim is to know the epidemiological profile and quantify the current scope of the ADand other dementias in the rural Spanish-Portuguese border area, one of the most depopulated and aging regions in Europe. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to estimate the prevalence of persons diagnosed with an ICD-9-CM or ICD-10 code diagnosis of dementia in ten BasicHealth Areas of the cross-border rural area of province of Salamanca, Spain, during June-July 2020 (39,354 inhabitants). The cases were recorded from the Electronic Clinical Record of Primary Care (MEDORA) by the Regional Health Management of Castilla y León. Result: A total of 579 individuals suffer some type of dementia in the Spanish- Portuguese border region, with a predominance of females (70%) vs. males (30%), and an age range of 38 to 109 years (Figure_1). AD was diagnosed in 307(53%) persons and other dementias in 272(47%). Gender distribution of the diagnoses is different in women and men (p<0.001) (Table_1). The mean(±SD) age was 85.2±7.6 years for women and 82.5±8.7 years for men (p<0.001). The mean(±SD) age of Alzheimert’s patients was lower, 83.7±7.1 vs. 85.2±8.9 (p=0.031) (Figure_2). The global prevalence of dementia was 1.47 per 100 inhabitants (0.78% in AD vs. 0.69% in other dementias). The prevalence of dementia was 2.12% in females and 0.85% in males. Prevalence range in the ten Basic Health Areas: from 2.98 (La-Alberca) to 0.77 (Tamames) per 100 inhabitants. 26.4% of people with AD and other dementias in this region were institutionalized. Conclusion: The prevalence data obtained confirm that AD and other dementias must be considered a public health problem in the rural Spanish-Portuguese border region that represents a significant deterioration in the quality of life (QoL) in patients and their families

Implementación de las prácticas de Química Inorgánica en la nueva Licenciatura en Ingeniería Ambiental de la FI UNAM

El 15 de agosto de 2018 el Consejo Universitario de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) aprobó la licenciatura en Ingeniería Ambiental, la cual se impartirá en la Facultad de Ingeniería a partir del semestre 2020-1, con el objetivo de formar profesionales de alto nivel, capaces de planear, diseñar, ejecutar y operar infraestructura relacionada con el medio ambiente. La asignatura de Química Inorgánica, por su aportación al perfil profesional, debe impartirse en el segundo semestre de la carrera, además soporta a las asignaturas posteriores de Fisicoquímica para Ingeniería Ambiental y Química Orgánica. Por lo anterior, fue necesario establecer un grupo colegiado de profesores para realizar el proceso de Diseño, Desarrollo, Verificación y Validación de las prácticas correspondientes de química inorgánica. De igual forma, se realizaron cursos de capacitación docente, para que el personal docente, conociera y realizara las prácticas antes de implementarlas en el semestre 2021-1.On August 15, 2018, the University Council of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) approved the degree in Environmental Engineering, which will be taught in the Faculty of Engineering from semester 2020-1, with the aim of training professionals in high level, capable of planning, designing, executing, and operating infrastructure related to the environment. The subject of Inorganic Chemistry, due to its contribution to the professional profile, must be taught in the second semester of the degree, it also supports the subsequent subjects of Physical Chemistry for Environmental Engineering and Organic Chemistry. Due to the above, it was necessary to establish a collegiate group of professors to carry out the process of Design, Development, Verification and Validation of the corresponding practices of inorganic chemistry. Similarly, teacher training courses were held, so that the teaching staff knew and carried out the practices before implementing them in the 2021-1 semester

Vascular smooth muscle function in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims/hypothesis In type 2 diabetes, in contrast to the well-documented endothelial dysfunction, studies assessing vascular smooth muscle (VSM) function have yielded discrepant results over the last two decades. We therefore sought to determine whether or not VSM function is impaired in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science databases, from their respective inceptions until December 2012, for articles evaluating VSM function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the standardised mean difference (SMD) in VSM function between individuals with type 2 diabetes and age-matched controls. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to identify sources of heterogeneity. Results Twenty-seven articles (1,042 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 601 control subjects) were included in this analysis. VSM function was significantly impaired in diabetic compared with control subjects (SMD −0.68, 95% CI −0.84, −0.52; p < 0.001). Although moderate heterogeneity among studies was found (I 2 = 52%), no significant publication bias was detected. Subgroup analyses showed a further decline in VSM function assessed in the microcirculation compared with the macrocirculation of individuals with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.009). In meta-regression, VSM function in the microcirculation was inversely associated with BMI and triacylglycerols and was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol. Conclusions/interpretation In addition to the endothelium, the VSM is a source of vascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. An exacerbation of VSM function in the microcirculation may be a distinctive feature in type 2 diabetes

Semantic Geodemography and Urban Interoperability

Nowadays there exists an increasing interest on the use of the information collected by cities coming from different resources as data with dynamic nature like the one provided by sensor networks, as static data associated to the socio-technical system that the city performs. As well as the Semantic Sensor Web allows the standardization of data, it is essential to give an appropriate dealing to geo-demographic data. In this paper, an approach to the semantization of the geo-demographic information is presented, with the aim of achieving interoperability within other systems of the geospatial cyberinfrastructure. Furthermore, fundamental aspects of the creation of ontologies by starting from socio-demographical systems are discussed and the process is illustrated with a case study.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación TIN2009-09492Junta de Andalucía TIC-606

Ética, responsabilidad y uso de tecnologías en la intervención social: Nuevos desafíos para nuevas oportunidades en Trabajo Social

In this article, we offer a theoretical argument and discussion based on the ethical principles, values, morals and regulatory norms that support the action framework of the Social Work profession. The profession has had to reinvent itself in the last three years, making use of its resilience and capacity to adapt to complex situations, in which for the profession and its professionals, the social welfare of the population is the pillar on which the discipline advances. In this context, the right to the protection of digital personal data and the regulatory norms in which they converge, taking into account the daily evolution of the profession, of the professionals and of the citizen users. We proceed to assess whether in the current context, with the development and professional use of technological resources, the protection of personal and social data is maintained in privacy and confidentiality. We also evaluate if, in this context, they are extensible to all individuals equally, or if, in this technological revolution and maelstrom in which we are immersed, situations of exclusion and social vulnerability are favored.En este artículo ofrecemos un argumentario y discusión teórica con base en los principios éticos, valores, moral y normas reguladoras que sustentan el marco de actuación de la profesión del Trabajo Social. Esta ha tenido que reinventarse en los últimos tres años, haciendo uso de su capacidad resiliente y de adaptación ante complejas situaciones, en las que para la profesión y sus profesionales prima el bienestar social de la población como pilar sobre el que avanza la propia disciplina. En este marco, el derecho a la protección de datos personales digitales y la normativa reguladora en la que convergen, teniendo en cuenta el devenir diario de la profesión, de las personas profesionales y de la ciudadanía usuaria. Procediendo a valorar, si en el contexto actual, con el desarrollo y la utilización profesional de recursos tecnológicos, la protección de datos personales y sociales se mantienen en la intimidad, en la privacidad y la confidencialidad. Valorando así mismo, en este contexto, si son extensibles a todas las personas en igualdad, o si, en este tejido de revolución y vorágine tecnológica, en la que nos vemos sumidos, se favorecen situaciones de exclusión y vulnerabilidad social

Mindfulness and grief: The MADED program mindfulness for the acceptance of pain and emotions in grief

Objetivo: diseñar un protocolo de intervención psicológica para el acompañamiento del dolor y las emociones en el proceso de duelo basado en la atención y la compasión. Método: se incluirán dolientes mayores de 18 años, que hayan perdido al familiar al menos hace 6 meses, que se encuentren en la fase 2 o 3 de elaboración del duelo y sin presencia de problemas de salud mental previa. Se les evaluará después de firmar el consentimiento informado, mediante: el Cuestionario de Mindfulness, el Cuestionario de Satisfacción con la Vida, el Cuestionario de Vitalidad, la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión, la Escala de Afecto Positivo y Negativo e Inventario de Duelo Complicado. Se llevarán a cabo: estadísticos descriptivos, pruebas t para muestras independientes y d de Cohen o prueba U de Mann-Whitney r de Rosenthal si no se cumplen los supuestos. Además, se llevará a cabo un ANCOVA junto a eta cuadrado parcial. Resultado: el programa MADED (Mindfulness para la aceptación del dolor y las emociones en el duelo), consta de nueve sesiones semanales. Conclusión: Las sesiones que componen el programa facilitan la elaboración saludable del proceso de duelo basándose en la integración de los principios del mindfulness

Combined or Sequential Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Car-T Cell Therapies for the Management of Haematological Malignancies: A Systematic Review

The aim of this paper was to review the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of combined or sequential use of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and CAR-T cell therapies in relapsed/refractory (R/R) haematological malignancies. A systematic literature review was performed until 21 November 2022. Inclusion criteria: cohort studies/clinical trials aimed at evaluating the efficacy and/or safety of the combination of CAR-T cell therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in R/R haematological malignancies, which had reported results. Those focusing only on ICI or CAR-T separately or evaluating the combination in other non-hematological solid tumours were excluded. We used a specific checklist for quality assessment of the studies, and then we extracted data on efficacy or efficiency and safety. A total of 1867 articles were identified, and 9 articles were finally included (early phase studies, with small samples of patients and acceptable quality). The main pathologies were B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL). The most studied combination was tisagenlecleucel with pembrolizumab. In terms of efficacy, there is great variability: the combination could be a promising option in B-ALL, with modest data, and in B-NHL, although hopeful responses were received, the combination does not appear better than CAR-T cell monotherapy. The safety profile could be considered comparable to that described for CAR-T cell monotherapy

Diversidad y caracterización de maíces criollos. Estudio de caso en sistemas de cultivo en la costa chica de Guerrero, México

Maize (Zea mayz L.) has an important cultural and economicvalue for phytogenetic wealth, due to its strategic dietarypurpose. The objective of this study was to explore managementantecedents and characterize native populations of Creole corns.The working methodology was to carry out a contest of whiteCreole corns, based on criteria used by local producers inTecoanapa, Guerrero. This first stage allowed understandingits diversity, characterizing its cobs, and selecting producers.In May 2006, 29 farmers and 42 parcels were selected, basedon materials that entered the contest as “local Creolesâ€.Surveys were carried out regarding their seeds, and use andmanagement of Creoles. Results report the use of 11 Creolevarieties. Palmeño and Olotillo were the ones of greatest use andthey were characterized with 24 variables. Comparative analysisbetween Palmeño and Olotillo show significant differencesbetween most of the variables. For Olotillo, the existence ofdifferences between variables at the time of seed selection isexemplified, comparing this with estimation in the field.Management along different native population years showsa variability of criteria for seed selection and the consistentexpression during the cultivation cycle, as a result from diverseexperiences among farmers.El patrimonio fitogenético tiene un importante valor cultural yeconómico en maíz (Zea mayz L.) por su propósito estratégicoalimentario. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer antecedentesde manejo y caracterizar poblaciones nativas de maíces criollos.La metodología de trabajo fue realizar un concurso de maícescriollos blancos, basándose en criterios de productores localesde seis poblados de Tecoanapa, Guerrero. Esta primera etapapermitió conocer su diversidad, caracterizar sus mazorcas y seleccionarproductores. En mayo de 2006 fueron seleccionados 29agricultores y 42 parcelas con base en materiales que concursaroncomo “criollos localesâ€. Se realizaron encuestas sobre sussemillas, uso y manejo de criollos. Los resultados reportan eluso de 11 criollos. Palmeño y Olotillo fueron las de mayor usoy se caracterizaron con 24 variables. El análisis comparativoentre Palmeño y Olotillo muestra diferencias significativas entrela mayoría de variables. Para Olotillo se ejemplifica la existenciade diferencias entre variables al seleccionar semilla, comparadascon su estimación en campo. El manejo entre años dediferentes poblaciones nativas muestra variabilidad de criteriospara selección de semilla y la consecuente expresión durante elciclo de cultivo, como resultado de experiencias diversas entreagricultores

Environmental Enrichment, Age, and PPARα Interact to Regulate Proliferation in Neurogenic Niches

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) ligands have been shown to modulate recovery after brain insults such as ischemia and irradiation by enhancing neurogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the genetic deletion of PPARα receptors on the proliferative rate of neural precursor cells (NPC) in the adult brain. The study was performed in aged Pparα −/− mice exposed to nutritional (treats) and environmental (games) enrichments for 20 days. We performed immunohistochemical analyses of cells containing the replicating cell DNA marker 5-bromo-2′ -deoxyuridine (BrdU+) and the immature neuronal marker doublecortin (Dcx+) in the main neurogenic zones of the adult brain: subgranular zone of dentate gyrus (SGZ), subventricular zone of lateral ventricles (SVZ), and/or hypothalamus. Results indicated a reduction in the number of BrdU+ cells in the neurogenic zones analyzed as well as Dcx+ cells in the SGZ during aging (2, 6, and 18 months). Pparα deficiency alleviated the age-related reduction of NPC proliferation (BrdU+ cells) in the SVZ of the 18-months-old mice. While no genotype effect on NPC proliferation was detected in the SGZ during aging, an accentuated reduction in the number of Dcx+ cells was observed in the SGZ of the 6-months-old Pparα −/− mice. Exposing the 18-months-old mice to nutritional and environmental enrichments reversed the Pparα −/−-induced impairment of NPC proliferation in the neurogenic zones analyzed. The enriched environment did not modify the number of SGZ Dcx+ cells in the 18 months old Pparα −/− mice. These results identify PPARα receptors as a potential target to counteract the naturally observed decline in adult NPC proliferation associated with aging and impoverished environments.Grant sponsor: 7th Framework Programme of European Union. Grant number: HEALTH-F2-2008-223713, REPROBESITY to FR. Grant sponsor: Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), UEERDF. Grant numbers: PI13/02261 to FR. and CP12/03109 to JS. Grant sponsor: Red de Trastornos Adictivos, ISCIII, MINECO. Grant number: RD12/0028/0001 to FR. Grant sponsor: Plan Nacional Sobre Drogas, Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo. Grant number: PNSD2010/143 and PNSD2015/047 to JS. Grant sponsor: Fundació La Marató de TV3. Grant number: 386/C/2011. Grant sponsor: Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia, Junta de Andalucía, UE/ERDF. Grant numbers: PI45403 and CTS-8221 to FR. Grant sponsor: Consejería de Salud, Junta de Andalucía, UE/ERDF. Grant number: SAS111224 to FR. JS, FP and AS hold “Miguel Servet” research contracts from the National System of Health, ISCIII (grant numbers: CP12/03109, CP14/00212 and CP14/00173, respectively