Alteraciones motoras, cognitivas y emocionales en la encefalomielitis autoinmune experimental

La esclerosis múltiple (EM) es una enfermedad neuroinflamatoria y desmielinizante del sistema nervioso central (SNC). Actualmente, el modelo animal experimental más adecuado para la EM humana es la encefalomielitis autoinmune experimental (i.e. EAE), la cual utilizamos en nuestro estudio para la evaluación de las alteraciones motoras, cognitivas y emocionales de nuestros ratones con curso remitente-recurrente. A día de hoy, el estudio del deterioro cognitivo en la EAE es reciente y escaso, siendo necesario realizar estudios pre y post-sintomáticos. En este sentido, analizamos de forma experimental el grado de afectación durante estadios más avanzados (fases de brote, remisión y estabilización). En conjunto, nuestros resultados indicaron que nuestros ratones EAE presentaron: alteraciones motoras, incremento de la conducta ansiosa, y déficits de memoria espacial de trabajo y a corto plazo

From feelings of imprisonment to group cohesion: A qualitative analysis of group analytic psychotherapy with dual diagnosed patients admitted to an acute inpatient psychiatric unit

Objectives: Group cohesion, the establishment of hope, and the expression of feelings have been said to be the basic ingredients of group psychotherapy. To date, there is few literature describing therapeutic processes in short stay settings such as acute psychiatric wards and with special patient groups such as addictions. Our goal with this study is to describe and analyze group processes in such contexts. Methods: We used a qualitative methodology combining constant comparative methods and hermeneutical triangulation to analyze therapeutic narratives in the context of a group analytic process carried following Foulkes' and Yalom's styles. Results: The results provide a picture of the therapeutic process including the use of norms to strengthen group cohesion facilitating the expression of emotions in early stages of group development. Conclusions: This analysis is intended to be a guide for practitioners implementing group therapy in contexts involving several constraints, such as acute psychiatric wards

Investigaciones e investigadores en la U.A.M.

Comienza con este número de la revista una nueva sección: Investigaciones en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, con la que se pretende dar a conocer investigaciones relacionadas con diversas disciplinas científicas que se han desarrollado o se están llevando a cabo en la UAM, con el fin de describir de una forma simple y didáctica tales trabajos, y con ello los contenidos de diversas ramas del conocimiento, y cumplir así con la finalidad inherente a esta revista de divulgar la ciencia así como de contribuir al surgimiento de posibles ideas o iniciativas para posteriores investigaciones por parte de los jóvenes científicos, o de estudiantes universitarios de grado o posgrado que están en disposición y voluntad de llegar a serlo. Se recogen a continuación algunos relatos de investigaciones realizadas por varios profesores de la UAM, los cuales se recogieron en una publicación conmemorativa del cumplimiento de los cuarenta años por parte de esta universidad y relativos a las siguientes disciplinas: Bilogía Molecular, Historia Antigua, Ecología, Filología Inglesa, Física Teórica y Ingeniería Informátic

Long-Term Effectiveness of a Smartphone App and a Smart Band on Arterial Stiffness and Central Hemodynamic Parameters in a Population with Overweight and Obesity (Evident 3 Study): Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: mHealth technologies could help to improve cardiovascular health; however, their effect on arterial stiffness and hemodynamic parameters has not been explored to date. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a mHealth intervention, at 3 and 12 months, on arterial stiffness and central hemodynamic parameters in a sedentary population with overweight and obesity. Methods: Randomised controlled clinical trial (Evident 3 study). 253 subjects were included: 127 in the intervention group (IG) and 126 in the control group (CG). The IG subjects were briefed on the use of the Evident 3 app and a smart band (Mi Band 2, Xiaomi) for 3 months to promote healthy lifestyles. All measurements were recorded in the baseline visit and at 3 and 12 months. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and the central hemodynamic parameters were measured using a SphigmoCor System® device, whereas the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the Cardio Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) were measured using a VaSera VS-2000® device. Results: Of the 253 subjects who attended the initial visit, 237 (93.7%) completed the visit at 3 months of the intervention, and 217 (85.3%) completed the visit at 12 months of the intervention. At 12 months, IG showed a decrease in peripheral augmentation index (PAIx) (−3.60; 95% CI −7.22 to −0.00) and ejection duration (ED) (−0.82; 95% CI −1.36 to −0.27), and an increase in subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) (5.31; 95% CI 1.18 to 9.44). In CG, cfPWV decreased at 3 months (−0.28 m/s; 95% CI −0.54 to −0.02) and at 12 months (−0.30 m/s, 95% CI −0.54 to −0.05), central diastolic pressure (cDBP) decreased at 12 months (−1.64 mm/Hg; 95% CI −3.19 to −0.10). When comparing the groups we found no differences between any variables analyzed. Conclusions: In sedentary adults with overweight or obesity, the multicomponent intervention (Smartphone app and an activity-tracking band) for 3 months did not modify arterial stiffness or the central hemodynamic parameters, with respect to the control group. However, at 12 months, CG presented a decrease of cfPWV and cDBP, whereas IG showed a decrease of PAIx and ED and an increase of SEVR

Ultra-Small Iron Nanoparticles Target Mitochondria Inducing Autophagy, Acting on Mitochondrial DNA and Reducing Respiration

The application of metallic nanoparticles (materials with size at least in one dimension ranging from 1 to 100 nm) as a new therapeutic tool will improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The mitochondria could be a therapeutic target to treat pathologies whose origin lies in mitochondrial dysfunctions or whose progression is dependent on mitochondrial function. We aimed to study the subcellular distribution of 2–4 nm iron nanoparticles and its effect on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mitochondrial function, and autophagy in colorectal cell lines (HT-29). Results showed that when cells were exposed to ultra-small iron nanoparticles, their subcellular fate was mainly mitochondria, affecting its respiratory and glycolytic parameters, inducing the migration of the cellular state towards quiescence, and promoting and triggering the autophagic process. These effects support the potential use of nanoparticles as therapeutic agents using mitochondria as a target for cancer and other treatments for mitochondria-dependent pathologies.Government of Asturias through the Science, Technology and Innovation Plan (PCTI) - FEDER funds FC-GRUPIN-IDI/2018/000242Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) CTQ2016-80069-C 2-1R RTI2018-094605-B-I0

No. 07: The Urban Food System of Mexico City, Mexico

This report provides an overview of Greater Mexico City and its food system. The city’s history, demographic characteristics, geography and economy are first discussed. The city’s urban food system and urban food security are then examined with a particular focus on formal and informal food retail, food expenditure patterns, and policies to combat hunger and food insecurity. Meeting the daily food demands of Mexico City’s over 20 million inhabitants requires the agricultural production of Mexico’s rural areas, its fishing industry and food imports. Food products arrive in the city from around the country in a combination of traditional and highly sophisticated modern systems of food supply and distribution. Structural changes in recent decades have led to modifications in the systems of supply, distribution and food consumption with vertically integrated companies now controlling aspects of the food chain. The system of supply and marketing of food products is also characterized by competition between public markets, large wholesale and retail companies, and neighbourhood convenience stores. While levels of household food insecurity (undernutrition) are lower than in other global cities of the South, Mexico City faces an epidemic of overnutrition, obesity and non-communicable diseases

Combined use of smartphone and smartband technology in the improvement of lifestyles in the adult population over 65 years: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial (EVIDENT-Age study)

Background The increasing use of smartphones by older adults also increases their potential for improving different aspects of health in this population. Some studies have shown promising results in the improvement of cognitive performance through lifestyle modification. All this may have a broad impact on the quality of life and carrying out daily living activities. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of combining the use of smartphone and smartband technology for 3 months with brief counseling on life habits, as opposed to providing counseling only, in increasing physical activity and improving adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Secondary objectives are to assess the effect of the intervention on body composition, quality of life, independence in daily living activities and cognitive performance. Methods This study is a two-arm cluster-randomized trial that will be carried out in urban health centers in Spain. We will recruit 160 people aged between 65 and 80 without cardiovascular disease or cognitive impairment (score in the Mini-mental State Examination ≥24). On a visit to their center, intervention group participants will be instructed to use a smartphone application for a period of 3 months. This application integrates information on physical activity received from a fitness bracelet and self-reported information on the patient’s daily nutritional composition. The primary outcome will be the change in the number of steps measured by accelerometer. Secondary variables will be adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sitting time, body composition, quality of life, independence in daily living activities and cognitive performance. All variables will be measured at baseline and on the assessment visit after 3 months. A telephone follow-up will be carried out at 6 months to collect self-reported data regarding physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Discussion Preventive healthy aging programs should include health education with training in nutrition and lifestyles, while stressing the importance of and enhancing physical activity; the inclusion of new technologies can facilitate these goals. The EVIDENT-AGE study will incorporate a simple, accessible intervention with potential implementation in the care of older adults.This study was supported in part by grants funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL)-IBY17/00003, and the Spanish Research Network for Preventive Activities and Health Promotion in Primary Care (REDIAPP)-RD16/0007

Fragaria vesca L. fruits as sources of high valuable bioactive molecules

Introduction Fragaria vesca L. (Rosaceae), wild strawberry, belongs to Rosaceae family and is commonly found in roadsides and slopes [1]. Its small sweet fruits can be consumed as sources of vitamin C, either in fresh or in infusions used for the treatment of intestinal disorders [2]. Objectives, Material and Methods Herein, the fruits of wild F. vesca were characterized in terms of nutritional value (carbohydrates, proteins, fat, ash, and energy value), dietary fiber content and fatty acids profile. Furthermore, both the fruits and corresponding infusions were characterized by their content in soluble sugars, organic acids, folates and tocopherols by HLPC coupled to RI, DAD and FL detectors, respectively, and also for their mineral elements composition, evaluated by EAA. Results Carbohydrates were the main macronutrient found in F. vesca fruits, followed by fat, ash and proteins. They also contain high levels of dietary fiber, mainly as soluble dietary fiber. Linolenic (C18:3n3) and γ-linolenic acids (C18:3n6) were the main fatty acids found in the fruits, highlighting a prevalence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The fruits and corresponding infusion showed sucrose, followed by fructose as main sugars. Citric acid was the most abundant organic acid in both samples; while oxalic and ascorbic acids were only detected in traces in the infusion. In terms of microelements, manganese was the most abundant in both forms. Potassium and calcium were the main macroelements found in the fruits and their infusion, respectively. In terms of vitamins, both samples presented folates (vitamin B9) and tocopherols (vitamin E), being γ-tocopherol the main isoform found, followed by α-tocopherol. By the way, in the infusion only α-tocopherol was detected. Conclusions Although fruits of wild F. vesca are mainly consumed in fresh, this study also proves the potentiality of their infusions as a source of bioactive molecules

Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on Response to Biologics in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis

This work was partly supported by a contract for Cristina Membrive Jimenez from the University of Granada and the Fundacion de Investigacion Biosanitaria de Andalucia Oriental (FIBAO). The Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital Biobank was supported by grants co-funded by ERDF funds (EU) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PT13/0010/0039).The results of this research are part of the doctoral thesis that will be presented by Cristina Membrive Jiménez at the University of Granada as part of the doctoral studies in “Pharmacy”.Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin pathology of autoimmune origin and unknown etiology. There are various therapies for treating it, including a wide range of biopharmaceuticals indicated in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Depending on their therapeutic target, they are classified as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (anti-TNF) or cytokine inhibitors (interleukin-12, 23, and 17 antagonists). Although they have proved effective and safe, in clinical practice, many patients show a short- and long-term suboptimal response and even varying degrees of toxicity. This variability in response may be influenced by genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the genes involved in the pathological environment, metabolism or mechanism of action of the drug that could affect the effectiveness and toxicity of biological therapies. This review assesses pharmacogenetic studies of the impact of genetic factors on response to biopharmaceuticals and toxicity in patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The results suggest that polymorphisms detected in the HLA genes, in genes that encode cytokines (TNF, IL genes, TNFAIP3), transporters (PDE3A-SLCO1C1, SLC12A8), receptors (TNFRSF1B, CD84, FCGR2A and FCGR3A, IL17RA, IL23R, TLR genes, PGLYRP4) and associated proteins (TNFAIP3, LY96, TIRAP, FBXL19), as well as other genes implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis (CDKAL1, CARD14, PTTG1, MAP3K1, ZNF816A, GBP6, CTNNA2, HTR2A, CTLA4, TAP1) can be used in the future as predictive markers of treatment response and/or toxicity with biological therapies in patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, tailoring treatment to the individual patient.University of GranadaFundacion de Investigacion Biosanitaria de Andalucia Oriental (FIBAO)ERDF funds (EU) from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III PT13/0010/003

Percepción del estrés en los estudiantes de Enfermería ante sus prácticas clínicas

Objective: This research aims to establish what the Nursing students’ main stress sources are during their practice period, according to their gender, grade and age. Methodology. It is a descriptive transversal study. The sample was composed by 45 Nursing students, 30 women and 15 men, at the University of Murcia in 2010/2011. The information gathering tool was KEZKAK questionnaire. Results. The ignorance facing a determined clinical situation and the risk of damaging the patient are the Nursing students’ two main stress sources. Men often suffer from a bigger stress than women; nevertheless, as well as the age increases and the students pass grades, the stress level is smaller. Conclusions. Nursing students’ stress determines their formation within their clinical practices period. Thus, it is necessary that the theoretical learning that supports these practices considers theses needs that own Nursing students require.OBJETIVO. Esta investigación pretende conocer cuáles son las principales fuentes de estrés durante el periodo de prácticas de los estudiantes de Enfermería de la Universidad de Murcia en función de su sexo, curso y edad. METODOLOGÍA. Se trata de un estudio transversal de corte descriptiva. La muestra estuvo compuesta por un total de 45 alumnos, 30 mujeres y 15 hombres, de Enfermería de la Universidad de Murcia del curso académico 2010/2011. El instrumento de recogida de la información fue cuestionario KEKZAK. RESULTADOS. El desconocimiento ante una determinada situación clínica y el riesgo de dañar al paciente son las dos principales fuentes estresoras para los estudiantes de enfermería. Los hombres suelen sufrir un mayor estrés que sus compañeras; no obstante, a medida que aumenta la edad y se avanza de curso el grado de estrés es cada vez menor. CONCLUSIONES. El estrés de los estudiantes de enfermería marca su formación durante el período de prácticas clínicas. Por tanto, se hace necesario que el aprendizaje teórico que sustenta a las prácticas atienda a estas necesidades que los propios estudiantes de enfermería demandan