Spatial learning induces changes in gene and protein expression associated with activity-dependent myelination

Estudios recientes han demostrado que la actividad neuronal derivada de un paradigma de aprendizaje induce mielinización y oligodendrogénesis. La mielinización dependiente de actividad (AdM) es un proceso que puede ocurrir durante la edad adulta, lo que sugiere que podría ser un mecanismo de plasticidad. Aquí evaluamos si la prueba de aprendizaje espacial del Laberinto de Barnes (BM) produce cambios en la expresión de genes y proteínas relacionados con la AdM en ratones adultos. Encontramos que en el hipocampo de los ratones entrenados, hubo un aumento en la expresión de ARNm de genes asociados con la proliferación de células precursoras de oligodendrocitos (OPC) y la formación de mielina. Además, encontramos un aumento en los niveles de proteína total de la proteína básica de la mielina (MBP) y la proteína proteolípida (PLP). Por el contrario, el cuerpo calloso de los ratones entrenados exhibió una disminución en la expresión de ARNm de los genes relacionados con la diferenciación de los oligodendrocitos y la formación de mielina. También encontramos una correlación negativa entre la expresión del ARNm del gen Nkx6-2 y el rendimiento individual en la prueba del BM, en el cuerpo calloso. Estos resultados indican que el aprendizaje espacial induce cambios moleculares asociados con AdM de manera específica a la estructura del cerebro.Brigitte van Zundert, Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética, Universidad Andrés Bello, ChileRecent studies have shown that neural activity derived from a learning paradigm induces myelination and oligodendrogenesis. Activity-dependent myelination (AdM) is a process that can arise during adulthood, placing it as a potential plasticity mechanism. In this study, it was evaluated if the Barnes Maze (BM) spatial learning task produces changes in gene and protein expression related to AdM in adult mice. It was found that the hippocampus of trained mice showed an increased mRNA expression of genes associated with the proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and myelin formation. This structure also displayed an increase in total protein quantity of myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP) by western blot. However, it was not possible to identify the hippocampal structure that was myelinated by immunofluorescence of MBP. Contrastingly, the corpus callosum exhibited decreased mRNA expression of genes related to differentiating oligodendrocytes and myelin formation. These results indicate that gene expression changes could potentially be correlated with performance in the BM and that these molecular changes are associated with AdM in a structure-specific manner.Biólogo (a)Pregrad

Las habilidades humanas en el desempeño organizacional: un estudio correlacional en un bufete de abogados ubicado en la ciudad de Lima

Presenta un caso de estudio acerca del análisis correlacional entre las habilidades humanas y el desempeño organizacional. Este trabajo fue realizado en un prestigioso bufete de abogados ubicado en la ciudad de Lima, cuyo nombre se mantendrá bajo reserva a solicitud del gerente general. Las habilidades humanas que el bufete jurídico más valora son el trabajo en equipo y la comunicación efectiva. Se demostró que el trabajo en equipo (r=0.97, p<0) y la comunicación efectiva (r=0.89, p<0) tienen una relación fuerte y positiva con el desempeño organizacional de los colaboradores, es decir que mientras mejor desarrolladas tengan las habilidades humanas mejor será su desempeño organizacional. El sector empresarial demanda personal con alto desempeño y habilidades que aporten a la generación de las ventajas competitivas. Por lo que, el desarrollo profesional de los trabajadores es un factor muy importante en las organizaciones; incluso, se sabe que las habilidades humanas de los colaboradores tienen un impacto considerable en su desempeño laboral.Tesi

Epitelial mesenchymal transition : from the molecular to physiologic

La transición epitelio mesénquima (EMT) es un proceso compuesto de diferentes fases, donde una célula epitelial adquiere un fenotipo mesenquimal. Dentro de los cambios involucrados se encuentran: pérdida de la polaridad celular, adquisición de una capacidad migratoria, capacidad invasora, resistencia a la apoptosis y aumento en la producción de componentes de la matriz extracelular. Todos estos cambios ocurren como una consecuencia de la activación y represión de genes involucrados con rutas de señalización específicas relacionadas con este evento. La EMT está relacionada con procesos fisiológicos y patológicos como el cáncer. Consta de tres fases: una de células no migratorias, células premigratorias y células migratorias; cada una de ellas producto de diferentes señales intra o extracelulares, factores de transcripción (TGF-B, Snail, TWIST, Sox, Slug, ZEB1, entre otras) y proteínas involucradas (E-cadherina, integrina, vimentina, ocludinas y claudinas).Revisión1-10Transition mesenchymal epithelium (EMT) is a process composed of different phases where an epithelial cell acquires a mesenchymal phenotype. Among the changes involved are: loss of cellular polarity, acquisition of a migratory capacity, invasive capacity, resistance to apoptosis, and increase in the production of components of the extracellular matrix. All these changes occur as a consequence of the activation and repression of genes involved with specific signaling pathways related to this event. EMT is related to physiological and pathological processes such as cancer. It consists of three phases: A phase of non-migratory cells, pre-migratory cells and migratory cells; (TGF-B, Snail, TWIST, Sox, Slug, ZEB1 among others), and proteins involved (E-cadherin, integrin, vimentin, occludins and claudins)

Epigenetic control of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

El proceso de transición epitelio-mesénquima (TEM) permite que una célula epitelial, de manera temporal, adquiera un fenotipo mesenquimal como respuesta a un estímulo interno o externo. Este proceso se caracteriza por la activación y represión de genes involucrados en diferentes vías de señalización asociadas con migración, invasión, apoptosis, entre otros. En este proceso, la epigenética cumple un papel fundamental, pues comprende cuatro mecanismos: metilación de ADN, modificación covalente de histonas, ARN no codificantes (ARNnc) y complejos remodeladores de la cromatina, que regulan la expresión de un gen sin alterar su secuencia. En esta revisión de tema los autores describen los principales mecanismos epigenéticos involucrados en la regulación de la expresión de genes que se activan y reprimen a lo largo del proceso TEM.Artículo completo1-22The mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) process allows a temporary epithelial cell to acquire a mesenchymal phenotype in response to an internal or external stimulus. This process is characterized by the activation and repression of genes involved in different signaling pathways associated with migration, invasion and apoptosis, among others. In this process epigenetics plays a fundamental role. Epigenetics comprises four mechanisms: DNA methylation, covalent modification of histones, noncoding RNAs (RNACs) and chromatin remodeling complexes, which regulate the expression of a gene without altering its sequence. In this topic review, the authors describe the main epigenetic mechanisms involved in the regulation of the expression of genes that are activated and repressed throughout the TEM process

Multinational prospective cohort study of rates and risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia over 24 years in 42 countries of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East: Findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC)

Objective: Rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are several times above those of high-income countries. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors (RFs) for VAP cases in ICUs of LMICs. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: This study was conducted across 743 ICUs of 282 hospitals in 144 cities in 42 Asian, African, European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. Participants: The study included patients admitted to ICUs across 24 years. Results: In total, 289,643 patients were followed during 1,951,405 patient days and acquired 8,236 VAPs. We analyzed 10 independent variables. Multiple logistic regression identified the following independent VAP RFs: male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.28; P <.0001); longer length of stay (LOS), which increased the risk 7% per day (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.07-1.08; P <.0001); mechanical ventilation (MV) utilization ratio (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.23-1.31; P <.0001); continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which was associated with the highest risk (aOR, 13.38; 95% CI, 11.57-15.48; P <.0001)Revisión por pare

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to &lt;90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], &gt;300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of &lt;15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P&lt;0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Efeitos adversos do uso de produtos químicos sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores da indústria da construção civil. Artigo de revisão

Introduction: It is inevitable the use of materials containing chemical substances in the construction sector and the possibility of suffering an occupational disease if the adverse effects that these substances cause on health are unknown, as well as not taking protective measures for the prevention of them. Objective: To determine adverse effects from the use of chemicals on workers’ health in the construction industry. Methodology: A descriptive review of information obtained in databases such as Ovid, Proquest, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Taylor &amp; Francis, Google Scholar Metrics, Scopus, Redalyc.org, Legal Legis and Pubmed was conducted. Eligibility for information was made according to choice criteria. Development and Discussion: There is evidence of the different chemical substances (asbestos, toluene, silicon, cement dust, welding, among others) present in materials used in civil construction works and the damages they cause to the health of human resources (neuronal, pulmonary, respiratory, immunological, dermatoid, rheumatoid) considered occupational diseases. Conclusion: It can be clearly established that the uses of chemicals in civil works construction materials cause adverse effects on workers. This finding warrants serious considerations regarding Occupational Safety and Health.Introducción: En el sector de la construcción es inevitable el uso de materiales que contienen sustancias químicas y la posibilidad de sufrir una enfermedad laboral si se desconocen los efectos adversos que estas sustancias causan en la salud, así como no asumir medidas de protección para prevenirlas. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos adversos por el uso de sustancias químicas en la salud de los trabajadores en la industria de la construcción. Metodología: Revisión descriptiva de información obtenida en bases de datos como Ovid, Proquest, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Taylor &amp; Francis, Google Scholar Metrics, Scopus, Redalyc, Legal Legis y Pubmed. La información se eligió siguiendo criterios de elección. Desarrollo y discusión: Existen evidencias de que las diferentes sustancias químicas (asbesto, tolueno, silicio, polvo de cemento, soldadura, entre otros) presentes en los materiales utilizados en obras de construcción civil causan perjuicios en la salud del recurso humano (neuronales, pulmonares, respiratorios, inmunológicos, dermatoideos o reumatoideos), y por ello se consideran enfermedades ocupacionales. Conclusión: Se puede establecer claramente que los usos de sustancias químicas en materiales de construcción de obras civiles causan efectos adversos en los trabajadores. Este hallazgo amerita serias consideraciones en materia de seguridad y salud en el trabajo.Introdução: No setor da construção civil, o uso de materiais contendo substâncias químicas e a possibilidade de doenças ocupacionais é inevitável se os efeitos adversos à saúde dessas substâncias não forem conhecidos e não forem tomadas medidas de proteção para evitá-los. Objetivo: Determinar os efeitos adversos do uso de produtos químicos sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores da indústria da construção civil. Metodologia: Revisão descritiva das informações obtidas de bancos de dados como Ovid, Proquest, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Taylor &amp; Francis, Google Scholar Metrics, Scopus, Redalyc, Legal Legisl e Pubmed. As informações foram escolhidas de acordo com os critérios de seleção. Desenvolvimento e discussão: Há evidências de que as diferentes substâncias químicas (asbesto, tolueno, silício, pó de cimento, soldadura, entre outras) presentes nos materiais utilizados na construção civil, causam danos à saúde dos recursos humanos (neuronais, pulmonares, respiratórios, imunológicos, dermatoides ou reumatoides), e são, portanto, consideradas doenças ocupacionais. Conclusão: Pode ser claramente estabelecido que o uso de produtos químicos em materiais de construção civil causa efeitos adversos nos trabalhadores. Esta constatação justifica sérias considerações de saúde e segurança ocupacional

Prospective cohort study of incidence and risk factors for catheter-associated urinary tract infections in 145 intensive care units of 9 Latin American countries: INICC findings

Purpose: Identify urinary catheter (UC)-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) incidence and risk factors (RF) in Latin American Countries. Methods: From 01/01/2014 to 02/10/2022, we conducted a prospective cohort study in 145 ICUs of 67 hospitals in 35 cities in nine Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. To estimate CAUTI incidence, we used the number of UC-days as the denominator, and the number of CAUTIs as numerator. To estimate CAUTI RFs, we analyzed the following 10 variables using multiple logistic regression: gender, age, length of stay (LOS) before CAUTI acquisition, UC-days before CAUTI acquisition, UC-device utilization (DU) ratio, UC-type, hospitalizationtype, ICU type, facility ownership, and time period. Results: 31,631 patients, hospitalized for 214,669 patient-days, acquired 305 CAUTIs. The pooled CAUTI rate per 1000 UC-days was 2.58, for those using suprapubic catheters, it was 2.99, and for those with indwelling catheters, it was 2.21. The following variables were independently associated with CAUTI: age, rising risk 1% yearly (aOR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.01–1.02; p < 0.0001 female gender (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.01–1.61; p = 0.04), LOS before CAUTI acquisition, rising risk 7% daily (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI 1.06–1.08; p < 0.0001, UC/DU ratio (aOR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.08–1.21; p < 0.0001, public facilities (aOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.75–4.49; p < 0.0001. The periods 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 had significantly higher risks than the period 2020–2022. Suprapubic catheters showed similar risks as indwelling catheters. Conclusion: The following CAUTI RFs are unlikely to change: age, gender, hospitalization type, and facility ownership. Based on these findings, it is suggested to focus on reducing LOS, UC/DU ratio, and implementing evidence-based CAUTI prevention recommendations.Revisión por pare

Multinational prospective cohort study of incidence and risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infections in ICUs of 8 Latin American countries

Background: Our objective was to identify central line (CL)-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) rates and risk factors in Latin-America. Methods: From January 1, 2014 to February 10, 2022, we conducted a multinational multicenter prospective cohort study in 58 ICUs of 34 hospitals in 21 cities in 8 Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama). We applied multiple-logistic regression. Outcomes are shown as adjusted-odds ratios (aOR). Results: About 29,385 patients were hospitalized during 92,956 days, acquired 400 CLABSIs, and pooled CLABSI rate was 4.30 CLABSIs per 1,000 CL-days. We analyzed following 10 variables: Gender, age, length of stay (LOS) before CLABSI acquisition, CL-days before CLABSI acquisition, CL-device utilization (DU) ratio, CL-type, tracheostomy use, hospitalization type, intensive care unit (ICU) type, and facility ownership, Following variables were independently associated with CLABSI: LOS before CLABSI acquisition, rising risk 3% daily (aOR=1.03;95%CI=1.02-1.04; P < .0001); number of CL-days before CLABSI acquisition, rising risk 4% per CL-day (aOR=1.04;95%CI=1.03-1.05; P < .0001); publicly-owned facility (aOR=2.33;95%CI=1.79-3.02; P < .0001). ICU with highest risk was medical-surgical (aOR=2.61;95%CI=1.41-4.81; P < .0001). CL with the highest risk were femoral (aOR=2.71;95%CI=1.61-4.55; P < .0001), and internal-jugular (aOR=2.62;95%CI=1.82-3.79; P < .0001). PICC (aOR=1.25;95%CI=0.63-2.51; P = .52) was not associated with CLABSI risk. Conclusions: Based on these findings it is suggested to focus on reducing LOS, CL-days, using PICC instead of femoral or internal-jugular; and implementing evidence-based CLABSI prevention recommendations.Revisión por pare