Análisis de la aplicabilidad de un modelo de competitividad para las ciudades de Junín y Pergamino.

Este trabajo forma parte de un proyecto cuyo objetivo es identificar y analizar modelos que definen y miden competitividad a nivel de países, regiones y ciudades, para evaluar su aplicabilidad en Junín y Pergamino. Belmar, Escobar, Marshal y L’Huillier (2016) describen competitividad en función de la cantidad y calidad de los factores de producción, los impulsos de la demanda y las acciones públicas que intervienen en la economía local desde una perspectiva sistémica. Las ciudades se están transformando en el motor del desarrollo socioeconómico regional y nacional. La metodología es de tipo exploratoria y descriptiva y los avances en la investigación muestran que: Existen diferencias en la definición del término competitividad en los reportes analizados. Se observan semejanzas en los agrupamientos por las áreas que éstos consideran (economía, educación, infraestructura, gobernanza, cultura, entre otros), sin embargo, los indicadores utilizados varían en cada caso y se nutren de información que no siempre está disponible en ciudades como Junín y Pergamino. El concepto de atractividad podría aplicarse para la medición de las ciudades de Junín y Pergamino por ser más amplio que competitividad, se basa en un conjunto heterogéneo que mide los factores de competitividad económica puros (PIB, riqueza, coste, etc.) y factores sociales subjetivos (percepción de seguridad, confianza en instituciones públicas, etc. En esta etapa el proyecto busca relevar la percepción que tienen los diferentes públicos de las ciudades: residentes, agentes del sector privado, agentes del sector público, agentes del tercer sector sobre aquellos factores que determinan su atractivo y así poder determinar un mejor modelo para las ciudades objeto de estudio.Fil: Martino, Milagros Anahí. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Agosti, Carla; Andreasen. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Andreasen, María Paz. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Asorey, Lucrecia Anah. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Basílico, Natali. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Curti, Sofía. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Figueroa, Darío Hernán. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Saenz, Mariana. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste.Fil: Tonellotto, Andrea. Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste

Impairment of T cell development and acute inflammatory response in HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice

Immune activation and chronic inflammation are hallmark features of HIV infection causing T-cell depletion and cellular immune dysfunction in AIDS. Here, we addressed the issue whether HIV-1 Tat could affect T cell development and acute inflammatory response by generating a transgenic mouse expressing Tat in lymphoid tissue. Tat-Tg mice showed thymus atrophy and the maturation block from DN4 to DP thymic subpopulations, resulting in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells depletion in peripheral blood. In Tat-positive thymus, we observed the increased p65/NF-κB activity and deregulated expression of cytokines/chemokines and microRNA-181a-1, which are involved in T-lymphopoiesis. Upon LPS intraperitoneal injection, Tat-Tg mice developed an abnormal acute inflammatory response, which was characterized by enhanced lethality and production of inflammatory cytokines. Based on these findings, Tat-Tg mouse could represent an animal model for testing adjunctive therapies of HIV-1-associated inflammation and immune deregulation

COVID-19-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome in the early pandemic experience in Lombardia (Italy)

Objective To estimate the incidence and describe clinical characteristics and outcome of GBS in COVID-19 patients (COVID19-GBS) in one of the most hit regions during the frst pandemic wave, Lombardia. Methods Adult patients admitted to 20 Neurological Units between 1/3–30/4/2020 with COVID19-GBS were included as part of a multi-center study organized by the Italian society of Hospital Neuroscience (SNO). Results Thirty-eight COVID19-GBS patients had a mean age of 60.7 years and male frequency of 86.8%. CSF albuminocytological dissociation was detected in 71.4%, and PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was negative in 19 tested patients. Based on neurophysiology, 81.8% of patients had a diagnosis of AIDP, 12.1% of AMSAN, and 6.1% of AMAN. The course was favorable in 76.3% of patients, stable in 10.5%, while 13.2% worsened, of which 3 died. The estimated occurrence rate in Lombardia ranges from 0.5 to 0.05 GBS cases per 1000 COVID-19 infections depending on whether you consider positive cases or estimated seropositive cases. When we compared GBS cases with the pre-pandemic period, we found a reduction of cases from 165 to 135 cases in the 2-month study period in Lombardia. Conclusions We detected an increased incidence of GBS in COVID-19 patients which can refect a higher risk of GBS in COVID-19 patients and a reduction of GBS events during the pandemic period possibly due to a lower spread of more common respiratory infectious diseases determined by an increased use of preventive measures

Beta-Blocker Use in Older Hospitalized Patients Affected by Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Italian Survey From the REPOSI Register

Beta (β)-blockers (BB) are useful in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, the use of BBs could induce bronchoconstriction due to β2-blockade. For this reason, both the ESC and GOLD guidelines strongly suggest the use of selective β1-BB in patients with HF and COPD. However, low adherence to guidelines was observed in multiple clinical settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the BBs use in older patients affected by HF and COPD, recorded in the REPOSI register. Of 942 patients affected by HF, 47.1% were treated with BBs. The use of BBs was significantly lower in patients with HF and COPD than in patients affected by HF alone, both at admission and at discharge (admission, 36.9% vs. 51.3%; discharge, 38.0% vs. 51.7%). In addition, no further BB users were found at discharge. The probability to being treated with a BB was significantly lower in patients with HF also affected by COPD (adj. OR, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.37-0.67), while the diagnosis of COPD was not associated with the choice of selective β1-BB (adj. OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 0.76-2.34). Despite clear recommendations by clinical guidelines, a significant underuse of BBs was also observed after hospital discharge. In COPD affected patients, physicians unreasonably reject BBs use, rather than choosing a β1-BB. The expected improvement of the BB prescriptions after hospitalization was not observed. A multidisciplinary approach among hospital physicians, general practitioners, and pharmacologists should be carried out for better drug management and adherence to guideline recommendations

Influence of breast feeding, and adapted and hydrolyzed formulas on biliary bile acids in newborn guinea pigs

Background: The type of feeding can differently influence bile acid ontogeny during the period of physiologic cholestasis that characterizes early human development. Aim: To investigate the effects of feeding from birth, conventional or partially protein hydrolyzed cow's milk formulas were compared with breast milk regarding bile acid concentration and the composition of gallbladder bile in newborn guinea pigs. Methods: Forty newborn guinea pigs were allocated to one of three different feeding regimens: breast milk (n =14), intact protein formula (n =13) and partially protein hydrolyzed formula (n =13). After 8 days, one third of the pups from each group was sacrificed; another third was sacrificed on the 14th day and the remainder on the 20th day of life. Bile acids in gallbladder bile were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and HPLC. Results: During the first 2 weeks of life, weight gain was significantly higher in breast-fed than in artificially fed pups. An age-related increase in total biliary bile acid concentrations was evident for breast-fed and hydrolyzed formula-fed animals, but not for those fed intact protein formula. Breast-fed animals had the highest total biliary bile acid concentrations on day 20 of life, with significant increases in chenodeoxycholic and 7-oxo-lithocholic acid concentrations, which were absent in the other two groups. Concentrations of 7-oxo-lithocholic acid on day 8 were significantly higher in animals fed intact protein formula compared with breast-fed and partially protein hydrolyzed formula-fed animals. Conclusions: In newborn guinea pigs, breast feeding is associated with a marked increase in biliary bile acid concentrations, which was not observed in artificially fed animals. The higher biliary bile acid concentrations and better weight gain in our breast-fed animals may reflect a greater feed efficiency associated with natural feeding. Biliary bile acid composition on day 8 suggests more rapid intestinal bacterial bile acid biotransformation in animals fed intact protein formula compared to other feeding regimens. Copyright\ua9 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

Nutrition in the first 1000 days: Ten practices to minimize obesity emerging from published science

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased in most countries the last decades. Considering this in a simplistic way, we can say that obesity is the result of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Moreover, the environment from conception to childhood could influence the child’s future health. The first 1000 days of life start with woman’s pregnancy, and offer a unique window of opportunity to contribute to obesity prevention. In light of the actual literature, the aim of our article is to discuss a proposal of 10 good practices to minimize obesity in the first 1000 days emerging from published science. (1) Both the mother’s and the father’s behaviors are important. A balanced diet with appropriate fat and protein intake, and favoring fruits and vegetables, is recommended for both parents during the conception period and pregnancy. Furthermore, overweight/obese women who are planning to become pregnant should reduce their weight before conception. (2) During pregnancy, at birth, and during early life, body composition measurements are crucial to monitor the baby’s growth. (3) Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended at the beginning of life until six months of age. (4) Four to six months of age is the optimal window to introduce complementary feeding. Until one year of age, breast milk or follow-on/commercial formula is the main recommended feeding source, and cow’s milk should be avoided until one year of age. (5) Fruit and vegetable introduction should begin early. Daily variety, diversity in a meal, and repeated exposure to the food, up to eight times, are efficient strategies to increase acceptance of food not well accepted at first. There is no need to add sugar, salt, or sugary fluids to the diet. (6) Respect the child’s appetite and avoid coercive “clean your plate” feeding practices. Adapt the portion of food and don’t use food as reward for good behavior. (7) Limit animal protein intake in early life to reduce the risk of an early adiposity rebound. Growing-up milk for children between one and three years of age should be preferred to cow’s milk, in order to limit intake and meet essential fatty acid and iron needs. (8) The intake of adequate fat containing essential fatty acids should be promoted. (9) Parents should be role models when feeding, with TV and other screens turned-off during meals. (10) Preventive interventions consisting of promoting physical activity and sufficient time dedicated to sleep should be employed. In fact, short sleep duration may be associated with increased risk of developing obesity. Based on literature reviews, and given the suggestions described in this manuscript, concerted public health efforts are needed to achieve the healthy objectives for obesity and nutrition, and to fight the childhood obesity epidemic

Putting the barker theory into the future: Time to act on preventing pediatric obesity

Growth and development are key characteristics of childhood and sensitive markers of health and adequate nutrition. The first 1000 days of life\u2014conception through 24 months of age\u2014represent a fundamental period for development and thus the prevention of childhood obesity and its adverse consequences is mandatory. There are many growth drivers during this complex phase of life,such as nutrition,genetic and epigenetic factors,and hormonal regulation. The challenge thus involves maximizing the potential for normal growth without increasing the risk of associated disorders. The Mediterranean Nutrition Group (MeNu Group),a group of researchers of the Mediterranean Region,in this Special Issue titled \u201cPrevent Obesity in the First 1000 Days\u201d,presented results that advanced the science of obesity risk factors in early life,coming both from animal model studies and studies in humans. In the future,early-life intervention designs for the prevention of pediatric obesity will need to look at different strategies,and the MeNu Group is available for guidance regarding an appropriate conceptual framework to accomplish either prevention or treatment strategies to tackle pediatric obesity

Adult c-kitpos Cardiac Stem Cells Are Necessary and Sufficient for Functional Cardiac Regeneration and Repair

SummaryThe epidemic of heart failure has stimulated interest in understanding cardiac regeneration. Evidence has been reported supporting regeneration via transplantation of multiple cell types, as well as replication of postmitotic cardiomyocytes. In addition, the adult myocardium harbors endogenous c-kitpos cardiac stem cells (eCSCs), whose relevance for regeneration is controversial. Here, using different rodent models of diffuse myocardial damage causing acute heart failure, we show that eCSCs restore cardiac function by regenerating lost cardiomyocytes. Ablation of the eCSC abolishes regeneration and functional recovery. The regenerative process is completely restored by replacing the ablated eCSCs with the progeny of one eCSC. eCSCs recovered from the host and recloned retain their regenerative potential in vivo and in vitro. After regeneration, selective suicide of these exogenous CSCs and their progeny abolishes regeneration, severely impairing ventricular performance. These data show that c-kitpos eCSCs are necessary and sufficient for the regeneration and repair of myocardial damage