Chronic heart failure is characterized by altered mitochondrial function and structure in circulating leucocytes

Oxidative stress is currently viewed as a key factor in the genesis and progression of Heart Failure (HF). The aim of this study was to characterize the mitochondrial changes linked to oxidative stress generation in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from chronic HF patients (HF_PBMCs) in order to highlight the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of HF. To assess the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial function and ultrastructure and the mitophagic flux in circulating PBMCs we enrolled 15 patients with HF and a control group of ten healthy subjects. The HF_PBMCs showed a mitochondrial population consisting of damaged and less functional organelles responsible of higher superoxide anion production both at baseline and under in vitro stress conditions, with evidence of cellular apoptosis. Although the mitophagic flux at baseline was enhanced in HF_PBMCs at level similar to those that could be achieved in control PBMCs only under inflammatory stress conditions, the activation of mitophagy was unable to preserve a proper mitochondrial dynamics upon stress stimuli in HF. In summary, circulating HF_PBMCs show structural and functional derangements of mitochondria with overproduction of reactive oxidant species. This mitochondrial failure sustains a leucocyte dysfunctional status in the blood that may contribute to development and persistence of stress conditions within the cardiovascular system in HF

Aquí también estamos construyendo. Gestionar y habitar en dos tomas de tierras en la ciudad de Córdoba,Argentina

Las tomas de tierras por parte de los sectores populares en la ciudad de Córdoba, aparecen como una estrategia frecuente, pero que presentan dispares características. Aquellos que no pueden acceder a la tierra por los métodos tradicionales —mercado o políticas habitacionales—, han de procurarse distintos modos de crear ciudad, de habitar la tierra. En el presente artículo analizamos dos tomas en particular, ubicadas en la zona norte-noreste de la ciudad de Córdoba: la de Marqués Anexo y Ampliación Pueyrredón – Pueyrredón Anexo. Es de específico interés las estrategias que el Estado dirige en estas tomas para controlar y disciplinar estas poblaciones; y los modos en que estos sujetos lo interpelan y se interpelan a sí mismos. Una aproximación a los discursos de los habitantes de las tomas permite dar cuenta de las formas a través de las cuales se produce el espacio para la vida, los sentidos que se asignan al “estar dentro” de la ciudad, y cómo se habita en el barrio. De esta manera, se analiza la intervención estatal en las tomas para regular, disciplinar y ejercer control sobre terreno y la distribución de las personas que habitan en él; al tiempo que se busca identificar el entramado de relaciones sociales que se configuran en y desde las tomas de tierra

Epidemiology of childhood conduct problems in Brazil: systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to review evidence on the prevalence of and risk factors for conduct problems in Brazil.We searched electronic databases and contacted Brazilian researchers up to 05/2012. Studies were included in the review if they reported the prevalence of or risk factors for conduct problems, conduct disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder for 100 + Brazilian children aged a parts per thousand currency sign18 years, systematically sampled in schools or the community. Prevalence rates and sex differences were meta-analysed. Risk factor studies were reviewed one by one.The average prevalence of conduct problems in screening questionnaires was 20.8 %, and the average prevalence of conduct disorder/oppositional defiant disorder was 4.1 %. There was systematic variation in the results of screening studies according to methodology: recruitment location, informants, instruments, impairment criterion for case definition, and response rates. Risk factors previously identified in high-income countries were mainly replicated in Brazil, including comorbid mental health problems, educational failure, low religiosity, harsh physical punishment and abuse, parental mental health problems, single parent family, and low socioeconomic status. However, boys did not always have higher risk for conduct problems than girls.Studies using screening questionnaires suggest that Brazilian children have higher rates of conduct problems than children in other countries, but diagnostic studies do not show this difference. Risk factors in Brazil were similar to those in high-income countries, apart from child sex. Future research should investigate developmental patterns of antisocial behaviour, employ a variety of research designs to identify causal risk mechanisms, and examine a broader range of risk factors.Wellcome TrustUniv Cambridge, Dept Psychiat, Cambridge CB2 8AH, EnglandUniv Fed Pelotas, Postgrad Program Epidemiol, Pelotas, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, Pelotas, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, Pelotas, BrazilWellcome Trust: 089963/Z/09/ZWeb of Scienc

Estudio del perfil Fitoquímico y posibles aplicaciones de dos variedades de Plantas Mucilaginosas de la Provincia de Imbabura.

The present investigation was carried out, with the aim of contributing to the knowledge of bioactive compounds, through phytochemical screening, serving as support for subsequent investigations. In the first instance, a bibliographic investigation was carried out where two species (Basella rubra L.) y (Malva parviflora L.) with mucilaginous content were determined, which were collected in the Province of Imbabura, Ibarra canton, Caranqui parish. For the recognition, a portion of the selected plants was taken together with distilled water, leaving it to macerate for 24 hours at room temperature, where a high viscosity content could be observed, the plants were subjected to a drying process at 40 ° C and pulverized. The chemical composition of the ethereal, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the plants obtained by maceration of their leaves was characterized, the samples were subjected to a phytochemical screening, in which it was found: fatty compounds, alkaloids, lactonic grouping, saponins, phenolic compounds, quinones, flavonoids, reducing sugars, bitter principles and mainly a high content of mucilage. Through the bibliographic review, it was determined that the bioactive compounds that the two plant species have, can be used in nutraceutical and functional foods because they have a significant impact on health thanks to their properties, biological effects and sensory attributes.La presente investigación se realizó, con el objetivo de contribuir al conocimiento de los compuestos bioactivos, mediante el tamizaje fitoquímico, sirviendo como soporte para investigaciones posteriores. En primera instancia se realizó una investigación bibliográfica donde se determinó dos especies (Basella rubra L.) y (Malva parviflora L.) con contenido mucilaginoso, que fueron recolectadas en la Provincia de Imbabura, cantón Ibarra, parroquia Caranqui. Para el reconocimiento, se tomó una porción de las plantas seleccionadas junto con agua destilada, dejándola en maceración durante 24 horas a temperatura ambiente, donde se pudo observar un alto contenido de viscosidad, las plantas fueron sometidas a un proceso de secado a 40 °C y pulverizadas. Se caracterizó la composición química de los extractos etéreo, alcohólico y acuoso de las plantas obtenidos por maceración de sus hojas, las muestras fueron sometidas a un tamizaje fitoquímico, en el cual se encontró: compuestos grasos, alcaloides, agrupamiento lactónicos, saponinas, compuestos fenólicos, quinonas, flavonoides, azúcares reductores, principios amargos y principalmente un alto contenido de mucílago. Mediante la revisión bibliográfica se determinó que los compuestos bioactivos que poseen las dos especies de plantas, pueden ser utilizadas en alimentos nutracéuticos y funcionales, pues tienen un impacto significativo en la salud gracias a sus propiedades, efectos biológicos y atributos sensoriale

Diseño e implementación de un sistema informático para el monitoreo y control de temperatura y humedad en los invernaderos del centro experimental “la playita” de la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi Extensión La Maná.

The proposal focuses on improving the processes of monitoring and control of temperature and humidity in the greenhouses of the Experimental Center “La Playita” of the Technical University of Cotopaxi, extension La Maná, minimizing any manual process that is carried out by the administrators, thus enabling promptly the decision-making in the face of certain factors that determine variable environments within them. According to the system approach, the studies of bibliographic sources for the support of the text were drew up with the application of interviews, questionnaires and surveys to those who are involved in the project, it was possible to establish effective deductions prior to obtaining final results. In the same way, it was made the checks between different technological platforms prior to the design and development of the code. The methodology of Agile Development was applied taking into account the different stages of software development, which allowed us to focus on the use of the Free Software platform (Plugin de Atom y Platformio IDE), it is due to its compatibility with wide settings that exist today. In addition to the use of Free Hardware (Arduino Mega 2560). Electronic devices were used for the implementation (humidity and room temperature sensor), LCD screen that allows to verify and visualize the real information that happens in the greenhouse.La propuesta se enfoca en mejorar los procesos de monitoreo y control de la temperatura y humedad ambiente en los invernaderos del Centro Experimental La Playita de la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi Extensión La Maná, minimizando todo proceso manual que se lleva a cabo por parte de las personas administradoras, facilitando así oportunamente la toma de decisiones ante ciertos factores que determinan ambientes variables al interior de ellos. De acuerdo al enfoque del sistema se formalizó diversos estudios de fuentes bibliográficas para la sustentación del texto, con la aplicación de entrevistas, cuestionarios y encuestas a los involucrados del proyecto, se logró establecer deducciones efectivas previas a la obtención de resultados finales. De la misma manera se realizó verificaciones entre diversas plataformas tecnológicas previo al diseño y elaboración del código. Se aplicó la metodología de Desarrollo Ágil tomando en cuenta las diferentes etapas de desarrollo de software, lo que permitió enfocarnos al uso de plataforma de Software Libre (Plugin de Atom y Platformio IDE) esto debido a su compatibilidad con diversos escenarios existentes en la actualidad, además del uso de Hardware Libre (Arduino Mega 2560). Para la implementación se usó dispositivos electrónicos (sensor de humedad y temperatura ambiente), pantalla LCD que permite verificar y visualizar la información real de lo que acontece en el invernadero

Elaboración de galletas a partir de trigo (Triticum spp) complementadas con amaranto (Amaranthus Hypochondriacus) y soya (Glycine max) utilizando tres concentraciones y dos tipos de leudantes (Levadura y royal)

It has long grain consumption constituted one of the most important staple foods at breakfast each family. Amaranth grain is not well known that along with wheat and soybean provides excellent properties for improving their nutritional food, those are ideal to combat anemia and malnutrition because it is a food rich in iron, protein, minerals remain the basis of food. Obtaining flour was performed in the plant Huambaló artisan through the dehydration process. In preparing cookies used commodities like wheat, amaranth and soybean using six different treatments: t1 mixture 50%, 25%, 25%, with yeast; t2 mixture 50%, 25%, 25%, with royal; t3 mixture 50%, 10%, 40%, with yeast; t4 mixture 50%, 10%, 40%, with royal; t5 mixture 50%, 40%, 10%, with yeast; t6 mixture 50%, 40%, 10%, with royal….Desde hace tiempo el consumo de cereales a constituido una de los alimentos primarios más importantes en el desayuno de cada familia. El amaranto es un cereal no muy conocido que junto con el trigo y la soya brinda propiedades excelentes para la alimentación mejorando su nivel nutricional, son ideales para combatir anemias y desnutrición ya que es un alimento rico en hierro, proteínas, minerales siendo la base de la alimentación humana. La obtención de harina se realizó en la planta artesanal de Huambaló mediante el proceso de deshidratación. En la elaboración de galletas se utilizó materias primas como el trigo, amaranto y soya empleando 6 tratamientos diferentes: t1 mezcla 50%, 25%, 25%, con levadura; t2 mezcla 50%, 25%, 25%, con royal; t3 mezcla 50%, 10%, 40%, con levadura; t4 mezcla 50%, 10%, 40%, con royal; t5 mezcla 50%, 40%, 10%, con levadura; t6 mezcla 50%, 40%, 10%, con royal…

Protective Effects of (E)-β-Caryophyllene (BCP) in Chronic Inflammation

(E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a bicyclic sesquiterpene widely distributed in the plant kingdom, where it contributes a unique aroma to essential oils and has a pivotal role in the survival and evolution of higher plants. Recent studies provided evidence for protective roles of BCP in animal cells, highlighting its possible use as a novel therapeutic tool. Experimental results show the ability of BCP to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), thus ameliorating chronic pathologies characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress, in particular metabolic and neurological diseases. Through the binding to CB2 cannabinoid receptors and the interaction with members of the family of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), BCP shows beneficial effects on obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) liver diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pain and other nervous system disorders. This review describes the current knowledge on the biosynthesis and natural sources of BCP, and reviews its role and mechanisms of action in different inflammation-related metabolic and neurologic disorders

Perinatal and sociodemographic factors at birth predicting conduct problems and violence to age 18 years: comparison of Brazilian and British birth cohorts.

This is the final published version. It was first published by Wiley at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12369BACKGROUND: Many low- and middle-income countries have high levels of violence. Research in high-income countries shows that risk factors in the perinatal period are significant precursors of conduct problems which can develop into violence. It is not known whether the same early influences are important in lower income settings with higher rates of violence. This study compared perinatal and sociodemographic risk factors between Brazil and Britain, and their role in explaining higher rates of conduct problems and violence in Brazil. METHODS: Prospective population-based birth cohort studies were conducted in Pelotas, Brazil (N = 3,618) and Avon, Britain (N = 4,103). Eleven perinatal and sociodemographic risk factors were measured in questionnaires completed by mothers during the perinatal period. Conduct problems were measured in questionnaires completed by mothers at age 11, and violence in self-report questionnaires completed by adolescents at age 18. RESULTS: Conduct problems were predicted by similar risk factors in Brazil and Britain. Female violence was predicted by several of the same risk factors in both countries. However, male violence in Brazil was associated with only one risk factor, and several risk factor associations were weaker in Brazil than in Britain for both females and males. Almost 20% of the higher risk for conduct problems in Brazil compared to Britain was explained by differential exposure to risk factors. The percentage of the cross-national difference in violence explained by early risk factors was 15% for females and 8% for males. CONCLUSIONS: A nontrivial proportion of cross-national differences in antisocial behaviour are related to perinatal and sociodemographic conditions at the start of life. However, risk factor associations are weaker in Brazil than in Britain, and influences in other developmental periods are probably of particular importance for understanding male youth violence in Brazil.The 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study is currently supported by the Wellcome Trust through the programme entitled Major Awards for Latin America on Health Consequences of Population Change (Grant: 086974/Z/08/Z). The European Union, National Support Program for Centers of Excellence (PRONEX), the Brazilian National Research Council (CNPq), and the Brazilian Ministry of Health supported previous phases of the study. The UK Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust (Grant: 092731) and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. Additional support for the data collected at age 18 in this paper was provided by UK Medical Research Council (Grants G0800612 and G0802736).The research for this specific article was funded by the Wellcome Trust (Grant: 089963/Z/09/Z). The authors are extremely grateful to all the families who took part in this study, the midwives for their help in recruiting them, and the whole ALSPAC team, which includes interviewers, computer and laboratory technicians, clerical workers, research scientists, volunteers, managers, receptionists and nurses. Yulia Shenderovich helped prepare the tables. The authors have declared that they have no competing or potential conflicts of interest