Understanding of guidance for acupuncture and moxibustion interventionson COVID-19 (Second edition) issued by CAAM

En la actualidad, la situación de la lucha mundial contra COVID-19 es grave. Este trabajo confirma plenamente el éxito del “modelo de China” contra el COVID-19 realizado en la misión conjunta de China con la OMS (Organización Mundial de la Salud). Es evidente que el “modelo de China” presenta un poder particular que es el uso de la acupuntura y la moxibustión de la medicina tradicional china. Esta guía para las intervenciones de acupuntura y moxibustión en COVID-19, elaborada por la Asociación China de Acupuntura-Moxibustión, se realiza para poder aplicar de la mejor forma posible las “medidas no farmacéuticas” recomendadas frente a COVID-19, entre las que se encuentran algunas técnicas externas de la medicina tradicional china, destacando al final la importancia de la selección del dispositivo de moxibustión y la duración de su aplicación.At present, the situation of global fight against COVID-19 is serious. WHO (World Health Organization)-China Joint Mission fully confirms the success of “China’s model” against COVID-19 in the report. In fact, one particular power in “China’s model” is acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine. To better apply “non-pharmaceutic measures” —the external technique of tradicional Chinese medicine, in the article, the main content of Guidance for acupuncture and moxibustion interventions on COVID-19 (Second edition) issued by China Association of Acupuncture-Moxibution is introduced and the discussion is stressed on the selection of moxibustion device and the duration of its exertion

Personal blog as a tool in the consolidation of knowledge and evaluation

Sin disminuir la calidad educativa, es necesario que los docentes universitarios implementen nuevas herramientas para mantener actualizado el espacio educativo adaptándose al entorno digital en el que se mueven los estudiantes, y eso independientemente del grado de virtualización de las asignaturas. En este trabajo se analiza el desarrollo y uso del blog personal, realizado por el alumnado de forma individual, como recurso didáctico complementario a la docencia presencial y basado en el aprendizaje en el aula. objetivos: aumentar la motivación del alumnado, fomentar un aprendizaje activo, autónomo y reflexivo y utilizar este recurso como sistema de evaluación. Tras finalizar la experiencia el alumnado respondió a un cuestionario en el que se planteaban diversas preguntas relacionadas con la motivación, la facilidad del uso de la herramienta docente o la adquisición de competencias. Tras el análisis de los resultados obtenidos se concluye que esta herramienta permite cumplir satisfactoriamente con los objetivos marcadosWithout dismissing the educational quality, it is necessary for university teachers, to implement new tools to keep the educational space updated, adapting to the digital environment in which students move, independently to the virtualization of subjects. This work analyzes the development and use of a personal blog, carried out individually by students, as a complementary didactic resource to face to face teaching and based on classroom learning. objectives: increase student motivation, promote active, autonomous and reflecting learning and also, use this resource as an evaluation system. After finishing the experience, the students answered a questionnaire in which various questions related with motivation, the ease of use of the tool or the acquisition of competences were posed. After analyzing the results obtained, it is concluded that this tool allows satisfactory fulfillment of the objectives se

Hyperuricemia in shift workers: a cross-sectional study in a spanish chemical factory

Fundamentos: Las conclusiones de las investigaciones sobre turnicidad y factores de riesgo cardiovascular, como los que forman parte del síndrome metabólico (SMet), no son unánimes. Las distintas definiciones del SMet y el trabajo por turnos las dificultan. Nuestro objetivo fue conocer la asociación entre el trabajo por turnos y los hábitos de vida y la salud cardiovascular de los trabajadores de una industria química. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico entre 2018 y 2019. Los datos se obtuvieron de los exámenes de salud anuales. Se seleccionaron 515 trabajadores, estableciendo una relación de 1:3 (por turnos / sin turnos). Se recogieron como variables resultado: SMet, hipertensión arterial, obesidad, adiposidad abdominal y alteraciones bioquímicas (glucosa, colesterol total, colesterol HDL, triglicéridos y ácido úrico). Las variables explicativas fueron: edad, sexo, consumo de tabaco, actividad física y turnicidad. Aparte de los descriptivos habituales, se realizó una regresión logística bivariada cruda y otra ajustada, determinando valores de Odds Ratio (OR) con IC al 95%. Resultados: La regresión logística cruda mostró que los trabajadores por turnos realizaban menor actividad física (OR=0,22; IC 95%=0,14-0,35; p<0,001) y tenían niveles de colesterol HDL más bajos (OR=2,1; IC 95%=1,2-3,8; p<0,05), así como mayor tasa de hipertrigliceridemia (OR=2,05; IC 95%=1,3-3,2; p<0,01) e hiperuricemia (OR=2,7; IC 95%=0,9-2,7; p<0,001). En la regresión logística ajustada por edad, sexo, consumo de tabaco, actividad física y turnicidad, sólo se mantuvo la asociación entre trabajo por turnos e hiperuricemia (OR=2,25; IC 95%=1,1-4,6; p<0,05), así como con menor actividad física moderada/alta (OR=0,19; IC 95%=0,12- 0,31; p<0,001). Conclusiones: No se encuentra asociación entre turnicidad y un mayor nivel de tabaquismo o un mayor riesgo cardiovascular. Sí se evidencia asociación con niveles de ácido úrico altos y menor actividad física moderada/alta.Background: There is no clear consensus over the findings of research into shift work and cardiovascular risk factors, such as those present in the metabolic syndrome (MetS). This is further confounded by the varying definitions of MetS and shift work. Our objective was to learn about the link between shift work, lifestyles and cardiovascular health in chemical factory workers. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study, carried out 2018-2019; data obtained from annual occupational health check-ups. 515 workers chosen, with a 1:3 ratio (shifts/no shifts). Variables collected: MetS, arterial hypertension, obesity, abdominal adiposity and biochemical alterations (glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid). Explanatory variables: age, gender, tobacco consumption, physical activity and shift work. Besides the usual descriptions, both non-adjusted and adjusted bivariate logistic regression were performed, producing Odds Ratio (OR) values with 95% CI. Results: The non-adjusted logistic regression showed that shift workers performed less physical activity (OR=0.22; 95% CI=0.14-0.35; p<0.001) and had lower HDL cholesterol levels (OR=2.1; 95% CI=1.2-3.8; p<0.05), plus a higher rate of hypertriglyceridemia (OR=2.05; 95% CI=1.3-3.2; p<0.01) and hyperuricemia (OR=2.7; 95% CI=0.9-2.7; p<0.001). In the logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, tobacco consumption, physical activity and shift work only the prevalence of hyperuricemia was higher in shift workers (OR=2.25; 95% CI=1.1-4.6; p 0.05), as well as with less moderate/high physical activity (OR=0.19; 95% CI=0.12-0.31; p<0.001). Conclusions: While no link was found between shift work and increased smoking or a higher cardiovascular risk, there was evidence of an association with high uric acid levels and less moderate/high physical activity

New insight in Human Anatomical teaching for Sport Science students

Al impartir por primera vez Anatomía en el grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y Deporte, nos enfrentamos al descontento del alumnado, pues consideraban la Anatomía como una asignatura compleja y sin interés para ellos. Por eso, nos planteamos desarrollar un modelo motivacional y diseñamos prácticas específicas donde estudiar un grupo muscular determinado a través de un deporte seleccionado (futbol, baloncesto, golf, tenis o running). Además, implantamos otra serie de dinámicas que aumentaron el interés por la Anatomía, como la gamificación y la utilización de programas de simulación en 3D. Realizamos cuestionarios de conocimientos antes y después de la experiencia y una encuesta de satisfacción final. Tras el análisis de los resultados, observamos la efectividad de nuestra herramienta y demostramos que, gracias a las prácticas específicas, disminuyó el grado de errores en los cuestionarios realizados. Tanto esta modalidad de docencia, como la gamificación, fueron ampliamente aceptadas por el alumnado.When teaching Anatomy for the first time in Physical Activity and Sports Science Degree we faced with the discontent of the students, as they considered Anatomy as a complex subject and without interest for them. For this reason, we proposed to development a motivational model and design specific practices where to study a selected group of muscles through with a specific sport (football, basketball, golf and running). In addition, we implemented another series of teaching dynamics in order to increase the interest in Anatomy, such as gamification and 3D simulation programs. We carry out knowledge questionnaires before and after the experience and also, a final satisfaction survey. After analyzing the results, we observed the effectiveness of our tool and demonstrated that, thanks to the specific practices, the made mistakes were decreased in the questionaries. This teaching modality plus the use of gamification were widely accepted by the student

Evolution of Experimental Models in the Study of Glioblastoma: Toward Finding Efficient Treatments

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of brain tumor characterized by its resistance to conventional therapies, including temozolomide, the most widely used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of GBM. Within the tumor, the presence of glioma stem cells (GSC) seems to be the reason for drug resistance. The discovery of GSC has boosted the search for new experimental models to study GBM, which allow the development of new GBM treatments targeting these cells. In here, we describe different strategies currently in use to study GBM. Initial GBM investigations were focused in the development of xenograft assays. Thereafter, techniques advanced to dissociate tumor cells into single-cell suspensions, which generate aggregates referred to as neurospheres, thus facilitating their selective expansion. Concomitantly, the finding of genes involved in the initiation and progression of GBM tumors, led to the generation of mice models for the GBM. The latest advances have been the use of GBM organoids or 3D-bioprinted mini-brains. 3D bio-printing mimics tissue cytoarchitecture by combining different types of cells interacting with each other and with extracellular matrix components. These in vivo models faithfully replicate human diseases in which the effect of new drugs can easily be tested. Based on recent data from human glioblastoma, this review critically evaluates the different experimental models used in the study of GB, including cell cultures, mouse models, brain organoids, and 3D bioprinting focusing in the advantages and disadvantages of each approach to understand the mechanisms involved in the progression and treatment response of this devastating disease

12-Deoxyphorbols Promote Adult Neurogenesis by Inducing Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation via PKC Activation

Background: Neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders frequently occur after brain insults associated with neuronal loss. Strategies aimed to facilitate neuronal renewal by promoting neurogenesis constitute a promising therapeutic option to treat neuronal death-associated disorders. In the adult brain, generation of new neurons occurs physiologically throughout the entire life controlled by extracellular molecules coupled to intracellular signaling cascades. Proteins participating in these cascades within neurogenic regions constitute potential pharmacological targets to promote neuronal regeneration of injured areas of the central nervous system. Methodology: We have performed in vitro and in vivo approaches to determine neural progenitor cell proliferation to understand whether activation of kinases of the protein kinase C family facilitates neurogenesis in the adult brain. Results: We have demonstrated that protein kinase C activation by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate induces neural progenitor cell proliferation in vitro. We also show that the nontumorogenic protein kinase C activator prostratin exerts a proliferative effect on neural progenitor cells in vitro. This effect can be reverted by addition of the protein kinase C inhibitor G06850, demonstrating that the effect of prostratin is mediated by protein kinase C activation. Additionally, we show that prostratin treatment in vivo induces proliferation of neural progenitor cells within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone. Finally, we describe a library of diterpenes with a 12-deoxyphorbol structure similar to that of prostratin that induces a stronger effect than prostratin on neural progenitor cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo

Rescue of neurogenesis and age-associated cognitive decline in SAMP8 mouse: Role of transforming growth factor-alpha

Neuropathological aging is associated with memory impairment and cognitive decline, affecting several brain areas including the neurogenic niche of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (DG). In the healthy brain, homeostatic mechanisms regulate neurogenesis within the DG to facilitate the continuous generation of neurons from neural stem cells (NSC). Nevertheless, aging reduces the number of activated neural stem cells and diminishes the number of newly generated neurons. Strategies that promote neurogenesis in the DG may improve cognitive performance in the elderly resulting in the development of treatments to prevent the progression of neurological disorders in the aged population. Our work is aimed at discovering targeting molecules to be used in the design of pharmacological agents that prevent the neurological effects of brain aging. We study the effect of age on hippocampal neurogenesis using the SAMP8 mouse as a model of neuropathological aging. We show that in 6-month-old SAMP8 mice, episodic and spatial memory are impaired; concomitantly, the generation of neuroblasts and neurons is reduced and the generation of astrocytes is increased in this model. The novelty of our work resides in the fact that treatment of SAMP8 mice with a transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα) targeting molecule prevents the observed defects, positively regulating neurogenesis and improving cognitive performance. This compound facilitates the release of TGFα in vitro and in vivo and activates signaling pathways initiated by this growth factor. We conclude that compounds of this kind that stimulate neurogenesis may be useful to counteract the neurological effects of pathological aging.19 página

Effects of classical PKC activation on hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive performance: mechanism of action

Hippocampal neurogenesis has widely been linked to memory and learning performance. New neurons generated from neural stem cells (NSC) within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (DG) integrate in hippocampal circuitry participating in memory tasks. Several neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders show cognitive impairment together with a reduction in DG neurogenesis. Growth factors secreted within the DG promote neurogenesis. Protein kinases of the protein kinase C (PKC) family facilitate the release of several of these growth factors, highlighting the role of PKC isozymes as key target molecules for the development of drugs that induce hippocampal neurogenesis. PKC activating diterpenes have been shown to facilitate NSC proliferation in neurogenic niches when injected intracerebroventricularly. We show in here that long-term administration of diterpene ER272 promotes neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and in the DG of mice, affecting neuroblasts differentiation and neuronal maturation. A concomitant improvement in learning and spatial memory tasks performance can be observed. Insights into the mechanism of action reveal that this compound facilitates classical PKC alpha activation and promotes transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) and, to a lesser extent, neuregulin release. Our results highlight the role of this molecule in the development of pharmacological drugs to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with memory loss and a deficient neurogenesis

Campus virtuales : revista científica iberoamericana de tecnología educativa

Resumen basado en el de la publicaciónResumen en inglésSe analiza el desarrollo y uso del blog personal, realizado por el alumnado de forma individual, como recurso didáctico complementario a la docencia presencial y basado en el aprendizaje en el aula. Los objetivos de la actividad eran: aumentar la motivación del alumnado, fomentar un aprendizaje activo, autónomo y reflexivo y utilizar este recurso como sistema de evaluación. Tras finalizar la experiencia el alumnado respondió a un cuestionario en el que se planteaban diversas preguntas relacionadas con la motivación, la facilidad del uso de la herramienta docente o la adquisición de competencias. Tras el análisis de los resultados obtenidos se concluye que esta herramienta permite cumplir satisfactoriamente con los objetivos marcadosES

El blog personal como herramienta de consolidación del aprendizaje y evaluación

Without dismissing the educational quality, it is necessary for university teachers, to implement new tools to keep the educational space updated, adapting to the digital environment in which students move, independently to the virtualization of subjects. This work analyzes the development and use of a personal blog, carried out individually by students, as a complementary didactic resource to face to face teaching and based on classroom learning. objectives: increase student motivation, promote active, autonomous and reflecting learning and also, use this resource as an evaluation system. After finishing the experience, the students answered a questionnaire in which various questions related with motivation, the ease of use of the tool or the acquisition of competences were posed. After analyzing the results obtained, it is concluded that this tool allows satisfactory fulfillment of the objectives set.Sin disminuir la calidad educativa, es necesario que los docentes universitarios implementen nuevas herramientas para mantener actualizado el espacio educativo adaptándose al entorno digital en el que se mueven los estudiantes, y eso independientemente del grado de virtualización de las asignaturas. En este trabajo se analiza el desarrollo y uso del blog personal, realizado por el alumnado de forma individual, como recurso didáctico complementario a la docencia presencial y basado en el aprendizaje en el aula. objetivos: aumentar la motivación del alumnado, fomentar un aprendizaje activo, autónomo y reflexivo y utilizar este recurso como sistema de evaluación. Tras finalizar la experiencia el alumnado respondió a un cuestionario en el que se planteaban diversas preguntas relacionadas con la motivación, la facilidad del uso de la herramienta docente o la adquisición de competencias. Tras el análisis de los resultados obtenidos se concluye que esta herramienta permite cumplir satisfactoriamente con los objetivos marcados