RESUMEN
Introducción: La teoría de la mente (TM) está involucrada en la cognición social, ya que evalúa nuestra capacidad para atribuir estados mentales a los demás con el fin de predecir y explicar el comportamiento. En la bibliografía, se ha observado que los niños con trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (TDAH) muestran algunas alteraciones en la TM en comparación con los niños sin problemas de neurodesarrollo. Nuestro objetivo en este estudio fue comparar la TM en dos grupos: niños en edad escolar con desarrollo normal y niños en edad escolar con TDAH. Sujetos y métodos: Se reclutó a 35 niños con edades comprendidas entre los 6 y los 12 años: 17 con TDAH y 18 sin problemas de neurodesarrollo. La TM se evaluó utilizando un método de evaluación validado para la población portuguesa: Tortuga en la Isla-Batería de Evaluación de Funciones Ejecutivas en Niños. Resultados: Obtuvimos dos grupos comparables en cuanto a datos sociodemográficos. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en cuanto a la TM. Conclusiones: La evaluación de la TM en niños portugueses no reveló alteraciones significativas en esta habilidad cognitiva en niños con TDAH.(AU)
Introduction: Theory of mind (TM) is involved in social cognition, as it evaluates our ability to impute our mental states to the others in order to predict and explain behaviour. In the literature, it has been noticed that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show some impairments of TM when compared with children not neurodevelopmental impaired. Our goal in this study was to compare the TM in two groups: schooler children with normal development and schooler children with ADHD. Subjects and methods: A total of 35 children, aged between 6 and 12 years, were recruited: 17 with ADHD and 18 not neurodevelopmental impaired. TM was evaluated using an assessment method validated for the Portuguese population: Turtle on the Island-Battery of Assessment of Executive Functions in Children. Results: We obtained two comparable groups concerning sociodemographic data. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding TM. Conclusion: The TM assessment in Portuguese children did not reveal significant impairment regarding this cognitive skill in children with ADHD.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Teoría de la Mente , Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad , Función Ejecutiva , Trastornos Neurocognitivos , Neuropsiquiatría , Desarrollo Infantil , Neurología , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso , Estudios Transversales , PortugalRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Theory of mind (TM) is involved in social cognition, as it evaluates our ability to impute our mental states to the others in order to predict and explain behaviour. In the literature, it has been noticed that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show some impairments of TM when compared with children not neurodevelopmental impaired. Our goal in this study was to compare the TM in two groups: schooler children with normal development and schooler children with ADHD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 35 children, aged between 6 and 12 years, were recruited: 17 with ADHD and 18 not neurodevelopmental impaired. TM was evaluated using an assessment method validated for the Portuguese population: Turtle on the Island-Battery of Assessment of Executive Functions in Children. RESULTS: We obtained two comparable groups concerning sociodemographic data. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding TM. CONCLUSION: The TM assessment in Portuguese children did not reveal significant impairment regarding this cognitive skill in children with ADHD.
TITLE: Teoría de la mente en niños con trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad.Introducción. La teoría de la mente (TM) está involucrada en la cognición social, ya que evalúa nuestra capacidad para atribuir estados mentales a los demás con el fin de predecir y explicar el comportamiento. En la bibliografía, se ha observado que los niños con trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (TDAH) muestran algunas alteraciones en la TM en comparación con los niños sin problemas de neurodesarrollo. Nuestro objetivo en este estudio fue comparar la TM en dos grupos: niños en edad escolar con desarrollo normal y niños en edad escolar con TDAH. Sujetos y métodos. Se reclutó a 35 niños con edades comprendidas entre los 6 y los 12 años: 17 con TDAH y 18 sin problemas de neurodesarrollo. La TM se evaluó utilizando un método de evaluación validado para la población portuguesa: Tortuga en la Isla-Batería de Evaluación de Funciones Ejecutivas en Niños. Resultados. Obtuvimos dos grupos comparables en cuanto a datos sociodemográficos. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en cuanto a la TM. Conclusiones. La evaluación de la TM en niños portugueses no reveló alteraciones significativas en esta habilidad cognitiva en niños con TDAH.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad , Teoría de la Mente , Humanos , Función EjecutivaRESUMEN
Rice is vital for food security. Due to its tropical origin, rice suffers from cold temperatures that affect its entire life cycle. Key genes have been identified involved in cold tolerance. WRKYs are generally downstream of the MAPK cascade and can act together with VQ proteins to regulate stress-responsive genes. Chilling treatment was applied at germination to two rice genotypes (tolerant and sensitive). Shoots at S3 stage were collected for RNA-seq to identify OsWRKY, OsMAPKs and OsVQs expression. Relationships among MAPKs, WRKYs and VQs were predicted through correlation analysis. OsWRKY transcriptional regulation was predicted by in silico analysis of cis-regulatory elements. A total of 39 OsWRKYs were differentially expressed. OsWRKY21, OsWRK24 and OsWRKY69 are potential positive regulators, while OsWRKY10, OsWRK47, OsWRKY62, OsWRKY72 and OsWRKY77 are potential negative regulators, of chilling tolerance. 12 OsMAPKs were differentially expressed. OsMAPKs were downregulated and negatively correlated with the upregulated OsWRKYs in the tolerant genotype. 19 OsVQs were differentially expressed, three and six OsVQs were positively correlated with OsWRKYs in the tolerant and sensitive genotypes, respectively. Seven differentially expressed OsWRKYs have cold-responsive elements in their promoters and five upregulated OsWRKYs in the tolerant genotype contained the W-box motif. Chilling causes changes in OsWRKY, OsMAPK and OsVQ gene expression at germination. OsWRKYs may not act downstream of the MAPK cascade to coordinate chilling tolerance, but OsWRKYs may act with VQs to regulate chilling tolerance. Candidate OsWRKYs are correlated and have a W-box in the promoter, suggesting an auto-regulation mechanism.
Asunto(s)
Oryza , Escalofríos , Frío , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Germinación/genética , Oryza/genética , Factores de Transcripción/genética , TranscriptomaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience changing routines as a major challenge. For that reason, the need for adaptation during COVID-19 pandemic may have brought major problems to families with children with this pathology. AIM: To explore how children with ASD and their parents experienced the social isolation during COVID-19 outbreak period. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. We applied an anonymous questionnaire that included children's demographic and clinical characteristics, along with the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in different aspects of family's daily life. RESULTS: Out of 99 questionnaires obtained, 43 were related to children with ASD and 56 to control group. Children with ASD predominantly had changes in behavior, while children from control group mostly found no changes. The majority of parents of ASD children reported a negative impact in emotion management against those in control group reporting mostly positive or no impact. Caregivers reported higher mean scores of anxiety levels in themselves than in their children. ASD children and their parents had higher levels of anxiety than healthy ones. In the group with ASD, children that did not maintain routines had higher mean levels of anxiety than children that maintained routines. CONCLUSION: Our results show a potential important psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic not only in children with neurodevelopmental disorders but in their caregivers as well. Physicians must be prepared for the post-pandemic surveillance of mental disorders among families.
TITLE: Impacto de la COVID-19 en niños con trastorno del espectro autista.Introducción. Los niños con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) a menudo experimentan el cambio de rutinas como un desafío importante. La necesidad de adaptación durante la pandemia por la COVID-19 puede haber causado problemas a estos niños. Objetivo. Conocer cómo vivieron los niños con TEA y sus familias el aislamiento social durante la cuarentena. Sujetos y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal y analítico. Se aplicó un cuestionario anónimo que incluía las características demográficas y clínicas de los niños, junto con el impacto que tuvo la pandemia en diferentes aspectos de la vida diaria de las familias. Resultados. De los 99 cuestionarios obtenidos, 43 eran niños con TEA y 56 niños del grupo control. Los niños con TEA tuvieron predominantemente cambios en el comportamiento, a diferencia de los del grupo control. La mayoría de los niños con TEA tuvo un impacto negativo en el manejo de las emociones frente a los del grupo control, que expresaron un impacto mayoritariamente positivo/nulo. Los cuidadores puntuaron niveles de ansiedad más altos en ellos mismos que en sus hijos. Los niños con TEA y sus padres tenían niveles más altos de ansiedad que los controles. En el grupo con TEA, los niños que no mantuvieron las rutinas tuvieron niveles de ansiedad más altos. Conclusión. Los resultados muestran un potencial impacto psicológico de la pandemia de la COVID-19 no sólo en los niños con trastornos del neurodesarrollo, sino también en sus cuidadores. Debe estarse preparado para la vigilancia de los trastornos mentales en las familias tras la pandemia de la COVID-19.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno del Espectro Autista/psicología , Betacoronavirus , Infecciones por Coronavirus/psicología , Pandemias , Neumonía Viral/psicología , Adaptación Psicológica , Adolescente , Ansiedad/etiología , COVID-19 , Cuidadores/psicología , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Emociones , Femenino , Humanos , Aprendizaje , Masculino , Padres/psicología , Cuarentena/psicología , SARS-CoV-2 , Estrés Psicológico/etiología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
AIMS: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens in hospital environment and community. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) production is clinically associated with skin abscesses, soft tissues infections, bacteraemia and sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the presence of genes lukF/S-PV coding for PVL, in histological and haematological features during systemic infection, using a Swiss mice experimental model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Experiments were performed using 25 mice distributed into five experimental groups, intravenously inoculated with 50 µl suspensions at density 1·0 × 107 CFU per ml of strains: methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and pvl-negative strains isolated from nasal colonization; MSSA pvl-positive strains isolated from nasal colonization; methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and pvl-positive strains isolated from peripheral blood of a patient with severe pulmonary infection; and a MRSA pvl-positive strains isolated from a peripheral blood culture of a patient with bacteraemia. Haematological analysis was performed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-infection. Morphoanatomy and histopathological analyses were performed at 96 h post-infection. For all S. aureus strains tested, the capability of intravenous dissemination and survival into mice tissues was demonstrated. Inflammatory processes at different levels were related to the presence of pvl genes, and included alterations in the format, size and colour of the organs. Staphylococcus aureus pvl-positive strains were detected in greater numbers in the organs of the infected animals. CONCLUSIONS: The pvl-positive strains isolated from blood cultures were capable to induce the greatest modifications in both haematological and histopathological profiles, and seemed to aggravate the systemic infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings are valuable in characterizing infections caused by S. aureus in humans and murine.
Asunto(s)
Toxinas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Exotoxinas/metabolismo , Leucocidinas/metabolismo , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/patogenicidad , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/patología , Animales , Bacteriemia/microbiología , Bacteriemia/patología , Toxinas Bacterianas/genética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Exotoxinas/genética , Humanos , Leucocidinas/genética , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/genética , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/crecimiento & desarrollo , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/metabolismo , Ratones , Staphylococcus aureus/genética , Staphylococcus aureus/crecimiento & desarrollo , Staphylococcus aureus/metabolismo , Staphylococcus aureus/patogenicidadRESUMEN
Iron (Fe) is an essential microelement for all living organisms playing important roles in several metabolic reactions. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is commonly cultivated in paddy fields, where Fe goes through a reduction reaction from Fe3+ to Fe2+. Since Fe2+ is more soluble, it can reach toxic levels inside plant cells, constituting an important target for studies. Here we aimed to verify morphological changes of different rice genotypes focusing on deciphering the underlying molecular network induced upon Fe excess treatments with special emphasis on the role of four WRKY transcription factors. The transcriptional response peak of these WRKY transcription factors in rice seedlings occurs at 4 days of exposition to iron excess. OsWRKY55-like, OsWRKY46, OsWRKY64, and OsWRKY113 are up-regulated in BR IRGA 409, an iron-sensitive genotype, while in cultivars Nipponbare (moderately resistant) and EPAGRI 108 (resistant) the expression profiles of these transcription factors show similar behaviors. Here is also shown that some cis-regulatory elements known to be involved in other different stress responses can be linked to conditions of iron excess. Overall, here we support the role of WRKY transcription factors in iron stress tolerance with other important steps toward finding why some rice genotypes are more tolerant than others.
Asunto(s)
Hierro/metabolismo , Oryza/genética , Fenotipo , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Factores de Transcripción/genética , Genoma de Planta , Hierro/toxicidad , Oryza/metabolismo , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Estrés Fisiológico , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismoRESUMEN
The identity of the protein antigens targeted by anti-cytoplasmic antibodies in lupus was discovered 30 years ago. These antigens are three acidic ribosomal phosphoproteins, P0, P1, and P2. Precise identification of the shared epitope on these three proteins enabled sensitive and specific immunoassays to be developed. Anti-P antibodies are highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and occur in 15%-35% of patients, depending on ethnicity as well as the age of onset. Increased frequencies of detection of anti-P have been reported in childhood SLE as well as in neuropsychiatric, renal, and hepatic disease. While longitudinal studies by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) consortium supported the association of anti-P with neuropsychiatric lupus, the predictive value of antibody determination remains controversial. This is likely explained by the heterogeneity of neuropsychiatric lupus as well as by the different methodologies used for assay. A number of experimental studies have suggested a direct pathogenic role for anti-P antibodies in brain disease. Findings include cross reactivity between anti-P and a neuronal surface antigen, which was detected in areas of the brain involved in memory, cognition, and emotion. Direct injection of anti-P antibodies into the brains of rodents was also associated with abnormal electrical activity and behavioral disturbances. Taken together, research over the last 30 years has established anti-P antibodies as a useful diagnostic marker of SLE and at least a subset of patients with neuropsychiatric disease. Further research is required to fine tune the association of anti-P with clinical manifestations and establish beyond high probability a pathophysiologic role for the antibodies.
Asunto(s)
Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Fosfoproteínas/inmunología , Proteínas Ribosómicas/inmunología , Factores de Edad , Animales , Autoanticuerpos/sangre , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Epítopos/inmunología , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/etnología , Vasculitis por Lupus del Sistema Nervioso Central/etnología , Vasculitis por Lupus del Sistema Nervioso Central/inmunologíaRESUMEN
Objective Anti-ribosomal P antibodies (anti-P) are strongly associated with neuropsychiatric lupus. This study was designed to determine whether these antibodies are capable of causing electro-oscillogram (EOSG) and behavior alterations in rats. Methods IgG fraction anti-P positive and affinity-purified anti-P antibodies were injected intraventricularly in rats. Sequential cortical and subcortical EOSGs were analyzed during 30 days. IgG anti-Ro/SS-A and normal IgG were used as controls. Results All 13 animals injected with IgG anti-P demonstrated a high prevalence of polyspikes, diffusely distributed in hippocampal fields and cerebral cortex. These abnormalities persisted approximately a month. Remarkably, an identical electrical disturbance was observed with the inoculation of affinity-purified anti-P antibodies. The EOSG alterations were associated with behavioral disorders with varying degrees of severity in every animal injected with anti-P. In contrast, no changes in EOSG or behavioral disturbances were observed in the control group. Conclusion Our study indicates that anti-P antibodies can directly induce electrophysiological dysfunction in central nervous system particularly in hippocampus and cortex associated with behavior disturbances.
Asunto(s)
Encéfalo/fisiopatología , Inmunoglobulina G/administración & dosificación , Ventrículos Laterales/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Trastornos Mentales/inducido químicamente , Proteínas Ribosómicas/inmunología , Animales , Autoanticuerpos/administración & dosificación , Autoanticuerpos/efectos adversos , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Cerebral/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Cerebral/fisiopatología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Hipocampo/fisiopatología , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/efectos adversos , Inyecciones , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/fisiopatología , Masculino , Trastornos Mentales/fisiopatología , RatasRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To assess ovarian reserve markers and anti-corpus luteum antibodies (anti-CoL) in adult patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE). METHOD: Fifty-seven adult c-SLE female patients and 21 healthy controls were evaluated for anti-CoL. Ovarian reserve was assessed by: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and antral follicle count (AFC). Demographic data, menstrual abnormalities, disease activity, damage, and treatment were also analysed. RESULTS: The median current age was similar in adult c-SLE patients and controls (27.7 vs. 27.7 years, p = 0.414). The medians of AMH (1.1 vs. 1.5 ng/mL, p = 0.037) and AFC (6 vs. 16, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in SLE patients compared to controls without significant menstrual abnormalities. Anti-CoL were solely observed in c-SLE patients (16% vs. 0%, p = 0.103) and were not associated with demographic data, ovarian reserve parameters, disease activity/damage, and treatment. Further evaluation of c-SLE patients treated with cyclophosphamide revealed a higher median of FSH levels compared to c-SLE patients not treated with cyclophosphamide and controls (8.8 vs. 5.7 vs. 5.6 IU/L, p = 0.032) and lower median AMH (0.4 vs. 1.5 vs. 1.5 ng/mL, p = 0.004) and AFC (4.0 vs. 6.5 vs. 16 IU/L, p = 0.001) levels. Nineteen patients treated exclusively with methotrexate demonstrated a negative correlation between the cumulative dose and AMH levels (p = 0.027, r = -0.507). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated for the first time that a high cumulative methotrexate dose is a possible cause of subclinical ovarian dysfunction in adult c-SLE patients. Further studies are required to confirm this deleterious effect in other rheumatic diseases, particularly juvenile idiopathic arthritis and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.
Asunto(s)
Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Metotrexato/efectos adversos , Reserva Ovárica/efectos de los fármacos , Adolescente , Adulto , Hormona Antimülleriana/sangre , Cuerpo Lúteo/inmunología , Ciclofosfamida/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Hormona Folículo Estimulante/sangre , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report is to conduct short- and long-term evaluation of a large panel of antiphospholipid (aPL) autoantibodies following pandemic influenza A/H1N1 non-adjuvant vaccine in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Forty-five PAPS and 33 healthy controls were immunized with H1N1 vaccine. They were prospectively assessed at pre-vaccination, and three weeks and six months after vaccination. aPL autoantibodies were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and included IgG/IgM: anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2glycoprotein I (anti-ß2GPI); anti-annexin V, anti-phosphatidyl serine and anti-prothrombin antibodies. Anti-Sm was determined by ELISA and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) by indirect immunofluorescence. Arterial and venous thrombosis were also clinically assessed. RESULTS: Pre-vaccination frequency of at least one aPL antibody was significantly higher in PAPS patients versus controls (58% vs. 24%, p = 0.0052). The overall frequencies of aPL antibody at pre-vaccination, and three weeks and six months after immunization remained unchanged in patients (p = 0.89) and controls (p = 0.83). The frequency of each antibody specificity for patients and controls remained stable in the three evaluated periods (p > 0.05). At three weeks, two PAPS patients developed a new but transient aPL antibody (aCL IgG and IgM), whereas at six months new aPL antibodies were observed in six PAPS patients and none had high titer. Anti-Sm and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies were uniformly negative and no new arterial or venous thrombosis were observed throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that pandemic influenza vaccine in PAPS patients does not trigger short- and long-term thrombosis or a significant production of aPL-related antibodies (ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT01151644).
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antifosfolípidos/sangre , Síndrome Antifosfolípido/sangre , Vacunas contra la Influenza/inmunología , Gripe Humana/epidemiología , Gripe Humana/prevención & control , Pandemias , Adulto , Anexina A5/inmunología , Anticuerpos Anticardiolipina/sangre , Anticuerpos Antinucleares/sangre , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Subtipo H1N1 del Virus de la Influenza A/inmunología , Vacunas contra la Influenza/efectos adversos , Gripe Humana/virología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fosfatidilserinas/inmunología , Estudios Prospectivos , Protrombina/inmunología , Trombosis/inducido químicamente , Factores de Tiempo , Vacunación/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Proteinuria is a major feature of lupus nephritis (LN) and reflects podocyte injury. Analysis of podocyte biomarkers was performed attempting to identify if podocyte phenotype is distinct in pure membranous and proliferative LN. Expression of synaptopodin, Wilms tumor protein 1 (WT1), glomerular epithelial protein 1 (GLEPP1) and nephrin was evaluated in 52 LN biopsies by immunohistochemistry. Preserved synaptopodin expression was observed in only 10 (19.2%) of all biopsies while 42 (80.8%) had reduced expression. Both groups had comparable proteinuria at the time of biopsy (p = 0.22); however, in the mean follow-up of four years there was a tendency toward lower mean levels of proteinuria in patients with preserved synaptopodin staining (0.26±0.23 vs. 0.84±0.90 g/24 h, p = 0.05) compared with those with diminished expression. Thirty-nine (75%) biopsies were classified as proliferative and 13 (25%) as pure membranous. Comparison of podocyte biomarkers demonstrated a predominance of preserved staining of synaptopodin (69.2%), WT1 (69.2%), GLEPP1 (53.9%) and nephrin (60%) in the pure membranous group whereas only <10% of the proliferative showed preserved expression. Our data suggest that in proliferative forms there seems to occur structural podocyte damage, whereas in the pure membranous the predominant preserved pattern suggests a dysfunctional podocyte lesion that may account for the better long-term prognosis of proteinuria outcome.
Asunto(s)
Proliferación Celular , Glomerulonefritis Membranoproliferativa/etiología , Glomerulonefritis Membranosa/etiología , Nefritis Lúpica/etiología , Podocitos/patología , Proteinuria/etiología , Adulto , Biomarcadores/análisis , Biopsia , Femenino , Glomerulonefritis Membranoproliferativa/metabolismo , Glomerulonefritis Membranoproliferativa/patología , Glomerulonefritis Membranosa/metabolismo , Glomerulonefritis Membranosa/patología , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Nefritis Lúpica/metabolismo , Nefritis Lúpica/patología , Masculino , Proteínas de la Membrana/análisis , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/análisis , Persona de Mediana Edad , Podocitos/química , Pronóstico , Proteinuria/metabolismo , Proteinuria/patología , Proteínas Tirosina Fosfatasas Clase 3 Similares a Receptores/análisis , Factores de Tiempo , Proteínas WT1/análisis , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Aging causes several physiological alterations, including alterations in sleep. It is possible that difficulty sleeping can be exacerbated by increased inflammation in older individuals. Moderate exercise training may be a modality of non-pharmacological treatment for sleep disorders and inflammation. We aimed to assess the effects of moderate exercise training on sleep in elderly people as well as their cytokine profiles. Additionally, we examined the effect of exercise training on quality of life parameters using a SF-36 questionnaire. Twenty-two male, sedentary, healthy, elderly volunteers performed moderate training for 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 24 week at a work rate equivalent to their ventilatory aerobic threshold. The environment was kept at a temperature of 23 ± 2°C, with a humidity of 60 ± 5%. Blood and polysomnograph were collected twice: at baseline (1 week before training began) and after 6 months of training. Training increased aerobic capacity parameters (p<0.0001), decreased REM latency (p<0.02), and decreased time awake (p<0.05). After training, the levels of IL-6 (p<0.0001) and TNF-α (p<0.0001) and the ratio of TNF-α/IL-10 (p<0.0001) were decreased, whereas IL-10 levels were increased after training (p<0.001). Furthermore, exercise training was shown to improve quality of life parameters. Our results suggest that 6 months of training can improve sleep in the elderly and is related to the anti-inflammatory effect of moderate training, which modifies cytokine profiles.
Asunto(s)
Envejecimiento/fisiología , Citocinas/sangre , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Calidad de Vida , Sueño/fisiología , Anciano , Composición Corporal , Terapia por Ejercicio , Humanos , Inflamación , Masculino , Conducta Sedentaria , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Aging and physical inactivity are 2 factors that favour the development of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. In contrast, adopting a habitual moderate exercise routine may be a nonpharmacological treatment alternative for neuroendocrine aging disorders. We aimed to assess the effects of moderate exercise training on the metabolic profiles of elderly people with sedentary lifestyles. Fourteen sedentary, healthy, elderly male volunteers participated in a moderate training regimen for 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 24 weeks at a work rate equivalent to their ventilatory aerobic threshold. The environment was maintained at a temperature of 23±2°C, with a humidity of 60±5%. Blood samples for analysis were collected at 3 intervals: at baseline (1 week before training began), and 3 and 6 months after training. The training promoted increased aerobic capacity (relative VO(2), and time and velocity to VO(2)max; (p<0.05)) and reduced serum α-MSH (p<0.05) after 3 months of training when compared with the baseline data. In addition, serum thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) was reduced after 6 months of training compared with baseline levels. Our results demonstrate that a moderate exercise training protocol improves the metabolic profile of older people, and metabolic adaptation is dependent on time.
Asunto(s)
Ejercicio Físico , Hormonas/sangre , Anciano , Conducta Alimentaria , Humanos , Leptina/sangre , Masculino , Neuropéptido Y/sangre , Consumo de Oxígeno , Hormonas Tiroideas/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To perform systematic assessment of ovarian reserve markers using a combination of tests in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients without amenorrhoea. METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutive JSLE female patients and 13 healthy controls without amenorrhoea were evaluated for 6 months. Ovarian reserve was assessed during early follicular phase by serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), estradiol, inhibin A, inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Ovarian size was measured by abdominal ultrasonography. Demographic data, disease activity, damage and treatment were also analysed. RESULTS: The median of current age was similar in JSLE patients and controls (16.5 vs. 15years, p=0.31) with a significantly higher age at menarche (13 vs. 12years, p=0.03). A trend of lower median total antral follicle count was observed in JSLE compared to controls (9 vs. 14.5, p=0.062) with similar median of other ovarian reserve parameters (p>0.05). Further evaluation of patients treated with cyclophosphamide and those without this treatment revealed a higher median FSH levels (6.4 vs. 4.6 IU/L, p=0.023). Inhibin B, AMH levels and ovarian volume were also lower but did not reach statistical significance (10.8 vs. 27.6 pg/mL, p=0.175; 0.6 vs. 1.5 ng/mL, p=0.276; 3.4 vs. 5 cm3, p=0.133; respectively). LH (2.7 vs. 2.9 IU/L, p=0.43), estradiol (50 vs. 38 pg/mL, p=0.337) and inhibin A (1.1 vs. 0 pg/mL, p=0.489) levels were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that ovarian reserve after cyclophosphamide treatment may be hampered in spite of the presence of menstrual cycles emphasising the relevance of gonadal protection during the use of this alkylating agent.
Asunto(s)
Ciclofosfamida/efectos adversos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades del Ovario/inducido químicamente , Ovario/efectos de los fármacos , Ovario/fisiología , Adolescente , Hormona Antimülleriana/sangre , Antirreumáticos/administración & dosificación , Antirreumáticos/efectos adversos , Niño , Ciclofosfamida/administración & dosificación , Estradiol/sangre , Femenino , Hormona Folículo Estimulante/sangre , Humanos , Inhibinas/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/fisiopatología , Hormona Luteinizante/sangre , Menarquia/efectos de los fármacos , Menarquia/fisiología , Enfermedades del Ovario/sangre , Enfermedades del Ovario/fisiopatología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To our knowledge, no study assessed simultaneously a variety of organ-specific autoantibodies and the prevalence of organ-specific autoimmune diseases in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate organ-specific autoantibodies and autoimmune diseases in JSLE and JDM patients. METHODS: Forty-one JSLE and 41 JDM patients were investigated for autoantibodies associated with autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), autoimmune gastritis and coeliac disease (CD). Patients with positive antibodies were investigated for the respective organ-specific autoimmune diseases. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was higher in JSLE compared to JDM patients (10.3±3.4 vs. 7.3±3.1years, p=0.0001). The frequencies of organ-specific autoantibodies were similar in JSLE and JDM patients (p>0.05). Of note, a high prevalence of T1DM and AT autoantibodies was observed in both groups (20% vs. 15%, p=0.77 and 24% vs. 15%, p=0.41; respectively). Higher frequencies of ANA (93% vs. 59%, p=0.0006), anti-dsDNA (61% vs. 2%, p<0.0001), anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-La and IgG-aCL were observed in JSLE (p<0.05). Organ-specific autoimmune diseases were evidenced only in JSLE patients (24% vs. 0%, p=0.13). Two JSLE patients had T1DM associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis and another had subclinical thyroiditis. Another JSLE patient had CD diagnosis based on iron deficiency anaemia, anti-endomysial antibody, duodenal biopsy compatible to CD and response to a gluten-free diet. CONCLUSIONS: Organ-specific diseases were observed solely in JSLE patients and required specific therapy. The presence of these antibodies recommends the evaluation of organ-specific diseases and a rigorous follow-up.
Asunto(s)
Autoanticuerpos/inmunología , Dermatomiositis/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Adolescente , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/inmunología , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) is the main agent related to post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and it is also associated with other syndromes affecting pigs. Not all pigs infected with PCV-2 will develop PMWS and the incidence of PMWS is higher when coinfecting viral and bacterial pathogens are present. In this study, PCV-2 viral loads were evaluated in the tissues of animals with and without PMWS in order to investigate the relationship between viral load and microscopical lesions. Lymph nodes had the highest average viral load, but there was no significant difference between lesion severity and the viral load in these structures. There was no significant difference between the average viral load in inguinal lymph nodes of animals with and without PMWS. However, samples from pigs with PMWS had more severe lesions compared with samples from non-PMWS animals. These findings suggest that other infectious and non-infectious cofactors may be important in the pathogenesis of PMWS.
Asunto(s)
Circovirus/fisiología , Síndrome Multisistémico de Emaciación Posdestete Porcino/patología , Animales , Circovirus/aislamiento & purificación , ADN Viral/análisis , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno , Ganglios Linfáticos/patología , Ganglios Linfáticos/virología , Síndrome Multisistémico de Emaciación Posdestete Porcino/virología , Porcinos , Carga ViralRESUMEN
The antichromatin antibody (aCT) has been described as a useful marker for lupus nephropathy. The relevance of its nephritogenic potential may be appropriately evaluated in the context of renal histopathology. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship of aCT with a particular histopathologic class of lupus nephritis (LN). Seventy-eight consecutive patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (ACR criteria) and active nephritis who underwent renal biopsy from 1999 to 2004 and with available frozen serum sample obtained at the time of biopsy were selected. aCT was measured by ELISA, and anti-dsDNA was measured by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and by ELISA. All renal biopsies were revised in a blinded manner by the same expert renal pathologist. Charts were extensively reviewed for demographic and renal features obtained at the time of biopsy. The prevalence of aCT (>or=20 U) was 59% with a mean titer of 74.3 +/- 38.7 U. Both aCT-positive and aCT-negative groups of patients had similar age, gender distribution, duration of lupus, and duration of renal disease. Anti-dsDNA was detected by IIF in 29.5% and by ELISA in 42.3% of the patients. Concomitant presence of both antibodies was observed in 63% (29/46) [anti-dsDNA by ELISA] and 45.6% (21/46) [anti-dsDNA by IIF] of the patients. Lower serum levels of C3 (73% vs. 40%, P = 0.0058) and C4 (82% vs. 46.7%, P = 0.0021) were more commonly observed in aCT >or= 20 U patients compared to the aCT-negative group. It is important to note that the use of a higher cut-off value (>or=40 U) for aCT test revealed a predominance of class IV LN (58% vs. 33%, P = 0.039) in aCT >or= 40 U compared to aCT < 40 U group. The mean levels of proteinuria, serum albumin, and creatinine were markedly altered but were comparable in both groups (P >or= 0.05). One fourth (26.3%) of the 19 patients with class IV LN and aCT >or= 40 U had no detectable anti-dsDNA (ELISA). These data suggest that high-titer aCT seems to be a valuable biomarker for proliferative class IV of LN.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antinucleares/sangre , Riñón/patología , Nefritis Lúpica/diagnóstico , Nefritis Lúpica/patología , Adulto , Biomarcadores/sangre , Estudios de Cohortes , Femenino , Humanos , Pruebas de Función Renal , Nefritis Lúpica/sangre , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to examine the association between the scores of the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) and BMI in a sample of Portuguese children. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 240 children (123 females and 117 males) aged 3-13 years were recruited from clinic and community-based settings. Parents completed the CEBQ to indicate their child's eating style for three 'food approach' and four 'food avoidant' sub-scales. Factor analyses revealed an underlying structure similar to the original CEBQ. Children's height and weight were measured to calculate BMI and Centre for Disease Control BMI z-scores. Hierarchical regression analyses controlling for gender, age and socioeconomic status indicated that all CEBQ sub-scales were significantly associated with BMI z-scores (P = 0.03 to < 0.001). Food approach scales were positively related to BMI z-scores (beta = 0.33-0.51) and food avoidance negatively related (beta = - 0.17 to - 0.46). Our results support the use of the CEBQ to further understand eating style as a behavioural pathway to obesity.
Asunto(s)
Índice de Masa Corporal , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales Infantiles , Conducta Alimentaria/fisiología , Adolescente , Apetito/fisiología , Niño , Preescolar , Métodos Epidemiológicos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidad/etiología , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Obesidad/psicología , Sobrepeso/etiología , Sobrepeso/fisiopatología , Sobrepeso/psicología , PsicometríaRESUMEN
A practical method to determine the heating and cooling curves of x-ray tube assemblies with rotating anode x-ray tube is proposed. Available procedures to obtain these curves as described in the literature are performed during operation of the equipment, and the precision of the method depends on the knowledge of the total energy applied in the system. In the present work we describe procedures which use a calorimetric system and do not require the operation of the x-ray equipment. The method was applied successfully to a x-ray tube assembly that was under test in our laboratory.
Asunto(s)
Calorimetría/instrumentación , Frío , Calor , Radiografía/instrumentación , Calibración , Calorimetría/métodos , Diseño de Equipo , Calefacción , Humanos , Modelos Estadísticos , Teoría Cuántica , Dosis de Radiación , Intensificación de Imagen Radiográfica , Radiografía/métodos , Tecnología Radiológica , Temperatura , Rayos XRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to verify the presence of anti-corpus luteum antibodies (anti-CoL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients, as well as establish its possible correlation with menstrual and/or hormonal disturbances in both populations and with SLE activity. Forty-six patients with SLE, 31 with HT, four with both SLE and HT, and 36 healthy women were studied. Out of these, seven (15.2%) patients with SLE, three (9.7%) with HT, three (75%) with both pathologies, and none of the healthy controls tested positive for anti-CoL. The presence of anti-CoL was not significantly correlated to menstrual disturbance (P = 0.083), changes in the level of follicle stimulating hormone (P = 1.0), luteinizing hormone (P = 0.284), estradiol (P = 0.316), prolactin (P = 1.0) or SLE activity measured by SLEDAI (P = 0.756) in SLE patients. There were not enough patients testing positive for anti-luteal antibodies among those with HT or both HT and SLE (three from each group) for a statistical analysis. In conclusion, we found no association between anti-CoL and menstrual or hormonal disturbance in patients with SLE. Also anti-CoL was not specific for SLE, and was not found to be a marker of ovarian failure in SLE.