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The description of a mealybug species found in Germany, Spinococcus kozari Schmutterer, 2002 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha), is considered invalid because no type material or depository were specified in the original literature. Here a valid description of the same species is provided under the name Peliococcus schmuttereri Caballero and Kaydan sp. n. following the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The species is redescribed, with a taxonomic illustration and microphotographs, an updated taxonomic key is provided, and type material and a depository are designated. With this record, the number of species of Peliococcus Borchsenius, 1948 is increased to 37 worldwide and the number of Peliococcus species present in Germany is increased to two, the second species being Peliococcus calluneti (Lindinger, 1912). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identifying code problem for a given graph involves finding a minimum subset of vertices such that each vertex of the graph is uniquely specified by its nonempty neighborhood within the identifying code. The combinatorial optimization problem has a wide variety of applications in location and detection schemes. Finding an identifying code of minimum possible size is a difficult task. In fact, it has been proven to be computationally intractable (NP-complete). Therefore, the use of heuristics to provide good approximations in a reasonable amount of time is justified. In this work, we present a new population-based local search algorithm for finding identifying codes of minimum cost. Computational experiments show that the proposed approach was found to be more effective than other state-of-the-art algorithms at generating high-quality solutions in different types of graphs with varying numbers of vertices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obscure mealybug Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is recorded for the first time from Colombia based on specimens collected on Opuntia cylindrica (Lam.) DC., Mammillaria sp. (Cactaceae), Escallonia paniculata (Ruiz & Pav.), Roem. & Schult. (Escalloniaceae), Ficus carica L. (Moraceae), Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), Citrus sp. (Rutaceae), Cestrum nocturnum L. and Solanum betaceum Cavanilles (Solanaceae). Multiple methods were used to identify P. viburni because it belongs to the "Pseudococcus maritimus" complex, a group composed of more than 60 species with high variation in morphological characteristics. The specimens were identified based on the morphology and morphometric analysis of third‐instar nymphs and adult females. This morphological identification was corroborated by data on geographical distribution, plant hosts and a molecular identification using two different loci, CO1 (mtDNA) and the 28S ribosomal gene (nuclear genome). An updated list of species of Pseudococcus Westwood recorded from Colombia and information on morphological variation found in the studied specimens from Brazil and Colombia are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redistricting is the process of partitioning a set of basic units into a given number of larger groups for electoral purposes. These groups must follow federal and state requirements to enhance fairness and minimize the impact of manipulating boundaries for political gain. In redistricting tasks, one of the most important criteria is equal population. As a matter of fact, redistricting plans can be rejected when the population deviation exceeds predefined limits. In the literature, there are several methods to balance population among districts. However, further discussion is needed to assess the effectiveness of these strategies. In this paper, we considered two different strategies, mean deviation and overall range. Additionally, a compactness measure is included to design well-shaped districts. In order to provide a wide set of redistricting plans that achieve good trade-offs between mean deviation, overall range, and compactness, we propose four multiobjective metaheuristic algorithms based on NSGA-II and SPEA-II. The proposed strategies were applied in California, Texas, and New York. Numerical results show that the proposed multiobjective approach can be a very valuable tool in any real redistricting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose High silicon amorphous steels are gaining preference as the material of choice for the fabrication of the core of low and medium power electrical transformers because they present a better electromagnetic behaviour compared to that offered by common grain-oriented and non-oriented high silicon steels. This study aims to investigate the effects that the environmental conditions present during the high temperature annealing of cores exert on the surface oxidation and electromagnetic changes experienced by a commercial amorphous steel alloy.Design/methodology/approach The effect of environmental impact on the correct development of annealing practices during the manufacture process of amorphous steel cores used in distribution transformers was studied by the development of an oxidation reactor. With this installation, it was possible to simulate environmental conditions that could affect the surface of magnetic cores made from amorphous steel.Findings It was found that: the surface oxidation of amorphous steels affects their electromagnetic behaviour, environmentally induced surface degradation can be modelled at laboratory scale and oxide formation does not affect the amorphous condition of the alloy.Originality/value The effect of surface oxidation induced by the existence of water vapour in the annealing process of cores made from amorphous steels and its impact on the electromagnetic behavior of these alloys has been barely studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to redefine certain aspects concerning the social bond and especially its degree of credibility and legitimacy regarding the issues of inheritance, transmission and establishment of an archetypal Ancestor or Ancestors. Below some issues are reflected upon regarding how the social bond is modified from new forms of subjectivity of elderly people who confront the inheritance they have received, for which they are no longer guarantors in some aspects, from an inheritance that has been transformed into cultural and social debt. It specifically states how the change in the form of construction of subjectivity in elderly people no longer holds them in place as transmitters, according to new forms and lifestyles that are tied more to the "present" than to the "past". The extent to which these factors override or redefine the social bond is then discussed. The context of this work concerns Latin America primarily, with some global references in order to better situate the complexity of the subject matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an assessment made in the area of Mathematics at all levels of a public elementary school, located in a marginalized area in Mexico City, the mayor problems were found in fifth and sixth grade, in the resolution of problems and fractions. Based on these results, was decided to apply in a group of sixth grade a program to appropriate the concept of fraction, designed under the bases of three aspects of the historic-cultural perspective: the invariants of the fraction concept, the collaborative job, and the action. There were 33 students (15 girls and 18 boys), between 10 years and 9 months and 11 years and 8 months. To measure the program effects an academic performance test of fractions was used, applied as a pre-test and post-test, and statistically significant differences between both applications were found. We also performed a qualitative assessment of the program by the method of observation and the application of questionnaires to the teacher and the students, in which positive results were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors compared the accuracy of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Clock Drawing Test scoring method with 8 standard Clock Drawing Test scoring methods in a Spanish speaking population of low educational level. A clinical group composed of 70 patients affected by dementia and 25 patients with memory complaints without dementia was compared with 72 controls matched for gender, age, and educational level. The clinical group was studied with standard neuropsychological instruments and neuroimaging. Clock Drawing Tests extracted from Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination were randomly distributed and scored by 2 independent raters. There were statistically significant differences between the different scoring methods. Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Clock Drawing Test scoring method obtained and optimal areas under the curve and interrater reliability, showing no statistical differences with previously standardized systems. In our population, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination and the methods of Cahn, Mendez, Rouleau, Shulman, and Sunderland were of optimal and equivalent usefulness regarding dementia detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which compared Mexican and U.S. patients with anorexia nervosa or bulimia on severity and types of preoccupations and rituals related to eating disorders and the motivation to change. Background of the study; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

Samples of animal feces were collected to determine the nutritional characteristics of: (1) feces from milking dairy cows, (2) feces from dry dairy cows, (3) piled feces from dairy cattle, (4) feces from fattening bulls, (5) piled feces from dry lot, (6) feces from growing pigs, (7) feces from finishing pigs, and (8) feces from bred sows. 10 samples of each type were collected and analyzed for dry matter (DM), minerals (MM), crude protein (CP), fiber fractions (cell walls, acid detergent fiber, lignin, celulose, hemicelulose and silica), in situ digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM), calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, cooper, manganese, zinc, iron, molybdenum and cobalt. Piled feces had higher dry matter content. CP content of swine feces was higher than that of bovines and also was higher (P<0.01) for feces from growins and finishing pigs compared with that of bred sows. Mineral content was consistently higher in piled feces compared with fresh material from dairy cattle of fattening bulls and also was higher for feces from bred sows than that of growing or finishing pigs. DM and OM digestibilities were higher for swine feces than for bovine, possibly for its lower content of cell wall constituents, particularly lignin. The content of mineral elements was very variable among type of samples and among samples of the same type; high levels of cooper were detected in feces from growing pigs, possibly do to utilization of cooper salts as growth promoters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 8 cumulative grams of methylprednisolone combined with doxycycline 50 mg/day for 12 weeks in patients with active Graves orbitopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quasiexperimental, prospective, longitudinal, before and after, open study, done from November 1st, 2016 to April 30th, 2017 at Endocrinology Department of Centro Medico Nacional La Raza, Mexico City. Patients with Graves orbitopathy with CAS (Clinical Activity Score) ≥ 3 points of the EUGOGO scale were included. RESULTS: There were included 15 patients, 9 women and 6 men, mean age 51.06 ± 9.75 years. The mean decrease in CAS was 2 points (95% CI, p < 0.001), the mean proptosis was 1 mm (95% CI, p = 0.002), the final GO-QOL total was 40-48% (95% CI, p < 0.001), 2 patients had sinusitis (95% CI, p = 0.14), 2 patients uroinfection (95% CI, p = 0.14) and 4 patients hyperglycemia (95% CI, p = 0.03); other side effects of medications there were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The combined scheme of methylprednisolone plus doxycycline causes a decrease in the severity and activity of Graves orbitopathy and improvement in quality of life without serious side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the immune system is dysregulated in schizophrenia, having a state similar to chronic neuroinflammation. The origin of this process is unknown, but it is known that T and B lymphocytes, which are components of the adaptive immune system, play an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms of schizophrenia. We analysed the membrane of PBMCs from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia through proteomic analysis (n = 5 schizophrenia and n = 5 control). We found the presence of the Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel and its auxiliary subunit β1 (KCNAB1) and β2 (KCNAB2). From a sample of 90 participants, we carried out a study on lymphocytes with whole-cell patch-clamp experiments (n = 7 schizophrenia and n = 5 control), western blot (n = 40 schizophrenia and n = 40 control) and confocal microscopy to evaluate the presence and function of different channels. Kv in both cells. We demonstrated the overexpression of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.6, Kv4.2, Kv4.3 and Kv7.2 channels in PBMCs from patients with schizophrenia. This study represents a groundbreaking exploration, as it involves an electrophysiological analysis performed on T and B lymphocytes from patients diagnosed of schizophrenia compared to healthy participants. We observed that B lymphocytes exhibited an increase in output current along with greater peak current amplitude and voltage conductance curves among patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. This study showed the importance of the B lymphocyte in schizophrenia. We know that the immune system is altered in schizophrenia, but the physiological mechanisms of this system are not very well known. We suggest that the B lymphocyte may be relevant in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and that it should be investigated in more depth, opening a new field of knowledge and possibilities for new treatments combining antipsychotics and immunomodulators. The limitation is that all participants received antipsychotic medication, which may have influenced the differences observed between patients and controls. This implies that more studies need to be done where the groups can be separated according to the antipsychotic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review is carried out to examine the risk of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus in the context of general morbidity and mortality and related to infection by SARS-CoV-2. Likewise, the general recommendations for food and the prevention of comorbidities that most these patients suffer most frequently are also studied. Finally, a review of the pharmacological recommendations on both oral and parenteral treatment in the outpatient, in hospitalization and in critical states infected with SARS-CoV-2 is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several works studied the elicitation of emotions through the exposure of individuals to relevant stimuli, using spectral analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) when people are subject to emotional elicitation. If correlation exists between HRV and emotional responses, spectral analysis can be used to study emotion regulation under external stimuli. In this work, we studied the relationship between visual elicitation and emotion regulation, employing HRV. Images (with pleasant, unpleasant and neutral emotional content) were selected from the IAPS (International Affective Picture System) dataset. Ninety-eight participants were enrolled, and subject to view all images, displayed in random order for each participant. Heart rate was recorded during the experiment, and HRV analysis was performed. Spectral values were studied for the different images. The presentation order of images was relevant, mainly when unpleasant images were viewed in first place; this significantly affects HRV values. Spectral values were higher for men, being this difference stronger when pleasant pictures were displayed. Age and gender dependences of spectral indexes were found. The influence of visual elicitation, with different emotional contents, over HRV, was assessed. Results indicate that HRV parameters are affected when individuals are subject to external, emotional-based stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have examined the elicitation of emotions by exposing individuals to relevant stimuli, using spectral analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). If a correlation exists between HRV and emotional responses, spectral analysis can be used to study emotion regulation by external stimuli. In this work, we studied the relationship between visual elicitation and emotion regulation, employing HRV. Images (with pleasant, unpleasant and neutral emotional content) were selected from the IAPS (International Affective Picture System) dataset. Ninety-eight participants were enrolled, and viewed all images, displayed in random order for each participant. Heart rate was recorded during the experiment, and HRV analysis was performed. Spectral values were studied for the response to different images. The presentation order of images was relevant, mainly when unpleasant images were viewed first; this significantly affects HRV values. Spectral values were higher for men, this increase was greater when pleasant pictures were displayed. Age and gender dependences of spectral indexes were found. The influence of visual elicitation, with different emotional content, on HRV, was assessed. Results indicate that HRV parameters are affected when individuals are subject to external, emotional-based stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical activity, exercise and wellness sector is rapidly growing and seems to be an exciting field for business and professional development with great potential globally. The purpose of this observational and cross-sectional study was to determine the most popular health and fitness trends in Southern Europe for the first time, including data from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus, and to investigate any potential differences in this area compared to the Pan-European and global fitness trends for 2023. A national online survey was conducted in five Southern European countries, using the methodology of similar regional and worldwide surveys conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine since 2007. In total, a web-based questionnaire was sent to 19,887 professionals who worked in the Southern European physical activity, exercise and wellness sector. A total of 2645 responses were collected from five national surveys with an overall mean response rate of 13.3%. The ten most important fitness trends in Southern Europe for 2023 were personal training, licensure for fitness professionals, exercise is medicine, employing certified fitness professionals, functional fitness training, small group training, hi gh-intensity interval training, fitness programs for older adults, post-rehabilitation classes and body weight training. The present findings are aligned with those reported for the European and worldwide fitness trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the negotiations in the Habana, Cuba, Colombia is facing the challenge of implementing a system of transitional justice which allows it to reach peace, but that also guarantees the rights of the victims of truth, justice, remedy and guarantees of non-repetition. This work has the purpose of creating a model of transitional justice for Colombia, bringing experiences from other countries with similar processes. The methodology will be centered in answering five questions: What do we punish? Whom do we punish? How do we punish (how much, how do we punish and who punishes)? What do we request and what do we offer? And for what do we punish? At the conclusion of the text, each one of the questions will be answered, creating a model that complies with all the international requirements Colombia is subject to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain extracellular matrix (ECM) is involved in crucial processes of neural support, neuronal and synaptic plasticity, extrasynaptic transmission, and neurotransmission. ECM is a tridimensional fibrillary meshwork composed of macromolecules that determine its bioactivity and give it unique characteristics. The characterization of the brain ECM is critical to understand its dynamic in SZ. Thus, a comparative study was developed with 71 patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and 70 healthy controls. Plasma of participants was analysed by label-free liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and the results were validated using the classical western blot method. Lastly, immunostaining of post-mortem human brain tissue was performed to analyse the distribution of the brain ECM proteins by confocal microscopy. The analysis identified four proteins: fibronectin, lumican, nidogen-1, and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) as components of the brain ECM. Statistical significance was found for fibronectin (P = 0.0166), SPARC (P = 0.0003), lumican (P = 0.0012), and nidogen-1 (P < 0.0001) that were decreased in the SZ group. Fluorescence imaging of prefrontal cortex (PFC) sections revealed a lower expression of ECM proteins in SZ. Our study proposes a pathophysiological dysregulation of proteins of the brain ECM, whose abnormal composition leads to a progressive neuronal impairment and consequently to neurodegenerative processes due to lack of neurophysiological support and dysregulation of neuronal homeostasis. Moreover, the brain ECM and its components are potential pharmacological targets to develop new therapeutic approaches to treat SZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction People with schizophrenia have deficits in the ability to identify emotions. An area of important dysfunction is the understanding of affective prosody, which can limit communication and social functionality. The objective of this study is to compare emotional recognition through prosody between a group of people with schizophrenia versus a control group without pathology, through the Reading the Mind in the Voice - Spanish Version scale (RMV-SV). Method A group of people with clinically stable schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was recruited (n = 62). They were compared with a control group (n = 63) in sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, intelligence quotient, and performance on RMV-SV scale. Results The case group presented lower scores on the RMV-SV, with statistically significant differences (p < .001) compared to controls. In 17/22 items of wrong answers, the statements contained negative emotions. The correlation was positive between RMV-SV and IQ. RMV-SV and PANSS, mainly the negative subscale, and age were inversely correlated. Conclusions The RMV-SV scale, validated in autism, allows detecting the alterations of prosodic recognition in Spanish in schizophrenia, postulating itself as an evaluating tool of this domain of social cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite newer type 2 diabetes (T2D) medications, patients do not always achieve metabolic targets, remaining at risk for cardiorenal complications. Therapeutic decisions are generally made by the healthcare team without considering patients' preferences. We aimed to evaluate patients' T2D treatment preference in two Latin-American countries between two different oral medication profiles, one resembling dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and another resembling sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional, multicenter study from June to September 2020, patients with T2D from Argentina and Mexico (n = 390) completed a discrete choice experiment questionnaire to identify preferences between DPP4i (medication profile A) and SGLT2i (medication profile B). The reason behind patients' choice, and the association between their baseline characteristics and their preference were evaluated using logistic regression methods. Results: Most participants (88.2%) preferred SGLT2i's profile. Participants with older age (p = 0.0346), overweight or obesity (p < 0.0001), high blood pressure (BP; p < 0.0001), high total cholesterol (p = 0.0360), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) < 7% (p = 0.0001) were more likely to choose SGLT2i compared with DPP4i's profile. The most and least important reasons to choose either drug profile were HbA1c reduction and genital infection risk, respectively. The likelihood of selecting the SGLT2i's profile significantly increased in participants with increased body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] = 8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.5– 22.5, p < 0.05), high BP (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.9– 12.4, p < 0.05), and lower education level (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.0– 12.6, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Latin-American patients with T2D preferred medication with a profile resembling SGLT2i over one resembling DPP4i as a treatment option. A patient-centered approach may aid the healthcare team in decision-making for improved outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recommendations in which the Mexican Society of Cardiology (SMC) in conjunction with the National Association of Cardiologists of Mexico (ANCAM) as well as different Mexican medical associations linked to cardiology are presented, after a comprehensive and consensual review and analysis of the topics related to cardiovascular diseases in the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientific positions are analyzed and responsible recommendations on general measures are given to patients, with personal care, healthy eating, regular physical activity, actions in case of cardio-respiratory arrest, protection of the patient and health personnel as well as precise indications in the use of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging, prescription of medications, care in specific topics such as systemic arterial hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes, in addition to emphasizing electrophysiology, interventionism, cardiac surgery and in cardiac rehabilitation. The main interest is to provide the medical community with a general orientation on what to do in daily practice and patients with cardiovascular diseases in the setting of this unprecedented epidemiological crisis of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Emotion recognition (ER) deficits have been extensively demonstrated in schizophrenia. These deficiencies are not only restricted to facial emotion recognition but also include emotional prosody (tone of the voice) recognition deficits. They have been significantly associated with symptom severity and poor social functioning. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy, in real clinical conditions, of an online self-training prosodic game included in the Social Cognition rehabilitation program e-Motional Training. Method: A randomized, single-blind multicenter clinical trial was conducted with 50 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The control group was treated with Treatment-as-usual (TAU), based on drug therapy, case management and individual and group psychotherapy (not focused on Social Cognition). The intervention group was treated with TAU plus the employment of Voices, an online self-training program devised for prosodic rehabilitation. Statistical analysis: Linear regression was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in emotion recognition measured with the Reading the Mind in the Voice–Spanish Version (RMV-SV). Results: There were statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group measured with RMV-SV (β = 3,6[IC 95%], p<0.001), with a response variable in RMV post R2 = 0,617. Discussion: Voices, a prosodic rehabilitation game included in e-Motional Training, seems to be a promising tool for improving emotional voice recognition deficits in schizophrenia, filling the need for such interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of three polymorphisms of the serotonin receptor 1Dβ gene (HTR1B) in the etiology of eating disorders and their relationship with clinical characteristics. METHODS: We analyzed the G861C, A-161T, and A1180G polymorphisms of the HTR1B gene through a family-based association test (FBAT) in 245 nuclear families. The sample was stratified into anorexia nervosa (AN) spectrum and bulimia nervosa (BN) spectrum. In addition, we performed a quantitative FBAT analysis of anxiety severity, depression severity, and Yale-Brown-Cornell Eating Disorders Scale (YBC-EDS) in the AN and BN-spectrum groups. RESULTS: FBAT analysis of the A-161T polymorphism found preferential transmission of allele A-161 in the overall sample. This association was stronger when the sample was stratified by spectrums, showing transmission disequilibrium between the A-161 allele and BN spectrum (z = 2.871, p = 0.004). Quantitative trait analysis showed an association between severity of anxiety symptoms and the C861 allele in AN-spectrum participants (z = 2.871, p = 0.004). We found no associations on analysis of depression severity or preoccupation and ritual scores in AN or BN-spectrum participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings suggest a role of the HTR1B gene in susceptibility to development of BN subtypes. Furthermore, this gene might have an impact on the severity of anxiety in AN-spectrum patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) is associated with dysfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, showing high levels of thyrotropin (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) total and free, suspecting a real thyroid condition. Objetive: Describe the alterations in thyroid function in patients with morbid obesity, determining serum levels of TSH, total T3, free T4 and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO). Methods: Prospective, descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 52 patients with morbid obesity, at the obesity clinic, from department of Endocrinology, since January 2009 to July 2011. All patients signed a letter of informed consent. Patients with known thyroid disorders and/or under the use of levothyroxine or other medication that causes alteration in thyroid function were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using measures of central tendency, simple frequencies, percentages and Spearman's correlation. Results: The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism was 8 %, 6 % sub-clinical hypothyroidism and thyroid function alterations secondary to obesity of 23 % (elevated TSH and/or free T4 Total T3 with normal and TPO antibody negative). Conclusions: Most morbidly obese patients haven't autoimmune thyroid dysfunction; the alterations in thyroid function are caused by an effect of homeostasis against obesity and can be corrected by reducing weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess body weight (overweight and obesity) is currently recognized as one of the most important challenges of public health in the world, due to its size, speed of growth and the negative effect on health. Currently, Mexico and United States have the highest prevalence of obesity in the adult population (30 %), which is nearly ten times higher than that of Japan or Korea (4 %). In our country, the trends of overweight and obesity in different national surveys show steady increase in prevalence over time. According to the results of the National Survey of Health and Nutrition 2012 (Ensanut, according to its initials in Spanish), the combined prevalence of overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) in the population over 20 years, is higher in women (73.0 %) than men (69.4 %), while the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) is almost higher in females than in males. Global experience shows that proper care of obesity and overweight requires formulating and coordinating comprehensive and efficient multilevel strategies for enhancing protective factors to health, particularly to modify individual, family and community behavior. It is unlikely that a single intervention can modify the incidence or natural history of overweight and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Anorexia nervosa is a suffering entity from eating disorders and family has a relevant role in this disorders; a severe family dysfunction is a risk factor and an important maintainer factor. On the other hand, the family's participation in treatment increases the possibility of success. The aim of this paper is to contribute with the analysis of the form on which the subjects, who suffer from anorexia nervosa and their parents, coexist with their suffering, and share their story. Materials and methods It is a qualitative research study that pretends to know about the family's experiences. The informants where selected according to a theoretical non probabilistic sample. Depth interviews were used and the material was analyzed through a narrative analysis by thematic axis according to Kolher Riessman model. Results The presented family is formed by three members, mother, father and daughter, with anorexia nervosa. Presenting excessively restrictive behaviors oscillating between control and impulsivity. The mother turns her into her confident and the father is too strict and demanding. Concerning the treatment, it lasted approximately three years on impasse, the patient did not show any evolution. Discussion The four evolution moments of the suffering had several points of view according to each of the informants, in literature, the mother and daughter's symbiotic relationship and the peripheral relationship established with the father are mentioned, change was achieved in the family alliances and the change in the nature of their bonds was facilitated. Conclusions These findings are an initial step to know the experiences of each of the family members during the treatment and the expectations they have towards the remission of the suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to develop clinical guidelines based on the best clinical evidence to help the staff of medical setting of all levels (first, second and third medical attention levels) to provide evidence based care and diagnosis of hypothyroidism in adults nationwide. The guidelines were built using structured and relevant clinical questions. A strategy was developed to identify the main clinical guidelines for hypothyroidism in adult patient. The working group selected six documents. For aspects not considered in those documents, structured searches using Pubmed, Medical Disability Advisor and Cochrane Library publish were done. The results were qualified according its level of evidence and grade of recommendation. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism should be done precisely and without delay. Specialized care should be used rationally, using primary care units as the main resource for the treatment of hypothyroidism. This is the reason why the first primary care physicians should understand and apply a guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in adulhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo presenta el texto de la Sentencia No. C-266/94 de la Corte Constitucional de Colombia, referido a un pedido de que se declaren inexequibles los artículos 1022 (inciso 1) y 1068 (numeral 16) del código Civil colombiano, que considera la imparcialidad del confesor y la prohibición de recibir herencia.

The neurobiology of schizophrenia is multifactorial, comprising the dysregulation of several biochemical pathways and molecules. This research proposes a peripheral biomarker for schizophrenia that involves the second extracellular loop of norepinephrine transporter (NEText), the tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC), and the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in T cells. The study of NEText, NT-3, and TrkC was performed in T cells and plasma extracted from peripheral blood of 54 patients with schizophrenia and 54 healthy controls. Levels of NT-3, TrkC, and NET were significantly lower in plasma and T cells of patients compared to healthy controls. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IPs) showed protein interactions with Co-IP NEText–NT-3 and Co-IP NEText–TrkC. Computational modelling of protein–peptide docking by CABS-dock provided a medium–high accuracy model for NT-3–NEText (4.6935 Å) and TrkC–NEText (2.1365 Å). In summary, immunocomplexes reached statistical relevance in the T cells of the control group contrary to the results obtained with schizophrenia. The reduced expression of NT-3, TrkC, and NET, and the lack of molecular complexes in T cells of patients with schizophrenia may lead to a peripheral dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways and an abnormal reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) by NET. This peripheral molecular biomarker underlying schizophrenia reinforces the role of neurotrophins, and noradrenergic and immune systems in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia is a progressive disorder characterized by multiple psychotic relapses. After every relapse, patients may not fully recover, and this may lead to a progressive loss of functionality. Pharmacological treatment represents a key factor to minimize the biological, psychological and psychosocial impact of the disorder. The number of relapses and the duration of psychotic episodes induce a potential neuronal damage and subsequently, neurodegenerative processes. Thus, a comparative study was performed, including forty healthy controls and forty-two SZ patients divided into first-episode psychosis (FEP) and chronic SZ (CSZ) subgroups, where the CSZ sub group was subdivided by antipsychotic treatment. In order to measure the potential neuronal damage, plasma levels of β-III tubulin, neurofilament light chain (Nf-L), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were performed. The results revealed that the levels of these proteins were increased in the SZ group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, multiple comparison analysis showed highly significant levels of β-III tubulin (P = 0.0002), Nf-L (P = 0.0403) and GFAP (P < 0.015) in the subgroup of CSZ clozapine-treated. In conclusion, β-III tubulin, Nf-L and GFAP proteins may be potential biomarkers of neurodegeneration and progression in SZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]