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Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, are two closely related pathological situations that are connected at the molecular level. In recent years, amylin, which is co-secreted with insulin, has been proposed for being a main actor in this context due to its capacity to form aggregates in a β-sheet-like structure. In a diabetic milieu, there is an increase in the production and secretion of insulin and amylin. We have analysed the role of resveratrol on aggregate formation and in the production of extracellular vesicles with amylin in its interior and in pancreatic β cells overexpressing human amylin (INS1E-hIAPP). Furthermore, we have explored the consequences of the exposition of the conditioned medium derived from INS1E-hIAPP in the hippocampal cell line HT-22 and the role of resveratrol in this cell line. Hippocampal cells were exposed to conditioned media obtained from rat insulinoma 1E overexpressing human amylin in the presence or in the absence of resveratrol. When we exposed HT-22 cells to the conditioned media of INS1E-hIAPP we observed amylin-aggregates inside HT-22 cells. Resveratrol was able to alleviate this effect not only in HT-22 but also in pancreatic β cells. Furthermore, resveratrol decreased the average exosome size produced by the INS1E-hIAPP stimulated with high glucose, diminishing the toxic effect of these exosomes in HT-22 cells. We have uncovered that resveratrol inhibits the aggregation capacity of amylin and it can diminish the deleterious spreading of the toxic protein, to other cell types such as the hippocampal neuron cells, HT-22.

Abstract Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) activity decreases the tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) lysine acetylation status, inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling and concomitantly, activating autophagy. This study analyzes the role of TSC2 acetylation levels in its translocation to the lysosome and the mitochondrial turnover in both mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) and in mouse insulinoma cells (MIN6) as a model of pancreatic β cells. Resveratrol (RESV), an activator of SIRT1 activity, promotes TSC2 deacetylation and its translocation to the lysosome, inhibiting mTORC1 activity. An improvement in mitochondrial turnover was also observed in cells treated with RESV, associated with an increase in the fissioned mitochondria, positive autophagic and mitophagic fluxes and an enhancement of mitochondrial biogenesis. This study proves that TSC2 in its deacetylated form is essential for regulating mTORC1 signalling and the maintenance of the mitochondrial quality control, which is involved in the homeostasis of pancreatic beta cells and prevents from several metabolic disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Extracellular vesicles represent a group of structures with the capacity to communicate with different cells and organs. This complex network of interactions can regulate multiple physiological processes in the organism. Very importantly, these processes can be altered during the appearance of different diseases including cancer, metabolic diseases, etc. In addition, these extracellular vesicles can transport different cargoes, altering the initiation of the disease, driving the progression, or even accelerating the pathogenesis. Then, we have explored the implication of these structures in different alterations such as pancreatic cancer, and in different metabolic alterations such as diabetes and its complications and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Finally, we have explored in more detail the communication between the liver and the pancreas. In summary, extracellular vesicles represent a very efficient system for the communication among different tissues and permit an efficient system as biomarkers of the disease, as well as being involved in the extracellular-vesicle-mediated transport of molecules, serving as a potential therapy for different diseases.

Diabetes is a very complex disease which is characterized by the appearance of insulin resistance that is primarily compensated by an increase in pancreatic beta cell mass, generating hyperinsulinemia. After time, pancreatic beta cells die by apoptosis appearing in the second phase of the disease, and characterized by hypoinsulinemia. There are multiple conditions that can alter pancreatic beta cell homeostasis and viability, being the most relevant ones; ER stress, cytotoxicity by amylin, mTORC1 hyperactivity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and alterations in autophagy/mitophagy flux. In addition, the possible effects that different polyphenols could exert in the modulation of these mechanisms and regulating pancreatic beta cell viability are analyzed. It is necessary a profound analysis and understanding of all the possible mechanisms involved in the control and maintenance of pancreatic beta cell viability to develop more accurate and target treatments for controlling beta cell homeostasis and preventing or even reversing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mathematical Morphology (MM) is a tool that can be applied to many digital image processing tasks that include the reduction of impulsive or salt and pepper noise in grayscale images. The morphological filters used for this task are filters resulting from two basic operators: erosion and dilation. However, when the level of contamination of the image is higher, these filters tend to distort the image. In this work we propose a pair of operators with properties, that better adapt to impulsive noise than other classical morphological filters, it is demonstrated to be increasing idempotent morphological filters. Furthermore, the proposed pair turns out to be a ∧-filter and a ∨-filter which allow to build morphological openings and closings. Finally, they are compared with other filters of the state-of-the-art such as: SMF, DBAIN, AMF and NAFSM, and have shown a better performance in time-quality ratio when the noise level is above 50%.

Resumen: Presentamos, mediante un estudio descriptivo, nuestra experiencia con una herramienta de evaluación de la actividad de médicos internos residentes en los servicios de urgencias durante las jornadas de atención continuada, coloquialmente conocidas como «guardias». Nuestra herramienta fue desarrollada en el 2015 y cuenta, en la actualidad, con una experiencia acumulada de 3 años y 1.497 registros. Describimos el proceso de evolución de la herramienta, su aplicación a lo largo de los últimos 3 años y un análisis de correlación con el sistema clásico de evaluación de residentes. Creemos que nuestra herramienta aporta ventajas respecto del sistema clásico de evaluación (por ser multievaluador, tener un carácter documentable y ser prospectiva), y que satisface las recomendaciones consensuadas y al reclamo de nuestros propios médicos residentes. Abstract: A descriptive study of our experience with a tool for evaluating the activity of Internal Resident Physicians in the emergency departments during their corresponding on-call periods. The tool was developed in 2015 and has, at present, an accumulated experience of three years and 1,497 records. The evolution process of the tool is presented along with a summary of its application over the last three years. It is believed that the present tool provides advantages over the classical evaluation system (because it is multi-evaluative, has a documentable nature and is prospective) and that it satisfies the consensus recommendations and the approval of our own resident doctors. Palabras clave: Médicos residentes, Evaluación, Servicios de urgencias, Keywords: Residents, Assessment, Emergency departments

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from impaired beta-cell function and insufficient beta-cell mass compensation in the setting of insulin resistance. Current therapeutic strategies focus their efforts on promoting the maintenance of functional beta-cell mass to ensure appropriate glycemic control. Thus, understanding how beta-cells communicate with metabolic and non-metabolic tissues provides a novel area for investigation and implicates the importance of inter-organ communication in the pathology of metabolic diseases such as T2D. In this review, we provide an overview of secreted factors from diverse organs and tissues that have been shown to impact beta-cell biology. Specifically, we discuss experimental and clinical evidence in support for a role of gut to beta-cell crosstalk, paying particular attention to bacteria-derived factors including short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, and factors contained within extracellular vesicles that influence the function and/or the survival of beta cells under normal or diabetogenic conditions.

Sambucus nigra flowers (elderflower) have been widely used in traditional medicine for the relief of early symptoms of common cold. Its chemical composition mainly consists of polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and triterpenes. Although the antioxidant properties of polyphenols are well known, the aim of this study is to assess the antioxidant and protective potentials of Sambucus nigra flowers in the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line using different in vitro approaches. The antioxidant capacity is first evaluated by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) methods. Cell viability is assessed by the crystal violet method; furthermore, the intracellular ROS formation (DCFH-DA method) is determined, together with the effect on the cell antioxidant defenses: reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, GR). On the other hand, mTORC1 hyperactivation and autophagy blockage have been associated with an increase in the formation of protein aggregates, this promoting the transference and expansion of neurodegenerative diseases. Then, the ability of Sambucus nigra flowers in the regulation of mTORC1 signaling activity and the reduction in oxidative stress through the activation of autophagy/mitophagy flux is also examined. In this regard, search for different molecules with a potential inhibitory effect on mTORC1 activation could have multiple positive effects either in the molecular pathogenic events and/or in the progression of several diseases including neurodegenerative ones.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease that is characterized by the appearance of insulin resistance. The term insulin resistance is very wide and could affect different proteins involved in insulin signaling, as well as other mechanisms. In this review, we have analyzed the main molecular mechanisms that could be involved in the connection between type 2 diabetes and neurodegeneration, in general, and more specifically with the appearance of Alzheimer’s disease. We have studied, in more detail, the different processes involved, such as inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Polyphenols represent a group of secondary metabolites of plants which have been analyzed as potent regulators of multiple biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, among others. These natural compounds exhibit beneficial effects and protection against inflammation, oxidative stress, and related injuries including metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular damage, obesity and diabetes, and neurodegeneration. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms of action of polyphenols in relation to the activation of autophagy, stimulation of mitochondrial function and antioxidant defenses, attenuation of oxidative stress, and reduction in cell apoptosis, which may be responsible of the health promoting properties of these compounds.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a worldwide epidemics, is a progressive disease initially developing an insulin resistant state, with manifest pancreatic beta islet overwork and hyperinsulinemia. As the disease progresses, pancreatic β cells are overwhelmed and fails in their capacity to compensate insulin resistance. In addition, it is usually associated with other metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. During the progression to T2DM there is a chronic activation of mTORC1 signaling pathway, which induces aging and acts as an endogenous inhibitor of autophagy. The complex 1 of mTOR (mTORC1) controls cell proliferation, cell growth as well as metabolism in a variety of cell types through a complex signaling network. Autophagy is involved in the recycling of cellular components for energy generation under nutrient deprivation, and serves as a complementary degradation system to the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Autophagy represents a protective mechanism for different cell types, including pancreatic β cells, and potentiates β cell survival across the progression to T2DM. Here, we focus our attention on the chronic overactivation of mTORC1 signaling pathway in β islets from prediabetics patients, making these cells more prone to trigger apoptosis upon several cellular stressors and allowing the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes status.

The search for flexible practices of human resources management comes playing an important role for the strategic organizational development and specially in contexts of deep economic and financial crisis like the present one in Portugal, with an increasing unemployment and a generalized climate of job insecurity. This study tries to examine if perception of employability by employees moderates the relationship between flexible forms of hiring, such as temporary work, and job attitudes like affective commitment and job satisfaction. Results suggest the moderating role of employability for workers under direct contract with the organization but this interaction has not been pointed for workers with an temporary work contract with Employment Agencies.

Las actividades que integran el trabajo de campo, la ayuda social y la investigación han sido iniciativas promovidas por varias sociedades estudiantiles de diferentes universidades relacionadas con las ciencias de la salud. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir la participación estudiantil de una universidad peruana en un proyecto en salud de participación y colaboración en espacios rurales o urbano-marginales denominado "Intervención Rural de Investigación y Saneamiento (IRIS)". La décima versión (IRIS-X) tuvo lugar del 4 al 8 de enero de 2009 en el centro poblado de Huaripampa (Ancash, Perú). Se realizó campañas de salud, sesiones educativas y trabajos de investigación en este periodo. El IRIS-X permitió a los alumnos aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos durante la formación universitaria y llevar a cabo proyectos de investigación científica desde el pregrado, contribuyendo sanitariamente a la población más pobrfe y desatendida del país.

Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia y factores de riesgo para adquirir diarrea aguda en una comunidad rural localizada en la selva del departamento de San Martín, Perú. Material y métodos: Una cohorte de 119 personas fue seleccionada al azar entre la población de 446 habitantes y seguida diariamente por un mes entre enero y febrero de 1999, buscando casos de diarrea aguda, definida como tres ó más cámaras de deposiciones al día por no más de 3 días. Un estudio caso control pareado fue diseñado para determinar los factores de riesgo para adquirir diarrea. Resultados: Fueron observados 18 casos de diarrea aguda; la incidencia fue 15.1 casos por 100 personas-mes (IC 95%: 9.45-23.12). La edad media de los casos fue de 10.7 años (rango: 1-34 años) y 66% de los casos fueron niños menores de 10 años de edad. Los factores de riesgo para adquirir diarrea fueron: consumo de alimentos crudos, RR: 2.2 (IC 95%: 1.12-4.33), consumo de alimentos no lavados, RR: 4.47 (IC 95%: 1.56-12.82), falta de lavado de manos antes de alimentarse, RR: 9.61 (95% IC: 1.44-64.16), consumo de agua no hervida, RR: 4.52 (IC 95%: 1.23-16.65) y alimentación fuera de casa, RR: 2.2 (IC 95%: 1.51-3.20). La diferencia en el número promedio (DE) de personas que vivían por casa entre casos y controles fue de 4.38 (1.03) vs. 3.22 (0.54), p=0.0003, respectivamente. No hubo diferencia en el tiempo de residencia en la comunidad entre casos y controles, media de 5.61 ( 5.04) años vs. 8.83 (9.79), p=0.5747. Conclusiones: Diarrea aguda es un problema de salud pública en la selva de San Martín. Hacinamiento, carencia de saneamiento y pobres prácticas higiénicas son los responsables para adquirir diarrea aguda en esta comunidad de bajo nivel socioeconómico. Campañas educativas y mejora en las condiciones sanitarias son claramente necesarias para superar este problema.

A busca por práticas flexíveis da gestão dos recursos humanos vem desempenhando um papel importante para o desenvolvimento estratégico das organizações e, em particular, nos contextos da profunda crise econômica e financeira como a que vive hoje Portugal, com uma situação de desemprego crescente e um clima generalizado de insegurança laboral. Este estudo pretende examinar se a percepção de empregabilidade por parte dos trabalhadores pode desempenhar um papel moderador na relação entre as formas mais flexíveis de contratação, como o trabalho temporário, e as atitudes laborais. Resultados sugerem que a percepção de empregabilidade pode ter um efeito moderador na relação entre o tipo de contrato de trabalho e o compromisso efetivo e a satisfação laboral dos trabalhadores com contrato direto com a organização, mas esta interação não foi encontrada para os trabalhadores com contrato de trabalho temporário com as Agências de Emprego.

BACKGROUND: In recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections due to new imaging techniques and more advanced cultures, as well as the increase in the immunocompromised population. Within the group of non-tuberculous mycobacteria is Mycobacterium abscessus, which is the most important due to its rapid growth, resistance to treatment with macrolides and for being the main non-tuberculous agent in lung infection. Complications, especially pulmonary ones, are frequent due to its rapid growth and resistance, as well as its chronic evolution. CLINICAL CASE: A patient with a diagnosis of chronic infection by a non-tuberculous mycobacterium, Mycobacterium abscessus, who presented spontaneous pneumothorax as a complication and corresponds to the first report of this type in America. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary disease in relation to infectious agents has expanded significantly in recent years, so the initial protocol should be broader and always consider the existence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, request a culture for Mycobacterium initially, and thus, avoid errors in diagnosis and, above all, delay in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]