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Exploring the Influence of Insulin Resistance on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Adults: From the Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health Insights of the EVasCu Study
No full textPrevious evidence associates insulin resistance with arterial stiffness in various pathologies, yet limited reports exist in healthy adults. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the association between insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in healthy adults. The cross-sectional EVasCu study enrolled 390 participants (42.05 ± 13.15 years). ANCOVAs, unadjusted (model 1) and adjusted (model 2), explored the association between arterial stiffness markers (aortic Pulse Wave Velocity [aPWV], Augmentation Index [AIx@75] and Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index [CAVI]), and insulin resistance markers (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR], Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index [QUICKI] and Triglycerides-Glucose [TyG]). In model 1, all insulin resistance markers were associated with aPWV, HOMA-IR and QUICKI were associated with AIx@75, and the TyG index was associated with CAVI. In model 2, HOMA-IR and QUICKI increased aPWV by 0.179 and 0.156 m/s (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011), and AIx@75 by 4.17 and 5.39% (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003). The EVasCu study offers valuable insights into the relationship between insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in healthy adults, providing a deeper understanding of metabolic and cardiovascular health. By examining this influence, we embark on an intriguing exploration of how these factors interplay in the human body. © 2024 by the authors.Universidad Pontificia Comillas and Escuela de Enfermería y Fisioterapia San Juan de Dios; Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, UCLM, (2018-CPUCLM-7939); Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, MCIU, (FPU21/06866, 2022-PROD-20657)Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Mandibular Osteonecrosis Induced by Bisphosphonates in a Carrier of Chronicle Kidney Disease
No full textThe bisphosphonates are synthetic substances of inorganic pyrophosphate that have been the basis of treatment of patients with osteolytic diseases, such as multiple myeloma, malignant hypercalcemia, Paget's disease, or patients with bone metastases. Its main pharmacological effect is inhibition of bone resorption caused by osteoclasts, which have a reduced function. Their adverse effects are infrequent but include pyrexia, impaired renal function, hypocalcemia, and more recently, maxillo-mandibular ostenecrose induced bofosfonatos. In this report we describe a clinical case of jaw osteonecrosis induced by bisphosphonates in patient with chronic kidney disease and the treatment protocol performed
Mood states and academic performance in the objective structured clinical examination. The mediating effect of self-efficacy
No full textBackground: The role of self-efficacy on academic outcomes in clinical simulation evaluations is well-known. However, no previous studies have reported the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the link between mood state and academic performance in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Objectives: This study explores the following aims: i) to determine the effects of mood states on academic performance; ii) to assess the effect of mood states on self-efficacy; and iii) to analyze whether self-efficacy mediates the relationship between mood state and academic performance in the OSCE. Design: This quantitative and cross-sectional study received Institutional Review Board approval. Settings: A private university in Santiago, Chile. Participants: A convenience sample of 117 nursing students from fourth and sixth semester. Methods: Data were collected using two questionnaires (the short version of the Profile of Mood State, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale), and the objective structured clinical examination in adult medical-surgical nursing and pediatric nursing courses. Results: Mood state has a significant effect on self-efficacy β = −0.068 p = .001. There was, however, no significant relationship between mood and academic performance (= − 0.004 p = .114). Similarly, Sobel's test indicated a non-significant mediation effect for self-efficacy-0.000544; 95 %; CI (−0.00256, 0.00148) p = .597. Conclusions: The results of this study improve the understanding of students' self-efficacy and academic performance. Further investigation regarding the use of the self-efficacy construct as a mediating variable in different high-stakes evaluations and in students with varying training levels is needed. © 2024 Elsevier Lt
Blind Federated Learning without initial model
No full textFederated learning is an emerging machine learning approach that allows the construction of a model between several participants who hold their own private data. This method is secure and privacy-preserving, suitable for training a machine learning model using sensitive data from different sources, such as hospitals. In this paper, the authors propose two innovative methodologies for Particle Swarm Optimisation-based federated learning of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps in a privacy-preserving way. In addition, one relevant contribution this research includes is the lack of an initial model in the federated learning process, making it effectively blind. This proposal is tested with several open datasets, improving both accuracy and precision. © The Author(s) 2024.Artificial Intelligence for Healthy Aging; Misiones de I+D en Inteligencia Artificial, (MIA.2021, M02.0007)Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Cancer Stem Cells in Human Prostate Cancer. Role in Drug Resistance and Metastasis
No full textProstate cancer is one of the most important causes of oncologic death in men, and Chile has also reached that level. Prostate cancer mortality is mostly associated with metastatic disease where the cancer is usually resistant to available treatments, particularly hormone- therapy and chemotherapy. It has been suggested that the existence of cancer stem cells could account for the metastatic capacity and treatment resistance in most cancers. Recently, cells with stem characteristics have been identified in established cell lines and animal models of prostate cancer. We have isolated and characterized this kind of cells from patient tumors. This finding opens the possibility to manipulate them as potential therapeutic targets
Differences in quality of life and fitness level among men and women in the adulthood: a cross-sectional analysis
No full textBackground: This study aimed to examine the associations between physical fitness components and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults stratified by sex and age. In addition, we aimed to examine whether these associations change based on socioeconomic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics. Methods: A total of 297 participants aged 47.41 (standard deviation: 9.08) years from the “Validity of a Model of Accelerated Vascular Aging as a Cardiovascular Risk Index in Healthy Adults: the EVasCu cross-sectional study” were included in this analysis. HRQoL, physical fitness, socioeconomic status (SES), waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Additionally, blood samples were extracted to determine cholesterol, triglyceride, and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were estimated to test mean differences in physical and mental health-related health measures (HRQoL) between fitness categories (fixed factors) by sex and age categories. Results: The physical HRQoL was related to the levels of fitness parameters among women, independent of age, while for men, it was related to better levels of general fitness and cardiorespiratory fitness among men aged < 50 and men aged ≥ 50, respectively. In contrast, mental HRQoL was related to cardiorespiratory fitness only among women aged < 50 years; speed/agility and flexibility among men aged < 50 years; and general fitness, strength, and flexibility among men aged ≥ 50 years. These data did not change when SES, clinical variables, or biochemical determinations were included in the analyses, neither for the physical nor for the mental HRQoL. Conclusion: Gender and age are important factors to be considered when analysing health indicators and influences in the population. In addition, SES, clinical characteristics, and biochemical parameters do not seem to influence the relationship between HRQoL and fitness. © 2024, The Author(s).Universidad Pontificia Comillas and Escuela de Enfermería y Fisioterapia San Juan de DiosUniversidad Autónoma de Chil
Exploring self-care practices and health beliefs among men in the context of emerging infectious diseases: Lessons from the Mpox pandemic in Brazil
No full textOur goal was to explore self-care practices among men who have sex with men in the context of Mpox in Brazil. This study used qualitative research methods, including interviews and thematic analysis, to collect and analyze data from male participants across the Brazilian territory. The narratives unveil men's perspectives on self-care, risk reduction, and health beliefs during the Mpox pandemic. Our findings highlight a multifaceted approach to self-care among men, encompassing hygiene, physical contact management, mask usage, skin lesion vigilance, and adherence to official guidelines. Men's attitudes toward sexual behaviors emphasize the importance of reducing sexual partners, practicing safe sex, and combating misinformation through accurate information dissemination. The development of these behaviors and self-care practices can be facilitated by nurses guided by Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Theory, supported by patient-centered care, with strategies to address and confront the stigma associated with the disease and provide emotional support. Thus, the study underscores the pivotal role of self-care in mitigating infection risks, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases. It acknowledges the impact of socio-cultural factors and healthcare policies on men's preventive measures. However, it also recognizes limitations, such as potential bias due to stigma concerns and a nonrepresentative sample. Ultimately, the research advocates for tailored education, promotion of gender equity, and healthcare empowerment to effectively manage health risks in such contexts. © 2024 The Authors. Nursing Inquiry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Universidad Autónoma de Chil
Prevalence of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin Mutation G20210A in Patients with a History of Thrombotic Phenomena in Temuco, Araucanía Region
No full textThrombotic phenomena are multifactorial phenomena with both acquired and inherited factors. Factor V Leiden (FVL) and G20210A mutation of prothrombin (FIIG20210A) are the most studied inherited factors, with a prevalence that varies by population and race, high in Europe and almost nil in Asian countries. Information concerning the prevalence of these mutations in Chile is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of FVL and FII G20210A mutation in patients with a history of thrombotic events in the city of Temuco, Araucanía region. Genetic analysis for FVL Thrombophilia and FIIG20210A mutation was performed from January 2012 to December 2013.Three hundred thirty-three screenings by PCR in real time and the genotype of each mutation were determined and analyzed by Melting curve. We found an average prevalence of 2.28% for the FVL, whereas FIIG20210A mutation was 6.49%. No mutations were found in homozygous state. Both mutations are present in our population, it is therefore important to evaluate the risk associated with their presence in patients with a history of thrombotic events. In our specific population FII G20210A mutation is highly prevalent, thus genetic studies should be realized or requested
Activation of Pannexin-1 channels causes cell dysfunction and damage in mesangial cells derived from angiotensin II-exposed mice
No full textChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent health concern associated with various pathological conditions, including hypertensive nephropathy. Mesangial cells are crucial in maintaining glomerular function, yet their involvement in CKD pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Recent evidence indicates that overactivation of Pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels could contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases. Although Panx1 is expressed in the kidney, its contribution to the dysfunction of renal cells during pathological conditions remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Panx1 channels on mesangial cell function in the context of hypertensive nephropathy. Using an Ang II-infused mouse model and primary mesangial cell cultures, we demonstrated that in vivo exposure to Ang II sensitizes cultured mesangial cells to show increased alterations when they are subjected to subsequent in vitro exposure to Ang II. Particularly, mesangial cell cultures treated with Ang II showed elevated activity of Panx1 channels and increased release of ATP. The latter was associated with enhanced basal intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and increased ATP-mediated [Ca2+]i responses. These effects were accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and reduced cell viability. Crucially, all the adverse impacts evoked by Ang II were prevented by the blockade of Panx1 channels, underscoring their critical role in mediating cellular dysfunction in mesangial cells. By elucidating the mechanisms by which Ang II negatively impacts mesangial cell function, this study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of renal damage in hypertensive nephropathy. Copyright © 2024 Lucero, Navarro, Barros-Osorio, Cáceres-Conejeros, Orellana and Gómez.Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, ANID; Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico, FONDECYT, (11200584, 1210375); Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico, FONDECYTUniversidad Autónoma de ChileInstituto de Ciencias Biomédica