Accuracy of the 2008 Simplified Criteria for the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Children

José Vicente Arcos-Machancoses,Cristina Molera Busoms,Ecaterina Julio Tatis,María Victoria Bovo,Jesús Quintero Bernabeu,Javier Juampérez Goñi,Vanessa Crujeiras Martínez,Javier Martin de Carpi 대한소아소화기영양학회 2018 Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition Vol.21 No.2

Purpose: Classical criteria for diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are intended as research tool and are difficult to apply at patient’s bedside. We aimed to study the accuracy of simplified criteria and the concordance with the expert diagnosis based on the original criteria.Methods: A cohort of children under study for liver disorder was selected through consecutive sampling to obtain the prevalence of AIH within the group of differential diagnoses. AIH was defined, based on classical criteria, through committee review of medical reports. Validity indicators of the simplified criteria were obtained in an intention to diag-nose approach. Optimal cut-off and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated. Results: Out of 212 cases reviewed, 47.2% were AIH. For the optimal cut-off (6 points), the simplified criteria showed a sensitivity of 72.0% and a specificity of 96.4%, with a 94.7% positive and a 79.4% negative predictive value. The area under the ROC curve was 94.3%. There was a good agreement in the pre-treatment concordance between the classical and the simplified criteria (kappa index, 0.775). Conclusion: Simplified criteria provide a moderate sensitivity for the diagnosis of AIH, but may help in indicating treatment in cases under suspicion with 6 or more points.

Artificial neural network based on genetic algorithm for emissions prediction of a SI gasoline engine

José D. Martínez-Morales,Elvia R. Palacios-Hernández,Gerardo A. Velázquez-Carrillo 대한기계학회 2014 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.28 No.6

This paper proposes a hybrid learning of artificial neural network (ANN) with the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGAII)to improve accuracy in order to predict the exhaust emissions of a four stroke spark ignition (SI) engine. In the proposed approach, thegenetic algorithm (GA) determines initial weights of local linear model tree (LOLIMOT) neural networks. A multi-objective optimizationproblem is determined. A sensitivity analysis is performed on NSGA-II parameters in order to provide better solutions along theoptimal Pareto front. Then, a fuzzy decision maker and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) areemployed to select compromised solutions among the obtained Pareto solutions. The LOLIMOT-GA responses are compared with theprovided by radial basis function (RBF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks in terms of correlation coefficient R².

Competition/antagonism associations of biofilm formation among Staphylococcus epidermidis Agr groups I, II, and III

Sergio Martínez-García,César I. Ortiz-García,Marisa Cruz-Aguilar,Juan Carlos Zenteno,José Martin Murrieta-Coxca,Sonia Mayra Pérez-Tapia,Sandra Rodríguez-Martínez,Mario E. Cancino-Diaz,Juan C. Cancino- 한국미생물학회 2019 The journal of microbiology Vol.57 No.2

Staphylococci have quorum-sensing (QS) systems that enable cell-to-cell communication, as well as the regulation of numerous colonization and virulence factors. The accessory gene regulator (Agr) operon is one of the Staphylococcus genus QS systems. Three groups (I, II, and III) are present in Staphylococcus epidermidis Agr operon. To date, it is unknown whether Agr groups can interact symbiotically during biofilm development. This study analyzed a symbiotic association among Agr groups during biofilm formation in clinical and commensal isolates. Different combinations among Agr group isolates was used to study biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo (using a mouse catheter-infection model). The analysis of Agr groups were also performed from samples of human skin (head, armpits, and nostrils). Different predominant coexistence was found within biofilms, suggesting symbiosis type. In vitro, Agr I had a competition with Agr II and Agr III. Agr II had a competition with Agr III, and Agr II was an antagonist to Agr I and III when the three strains were combined. In vivo, Agr II had a competition to Agr I, but Agr I and II were antagonists to Agr III. The associations found in vitro and in vivo were also found in different sites of the skin. Besides, other associations were observed: Agr III antagonized Agr I and II, and Agr III competed with Agr I and Agr II. These results suggest that, in S. epidermidis, a symbiotic association of competition and antagonism occurs among different Agr groups during biofilm formation.

Metformin treatment reduces motor and neuropsychiatric phenotypes in the zQ175 mouse model of Huntington disease

Ana Sanchis,María Adelaida García-Gimeno,Antonio José Cañada-Martínez,María Dolores Sequedo,José María Millán,Pascual Sanz,Rafael P. Vázquez-Manrique 생화학분자생물학회 2019 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.51 No.-

Huntington disease is a neurodegenerative condition for which there is no cure to date. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase has previously been shown to be beneficial in in vitro and in vivo models of Huntington’s disease. Moreover, a recent cross-sectional study demonstrated that treatment with metformin, a well-known activator of this enzyme, is associated with better cognitive scores in patients with this disease. We performed a preclinical study using metformin to treat phenotypes of the zQ175 mouse model of Huntington disease. We evaluated behavior (motor and neuropsychiatric function) and molecular phenotypes (aggregation of mutant huntingtin, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuronal inflammation, etc.). We also used two models of polyglutamine toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans to further explore potential mechanisms of metformin action. Our results provide strong evidence that metformin alleviates motor and neuropsychiatric phenotypes in zQ175 mice. Moreover, metformin intake reduces the number of nuclear aggregates of mutant huntingtin in the striatum. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is reduced in mutant animals, is partially restored in metformin-treated mice, and glial activation in mutant mice is reduced in metformin-treated animals. In addition, using worm models of polyglutamine toxicity, we demonstrate that metformin reduces polyglutamine aggregates and restores neuronal function through mechanisms involving AMP-activated protein kinase and lysosomal function. Our data indicate that metformin alleviates the progression of the disease and further supports AMP-activated protein kinase as a druggable target against Huntington’s disease.

Healthcare Information Technology: A Systematic Mapping Study

Enrique Maldonado Belmonte,Salvador Otón Tortosa,Luis de-Marcos Ortega,José-María Gutiérrez-Martínez 대한의료정보학회 2023 Healthcare Informatics Research Vol.29 No.1

Objectives: This paper presents a systematic mapping of studies related to information systems and technology in the field ofhealthcare, enabling a visual mapping of the different lines of knowledge that can provide an overview of the scientific literaturein this field. This map can help to clarify critical aspects of healthcare informatics, such as the main types of informationsystems, the ways in which they integrate with each other, and the technological trends in this field. Methods: Systematicmapping refers to a process of classifying information in a given area of knowledge. It provides an overview of the state of theart in a particular discipline or area of knowledge, establishing a map that describes how knowledge is structured in that particulararea. In this study, we proposed and carried out a specific implementation of the methodology for mapping. In total,1,619 studies that combine knowledge related to information systems, computer science, and healthcare were selected andcompiled from prestigious publications. Results: The results established a distribution of the available literature and identifiedpapers related to certain research questions, thereby providing a map of knowledge that structures the different trendsand main areas of research, making it possible to address the research questions and serving as a guide to deepen specific aspectsof the field of study. Conclusions: We project and propose future research for the trends that stand out because of theirinterest and the possibility of exploring these topics in greater depth.

Garlic Powder Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress

Ana Carolina Razo-Rodríguez,Yolanda I. Chirino,Dolores Javier Sánchez-González,Claudia María Martínez-Martínez,Cristino Cruz,José Pedraza-Chaverri 한국식품영양과학회 2008 Journal of medicinal food Vol.11 No.3

cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent successfully used in the treatment of a wide range of tumors. Nevertheless, nephrotoxicity has restricted its clinical use. The use of more than a few antioxidants has shown that reactive oxygen species are involved in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. In the present work the effect of garlic powder, a recognized antioxidant, on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative and nitrosative stress was studied. Rats were fed with a 2% garlic powder diet for 4 weeks. A single injection of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg) induced tubular damage and an increase in the following markers of renal injury 3 days later: blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase. The cisplatin injection also increased 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal immunostaining in renal cortex and medulla. It was found that the garlic powder feeding was able to prevent by 40–59% the alterations in the markers of renal injury studied, by 33% the histological damage, and by 38–75% the increase in markers of oxidative and nitrosative stress. It is concluded that the ability of garlic powder to ameliorate cisplatin-induced renal injury is associated with its antioxidant properties. Our data support the use of garlic powder as a renoprotective agent.

Exercise training modulates the gut microbiota profile and impairs inflammatory signaling pathways in obese children

Quiroga Rocío,Nistal Esther,Estébanez Brisamar,Porras David,Juárez-Fernández María,Martínez-Flórez Susana,García-Mediavilla María Victoria,de Paz José A.,González-Gallego Javier,Sánchez-Campos Sonia,C 생화학분자생물학회 2020 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.52 No.-

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels and is a serious health concern associated with metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and gut microbiota alterations. Physical exercise is known to counteract obesity progression and modulate the gut microbiota composition. This study aims to determine the effect of a 12-week strength and endurance combined training program on gut microbiota and inflammation in obese pediatric patients. Thirty-nine obese children were assigned randomly to the control or training group. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, muscular strength, and inflammatory signaling pathways in mononuclear cells were evaluated. Bacterial composition and functionality were determined by massive sequencing and metabolomic analysis. Exercise reduced plasma glucose levels and increased dynamic strength in the upper and lower extremities compared with the obese control group. Metagenomic analysis revealed a bacterial composition associated with obesity, showing changes at the phylum, class, and genus levels. Exercise counteracted this profile, significantly reducing the Proteobacteria phylum and Gammaproteobacteria class. Moreover, physical activity tended to increase some genera, such as Blautia, Dialister, and Roseburia, leading to a microbiota profile similar to that of healthy children. Metabolomic analysis revealed changes in short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids, and several sugars in response to exercise, in correlation with a specific microbiota profile. Finally, the training protocol significantly inhibited the activation of the obesity-associated NLRP3 signaling pathway. Our data suggest the existence of an obesity-related deleterious microbiota profile that is positively modified by physical activity intervention. Exercise training could be considered an efficient nonpharmacological therapy, reducing inflammatory signaling pathways induced by obesity in children via microbiota modulation.

Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Fatigue Behavior of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Specimens by Performing Wedge Splitting Tests and Computed Tomography Scanning

Dorys C. González,Álvaro Mena-Alonso,Jesús Mínguez,José A. Martínez,Miguel A. Vicente 한국콘크리트학회 2024 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.18 No.2

This paper shows the relationship, in steel fiber-reinforced concrete, between fiber orientation and fatigue response through the combined use of computed tomography (CT), digital image processing (DIP) software and wedge splitting test (WST). The WST cubes were extracted from conventional 150 × 150× 600 concrete prisms and a groove and notch were carved on different faces in such a way that in half of the test specimens the fibers are oriented mostly perpendicular to the breaking surface and, in the other half, the fibers are mostly oriented parallel to the breaking surface. Fiber orientation was obtained using a CT device and DIP software from a miniprism extracted from the previously mentioned concrete prisms. The results show that there is a strong correlation between the crack-sewing fiber orientation on the one hand and fatigue life and crack opening rate per cycle on the other hand. Cubes with a higher percentage of fibers perpendicular to the crack surface (i.e., with a higher efficiency index) show a longer fatigue life and a lower crack opening rate per cycle, while cubes with a lower efficiency index show a shorter fatigue life and a higher crack opening rate per cycle.

De Novo San Luis Valley Syndrome-like der(8) Chromosome With a Concomitant dup(8p22) in a Mexican Girl

Alma Laura Sánchez-Casillas,Horacio Rivera,Anna Gabriela Castro-Martínez,José Elías García-Ortiz,Carlos Córdova-Fletes,Paul Mendoza-Pérez 대한진단검사의학회 2017 Annals of Laboratory Medicine Vol.37 No.1

Dear Editor, The rec(8)dup(8q)inv(8)(p23.1q22.1) chromosome associated with San Luis Valley Syndrome (SLVS OMIM 179613) is usually diagnosed in Hispanic patients from the USA Southwest where a founder carrier Spaniard lived around 1800 [1, 2]. This rec(8) has an 8q duplication of 47.90 Mb and an 8p deletion of 11.65 Mb [3, 4]. Excluding two de novo rec(8)dup q chromosomes characterized only by G-bands and included in a recent compilation [5], cytogenomic analyses identified nine comparable de novo der(8)dup q/del p chromosomes with or without a simultaneous 8p gain. We describe a Mexican mestizo girl with a de novo SLVS-like der(8) but with a concomitant 8p22p23.1 duplication.

Intestinal ultrasonography and fecal calprotectin for monitoring inflammation of ileal Crohn’s disease: two complementary tests

José María Paredes,Tomás Ripollés,Ángela Algarra,Rafael Diaz,Nadia Moreno,Patricia Latorre,María Jesús Martínez,Pilar Llopis,Antonio López,Eduardo Moreno-Osset 대한장연구학회 2022 Intestinal Research Vol.20 No.3

Background/Aims: Tight control of inflammation and adjustment of treatment if activity persists is the current strategy for the management of Crohn’s disease (CD). The usefulness of fecal calprotectin (FC) in isolated involvement of the small intestine in CD is controversial. To assess the usefulness of FC to determine the inflammatory activity detected by intestinal ultrasonography (IUS) in ileal CD. Methods: Patients with exclusively ileal involvement CD who underwent IUS and an FC were prospectively included. Simple ultrasound index was used to determine inflammatory activity. The usual statistical tests for comparison of diagnostic techniques were used. Results: One hundred and five patients were included, IUS showed inflammatory activity in 59% of patients and complications in 18.1%. FC showed a significant correlation with IUS in the weak range (Spearman coefficient <i>r</i>=0.502; <i>P</i><0.001); the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.88; <i>P</i><0.001). The FC value that best reflected the activity in IUS was 100 μg/g with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 73.0%, 71.4%, 79.3% and 63.8%, respectively. There were no differences in FC concentration between patients with or without transmural complications. The addition of serum C-reactive protein to FC did not improve the ability to assess IUS activity.Conclusions: FC has a significant correlation with IUS to monitor ileal CD activity. This correlation is weak and it does not allow assessing the presence of CD complications. Both tests should be used in conjunction for tight control of ileal CD. More studies on noninvasive tests in this location are needed.