Nucleic acid nanostructures offer unique opportunities for biomedical applications due to their sequence-programmable structures and functions, which enable the design of complex responses to molecular cues. Control of the biological activity of therapeutic cargoes based on endogenous molecular signatures holds the potential to overcome major hurdles in translational research: cell specificity and off-target effects. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used to profile cell type and cell state, and are ideal inputs for RNA nanodevices.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCNS Neurosci Ther
December 2024
Aims: To investigate whether pleiotrophin (PTN) overexpression influences ethanol consumption during adolescence and its effects on glial responses, neurogenesis, and perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the mouse hippocampus.
Methods: Male and female adolescent transgenic mice with elevated PTN levels (Ptn-Tg) and controls underwent an intermittent access to ethanol (IAE) 2-bottle choice protocol. Ethanol consumption, PTN levels, neurogenesis, and glial responses were measured in the hippocampus.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the factors that promote or hinder the feeding of children with minimal or no ultra-processed products to inform the design of an mHealth strategy in Mexico and prevent child malnutrition among the economically vulnerable.
Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, involving 24 in-depth face-to-face interviews with caregivers of children aged 24-59 months from both urban and rural communities. To analyze the data, we used thematic analysis and incorporated a few elements of grounded theory.
Food Nutr Bull
September 2024
Micronutrient deficiencies affect growth and development and are critical for maintaining health at all ages. Their critical role in exacerbating complications of infections and chronic diseases continues to impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life for many. Raising awareness and advocating for micronutrient deficiencies in Latin America is urgent to reduce this preventable burden.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJMIR Mhealth Uhealth
April 2024
Background: Promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy feeding (HF) is crucial to address the alarming increase in obesity rates in developing countries. Leveraging mobile phones for behavior change communication to encourage infant PA and promote HF is particularly significant within the Mexican context.
Objective: This study aims to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of mHealth interventions aimed at promoting PA and HF among primary caregivers (PCs) of Mexican children under the age of 5 years.