Publications by authors named "Andrea Ortega"

The presence of children and adolescents in migratory flows is growing in Latin America and the Caribbean. Little is known about migration's effects on these groups' health. This article aims to investigate the evidence available on the access and use of healthcare services by migrant children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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In this work, samarium-doped BaTiO (BT:Sm) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to investigate their optical characteristics and compatibility with biological systems. The structure, particle morphology, optical properties, and biological compatibility of the NPs were assessed. The results demonstrated the formation of BT:Sm and [(BT:Sm)-PEG].

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BACE1 activity, inhibition of Aβ aggregation, and disaggregation of preformed Aβ fibrils constitute the three major targets in the development of small-molecule lipophilic new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Quinones are widely distributed among natural products and possess relevant and varied biological activities including antitumor and antibiotic, inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, antidiabetic, or COX-inhibition, among others. We report herein the interaction of several arylquinones and their derivatives with the amyloidogenic pathway of the amyloid precursor protein processing.

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The aim of this study is to find out whether several 1,4-naphthoquinones (1,4-NQ) can interact with the amyloidogenic pathway of the amyloid precursor protein processing, particularly targeting at β-secretase (BACE), as well as at β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregation and disaggregating preformed Aβ fibrils. Compounds bearing hydroxyl groups at the quinoid (2) or benzenoid rings (5, 6) as well as some 2- and 3-aryl derivatives (11-15) showed BACE inhibitory activity, without effect on amyloid aggregation or disaggregation. The halogenated compounds 8 and 10 were selective for the inhibition of amyloid aggregation.

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The effects of acamprosate, a drug thought to interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), were examined on the antinociceptive action of morphine, induction of tolerance to and physical dependence on morphine, and expression of the abstinence syndrome to the opiate in mice. For the induction of tolerance and dependence, morphine (300 mg/kg) was administered by means of a slow-release preparation. Single doses of acamprosate (50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) administered 30 min before a test dose of morphine did not change the antinociceptive effects of morphine in drug-naive mice.

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