Alginate Oligosaccharides Protect Gastric Epithelial Cells against Oxidative Stress Damage through Induction of the Nrf2 Pathway.

Gastric diseases represent a significant global public health challenge, characterized by molecular dysregulation in redox homeostasis and heightened oxidative stress. Although prior preclinical studies have demonstrated the cytoprotective antioxidant effects of alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs) through the Nrf2 pathway, whether such mechanisms apply to gastric diseases remains unclear. In this study, we used the GES-1 gastric cell line exposed to hydrogen peroxide (HO) as a damage model to investigate the impact of AOS on cell viability and its associated mechanisms.

Do prenatal depressive symptoms developed by hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancy persist to post-partum?

This study aims to explore the level of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and after childbirth comparing women hospitalized due to high-risk pregnancy (clinical group) and women with low-risk pregnancy (control group). Seventy pregnant women (26 clinical group and 44 control group) filled in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale both during pregnancy and three months after childbirth. Results showed that the clinical group reported significant higher levels of prenatal depression than the control group, while no differences were found on postnatal depression.

Five actions for five people: emergency cesarean section protocol.

Objective: The scope of this work is to evaluate an operative protocol for emergency C-section to improve teamwork and reduce surgical setup time.

Methods: Sixty-six health care operators working together in the delivery ward (gynecologists, midwives, anesthesiologists) simulated an emergency scenario applying a "five actions for each operator" protocol. For each simulation, the decision to delivery interval was considered and the perception of each operator as a team worker was analyzed with specific tests.

The use of a novel sensorized simulation platform for real-time labor progression assessment.

Objective: To prove the potentialities of an integrated and sensorized childbirth platform as an innovative simulator for education of inexperienced gynecological and obstetrical medical students.

Methods: A total of 152 inexperienced medical students were recruited to a simulation program on labor progression evaluation. After an introductory lecture on basic concepts of labor and birth given by an expert gynecologist, three different gynecologic scenarios were simulated using both a traditional obstetric simulator and the innovative proposed platform, for a total of six tests for each student.

Differential Distribution and Activity Profile of Acylpeptide Hydrolase in the Rat Seminiferous Epithelium.

Acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH) is a serine protease involved in amino acid recycling from acylated peptides (exopeptidase activity) and degradation of oxidized proteins (endoproteinase activity). This enzyme is inhibited by dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphate compound used as an insecticide. The role of APEH in spermatogenesis has not been established; therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the distribution and activity profile of APEH during this process.

DNA damage in a Chilean population exposed to pesticides and its association with PON1 (Q192R and L55M) susceptibility biomarker.

The active ingredients in pesticides are known to be genotoxic that can cause mutations, chromosomal aberrations, or other types of DNA damage. Early detection of genotoxicity reduces the risk of developing diseases such as cancer or suffering from reproductive disorders. In turn, the genotoxic risk depends on the intrinsic capability of the individual to metabolize and eliminate the xenobiotic from the organism.

Levels of Polychlorinated Dibenzo--Dioxins/Furans (PCDD/Fs) and Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in Human Breast Milk in Chile: A Pilot Study.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic compounds that resist biochemical degradation, moving long distances across the atmosphere before deposition occurs. Our goal was to provide up-to-date data on the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo--dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in breast milk from Chilean women and to estimate the exposure of infants due to breast milk consumption. In Chile, we conducted a cross-sectional study based on methodologies proposed by the WHO, with a sample of 30 women recruited from three defined areas: 10 from the Arica Region (urban; Arica and Parinacota Region), 10 from Coltauco (rural; O'Higgins Region), and 10 from Molina (40% rural; Maule Region).

Simulation training program for vacuum application to improve technical skills in vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery.

Objective: evaluation of technical skills of the operators during the obstetrical device application for operative vaginal delivery, named kiwi-cup in a simulation training program.

Methods: Thirty-five residents in obstetrics and gynecology of the University of Pisa, Italy were recruited and evaluated with an assessment scale on technical skills from 0 to 55 points. They performed various operative vaginal delivery simulations with kiwi-cup and were evaluated at time 0 by a tutor.

A Positive Relationship between Exposure to Heavy Metals and Development of Chronic Diseases: A Case Study from Chile.

Chile is a mining country, where waste mining is frequently found in the vicinity of inhabited areas. To explore the association between metal exposure and alterations in glucose metabolism, inflammatory status, and oxidative stress in individuals with chronic exposure to metals, a cross-sectional study was performed with 25 volunteers, between 45-65 years old. Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure urinary levels of total arsenic (As) and its metabolites, cooper, nickel, chromium, and lead.

Reduced neurobehavioral functioning in agricultural workers and rural inhabitants exposed to pesticides in northern Chile and its association with blood biomarkers inhibition.

Background: Previous biomonitoring studies have shown that people in the rural population of Coquimbo, the major agricultural area in northern Chile are being occupationally and environmentally exposed to organophosphate/carbamate (OP/CB) pesticides. Given their harmful effects, this study had two aims; first, to evaluate the effect of cumulative or chronic exposure to OP/CB pesticides on the neurobehavioral performance of agricultural workers and rural inhabitants; second, to determine if changes in the neurobehavioral performance are associated to changes in blood biomarkers of OP/CB pesticides during the spray season, when exposure is higher.

Methods: For the first aim, a cross sectional study of neurobehavioral performance in adult volunteers (men and women, 18-50 years-old, right-handed) was carried out in the pre-spray season.

[Pesticide exposure in Chile and population health: urgency for decision making].

In the last 25 years, Chile has had an expanding role as an agro-export country in the global economy, with efficient rates of productivity in the region, based on the technological development of agriculture, with of large monocultures whose productivity depends on the intensive application of agrochemicals. This form of agriculture has also lacked efficient regulations and surveillance, so it is difficult to estimate the real magnitude of the exposed population and its effects on health in the short or long term. This systematic review compiles the epidemiological evidence generated from studies conducted in several regions of Chile regarding pesticide exposure and health effects.

Psychological factors and maternal-fetal attachment in relation to epidural choice.

Introduction: A woman's first childbirth is an event of great importance to her life, involving her transition to parenthood. Many studies have analyzed the roles of depression, anxiety and fear of childbirth linked to childbirth expectations and the consequent choice of an epidural to avoid pain. Few studies have investigated the predictor role of maternal-fetal attachment on the choice of epidural.

Association between cholinesterase's inhibition and cognitive impairment: A basis for prevention policies of environmental pollution by organophosphate and carbamate pesticides in Chile.

Background: In Chile organophosphate pesticides are widely used in the production of fruits. Pesticides use is regulated for professional practice but there is no regulation regarding exposure to the general population.

Objective: To relate exposure to cholinesterase's inhibitor pesticides during the spray season with neuropsychological impairment in occupationally exposed (OE) and environmentally exposed (EE) groups of people.

Pheochromocytoma diagnosed during pregnancy: a case report.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine producing tumor. During pregnancy, this tumor can mimic gestational hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia. We present a case of a 38-year-old, multiparous woman admitted at 36 weeks of gestation due to hypertension.

Pregnancy after miscarriage in primiparae and multiparae: implications for women's psychological well-being.

: Miscarriage is a stressful life event with negative consequences that can last into the subsequent gestation, increasing women's risk for psychological symptoms. Less clear in literature is whether having a living child may buffer the psychological impact of miscarriage on subsequent pregnancies.: explore levels of depression, anxiety and fear of delivery in women with and without a previous miscarriage, taking into consideration the presence of a living child.

A feasibility study on non-invasive fetal ECG to evaluate prenatal autonomic nervous system activity.

Background: Maturity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is of paramount importance for fetal adaptation to extrauterine life and for early neurological development. Markers of ANS maturity, such as electrophysiological heart rate parameters, are of interest as tools to determine prenatal fetal maturity. The available technology, fetal magnetocardiography is expensive and not suitable for clinical use.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Post-partum Depression Risk Factors: The Role of Socio-Demographic, Individual, Relational, and Delivery Characteristics.

Postpartum depression is a common and complex phenomenon that can cause relevant negative outcomes for children, women and families. Existing literature highlights a wide range of risk factors. The main focus of this paper is to jointly investigate different types of risk factors (socio-demographic, psychopathological, relational, and related to labor and birth experience) in post-partum depression onset in women during first-child pregnancy, identifying which of these are the most important predictors.

Severe bowel incarceration in an eight-millimeter left-lateral trocar site after robot-assisted laparoscopic colposacropexy: A case report.

Over the last twenty years, robotic surgery has become an increasingly important form of surgical intervention. However, it can have complications. Trocar site hernia (TSH), also known as port site hernia (PSH), is an uncommon complication, but in the case of bowel incarceration or strangulation it can cause significant morbidity.

Cranberry, D-mannose and anti-inflammatory agents prevent lower urinary tract symptoms in women undergoing prolapse surgery.

We assessed the effect on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of a supplement containing cranberry, D-mannose and anti-inflammatory molecules in postmenopausal women undergoing surgery for cystocele. Forty postmenopausal women were randomized 1:1 to an active group receiving the nutritional supplement twice a day for 2 weeks starting from surgery, or to a control group receiving surgery only. Primary outcomes were the effectiveness in the postoperative LUTS and urinary tract infections (UTI).

Simulation as tool for evaluating and improving technical skills in laparoscopic gynecological surgery.

Background: Simulation in laparoscopic surgery is nowadays recognized as a valid instrument for learning and training surgeons in different procedures. However, its role as evaluation test and self-assessment tool to verify basic surgical skills is still under discussion.

Methods: Thirty-three residents in obstetrics and gynecology at University of Pisa, Italy were recruited, and they received a simulation program consisting of 5 tasks.

Delayed delivery of the second twin: Case report and literature review of diamniotic dichorionic twin pregnancy with very early preterm premature rupture of membranes.

In multiple pregnancies with threatened premature delivery or preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) of a single sac, prolonging pregnancy after the delivery of the first baby may improve the chances of survival of the second baby. We report the delayed delivery of a second baby in a twin pregnancy with pPROM and very premature delivery of the first baby. This condition is exceptional and there are no validated medical protocols for its management; the scientific evidence is still controversial.

Single and Repeated Administration of Methylphenidate Modulates Synaptic Plasticity in Opposite Directions via Insertion of AMPA Receptors in Rat Hippocampal Neurons.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Several lines of evidence support that MPH can modulate learning and memory processes in different ways including improvement and impairment of test performances. A relevant factor in the efficacy of treatment is whether administration is performed once or several times.

Simulation of childbirth improves clinical management capacity and self-confidence in medical students.

The learning process of physiological mechanisms of childbirth and its management are important elements in the education of medical students. In this study, we verify how the use of a high-fidelity simulator of childbirth improves competence of students in this regard. A total of 132 medical students were recruited for the study in order to attend a physiological childbirth in a no-hospital environment after being assigned to two groups.

Biomonitoring of blood cholinesterases and acylpeptide hydrolase activities in rural inhabitants exposed to pesticides in the Coquimbo Region of Chile.

In Chile, agriculture is a relevant economic activity and is concomitant with the use of pesticides to improve the yields. Acute intoxications of agricultural workers occur with some frequency and they must be reported to the surveillance system of the Ministry of Health. However the impacts of chronic and environmental pesticide exposure have been less studied.