Spatial kinetics and immune control of murine cytomegalovirus infection in the salivary glands.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common congenital infection. Several HCMV vaccines are in development, but none have yet been approved. An understanding of the kinetics of CMV replication and transmission may inform the rational design of vaccines to prevent this infection. The salivary glands (SG) are an important site of sustained CMV replication following primary infection and during viral reactivation from latency. As such, the strength of the immune response in the SG likely influences viral dissemination within and between hosts. To study the relationship between the immune response and viral replication in the SG, and viral dissemination from the SG to other tissues, mice were infected with low doses of murine CMV (MCMV). Following intra-SG inoculation, we characterized the viral and immunological dynamics in the SG, blood, and spleen, and identified organ-specific immune correlates of protection. Using these data, we constructed compartmental mathematical models of MCMV infection. Model fitting to data and analysis indicate the importance of cellular immune responses in different organs and point to a threshold of infection within the SG necessary for the establishment and spread of infection.

The effect of cycloplegia in the accuracy of autorefraction, keratometry and axial length using the Myopia Master.

BACKGROUND: Assessing refractive errors under cycloplegia is recommended for paediatric patients; however, this may not always be feasible. In these situations, refraction has to rely on measurements made under active accommodation which may increase measurements variability and error. Therefore, evaluating the accuracy and precision of non-cycloplegic refraction and biometric measurements is clinically relevant. The Myopia Master, a novel instrument combining autorefraction and biometry, is designed for monitoring refractive error and ocular biometry in myopia management. This study assessed its repeatability and agreement for autorefraction and biometric measurements pre- and post-cycloplegia. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study evaluated a cohort of 96 paediatric patients that underwent ophthalmologic examination. An optometrist performed two repeated measurements of autorefraction and biometry pre- and post-cycloplegia. Test-retest repeatability (TRT) was assessed as differences between consecutive measurements and agreement as differences between post- and pre-cycloplegia measurements, for spherical equivalent (SE), refractive and keratometric J0/J45 astigmatic components, mean keratometry (Km) and axial length (AL). RESULTS: Cycloplegia significantly improved the SE repeatability (TRT, pre-cyclo: 0.65 D, post-cyclo: 0.31 D). SE measurements were more repeatable in myopes and emmetropes compared to hyperopes. Keratometry (Km) repeatability did not change with cycloplegia (TRT, pre-cyclo: 0.25 D, post-cyclo:0.27 D) and AL repeatability improved marginally (TRT, pre-cyclo: 0.14 mm, post-cyclo: 0.09 mm). Regarding pre- and post-cycloplegia agreement, SE became more positive by + 0.79 D, varying with refractive error. Myopic eyes showed a mean difference of + 0.31 D, while hyperopes differed by + 1.57 D. Mean keratometry, refractive and keratometric J0/J45 and AL showed no clinically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive error measurements, using the Myopia Master were 2.5x less precise pre-cycloplegia than post-cycloplegia. Accuracy of pre-cycloplegic refractive error measurements was often larger than the clinically significant threshold (0.25 D) and was refractive error dependent. The higher precision compared to autorefraction measurements, pre- and post-cycloplegia agreement and refractive error independence of AL measurements emphasize the superiority of AL in refractive error monitoring.

Multi-biomarker approach reveals the effects of heavy metal bioaccumulation in the foundation species Prosopis laevigata (Fabaceae).

Mining is a major economic activity in many developing countries. However, it disturbs the environment, producing enormous quantities of waste, known as mine tailings, which can have deleterious environmental impact, due to their high heavy metals (HM) content. Often, foundation species that establish on mine tailings are good candidates to study the effects of HM bioaccumulation at different levels of biological organization. Prosopis laevigata is considered a HM hyperaccumulator which presents attributes of a foundation species (FS) and establishes naturally on mine tailings. We evaluated the bioaccumulation of Cu, Pb, and Zn in P. laevigata foliar tissue, the leaf micro- and macro-morphological characters, DNA damage, and population genetic effects. In total, 80 P. laevigata individuals (20/site) belonging to four populations: The individuals from both sites (exposed and reference) bioaccumulated HMs (Pb > Cu > Zn). However, in the exposed individuals, Pb and Cu bioaccumulation was significantly higher. Also, a significant effect of macro- and micro-morphological characters was registered, showing significantly lower values in individuals from the exposed sites. In addition, we found significant differences in genotoxic damage in P. laevigata individuals, between the exposed and reference sites. In contrast, for the micro-morphological characters, none of the analyzed metals had any influence. P. laevigata did not show significant differences in the genetic structure and diversity between exposed and reference populations. However, four haplotypes and four private alleles were found in the exposed populations. Since P. laevigata is a species that establishes naturally in polluted sites and bioaccumulates HM in its foliar tissues, the resulting genetic, individual and population effects have not been severe enough to show detrimental effects; hence, P. laevigata can be a useful tool in phytoremediation strategies for soils polluted with Pb and Cu, maintaining its important ecological functions.

Genetics of vasculitis.

Systemic vasculitis encompasses a wide range of conditions characterized by varying degrees of inflammation in blood vessels. Although the etiology of vasculitis remains unclear, accumulated data suggest that it is triggered in genetically predisposed individuals by the concurrence of certain environmental factors. The importance of the genetic component has been consistently supported by evidence of familial aggregation, differential prevalence by ethnicity, and multiple genetic associations with disease susceptibility and severity reported in recent years. The strongest association signals in most vasculitides correspond to genetic variants within the HLA region, suggesting an important role of the immune system in its pathophysiology. However, each type of vasculitis has distinct defining HLA association markers, likely due to disease-specific differences in antigenic drivers. Furthermore, other genetic polymorphisms located outside the HLA region play an important role in susceptibility to different vasculitides. More recent research has assessed the shared genetic susceptibility evident across different vasculitides. Future studies should focus on the identification of genetic markers that can serve as reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response in systemic vasculitis.

Combining ranger records and biogeographical models to identify the current and potential distribution of an expanding mesocarnivore in southern Europe.

Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are increasing and are potentially harmful to both people and wildlife. Understanding the current and potential distribution of wildlife species involved in HWC, such as carnivores, is essential for implementing management and conservation measures for such species. In this study, we assessed both the current distribution and potential distribution (forecast) of the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. We acquired data concerning mongoose occurrences through an online questionnaire sent to environmental rangers. We used the municipality level as the sampling unit because all municipalities within the study area were covered at least by one ranger. Using the information provided by rangers (i.e. occurrences in their municipalities), we constructed environmental favourability distribution models to assess current and potential mongoose distribution through current distribution models (CDM) and ecological models (EM), respectively. >300 rangers participated in the survey and mongooses were reported in a total of 181 of 921 municipalities studied. The CDM model showed a current distribution mainly concentrated on the western part of the study area, where intermediate-high favourability values predominated. The EM model revealed a wider potential distribution, including the south-east part of the study area, which was also characterised by intermediate-high favourability values. Our predictions were verified using independent data, including confirmation of mongoose reproduction by rangers, reports by other experts, and field sampling in some areas. Our innovative approach based on an online survey to rangers coupled with environmental favourability models is shown to be a useful methodology for assessing the current distribution of cryptic but expanding wildlife species, while also enabling estimations of future steps in their expansion. The approach proposed may help policy decision-makers seeking to ensure the conservation of expanding wildlife species, for example, by designing awareness campaigns in areas where the target species is expected to arrive.

Assessment of genotoxic damage induced by exposure to binary mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and three heavy metals in male mice.

INTRODUCTION: Heavy metals (HM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposition has been associated with health problems. Therefore, this research evaluated genotoxicity induced in male mice strain CD-1 exposed to benzo[a]anthracene (B[a]A) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and their interaction with Fe, Pb, and Al. METHODS: Groups of animals were exposed intraperitoneally to HM, PAHs, and mixtures of both. Peripheral blood samples were taken from 0 to 96 h at 24 h intervals; genotoxicity was determined by micronucleus tests and comet assay. Additionally, toxicity and viability were evaluated. RESULTS: HM and PAHs individually were genotoxic. About toxicity, only Al altered polychromatic erythrocytes number and did not change leukocytes viability. Concerning mixtures, Fe + B[a]P, Fe + B[a]A, Pb + B[a]P increased genotoxicity. There were no changes with Pb + B[a]A. Finally, Al mixtures with both PAHs damage was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to HM and PAH caused genetic damage. Fe, Al, and B[a]A, established a genotoxic potential. Every metal can interact with PAHs in different ways. Also, the micronucleus test and the comet assay demonstrated their high capacity and reliability to determine the genotoxic potential of the compounds evaluated in this work.

Early-life infection depletes preleukemic cells in a mouse model of hyperdiploid B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Epidemiological studies report opposing influences of infection on childhood B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Although infections in the first year of life appear to exert the largest impact on leukemia risk, the effect of early pathogen exposure on the fetal preleukemia cells (PLC) that lead to B-ALL has yet to be reported. Using cytomegalovirus as a model early-life infection, we show that virus exposure within one week of birth induces profound depletion of transplanted B-ALL cells in two mouse models and of in situ-generated PLC in Eu-ret mice. The age-dependent depletion of PLC results from an elevated STAT4-mediated cytokine response in neonates, with high levels of IL-12p40-driven IFN-g production inducing PLC death. Similar PLC depletion can be achieved in adult mice by impairing viral clearance. These findings provide mechanistic support for an inhibitory effect of early-life infection on B-ALL progression and could inform development of therapeutic or preventative approaches.

Decoding CD4+ T cell transcriptome in giant cell arteritis: Novel pathways and altered cross-talk with monocytes.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune-mediated large-vessels vasculitis with complex etiology. Although the pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood, a central role for CD4+ T cells has been demonstrated. In this context, understanding the transcriptome dysregulation in GCA CD4+ T cells will yield new insights into its pathogenesis. METHODS: Transcriptome analysis was conducted on CD4+ T cells from 70 patients with GCA with different disease activity and treatment status (active patients before treatment and patients in remission with and without glucocorticoid treatment), and 28 healthy controls. The study also evaluated potential impacts of DNA methylation on gene expression alterations and assessed cross-talk with CD14+ monocytes. RESULTS: This study has uncovered a substantial number of genes and pathways potentially contributing to the pathogenicity of CD4+ T cells in GCA. Specifically, CD4+ T cells from GCA patients with active disease exhibited altered expression levels of genes involved in multiple immune-related processes, including various interleukins (IL) signaling pathways. Notably, IL-2, a decisive interleukin for regulatory T cells homeostasis, was among the most significant. Additionally, impaired apoptotic pathways appear crucial in GCA development. Our findings also suggest that histone-related epigenetic pathways may be implicated in promoting an inflammatory phenotype in GCA active patients. Finally, our study observed altered signaling communication, such as the Jagged-Notch signaling, between CD4+ T cells and monocytes that could have pathogenic relevance in GCA. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests the participation of novel cytokines and pathways and the occurrence of a disruption of monocyte-T cell crosstalk driving GCA pathogenesis.

Adaptive immune responses to two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series in healthy Canadian adults ≥ 50 years: a prospective, observational cohort study.

To evaluate immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines in adults aged 50 years and older, spike protein (S)-specific antibody concentration, avidity, and function (via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibition surrogate neutralization and antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP)), as well as S-specific T cells were quantified via activation induced marker (AIM) assay in response to two-dose series. Eighty-four adults were vaccinated with either: mRNA/mRNA (mRNA-1273 and/or BNT162b2); ChAdOx1-S/mRNA; or ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S. Anti-S IgG concentrations, ADCP scores and ACE2 inhibiting antibody concentrations were highest at one-month post-second dose and declined by four-months post-second dose for all groups. mRNA/mRNA and ChAdOx1-S/mRNA schedules had significantly higher antibody responses than ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S. CD8+ T-cell responses one-month post-second dose were associated with increased ACE2 surrogate neutralization. Antibody avidity (total relative avidity index) did not change between one-month and four-months post-second dose and did not significantly differ between groups by four-months post-second dose. In determining COVID-19 correlates of protection, a measure that considers both antibody concentration and avidity should be considered.

Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated children and young adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pediatric COVID-19 cases are often mild or asymptomatic, which has complicated estimations of disease burden using existing testing practices. We aimed to determine the age-specific population seropositivity and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among children and young adults during the pandemic in British Columbia (BC). METHODS: We conducted two cross-sectional serosurveys: phase 1 enrolled children and adults < 25 years between November 2020-May 2021 and phase 2 enrolled children < 10 years between June 2021-May 2022 in BC. Participants completed electronic surveys and self-collected finger-prick dried blood spot (DBS) samples. Samples were tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies against ancestral spike protein (S). Descriptive statistics from survey data were reported and two multivariable analyses were conducted to evaluate factors associated with seropositivity. RESULTS: A total of 2864 participants were enrolled, of which 95/2167 (4.4%) participants were S-seropositive in phase 1 across all ages, and 61/697 (8.8%) unvaccinated children aged under ten years were S-seropositive in phase 2. Overall, South Asian participants had a higher seropositivity than other ethnicities (13.5% vs. 5.2%). Of 156 seropositive participants in both phases, 120 had no prior positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Young infants and young adults had the highest reported seropositivity rates (7.0% and 7.2% respectively vs. 3.0-5.6% across other age groups). CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among unvaccinated children and young adults was low in May 2022, and South Asians were disproportionately infected. This work demonstrates the need for improved diagnostics and reporting strategies that account for age-specific differences in pandemic dynamics and acceptability of testing mechanisms.

Exposición al Dicloro Difenil Tricloroetano y perfil tiroideo durante el embarazo: revisión sistemática y meta-análisis / Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane pesticide exposure and thyroid profile during pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la exposición al p,p´-DDT y p,p´-DDE con la disrupción tiroidea durante el embarazo a través de un metaanálisis. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y un meta-análisis basado en la declaración PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalysis). El protocolo de esta revisión se registró ante el International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) con el folio de identificación: CRD42022324797. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos electrónicas PubMed y Web of Science para identificar los estudios elegibles publicados en inglés y español hasta el 2 de enero de 2022. Mediante meta-análisis de efectos aleatorios, se estimó un coeficiente de regresión beta (β) combinado, por cada hormona del perfil tiroideo, a partir de los β publicados de cada estudio y sus intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC del 95%). Resultados: Se incluyeron ocho estudios de los cuales solamente tres reportaron biomarcadores de exposición a p,p'-DDT, por lo que no fue posible conducir metaanálisis para evaluar la relación entre este compuesto y las hormonas del perfil tiroideo. La exposición a p,p'-DDE se asoció con un ligero incremento en los niveles de TSH (β combinada= 0.05; IC95%= -0.01. 0.12) y T3 total (β combinada= 0.02; IC95%= -0.05, 0.09), pero inversamente con los niveles de la T4 total (β combinada= -0.003; IC 95%= -0.05, 0.05) y T4 libre (β combinada= -0.01; IC95%= -0.03, 0.01), aunque ninguno de estos hallazgos fue estadísticamente significativo. Conclusiones: La evidencia disponible a la fecha aún es limitada como para emitir una conclusión sobre la asociación entre las variables de interés. Dado que pequeños cambios en la homeóstasis tiroidea de mujeres embarazadas podrían tener consecuencias en el desarrollo fetal, es necesario seguir generando evidencia al respecto.

Abstract Objective: Evaluate the association between p,p´-DDT and p,p´-DDE exposure with thyroid disruption during pregnancy through meta-analysis. Material and methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). The protocol of this review was registered in PROSPERO with the identification sheet: CRD42022324797. We conduct systematic searches in PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases to identify eligible studies published in English and Spanish up to January 2, 2022. Using random-effects meta-analysis, a beta regression coefficient was estimated (β) pooled, for each hormone of the thyroid profile, from the β published in each study and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Eight studies were included, of which only three reported biomarkers of exposure to p,p'-DDT, so it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between this compound and hormones in the thyroid profile. Exposure to p,p'-DDE was associated with a slight increase in TSH (pooled β= 0.05; 95% CI= -0.01, 0.12) and total T3 (pooled β= 0.02; 95% CI= -0.05, 0.09) levels , but inversely with total T4 (β pooled= -0.003; 95% CI= -0.05, 0.05) and free T4 (β pooled= -0.01; 95% CI= -0.03, 0.01) levels, although neither of these findings was statistically significant. Conclusions: The evidence available to date is still limited to draw a conclusion on the association between the variables of interest. Since small changes in thyroid homeostasis in pregnant women could have consequences on fetal development, it is necessary to continue generating evidence in this regard.

Nursing training and its association with burnout syndrome among Mexican undergraduate students / Formación académica en enfermería y su asociación con el síndrome de burnout en estudiantes Mexicanos de pregrado

Abstract Introduction Previous data suggest that healthcare students, such as nursing students, might have a differential risk of presenting burnout syndrome caused by the stress they are subjected to. However, the evidence is still scarce and inconclusive. Objective To evaluate the association between nursing training and burnout syndrome among undergraduate students in Hidalgo, Mexico. Method A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 566 undergraduate students (56% were nursing students and the rest were non-healthcare students). Burnout syndrome was identified using the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey, consisting of subscales: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished academic efficacy. The association between the variables of interest was evaluated using logistic regression models adjusted for confounders. Results In the depersonalization subscale, nursing students, compared with non-healthcare students, had an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of moderate/high burnout syndrome of 2.08 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.34, 3.22]). In addition, the association was stronger among students in the third and fourth school years (aOR = 3.58; 95% CI = [1.62, 7.89]) compared with those in the first and second school years (aOR = 1.20; 95% CI = [.71, 2.03]). Discussion and conclusion It is necessary that universities provide nursing students with tools that allow them to cope with stressful situations during their academic training and their future life as health professionals.

Resumen Introducción Datos previos sugieren que los estudiantes del cuidado a la salud, como es el caso de enfermería, podrían tener un riesgo diferencial de presentar síndrome de burnout debido al estrés al que están sometidos, no obstante, la evidencia aun es escaza y no concluyente. Objetivo Evaluar la asociación entre la formación académica en enfermería con el síndrome de burnout en estudiantes universitarios de Hidalgo, México. Método Estudio trasversal analítico realizado en una muestra de 566 estudiantes universitarios (56% eran estudiantes de enfermería y el resto de las áreas diferentes a la salud). Para determinar la presencia de síndrome de burnout se utilizó la versión en español de la escala Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey, conformada por las subescalas: agotamiento, eficacia académica y despersonalización. La asociación entre las variables de interés se evalúo mediante modelos de regresión logística ajustados por confusores. Resultados En la subescala de despersonalización los estudiantes de enfermería tuvieron mayores posibilidades de presentar síndrome de burnout medio/alto en comparación con los de las otras formaciones académicas (razón de momios ajustada [RMa] = 2.08; intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95% = [1.34, 3.22]). Además, la asociación fue más fuerte entre aquellos que cursaban el tercer y cuarto año escolar (RMa = 3.58; IC 95% = [1.62, 7.89]) a diferencia de los que cursaban los primeros dos años escolares (RMa = 1.20; IC 95% = [.71, 2.03]). Discusión y conclusión Es importante que las universidades brinden a los estudiantes de enfermería herramientas que les permitan sobrellevar las situaciones estresantes durante su formación académica y su futura vida profesional.

Microbiota gastrointestinal aeróbica en niños con trastorno del espectro autista. Estudio preliminar / GASTROINTESTINAL MICROBIOTA AEROBIC IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS. PRELIMINARY STUDY

Introducción: la alteración de la microbiota intestinal o Dis- biosis ha sido implicada en los cambios de comportamiento del neurodesarrollo y problemas gastrointestinales en pacientes con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Objetivo: evaluar la micro- biota intestinal aeróbica (MGIA) y clasificarla en beneficiosa, transitoria y enteropatógena en niños con TEA en la Unidad de Autismo-Maternidad Concepción Palacios. Pacientes y métodos: desde el 26/02/2015 al 12/05/2015 se estudiaron de forma experimental y prospectiva 39 niños diagnosticados con TEA; en el estudio de la MGIA se utilizaron muestras de heces. Se aplicó una encuesta para recopilar datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y comportamientos del neurodesarrollo. Se propone la clasificación de severidad de la disbiosis en grado I,II,III o ausente para la evaluación de la MGIA. Resultados: Fueron 27 niños (69,23%) y 12 niñas (30,77%), con una edad media de 6,3. Disbiosis 31 (79,5%), Disbiosis ausente 8 (20,5%). Según el grado de disbiosis, 5 (16,13%) Grado I, 7 (22,58%) Grado II, 19 (61,29%) Grado III. Los principales agentes causales de disbiosis fueron Klebsiella spp. 16, Proteus mirabilis 8, Streptococcus sp, 6, Serratia marcensces 5, Candida spp. 4. Dos niños presentaron Campylobacter coli como MGIA patógena. Manifestaciones gastrointestinales: 25,80% dolor abdominal, 16,13% diarrea y 38.7% estreñimiento. Trastornos del neurodesarrollo: 50% aleteos, 34% autoagresión, 61% berrinches, insomnio un 34.3%. Conclusiones: Se hace necesario comparar esta investigación con un grupo de niños sin TEA para confirmar que la presencia de disbiosis como causante de alteración de la MGIA se presenta con más frecuencia en niños con TEA.

Background: altering the intestinal microbiota or Dysbiosis has been implicated in the changes the behavior of neurodevelopmen- tal and gastrointestinal problems in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objective: To evaluate aerobic intestinal micro- biota (AMGI) and rank it beneficial, transitory and enteropathogenic in children with ASD, the Autism Unit-Maternidad Concepcion Palacios. Patients and Methods: From 26/02/2015 to 05/12/2015 were studied experimentally and prospectively 39 children diagnosed with ASD; in this study the AMGI stool samples were used. A survey to collect epidemiological, clinical and neurodevelopmental behavior was applied. Severity classification dysbiosis proposed in grade I, II, III or absent for evaluating the AMGI. Results: There were 27 kids (69.23%) and 12 girls (30.77%) with a mean age of 6.3. Dysbiosis 31 (79.5%), Dysbiosis absent eight (20.5%). Depending on the degree of dysbiosis, 5 (16.13%) Grade I, 7 (22.58%) Grade II, 19 (61.29%) Grade III. The main causative agents of dysbiosis were Klebsiella spp. 16, Proteus mirabilis 8, Streptococcus sp. 6, Serratia marcensces 5, Candida spp. 4. Two children presented MGIA pathogenic Campylobacter coli. Gastrointestinal symptoms: 25,80% abdominal pain, 16.13% diarrhea and 38.7% constipation. Neurodevelopmental disorders: 50% flapping, 34% self-harm, 61% tantrums and 34.3% insomnia. Conclusion: It is necessary to compare this research with a group of children without ASD to confirm the presence of dysbiosis to cau- se impaired MGIA occurs most often in children with ASD.

Efectos de la contaminación del aire en células humanas de pulmón / Effects of air pollution in human lung cells

Introducción. Las PM2.5 son componentes de la atmósfera de la Ciudad de México. Contienen, entre otros compuestos, los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos, que tienen efectos tóxicos conocidos. Debido a las diferencias en la composición de las PM2.5 en las diferentes zonas de la Ciudad de México, y la falta de información sobre sus efectos, el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la cito y genotoxicidad de la fracción orgánica soluble que contienen los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos, de las PM2.5 provenientes de las estaciones de monitoreo Noreste (NE), Centro (C) y Suroeste (SO) de la Ciudad de México, en cultivo de células NL-20 humanas durante 24 horas. Métodos. Se extrajo la fracción orgánica soluble de los filtros con las PM2.5 de las diferentes estaciones de monitoreo. Se cultivaron las células bronquiales humanas y, posteriormente, se realizaron los ensayos de exposición a la fracción orgánica soluble para evaluar el efecto en la viabilidad y en la inducción de genotoxicidad. Resultados. Los resultados mostraron que 0.1 μg/μl de fracción orgánica soluble de la estación Centro fue la más citotóxica, reduciendo a 52.4% y 54.2% la viabilidad celular, en las temporadas tanto de sequía como de lluvia, respectivamente. Esta fracción orgánica soluble indujo anormalidades celulares, como multinucleación y atipia nuclear. Los porcentajes contrastaron con los obtenidos de la estación NE que fueron 91.2% y 85% a la misma concentración, respectivamente (p <0.05). La concentración de 0.1 μg/μl, tanto de la estación NE como de la del C, fue genotóxica. Conclusiones. La fracción orgánica soluble de la zona Centro fue la más citotóxica, ya que es la zona con mayor concentración de automóviles que son la fuente principal de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos.

Background. PM2.5 are components of the atmosphere of Mexico City and contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which induce toxic effects. Due to different compositions of the PM2.5 in all zones of Mexico City and the lack of information about their effects, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity due to soluble organic fractions (SOFs), which contains PAH isolated from the PM2.5 collected from several monitoring stations in Mexico City (northeast, downtown, and southwest) in a cell culture of human line NL-20 during a 24-h period. Methods. We extracted the soluble organic fraction of PM2.5 filters from the different monitoring stations. Human bronchial cells were cultured and subsequently assays were performed on the exposure of SOFs to evaluate the effect on the viability and induction of genotoxicity. Results. Results show that 0.1 μg/μl of SOF from the downtown station was more cytotoxic, reducing cell viability to 52.4% and 54.2% in both dry and rainy periods, respectively. Also, cellular anomalies were induced such as multinucleation and nuclear atypia. These percentages of cytotoxicity contrasted against those obtained from SOFs from the northeast area that were 91.2% and 85% at the same concentration during both dry and rainy periods, respectively (p <0.05). Only at 0.1 μg/μl SOF were the results genotoxic from the northeast and downtown (p <0.05). Conclusions. SOFs from the downtown zone were the most cytotoxic due to the high concentration of automobiles as the main sources of PAH.

Status epilepticus en el embarazo: un estudio en diez casos / Status epilepticus in pregnancy: study of ten cases

Evaluar la influencia del status epilepticus en la evolución del embarazo y en el recién nacido. Estudiamos las embarazadas hospitalizadas por status epilepticus, entre los años 1998 y 2004. En todas evaluamos historia de epilepsia, historia obstétrica y la salud de los recién nacidos. Maternidad “Concepción Palacios ”. Caracas. Se incluyeron diez episodios de status epilepticus en ocho embarazadas, la mayoría multigrávidas. El 50 por ciento ocurrieron en el tercer trimestre, 40 por ciento en el segundo y sólo un caso,10 por ciento, en el primero. En el 50 por ciento de los episodios el factor desencadenante fue el incumplimiento, o el abandono del tratamiento. Se practicó cesárea en el 71,5 por ciento de los nacimientos vivos, por sufrimiento fetal o causas obstétricas. Siete mujeres parieron ocho niños; uno murió en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales por insuficiencia respiratoria severa. Ningún recién nacido tuvo malformaciones al nacer. Probablemente el factor desencadenante más importante del status epilepticus en el embarazo es el incumplimiento o abandono del tratamiento. El predominio en el tercer trimestre sugiere la necesidad de un control clínico más cuidadoso durante este período. Las embarazadas con status epilepticus deben ser tratadas vigorosamente para controlar las convulsiones, mientras se permite continuar el embarazo. Si se indica una cesárea ha de ser por causas fetales u obstétricas, no como medio para controlar las convulsiones.

Thioacetamide effects on the polypeptidic and nucleoporin pattern and chemical composition of rat liver nuclear envelope subfractions

The effect of the administration of seven doses of the hepatocarcinogen thioacetamide on the chemical composition of rat liver nuclear envelope subfractions: associated chromatin, nuclear membranes and pore complex-lamina fraction, is analyzed. No alteration in DNA, RNA or phospholipid content is observed after the hepatocarcinogen treatment. Electrophoretic studies of each subfraction from thioacetamide treated rats show differences in the relative proportions of some polypeptides when compared with the controls. Examination of the wheat germ agglutinin binding polypeptides of each subfraction reveals a decrease in the stain of two pore complex-lamina nucleoporins of 85 and 164 kDa and an increase in one of 93 kDa; this observation can be due to changes in the quantity and/or in the agglutinin binding capacity of the nucleoporin as a result of thioacetamide administration. In view of the participation of nucleoporins in the nucleocytoplasmic transport, the changes observed suggest a relationship between changes of some O-linked N-acetyl glucosamine polypeptides components of the nuclear pore complex and the altered transport of some RNA species observed after thioacetamide administration.

Anestesia combinada: variables hemodinamicas / Combined anesthesia: hemodinamic variables

Realizamos un estudio prospectivo en 11 pacientes hospitalizados con la finalidad de realizarles cirugía electiva en el Hospital Dr. Luis E. Aybar en Santo Domingo, República Dominicana, entre los 20 y 59 años de edad, en los meses de enero y febrero de 1995, en los que evaluamos las variables hemodinámicas durante la administración de anestesia combinada. El procedimiento consistió en premedicar los pacientes con Midazolan la noche anterior por via oral con una dosis de 7.5 mg. A la mañana siguiente se procedió a monitorizar las variables hemodinámicas pre-anestésicas (presión arterial (PA), frecuencia cardíaca, electrocardiograma (EKG) y saturación de oxígeno en sangre arterial (PaO2) y luego se realizó el bloqueo peridural (BP) con bupivacaína simple al 0.5//, 100 mg, estableciendose bloqueo sensorial a nivel de T6. A los 15 min se indujo la anestesia general con Midazolan 0.2 mg/K, Fentamyl 0.3 mg/K, Atracurio 0.6 mg/K. Se realizó la conducción anestésica con Oxido Nitroso 70//, Oxígeno 30//, Fentamyl 0.2 mg/K y Atracurio 0.3 mg/K en caso necesario. Las variables hemodinámicas se monitorizaron durante la siguiente hora. La PA sistólica basal promedio fue de 115 mm Hg y a los 10 min a 101 mm Hg. Inmediatamente despues de la inducción de la anestesia general descendió a 110 mm Hg para continuar descendiendo lentamente hasta 90 mm Hg a los 35 y 60 min de haberse iniciado el proceso anestésico. La PA diastólica basal promedio fue de 78 mm Hg, descendiendo también lentamente, registrando su valor mínimo de 68 mm Hg a los 35 y 60 min de iniciado el BP. La frecuencia cardíaca, PaO2 y EKG no presentaron ninguna alteración durante el periodo estudiado. Consideramos que esta es una técnica segura aún en pacientes geriátricos sometidos a cirugía electiva de abdomen ofertandoles múltiples beneficios trans-anestésicos y segura protección contra el dolor y sus consecuencias

Sedación intranasal en niños con midazolan / Intranasal sedation in children with midazolan

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar con 12 niños de 2 a 8 años de edad, 7 del sexo masculino y 5 del femenino, que iban a ser sometidos a cirugía electiva, en los cuales se evaluó la sedación con Midazolan por vía intranasal, en dosis de 0.3 mg/K de peso, como medicamento pre-anestésico. Para evaluar los resultados de la sedación se utilizó la escala de sedación de D. Ryan Cook. Comprobamos que a los 15 min de administrarse el Midazolan todos los pacientes estaban calmados y felices y fueron separados de sus padres facilmente

Curso de orientación sexual y salud reproductiva / Course of sexual orientation and reproductive health

Las estadísticas de mortalidad materna y perinatal alcanzan sus niveles más bajos en el grupo de madres comprendido entre los 20 y los 30 años de edad, por lo que se considera éste el período más seguro para tener hijos. Como puede observarse, la planificación familiar es factor de gran importancia para conservar la salud materna y mejorar las condiciones para el desarrollo de los hijos, poque permite: 1.- Diferir el primer embarazo hasta que la mujer haya alcanzado cuando menos los 20 años de edad y haya mejorado sus condiciones de estabilidad física, emocional y social. 2.- Ampliar el intervalo entre los embarazos sucesivos a un mínimo de tres años, a partir del anterior. 3.- Contribuir a lograr el número de hijos ideal que la pareja desee para su desarrollo familiar, en condiciones de salud plena, asegurando la realización personal de sus integrantes, tanto en aspectos económicos como profecionales, ocupacionales, sociales y culturales. 4.- Proporcionar la suspención definitiva de la actividad reproductiva a partir de los 35 años de la mujer o después del tercer hijo nacido vivo. 5.- Facilitar la participación activa del varón en las acciones de regulación de la fertilidad de la pareja, de acuerdo con sus planes de desarrollo familiar y propiciar así su integración activa