Synthesis of disaccharides using ß-glucosidases from Aspergillus niger, A. awamori and Prunus dulcis.

OBJECTIVE: Glucose conversion into disaccharides was performed with ß-glucosidases from Prunus dulcis (ß-Pd), Aspergillus niger (ß-An) and A. awamori (ß-Aa), in reactions containing initial glucose of 700 and 900 g l-1. RESULTS: The reactions' time courses were followed regarding glucose and product concentrations. In all cases, there was a predominant formation of gentiobiose over cellobiose and also of oligosaccharides with a higher molecular mass. For reactions containing 700 g glucose l-1, the final substrate conversions were 33, 38, and 23.5% for ß-An, ß-Aa, and ß-Pd, respectively. The use of ß-An yielded 103 g gentiobiose l-1 (15.5% yield), which is the highest reported for a fungal ß-glucosidase. The increase in glucose concentration to 900 g l-1 resulted in a significant increase in disaccharide synthesis by ß-Pd, reaching 128 g gentiobiose l-1 (15% yield), while for ß-An and ß-Aa, there was a shift toward the synthesis of higher oligosaccharides. CONCLUSION: ß-Pd and the fungal ß-An and ß-Aa ß-glucosidases present quite dissimilar kinetics and selective properties regarding the synthesis of disaccharides; while ß-Pd showed the highest productivity for gentiobiose synthesis, ß-An presented the highest specificity.

Expression of dog1 in low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma: A study of 19 cases and review of the literature.

DOG1 is a highly-sensitive marker often included in the immunohistochemical panel for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Recent research has shown that DOG1 may also be expressed by low-grade fibromyxoid sarcomas (LGFMSs); this may give rise to diagnostic error when the sarcoma is located in the abdominal cavity. This paper reports on immnohistochemical expression of DOG1 in 19 LGFMSs using two different monoclonal antibodies: K9 (Leica, Novocastra Laboratories, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) and SP31 (Thermo Scientific, Freemont, USA). All LGFMSs displayed the standard histological pattern of alternating myxoid and fibrous areas, low cellularity and bland spindle-cell morphology. Positive staining for MUC4 was observed in 18/19 cases (94.7%), while there was rearrangement of the FUS gene in 14/19 (73.7%) cases and of the EWR1 gene in 2/19 (10.5%). The sarcoma staining negative for MUC4 displayed FUS gene rearrangement. Whole-section immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining for DOG1 in 8/19 cases (42.1%), though only with clone K9. Cytoplasmic as well as membrane staining was observed in all cases; staining was focal (10-30%) and of varying intensity (1+ to 2+). In conclusion, DOG1 clone K9 exhibited low sensitivity (42.1%) for the diagnosis of LGFMS, although higher than clone SP31. Since the two clones display similar sensitivity and specificity for GIST diagnosis, SP31 would appear to be more specific for this purpose, since no reaction was observed here with LGFMS, a GIST-mimicking lesion.

Structure-Driven Pharmacology of Transient Receptor Potential Channel Vanilloid 1.

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel is a polymodal receptor that mediates the flux of cations across the membrane in response to several stimuli, including heat, voltage, and ligands. The best known agonist of TRPV1 channels is capsaicin, the pungent component of "hot" chili peppers. In addition, peptides found in the venom of poisonous animals, along with the lipids phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate, lysophosphatidic acid, and cholesterol, bind to TRPV1 with high affinity to modulate channel gating. Here, we discuss the functional evidence regarding ligand-dependent activation of TRPV1 channels in light of structural data recently obtained by cryoelectron microscopy. This review focuses on the mechanistic insights into ligand binding and allosteric gating of TRPV1 channels and the relevance of accurate polymodal receptor biophysical characterization for drug design in novel pain therapies.

Physical Therapist Interventions Versus or Combined With Surgical Treatment in Nontraumatic Degenerative Meniscal Pathology: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials in people with nontraumatic degenerative meniscal pathology by comparing physical therapist interventions versus or combined with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data synthesis was performed with random-effects network meta-analysis, and results were summarized using the standardized mean differences. RESULTS: From 2103 studies, 10 randomized clinical trials comprising 1411 individuals were included. Ninety percent of the selected randomized clinical trials were classified as good quality according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. All interventions (physical therapist interventions, APM, and APM plus physical therapist interventions) showed reduced pain and physical impairments at 3-month follow-up. However, when a physical therapist intervention was included, greater reductions in pain at rest (APM vs physical therapist interventions: 0.73 [95% CI = 0.20 to 1.26]; APM vs APM plus physical therapist interventions: 0.59 [95% CI = 0.15 to 1.03]) and greater increases in the strength of knee extensor muscles (APM vs physical therapist interventions: 0.44 [95% CI = 0.07 to 0.80]; APM vs APM plus physical therapist interventions: 0.73 [95% CI = 0.29 to 1.16]) were observed at 3 months. By contrast, no differences were found between treatments beyond 3 months. CONCLUSION: Physical therapist interventions based on exercise programs demonstrate superior short-term outcomes in pain reduction and knee extensor strength compared to surgical treatment. IMPACT: For nontraumatic degenerative meniscal pathology, conservative treatment utilizing a physical therapist intervention approach should be prioritized as the first choice over surgical treatment. It offers comparable or superior short-term pain reduction and strength improvements, with a lower risk of side effects. In cases where surgery is deemed necessary, including postsurgical, physical therapist interventions are highly recommended to enhance muscle strength and alleviate pain.

Detection of occult cerebrospinal fluid involvement during maintenance therapy identifies a group of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at high risk for relapse.

We aimed at assessing the clinical significance of the levels of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells in samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during therapy. We studied 990 CSF samples from 108 patients, at the time of diagnosis (108) and at each time of intrathecal therapy (882). The proportions of leukemic cells in CSF samples were assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). Patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement at diagnosis (FCM+) showed predominantly a T-ALL, and higher percentages of known negative prognostic factors: high risk group, higher white blood cell counts, normal karyotype, and the BCR-ABL fusion gene. No differences in relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were observed between FCM+ versus FCM- at diagnosis. Patients with CNS involvement during therapy showed significantly older age, and higher frequencies of T-cell leukemia. We found a significantly higher RFS in patients with FCM+ during therapy. The detection of subclinical CNS disease by FCM during maintenance was associated with significantly lower 3-years RFS and 3-years OS. A sensitive methodology like FCM can be applied for a close follow-up of the levels of ALL in CFS samples, and may identify a group of patients at high risk for relapse.

New insights into the role of the immune microenvironment in breast carcinoma.

Recently, immune edition has been recognized as a new hallmark of cancer. In this respect, some clinical trials in breast cancer have reported imppressive outcomes related to laboratory immune findings, especially in the neoadjuvant and metastatic setting. Infiltration by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and their subtypes, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSC) seem bona fide prognostic and even predictive biomarkers, that will eventually be incorporated into diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of breast cancer. In addition, the complex interaction of costimulatory and coinhibitory molecules on the immune synapse and the different signals that they may exert represent another exciting field to explore. In this review we try to summarize and elucidate these new concepts and knowledge from a translational perspective focusing on breast cancer, paying special attention to those aspects that might have more significance in clinical practice and could be useful to design successful therapeutic strategies in the future.

Community Perceptions of Arsenic Contaminated Drinking Water and Preferences for Risk Communication in California's San Joaquin Valley.

Due to chronic exposure to elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water, thousands of Californians have increased risk for internal cancers and other adverse health effects. The mortality risk of cancer is 1 in 400 people exposed to above 10 µg/L of arsenic in their drinking water. The purpose of this community assessment was to understand the perceptions and awareness of the residents and public water representatives in rural, unincorporated farming communities of color in San Joaquin Valley, California. In our research, we asked 27 community informants about their (1) available water sources, (2) knowledge about the health impacts of arsenic, and (3) preferences for risk communication and education regarding the health impacts of arsenic-contaminated drinking water. Through our qualitative coding and analysis, we found that most community informants indicated that there was limited community awareness about the health effects of drinking water with elevated arsenic levels. Preferences for risk communication included using in-language, culturally relevant, and health literate health promotion strategies and teaching these topics through the local K-8 schools' science curriculum with a language brokerage approach to transfer student knowledge to family members. Key recommendations include implementing these communication preferences to increase community-wide knowledge about safe drinking water.

[Benefits of early social transition in transgender minors. Family perspectives: qualitative study.] / Beneficios de la transición social temprana en menores transgénero. Perspectivas de familias: estudio cualitativo.

OBJECTIVE: The term trans brings together all transgender identities. The early social transition towards the affirmed gender has benefits in the child's development. For families, transit is a period of great uncertainty, requiring support aimed at families of trans minors. The aim of this paper was to explore the needs and experiencies of parents and close-relatives who supported the social transition of their children. METHODS: We worked with focus groups of functional families of transgender minors who had begun the transition (n=14), with a medium-high educational level and who belonged to urban areas of Tenerife. Through a semi-structured interview, they commented on their experiences in the process of supporting the social transition of their children. The data was recorded in a video recording and processed through content analysis and categorization. RESULTS: Early social transition had positive and immediate benefits on child development as well as in the reduction of anxiety. There was a general improvement in mood, self-esteem, and social and family relationships. The accompaniment of specialists and associations helped in the different social situations and favoured resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Early social transition is positive in the personal and socio-family sphere of the minor. To improve their resilience, families demand accompaniment in this process, as well as meeting other trans people who serve as transpositive references. In addition, they point out the need for specific training in health professionals.

OBJETIVO: El término trans aglutina a todas las identidades transgénero. La transición social temprana hacia el género sentido tiene beneficios en el desarrollo del menor. Para las familias, el tránsito es un periodo de grandes incertidumbres, siendo necesario el acompañamiento dirigido a las familias de menores trans. El objetivo del artículo fue explorar, desde una perspectiva paterna y familiar, las necesidades y experiencias sobre el tránsito de menores trans que sirvieran de referente a otros padres/madres que apoyan el tránsito social de sus hijos e hijas. METODOS: Se trabajó con grupos focales de familias funcionales de menores transgénero que habían iniciado la transición (n=14), de nivel educativo medio-alto y que pertenecían a zonas urbanas de Tenerife. Mediante entrevista semiestructurada, comentaron sus experiencias en el proceso de dar soporte al tránsito social de sus hijos e hijas. Los datos fueron registrados en una videograbación y se procesaron mediante análisis de contenido y categorización. RESULTADOS: La transición social temprana tuvo beneficios positivos e inmediatos en el desarrollo del menor, además de en la disminución de la ansiedad. Hubo una mejora general en el humor, la autoestima y las relaciones tanto sociales como familiares. El acompañamiento de especialistas y asociaciones ayudó en las distintas situaciones sociales y favoreció la resiliencia. CONCLUSIONES: El tránsito social temprano es positivo en la esfera personal y sociofamiliar del menor. Para mejorar su resiliencia, las familias demandan acompañamiento en este proceso, así como conocer otras personas trans que les sirvan como referentes transpositivos. Además, señalan la necesidad de formación específica en los profesionales sanitarios.

On the nature of in vivo requirements for rde-4 in RNAi and developmental pathways in C. elegans.

C. elegans RDE-4 is a double-stranded RNA binding protein that has been shown to play a key role in response to foreign double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We have used diverse tools for analysis of gene function to characterize the domain and organismal foci of RDE-4 action in C. elegans. First, we examined the focus of activity within the RDE-4 protein, by testing a series of RDE-4 deletion constructs for their ability to support dsRNA-triggered gene silencing. These assays indicated a molecular requirement for a linker region and the second dsRNA-binding domain of RDE-4, with ancillary contributions to function from the C and N terminal domains. Second, we used mosaic analysis to explore the cellular focus of action of RDE-4. These experiments indicated an ability of RDE-4 to function non-autonomously in foreign RNA responses. Third, we used growth under stressful conditions to search for evidence of an organismal focus of action for RDE-4 distinct from its role in response to foreign dsRNA. Propagation at high temperatures exposed a conditional requirement for RDE-4 for optimal growth and fertility, indicating at least under these conditions that RDE-4 can serve an essential role in C. elegans.

ImagCell: a computer tool for cell culture image processing applications in bioimpedance measurements.

This paper presents a computer tool for automatic analysis of cell culture images. The program allows the extraction of relevant information from biological images for pre- and postsystem analysis. In particular, this tool is being used for electrical characterization of electrode-solution-cell systems in which bioimpedance is the main parameter to be known. The correct modeling of this kind of systems enables both electronic system characterization for circuit design specifications and data decoding from measurements. The developed program allows cell culture image processing for geographic information extraction and generates cell count and equivalent circuit descriptions useful for system simulations.

High-dose busulfan and melphalan as conditioning regimen for autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation in high-risk neuroblastoma patients.

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the outcome and identify risk factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) in 36 children with high-risk neuroblastoma who underwent autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation between 1994 and 2010. The conditioning regimen used in all cases consisted of high-dose of busulfan and melphalan. Median age at transplantation was 3 years (range: 0.7-14 years). The median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 11 days (range: 9.16 days) and 13 days (range: 9.33), respectively. Twenty-one patients developed nonhematologic toxicity: 15 patients had mucositis, 4 patients developed an engraftment syndrome, and there were 2 cases of liver toxicity. No toxic deaths were observed. There were 15 patients who relapsed. The median time to relapse was 6 months after the transplant (range: 3-13 months). With a median follow-up of 55 months (range: 4-180 months), the PFS was 57% ± 8.5% for the whole group. In multivariate analysis, age below 3 years (P < .005), complete remission (CR) pretransplantation (P < .07) and 1p germline status (P < .01) were variables associated with better outcomes. Patients who were or achieved early CR following transplantation (3 months posttransplantation) had a probability of PFS of 91% ± 6% as compared to patients who did not (PFS 9% ± 8%) (P < .0001). This retrospective study shows that high dose of busulfan and melphalan as conditioning regimen in children with high-risk neuroblastoma is associated with very low morbidity and no mortality in the authors' hands. Younger patients with no 1p deletions and in first CR at transplantation had the better outcome.

Augmented renal clearance. An unnoticed relevant event.

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a phenomenon that can lead to a therapeutic failure of those drugs of renal clearance. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of ARC in the critically ill patient, to study the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) throughout the follow-up and analyze the concordance between the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) estimation formula and measured GFR. Observational, prospective, multicenter study. ARC was defined as a creatinine clearance greater than 130 ml/min/1.73 m2. Eighteen hospitals were recruited. GFR measurements carried out twice weekly during a 2-month follow-up period. A total of 561 patients were included. ARC was found to have a non-negligible prevalence of 30%. More even, up to 10.7% already had ARC at intensive care unit (ICU) admission. No specific pattern of GFR was found during the follow-up. Patients in the ARC group were younger 56.5 (53.5-58.5) versus 66 (63.5-68.5) years than in the non-ARC group, p < 0.001. ICU mortality was lower in the ARC group, 6.9% versus 14.5%, p = 0.003. There was no concordance between the estimation of GFR by the CKD-EPI formula and GFR calculated from the 4-h urine. ARC is found in up to 30% of ICU patients, so renal removal drugs could be under dosed by up to 30%. And ARC is already detected on admission in 10%. It is a dynamic phenomenon without an established pattern that usually occurs in younger patients that can last for several weeks. And the CKD-EPI formula does not work to estimate the real creatinine clearance of these patients.

Dormant but Active: Chilling Accumulation Modulates the Epigenome and Transcriptome of Prunus avium During Bud Dormancy.

Temperate deciduous fruit tree species like sweet cherry (Prunus avium) require long periods of low temperatures to trigger dormancy release and flowering. In addition to sequence-based genetic diversity, epigenetic variation may contribute to different chilling requirements among varieties. For the low chill variety 'Royal Dawn' and high chill variety 'Kordia', we studied the methylome of floral buds during chilling accumulation using MethylC-seq to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) during chilling hours (CH) accumulation, followed by transcriptome analysis to correlate changes in gene expression with DNA methylation. We found that during chilling accumulation, DNA methylation increased from 173 CH in 'Royal Dawn' and 443 CH in 'Kordia' and was mostly associated with the CHH context. In addition, transcriptional changes were observed from 443 CH in 'Kordia' with 1,210 differentially expressed genes, increasing to 4,292 genes at 1,295 CH. While 'Royal Dawn' showed approximately 5,000 genes differentially expressed at 348 CH and 516 CH, showing a reprogramming that was specific for each genotype. From conserved upregulated genes that overlapped with hypomethylated regions and downregulated genes that overlapped with hypermethylated regions in both varieties, we identified genes related to cold-sensing, cold-signaling, oxidation-reduction process, metabolism of phenylpropanoids and lipids, and a MADS-box SVP-like gene. As a complementary analysis, we used conserved and non-conserved DEGs that presented a negative correlation between DNA methylations and mRNA levels across all chilling conditions, obtaining Gene Ontology (GO) categories related to abiotic stress, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Altogether, this data indicates that changes in DNA methylation precedes transcript changes and may occur as an early response to low temperatures to increase the cold tolerance in the endodormancy period, contributing with the first methylome information about the effect of environmental cues over two different genotypes of sweet cherry.

Treatment of six cases of advanced ectasia after LASIK with 6-mm Intacs SK.

PURPOSE: To describe the outcome after implantation of 6-mm Intacs SK implants (Addition Technology Inc) for treatment of ectasia after LASIK. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive longitudinal case series. Seven eyes of 6 patients with advanced keratectasia after LASIK were treated with 6-mm Intacs SK implantation. Parameters evaluated preoperatively and at 9 months were uncorrected (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), average keratometry (AvK), and spherical equivalent refractive error (SEQ). RESULTS: Mean preoperative UCVA was 1.56 +/ - 0.43 logMAR (approximately 20/800), BSCVA was 0.57 +/ - 0.24 logMAR (approximately 20/75), SEQ was -14.67 +/- 5.30 diopters (D), and AvK was 53.80 +/ - 6.30 D. Postoperative examination showed a clinically significant improvement in UCVA, which improved to 0.27+/- 0.14 logMAR (approximately 20/40). Mean BSCVA improved to 0.24 +/- 0.08 logMAR (approximately 20/32), mean SEQ reduced to -2.93 +/- 0.86 D, and AvK reduced to 48.57 +/ - 5.00 D. CONCLUSIONS: Within the scope of six cases with 9-month postoperative follow-up, implantation of 6-mm Intacs SK appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for management of advanced cases of keratectasia after LASIK.

Superiority of wall motion score index over left ventricle ejection fraction in predicting cardiovascular events after an acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND:: There are few data on the prognostic significance of the wall motion score index compared with left ventricle ejection fraction after an acute myocardial infarction. Our objective was to compare them after the hyperacute phase. METHODS:: Transthoracic echocardiograms were performed in 352 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction, after the first 48 hours of admission and before hospital discharge (median 56.3 hours (48.2-83.1)). We evaluated the ability of the wall motion score index and left ventricular ejection fraction to predict the combined endpoint (mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure) as a primary objective and the independent events of the combined endpoint as a secondary objective. RESULTS:: In 80.7% of patients, the wall motion score index was high despite having an ejection fraction >40%. No patient had an ejection fraction <55% with a normal index. After a follow-up of 30.5 months (24.2-49.5), both variables were predictors of the composite endpoint and all-cause mortality ( p<0.0001), although only the wall motion score index was a predictor of readmission for heart failure ( p=0.007). By multivariate analysis, a wall motion score index >1.8 proved to be the most powerful predictor of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio: 8.5; 95% confidence interval 3.7-18.8; p<0.0001). The superiority of the wall motion score index over ejection fraction was especially significant in patients with less myocardial damage (non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, or left ventricle ejection fraction >40%). CONCLUSIONS:: Both variables provide important prognostic information after a myocardial infarction. Beyond the hyperacute phase, wall motion score index is a more powerful prognostic predictor, especially in subgroups with less myocardial damage.

The aerosol rabbit model of TB latency, reactivation and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

The large reservoir of human latent tuberculosis (TB) contributes to the global success of the pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We sought to test whether aerosol infection of rabbits with Mtb H37Rv could model paucibacillary human latent TB. The lung burden of infection peaked at 5 weeks after aerosol infection followed by host containment of infection that was achieved in all rabbits. One-third of rabbits had at least one caseous granuloma with culturable bacilli at 36 weeks after infection suggesting persistent paucibacillary infection. Corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression initiated after disease containment resulted in reactivation of disease. Seventy-two percent of rabbits had culturable bacilli in the right upper lung lobe homogenates compared to none of the untreated controls. Discontinuation of dexamethasone led to predictable lymphoid recovery, with a proportion of rabbits developing multicentric large caseous granuloma. The development and severity of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was dependent on the antigen load at the time of immunosuppression and subsequent bacillary replication during corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression. Clinically, many aspects were similar to IRIS in severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected patients who have functional restoration of T cells in response to effective (highly active) antiretroviral therapy. This corticosteroid model is the only animal model of the IRIS. Further study of the rabbit model of TB latency, reactivation and IRIS may be important in understanding the immunopathogenesis of these poorly modeled states as well as for improved diagnostics for specific stages of disease.

Susceptibility to tuberculosis: composition of tuberculous granulomas in Thorbecke and outbred New Zealand White rabbits.

We sought to characterize the lung cellular immune responses to inhaled Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) of the susceptible inbred Thorbecke rabbit (the genomically sequenced strain, now unavailable) and compare it to outbred, Mtb-resistant, New Zealand White rabbits. Using Mtb CDC1551, we confirmed that the inbred rabbits allowed establishment of infection with this low virulence strain, compared to poor establishment in outbred rabbits. With a more virulent strain, Mtb Erdman, that establishes infection well in both rabbit strains, we analyzed granulomas from rabbit lungs 5 weeks after aerosol infection. The lung granulomas of inbred rabbits had significantly higher frequencies of cells expressing MHC Class II and CD11b, and lower frequencies of CD8+ T cells than the outbred controls. Macrophage-sized cells expressing MHC Class II in inbred rabbit granulomas showed significantly decreased intensity of expression, suggesting impaired maturation. Although the inbred dermal tuberculin reactions were decreased, the in vitro IFN-gamma mRNA responses of hilar node lymphocytes to tuberculin were higher than those of outbred rabbits. Further delineation of the outbred rabbit's resistant immune response to Mtb infection is warranted.

Huge recurrent gastric neuroendocrine tumor: a second-line chemotherapeutic dilemma.

Chemotherapy is considered "state of the art" for the treatment of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms. Unfortunately, there is no standard effective post-first-line treatment for relapsing high-grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. We report the case of a patient with a gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma stage IV, with massive gastrointestinal bleeding at diagnosis. After the first line of platin-based chemotherapy a major tumoral response was documented, but the patient relapsed after 4 months. A second line of chemotherapy treatment was given, with the FOLFOX regimen, and the patient has been free of progression for almost 2 years. There is no second-line standard treatment accepted for this type of carcinoma, but 5-fluorouracil combined with oxaliplatin showed interesting antitumor activity.

Beneficios de la transición social temprana en menores transgénero. Perspectivas de familias: estudio cualitativo / Benefits of early social transition in transgender minors. Family perspectives: qualitative study

FUNDAMENTOS: El término trans aglutina a todas las identidades transgénero. La transición social temprana hacia el género sentido tiene beneficios en el desarrollo del menor. Para las familias, el tránsito es un periodo de grandes incertidumbres, siendo necesario el acompañamiento dirigido a las familias de menores trans. El objetivo del artículo fue explorar, desde una perspectiva paterna y familiar, las necesidades y experiencias sobre el tránsito de menores trans que sirvieran de referente a otros padres/madres que apoyan el tránsito social de sus hijos e hijas.MÉTODOS: Se trabajó con grupos focales de familias funcionales de menores transgénero que habían iniciado la transición (n=14), de nivel educativo medio-alto y que pertenecían a zonas urbanas de Tenerife. Mediante entrevista semiestructurada, comentaron sus experiencias en el proceso de dar soporte al tránsito social de sus hijos e hijas. Los datos fueron registrados en una videograbación y se procesaron mediante análisis de contenido y categorización. RESULTADOS: La transición social temprana tuvo beneficios positivos e inmediatos en el desarrollo del menor, además de en la disminución de la ansiedad. Hubo una mejora general en el humor, la autoestima y las relaciones tanto sociales como familiares. El acompañamiento de especialistas y asociaciones ayudó en las distintas situaciones sociales y favoreció la resiliencia. CONCLUSIONES: El tránsito social temprano es positivo en la esfera personal y sociofamiliar del menor. Para mejorar su resiliencia, las familias demandan acompañamiento en este proceso, así como conocer otras personas trans que les sirvan como referentes transpositivos. Además, señalan la necesidad de formación específica en los profesionales sanitarios.(AU)

BACKGROUND: The term trans brings together all transgender identities. The early social transition towards the affirmed gender has benefits in the child’s development. For families, transit is a period of great uncertainty, requiring support aimed at families of trans minors. The aim of this paper was to explore the needs and experiencies of parents and close-relatives who supported the social transition of their children. METHODS: We worked with focus groups of functional families of transgender minors who had begun the transition (n=14), with a medium-high educational level and who belonged to urban areas of Tenerife. Through a semi-structured interview, they commented on their experiences in the process of supporting the social transition of their children. The data was recorded in a video recording and processed through content analysis and categorization. RESULTS: Early social transition had positive and immediate benefits on child development as well as in the reduction of anxiety. There was a general improvement in mood, self-esteem, and social and family relationships. The accompaniment of specialists and associations helped in the different social situations and favoured resilience.CONCLUSIONS: Early social transition is positive in the personal and socio-family sphere of the minor. To improve their resilience, families demand accompaniment in this process, as well as meeting other trans people who serve as transpositive references. In addition, they point out the need for specific training in health professionals.(AU)