Metabolic fingerprinting by nuclear magnetic resonance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells during p53 reactivation-induced senescence.

Cellular senescence is characterized by stable cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells exhibit a senescence-associated secretory phenotype that can promote tumor progression. The aim of our study was to identify specific nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based markers of cancer cell senescence. For metabolic studies, we employed murine liver carcinoma Harvey Rat Sarcoma Virus (H-Ras) cells, in which reactivation of p53 expression induces senescence. Senescent and nonsenescent cell extracts were subjected to high-resolution proton (1H)-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics, and dynamic metabolic changes during senescence were analyzed using a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)-compatible cell perfusion system. Additionally, the ability of intact senescent cells to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) was quantified in the cell perfusion system. Analysis of senescent H-Ras cell extracts revealed elevated sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, myoinositol, taurine, and creatine levels, with decreases in glycine, o-phosphocholine, threonine, and valine. These metabolic findings were accompanied by a greater degradation index of the ECM in senescent H-Ras cells than in control H-Ras cells. MRS studies with the cell perfusion system revealed elevated creatine levels in senescent cells on Day 4, confirming the 1H-NMR results. These senescence-associated changes in metabolism and ECM degradation strongly impact growth and redox metabolism and reveal potential MRS signals for detecting senescent cancer cells in vivo.

Mpox Surveillance Based on Rash Characteristics - 13 Emergency Departments, United States, June-December 2023.

In 2022, a global mpox outbreak occurred, primarily affecting gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (GBMSM). To screen for mpox's reemergence and investigate potentially unsuspected cases among non-GBMSM, prospective surveillance of patients aged ≥3 months with an mpox-compatible rash (vesicular, pustular, ulcerated, or crusted) was conducted at 13 U.S. emergency departments (EDs) during June-December 2023. Demographic, historical, and illness characteristics were collected using questionnaires and electronic health records. Lesions were tested for monkeypox virus using polymerase chain reaction. Among 196 enrolled persons, the median age was 37.5 years (IQR = 21.0-53.5 years); 39 (19.9%) were aged <16 years, and 108 (55.1%) were male. Among all enrollees, 13 (6.6%) were GBMSM. Overall, approximately one half (46.4%) and one quarter (23.5%) of enrolled persons were non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black or African American, respectively, and 38.8% reported Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) ethnicity. Unstable housing was reported by 21 (10.7%) enrollees, and 24 (12.2%) lacked health insurance. The prevalence of mpox among ED patients evaluated for an mpox-compatible rash was 1.5% (95% CI = 0.3%-4.4%); all persons with a confirmed mpox diagnosis identified as GBMSM and reported being HIV-negative, not being vaccinated against mpox, and having engaged in sex with one or more partners met through smartphone dating applications. No cases were identified among women, children, or unhoused persons. Clinicians should remain vigilant for mpox and educate persons at risk for mpox about modifying behaviors that increase risk and the importance of receiving 2 appropriately spaced doses of JYNNEOS vaccine to prevent mpox.

mRNA Levels of Aromatase, 5α-Reductase Isozymes, and Prostate Cancer-Related Genes in Plucked Hair from Young Men with Androgenic Alopecia.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent type of progressive hair loss and has psychological repercussions. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of current pharmacological treatments remains limited, in part because the molecular basis of the disease has not been fully elucidated. Our group previously highlighted the important roles of aromatase and 5α-reductase (5α-R) in alopecia in young women with female pattern hair loss. Additionally, an association has been proposed between AGA and prostate cancer (PCa), suggesting that genes implicated in PCa would also be involved in AGA. A low-invasive, sensitive, and precise method was used to determine mRNA levels of aromatase, 5α-R isozymes, and 84 PCa-related genes in samples of plucked hair from young men with AGA and controls. Samples were obtained with a trichogram from the vertex scalp, and mRNA levels were quantified using real-time RT-PCR. The men with AGA had significantly higher 5α-R2 mRNA levels in comparison to controls; interestingly, some of them also showed markedly elevated mRNA levels of 5α-R1 or 5α-R3 or of both, which may explain the varied response to 5α-R inhibitor treatments. The men with AGA also showed significant changes versus controls in 6 out of the 84 genes implicated in PCa. This study contributes greater knowledge of the molecular bases of AGA, facilitating early selection of the most appropriate pharmacological therapy and opening the way to novel treatments.

"K Cramps," Recurrent Abdominal Pain in a Patient with Chronic Ketamine Use: A Case Report.

Introduction: Medical and nonmedical ketamine use is increasing in the United States. This will likely lead to an increase in emergency department (ED) visits in individuals experiencing associated side effects. Physicians will need to be able to effectively recognize and manage ketamine-related complications. Case Report: A 31-year-old male with a three-year history of inhalational, intramuscular, and intravenous nonmedical ketamine use presented to the ED twice within a week with symptoms of severe atraumatic back pain, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia. A comprehensive workup, including advanced imaging, was unrevealing for identifiable causes, and the patient was discharged with instructions for primary care follow-up for further evaluation. The patient used information shared on Reddit, an online forum and social network, to identify that the cause of his pain was related to chronic ketamine use. Subsequently, upon discontinuation of ketamine, the pain improved in 24 hours. The patient self-navigated to addiction treatment. Conclusion: Emergency physicians should consider sequelae of chronic ketamine use as a possible cause for gastrointestinal and urologic symptoms in the ED. In addition to thorough examination and assessment for other acute medical problems, patients should be offered education, symptomatic treatment, and linkage to harm reduction and substance use disorder treatment services.

OsteoMac: A new player on the bone biology scene.

The knowledge of bone biology has undergone major advances in recent decades. In bone, resorbing osteoclasts have classically been described as tissue-resident macrophages, however, it is currently known that a new subtype of macrophages, called OsteoMacs, are specialised bone-resident macrophages, which, depending on certain conditions, may play an important role not only in bone homeostasis, but also in promoting pro-anabolic functions or in creating an inflammatory environment. There is growing evidence that these osteal macrophages may influence the development of bone-loss diseases. It is essential to understand the biological bases underlying bone physiological processes to search for new therapeutic targets for bone-loss diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or even periodontal disease. This narrative review provides an update on the origin, characterisation, and possible roles of osteoMacs in bone biology. Finally, the potential clinical applications of this new cell in bone-loss disorders are discussed.

Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Human Skin Cell Lines: Determination of the Highest Non-Cytotoxic Concentrations with Antibiofilm Capacity for Wound Healing Strategies.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common microorganisms causing infections of severe skin wounds. Antibiotic or antiseptic treatments are crucial to prevent and curb these infections. Antiseptics have been reported to be cytotoxic to skin cells and few studies evaluate the impact of commonly used antibiotics. This study evaluates how clinical antibiotics affect skin cells' viability, proliferation, migration, and cytokine secretion and defines the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations that maintain antibacterial activity. Cell proliferation, viability, and migration were evaluated on cell monolayers. Cytokines related to the wound healing process were determined. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and the impact on bacterial biofilm were assessed. Results showed that 0.02 mg/mL ciprofloxacin and 1 mg/mL meropenem are the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations for fibroblasts and keratinocytes while 1.25 mg/mL amikacin and 0.034 mg/mL colistin do not affect fibroblasts' viability and cytokine secretion but have an impact on keratinocytes. These concentrations are above the minimum inhibitory concentration but only amikacin could eradicate the biofilm. For the other antibiotics, cytotoxic concentrations are needed to eradicate the biofilm. Combinations with colistin at non-cytotoxic concentrations effectively eliminate the biofilm. These results provide information about the concentrations required when administering topical antibiotic treatments on skin lesions, and how these antibiotics affect wound management therapies. This study set the basis for the development of novel antibacterial wound healing strategies such as antibiotic artificial skin substitutes.

Prostate fibroblasts and prostate cancer associated fibroblasts exhibit different metabolic, matrix degradation and PD-L1 expression responses to hypoxia.

Fibroblasts are versatile cells that play a major role in wound healing by synthesizing and remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM). In cancers, fibroblasts play an expanded role in tumor progression and dissemination, immunosuppression, and metabolic support of cancer cells. In prostate cancer (PCa), fibroblasts have been shown to induce growth and increase metastatic potential. To further understand differences in the functions of human PCa associated fibroblasts (PCAFs) compared to normal prostate fibroblasts (PFs), we investigated the metabolic profile and ECM degradation characteristics of PFs and PCAFs using a magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy compatible intact cell perfusion assay. To further understand how PFs and PCAFs respond to hypoxic tumor microenvironments that are often observed in PCa, we characterized the effects of hypoxia on PF and PCAF metabolism, invasion and PD-L1 expression. We found that under normoxia, PCAFs displayed decreased ECM degradation compared to PFs. Under hypoxia, ECM degradation by PFs increased, whereas PCAFs exhibited decreased ECM degradation. Under both normoxia and hypoxia, PCAFs and PFs showed significantly different metabolic profiles. PD-L1 expression was intrinsically higher in PCAFs compared to PFs. Under hypoxia, PD-L1 expression increased in PCAFs but not in PFs. Our data suggest that PCAFs may not directly induce ECM degradation to assist in tumor dissemination, but may instead create an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment that further increases under hypoxic conditions. Our data identify the intrinsic metabolic, ECM degradation and PD-L1 expression differences between PCAFs and PFs under normoxia and hypoxia that may provide novel targets in PCa treatment.

COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in Undocumented Latinx Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department.

This cross-sectional study examines COVID-19 infection status, vaccination uptake, and perceptions about the vaccine among Latinx patients presenting to the emergency department in California.

Ligadura de arterias hipogástricas previo al alumbramiento o a la histerectomía obstétrica modificada en inserción anómala de placenta / Ligation of hypogastric arteries prior to delivery or modified obstetric hysterectomy in anomalous insertion of the placenta

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Evaluar las ventajas de practicar o no la ligadura de arterias hipogástricas antes del alumbramiento o previo a la histerectomía modificada en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la inserción anómala de la placenta. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de serie de casos, retrospectivo, transversal y comparativo efectuado en la Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, de 2013 a 2019. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes con inserción anómala de placenta a quienes se practicó o no ligadura de arterias hipogástricas antes del alumbramiento o previo a la histerectomía modificada. Criterios de exclusión: pacientes que no finalizaron el embarazo en el hospital o la información en el expediente estaba incompleta. Parámetros de estudio: sangrado transoperatorio, transfusión sanguínea, morbilidad posoperatoria e ingreso a cuidados intensivos. Los desenlaces se analizaron con estadística descriptiva e inferencial. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 285 pacientes; 57% (n = 164) con placenta previa, 27% (n = 78) marginal y 15% (n = 43) normoinserta. El espectro de placenta acreta se encontró en 34% (n = 91) de la muestra. En el grupo de placenta previa la aplicación de la técnica disminuyó el sangrado transoperatorio (p = 0.005) y la transfusión sanguínea (p = 0.05). En pacientes con espectro de placenta acreta hubo una reducción del sangrado transoperatorio (p < 0.01), menores transfusión sanguínea (p = 0.01), ingreso a cuidados intensivos (p < 0.001) y días de estancia en cuidados intensivos (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONES: La ligadura de arterias hipogástricas antes del alumbramiento o previo a la histerectomía modificada en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la inserción anómala de la placenta mostró un máximo beneficio en los grupos de placenta previa y espectro de placenta acreta.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the advantages of performing and not performing "Hypogastric artery ligation prior to delivery or modified hysterectomy" in the surgical management of anomalous placental insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, comparative, retrospective case series study conducted at the Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, from 2013 to 2019. Inclusion criteria: patients with abnormal placental insertion who underwent hypogastric artery ligation before delivery or before modified obstetric hysterectomy, compared with those who did not have hypogastric artery ligation. Exclusion criteria: patients who did not terminate the pregnancy in the hospital or the information in the file was incomplete. Study parameters: transoperative bleeding, blood transfusion, postoperative morbidity and admission to intensive care. Outcomes were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: 285 patients were evaluated; 57% (n = 164) with placenta previa, 27% (n = 78) marginal and 15% (n = 43) normoinsert. The placenta accreta spectrum was found in 34% (n = 91) of the sample. In the placenta previa group, the application of the technique decreased transoperative bleeding (p = 0.005) and blood transfusion (p = 0.05). In patients with placenta accreta spectrum there was a reduction of transoperative bleeding (p < 0.01), lower blood transfusion (p = 0.01), intensive care admission (p < 0.001) and days of intensive care stay (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Hypogastric artery ligation before delivery and before modified hysterectomy in the surgical treatment of anomalous placental insertion showed maximum benefit in the placenta previa and spectrum of placenta accreta groups.

Application of propolis extract, nanovitamin C and nanovitamin E to prevent alveolar osteitis after impacted lower third molar surgery. A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth, pilot study / Aplicación de extracto de propóleo, nanovitamina C y nanovitamina E para prevenir la osteítis alveolar después de una cirugía de terceros molares inferiores retenidos. Un estudio piloto aleatorizado, doble ciego y de boca dividida

Background: Propolis has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing properties. The purpose of this study was todetermine whether a gel containing 2% of propolis extract, 0.2% of ascorbic acid and 0.2% of tocopherol acetateis effective in preventing surgical complications related to impacted lower third molar extractions.Material and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth study was performed. Fifteen patients were re-cruited who needed bilateral impacted lower third molar extractions with a similar surgical difficulty. A test orplacebo gel was administered randomly inside post-extraction sockets. Each patient was instructed to apply thegel 3 times/day in the surgical wound for a week. After a month, the contralateral third molar was extracted, andthe opposite gel applied. The following parameters were diagnosed/evaluated and then recorded: alveolar osteitisfollowing Blum’s criteria, swelling and trismus at day one, two, three and seven post-intervention, wound healingat day 7 post-intervention, and postoperative pain using a visual analog scale, as well as, the number of analgesicpill intake.Results: A total of twenty-six surgical procedures were performed in 13 patients (mean age 20.67±2 years). Alveo-lar osteitis was reported in 3 patients from the placebo group (23.1%) and none in the test group (0%) (p=0.25). Nostatistically significant differences were reported in swelling, trismus, wound healing or analgesic pill consump-tion between two groups. But statistically lower postoperative pain during the 7 days after surgical extractionswas found according to visual analog scale in test group compared to the placebo group (p=0.007). No side effectswere reported.(AU)

Un vistazo al liderazgo de las mujeres mexicanas en la medicina / A look at the leadership of Mexican women in medicine

A lo largo de la historia las mujeres han luchado por ser incluidas y reconocidas en el desarrollo de la ciencia médica. En la actualidad, las mujeres tienen mayor participación no solo en el estudio y ejercicio de la medicina sino en el liderazgo de diversas áreas médicas. Este artículo ofrece un panorama histórico de las primeras mujeres que formaron parte de la Academia Nacional de Medicina de México, así como una recopilación de la participación de las mujeres en puestos directivos; desde Jefaturas de Departamentos Académicos en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México hasta el sector salud

Throughout history women have been fighting to be included and recognized in the development of medical science. Actually, women have more participation not only in the study and practice of medicine, but in the leadership of various medical areas. This article provides a historical review of the first women it formed part of the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico as well as a compilation of the participation of women in management positions, from Headquarters of academic departments at the National Autonomous University of Mexico including health sector

Extractos de los documentos de posicionamientos y recomendaciones mexicanas en enfermedades cardiovasculares y COVID-19 / Excerpts from the documents of Mexican positions and recommendations in cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19

Resumen Se presentan las recomendaciones en las cuales la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología (SMC) en conjunto con la Asociación Nacional de Cardiólogos de México (ANCAM), así como diferentes asociaciones médicas mexicanas vinculadas con la cardiología, después de una revisión y análisis exhaustivo y consensuado sobre los tópicos relacionados con las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la pandemia de COVID-19, se analizan posturas científicas y se dan recomendaciones responsables sobre medidas generales a los pacientes, con cuidados personales, alimentación saludable, actividad física regular, acciones en caso de paro cardiorrespiratorio, la protección del paciente y del personal de salud así como las indicaciones precisas en el uso de la imagen cardiovascular no invasiva, la prescripción de medicamentos, cuidados en tópicos específicos como en la hipertensión arterial sistémica, insuficiencia cardiaca, arritmias y síndromes coronarios agudos, además de hacer énfasis en los procedimientos de electrofisiología, intervencionismo, cirugía cardiaca y en la rehabilitación cardiaca. El interés principal es brindar a la comunidad médica una orientación general sobre el quehacer en la práctica cotidiana y pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares en el escenario esta crisis epidemiológica sin precedentes de COVID-19.

Abstract The recommendations in which the Mexican Society of Cardiology (SMC) in conjunction with the National Association of Cardiologists of Mexico (ANCAM) as well as different Mexican medical associations linked to cardiology are presented, after a comprehensive and consensual review and analysis of the topics related to cardiovascular diseases in the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientific positions are analyzed and responsible recommendations on general measures are given to patients, with personal care, healthy eating, regular physical activity, actions in case of cardio-respiratory arrest, protection of the patient and health personnel as well as precise indications in the use of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging, prescription of medications, care in specific topics such as systemic arterial hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes, in addition to emphasizing electrophysiology, interventionism, cardiac surgery and in cardiac rehabilitation. The main interest is to provide the medical community with a general orientation on what to do in daily practice and patients with cardiovascular diseases in the setting of this unprecedented epidemiological crisis of COVID-19.

Osteonecrosis of the jaws produced by sunitinib: a systematic review

Background: Tyrosine kinase receptor family is involved in tumor growth, pathological angiogenesis and the progression (metastasis) of cancer. Sunitinib (Sutent(R)) inhibits members of the tyrosine kinase receptor family affecting the induction of angiogenesis and tumor progression. It is not clear if sunitinib increases the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review about ONJ related to sunitinib, describing existing cases and possible associated risk factors. Material and Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched without date restriction up to September 2018. We included prospective and retrospective observational studies, cross-sectional studies, clinical cases and series of cases, involving only human subjects. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and Newcastle-Ottawa tools. Results: A total of 13 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria of which 7 were clinical cases, 5 case series and a retrospective study. All the articles were published between 2009 and 2018. Of the 102 patients treated with sunitinib analyzed in this study, 58 developed ONJ, being or having been treated with sunitinib and bisphosphonates or exclusively with sunitinib. Conclusions: In this systematic review, we found an increase of ONJ in patients who are medicated with other drugs different than bisphosphonates and denosumab. It is necessary that dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons as well as oncologists know the risk of ONJ that these antiresorptive drugs could have. There is a need to continue researching in this field with the aim of an increasing knowledge in this area and creating an adequate protocol of action for this population

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Discordant results for ALK based on immunohistochemistry versus fluorescence in situ hybridization in a cohort of patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma / Discordancia de los resultados para ALK basados en inmunohistoquímica e hibridación fluorescente in situ en una cohorte de pacientes diagnosticados con adenocarcinoma de pulmón

Introduction: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement located on the short arm of chromosome 2, region 2 and band 3 is frequent in lung cancer patients who respond to targeted therapies with ALK inhibitors Therefore, their identification has become a standard diagnostic test in patients with advanced NSCLS, as such chromosomal alterations may lead to the activation of important signalling pathways involved in cell survival and proliferation. Methods: To investigate the ALK gene status, we performed FISH and IHC assays in 18 lung adenocarcinoma patients, 12 women and 6 men, aged between 29 and 85 years. Paraffin-embedded samples were analyzed in the Pathology Department of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. Results: Results between the two techniques in 5 patients showed discordant patterns, being positive for FISH and negative for IHC. The borderline to define ALK positivity was set at 15%, These results present experimental evidence that the techniques differ in specific situations. Conclusions: Our findings show that it is advisable to investigate the ALK gene status in patients with suspected lung cancer using both FISH and IHC in combination.(AU)

Introducción: La reorganización de la (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) ALK ubicada en el brazo corto del cromosoma 2, región 2 y banda 3 es frecuente en los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón que responden a terapias dirigidas con inhibidores de la ALK. Por ello, su identificación se ha establecido como una prueba diagnóstica estándar en pacientes con CPCNP, ya que dichas alteraciones cromosómicas puedan determinar la activación de importantes vías de señalización implicadas en la supervivencia y proliferación celulares. Métodos: Para determinar el estatus de gen ALK se realizaron pruebas FISH e IHC en 18 pacientes con adenocarcinoma pulmonar, 12 mujeres y 6 varones, con edades comprendidas entre 29 y 85 años. Las muestras fueron analizadas en el Departamento de Anatomía Patológica del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. Resultados: Los resultados entre ambas técnicas mostraron patrones discordantes en 5 pacientes, con positividad de FISH y negatividad con IHC. El límite para definir la positividad de ALK se estableció en el 15%. Estos resultados muestran evidencia experimental que dichas técnicas difieren en situaciones específicas. Conclusiones: Este estudio recomienda la investigación del estatus del gen ALK en los pacientes con sospecha de cáncer de pulmón, mediante la combinación de FISH e IHC.(AU)

Resultados de un programa de telemedicina para pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en atención primaria / Results of a telemedicine program for primary care patients with type 2 diabetes

Objetivo: Evaluar la repercusión de un programa de telemedicina en el estado de salud percibido de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en atención primaria, así como la aceptación y el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes. Método: Mediante un diseño no experimental (reflexivo) antes-después se realizó, a través de telemedicina, un seguimiento de 18 meses en 52 pacientes con diabetes. Además de la transmisión electrónica semanal de la glucemia basal, periódicamente se proporcionó a los pacientes recomendaciones sobre hábitos saludables. Resultados: Al comparar los valores medios de glucemia a lo largo del seguimiento no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Sin embargo, al finalizar la participación, la puntuación en el estado de salud autopercibido aumentó significativamente respecto a la valoración inicial (70,5 ± 12,8 frente a 62,8 ± 15,0; p = 0,02). Tras 18 meses de participación en el programa de telemedicina se manifestaron satisfechos el 57,7% y muy satisfechos el 38,5%. Conclusiones: Aunque no se ha observado una mejoría en el control glucémico a lo largo del seguimiento, la transmisión electrónica de la información ha resultado viable y satisfactoria para los pacientes, en quienes se ha comprobado un mayor nivel de salud percibida (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a telemedicine program on self-perceived health in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care, as well as patient acceptance of and satisfaction with this program. Method: We conducted an 18-month follow-up through telemedicine in 52 diabetic patients. The study design was non-experimental (before and after). In addition to weekly electronic transmission of fasting glucose levels, we regularly provided advice to patients about healthy habits. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed when mean blood glucose values were compared during follow-up. However, at the end of participation, the mean score in self-perceived health was significantly higher than at the initial assessment (70.5 ± 12.8 vs. 62.8 ± 15.0, p = 0.02). After 18 months of participation in the telemedicine program, 57.7% of patients were satisfied and 38.5% were very satisfied. Conclusions: Although glycemic control did not improve during the follow-up, electronic transmission of information was found to be feasible and satisfactory for patients. The patients reported a higher level of self-perceived health (AU)

Características sociosanitarias de quienes formalizan el documento de voluntades anticipadas / Social-health characteristics of subjects who make a living will

Introducción: El documento de voluntades anticipadas (DVA) cuenta con muy escasa difusión, siendo un gran desconocido para la población general y para los profesionales sanitarios. Objetivo: Describir las características de los sujetos que formalizan el DVA, referidas a la situación sociodemográfica, estado de salud y grado de dependencia, características de la atención sanitaria y aspectos psicosociales. Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo realizado en el Área Sanitaria de Albacete a 123 personas que formalizaron el DVA en un registro de voluntades anticipadas durante 2011. Se recogieron variables de salud autopercibida, situación funcional, morbilidad, características sociodemográficas, utilización de servicios sanitarios, actitudes hacia el DVA y aspectos psicosociales. Resultados: Los otorgantes, predominantemente mujeres (64,2%), presentaban una edad media de 53,3 a˜nos (desviación estándar [DE]: 14,5), niveles de instrucción elevados (61% con al menos estudios secundarios) y formas de convivencia diferentes a vivir en pareja y con hijos (67,5%). Mayoritariamente eran independientes para actividades de la vida diaria (98,4% para básicas y 94,3% para instrumentales) y presentaban alguna enfermedad crónica (73,2%). Pese a mantener relaciones duraderas con sus médicos (9,4 a˜nos; DE: 7,9), las conversaciones sobre el final de la vida eran escasas (18,3%). El 54,5% tenía algún familiar que había formalizado un documento previamente, el 68,5% lo consideraba útil ante el fallecimiento de un allegado y el 56,7% había ejercido como cuidador de algún enfermo terminal. Conclusiones: Personas de mediana edad y predominantemente mujeres son las que con mayor frecuencia formalizan un DVA. Suelen ser pacientes crónicos, independientes para realizar actividades de la vida diaria y, en su mayoría, están convencidos de poder intervenir en su situación de salud (AU)

Introduction: The Living Will (LW) is well publicised, and still largely unknown to the general public and health professionals. Objective: To describe the characteristics of the subjects that formalize a LW related to sociodemographic situation, health status, degree of dependence, healthcare characteristics and psychosocial aspects. Method: Descriptive observational study conducted in the Health Area of Albacete including 123 people who formalized the LW in a Will Register in 2011. Study variables included: selfperceived health, functional status, morbidity, socio-demographic characteristics, use of health services, attitudes towards the LW, and psychosocial aspects. Results: Those that made an LW, were mainly women (64.2%), had a mean age of 53.3 years (SD: 14.5), higher levels of education (61% with at least secondary education), and a lifestyle other than living with a partner, and with children (67.5%). The majority were self-sufficient for their daily living activities (98.4% to 94.3% for basic and instrumental), and suffered from chronic disease (73.2%). Despite lasting relationships with their physicians (9.4 years; SD: 7.9), there was very little talk about the end of life (18.3%). More than a half had a family member who had previously signed a document (54.5%). More than two-thirds (68.5%) considered this document useful in the death of a relative, and also a 56.7% had also served as a caregiver of a terminal patient. Conclusions: Middle-aged people, predominantly women, formalized an LW most often. They are usually chronic, but self-sufficient for their daily living activities, and are convinced that they can influence their health situation (AU)

Cambios metabólicos durante la epimastigogénesis in vitro de Trypanosoma cruzi / Metabolic changes during in vitro Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigogenesis

La epimastigogénesis de Trypanosoma cruzi es la transformación del tripomastigota sanguícola en epimastigota que ocurre en la porción anterior del tracto intestinal del insecto vector. Se ha reportado la activación de cisteín proteasas durante la epimastigogénesis in vitro en condiciones axénicas, sugiriendo la utilización de aminoácidos como fuente de carbono para la obtención de energía. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar a través de indicadores los cambios metabólicos producidos durante la diferenciación tripomastigota-epimastigota. Se partió de un 100% de tripomastigotas sobrenadantes de células Vero, incubados en medio LITB a 27ºC en condiciones de alta (epimastigogénesis horizontal) y baja (epimastigogénesis vertical) tensión de oxígeno. Se realizó contaje de parásitos (Cámara de Neubauer) y recuento diferencial (Giemsa) a diferentes tiempos de incubación (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11 y 12 días). A cada tiempo se determinó en los sobrenadantes del medio de cultivo las concentraciones de glucosa y amoníaco, así como los valores de pH. Los resultados mostraron que: 1) Independientemente de la tensión de oxígeno se evidenció formas en diferenciación y amastigotas durante el proceso, siendo la aparición de epimastigotas más tardía en alta tensión de oxígeno; 2) El incremento poblacional fue significativamente mayor en condiciones de alta tensión de oxígeno, registrándose alta mortalidad de amastigotas durante los primeros días de incubación en la epimastigogénesis vertical; 3) El consumo de glucosa fue concomitante con la aparición de epimastigotas en ambas condiciones, siendo mayor en alta tensión de oxígeno; 4) No se registró liberación de amoníaco en ninguno de los casos estudiados; 5) Los valores de pH fueron similares hasta el sexto día en ambas condiciones, evidenciándose una acidificación gradual del medio de cultivo en alta tensión de oxígeno. Todo parece sugerir que durante la epimastigogénesis de T. cruzi, los parásitos involucrados en los procesos de diferenciación no muestran activación de las diferentes rutas metabólicas.

The epimastigogenesis of Trypanosoma cruzi is the transformation from bloodstream trypomastigote to epimastigote that occurs in the anterior portion of the intestinal tract of the insect vector. It has been reported cysteine proteases activation during axenic epimastigogenesis in vitro, suggesting the use of amino acids as a carbon source for the production of energy. The aim of this work was to study through indicators metabolic changes produced during the trypomastigote-epimastigote differentiation. We started with a 100% trypomastigotes derived from Vero cell supernatants, incubated in LITB medium at 27°C under high (horizontal epimastigogenesis) and low (vertical epimastigogenesis) oxygen tension. We estimated parasites number (Neubauer chamber) and differential morphology (Giemsa) at different incubation times (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11 and 12 days). Each time was determined in the supernatants of the culture medium glucose and ammonia concentrations as well as the pH values. The results showed that: 1) Regardless of the oxygen tension it was evidenced differentiation forms and amastigote during the process, with the later occurrence of epimastigotes in high oxygen tension; 2) Population growth was significantly greater in high oxygen tension, registering high mortality of amastigotes during the firsts incubation days in the vertical epimastigogenesis; 3) Glucose consumption was concomitant with the appearance of epimastigotes in both conditions, being higher in high oxygen tension; 4) There was no ammonia release in any of the cases studied; 5) The pH values were similar to the sixth day in both conditions, showing gradual acidification of the culture medium at high oxygen tension. Everything seems to suggest that during the epimastigogenesis of T. cruzi parasites involved in differentiation processes show no activation of different metabolic pathways.

Effects of metoclopramide on mRNA levels of steroid 5á-reductase isozymes in prostate of adult rats

The rising incidence of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy in the Western world is a cause of increasing public health concern. The most active androgen in the prostate is 5á-dihydrotestosterone obtained from testosterone (T) by the enzyme 5á-reductase (5á-R), expressed in the prostate as two isozymes, 5á-R1 and 5á-R2. These isozymes are involved in the growth and development of normal prostate and in the onset and progression of prostate disease. Besides androgens, prolactin (PRL) may also play a role, although it is not clear whether its effects on the prostate are in synergism with or independent of those of androgens. We previously demonstrated that sulpiride, an inductor of hyperprolactinemia, increased mRNA levels of 5á-R isozymes in prostate of adult rat. We hypothesized a possible interrelationship between PRL levels and 5á-R, although the effects of sulpiride per se cannot be ruled out. In the present study, one-step quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction coupled with laser-induced fluorescence capillary electrophoresis was used to quantify mRNA levels of both 5á-R isozymes in prostate of adult rat after administration of metoclopramide (MTC), another inductor of PRL secretion. With the administration regimens studied, MTC produced an increase in prostate weight and mRNA levels of 5á-R1 and 5á-R2 in adult rats. Given our finding that MTC per se or MTC-induced hyperprolactinemia modifies prostate disease-related parameters in animals with reduced plasma T levels, further investigation is warranted into the possibility that MTC use by aging males may increase their risk of prostate disease (AU)

Análisis ambiental por activación neutrónica de sedimentos de la Bahía de La Habana / A study of environmental analysis of havana bay sediments using neutron activation analysis

RESUMEN Se realizó el análisis por activación neutrónica instrumental de sedimentos superficiales de la bahía de La Habana, Cuba. Se reportaron las concentraciones de 23 elementos (metales pesados y trazas), reportándose, por primera vez un grupo importante de elementos tierras raras (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb y Lu). La normalización de los resultados a un metal de referencia demostró la presencia antropogénica de Sb, Ba, As, Cr y Zn producto de la descarga de residuales domésticos e industriales.

ABSTRACT Surface sediments from the Havana Bay (Cuba) were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Concentrations of 23 heavy and trace elements in the sediments were reported, including for the first time, an important group of REE (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb and Lu). The normalization of the results for a reference metal shows that an anthropogenic Sb, Ba, As, Cr and Zn inputs are due to discharges of sewage and industrial effluent.

Crecimiento de becerros en un sistema de doble propósito en el trópico húmedo de México / Growth of calves in a dual-purpose system in humid-tropics of Mexico

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el crecimiento hasta el destete, de becerros cruzados en un sistema de doble propósito en el trópico mexicano. Los becerros eran animales ¾ Europeo(Holstein, Simmental, Suizo) » Cebú, igual que sus madres. Los becerros apoyaban a las vacas en el ordeño y tomaban la leche residual después de éste por 30 minutos (amamantamiento restringido) y se mantenían en un potrero de Estrella de África (Cynodon plestostachyus), teniendo acceso a un suplemento energético-proteico (1 kg/becerro/día). Los animales se pesaron al nacimiento y a intervalos de 28 días. Los datos de 361 (190 machos y 171 hembras) becerros (4.678pesajes) se analizaron mediante regresiones lineales y cuadráticas. Los coeficientes de determinación para las regresiones lineal, y lineal y cuadrática fueron similares para los becerros machos y hembras. El modelo de regresión que incluyó los efectos lineal y cuadrático describió mejor los datos, que el modelo lineal.

The objective of this study was to describe the growth until weaning of crossbred calves in a dual-purpose system in the Mexican tropics. The calves were ¾ European (Holstein, Simmental, Brown Swiss) » Zebu, equal than their mothers. The calves help to the let down of milk during milking and drunk the residual milk for 30 minutes (restricted suckling) and were maintained in a Star grass (Cynodon plestostachyus) paddocks having access to an energetic-proteical supplement (1 kg/calf/day). Animals were weighed at birth, and thereafter every 28 days. Data on 361 (190 males and 171 females) calves (4.678 weights) were analyzed through out linear and quadratic regressions. The determination coefficients were similar for male and female calves. The model that included the linear and quadratic effects described better the data, than the linear model.