Adiponectin Influences FGF2 in the Developing Porcine Corpus Luteum.

Luteal angiogenesis is regulated by pro-angiogenic hormones including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), which are regulated by the adipokine leptin during development. Another adipokine, adiponectin, exhibits an inverse relationship with leptin and has been identified in the CL. Therefore, it is hypothesized that adiponectin will influence pro-angiogenic hormones in the developing porcine CL. Crossbred sows were randomly allocated to one of two days of the estrous cycle, day 5 (D5; n = 4) or day 7 (D7; n = 5) for CL collection. Tissue was processed for immunohistochemical localization of adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2), gene expression of FGF2, Ang1, leptin, AdipoR2, and cell culture for adiponectin treatment. The expression of AdipoR2 tended (p = 0.09) to be higher in D7 lutea and was more prevalently localized to the cell surface of large and small luteal cells than in D5 tissue. Adiponectin influenced (p ≤ 0.05) FGF2, leptin, and AdipoR2 gene expression relative to the dose and day (D5 or D7). Collectively, the evidence supports the supposition that adiponectin influences angiogenic factors in the developing CL.

[Educating health workers is key in congenital syphilis elimination in Colombia].

INTRODUCTION: Colombia promotes the diagnosis and treatment of gestational syphilis in a single visit using rapid diagnostic tests to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Additionally, integrated health programs pursue the coordinated prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV. OBJECTIVE: To identify knowledge gaps among health workers in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV and to provide recommendations to support these programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive study based on 306 surveys of health workers in 39 health institutions in the city of Cali. Surveys inquired about planning, management and implementation of services for pregnant women, clinical knowledge of HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests, and prior training. RESULTS: Knowledge deficits in the management of gestational syphilis were detected among the surveyed health workers, including physicians. Rapid tests for syphilis are currently used in clinical laboratories in Cali, however, procedural deficiencies were observed in their use, including quality control assurance. During the two years prior to the survey, training of health workers in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV had been limited. Health workers are interested in identifying and treating gestational syphilis in a single event, in using rapid diagnostic tests and in receiving training. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive training targeting health workers, policy/decision makers and academic groups is needed to ensure adequate implementation of new strategies for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV.

The effect of leptin on luteal angiogenic factors during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle in goats.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are angiogenic factors implicated in the vascular development of the corpus luteum (CL). Each factor is regulated or influenced by leptin in non-ovarian tissues. Moreover, leptin and its receptor, ObRb, have been identified in luteal tissue throughout the luteal phase. Therefore, leptin is hypothesized to influence luteal vasculature through the regulation of FGF2, Ang1, and VEGF. Multiparous, cycling crossbred female goats (does) were allocated to early (n=12), mid (n=8), and late (n=11) stages of the luteal phase for CL collection. Luteal tissue was harvested and either snap frozen in liquid N2, paraffin embedded, or cultured with leptin (0, 10(-12), 10(-11), 10(-10), 10(-9), 10(-8)M). Tissue was analyzed for FGF2, Ang1, VEGF, ObRb, and leptin expression. Angiopoietin 1, FGF2, VEGF expression was higher (P≤0.001) in the mid-luteal stage than the early stage. Expression decreased (P≤0.001) during the late luteal stage with the exception of VEGF, which remained elevated. In contrast, leptin and ObRb were lowest (P≤0.003) during the mid-luteal stage compared to the early and late stages. All factors were detected in and/or around vessels in early stage tissue compared to mid and late stages. Leptin stimulated (P≤0.02) Ang1, FGF2, and VEGF expression only in early stage luteal cultures. Collectively, these data provide evidence that leptin may be involved in the luteal angiogenic process during the early stage of CL formation.

La educación del personal de salud: clave para la eliminación de la sífilis congénita en Colombia / Educating health workers is key in congenital syphilis elimination in Colombia

Resumen Introducción. Para la prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil de la sífilis en Colombia, se promueve el diagnóstico y el tratamiento en una sola consulta mediante el uso de pruebas de diagnóstico rápido, así como programas de eliminación conjunta de la transmisión materno-infantil de la sífilis y el HIV. Objetivo. Detectar los vacíos de capacitación del personal de salud en torno a la prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil de la sífilis y el HIV, y hacer recomendaciones para mejorar los programas. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo mediante 306 encuestas hechas al personal de salud de 39 instituciones de Cali. Se indagó sobre la planeación, la gestión y la ejecución de los servicios ofrecidos a las mujeres gestantes, los conocimientos clínicos sobre la sífilis, el HIV y las pruebas rápidas, así como sobre las capacitaciones recibidas. Resultados. Se encontraron deficiencias en el conocimiento del manejo de la sífilis gestacional entre el personal de salud, incluidos los médicos. Las pruebas de diagnóstico rápido para sífilis se utilizan en los laboratorios de la ciudad, pero se detectaron fallas en su uso adecuado, especialmente en el control de calidad. La capacitación en temas de prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil de la sífilis y el HIV había sido escasa en los dos años anteriores. El personal de salud expresó su interés por diagnosticar y tratar la sífilis gestacional en una sola consulta, usar las pruebas de diagnóstico rápido y asistir a actividades de capacitación. Conclusiones. Se requiere la capacitación intensiva del personal de salud, de quienes toman las decisiones y de los grupos académicos, para lograr una adecuada implementación de las nuevas estrategias de prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil de la sífilisy el HIV.

Abstract Introduction: Colombia promotes the diagnosis and treatment of gestational syphilis in a single visit using rapid diagnostic tests to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Additionally, integrated health programs pursue the coordinated prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV. Objective: To identify knowledge gaps among health workers in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV and to provide recommendations to support these programs. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive study based on 306 surveys of health workers in 39 health institutions in the city of Cali. Surveys inquired about planning, management and implementation of services for pregnant women, clinical knowledge of HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests, and prior training. Results: Knowledge deficits in the management of gestational syphilis were detected among the surveyed health workers, including physicians. Rapid tests for syphilis are currently used in clinical laboratories in Cali, however, procedural deficiencies were observed in their use, including quality control assurance. During the two years prior to the survey, training of health workers in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV had been limited. Health workers are interested in identifying and treating gestational syphilis in a single event, in using rapid diagnostic tests and in receiving training. Conclusions: Intensive training targeting health workers, policy/decision makers and academic groups is needed to ensure adequate implementation of new strategies for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis/HIV.

Maintaining a highly-qualified nuclear industry workforce.

Since 2001, the nuclear industry has conducted a series of staffing assessments to better understand workforce demographics and predict future workforce demands. The industry's 2007 workforce survey indicated that in the next 5 y, up to 35% of the current nuclear workforce could retire and would need to be replaced. Thousands of individuals will need to be hired to replace the retirees, especially in engineering, maintenance and operations. Because of the challenges at hand, NEI convened the Workforce Working Group to make recommendations to address recruitment, retention and education needs. Their recommendations are now being implemented.

Análisis de costo-efectividad del uso de Detemir en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en riesgo de presentar eventos cardiovasculares y muerte en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness of using Detemir for patients with type 2 diabetes in risk of cardiovascular events and death in Colombia

Objetivo: Analizar la costo-efectividad del uso de Detemir frente a otras insulinas (Glargine e NPH) para tratamiento de diabetes tipo 2 en Colombia. Métodos: Mediante un modelo deMarkov se analizó la costo-efectividad desde la perspectiva del tercero pagador, en una cohorte de 10000 personas de 45 años, en un horizonte temporal de 5 años. Como desenlaces se evaluaron eventos cardiovasculares y muertes evitadas -medidas en Años de Vida Salvados (AVS)- relacionadas con eventos de hipoglicemia severa. Los costos se tomaron de bases de datos de prestadores de servicios de salud a precios 2013. Se utilizó una tasa de descuento del 3% para costos y resultados. Se aplicó un análisis de sensibilidad para comprobar la robustez del modelo. Resultados: Detemir presentó un menor número de eventos de hipoglicemia severa (730) frente a Glargine (1.910) y NPH (2.140), y un menor número de eventos macrovasculares (1.053) y microvasculares (1.019) frente a Glargine (1.116,1.037, respectivamente) y NPH (1.129 y 1.042, respectivamente). Detemir evitó 122 y 147 muertes frente a Glargine y NPH, respectivamente, equivalentes a 4.233 y 3.513 AVS, respectivamente. Tras el descuento el ICER por AVS con Detemir frente a Glargine fue de USD $ 998,39 y frente a NPH fue de USD $4.096,86. En el análisis de sensibilidad tipo Montecarlo, Detemir se mantiene costo-efectivo en el 100% de los casos, según el umbral propuesto por la OMS. Conclusiones: Detemir, desde la perspectiva del tercero pagador, es costo-efectivo frente a Glargine y NPH para tratamiento de diabetes tipo 2 en Colombia.

Objective: Analyze the cost-effectiveness of using Detemir versus using other insulins (Glargine and NPH insulin) for treatment of type 2 diabetes in Colombia. Methods: A Markov model was used to evaluate cost-effectiveness of Determir from a third-party payer's perspective in a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 patients, aged 45 years, with type 2 diabetes in risk of cardiovascular events and death in a 5-year time horizon. Both cardiovascular events and deaths avoided -expressed in Life-Year Saved- related to severe hypoglycemia events were considered as outcomes. Costs were obtained from health care providers databases at 2013 prices. A discount rate of 3% was applied to costs and outcomes. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of the model. Results: In the model, using Detemir has fewer numbers of severe hypoglycemic events (730) versus NPH insulin (1,910) and Glargine (2,140), and fewer number of macrovas-cular (1,053) and microvascular (1,019) events versus Glargine (1,116; 1,037) and NPH (1,129; 1,042). Using Detemir, 122 and 147 deaths were avoided compared to Glargine and NPH respectively; those figures are respectively equivalent to 4,233and 3,513 Life-Year Saved. As discount was applied the ICER per Life-Year Saved for Detemir versus Glargine was US$ 998.39 and USD 4,096.86 against NPHinsulin. In the Montecarlo sen-sitivity analysis Detemir remains cost effective in 100% of cases according to the WHO-proposed threshold. Conclusion: From a third-party payer's perspective,Detemir is cost-effective compared to Glargine and NPH insulin for treatment of type 2 diabetes in Colombia.

Análisis de costo-efectividad del uso de calcio más ácido linoleico para la prevención de la hipertensión inducida por el embarazo en mujeres con riesgo en Colombia / Cost-effectiveness analysis of using calcium plus conjugated linolenic acid for preventing pregnancy-induced hypertension in females at risk in Colombia

Objetivo: analizar la costo-efectividad del uso de calcio-ácido linoleico y control prenatal frente a calcio y control prenatal para prevenir hipertensión inducida por el embarazo (HIE) en mujeres con riesgo en Colombia, desde la perspectiva del tercero pagador. Materiales y métodos: en un árbol de decisiones se simuló la historia natural de la enfermedad. Las medidas de resultado fueron la mortalidad materna y perinatal evitadas. Los costos de los medicamentos fueron los promedios del mercado (2010). Los costos directos de atención se tomaron de aseguradores y de registros individuales de las prestaciones de salud. Resultados: la razón de costo-efectividad incremental fue menor en el brazo tratado con calcio-ácido linoleico que en el tratado con calcio para ambos desenlaces ($723.788 por año de vidas salvadas en madres y $103.741 por año de vidas salvadas en hijos frente a $4.709.708 y $2.240.294 para el brazo de solo calcio respectivamente). La comparación entre calcio-ácido linoleico y calcio revela dominancia del primero en términos de costo-efectividad incremental para ambos desenlaces, dado que es más efectivo (0,44 años de vida salvados en madres y 11,84 años de vida salvados en hijos) y menos costoso ($6.676.952) para el caso base. La razón incremental de costo-efectividad entre calcio-ácido linoleico y control prenatal sería a favor del primero tanto en el desenlace materno como perinatal.Conclusión: para Colombia, el uso de calcio-ácido linoleico es el mejor tratamiento en mujeres con riesgo de HIE, frente a calcio o control prenatal, tomando como indicador las muertes maternas y perinatales evitadas.

Objective: Analysing the cost-effectiveness of using calcium-linolenic acid and prenatal control compared to calcium and prenatal control for preventing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in women at risk in Colombia from a third-party payer viewpoint.Materials and methods: A decision-making tree was used for simulating PIH’s natural history. The outcomes measured were avoided maternal and perinatal mortality. Drug costs were market average (2010). Direct medical costs were taken into account from insurers and individual health benefit records.Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was less on the branch regarding treatment with calcium-linoleic acid than that dealing with calcium for both outcomes ($723,788 per life-year saved in mothers and $103,741 per life-year saved in children compared to $4,709,708 and $2,240,294 for the branch dealing with calcium alone, respectively). Comparing calcium-linoleic acid and calcium revealed the former’s dominance in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness for both outcomes given that it was more effective (0.44 life-years saved in mothers and 11.84 life-years saved in children) and less costly ($6,676,952) for the base case. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio between calcium-linoleic acid and prenatal control would be in favour of the former in both maternal and perinatal outcome.Conclusion: Using calcium-linoleic acid would thus represent the best treatment for females at risk for PIH in Colombia compared to calcium or prenatal control, taking avoided maternal and perinatal deaths as indicator.