Three-item loneliness scale: psychometric properties and normative data of the Spanish version.

Loneliness is a common social phenomenon across countries with negative effects in health. Thus, the measurement of loneliness is of paramount importance. The Three-Item Loneliness Scale (TILS) was designed to be used in large-population surveys as a quick measure of loneliness. The aim of this study is to provide a Spanish validation of the TILS. A representative sample of the Spanish population (N = 1951) was used. We analysed the psychometric properties, factor structure, and distribution demographics characteristics of the Spanish TILS. Analyses showed differences regarding age, gender, educational level, employment status, household composition and annual gross income in line with previous literature. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a unifactorial structure, with significant moderate correlations between the TILS and depression, anxiety, paranoia and well-being, and mild significant correlations with belongingness and mistrust. The internal consistency of the Spanish TILS was good (α = 0.82). Our study indicates that the TILS is a valid and reliable measure of loneliness in the Spanish population. Loneliness is a modern epidemic and a precursor of mental and health problems that reduced the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to have reliable measures of this phenomenon.

Interchromosomal effect in carriers of translocations and inversions assessed by preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR).

PURPOSE: Balanced carriers of structural rearrangements have an increased risk of unbalanced embryos mainly due to the production of unbalanced gametes during meiosis. Aneuploidy for other chromosomes not involved in the rearrangements has also been described. The purpose of this work is to know if the incidence of unbalanced embryos, interchromosomal effect (ICE) and clinical outcomes differ in carriers of different structural rearrangements. METHODS: Cohort retrospective study including 359 preimplantation genetic testing cycles for structural rearrangements from 304 couples was performed. Comparative genomic hybridisation arrays were used for chromosomal analysis. The results were stratified and compared according to female age and carrier sex. The impact of different cytogenetic features of chromosomal rearrangements was evaluated. RESULTS: In carriers of translocations, we observed a higher percentage of abnormal embryos from day 3 biopsies compared with day 5/6 biopsies and for reciprocal translocations compared with other rearrangements. We observed a high percentage of embryos with aneuploidies for chromosomes not involved in the rearrangement that could be attributed to total ICE (aneuploid balanced and unbalanced embryos). No significant differences were observed in these percentages between types of rearrangements. Pure ICE (aneuploid balanced embyos) was independent of female age only for Robertsonian translocations, and significantly increased in day 3 biopsies for all types of abnormalities. Furthermore, total ICE for carriers of Robertsonian translocations and biopsy on day 3 was independent of female age too. High ongoing pregnancy rates were observed for all studied groups, with higher pregnancy rate for male carriers. CONCLUSION: We observed a higher percentage of abnormal embryos for reciprocal translocations. No significant differences for total ICE was found among the different types of rearrangements, with higher pure ICE only for Robertsonian translocations. There was a sex effect for clinical outcome for carriers of translocations, with higher pregnancy rate for male carriers. The higher incidence of unbalanced and aneuploid embryos should be considered for reproductive counselling in carriers of structural rearrangements.

Origin and composition of cell-free DNA in spent medium from human embryo culture during preimplantation development.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the origin and composition of cell-free DNA in human embryo spent culture media? SUMMARY ANSWER: Cell-free DNA from human embryo spent culture media represents a mix of maternal and embryonic DNA, and the mixture can be more complex for mosaic embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In 2016, ~300 000 human embryos were chromosomally and/or genetically analyzed using preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) or monogenic disorders (PGT-M) before transfer into the uterus. While progress in genetic techniques has enabled analysis of the full karyotype in a single cell with high sensitivity and specificity, these approaches still require an embryo biopsy. Thus, non-invasive techniques are sought as an alternative. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was based on a total of 113 human embryos undergoing trophectoderm biopsy as part of PGT-A analysis. For each embryo, the spent culture media used between Day 3 and Day 5 of development were collected for cell-free DNA analysis. In addition to the 113 spent culture media samples, 28 media drops without embryo contact were cultured in parallel under the same conditions to use as controls. In total, 141 media samples were collected and divided into two groups: one for direct DNA quantification (53 spent culture media and 17 controls), the other for whole-genome amplification (60 spent culture media and 11 controls) and subsequent quantification. Some samples with amplified DNA (N = 56) were used for aneuploidy testing by next-generation sequencing; of those, 35 samples underwent single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing to detect maternal contamination. Finally, from the 35 spent culture media analyzed by SNP sequencing, 12 whole blastocysts were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the level of mosaicism in each embryo, as a possible origin for discordance between sample types. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Trophectoderm biopsies and culture media samples (20 µl) underwent whole-genome amplification, then libraries were generated and sequenced for an aneuploidy study. For SNP sequencing, triads including trophectoderm DNA, cell-free DNA, and follicular fluid DNA were analyzed. In total, 124 SNPs were included with 90 SNPs distributed among all autosomes and 34 SNPs located on chromosome Y. Finally, 12 whole blastocysts were fixed and individual cells were analyzed by FISH using telomeric/centromeric probes for the affected chromosomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We found a higher quantity of cell-free DNA in spent culture media co-cultured with embryos versus control media samples (P ≤ 0.001). The presence of cell-free DNA in the spent culture media enabled a chromosomal diagnosis, although results differed from those of trophectoderm biopsy analysis in most cases (67%). Discordant results were mainly attributable to a high percentage of maternal DNA in the spent culture media, with a median percentage of embryonic DNA estimated at 8%. Finally, from the discordant cases, 91.7% of whole blastocysts analyzed by FISH were mosaic and 75% of the analyzed chromosomes were concordant with the trophectoderm DNA diagnosis instead of the cell-free DNA result. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study was limited by the sample size and the number of cells analyzed by FISH. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This is the first study to combine chromosomal analysis of cell-free DNA, SNP sequencing to identify maternal contamination, and whole-blastocyst analysis for detecting mosaicism. Our results provide a better understanding of the origin of cell-free DNA in spent culture media, offering an important step toward developing future non-invasive karyotyping that must rely on the specific identification of DNA released from human embryos. STUDY FUNDING/ COMPETING INTEREST: This work was funded by Igenomix S.L. There are no competing interests.

Confirmation rates of array-CGH in day-3 embryo and blastocyst biopsies for preimplantation genetic screening.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the confirmation rate of day-3 embryo biopsy (blastomere) and trophectoderm biopsy using array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) technology. METHODS: A blinded study was conducted to re-analyse 109 embryos previously diagnosed as chromosomally abnormal by array-CGH. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) was performed using array-CGH on day 3 (n = 50) or day 5 (n = 59). Partial chromosome gains or losses were excluded (n=6), and only whole chromosome aneuploidies were considered. Re-analysis of whole blastocysts was carried out following the same array-CGH protocol used for PGS. RESULTS: The PGS result was confirmed in the whole blastocyst in (a) 49/50 (98 %) abnormal embryos after day-3 biopsy and (b) 57/59 (96.6 %) abnormal embryos after trophectoderm biopsy. One embryo (1/50; 2 %) was diagnosed as abnormal, with monosomy 18, on day 3, and software analysis of the whole blastocyst gave a euploid result; however, a mosaic pattern was observed for monosomy 18 in the whole blastocyst. Two trophectoderm biopsy cases (3.4 %) did not have the abnormalities (trisomy 7, and trisomy 1 and 4, respectively) verified in the whole embryo. Concordance rates for both biopsy strategies and for individual chromosomes were evaluated by Fisher's exact test and showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Both types of biopsies showed similar high concordance rates with whole blastocyst results. Therefore, regarding the confirmation rates shown in this work, day-3 embryo biopsies can be representative of the whole embryo and both types of biopsy can be used for clinical analysis in PGS following the described array-CGH protocol.

Metabolic profile in endothelial cells of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are two forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) characterized by obstructive vasculopathy. Endothelial dysfunction along with metabolic changes towards increased glycolysis are important in PAH pathophysiology. Less is known about such abnormalities in endothelial cells (ECs) from CTEPH patients. This study provides a systematic metabolic comparison of ECs derived from CTEPH and PAH patients. Metabolic gene expression was studied using qPCR in cultured CTEPH-EC and PAH-EC. Western blot analyses were done for HK2, LDHA, PDHA1, PDK and G6PD. Basal viability of CTEPH-EC and PAH-EC with the incubation with metabolic inhibitors was measured using colorimetric viability assays. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) were used as healthy controls. Whereas PAH-EC showed significant higher mRNA levels of GLUT1, HK2, LDHA, PDHA1 and GLUD1 metabolic enzymes compared to HPAEC, CTEPH-EC did not. Oxidative phosphorylation associated proteins had an increased expression in PAH-EC compared to CTEPH-EC and HPAEC. PAH-EC, CTEPH-EC and HPAEC presented similar HOXD macrovascular gene expression. Metabolic inhibitors showed a dose-dependent reduction in viability in all three groups, predominantly in PAH-EC. A different metabolic profile is present in CTEPH-EC compared to PAH-EC and suggests differences in molecular mechanisms important in the disease pathology and treatment.

Effects of cigarette smoke and hypoxia on pulmonary circulation in the guinea pig.

Cigarette smoke (CS) and chronic hypoxia (CH) can produce pulmonary hypertension. Similarities and differences between both exposures and their interaction have not been explored. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CS and CH, as single factors or in combination, on the pulmonary circulation in the guinea pig. 51 guinea pigs were exposed to CS for 12 weeks and 32 were sham-exposed. 50% of the animals in each group were additionally exposed to CH for the final 2 weeks. We measured pulmonary artery pressure (P(pa)), and the weight ratio between the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle plus the septum. Pulmonary artery contractility in response to noradrenaline (NA), endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and distensibility were evaluated in organ bath chambers. The number of small intrapulmonary vessels showing immunoreactivity to smooth muscle (SM) α-actin and double elastic laminas was assessed microscopically. CS and CH induced similar increases of P(pa) and RV hypertrophy (p<0.05 for both), effects that were further enhanced when both factors were combined. CH increased the contractility to NA (p<0.01) and reduced the distensibility (p<0.05) of pulmonary arteries. Animals exposed to CS showed an increased number of small vessels with positive immunoreactivity to SM α-actin (p<0.01) and those exposed to CH a greater proportion of vessels with double elastic laminas (p<0.05). We conclude that CH amplifies the detrimental effects of CS on the pulmonary circulation by altering the mechanical properties of pulmonary arteries and enhancing the remodelling of pulmonary arterioles.

Improving FISH diagnosis for preimplantation genetic aneuploidy screening.

BACKGROUND: In our routine programme of preimplantation genetic aneuploidy screening (PGS) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), nine chromosomes (13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, X and Y) are analysed in two consecutive hybridization rounds. We also perform additional hybridization rounds for these chromosomes, using probes that bind to different loci, for non-conclusive results and for confirmation of certain aneuploidies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of additional hybridization rounds on FISH accuracy. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of our FISH data from 1000 PGS cycles performed from December 2007 to December 2008 for various indications. In addition to the hybridization rounds described above, 132 of the embryos diagnosed as chromosomally abnormal were re-analysed on Day 5. RESULTS: A total of 2477 embryos were re-hybridized, 1496 due to non-conclusive results and 981 to confirm observed aneuploidies. After re-hybridization, 882 embryos (59%) were then diagnosed as normal, 600 embryos (40.1%) had a clear abnormality and only 14 embryos (0.9%) remained non-informative. From the 981 embryos in the latter group, 890 embryos had monosomies and, after re-hybridization 174 embryos (19.6%) were normal and 716 (80.5%) had confirmed monosomies. In contrast, re-hybridization confirmed 90 (98.9%) of the 91 observed trisomies. In addition, Day-5 re-analysis of abnormal embryos showed a higher rate of concordant diagnosis between Day 3 and Day 5 when re-hybridizations had been included on Day-3 (95 versus 82.7%; P= 0.0443), especially for the confirmation of monosomies (82.8 versus 61.0%; P = 0.0087). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that additional hybridization rounds improve the accuracy of the diagnosis, increasing the number of chromosomally normal embryos available for transfer. Re-hybridization with additional probes as a standard approach to PGS could enhance the potential benefits of the technique.

Role of maternal adrenal glands on the developing serotoninergic and aminoacidergic systems of the postnatal rat brain.

Serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, which are regulated by glucocorticoids in the central nervous system, are involved in neuroendocrine functions and the development of the brain. The present study investigates the effect of maternal adrenalectomy on the developing serotoninergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Neurotransmitter levels were measured in four brain areas of both male and female offspring on postnatal days 1, 8, 12 and 22. At postnatal day 1 and 8, the pups of adrenalectomized dams showed higher concentrations of serotonin than controls in all the brain areas studied. Serotonin levels decreased significantly in males at postnatal day 22 in the hippocampus and cortex. During the first 2 weeks of postnatal life, the lack of maternal corticosterone produced an increase in glutamate and a reduction in gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations, mainly in males. Further, on postnatal day 1, increased serotonin and glutamate levels and lower levels of gamma-aminobutyric were observed in the hypothalamus of male pups born to adrenalectomized dams. The absence of maternal corticosterone affects the pattern of development of the serotoninergic system, especially in the hippocampus and cortex, and particularly in males. A delay in the maturation of the aminoacidergic systems, mainly of the GABAergic system and in males, was also seen. A sexually dimorphic response to the removal of maternal glucocorticoids was seen in terms of neurotransmitter levels, mainly in the hippocampus and hypothalamus.

Maternal adrenalectomy affects development of adrenal medulla.

This work investigates the effects of maternal adrenalectomy (ADX) on the development of the adrenal medulla. Adrenal catecholamines (AC) were measured at postnatal day (PN) 1, 8, 12 and 22 in rat offspring of ADX dams and in pups of control dams. The pups of ADX rats showed a reduction in AC concentrations in the adrenal medulla at PN 1, 12 and 22, although these were higher than in the pups of sham dams at PN 8. Further, in the pups of control mothers, there was an increase in ACs during the first two weeks of life whereas pups of ADX mothers only showed increases in noradrenaline, dopamine and adrenaline levels at day 8. These results suggest that maternal absence of corticosterone affects the medulla catecholamine content during development. These data support the idea that a maternal glucocorticoids are involved in the differentiation or/and maturation of the adrenal medulla.

Hematologic and plasma chemistry values in captive psittacine birds.

Reference values for some hematologic parameters in 19 species and plasma chemical values in 11 species of Psittacine birds, including cockatoos, parrots, amazons, macaws, conures, and lories, were established for use in veterinary medicine. The following parameters were studied: hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte number, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte dimensions, leukocyte number and differential leukocyte count, glucose, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, total plasma protein, albumin, globulins, albumin-globulin ratio, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total phosphorus, chloride, and osmolality. Hematologically, the Psittacine is a very homogeneous avian group, with small differences between species. They are, however, different from other groups of birds.

Haematology of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) restrained by physical or chemical means.

Reference values for some haematological and plasma biochemical constituents were established in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) restrained either physically or chemically with tiletamine-zolazepam. The following variables were studied: haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, haematological indices, erythrocyte dimensions, differential count of leucocytes, glucose, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total plasma protein, albumin, globulins, albumin-globulin ratio, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total phosphorus, chloride and osmolality. No haematological data have been published before but the values observed were in the general range of other artiodactyls, with the exception of the number and size of the erythrocytes which were respectively larger and smaller than in most other ruminants. Significant differences were found for a number of the variables between the values recorded in physically restrained animals and the values recorded in anaesthetised animals; they included the number of erythrocytes and related parameters, the plasma proteins and some inorganic ions.

Effect of captivity on the blood composition of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica).

Blood analyses of seven free-ranging Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) captured from the wild and then held in captivity were used to determine the physiological changes in some haematological parameters and serum chemistry values during captivity. The captive animals had a higher haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration and larger numbers of erythrocytes than the same animals when they were captured. In addition, the absolute numbers of leucocytes and lymphocytes decreased progressively during captivity. Significant differences were found for some of the biochemical variables between the captive ibex and free-ranging animals.

Pulmonary hypertension in COPD: old and new concepts.

Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its presence and severity is closely related to disease prognosis. Remodelling of pulmonary vessels is the principal causative factor of pulmonary hypertension in COPD. In advanced COPD, pulmonary vascular remodelling is related to the severity of arterial hypoxaemia. However, recent studies have shown that structural abnormalities and alterations of vascular function are also apparent in patients with mild COPD who do not have hypoxaemia and even in smokers with normal lung function. Pulmonary endothelium plays a crucial role in the regulation of vascular tone and cell growth of the vessel wall. Alterations of endothelial function in pulmonary arteries are apparent at the early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease evolution. Potential mechanisms of endothelial damage at these initial stages include the effects of cigarette smoke components and inflammatory changes. The resultant alteration of pulmonary endothelium by these factors might predispose patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to further vascular damage by additional factors, such as hypoxaemia, ultimately leading to pulmonary hypertension.

Medetomidine/tiletamine/zolazepam and xylazine/tiletamine/zolazepam combinations for immobilization of fallow deer (Cervus dama).

Eleven adult fallow deer (Cervus dama) were anesthetized using a mixture of xylazine/tiletamine/zolazepam, and 10 were anesthetized with a mixture of medetomidine/tiletamine/zolazepam. Anesthesia was adequate for capture in all instances, and minor surgical procedures were possible in seven of the animals treated with xylazine/tiletamine/zolazepam and in all of the animals treated with medetomidine/tiletamine/zolazepam. Blood gas, hematologic, serum biochemical, and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured during all immobilizations. The deer immobilized with xylazine/tiletamine/zolazepam had significantly higher lactate and cortisol values than the deer immobilized with the medetomidine combination. Although both methods were adequate for fallow deer, the medetomidine/tiletamine/zolazepam combination produced superior results.

Identificación de Helicobacter pylori a partir de lesión aterosclerótica coronaria humana / Identification of Helicobacter pylori from human coronary aterosclerótica injury

Introducción:El principal mecanismo patogénico que subyace la génesis y desarrollo de enfermedades del sistema circulatorio es la aterosclerosis. Es un proceso patológico complejo y progresivo de la pared arterial que afecta especialmente a las arterias coronarias, cerebrales y periféricas.Actualmente se habla sobre "La hipótesis infecciosa de la aterosclerosis". La infección por Helicobacter pyloriha sido una de las más investigadas a nivel global. Objetivo:Identificar H. pyloria partir de lesiones ateroscleróticas de pacientes que acuden a los servicios de cirugía cardiovascular y angiología de la ciudad de Barranquilla.Métodos:Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal.En una muestra de 102 participantes.Los ateromas fueron tomados por personal experto en endarterectomía y disección de vasos sanguíneos. Los especímenes fueron embebidos en solución formaldehído al 4%.Se realizó extracción de ADN a partir de ateromas. El diagnóstico molecular de H. Pylorise realizó por PCR ANIDADA, evidenciando un fragmento de 120 pb posterior a la electroforesis en gel de agarosa al 3,5% en TBE 0,5X. Resultados:Se obtuvieron 102 muestras de ateromas. Una muestra resultó positiva para H. pylori(Muestra #14; 1/102).El tejido aterosclerótico fue obtenido a partir de arteria coronaria derecha. Conclusión: La hipótesis infecciosa de la aterosclerosis ha sido uno de los principales temas de investigación a nivel mundial en las últimas décadas. La infección por H. pylori es un factorde riesgo, sin embargo, varios estudios son necesarios para poder concluir de manera más precisa.

Introduction:The main pathogenic mechanism underlying the genesis and development of diseases of the circulatory system is atherosclerosis. It is a complex and progressive pathological process of the arterial wall that affects especially the coronary, cerebral and peripheral arteries. Currently, there is talk about "The infectious hypothesis of atherosclerosis". Helicobacter pyloriinfection has been one of the most researched worldwide. Objective:To identify H. pylori from atherosclerotic lesions of patients who attend the cardiovascular and angiology services of the city of Barranquilla. Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. In a sample of 102 participants. The atheromas were taken by expert personnel in endarterectomy and dissection of blood vessels. The specimens were embedded in 4% formaldehyde solution. DNA extraction was performed from atheromas. The molecular diagnosis of H. pyloriwas performed by ANIDADA PCR, evidencing a 120 bp fragment after electrophoresis in a 3.5% agarose gel in 0.5X TBE. Results:102 samples of atheromas were obtained. One sample was positive for H. pylori (Sample # 14, 1/102). The atherosclerotic tissue was obtained from the right coronary artery. Conclusion:The infectious hypothesis of atherosclerosis has been one of the main research topics worldwide in recent decades. H. pyloriinfection is a risk factor, however, several studies are necessary to be able to conclude more accurately

Mars Science Laboratory relative humidity observations: Initial results.

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) made a successful landing at Gale crater early August 2012. MSL has an environmental instrument package called the Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) as a part of its scientific payload. REMS comprises instrumentation for the observation of atmospheric pressure, temperature of the air, ground temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity (REMS-H), and UV measurements. We concentrate on describing the REMS-H measurement performance and initial observations during the first 100 MSL sols as well as constraining the REMS-H results by comparing them with earlier observations and modeling results. The REMS-H device is based on polymeric capacitive humidity sensors developed by Vaisala Inc., and it makes use of transducer electronics section placed in the vicinity of the three humidity sensor heads. The humidity device is mounted on the REMS boom providing ventilation with the ambient atmosphere through a filter protecting the device from airborne dust. The final relative humidity results appear to be convincing and are aligned with earlier indirect observations of the total atmospheric precipitable water content. The water mixing ratio in the atmospheric surface layer appears to vary between 30 and 75 ppm. When assuming uniform mixing, the precipitable water content of the atmosphere is ranging from a few to six precipitable micrometers. KEY POINTS: Atmospheric water mixing ratio at Gale crater varies from 30 to 140 ppmMSL relative humidity observation provides good dataHighest detected relative humidity reading during first MSL 100 sols is RH75.

Diagnóstico molecular de infección por virus herpes simplex tipo 1 en tejido aterosclerótico humano / Molecular diagnosis of infection by herpes simplex type 1 virus in human aterosclerótico tissue

Introducción:Las enfermedades del sistema circulatorio representan uno de los mayores problemas de salud pública a nivel mundial, nacional y regional. Elmecanismo patogénico que subyace esta patología es la aterosclerosis. Existenvarios factores que favorecen la etiopatogeniade la lesión aterosclerótica.Las infecciones, juegan un papel importante.La infección por el Virus del Herpes Simplexse ha considerado como un factor de riesgo emergente. Objetivo:Realizar diagnósticomolecular de infección porVirus Herpes Simplex tipo 1 y tipo 2en tejido aterosclerótico humano.Método:Se realizó extracción de ADN viral a partir de ateromas usando el kit comercial PureGenomeTM Tissue DNA Extraction.La amplificación delmaterial genético viralse realizó porPCR en tiempo real (qPCR) con el kit comercial "Human Herpes Virus 2 (Herpes simplex type 2)UL36 region genesig Standard Kit y Human Herpes Virus 1 (Herpes simplex type 1) Capsid assembly and DNA maturation gene. Genesig Standard Kit".Resultados:En total se obtuvieron 102 muestras de ateromas, extraídas de diferentes fuentes anatómicas. Tresmuestras resultaronpositivas para VHS tipo 1(3/102).Ninguna muestra evidenció material genético para VHS tipo 2 (0/102). Conclusión:La etiopatogenia de la aterosclerosis es un proceso altamente complejo.Los virus juegan un papel importante, en especial la infección por Virus del herpes simplex tipo 1. La infección por estevirus genera cambios a nivel de las células vasculares y no vasculares, favoreciendo el acumulo de lipoproteínas de baja densidad químicamente oxidadas, importantespara la aterogénesis

Introduction:Diseases of the circulatory system represent one of the greatest public health problems worldwide, nationally and regionally. The pathogenic mechanism that underlies this pathology is atherosclerosis. There are several factors that favor the etiopathogeny of the atherosclerotic lesion. Infections play an important role. Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus has been considered as an emerging risk factor. Objective: To perform molecular diagnosis of infection by Herpes Simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in human atherosclerotic tissue. Method:Viral DNA extraction was performed from atheromas using the commercial PureGenomeTM Tissue DNA Extraction kit. The amplification of the viral genetic material was performed by real-time PCR (qPCR) with the commercial kit "Human Herpes Virus 2 (Herpes simplex type 2) UL36 region genesig Standard Kit and Human Herpes Virus 1 (Herpes simplex type 1) Capsid assembly and DNA maturation gene Genesig Standard Kit ". Results:A total of 102 samples of atheromas were obtained, extracted from different anatomicalsources. Three samples were positive for HSV type 1 (3/102). No sample showed genetic material for HSV type 2 (0/102). Conclusion:The etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis is a highly complex process. Viruses play an important role, especially the infection by Herpes simplex virus type 1. The infection by this virus generates changes at the level of vascular and non-vascular cells, favoring the accumulation of chemically oxidized low density lipoproteins, important for the atherogenesis

Factors influencing acid-base status during acute severe hypothermia in unanesthetized rats.

Blood acid-base changes were studied during acute hypothermia (4-6 h) induced by cold exposure in the unanesthetized rat. Stewart's quantitative analysis was applied as a complementary approach to determine the relative contributions of several non-respiratory components to the arterial acid-base response. Acute decrease in body temperature (TB) lowered PaCO2 (32.5 to 14.5 mmHg) and [HCO3-]a(24.20 mEq/L to 17.56 mEq/L), increased pHa (7.481 to 7.608) and diminished the [OH-]/[H+] ratio, but had no significant effect on [SID] or [Atot], although both total phosphorus [PT] and inorganic phosphate [Pi] increased. The acid-base changes found were intermediate between those predicted by alpha-stat and pH-stat hypotheses. Deviation from the regulative alpha-imidazole strategy was more apparent in the plasma than in the intraerythrocyte compartment. We conclude that blood pH changes observed were mainly caused by increased relative ventilation (lung ventilation per unit of CO2 removed) and by resulting changes in PCO2, with a minor metabolic component but without significant contribution from ionic shifts or changes in plasma protein concentration.