Oxygen, reactive oxygen species and developmental redox networks: Evo-Devo Evil-Devils?

Molecular oxygen (O2), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and associated redox networks are cornerstones of aerobic life. These molecules and networks have gained recognition as fundamental players in mechanisms that regulate the development of multicellular organisms. First, we present a brief review in which we provide a historical description of some relevant discoveries that led to this recognition. We also discuss the fact that, despite its abundance in nature, oxygen is a limiting factor, and its high availability variation impacted the evolution of adaptive mechanisms to guarantee the proper development of diverse species under such extreme environments. Finally, some examples of when oxygen and ROS were identified as relevant for the control of developmental processes are discussed. We take into account not only the current knowledge on animal redox developmental biology, but also briefly discuss potential scenarios on the origin and evolution of redox developmental mechanisms and the importance of the ever-changing environment.

Endoscopic band ligation versus propranolol for the primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with high risk esophageal varices.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is a common complication of portal hypertension. Current guidelines recommend thorn-blockers for primary prophylaxis. However, evidence suggests that endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) reduce bleeding episodes. AIMS: To compare endoscopic EVL with propranolol (PPL) for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial. Over a 9-year period, 75 patients with cirrhosis and high-risk esophageal varices (HREV) were recruited and allocated to EVL (n=39) or PPL (n=36). Primary outcome was variceal bleeding. Secondary outcomes were survival, source of bleeding and serious adverse events. Analyses were made by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar. Medium follow-up was 1647+/-1096 days. complete follow-up was achieved in 85% of patients. Variceal bleeding occurred in 12% of EVL and in 25% of PPL group (p=0.17). The actuarial risks of bleeding after 2 years were similar in both groups. Overall mortality was 51% in EVL and 33% in PPL group (p=0.17). Patients in the EVL group showed a lower rate of esophageal variceal bleeding (5.1% v/s 25%, p=0.027) and a higher rate of subcardial variceal bleeding compared with PPL group (7.7% v/s 0%, p=0.027). Serious adverse events related to EVL occurred in 2 patients, including 1 death. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports that PPL should be considered the first choice in primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding offering similar effects and lower severe adverse events compared with EVL.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its association with obesity, insulin resistance and increased serum levels of C-reactive protein in Hispanics.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder of the liver, which may progress to fibrosis or cirrhosis. Recent studies have shown a significant impact of ethnicity on susceptibility to steatosis-related liver disease. AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of NAFLD among Chilean Hispanics as well as the clinical and biochemical variables associated with the disease. METHODS: Population-based study among Chilean Hispanics. The diagnosis of NAFLD was made on the basis of ultrasound evidence of fatty liver and absence of significant alcohol consumption and hepatitis C virus infection. RESULTS: A total of 832 Hispanic subjects were included. Ultrasound findings revealed diffuse fatty liver in 23% of the subjects. Variables associated with fatty liver in multivariate analysis were body mass index >26.9 [odds ratio (OR) 6.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.3-11.5], abnormal aspartate aminotransferase levels (OR 14; 95% CI 8.2-23.7), presence of insulin resistance as measured by homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (OR 3; 95% CI 1.8-4.8) and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) greater than 0.86 mg/L (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.6-5.2). Among subjects with NAFLD, levels of hs-CRP were similar regardless of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. CONCLUSIONS: Chilean Hispanics exhibit a high prevalence of NAFLD. Obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal aminotransferase levels and elevated hs-CRP were independently associated with the presence of NAFLD. ALT elevation underestimates the presence of ultrasonographical fatty liver, whereas hs-CRP is a sensitive independent marker of NAFLD, which may be useful for detecting fatty liver in the general population.

Optimal length of triple therapy for H pylori eradication in a population with high prevalence of infection in Chile.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of 7-d versus 14-d triple therapy for the treatment of H pylori infection in Chile, with a prevalence of 73% in general population. METHODS: H pylori-infected patients diagnosed by rapid urease test, with non-ulcer dyspepsia or peptic ulcer disease were randomized to receive omeprazole 20 mg bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid, and clarithromycin 500 mg bid for 7 (OAC7) or 14 (OAC14) d. Primary outcome was eradication rate 6 wk after the treatment. Subgroup analysis was carried out considering the eradication rate among patients with or without peptic ulcer disease and eradication rate among smokers or non-smokers. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one patients were randomized to OAC7 (n = 69) or OAC14 (n = 62). The overall eradication rate (intention-to-treat) was 78.3% in OAC7 and 85.5% in OAC14 groups, without a significant difference (P =0.37). No significant difference in the eradication rate was found among the patients with peptic ulcer disease (n = 31) between the OAC7 group (85.7%) and OAC14 group (87.5%). However, smokers had an obviously lower eradication rate compared to non-smokers, particularly in the OAC7 group (57.1% in smokers vs 83.6% in non-smokers; P = 0.06). Adverse effects rate were similar between both groups. CONCLUSION: Short-term efficacy of triple therapy with OAC for 7 d is comparable to 14 d in this high-prevalence population. Longer follow-up, and studies focused to some subgroups of patients (smokers and non-ulcer patients) are necessary to support widespread use of 7-d instead of 10-14-d triple therapy in a developing country like Chile.

A new earthworm cellulase and its possible role in the innate immunity.

A new endogenous cellulase (Ean-EG) from the earthworm, Eisenia andrei and its expression pattern are demonstrated. Based on a deduced amino acid sequence, the open reading frame (ORF) of Ean-EG consisted of 1368 bps corresponding to a polypeptide of 456 amino acid residues in which is contained the conserved region specific to GHF9 that has the essential amino acid residues for enzyme activity. In multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis, the deduced amino acid sequence of Ean- EG showed the highest sequence similarity (about 79%) to that of an annelid (Pheretima hilgendorfi) and could be clustered together with other GHF9 cellulases, indicating that Ean-EG could be categorized as a member of the GHF9 to which most animal cellulases belong. The histological expression pattern of Ean-EG mRNA using in situ hybridization revealed that the most distinct expression was observed in epithelial cells with positive hybridization signal in epidermis, chloragogen tissue cells, coelomic cell-aggregate, and even blood vessel, which could strongly support the fact that at least in the earthworm, Eisenia andrei, cellulase function must not be limited to digestive process but be possibly extended to the innate immunity.

Clima organizacional en el departamento de odontología de la escuela universitaria de las ciencias de la salud en el valle de sula en el período de septiembre a diciembre del 2014

Las organizaciones, sin importar el tipo de estas, se encuentran formadas porpersonas y las relaciones interpersonales se dan con el fin de desempeñaracciones que ayuden al logro de las metas. Tratar de entender el impacto que losindividuos, los grupos y la estructura tienen sobre el comportamiento dentro de laorganización, permite mejorar la eficacia de ésta y el alcance de sus objetivos.Reflejo de ello es el clima organizacional, por lo que para conocer laspercepciones que el trabajador tiene de las características de la organización, queinfluyen en las actitudes y comportamiento de los empleados, es necesarioelaborar diagnósticos de clima organizacional.La necesidad del diagnóstico clima organizacional en el Departamento deOdontología de la EUCS de la UNAH-VS surge a raíz del aumento en la demandade estudios en dicha facultad y la implementación de la Escuela de Ciencias De laSalud en donde se espera un crecimiento del número de catedráticos, y estas dossituaciones requieren de ajustes en los niveles de comunicación y de los nivelesde liderazgo, motivación, participación y reciprocidad, mediante transformacionesen los procesos de decisiones, que mejoren la calidad del servicio docente haciael cambio de lograr un Departamento de Odontología de calidad en la era de laalta tecnologías de la información y de las comunicaciones.Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, donde el universo de estudioconstó de los docentes activos por dos períodos académicos de forma continua almomento de la recolección de la información. Se utilizó el instrumento de mediciónpropuesto por la OPS para medir Clima Organizacional.Los principales resultados del estudio en el Departamento de Odontología apuntanhacia la existencia de dificultades en las cuatro variables liderazgo, motivación,reciprocidad y participación lo que incide desfavorablemente en el climaorganizacional...

Evaluación de la utilidad de la fisioterapia respiratoria en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar severa que cursan con insuficiencia ventilatoria crónica: Arequipa-1996

En la actualidad, el tratamiento antituberculoso ha resultado muy eficaz para controlar la tuberculosis pulmonar, pero como secuela de la misma quedan muchas veces grandes zonas de cavernas y fibrosis, con el consiguiente compromiso de la función respiratoria, la que se ve comprometida por no realizar acciones que puedan mejorarla o por lo menos mantenerla. En la actualidad el uso de la Fisioterapia Respiratoria viene a solucionar este problema, pero debido a las varias terapias, el tiempo de duración de las mismas, muchas veces no se puede evaluar cuan efectiva es. Se ha visto que es muy efectiva en patología pulmonar aguda, pero no se ha comprobado esa eficacia en patología pulmonar crónica como la tuberculosis. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar si la Fisioterapia Respiratoria es útil para disminuir la insuficiencia ventilatoria crónica en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar severa. La utilidad definió por el grado de mejoría de los valores basales de los indicadores espirométricos luego de un mes de tratamiento. Para esto se tomarón 30 pacientes tuberculosos severos que cumplieran los requisitos de inclusión en el trabajo. Los que fueron repartidos en 2 grupos de 15 pacientes cada uno, a los que se les tomó 3 espirometrías, una basal otra a los 15 días y otra a los 30 días. Uno de los grupos únicamente recibió se tratamiento específico y el otro además recibió fisioterapia respiratoria por espacio de un mes, con la técnica de respiración abdominal y espiración forzada con incentivo; las sesiones duraban 20 minutos, 2 veces al día. Así mismo se tomaron 15 controles sanos a los que se les tomó espirometría. Se usó el análisis de varianza para correlación de los resultados. Se encontró que la mayoría de los pacientes en los controles basales mostraron una disminución de la CV, CVF, VEF 1, FEF 25-75 y Pico Flujo en relación a los controles sanos. Luego de un mes de fisioterapia respiratoria se evidencia un aumento promedio de la CV, CVF, VRE, VEF 1, FEF 25-75 Y Pico Flujo, en comparación con los pacientes que sólo recibieron tratamiento específico, en los que se evidencia una disminución promedio en el FEF 25-75 y VRE pero no tan evidente como en el primer grupo. La diferencia entre ambos grupos fue estadísticamente significativa. Esto se debe en gran parte a que los ejercicios respiratorios mejoran la expansión de la caja toráxica y ayudan a movilizar las resistencia al flujo de aire en las vías aéreas. Se concluye en el presente trabajo que la Fisioterapia Respiratoria es útil para mejorar la insuficiencia ventilatoria en pacientes con Tuberculosis Pulmonar Severa.