Cacalol Acetate as Anticancer Agent: Antiproliferative, Pro-Apoptotic, Cytostatic, and Anti-Migratory Effects.

Cacalol (C), a sesquiterpene isolated from Psacalium decompositum, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Its cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and pro-apoptotic effects have been previously shown in an in vitro breast cancer model. A derivative, cacalol acetate (CA), shows potential in regulating these processes, which has not been previously reported. This study focused on an in vitro cervical cancer model, assessing CA's antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, cytostatic, and anti-migratory activities using the HeLa cell line. The natural anticancer agent indole-3-carbinol (I3C) was used as a control for comparison. CA demonstrated significant antitumor activities, including inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis, arresting cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, and inhibiting cell migration. These effects were notably greater compared to I3C. I3C, while following a similar trend, did not induce Cas-3 expression, suggesting a different apoptotic pathway. Neither CA nor I3C increased p62 and LC3B levels, indicating they do not stimulate autophagy marker expression. Both compounds inhibited HeLa cell migration and induced cell cycle arrest. Despite both holding promise as anticancer agents for cervical cancer, CA's lower cytotoxicity and stronger regulation of tumor phenotypes make it a more promising agent compared to I3C.

Unrevealing Lithium Repositioning in the Hallmarks of Cancer: Effects of Lithium Salts (LiCl and Li2CO3) in an In Vitro Cervical Cancer Model.

Lithium, a natural element, has been employed as a mental stabilizer in psychiatric treatments; however, some reports indicate it has an anticancer effect, prompting the consideration of repurposing lithium for cancer treatment. The potential anticancer use of lithium may depend on its form (salt type) and the type of cancer cells targeted. Little is known about the effects of Li2CO3 or LiCl on cancer cells, so we focused on exploring their effects on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and cell cycle as part of the hallmarks of cancer. Firstly, we established the IC50 values on HeLa, SiHa, and HaCaT cells with LiCl and Li2CO3 and determined by crystal violet that cell proliferation was time-dependent in the three cell lines (IC50 values for LiCl were 23.43 mM for SiHa, 23.14 mM for HeLa, and 15.10 mM for HaCaT cells, while the IC50 values for Li2CO3 were 20.57 mM for SiHa, 11.52 mM for HeLa, and 10.52 mM for HaCaT cells.) Our findings indicate that Li2CO3 and LiCl induce DNA fragmentation and caspase-independent apoptosis, as shown by TUNEL, Western Blot, and Annexin V/IP assay by flow cytometry. Also, cell cycle analysis showed that LiCl and Li2CO3 arrested the cervical cancer cells at the G1 phase. Moreover, lithium salts displayed an anti-migratory effect on the three cell lines observed by the wound-healing assay. All these findings imply the viable anticancer effect of lithium salts by targeting several of the hallmarks of cancer.

The high methylation level of a novel 151-bp CpG island in the ESR1 gene promoter is associated with a poor breast cancer prognosis.

BACKGROUND: The ESR1 gene suffers methylation changes in many types of cancers, including breast cancer (BC), the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women that is also present in men. Methylation at promoter A of ESR1 is the worse prognosis in terms of overall survival; thus, the early detection, prognostic, and prediction of therapy involve some methylation biomarkers. METHODS: Therefore, our study aimed to examine the methylation levels at the ESR1 gene in samples from Mexican BC patients and its possible association with menopausal status. RESULTS: We identified a novel 151-bp CpG island in the promoter A of the ESR1 gene. Interestingly, methylation levels at this CpG island in positive ERα tumors were approximately 50% less than negative ERα or control samples. Furthermore, methylation levels at ESR1 were associated with menopausal status. In postmenopausal patients, the methylation levels were 1.5-fold higher than in premenopausal patients. Finally, according to tumor malignancy, triple-negative cancer subtypes had higher ESR1 methylation levels than luminal/HER2+ or luminal A subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that methylation at this novel CpG island might be a promising prognosis marker.

An Ancestry Perspective of the Evolution of PBS1 Proteins in Plants.

The AVRPPHB SUSCEPTIBLE1 (PBS1) and RESISTANCE TO PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE 5 (RPS5) proteins are involved in signal transduction to evoke innate plant immune response. In Arabidopsis, PBS1 is cleaved by the AvrPphB (Pseudomonas phaseolicola Avirulence protein B) protease, activating RPS5 and turning in a hypersensitive response (HR). We searched for PBS1 orthologs to trace their origin and evolution. PBS1 orthologs were found in embryophytes and in other plant taxa but with lower similarity. PBS1 phylogenetic analysis indicates high divergence, suggesting that the decoy function described for Arabidopsis PBS1 might be associated with a small fraction of orthologs. Ancestral reconstruction analysis suggests an elevated diversity in the amino acid sequence within the described motifs. All the orthologs contain the conserved PBS1 kinase subdomains, whereas the cleavage motif is present in several embryophyte orthologs but absent in most other taxa. The putative resistance recognition motifs in PBS1 orthologs are highly diverse. PBS1 cleavage site motif is exposed in some 3D structure predictions, whereas it is not in others, suggesting different modes of regulation and functions in PBS1 orthologs. Our findings suggest that PBS1 originated in the lineage that gave rise to embryophytes, with the angiosperm sequences forming a separate clade from pteridophyte proteins.

Deformity progression in congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia: a report of 44 cases.

BACKGROUND: congenital posteromedial bowing of tibia (CPMBT) is a very rare birth defect, characterized by shortened bowed leg and ankle deformity. We described a single institution experience in the management of CPMBT. METHODS: we identified 44 CPMBT in 44 children. The age at presentation was 5.5 ± 5.6 years and the mean age at the final review was 10.1 ± 4.8 years. Radiographic evaluation included the antero-posterior and lateral inter-physeal angle (AP-IPA and L-IPA), the limb length discrepancy (LLD), the morphology of the distal tibia and the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA). During the study period, 26 children underwent surgical treatment. RESULTS: the estimated curves showed a progressive spontaneous correction of both AP-IPA and L-IPA during growth, but a progressive increase of the LLD. The L-IPA showed a more predictable behaviour while the AP-IPA showed a scattered correction, with a wider variation of the estimated final angle. The final LDTA was 85.3° ± 4.2° and was correlated with the L-IPA (r = 0.5; p = 0.02). Among the 26 children who underwent surgical treatment, 23 cases had limb lengthening, 1 case had contralateral epiphysiodesis, 1 child underwent tibial osteotomy, 1 patient was treated by hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal tibia to correct ankle valgus deformity. CONCLUSIONS: our study described the largest case series of CPMBT. A combination of surgical treatments, in a staged surgical process, should be tailored to the developmental characteristics of this abnormality. An experience-based algorithm of treatment is also proposed. Further studies are needed to understand which is the best strategy to correct this deformity during childhood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV prognostic study.

A Comparative Analysis of the Outcomes of Various Graft Types in Burn Reconstruction Over the Past 24 Years: A Systematic Review.

Burn injuries, a major global health concern, result in an estimated 180,000 fatalities annually. Despite tremendous progress in treatment methods over the years, the morbidity and mortality associated with burns remain significant. Autologous skin grafting, particularly split-thickness skin grafting (STSG), has been a cornerstone in burn reconstruction, and it has facilitated survival and functional recovery for total body surface area (TBSA) significantly. However, the requirement for primary closure at the donor site due to the constraints of full-thickness donor harvesting continues to pose challenges. The introduction of dermal regenerative templates (DRT) in the late 1970s marked a substantial step forward in tissue engineering, addressing the inadequacy of dermal replacement with STSGs. This systematic review aimed to compare the outcomes of different graft types - bioengineered, autografts, allografts, and xenografts - in burn reconstruction over the last 24 years. The review focused on the pros and cons of each graft type, offering clinical insights grounded in experience and evidence. The approach involved a systematic review of studies published in English from January 2000 to January 2024, covering randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series. The participants comprised individuals of all ages who underwent burn reconstruction with skin grafts, specifically split-thickness grafts, full-thickness grafts, composite grafts, and epidermal grafts (autografts, allografts, and xenografts) and bioengineered grafts. The primary outcomes were functional and cosmetic results, patient satisfaction, graft survival, and complications. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB 2), the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for non-randomized studies, and the Canada Institute for Health Economics (IHE) quality appraisal tool for case series. Our initial search yielded a total of 1,995 articles, out of which 10 studies were selected for final analysis. Among the four clinical trials assessed, 75% showed a high risk of bias. The studies reviewed involved various graft types, with six studies (60%) concentrating on allografts, three (30%) on autografts, and one (10%) on bioengineered skin grafts. The outcomes were varied, underlining the intricate nature of burn wound management. Our evaluation revealed promising results for autologous-engineered skin substitutes and allografts but also highlighted methodological disparities among the studies included. The dominance of observational studies and the diversity of outcome measures present obstacles to direct comparisons. Future research should address these limitations, employing well-structured RCTs, standardized outcome measures, and exploring long-term outcomes and patient-specific factors. The rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine offers great potential for novel grafting methods. This systematic review provides valuable insights into the diverse outcomes of burn reconstruction using different graft types. Autologous-engineered skin substitutes and allografts seem to hold significant promise, suggesting a possible shift in grafting techniques. However, methodological inconsistencies and the lack of high-quality evidence underscore the necessity for further research to fine-tune burn care approaches.

HeLa cell segmentation using digital image processing.

Computational cell segmentation is a vital area of research, particularly in the analysis of images of cancer cells. The use of cell lines, such as the widely utilized HeLa cell line, is crucial for studying cancer. While deep learning algorithms have been commonly employed for cell segmentation, their resource and data requirements can be impractical for many laboratories. In contrast, image processing algorithms provide a promising alternative due to their effectiveness and minimal resource demands. This article presents the development of an algorithm utilizing digital image processing to segment the nucleus and shape of HeLa cells. The research aims to segment the cell shape in the image center and accurately identify the nucleus. The study uses and processes 300 images obtained from Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBF-SEM). For cell segmentation, the morphological operation of erosion was used to separate the cells, and through distance calculation, the cell located at the center of the image was selected. Subsequently, the eroded shape was employed to restore the original cell shape. The nucleus segmentation uses parameters such as distances and sizes, along with the implementation of verification stages to ensure accurate detection. The accuracy of the algorithm is demonstrated by comparing it with another algorithm meeting the same conditions, using four segmentation similarity metrics. The evaluation results rank the proposed algorithm as the superior choice, highlighting significant outcomes. The algorithm developed represents a crucial initial step towards more accurate disease analysis. In addition, it enables the measurement of shapes and the identification of morphological alterations, damages, and changes in organelles within the cell, which can be vital for diagnostic purposes.

[Right-sided acute appendicitis in situs inversus totalis. Case report]. / Apendicitis aguda del lado derecho en situs inversus totalis. Reporte de caso.

Background: Acute appendicitis is widely recognized as the prevailing abdominal surgical emergency globally, exhibiting an annual incidence ranging from 96.5 to 100 cases per 100,000 adults. Conversely, situs inversus totalis is a rare anatomical anomaly characterized by the complete reversal of the chest and abdominal organs, occurring in approximately 1 out of every 10,000 to 50,000 individuals. Clinical case: 53-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with a complaint of diffuse abdominal pain of colic nature that had persisted for 5 days. The patient referred systemic hypertension, pre-diabetes mellitus type 2, and situs inversus as relevant medical history. A laparotomy procedure was conducted, revealing a perforated appendix located in the right hypochondrium. Additionally, the patient exhibited situs inversus totalis, with the colon positioned in its normal anatomical location. Conclusions: Due to the low incidence of situs inversus totalis, in cases similar to the one presented, the utilization of image studies and laboratory studies is imperative for accurate diagnosis. In the face of diagnostic suspicions and inconclusive paraclinical studies, the most effective approach is to pursue surgical examination and intervention, preferably utilizing laparoscopic techniques.

Introducción: la apendicitis aguda es la urgencia quirúrgica abdominal más frecuente en el mundo, con una incidencia anual de 96.5 a 100 casos por 100,000 adultos. Por otra parte, el situs inversus totalis es un trastorno posicional inverso de los órganos torácicos y abdominales con una incidencia de 1 en 10,000 a 50,000 personas. Caso clínico: paciente del sexo femenino de 53 años que se presentó en sala de urgencias refiriendo dolor abdominal difuso tipo cólico de 5 días de evolución. La paciente refirió hipertensión arterial sistémica esencial, prediabetes mellitus tipo 2 y situs inversus. Se realizó intervención quirúrgica (laparotomía) en la que se encontró el apéndice perforado en hipocondrio derecho y situs inversus totalis con colon en posición anatómica normal. Conclusiones: debido a la baja incidencia del situs inversus totalis, el diagnóstico en casos como el presentado representa un reto en el que el uso de estudios de imagen y laboratorio resulta indispensable. Ante la sospecha diagnóstica y estudios paraclínicos con resultados no concluyentes, la mejor estrategia consiste en la exploración y el manejo quirúrgicos, preferentemente laparoscópicos.

Transsulfuration pathway: a targeting neuromodulator in Parkinson's disease.

The transsulfuration pathway (TSP) is a metabolic pathway involving sulfur transfer from homocysteine to cysteine. Transsulfuration pathway leads to many sulfur metabolites, principally glutathione, H2S, taurine, and cysteine. Key enzymes of the TSP, such as cystathionine ß-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, are essential regulators at multiple levels in this pathway. TSP metabolites are implicated in many physiological processes in the central nervous system and other tissues. TSP is important in controlling sulfur balance and optimal cellular functions such as glutathione synthesis. Alterations in the TSP and related pathways (transmethylation and remethylation) are altered in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, suggesting their participation in the pathophysiology and progression of these diseases. In Parkinson's disease many cellular processes are comprised mainly those that regulate redox homeostasis, inflammation, reticulum endoplasmic stress, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and sulfur content metabolites of TSP are involved in these damage processes. Current research on the transsulfuration pathway in Parkinson's disease has primarily focused on the synthesis and function of certain metabolites, particularly glutathione. However, our understanding of the regulation of other metabolites of the transsulfuration pathway, as well as their relationships with other metabolites, and their synthesis regulation in Parkinson´s disease remain limited. Thus, this paper highlights the importance of studying the molecular dynamics in different metabolites and enzymes that affect the transsulfuration in Parkinson's disease.

Lithium: A Promising Anticancer Agent.

Lithium is a therapeutic cation used to treat bipolar disorders but also has some important features as an anti-cancer agent. In this review, we provide a general overview of lithium, from its transport into cells, to its innovative administration forms, and based on genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Lithium formulations such as lithium acetoacetate (LiAcAc), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium citrate (Li3C6H5O7), and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) induce apoptosis, autophagy, and inhibition of tumor growth and also participate in the regulation of tumor proliferation, tumor invasion, and metastasis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, lithium is synergistic with standard cancer therapies, enhancing their anti-tumor effects. In addition, lithium has a neuroprotective role in cancer patients, by improving their quality of life. Interestingly, nano-sized lithium enhances its anti-tumor activities and protects vital organs from the damage caused by lipid peroxidation during tumor development. However, these potential therapeutic activities of lithium depend on various factors, such as the nature and aggressiveness of the tumor, the type of lithium salt, and its form of administration and dosage. Since lithium has been used to treat bipolar disorder, the current study provides an overview of its role in medicine and how this has changed. This review also highlights the importance of this repurposed drug, which appears to have therapeutic cancer potential, and underlines its molecular mechanisms.

High Levels of Anxiety, Depression, Risk of Suicide, and Implications for Treatment in Patients with Lamellar Ichthyosis.

Lamellar ichthyosis (LI) is a genodermatosis that injures the structure and function of the skin, affecting the appearance and self-esteem of patients, which may seriously impair their mental health and quality of life. In the present study, we determined anxiety, depression, and suicidal risk levels in patients with LI through the Beck anxiety and depression inventories (BAI and DBI-II, respectively) and the SAD PERSONS scale (SPS). We observed that anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation were strongly associated with the LI (Cramér's V = 0.429, 0.594, and 0.462, respectively). Furthermore, patients with LI showed a significant increase in the scores of anxiety, depression, and suicidal risk (p = 0.011, <0.001, and 0.001, respectively) compared to individuals without the disease. Additionally, the suicide risk increased even more in patients who presented comorbidity of anxiety and depression than in patients who presented only anxiety or depression (p = 0.02). Similarly, the increase in the BAI scores correlated with the score observed on the SPS. Our results indicate that patients with LI have higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to individuals without the disease, which could be associated with suicidal risk. Therefore, the collaborative involvement of skin and mental health professionals is necessary to manage patients with LI appropriately. We believe that psychiatric studies and individual evaluations must be performed in LI patients to determine a treatment that, in addition to reducing skin symptoms, focuses on reducing the levels of depression and anxiety and improving the quality of life to reduce the risk of suicide.

Fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices using a 3D printer and a commercially-available wax filament.

In this work, we developed an alternative manufacturing paper-based microfluidics method through 3D printing and wax filament. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) are low-cost and easy-to-manufacture tools used for various chemical and biological analyses and studies. Paper-based microfluidics with wax has been limited as the manufacturers have discontinued most wax printing equipment. We aim to develop a low-cost and accessible manufacturing method that can replace conventional wax-on paper-based microfluidic manufacturing methods. Using highly available commercial 3D printing technology and wax filament, we could create hydrophobic wax barriers on the surface of different paper types. The properties and limits of this manufacturing method were characterized. Moreover, using this paper-based microfluidic manufacturing method, we were able to measure dopamine electrochemically using µPAD as a passive flow-based method in concentrations as low as 1 nM using injections as small as 15 µL.

Outcome of the treatment of hydronephrosis due to congenital ureteropelvic stenosis according to age at surgery.

BACKGROUND: Congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies are the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the first three decades of life. Stenosis of the ureteropelvic junction may cause dilation of the collecting system in the fetal kidney. This study aimed to determine hydronephrosis due to congenital ureteropelvic stenosis treatment outcome according to the age of the intervention. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study that included pediatric patients with hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction stenosis operated by the Anderson-Hynes open pyeloplasty method from 2010 to 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, children < 1 year of age, and group B, children > 1 year of age. We analyzed ultrasonographic parameters, renal function, and clinical data. Inferential statistics were used with the Mann-Whitney U-test and X2 test. Intra-group data were assessed with the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: We included 52 patients: group A (n = 16, 30%) and group B (n = 36, 70%). The male sex predominated, and mainly the left renal unit. The most important surgical finding was stenotic segment. The median right glomerular filtration rate was 24.1 mL/min (19.0-34.5) pre-surgical and 38.2 mL/min (35.9-41.09) post-surgical in group A (p = 0.028), and 28.4 mL/min (18.5-35.0) pre-surgical and 37 mL/min (35.7-46.0) post-surgical in group B (p = 0.003). The median left glomerular filtration rate was 30 mL/min (21.4-39.0) pre-surgical and 40.0 mL/min (37.7-44.6) post-surgical in group A (p = 0.005) and 18.4 mL/min (14.2-29.2) pre-surgical and 37 mL/min (33.1-38.5) post-surgical in group B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Correction of ureteropelvic stenosis before one year of age results in better renal function than a later correction.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las anormalidades congénitas del riñón y del tracto urinario son la causa más frecuente de enfermedad renal crónica en las primeras décadas de la vida. La estenosis de la unión ureteropiélica puede ocasionar restricción del flujo urinario desde la pelvis renal hacia el uréter, y es la causa más común de dilatación del sistema colector en el riñón fetal. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los resultados del tratamiento de la hidronefrosis por estenosis ureteropiélica congénita según la edad de la intervención. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo incluyendo pacientes pediátricos con hidronefrosis secundaria a estenosis de la unión ureteropiélica sometidos a pieloplastia abierta de Anderson-Hynes en el periodo 2010-2016. Se formaron dos grupos: A, pacientes < 1 año, y B, pacientes > 1 año. Se analizaron parámetros clínicos, ecosonográficos y de función renal. Se utilizó estadística inferencial con las pruebas U de Mann Whitney, χ2 y Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 52 pacientes: 16 en el grupo A (30%) y 36 en el grupo B (70%). Predominó el sexo masculino, y principalmente la unidad renal izquierda. El hallazgo quirúrgico más importante fue el segmento estenótico. La mediana de la tasa de filtración glomerular derecha prequirúrgica fue de 24.1 ml/min (19.0-34.5) y la posquirúrgica fue de 38.2 ml/min (35.9-41.09) en el grupo A (p = 0.028), frente a 28.4 ml/min (18.5-35.0) y 37 ml/min (35.7-46.0), respectivamente, en el grupo B (p = 0.003). La mediana de la tasa de filtración glomerular izquierda prequirúrgica fue de 30 ml/min (21.4-39.0) y la posquirúrgica fue de 40.0 ml/min (37.7-44.6) en el grupo A (p = 0.005), frente a 18.4 ml/min (14.2-29.2) y 37 ml/min (33.1-38.5), respectivamente, en el grupo B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: La corrección de la estenosis ureteropiélica antes de 1 año de edad resulta en una mejor función renal que la corrección tardía.

Empiema por Trichomona hominis / Empyema by Trichomona hominis

El empiema pleural es una de las complicaciones de las infecciones del tracto respiratorio inferior y se caracteriza por la presencia de pus en la toracocentesis. Raramente Trichomonas hominis está asociada al empiema como agente causal. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una mujer de 39 años que desarrolló un empiema causado por T. hominis, además de una revisión de la literatura disponible de esta rara infección. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso de empiema pleural causado por Trichomona hominis reportado en México (AU)

Pleural empyema is one of the complications of lower respiratory tract infections and is characterized by the presence of pus on thoracentesis. Trichomonas hominis is rarely associated with empyema as the causative agent. In this article we present the case of a 39-year-old woman who developed an empyema caused by T. hominis, as well as a review of the available literature on this rare infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of pleural empyema caused by Trichomona hominis reported in Mexico (AU)

Lipid Metabolism Alterations in a Rat Model of Chronic and Intergenerational Exposure to Arsenic.

Chronic exposure to arsenic (As), whether directly through the consumption of contaminated drinking water or indirectly through the daily intake of As-contaminated food, is a health threat for more than 150 million people worldwide. Epidemiological studies found an association between chronic consumption of As and several pathologies, the most common being cancer-related disorders. However, As consumption has also been associated with metabolic disorders that could lead to diverse pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity. Here, we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QToF) to assess the effect of chronic intergenerational As exposure on the lipid metabolism profiles of serum from 4-month-old Wistar rats exposed to As prenatally and also during early life in drinking water (3 ppm). Significant differences in the levels of certain identified lysophospholipids, phosphatidylcholines, and triglycerides were found between the exposed rats and the control groups, as well as between the sexes. Significantly increased lipid oxidation determined by the malondialdehyde (MDA) method was found in exposed rats compared with controls. Chronic intergenerational As exposure alters the rat lipidome, increases lipid oxidation, and dysregulates metabolic pathways, the factors associated with the chronic inflammation present in different diseases associated with chronic exposure to As (i.e., keratosis, Bowen's disease, and kidney, liver, bladder, and lung cancer).

Effects of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 on the sleep-wake cycle, c-Fos expression and dopamine levels of the rat.

Our group has described previously that the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide induces sleep. The hydrolysis of this lipid involves the activity of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which additionally catalyzes the degradation of the satiety factor oleoylethanolamide and the analgesic-inducing lipid palmitoylethanolamide. It has been demonstrated that the inhibition of the FAAH by URB597 increases levels of anandamide, oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide in the brain of rats. In order to determinate the physiological properties of the FAAH inhibition on the sleep modulation, we report the pharmacological effects on the sleep-wake cycle of the rat after i.c.v. administrations of URB597, oleoylethanolamide or palmitoylethanolamide (10, 20 microg/5 microl). Separate unilateral i.c.v. injections of 3 compounds during the lights-on period, increased wakefulness and decreased slow wave (SW) sleep in rats in a dose-dependent fashion. We additionally found out that, compared to controls, c-Fos immunoreactivity in hypothalamus and dorsal raphe nucleus was increased in rats that received URB597, oleoylethanolamide or palmitoylethanolamide (10, 20 microg/5 microl, i.c.v.). Next, we found that after an injection of the compounds, levels of dopamine were increased whereas extracellular levels of levodopa (l-DOPA) were decreased. These findings indicate that that inhibition of the FAAH, via URB597, modulates waking. These effects were mimicked separately by the administration of oleoylethanolamide or palmitoylethanolamide. The alertness induced by the compounds tested here activated wake-promoting brain regions and they also induced the release of dopamine. Our results suggest that FAAH activity as well as two molecules that are catalyzed by this enzyme, oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide, participate in the regulation of the waking state. Alternative approaches to treat sleep disorders such as excessive somnolence might consider the use of the URB597, oleoylethanolamide or palmitoylethanolamide since all compounds enhance waking.

Deficiencia de vitamina D en adultos mayores con fractura de cadera / Deficiency of vitamin D in elderly adults with hip fracture

Resumen: OBJETIVO: Conocer la prevalencia de la deficiencia de vitamina D en adultos mayores con y sin fractura de cadera en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal efectuado en pacientes adultos mayores del 1 de agosto de 2016 al 1 de agosto de 2017. Para su análisis los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos, uno con fractura de cadera y otro sin el antecedente de fractura. Se recolectaron los datos demográficos, concentraciones de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] y de hormona paratiroidea. La deficiencia de vitamina D se definió según la clasificación de Holick. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 58 pacientes; cada grupo (con y sin fractura de cadera) incluyó 29 pacientes. Las concentraciones de 25(OH)D fueron, en promedio, de 18.24 ± 7.8 ng/mL en todos los pacientes con diferencias entre los grupos de fracturados vs no fracturados: 14.83 ± 5.28 vs 21.66 ± 7.45 ng/mL, respectivamente (p < 0.001). La prevalencia de deficiencia de vitamina D fue de 63.7% y fue mayor en el grupo de fracturados en comparación con los que no tenían este antecedente: 86.2 vs 41.4%. CONCLUSIONES: La deficiencia de vitamina D es alta en la población de adultos mayores y su frecuencia se incrementa con la edad.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To know the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in older adults with and without hip fracture in a third level hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, descriptive, retrospective and crosssectional study was conducted in elderly patients from August 1st 2016 to August 1st 2017. For their analysis, they were divided into two groups, one group with a hip fracture and the other without a fracture history. Demographic data, levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] and PTH were collected. Vitamin D deficiency was defined according to Holick's classification. RESULTS: There were included 58 patients, each group with 29. The levels of 25(OH) D were, on average, 18.24 ± 7.8 ng/mL in all patients, with differences between the groups of fractured vs non-fractured: 14.83 ± 5.28 ng/mL vs 21.66 ± 7.45 ng/ mL, respectively; p < 0.001. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 63.7%, being higher in the fractured group compared to those without this background: 86.2% vs 41.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Deficiency of vitamin D is high in the population of elderly adults and its frequency is increased with age.

Incidencia de infarto agudo al miocardio en el Hospital Central Militar y su menejo con trombólisis / Incidence of acute myocardial infarction in the Military Central Hospital and its management with thrombolysis

Antecedentes. La cardiopatía isquémica se describe como una falta de oxígeno a las células miocárdicas debido a una perfusión insuficiente, a consecuencia de un desequilibrio entre el aporte y la demanda de oxígeno. En Estados Unidos aproximadamente 11 millones de personas padecen cardiopatía isquémica. Método. La presente investigación es un estudio retrospectivo, longitudinal y observacional con respecto a la incidencia de Infarto Agudo al Miocardio (IAM) de enero de 1998 al mes de abril del año 2000, los principales grupos de edad afectados, el sitio más frecuente de localización del infarto y el manejo empleado durante su estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Coronarios del Hospital Central Militar. Se revisaron 170 expedientes clínicos con diagnóstico de Infarto Agudo al Miocardio. Se obtuvo la incidencia en este periodo. Los resultados de las mediciones se expresaron en valor de la media en cada una de las variables. Resultados. La incidencia en este periodo fue de tres pacientes con infarto agudo al miocardio por cada 1,000 personas que ingresan al Hospital Central Militar. Los principales grupos de edad se encuentran entre los 65-70 años, afecta principalmente a hombres en relación 3:1, el principal sitio de infarto se localiza en el territorio de la coronaria izquierda descendente anterior, actualmente 33.3 por ciento de pacientes que ingresan con el diagnóstico de infarto agudo al miocardio recibe tratamiento con trombólisis. No existen complicaciones graves como hemorragia cerebral con el tratamiento con trombólisis durante su estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Coronarios. Conclusiones. La incidencia es de tres pacientes con infarto agudo al miocardio por cada 1,000 personas que ingresan al Hospital Central Militar en el periodo comprendido de enero 1998 a abril del año 2000, igual a la reportada en la literatura internacional. La edad promedio de aparición de unIAM es de 65-70 años, los sitios más comunes de aparición son los del territorio de la descendente anterior y la coronaria derecha.