Trauma Laparoscopy: Time Efficient, Cost Effective, and Safe.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy has demonstrated improved outcomes in abdominal surgery; however, its use in trauma has been less compelling. In this study, we hypothesize that laparoscopy may be observed to have lower costs and complications with similar operative times compared to open exploration in appropriately selected patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed adult patients undergoing abdominal exploration after blunt and penetrating trauma at our level 1 center from 2008 to 2020. Data included mechanism, operative time, length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and complications. Patients were grouped as follows: therapeutic and nontherapeutic diagnostic laparoscopy and celiotomy. Therapeutic procedures included suture repair of hollow viscus organs or diaphragm, evacuation of hematoma, and hemorrhage control of solid organ or mesenteric injury. Unstable patients, repair of major vascular injuries or resection of an organ or bowel were excluded. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-six patients were included with comparable demographics. Diagnostic laparoscopy had shorter operative times, LOS, and lower hospital charges compared to diagnostic celiotomy controls. Similarly, therapeutic laparoscopy had shorter LOS and lower hospital costs compared to therapeutic celiotomy. The operative time was not statistically different in this comparison. Patients in the celiotomy groups had more postoperative complications. The differences in operative time, LOS and hospital charges were not statistically significant in the diagnostic laparoscopy compared to diagnostic laparoscopy converted to diagnostic celiotomy group, nor in the therapeutic laparoscopy compared to the diagnostic laparoscopy converted to therapeutic laparoscopy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy can be used safely in penetrating and blunt abdominal trauma. In this cohort, laparoscopy was observed to have shorter operative times and LOS with lower hospital charges and fewer complications.

Comparison of quality of life after radical treatment in prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy versus external radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the functional and quality of life results in patients treated with curative intent for localized prostate cancer during 2015 in our hospital. METHOD: 77 patients treated by radical prostatectomy or external radiotherapy with androgen deprivation were prospective enrolled. Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) questionnaire at 3-year follow-up and Spanish Questionnaire on Quality of Life in Patients with Prostate Cancer (CAVIPRES-30) at diagnosis and at 3-year follow-up were registered. RESULTS: 68 patients were included, 39 patients treated by radical prostatectomy and 29 received external radiotherapy with androgen deprivation. Among the operated patients, 61.5% were dry and 17.9% use three or more daily pads, compared to 72.4% and 6.8%, respectively, in the radiotherapy group. 48.7% of prostatectomized patients reported very poor or no capacity to have a sufficiently rigid erection, compared to 69% of the radiated group. After surgery, 43.6% considered bad or very bad quality-of-life, compared to 68.9% in the radiotherapy group. In the comparison of the data of the pre- and post-treatment questionnaire can be seen that the patients had a superior perception before the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated by surgery have a better perception of quality-of-life compared to those treated by radiotherapy.

OBJETIVO: Determinar y comparar los resultados funcionales y de calidad de vida de pacientes con cáncer de próstata tratados con intención curativa durante el año 2015 en nuestro centro. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 77 pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical (PR) o radioterapia externa con terapia de deprivación androgénica (TDA). Se realizaron el Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) tras 3 años de seguimiento y el Cuestionario Español de Calidad de Vida en Pacientes con Cáncer de Próstata (CAVIPRES-30) al diagnóstico y a los 3 años. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 68 pacientes, 39 con PR y 29 con radioterapia más TDA. De los pacientes intervenidos, el 61.5% están secos y el 17.9% usan tres o más compresas, diarias frente al 72.4% y el 6.8%, respectivamente, en el grupo de radioterapia. El 48.7% de los prostatectomizados refieren erecciones muy malas o ninguna, frente al 69% de los radiados. Tras la cirugía, el 43.6% refieren mala o muy mala calidad de vida, frente al 68.9% de los radiados. En la comparación de los datos del cuestionario pre- y postratamiento, los pacientes tenían una percepción superior antes del procedimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes tratados mediante cirugía tienen una mejor percepción de su calidad de vida relacionada con la salud que los radiados.

From Admission to Discharge-A Total Friction Burn Review from a Single Institution.

While most friction burns are adequately managed in an outpatient setting, many may require hospital admission, operative excision, and extended care. To this day, there is a wide variance in friction burn management. Our goal is to review the etiology, management, and outcomes of such burns warranting hospitalization. We conducted a retrospective review of all friction burns admitted to a single, American Burn Association-verified burn center from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. A total of 28 (34%) patients required surgery for their friction burns and 15 (18%) ultimately required a split-thickness skin graft. The mean number of operations was 2.4 (95% CI 1.6-3.1). Overall, the operative group was younger (29.9 vs 38.3 years, P = .026), more likely to have a concomitant traumatic brain injury (25% vs 7%, P = .027), and had a longer hospital length of stay (17.5 vs 3.9 days, P < .001). Both groups had a similar overall TBSA (8.5% vs 10.0%, P = .35), but the operative group had a larger surface area comprised of third-degree burns (3.05% vs 0.2%, P < .001). Overall, friction burns resulting in hospital admission are associated with high-energy traumatic mechanisms and concomitant injuries. Patients who need operative intervention for their burns typically require multiple procedures often culminating in a split-thickness skin graft. While non-operative management of friction burns with topical agents has been found to be successful, patients with higher injury severity scores should be monitored very closely as they may require surgical excision.

Variant characterisation and clinical profile in a large cohort of patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and a family with Weyers acrofacial dysostosis.

BACKGROUND: Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EvC) is a recessive disorder characterised by acromesomelic limb shortening, postaxial polydactyly, nail-teeth dysplasia and congenital cardiac defects, primarily caused by pathogenic variants in EVC or EVC2. Weyers acrofacial dysostosis (WAD) is an ultra-rare dominant condition allelic to EvC. The present work aimed to enhance current knowledge on the clinical manifestations of EvC and WAD and broaden their mutational spectrum. METHODS: We conducted molecular studies in 46 individuals from 43 unrelated families with a preliminary clinical diagnosis of EvC and 3 affected individuals from a family with WAD and retrospectively analysed clinical data. The deleterious effect of selected variants of uncertain significance was evaluated by cellular assays. MAIN RESULTS: We identified pathogenic variants in EVC/EVC2 in affected individuals from 41 of the 43 families with EvC. Patients from each of the two remaining families were found with a homozygous splicing variant in WDR35 and a de novo heterozygous frameshift variant in GLI3, respectively. The phenotype of these patients showed a remarkable overlap with EvC. A novel EVC2 C-terminal truncating variant was identified in the family with WAD. Deep phenotyping of the cohort recapitulated 'classical EvC findings' in the literature and highlighted findings previously undescribed or rarely described as part of EvC. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the largest cohort of living patients with EvC to date, contributing to better understanding of the full clinical spectrum of EvC. We also provide comprehensive information on the EVC/EVC2 mutational landscape and add GLI3 to the list of genes associated with EvC-like phenotypes.

A single plain ring is not associated with increased bacterial load on hands: An experimental study among healthcare worker students undertaking mock surgery.

BACKGROUND: Adequate hand hygiene is considered as one of the most effective strategies in healthcare-related infection prevention. The potential negative effect of rings in hand disinfection and thus, in increased nosocomial infections rates is still controversial. Therefore, the present study was designed with the purpose of examining if rings frequently exposed to surgical scrubbing were associated or not with increased bacterial counts. METHODS: 32 volunteers were randomized into 4 groups: A (no rings), B (participants wore a ring), C (no rings and performed surgical scrubbing with chlorhexidine every 48 h) and D (participants wore a ring and performed surgical scrubbing every 48 h). Glove juice samples were obtained at day 0 (T0) and after a 90-min mock-surgery on day 14 (T1). Quantitative (number of UFC/mL) and qualitative data (microorganism type) were collected as study variables. RESULTS: All groups were comparable at T0. All ring carriers obtained negative cultures at T1. Ring presence was not associated with higher bacterial counts; comparisons between A vs B groups and C vs D groups showed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.076 and 1.000). T1 negative cultures were more frequent in participants performing surgical scrubbing every second day (93.8 % vs 75 %), although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.332). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of single plain ring does not seem to be associated with an increased hand bacterial load. Regular surgical scrubbing with chlorhexidine impregnated sponges reduces bacterial contamination of hands, even in the presence of plain rings.

The Pearls and Pitfalls of a Migrating Bullet Embolus.

Venous bullet embolism is an exceedingly rare trauma diagnosis that presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We present the case of a 32-year-old man who sustained multiple gunshot wounds with a venous bullet embolism to the right pulmonary artery. Imaging at first demonstrated a bullet lodged within the right lower lobe. The patient underwent multiple bronchoscopies and ultimately was found to have a bullet embolus in the right pulmonary artery. Repeat endovascular attempts failed at removal, and during a right thoracotomy, the bullet migrated to the left pulmonary artery. Coil embolization of the left lower lobe pulmonary artery was performed, and the patient was found to be asymptomatic at the 1-year follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case to demonstrate coil embolization of the pulmonary artery as a method of endovascular treatment for a venous bullet embolus. We present this case report to emphasize the difficulty in diagnosis, localization, and management of a migratory bullet within the pulmonary circulation.

Conocimientos sobre dengue en pobladores de un área de salud de Sancti Spíritus / Knowledge about dengue in residents of a health area in Sancti Spíritus: en

Introducción: El dengue es una enfermedad viral, sistémica, de carácter endémico-epidémico, causada por cualquiera de los 4 serotipos del complejo viral. Se transmite al hombre a través de la picadura de un mosquito del género Aedes, que provoca la infección. Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de conocimientos sobre dengue en pobladores de un área de salud de Sancti Spíritus. Métodos: Se efectuó una investigación cuantitativa, de diseño preexperimental, contextualizada, de 174 personas de 15 y más años de edad, pertenecientes al Consultorio Médico de la Familia No. 7 del Policlínico Los Olivos en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, desde febrero hasta julio de 2022, para lo cual se utilizó la entrevista estructurada. Las variables analizadas fueron nivel de conocimientos sobre dengue, edad, sexo y escolaridad. Después de realizada la intervención, se compararon las proporciones poblacionales. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes de 45-55 años de edad (53,1 %), el sexo femenino (66,7 %) y el nivel de escolaridad de secundaria terminada (55,1 %). Luego de concluir las actividades educativas, los individuos alcanzaron resultados adecuados y se elevó su nivel de conocimientos sobre la enfermedad. Conclusiones: La intervención resultó efectiva en la población estudiada, pues se incrementaron sus conocimientos sobre dengue.

Introduction: Dengue is a viral, systemic disease, of endemic-epidemic character, caused by any of the 4 serotypes of the viral complex. It is transmitted to the man through the Aedes mosquito bite that causes the infection. Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge about dengue in residents of a health area in Sancti Spíritus. Methods: A quantitative investigation, of preexperimental design, contextualized, was carried out in 174 people of 15 and more years, belonging to the Family Doctor Office No. 7 of Los Olivos Polyclinic in Sancti Spíritus province, from February to July, 2022, for which the structured interview was used. The analyzed variables were level of knowledge about dengue, age, sex and school level. After the intervention the populational proportions were compared. Results: There was a prevalence of the 45-55 years patients (53.1 %), female sex (66.7 %) and the secondary school level finished (55.1 %). After concluding the educational activities, the individuals reached appropriate results and their level of knowledge on the disease had an increase. Conclusions: The intervention was effective in the studied population, because the knowledge about dengue had increased.

Mutations in SCNM1 cause orofaciodigital syndrome due to minor intron splicing defects affecting primary cilia.

Orofaciodigital syndrome (OFD) is a genetically heterogeneous ciliopathy characterized by anomalies of the oral cavity, face, and digits. We describe individuals with OFD from three unrelated families having bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in SCNM1 as the cause of their condition. SCNM1 encodes a protein recently shown to be a component of the human minor spliceosome. However, so far the effect of loss of SCNM1 function on human cells had not been assessed. Using a comparative transcriptome analysis between fibroblasts derived from an OFD-affected individual harboring SCNM1 mutations and control fibroblasts, we identified a set of genes with defective minor intron (U12) processing in the fibroblasts of the affected subject. These results were reproduced in SCNM1 knockout hTERT RPE-1 (RPE-1) cells engineered by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated editing and in SCNM1 siRNA-treated RPE-1 cultures. Notably, expression of TMEM107 and FAM92A encoding primary cilia and basal body proteins, respectively, and that of DERL2, ZC3H8, and C17orf75, were severely reduced in SCNM1-deficient cells. Primary fibroblasts containing SCNM1 mutations, as well as SCNM1 knockout and SCNM1 knockdown RPE-1 cells, were also found with abnormally elongated cilia. Conversely, cilia length and expression of SCNM1-regulated genes were restored in SCNM1-deficient fibroblasts following reintroduction of SCNM1 via retroviral delivery. Additionally, functional analysis in SCNM1-retrotransduced fibroblasts showed that SCNM1 is a positive mediator of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Our findings demonstrate that defective U12 intron splicing can lead to a typical ciliopathy such as OFD and reveal that primary cilia length and Hh signaling are regulated by the minor spliceosome through SCNM1 activity.

Efectividad de la crioterapia y la electroestimulación nerviosa transcutánea en deportistas con afecciones del sistema osteomioarticular / Effectiveness of cryotherapy and nervous transcutaneous electro stimulation in sportsmen with affections of the osteomyoarticular system

Introducción: El trauma grave constituye una de las principales causas de muerte y discapacidad. Si bien es una enfermedad muy heterogénea en cuanto a su origen, tipos lesionales y gravedad, existe gran incertidumbre en cuanto a su pronóstico. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la crioterapia y la electroestimulación nerviosa transcutánea para la disminución del dolor y el edema en deportistas con afecciones del sistema osteomioarticular. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, de corte descriptivo y retrospectivo, de 5 548 deportistas con afecciones del sistema osteomioarticular, que acudieron al Servicio de Rehabilitación Física del Estadio José Antonio Huelga de la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, entre noviembre de 2018 y diciembre de 2019, para recibir crioterapia y electroestimulación nerviosa transcutánea para la disminución del edema y el dolor. Entre las variables estudiadas figuraron: sexo, edad, tipo de deporte que practicaban, lesiones que presentaban, recuperación y tiempo de desaparición de los síntomas. Resultados: Predominaron el sexo masculino (66,83 %), el grupo etario de 8-21 años (57,33 %), el futbol y el atletismo como deportes con mayor número de afectados (23,08 y 22,85 %, respectivamente), así como los esquinces (56,54 %) y las fracturas (20,81 %) como lesiones principales. Conclusiones: La terapia aplicada resultó efectiva y segura para disminuir el edema y el dolor en los deportistas a causa de enfermedades traumáticas del sistema osteomioarticular.

Introduction: The serious trauma constitutes one of the main causes of death and disability. Although it is a very heterogeneous disease as for its origin, types of injure and seriousness, great uncertainty exists as for its prognosis. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cryotherapy and the nervous transcutaneous electroestimulation for the decrease of pain and edema in sportsmen with affections of the osteomyoarticular system. Methods: An observational, descriptive and retrospective study of 5548 sportsmen with affections of the osteomyoarticular system was carried out, they went to the Physical Rehabilitation Service of the José Antonio Huelga Stadium in Sancti Spíritus, between November, 2018 and December, 2019, to receive cryotherapy and nervous transcutaneous electroestimulation for the decrease of edema and pain. Among the studied variables figured: sex, age, type of sport that they practiced, injure that presented recovery and time of disappearance of symptoms. Results: There was a prevalence of the male sex (66.83 %), the 18-21 age group (57.33 %), football and athletics as sports with a higher number of affected patients (23.08 and 22.85 %, respectively), as well as sprains (56.54 %) and fractures (20.81%) as main lesions. Conclusions: The applied therapy was effective and safe to diminish the edema and pain in sportsmen due to traumatic diseaes of the osteomyoarticular system.

Eminectomía bilateral como tratamiento para luxación crónica de articulación temporomandibular. Reporte de caso / Bilateral eminectomy as a treatment for chronic temporomandibular joint dislocation. Case report

Introducción: la luxación de la articulación temporomandibular es un desplazamiento del cóndilo fuera de sus posiciones funcionales dentro de la fosa articular y la eminencia articular, la cual ocasiona una pérdida completa de la función articular. La luxación crónica es toda luxación aguda que progresa sin un tratamiento específico y que puede ser de carácter recurrente. La eminectomía es un tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo contra la luxación crónica de articulación temporomandibular. Objetivo: reportar el caso clínico de un paciente masculino, de la tercera década de su vida, con diagnóstico de luxación crónica de la articulación temporomandibular de cinco meses de evolución y presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura sobre este procedimiento quirúrgico. Caso clínico: el paciente fue tratado quirúrgicamente con eminectomía bilateral. Discusión: la eminectomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico controversial; sin embargo, recientes investigaciones lo catalogan como seguro y efectivo. Conclusión: el caso clínico presentado muestra un buen resultado.

Background: Temporo-mandibular joint dislocation is a displacement of the condyle, out of its functional positions within the articular fossa and articular eminence, causing a complete loss of joint function. Chronic dislocation is any acute dislocation that progresses without specific treatment and that can be recurrent. Eminectomy is a definitive surgical treatment for chronic temporomandibular joint dislocation. Objective: To report the clinical case of a male patient in the third decade of his life with a diagnosis of chronic dislocation of the temporomandibular joint of 5 months of evolution and to carry out an updated review of the literature on this surgical procedure. Case Report: The patient was treated surgically with bilateral eminectomy. Discussion: Eminectomy is a controversial surgical procedure; recent research classifies it as safe and effective. Conclusion: The presented clinical case shows a good result.

Electronic Cigarette-Related Injuries Presenting to Five Large Burn Centers, 2015-2019.

Electronic cigarettes are advertised as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes yet cause serious injury. U.S. burn centers have witnessed a rise in both inpatient and outpatient visits to treat thermal injuries related to their use. A multicenter retrospective chart review of American Burn Association burn registry data from five large burn centers was performed from January 2015 to July 2019 to identify patients with electronic cigarette-related injuries. A total of 127 patients were identified. Most sustained less than 10% total body surface area burns (mean 3.8%). Sixty-six percent sustained second-degree burns. Most patients (78%) were injured while using their device. Eighteen percent of patients reported spontaneous device combustion. Two patients were injured while changing their device battery, and two were injured modifying their device. Three percent were injured by secondhand mechanism. Burn injury was the most common injury pattern (100%), followed by blast injury (3.93%). Flame burns were the most common (70%) type of thermal injury; however, most patients sustained a combination-type injury secondary to multiple burn mechanisms. The most injured body region was the extremities. Silver sulfadiazine was the most common agent used in the initial management of thermal injuries. Sixty-three percent of patients did not require surgery. Of the 36% requiring surgery, 43.4% required skin grafting. Multiple surgeries were uncommon. Our data recognize electronic cigarette use as a public health problem with the potential to cause thermal injury and secondary trauma. Most patients are treated on an inpatient basis although most patients treated on an outpatient basis have good outcomes.

Prevalence of Chagas Disease Among Family Members of Previously Diagnosed Patients in Los Angeles, California.

Chagas disease (CD) in the United States is severely underdiagnosed, due to an absence of systematic screening as part of routine healthcare. We screened 189 relatives of 86 existing patients and found a CD prevalence of 7.4%. Screening close relatives of previously diagnosed individuals can effectively identify new CD cases.

Impacto en la calidad de vida a consecuencia de la mortalidad de dientes permanentes en usuarios de las unidades comunitarias de salud familiar de Lourdes, Zacamil, Periférica Cojutepeque y Metapán en el año 2018 / Impact on the quality of life as a result of the mortality of permanent teeth in users of the community family health units of Lourdes, Zacamil, Periférica Cojutepeque and Metapán in 2018

Objetivo: Conocer el impacto en la calidad de vida a consecuencia de la mortalidad de dientes permanentes de los usuarios de las Unidades Comunitarias de Salud Familiar (UCSF) Lourdes, Zacamil, Periférica Cojutepeque y Metapán en el año 2018. Materiales y métodos: El estudio es descriptivo, transversal y observacional, midió la asociación entre las variables sociodemográficas, mortalidad dental y el impacto en la calidad de vida. La muestra fue de 576 usuarios en cuatro UCSF donde las investigadoras realizaron su servicio social en el año 2018, con edades entre 15 a más de 60 años; se consideró como variable dependiente la mortalidad de dientes permanentes y como variable independiente el impacto en la calidad de vida. La prueba estadística utilizada fue chi-cuadrado para verificar la asociación entre las variables planteadas en la investigación. Resultados: El nivel educativo más prevalente en la población fue secundaria (28.47%), el grupo etario de más de 60 años presentó mayor promedio de pérdida dental (9 dientes), el promedio global de mortalidad dental fue de 5 dientes perdidos. Las alteraciones clínicas y funcionales mayormente frecuentes fueron mesializaciones (43.41%) y extrusiones (42.71%). La calidad de vida de la población se categorizó en sin efecto/muy ligero, obteniendo un promedio global del índice OIDP 28.42. La prótesis que se presentó con mayor frecuencia fue la prótesis parcial fija; para maxilar superior (11.81%) y maxilar inferior (3.47%). Conclusiones: La calidad de vida se ve ligeramente afectada a consecuencia de la mortalidad dental en la población estudiada.

Objective: The aim of this research is to know the impact in the quality of life as a consequence of the mortality of the permanent teeth of the patients of the Family Health Community Centers (FHCC)1 Lourdes, Zacamil, Periférica Cojutepeque and Metapán during the year 2018. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study. It measured the association between the sociodemographic variables, dental mortality and the impact in the quality of life. The sample was 576 patients between 15 years of age and older than 60, in four UCSFs, where the researchers carried out their social service during the year 2018.The mortality of permanent teeth was considered as the dependent variable, and the impact in the quality of life as the independent variable. The statistical Chi­square test was used to verify the association between the variables proposed in the investigation. Results: The most prevalent educational attainment among the population was high school, (28.47%); the age group older than 60 years showed the highest level of dental loss (9 teeth); the overall average of dental mortality was of 5 lost teeth. The more frequent clinical and functional alterations were mesializations (43.41%) and extrusions (42.71%). The quality of life of the population was categorized as without effect/very light effect, obtaining a total average OIDP index of (28.42). The prosthesis that occurred more frequently was the fixed partial prosthesis, the upper jaw (11.81%), and the lower jaw (3.47%). Conclusions: The quality of life is seen lightly affected as a consequence of the dental mortality in the studied population.

Una mirada al pensamiento crítico en el proceso docente educativo de la educación superior / A look at critical thinking in the educational process of higher education

El desarrollo del pensamiento crítico en la educación superior adquiere particular importancia en la formación de los futuros profesionales, pues permite que los egresados se doten de competencias y capacidades que les favorezcan el análisis crítico de los problemas que se les presenten en su quehacer profesional y puedan brindar soluciones prácticas y efectivas. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo realizar una revisión bibliográfica actualizada acerca del tema desde la perspectiva del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje en la educación superior por su pertinencia en este nivel y su significación para la futura labor. Se ofrecen alternativas que les permitan a los docentes desarrollarlo en sus estudiantes.

The development of critical thinking in higher education takes on particular importance in the training of future professionals, since it allows graduates to equip themselves with competences and abilities that favor the critical analysis of the problems presented to them in their professional work and can provide practical and effective solutions. This article aims to carry out an updated bibliographic review about critical thinking from the perspective of the teaching learning process in higher education because of its relevance at this level and its significance for the future professional. Alternatives are offered that allow teachers to develop it in their students.

Saciación vs saciedad: reguladores del consumo alimentario / Satiation and satiety in the regulation of energy intake

The study of the factors that regulate high energy food intake is especially relevant nowadays due to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Food intake regulation can be divided in two basic processes, namely satiation and satiety. Satiation is the process that determines the moment in which feeding stops and regulates the amount of ingested food during a single meal. Satiety is the interval between meals and regulates the time elapsed between two meals. The longer the interval, the lower energy intake. Each of these processes are regulated by different factors, which are here reviewed.

Caracterización molecular del virus de la Hepatitis C en pacientes remitidos al Laboratorio Regional de Salud Pública del Hospital Universitario “Antonio Patricio de Alcalá”, Cumaná, Venezuela / Molecular characterization of hepatitis C virus in patients referred to a reference laboratory of public health, University Hospital “Antonio Patricio de Alcalá”, Cumaná, Venezuela

La Organización Mundial de la Salud estima que aproximadamente 170 millones de personas están crónicamente infectadas por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC). En este estudio se evaluó la presencia de anticuerpos contra el VHC en pacientes remitidos durante enero de 2010 a febrero de 2013, al Laboratorio Regional de Salud Pública del Hospital Universitario “Antonio Patricio de Alcalᔠen Cumaná, Venezuela. La presencia de anticuerpos se hizo mediante dos ensayos de ELISA y se determinaron los genotipos circulantes a través de análisis filogenéticos de fragmentos de genoma viral amplificados por la región 5’ no codificante (5’NC) y región no estructural 5b (NS5b) usando la transcripción reversa y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en dos rondas (RT-PCR). Se encontró una prevalencia de anticuerpos contra el VHC del 0,57 % (17/3005), siendo el grupo etario mayor de 41 años el más afectado (0,9 %). Un total de 16 muestras resultaron positivas para la presencia del ARN viral por RT-PCR en la región 5´NC (16/17, 94 %). El análisis filogenético de la región 5´NC permitió identificar la circulación del genotipo 2 y 1 y de un genotipo 3 y uno 4. Mediante análisis filogenéticos de la región NS5b, se observó la presencia de diversos subtipos dentro del genotipo 2 (2a, 2j y 2s), lo que concuerda con estudios anteriores que muestran que este genotipo es relativamente diverso en nuestro país.

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 170 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study evaluated the presence of antibodies against HCV by two immunoassays. HCV genotypes were analyzed by phylogenetic analysis of viral genome fragments amplified from the 5 ‘non-coding (5’NC) region and non-structural region 5b (NS5b), using reverse transcription and nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in patients referred from January 2010 to February 2013 to the Reference Laboratory of Public Health, University Hospital “Antonio Patricio de Alcalá”. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 0.57% (17/3005), being the group of patients older than 41 years the most affected (0.9%). A total of 16 samples were found positive for HCV RNA by RT-PCR in the 5’NC region (16/17, 94%). Phylogenetic analysis of the 5´NC region allowed to identify the circulation of genotypes 2 and 1, and one genotype 3 and one 4. By phylogenetic analysis of the NS5b region, diverse subtypes of HCV genotype 2 were identified (2a, 2j and 2s). This finding is in accordance with previous studies that indicate that this genotype is relatively diverse in our country.

Infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (HCV) en pacientes hemodializados seronegativos para anticuerpos anti-HCV / Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysed patients seronegative for anti-HCV antibodies

La infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (HCV) es común en pacientes hemodializados. Se evaluaron 43 sueros de pacientes de la Unidad de Diálisis “Dr. José Maza Carvajal” del Servicio Autónomo del Hospital Universitario “Antonio Patricio de Alcalᔠ(SAHUAPA), en Cumaná, estado Sucre. Se determinaron anticuerpos IgG séricos contra el HCV (anti-HCV) utilizando tres técnicas inmunoenzimáticas. Para amplificar la región 5’ no codificante (5’NC) se usó la técnica de transcripción reversa de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RT-PCR), en muestras positivas y negativas para anti-HCV. La presencia de anticuerpos y RNA del HCV fue de 9,3% y la presencia de RNA del HCV en pacientes con anti-HCV negativos fue de 42%, lo cual representó una frecuencia de infección activa de 51%. Análisis filogenéticos de la región 5’NC evidenciaron que el genotipo 2 fue el más prevalente, en particular el subtipo 2b, seguido por el genotipo 1, mientras que en siete muestras no se logró identificar el subtipo. La presencia de un alto número de pacientes seronegativos e infectados con el HCV puede deberse al estado de inmunocompromiso de estos pacientes; de allí la importancia de la determinación de la viremia.

Hepatitis C virus infection is common in hemodialysed patients. Sera from 43 patients from the Dialysis Unit “Dr. José Maza Carvajal” of the University Hospital “Antonio Patricio de Alcalá”, in Cumana, Sucre state, were evaluated. Antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV) were determined using three immunosorbent assays. The 5 ‘non-coding (5’NC) HCV region was amplified by RT-PCR in all samples. The presence of antibodies and HCV RNA was 9.3% and of HCV RNA in seronegative sera 42%, which represents a frequency of infection of 51%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 5’NC region showed that genotype 2 was the most frequently found, particularly due to subtype 2b, followed by genotype 1, while seven subtypes could not be determined. The presence of a high number of seronegative HCV-infected hemodialysed patients might be due to the immunocompromised condition of these patients; hence the importance of determining the viremia.

The repressor Rgt1 and the cAMP-dependent protein kinases control the expression of the SUC2 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

BACKGROUND: A low level of glucose is required for maximal transcription of the SUC2 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although the repressor Rgt1 binds the SUC2 promoter in gel-shift assays, it has been reported that Rgt1 has only minimal effects on SUC2 expression. Rgt1 acts together with Mth1 to repress the HXT genes encoding glucose transporters, and the release of Rgt1 from some HXT promoters requires cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity. METHODS: The genes RGT1 and MTH1 have been disrupted and the SUC2 promoter modified in several S. cerevisiae backgrounds. Yeast cells were grown in different carbon sources in the presence or absence of 0.1 or 2% glucose, and invertase was assayed in whole cells. RESULTS: Galactose, glycerol or ethanol hindered invertase induction by low glucose, but lactate did not. During growth in lactate, deletion of RGT1 or MTH1 caused a marked increase in invertase levels, and elimination of the Rgt1-binding site in the SUC2 promoter caused also invertase induction. PKA activity decreased invertase levels in cells growing in lactate, and increased them during growth in lactate+0.1% glucose. CONCLUSIONS: The low level of expression of SUC2 in the absence of glucose is mainly due to repression by the Rgt1-Mth1 complex. Repression is dependent on PKA activity, but not on any specific Tpk isoenzyme. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results show that previously overlooked regulatory elements, such as Rgt1 and Tpks, participate in the control of SUC2 expression in S.cerevisiae.

A comparison of osteoclast-rich and osteoclast-poor osteopetrosis in adult mice sheds light on the role of the osteoclast in coupling bone resorption and bone formation.

Osteopetrosis due to lack of acid secretion by osteoclasts is characterized by abolished bone resorption, increased osteoclast numbers, but normal or even increased bone formation. In contrast, osteoclast-poor osteopetrosis appears to have less osteoblasts and reduced bone formation, indicating that osteoclasts are important for regulating osteoblast activity. To illuminate the role of the osteoclast in controlling bone remodeling, we transplanted irradiated skeletally mature 3-month old wild-type mice with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to generate either an osteoclast-rich or osteoclast-poor adult osteopetrosis model. We used fetal liver HSCs from (1) oc/oc mice, (2) RANK KO mice, and (3) compared these to wt control cells. TRAP5b activity, a marker of osteoclast number and size, was increased in the oc/oc recipients, while a significant reduction was seen in the RANK KO recipients. In contrast, the bone resorption marker CTX-I was similarly decreased in both groups. Both oc/oc and Rank KO recipients developed a mild osteopetrotic phenotype. However, the osteoclast-rich oc/oc recipients showed higher trabecular bone volume (40 %), increased bone strength (66 %), and increased bone formation rate (54 %) in trabecular bone, while RANK KO recipients showed only minor trends compared to control recipients. We here show that maintaining non-resorbing osteoclasts, as opposed to reducing the osteoclasts, leads to increased bone formation, bone volume, and ultimately higher bone strength in vivo, which indicates that osteoclasts are sources of anabolic molecules for the osteoblasts.

Osteoclasts are not crucial for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance in adult mice.

The osteoclast is vital for establishment of normal hematopoiesis in the developing animal. However, its role for maintenance of hematopoiesis in adulthood is more controversial. To shed more light on this process, we transplanted hematopoietic stem cells from two osteopetrotic mouse models, with lack of osteoclasts or defective osteoclast function, to normal adult mice and examined the bone phenotype and hematopoiesis in the recipients. B6SJL mice were lethally irradiated and subsequently transplanted with oc/oc, Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B knockout or control fetal liver cells. Osteoclasts derived from the recipient animals were tested in vitro for osteoclastogenesis and resorptive function. Bone remodeling changes were assessed using biomarkers of bone turnover and micro-CT. Hematopoiesis was assessed by flow cytometry and colony formation, and hematopoietic stem cell function by secondary competitive transplantations and cell cycle analysis. After transplantation, a donor chimerism of 97-98% was obtained, and by 15 weeks mild osteopetrosis had developed in recipients of cells from osteopetrotic mice. There were no alterations in the number of bone marrow cells. Colony formation was slightly reduced in Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B knockout recipients but unchanged in oc/oc recipients. Phenotypically, stem cells were marginally reduced in recipients of cells from osteopetrotic mice, but no significant difference was seen in cell cycle status and in competitive secondary transplantations all three groups performed equally well. Our results indicate that osteoclast function is not crucial for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance in adult mice.