The Gap Junction Inhibitor Octanol Decreases Proliferation and Increases Glial Differentiation of Postnatal Neural Progenitor Cells.

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) that persist in the postnatal/adult subventricular zone (SVZ) express connexins that form hemichannels and gap junctions. Gap junctional communication plays a role in NPC proliferation and differentiation during development, but its relevance on postnatal age remains to be elucidated. In this work we aimed to evaluate the effect of the blockade of gap junctional communication on proliferation and cell fate of NPCs obtained from the SVZ of postnatal rats. NPCs were isolated and expanded in culture as neurospheres. Electron microscopy revealed the existence of gap junctions among neurosphere cells. Treatment of cultures with octanol, a broad-spectrum gap junction blocker, or with Gap27, a specific blocker for gap junctions formed by connexin43, produced a significant decrease in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Octanol treatment also exerted a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect on glioblastoma cells. To analyze possible actions on NPC fate, cells were seeded in the absence of mitogens. Treatment with octanol led to an increase in the percentage of astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursors, whereas the percentage of neurons remained unchanged. Gap27 treatment, in contrast, did not modify the differentiation pattern of SVZ NPCs. Our results indicate that general blockade of gap junctions with octanol induces significant effects on the behavior of postnatal SVZ NPCs, by reducing proliferation and promoting glial differentiation.

Minimal Residual Disease in Multiple Myeloma: Past, Present, and Future.

Responses to treatment have improved over the last decades for patients with multiple myeloma. This is a consequence of the introduction of new drugs that have been successfully combined in different clinical contexts: newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible or ineligible patients, as well as in the relapsed/refractory setting. However, a great proportion of patients continue to relapse, even those achieving complete response, which underlines the need for updated response criteria. In 2014, the international myeloma working group established new levels of response, prompting the evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) for those patients already in complete or stringent complete response as defined by conventional serological assessments: the absence of tumor plasma cells in 100,000 total cells or more define molecular and immunophenotypic responses by next-generation sequencing and flow cytometry, respectively. In this review, we describe all the potential methods that may be used for MRD detection based on the evidence found in the literature, paying special attention to their advantages and pitfalls from a critical perspective.

Prevalence of genetic mutations in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (aatd) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an underrecognized genetic disorder associated mainly with pulmonary emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). All individuals with COPD regardless of age or ethnicity should be tested for AATD, but in Colombia its prevalence in unknown. MAIN OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the genetic mutations, present in AATD in adult patients with COPD in Colombia, using a genotyping test on cells from the oral mucosa. METHODS: This was a multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study which included adult patients attending seven COPD care centres in Colombia. Demographic data, medical history, including history of exposure to smoking and biomass smoke, most recent spirometry, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment received, serum AAT levels, and mutations detected by the genotyping test were recorded for all the recruited patients. For the comparison of variables between the groups with and without mutation, we used the X2 test for the qualitative variables and the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test according to their distribution. MAIN FINDINGS: We collected a sample of 1,107 patients, the median age was 73.8 years (87.6-79.9). Mutations were documented in 144 patients (13.01%), the majority had the M/S mutation (78.50%), followed by M/Z (9.72%). One patient had a ZZ mutation and two patients had null alleles. In total, 23 patients had mutations associated with serum AAT deficiency (levels below 60 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Genetic mutations were documented in 13.01% of patients with COPD in Colombia and 2.07% were AATD-related, showing that there is a significant number of underdiagnosed patients.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Diterpenes over Innate Immunity and Cytokine Production in a Human Alveolar Epithelial Cell Line Infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Mexico has the largest number of the genus salvia plant species, whose main chemical compounds of this genus are diterpenes, these chemical compounds have shown important biological activities such as: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of three diterpenes: 1) icetexone, 2) anastomosine and 3) 7,20-dihydroanastomosine, isolated from Salvia ballotiflora, over innate immunity and cytokine production in a human alveolar epithelial cell line infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS: The immunomodulatory activity of diterpenes over innate immunity included reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) induction in response to infection; cytokine production included TNF-α and TGF-ß induction in response to infection. RESULTS: The diterpenes anastomosine and 7,20-dihydroanastomosine showed a statically significant (p < 0.01) increase of RNS after 36 h of infection and treatment of 2.0 µg/mL. Then, the ROS induction in response to infection showed a consistent statically significant (p < 0.01) increase after 12 h of diterpenes treatments. The cell cultures showed an anti-inflammatory effect, in the case of TGF-ß induction, in response to infection when treated with the diterpenes. On the other hand, there was not any significant effect on TNF-α release. CONCLUSION: The diterpenes anastomosine and 7,20-dihydroanastomosine increased the production of RNS after 36 h of infection and treatment. Besides, the three diterpenes increased the production of ROS after 12 h. This RNS and ROS modulation can be considered as an in vitro correlation of innate immunity in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection; and an indicator of the damage of epithelial lung tissue. This study also showed an anti-inflammatory immune response by means of TGF-ß modulation when compared with control group.

Epigenetic mechanisms of particulate matter exposure: air pollution and hazards on human health.

Environmental pollution nowadays has not only a direct correlation with human health changes but a direct social impact. Epidemiological studies have evidenced the increased damage to human health on a daily basis because of damage to the ecological niche. Rapid urban growth and industrialized societies importantly compromise air quality, which can be assessed by a notable accumulation of air pollutants in both the gas and the particle phases. Of them, particulate matter (PM) represents a highly complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds of the most variable size, composition, and origin. PM being one of the most complex environmental pollutants, its accumulation also varies in a temporal and spatial manner, which challenges current analytical techniques used to investigate PM interactions. Nevertheless, the characterization of the chemical composition of PM is a reliable indicator of the composition of the atmosphere, the quality of breathed air in urbanized societies, industrial zones and consequently gives support for pertinent measures to avoid serious health damage. Epigenomic damage is one of the most promising biological mechanisms of air pollution-derived carcinogenesis. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the implication of PM exposure in diverse molecular mechanisms driving human diseases by altered epigenetic regulation. The presented findings in the context of pan-organic cancer, fibrosis, neurodegeneration and metabolic diseases may provide valuable insights into the toxicity effects of PM components at the epigenomic level and may serve as biomarkers of early detection for novel targeted therapies.

Single-Cell DNA Sequencing and Immunophenotypic Profiling to Track Clonal Evolution in an Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient.

Single-cell DNA sequencing can address the sequence of somatic genetic events during myeloid transformation in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We present an NPM1-mutated AML patient with an initial low ratio of FLT3-ITD (low-risk ELN-2017), treated with midostaurin combined with standard chemotherapy as front-line treatment, and with salvage therapy plus gilteritinib following allogenic stem cell transplantation after relapse. Simultaneous single-cell DNA sequencing and cell-surface immunophenotyping was used in diagnostic and relapse samples to understand the clinical scenario of this patient and to reconstruct the clonal composition of both tumors. Four independent clones were present before treatment: DNMT3A/DNMT3A/NPM1 (63.9%), DNMT3A/DNMT3A (13.9%), DNMT3A/DNMT3A/NPM1/FLT3 (13.8%), as well as a wild-type clone (8.3%), but only the minor clone with FLT3-ITD survived and expanded after therapy, being the most represented one (58.6%) at relapse. FLT3-ITD was subclonal and was found only in the myeloid blast population (CD38/CD117/CD123). Our study shows the usefulness of this approach to reveal the clonal architecture of the leukemia and the identification of small subclones at diagnosis and relapse that may explain how the neoplastic cells can escape from the activity of different treatments in a stepwise process that impedes the disease cure despite different stages of complete remission.

Fundación Neumológica Colombiana 30 años de una institución con espíritu / Fundación Neumológica Colombiana 30 years of an institution with spirit

Hablar de la Neumología moderna en Colombia y de la Fundación Neumológica Colombiana es hablar de Darío Maldonado Gómez. Nacido en Pamplona, Norte de Santander, llegó a Bogotá siendo un adolescente, cuando sus padres se vieron obligados a salir de su ciudad natal hacia la capital, con todos sus hijos, producto de la violencia encendida a finales de la década de los 40´s. Con el ejemplo de su padre, Darío Maldonado Romero, médico que se especializó en la lepra y consagró sus esfuerzos al desarrollo de políticas de salud pública. Así, con la ambición de aprender y apropiar la ciencia, el arte y el humanismo que sustentan la medicina, ingresó a la Universidad Nacional en Bogotá y obtuvo su título de médico en 1959. Su ánimo de aprender y de poder ofrecer siempre las mejores opciones a sus pacientes, lo llevaron pronto a Chicago y Milwaukee, Estados Unidos, donde, en la década de los 60´s, se entrenó en Medicina Interna y Neumología con el profesor Gordon Snider, pionero y figura de la Neumología moderna en el mundo.

Talking about modern Pulmonology in Colombia and the Colombian Pulmonary Foundation is talking about Darío Maldonado Gómez. Born in Pamplona, Norte de Santander, he came to Bogotá as a teenager, when his parents were forced to leave their hometown for the capital, with all their children, as a result of the violence inflamed at the end of the 1940s. With the example of his father, Darío Maldonado Romero, a doctor who specialized in leprosy and devoted his efforts to the development of public health policies. Thus, with the ambition of learning and appropriating the science, art and humanism that sustain medicine, he entered the National University in Bogotá and obtained his medical degree in 1959. His desire to learn and to always be able to offer the best options to his patients, they soon took him to Chicago and Milwaukee, United States, where, in the 1960s, he trained in Internal Medicine and Pulmonology with Professor Gordon Snider, pioneer and figure of modern Pulmonology in the world.

Epigenetic Regulation in Exposome-Induced Tumorigenesis: Emerging Roles of ncRNAs.

Environmental factors, including pollutants and lifestyle, constitute a significant role in severe, chronic pathologies with an essential societal, economic burden. The measurement of all environmental exposures and assessing their correlation with effects on individual health is defined as the exposome, which interacts with our unique characteristics such as genetics, physiology, and epigenetics. Epigenetics investigates modifications in the expression of genes that do not depend on the underlying DNA sequence. Some studies have confirmed that environmental factors may promote disease in individuals or subsequent progeny through epigenetic alterations. Variations in the epigenetic machinery cause a spectrum of different disorders since these mechanisms are more sensitive to the environment than the genome, due to the inherent reversible nature of the epigenetic landscape. Several epigenetic mechanisms, including modifications in DNA (e.g., methylation), histones, and noncoding RNAs can change genome expression under the exogenous influence. Notably, the role of long noncoding RNAs in epigenetic processes has not been well explored in the context of exposome-induced tumorigenesis. In the present review, our scope is to provide relevant evidence indicating that epigenetic alterations mediate those detrimental effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants, focusing mainly on a multi-step regulation by diverse noncoding RNAs subtypes.

Ibrutinib in Combination With Rituximab for Indolent Clinical Forms of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (IMCL-2015): A Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-Arm, Phase II Trial.

PURPOSE: The need for an individualized management of indolent clinical forms in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is increasingly recognized. We hypothesized that a tailored treatment with ibrutinib in combination with rituximab (IR) could obtain significant responses in these patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter single-arm, open-label, phase II study with a two-stage design conducted in 12 Spanish GELTAMO sites (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02682641). Previously untreated MCL patients with indolent clinical forms defined by the following criteria were eligible: no disease-related symptoms, nonblastoid variants, Ki-67 < 30%, and largest tumor diameter ≤ 3 cm. Both leukemic non-nodal and nodal subtypes were recruited. Patients received ibrutinib 560 mg once daily and a total of eight doses of rituximab 375 mg/m2. Ibrutinib could be discontinued after 2 years in the case of sustained undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD). The primary end point was the complete response (CR) rate achieved after 12 cycles according to Lugano criteria. RESULTS: Fifty patients with MCL (male 66%; median age 65 years) were enrolled. After 12 cycles of treatment, 42 (84%; 95% CI, 74 to 94) patients had an overall response, including 40 (80%; 95% CI, 69 to 91) with CR. Moreover, undetectable MRD in peripheral blood was achieved in 87% (95% CI, 77 to 97) of cases. At 2 years, 24 of 35 evaluable patients (69%) could discontinue ibrutinib because of undetectable MRD. Four patients had disease progression; three were non-nodal MCL and carried high genomic complexity and TP53 mutations at enrollment. No unexpected toxicity was seen except one patient with severe aplastic anemia. CONCLUSION: Frontline IR combination achieves a high rate of CRs and undetectable MRD in indolent clinical forms of MCL. Discontinuation seems appropriate in cases with undetectable MRD, except for TP53-mutated cases.

Comorbilidades y características clínicas asociadas a la mortalidad hospitalaria por COVID-19 en el estado de Hidalgo, México / Comorbidities and clinical characteristics associated with hospital mortality, due to COVID-19, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico / Comorbidades e características clínicas associadas à mortalidade hospitalar por COVID-19, no estado de Hidalgo, México

Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad por COVID-19 ha tenido gran impacto en nuestro país; aunque se han documentado diversas variables que contribuyen al pronóstico sobre la mortalidad y/o enfermedad grave en pacientes, es necesario generar información que dé cuenta de las especificidades estatales para contribuir a la toma de decisiones ante una inminente saturación hospitalaria. Objetivo: Identificar las comorbilidades y características clínicas asociadas a la mortalidad por COVID-19, en pacientes hospitalizados en el estado de Hidalgo, México. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Como fuente de información se utilizó la base de datos abiertos COVID-19 de la Dirección General de Epidemiología de la Secretaría de Salud de México para realizar tres tipos de regresión: probit, logit y Gauss. El modelo gaussiano fue el de mejor ajuste. Resultados: Se analizaron 3,880 casos (1,696 defunciones y 2,184 recuperados) y se identificaron cuatro comorbilidades asociadas a la mortalidad por COVID-19: obesidad, hipertensión, diabetes e insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC) así como dos características clínicas: sexo y edad. Conclusiones: La hipertensión, obesidad, diabetes e IRC aumentan la probabilidad de defunción. Entre las comorbilidades la IRC es la de mayor peso. De las características clínicas analizadas, se encontró asociación con el sexo y la edad, donde la edad es la variable de mayor peso en el modelo.

Abstract: Introduction: The COVID-19 disease has had a great impact on our country; Although various variables that contribute to the prognosis of mortality and/or serious illness in patients have been documented, it is necessary to generate information that accounts for state specificities to contribute to decision-making in the face of imminent hospital saturation. Objective: To identify the comorbidities and clinical characteristics associated with mortality from COVID-19, in hospitalized patients in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Material and method: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out. As a source of information, the COVID-19 open database of the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Mexican Ministry of Health was used to perform three types of regression: probit, logit and Gaussian. The Gaussian model was the one with the best fit. Results: 3,880 cases (1,696 deaths and 2,184 recovered) were analyzed and 4 comorbidities associated with mortality from COVID-19 were identified: obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney failure (CRF), as well as 2 clinical characteristics: sex and age. Conclusions: Hypertension, obesity, diabetes and CRF increase the probability of death. Among the comorbidities, CRF is the one with the greatest weight. Of the clinical characteristics analyzed, an association was found with sex and age, where age is the variable with the greatest weight in the model.

Resumo: Introdução: A doença COVID-19 teve um grande impacto no nosso país; Embora tenham sido documentadas diversas variáveis ​​que contribuem para o prognóstico de mortalidade e/ou doença grave em pacientes, é necessário gerar informações que contemplem as especificidades estaduais para contribuir na tomada de decisão diante da iminente saturação hospitalar. Objetivo: Identificar as comorbidades e características clínicas associadas à mortalidade por COVID-19, em pacientes hospitalizados no estado de Hidalgo, México. Material e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo. Como fonte de informação, o banco de dados aberto COVID-19 da Direção Geral de Epidemiologia do Ministério da Saúde do México foi usado para realizar três tipos de regressão: probit, logit e gaussiana. O modelo gaussiano foi o que melhor se ajustou. Resultados: foram analisados 3,880 casos (1,696 óbitos e 2,184 recuperados) e identificadas 4 comorbidades associadas à mortalidade por COVID-19: obesidade, hipertensão, diabetes e insuficiência renal crônica (IRC), além de 2 características clínicas: sexo e idade. Conclusões: Hipertensão, obesidade, diabetes e IRC aumentam a probabilidade de morte. Dentre as comorbidades, a IRC é a de maior peso. Das características clínicas analisadas, foi encontrada associação com sexo e idade, sendo a idade a variável com maior peso no modelo.

Factores asociados al síndrome de Wellens en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST / Factors associated to Wellens' syndrome in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation

Introducción: El síndrome de Wellens constituye un equivalente del síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST. Este incluye dos patrones electrocardiográficos que sugieren lesión crítica de la arteria descendente anterior. Objetivo: Evaluar probables factores asociados al síndrome de Wellens en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST y lesiones coronarias significativas en la arteria descendente anterior. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST y lesión significativa en la arteria descendente anterior, comprobada mediante coronariografía, ingresados en la unidad de cuidados coronarios intensivos del Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Manuel Fajardo entre el 2016 y 2019. Resultados: La edad media fue de 66 años, predominó el sexo masculino (53,9 por ciento) y el antecedente de hipertensión arterial (89,5 por ciento). Los pacientes con síndrome de Wellens tuvieron un significativo menor porcentaje de antecedente de cardiopatía isquémica (58,1 por ciento vs. 84,8 por ciento; p = 0,012). Además, el síndrome arrojó asociación estadísticamente muy significativa con la condición de fumador activo (51,2 por ciento vs. 15,2 por ciento; p < 0,01). No se encontró relación estadística significativa entre el síndrome de Wellens y el resultado angiográfico. Conclusiones: La presencia de los patrones electrocardiográficos del síndrome de Wellens se asocia con el hábito tabáquico en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST y lesiones coronarias en la arteria descendente anterior, y su ausencia se asocia con el antecedente de cardiopatía isquémica en el mismo subgrupo de individuos(AU)

Introduction: Wellens' syndrome is equivalent to acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation. It includes two electrocardiographic patterns suggesting a critical lesion in the anterior descending artery. Objective: Evaluate probable factors associated to Wellens' syndrome in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation and significant coronary lesions in the anterior descending artery. Methods: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted of patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation and significant lesion in the anterior descending artery verified by coronary arteriography, admitted to the intensive coronary care unit at Manuel Fajardo Clinical Surgical Hospital in the period 2016-2019. Results: Mean age was 66 years, with a predominance of the male sex (53.9 percent) and a history of hypertension (89.5 percent). Patients with Wellens' syndrome had a significantly lower percentage of ischemic heart disease antecedents (58.1 percent vs. 84.8 percent; p = 0.012). A very significant statistical association was observed between the syndrome and active smoking (51.2 percent vs. 15.2 percent; p < 0.01). A significant statistical relationship was not found between Wellens' syndrome and angiographic results. Conclusions: The presence of electrocardiographic patterns of Wellens' syndrome is associated to smoking in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation and coronary lesions in the anterior descending artery, whereas their absence is associated to a history of ischemic heart disease in the same subgroup of individuals(AU)

Diffuse Gastrointestinal Polyposis in Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome: A Rare Phenotype Among Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Hamartoma Tumor Syndromes.

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by germline mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene. Clinical manifestations arise early during childhood and include multiple lipomas, hamartomatous intestinal polyps, macrocephaly, developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder among others. The case describes a 24-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of BRRS who presented for evaluation of burning epigastric pain for the previous six months. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy revealed an erosive gastric mucosa as well as numerous polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Histopathologic examination confirmed gastric Helicobacter pylori infection and different histologic types of polyps.

Impactos de la Religiosidad y la Orientación Política de Consumidores Mexicanos Sobre el Valor Percibido / Impacts of Religiosity and Political Orientation of Mexican Consumers on Perceived Value / Impactos da Religiosidade e Orientação Política dos Consumidores Mexicanos no Valor Percebido

Resumen Introducción. En un entorno cada vez más competitivo las organizaciones necesitan identificar variables clave que pueden influir en la decisión y el comportamiento de compra de los consumidores. Objetivo. de esta investigación fue analizar la influencia de la religiosidad y la orientación política sobre el valor utilitario, emocional y social percibidos atribuidos por los consumidores a los productos y servicios ofrecidos por empresas socialmente responsables. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa aplicándose una encuesta personal a 528 consumidores. Resultados. Se encontró que el nivel de religiosidad influye en las tres dimensiones del valor percibido, donde, a mayor nivel de religiosidad de los consumidores, mayor el valor percibido atribuido a los productos y servicios en cuestión. Sin embargo, el nivel de religiosidad influye en las tres dimensiones del valor percibido. Sin embargo, la orientación política influye solamente en el valor emocional, tanto en consumidores autodefinidos como de izquierda como de derecha. Conclusiones. Los hallazgos pueden ayudar a los tomadores de decisiones de marketing de las empresas a saber que el nivel de religiosidad y la orientación política de sus consumidores, tanto potenciales como actuales, pueden, de hecho, tener un impacto en el valor percibido de los consumidores sobre sus ofertas y deben tenerse en cuenta en la creación de sus estrategias, campañas y mensajes.

Abstract Introduction. In an increasingly competitive environment organizations need to identify key variables that can influence the decision and buying behavior of consumers. Objective. was to analyze the influence of religiosity and political orientation on the perceived utilitarian, emotional and social value attributed by consumers to the products and services offered by socially responsible companies. Materials and methods. A quantitative investigation was carried out applying a personal survey to 528 consumers. Results. It was found that the level of religiosity of the participants influences all three dimensions of perceived value, that is, at a higher level of religiosity the consumers perceive greater perceived value in sustainable products and services. However, political orientation only has an influence on the emotional value in consumers, whether they self-identified as right-wing or left-wing. Conclusions. The findings can help the decision makers of the marketing aspects of the firms know that the level of religiosity and the political orientation of their consumers, both potential or current, can, in fact, have an impact on the perceived value of consumers about their offerings and it should be considered in the creation of their strategies, campaigns and messaging.

Resumo Introdução. Em um ambiente cada vez mais competitivo, as organizações precisam identificar variáveis-chave que possam influenciar a decisão e o comportamento de compra dos consumidores. Objetivo. Portanto, esta pesquisa analisou a influência da religiosidade e da orientação política no valor utilitário, emocional e social percebido atribuído pelos consumidores aos produtos e serviços de empresas socialmente responsáveis. Materiais e métodos. Foi realizada uma investigação quantitativa a 528 consumidores. Resultados. Verificou-se que o nível de religiosidade influencia as três dimensões do valor percebido, ou seja, em um nível mais alto de religiosidade, os consumidores percebem maior valor percebido em produtos e serviços. No entanto, a orientação política influencia apenas o valor emocional, tanto em consumidores auto-definidos quanto na esquerda e na direita. Conclusões. As descobertas podem ajudar os tomadores de decisão de marketing das empresas a saberem que o nível de religiosidade e orientação política de seus consumidores, tanto potencial quanto atuais, podem, de fato, ter um impacto na percepção do valor dos consumidores sobre suas ofertas e devem ser levados em consideração ao criar suas estratégias, campanhas e mensagens.

Purinergic Receptor Blockade with Suramin Increases Survival of Postnatal Neural Progenitor Cells In Vitro.

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are self-renewing and multipotent cells that persist in the postnatal and adult brain in the subventricular zone and the hippocampus. NPCs can be expanded in vitro to be used in cell therapy. However, expansion is limited, since the survival and proliferation of adult NPCs decrease with serial passages. Many signaling pathways control NPC survival and renewal. Among these, purinergic receptor activation exerts differential effects on the biology of adult NPCs depending on the cellular context. In this study, we sought to analyze the effect of a general blockade of purinergic receptors with suramin on the proliferation and survival of NPCs isolated from the subventricular zone of postnatal rats, which are cultured as neurospheres. Treatment of neurospheres with suramin induced a significant increase in neurosphere diameter and in NPC number attributed to a decrease in apoptosis. Proliferation and multipotency were not affected. Suramin also induced an increase in the gap junction protein connexin43 and in vascular endothelial growth factor, which might be involved in the anti-apoptotic effect. Our results offer a valuable tool for increasing NPC survival before implantation in the lesioned brain and open the possibility of using this drug as adjunctive therapy to NPC transplantation.

Connexin43 Region 266-283, via Src Inhibition, Reduces Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation Promoted by EGF and FGF-2 and Increases Astrocytic Differentiation.

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are self-renewing cells that give rise to the major cells in the nervous system and are considered to be the possible cell of origin of glioblastoma. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) is expressed by NPCs, exerting channel-dependent and -independent roles. We focused on one property of Cx43-its ability to inhibit Src, a key protein in brain development and oncogenesis. Because Src inhibition is carried out by the sequence 266-283 of the intracellular C terminus in Cx43, we used a cell-penetrating peptide containing this sequence, TAT-Cx43266-283, to explore its effects on postnatal subventricular zone NPCs. Our results show that TAT-Cx43266-283 inhibited Src activity and reduced NPC proliferation and survival promoted by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). In differentiation conditions, TAT-Cx43266-283 increased astrocyte differentiation at the expense of neuronal differentiation, which coincided with a reduction in Src activity and ß-catenin expression. We propose that Cx43, through the region 266-283, reduces Src activity, leading to disruption of EGF and FGF-2 signaling and to down-regulation of ß-catenin with effects on proliferation and differentiation. Our data indicate that the inhibition of Src might contribute to the complex role of Cx43 in NPCs and open new opportunities for further research in gliomagenesis.

Relación entre COVID-19 e Hipertensión Arterial / Relationship between COVID-19 and Hypertension

RESUMEN Introducción: El primer trimestre de 2020 se ha visto influenciado por la propagación de una pandemia ocasionada por el virus SARS coronavirus 2, el cual origina una afección (COVID-19) que en algunos casos llega al Síndrome de Distress Respiratorio Agudo. Objetivo: Identificar la relación existente entre COVID-19 y la Hipertensión Arterial. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión, utilizando bases de datos bibliográficas y buscadores. Además, se utilizó literatura de consulta obligada en Cardiología e información de sitios web oficiales gubernamentales, de la OMS/OPS y sociedades científicas. Desarrollo: Los coronavirus se unen a sus células diana a través de una proteína espícula (S), cuya unidad de superficie S1 se acopla a la enzima conversora de angiotensina 2 como receptor. En las diferentes series revisadas se observa la clara relación entre el antecedente de Hipertensión Arterial y el curso evolutivo desfavorable en pacientes con COVID-19. Al realizar una búsqueda extensa de la bibliografía no se encuentra evidencia científica que ampare la suspensión del tratamiento con inhibidores de la enzima conversora de angiotensina/ antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina en pacientes hipertensos con COVID-19. Conclusiones: La enzima conversora de angiotensina actúa como receptor del SARS-CoV 2. Los individuos hipertensos presentan un curso evolutivo menos favorable de la afección por este virus. No es aconsejable la suspensión del tratamiento con inhibidores de la enzima conversora de angiotensina o antagonistas del receptor de angiotensina en pacientes hipertensos afectados con COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The first three months of 2020 have been influenced by the spreading of a pandemic caused by the SARS-coronavirus 2, which causes COVID-19 infection that in some cases is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Objective: To identify the relationship between COVID-19 and hypertension. Material and Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out using database search engines. In addition, reference literature in Cardiology was used as well as information from official government websites such as WHO/PAHO and other scientific societies. Development: Coronaviruses enter into target cells through a spike S protein, whose S1 surface unit is coupled to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a receptor. In the different revised series, the clear relationship between the history of arterial hypertension and the unfavorable evolution is observed in patients with COVID-19. In an extensive literature search, there is no scientific evidence for discontinuation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertensive patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: The angiotensin-converting enzyme acts as a SARS-CoV2 receptor. Hypertensive individuals have a less favorable evolution course of the condition caused by this virus. Discontinuation of treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers is not advisable in hypertensive patients with COVID-19.

Gender differences in acute coronary syndrome. "Comandante Manuel Fajardo" Hospital, 2016-2017. / Diferencias sexuales en el síndrome coronario agudo. Hospital Comandante Manuel Fajardo, 2016-2017.

INTRODUCTION: There are both biological and sociocultural differences in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Inequalities in the prognosis between women and men are due to several variables, including specific risk factors for females, discrepancies in treatment strategies, and pathophysiological differences. OBJECTIVE: To identify gender differences in patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out on the gender differences in 170 patients with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome who were discharged from the Intensive Coronary Care Unit of the Comandante Manuel Fajardo Clinical-Surgical Hospital in 2016 and 2017. RESULTS: Females had a statistically very significant association, with a higher mean age (68 vs. 62, P<.01) and with a history of arterial hypertension (91.2 vs. 72.3% P<.01). The smoking habit showed a statistically significant association with male individuals (50.5 vs. 30.4% P=.017). Males had a significantly higher median creatinine (90µmol/L vs. 80µmol/L, P<.01). Women showed an increased risk of haemodynamic complications (OR=3.11, 95% CI=1.20-8.04). CONCLUSIONS: In women with acute coronary syndrome, being female is associated with older age, a history of arterial hypertension, and the appearance of haemodynamic complications during admission. Males are associated with smoking habits and higher concentrations of serum creatinine.

Factores predictivos de complicaciones intrahospitalarias en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo sin elevación del segmento ST / Predictive factors of intra-hospital complications in Non-ST-segment elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Introducción: El espectro clínico de los Síndromes Coronarios Agudos sin elevación del segmento ST incluye tanto a pacientes asintomáticos como a los que presentan isquemia activa, inestabilidad eléctrica, hemodinámica o parada cardiaca. Objetivo: Evaluar probables factores predictivos de complicaciones intrahospitalarias no letales en pacientes con diagnóstico de Síndrome Coronario Agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal con un universo de 218 individuos ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Coronarios Intensivos del Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Manuel Fajardo en 2016 y 2017. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (51.4 por ciento) y la edad media fue de 68 años. Prevaleció la Hipertensión Arterial como factor de riesgo coronario. La edad mostró asociación estadística significativa con la aparición de cualquier complicación (p=0.015) y con las complicaciones hemodinámicas (p=0,014). El riesgo intermedio-alto, según el score TIMI, tuvo asociación estadísticamente muy significativa con las complicaciones hemodinámicas (p<0.01). Conclusiones: La edad tuvo asociación estadística con la aparición de complicaciones intrahospitalarias no letales. El sexo no se asoció con las complicaciones ni los antecedentes estudiados tampoco. Los pacientes con un riesgo intermedio-alto al ingreso, se asociaron con las complicaciones hemodinámicas(AU)

Introduction: The clinical spectrum of Non-ST-segment elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes includes both asymptomatic patients and those with active ischemia, electrical instability, hemodynamic or cardiac arrest. Objective: To evaluate probable predictive factors of non-lethal intra-hospital complications in patients diagnosed with Non-ST-segment elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome. Material and Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with a universe of 218 individuals admitted into the Intensive Coronary Care Unit of Manuel Fajardo Clinical and Surgical Hospital between 2016 and 2017. Results: Male sex predominated (51.4 percent) and the mean age was 68 years. Arterial Hypertension prevailed as a coronary risk factor. The age showed significant statistical association with the appearance of any complication (p = 0.015) and with hemodynamic complications (p =0,014). The intermediate-high risk, according to the TIMI score, had a statistically significant association with hemodynamic complications (p <0.01). Conclusions: Age was statistically associated with the appearance of non-lethal intra-hospital complications. Sex was not associated with complications, nor did the background studied either. Patients with an intermediate-high risk at admission were associated with hemodynamic complications(AU)

Patrón de «de Winter¼ en paciente con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST / "De Winter" pattern in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

RESUMEN El patrón de «de Winter¼ fue descrito por Robbert J. de Winter en 2008. Es un signo electrocardiográfico caracterizado por infradesnivel del segmento ST de 1-3 mm, en derivaciones precordiales (V1-V4), con una onda T alta y simétrica en las mismas derivaciones, asociado con supradesnivel del segmento ST en aVR, lo que se corresponde con una lesión grave de la arteria descendente anterior de localización proximal. Se presenta el caso clínico de un hombre de 22 años de edad que acudió a urgencias con las alteraciones electrocardiográficas descritas, y en la coronariografia se corroboró la presencia de una lesión grave, oclusiva (100%), de localización ostial, en la arteria descendente anterior, sobre la que se realizó angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea satisfactoriamente.

ABSTRACT "De Winter" pattern was first described by Robbert J. de Winter in 2008. It is an electrocardiographic sign characterized by ST-segment depression of 1-3 mm, in precordial leads (V1-V4), with a high and symmetrical T wave in the same leads, associated with ST-segment elevation in aVR, which represents a severe lesion of the proximal left anterior descending artery. The case report presented corresponds to 22-year-old man who came to the emergency department with the mentioned electrocardiographic changes; in the coronary angiography is confirmed the presence of a severe, occlusive lesion (100%), of ostial location, in the left anterior descending artery, on which a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was successfully performed.