An overview of major depression disorder: The endocannabinoid system as a potential target for therapy.

Major depressive disorder is the psychiatric disease with the highest global prevalence, impacting social functioning and decreasing the quality of life. The partial pathophysiological knowledge of the disease, the economic burden and the low remission rates are sufficient justification to carry out an update on the subject in the search for new therapeutic approaches and targets. The endocannabinoid system has been linked to the development of depression, and its stimulation or antagonism is a promising approach in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its properties have been widely studied recently; its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and neuroprotective roles have even been reported in animal models and clinical trials, achieving its approved use for certain neurodegenerative pathologies. The use of CBD in depression biomodels and clinical trials has not been the exception, and here we contrast the current evidence of its administration and pharmacology against the pathological mechanisms of major depressive disorder.

Dose regimen optimization of cephalothin for surgical prophylaxis against Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci in dogs by pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling.

First generation cephalosporins such cephalothin of cefazolin are indicated for antimicrobial prophylaxis for clean and clean contaminated surgical procedures because its antimicrobial spectrum, relative low toxicity and cost. Anesthesia and surgery could alter the pharmacokinetic behavior of different drugs administered perioperative by many mechanisms that affect distribution, metabolism or excretion processes. Intravenous administration of the antimicrobial within 30 and 60 min before incision is recommended in order to reach therapeutic serum and tissue concentrations and redosing is recommended if the duration of the procedure exceeds two half-life of the antimicrobial. To the author's knowledge there are no pharmacokinetic studies of cephalothin in dogs under anesthesia/surgery conditions. The aim of this study was (1) to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cephalothin in anesthetized dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy by a nonlinear mixed-effects model and to determine the effect of anesthesia/surgery and other individual covariates on its pharmacokinetic behavior; (2) to determine the MIC and conduct a pharmacodynamic modeling of time kill curves assay of cephalothin against isolates of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the skin of dogs; (3) to conduct a PK/PD analysis by integration of the obtained nonlinear mixed-effects models in order to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of changing concentrations on simulated bacterial count; and (4) to determine the PK/PD endpoints and PK/PDco values in order to predict the optimal dose regimen of cephalothin for antimicrobial prophylaxis in dogs. Anesthesia/surgery significantly reduced cephalothin clearance by 18.78%. Based on the results of this study, a cephalothin dose regimen of 25 mg/kg q6h by intravenous administration showed to be effective against Staphylococcus spp. isolates with MIC values ≤2 µg/mL and could be recommended for antimicrobial prophylaxis for clean surgery in healthy dogs.

Íleo biliar: descripción de dos casos / Gallstone ileus: Description of two cases

Introducción. El íleo biliar es una complicación rara de la colelitiasis y su incidencia varía del 1 al 4 %. Consiste en la migración de un cálculo de la vesicular biliar al tracto gastrointestinal, generando obstrucción intestinal. Presenta síntomas inespecíficos dependiendo del nivel de la obstrucción, lo que hace que su diagnóstico no suela ser precoz, repercutiendo en el deterioro clínico del paciente. Es especialmente grave en pacientes de edad avanzada y con comorbilidades. Casos clínicos. Se reportan los casos de dos pacientes con dolor abdominal difuso, en quienes se diagnosticó íleo biliar por tomografía. Se realizó manejo quirúrgico, el primero mediante técnica abierta y estrategia de dos pasos, y el otro mediante técnica laparoscópica. Discusión. El íleo biliar es una etiología rara de obstrucción intestinal. El cálculo migra debido a una fistula colecisto-entérica y el nivel de obstrucción es con mayor frecuencia la válvula ileocecal. Los síntomas son inespecíficos y dependen del nivel de obstrucción: dolor abdominal difuso mal caracterizado, náuseas, vómito, ausencia de flatos. El diagnóstico se hace mediante tomografía abdominal, en la cual se evidencia la tríada de Rigler. El manejo es quirúrgico, con enterotomía para extraer el cálculo y resolver la obstrucción. Conclusión. El íleo biliar es una patología que debe ser considerada en el abordaje de la obstrucción intestinal, aunque sea poco frecuente. El manejo quirúrgico es clave para resolver el cuadro de obstrucción intestinal; aún así genera importante morbimortalidad en especial en pacientes de avanzada edad.

Introduction. Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, its incidence varies from 1% to 4%. It consists of the migration of a stone from the gallbladder to the gastrointestinal tract, causing intestinal obstruction. It presents with non-specific symptoms depending on the level of the obstruction, which means that its diagnosis is not usually early, with repercussions on the clinical deterioration of the patient, being serious especially in elderly patients and with comorbidities. Clinical cases. Two patients with diffuse abdominal pain are reported. A tomographic diagnosis was made showing gallstone ileus. Surgeries were performed, in the first case using an open technique and a 2-step strategy, and on the second one using a laparoscopic technique. Discussion. Gallstone ileus is a rare etiology of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms are usually poorly characterized: diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, absence of flatus. The diagnosis is made by abdominal tomography in which Rigler's triad is evident. Management is surgical through enterotomy to remove the stone and resolve the obstruction. Conclusion. Gallstone ileus is a rare pathology that should be considered in the approach to intestinal obstruction. Surgical management is key to resolving intestinal obstruction. Even so, it generates significant morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients.

Lesión autoinfligida y absceso cerebral secundario en un paciente con esquizofrenia / Self-inflicted injury and secondary cerebral abscess in a patient with schizophrenia

RESUMEN La lesión autoinfligida es un acto intencional de hacerse daño sin propósito suicida. El presente caso describe a un paciente esquizofrénico de 37 años de edad, que ha padecido 20 años con la enfermedad, y síntomas recientes de irritabilidad, agresividad, aislamiento, ideas de perjuicio y contaminación («tengo un estafilococo en mi cabeza¼). Durante 10 años utilizaba varios objetos, incluido un bisturí con el que llegó a remover (extirpar) parte de la calota, ocasionando un edema vasogénico en la región córtico-fronto-parietal izquierda que produjo hemiparesia braquiocrural derecha y motivó su admisión. Luego de descartarse un accidente cerebrovascular o tumor cerebral, fue intervenido quirúrgicamente para la extracción de un absceso cerebral. Recibió varios fármacos antipsicóticos con respuesta parcial, y más tarde mejoró con la administración de paliperidona. En casos como este, es necesario un tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos para evitar evolución y pronóstico tórpidos en pacientes esquizofrénicos con lesiones autoinfligidas y con historia de pobre respuesta y adherencia al tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Self-injury is the intentional act of causing harm to oneself, without suicidal purposes. This case report describes a 37-year-old schizophrenic patient, with a history of 20 years, and recent symptoms of irritability, aggressiveness, isolation, self-harm and contamination ideas ("I have a staphylococcus in my head"). For 10 years, he used a variety of objects to manipulate himself, among them a scalpel with which he extirpated part of the calotte, causing a vasogenic edema in the left cortico-fronto-parietal region that produced a right brachio-crural haemiparesis, the reason for his admission. After ruling out a stroke or a brain tumor, he underwent surgery for the removal of a brain abscess; he received several antipsychotic agents with only a partial response that later improved after being switched to paliperidone. In cases like this, it is necessary to conduct a timely screening, diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid a torpid evolution and prognosis in schizophrenic patients with long-standing self-inflicted injuries and a history of poor adherence and response to treatment.

Pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of cannabidiol in horses after intravenous and oral administration with oil and micellar formulations.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of cannabidiol (CBD) with different formulations have not been investigated in horses and may represent a starting point for clinical studies. OBJECTIVES: To describe pharmacokinetics after intravenous and oral administrations with oil and micellar formulations and simulate different treatments. STUDY DESIGN: Single intravenous experiment and two-way randomised oral experiments, Latin-square design. METHODS: Eight healthy horses received intravenous CBD at 1.00 mg/kg dose, oral CBD in sesame oil and in micellar formulation, both at 10.00 mg/kg. Concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS and fitted by nonlinear mixed effect modelling. Parameters obtained were used to simulate single and multiple treatments at steady state. RESULTS: Intravenous and oral concentrations were simultaneously fitted using a three-compartment model. Final estimates indicate that CBD has a volume of distribution of 36 L/kg associated with a systemic clearance of 1.46 L/h/kg and half-lives ranged between 24 and 34 h. Oral bioavailability was close to 14% for both oral administrations. Simulated dose regimen of CBD every 12 and 24 h predicted similar percentages to reach effective plasma concentration with both oral formulation at 10.00 mg/kg. MAIN LIMITATIONS: A small horse population was used (8 horses per trial). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Oral bioavailability was low at the doses studied but fell within the range described for horse and other species. CBD had a high steady-state volume of distribution, a high clearance and long half-lives. No adverse reactions were detected at any dose or route. The micellar formulation showed a faster absorption and higher concentration peak, while the oil formulation presented lower levels, but more maintained over time. Simulations predicted that both could be useful in multiple oral dose treatments. These results indicated that CBD could be of interest, but further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical use in horses.

The CB1 cannabinoid receptor regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in mice

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates energy metabolism, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases and exerts its actions mainly through the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Likewise, autophagy is involved in several cellular processes. It is required for the normal development of muscle mass and metabolism, and its deregulation is associated with diseases. It is known that the CB1 regulates signaling pathways that control autophagy, however, it is currently unknown whether the ECS could regulate autophagy in the skeletal muscle of obese mice. This study aimed to investigate the role of the CB1 in regulating autophagy in skeletal muscle. We found concomitant deregulation in the ECS and autophagy markers in high-fat diet-induced obesity. In obese CB1-KO mice, the autophagy-associated protein LC3 II does not accumulate when mTOR and AMPK phosphorylation levels do not change. Acute inhibition of the CB1 with JD-5037 decreased LC3 II protein accumulation and autophagic flux. Our results suggest that the CB1 regulates autophagy in the tibialis anterior skeletal muscle in both lean and obese mice.

Síndrome de Burnout en trabajadores de salud del Hospital de Arequipa (Perú) durante la pandemia / Burnout syndrome in health care workers of the Hospital Arequipa (Peru) during the pandemic

RESUMEN: Introducción: a finales del año 2019, la comunidad global era sorprendida con la aparición de un brote de coronavirus en China. Se plantea que la exposición crónica a factores de riesgo psicosocial durante varios meses y de manera constante, podrían desencadenar el síndrome de burnout en el personal de salud que atiende pacientes con COVID-19. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia y severidad del síndrome de burnout en personal de salud que labora en el Hospital II Goyeneche del Ministerio de Salud en Arequipa en el contexto durante la pandemia. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo transeccional, en el que se registraron las características sociodemográficas de 147 trabajadores de salud del Hospital II Goyeneche un hospital del Ministerio de Salud y se aplicó el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach. Resultados: el 70,7% del personal de salud del Hospital II Goyeneche de Arequipa presenta síndrome de burnout, y de este porcentaje, la mayoría tiene preocupación por atender pacientes con COVID-19, no se siente capacitado para ello, le preocupa no contar con Equipos de Protección Personal y desconoce los protocolos de seguridad. Conclusión: existe una asociación significativa entre la presencia de síndrome de burnout y la atención de pacientes con COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Introduction: At the end of 2019, the global community was surprised by the new outbreak of coronavirus in China. We argued that the chronic exposure to psychosocial risk factors during four months, could precipitate the burnout syndrome among the healthcare workers who attend patients with COVID-19. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of burnout syndrome in healthcare personnel who working Goyeneche Hospital from Ministry of Health Hospital from Arequipa City along the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Descriptive transectional study, in which there were registered the sociodemographic characteristics of 147 healthcare workers in Goyeneche Hospital and there was applied the Burnout Maslach Inventory. Results: The 70.7% of the Goyeneche Hospital health care personnel presents burnout syndrome, and major part of the percentage have concerns about the attention of patients with COVID-19, also they don't feel trained enough for this, they also are concern because don´t have the Personal protective equipment and they don't know the safety attention protocols. Conclusion: There is a significant association among the burnout syndrome punctuation and the attention of patients with COVID-19.

Evaluation of Different Capture Solutions for Ammonia Recovery in Suspended Gas Permeable Membrane Systems.

Gas permeable membranes (GPM) are a promising technology for the capture and recovery of ammonia (NH3). The work presented herein assessed the impact of the capture solution and temperature on NH3 recovery for suspended GPM systems, evaluating at a laboratory scale the performance of eight different trapping solutions (water and sulfuric, phosphoric, nitric, carbonic, carbonic, acetic, citric, and maleic acids) at 25 and 2 °C. At 25 °C, the highest NH3 capture efficiency was achieved using strong acids (87% and 77% for sulfuric and nitric acid, respectively), followed by citric and phosphoric acid (65%) and water (62%). However, a remarkable improvement was observed for phosphoric acid (+15%), citric acid (+16%), maleic acid (+22%), and water (+12%) when the capture solution was at 2 °C. The economic analysis showed that water would be the cheapest option at any working temperature, with costs of 2.13 and 2.52 €/g N (vs. 3.33 and 3.43 €/g N for sulfuric acid) in the winter and summer scenarios, respectively. As for phosphoric and citric acid, they could be promising NH3 trapping solutions in the winter months, with associated costs of 3.20 and 3.96 €/g N, respectively. Based on capture performance and economic and environmental considerations, the reported findings support that water, phosphoric acid, and citric acid can be viable alternatives to the strong acids commonly used as NH3 adsorbents in these systems.

Hydrogen sulfide disrupts insulin-induced glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been known for its toxicity. However, recent studies have focused on the mechanisms involved in endogenous production and function. To date, the H2S role in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis is unclear. This uncertainty is even more evident in skeletal muscle, a physiological niche highly relevant for regulating glycemia in response to insulin. This study aimed to investigate the role of H2S on insulin signaling and glucose uptake in the L6 skeletal muscle cell line. We evaluated the endogenous synthesis with the fluorescent dye, 7-azido-4-methyl coumarin (7-AzMC). Glucose restriction-induced an increase in the endogenous levels of H2S, likely through stimulation of cystathionine γ-lyase activity, as its specific inhibitor, PAG (5 mM) prevented this increase, and mRNA levels of CSE decreased with glucose and amino acid restriction. Exogenous H2S reduced insulin-induced glucose uptake at 0.5 up to 24 h, an effect dissociated from the level of Akt phosphorylation. Our results show that glucose restriction induces endogenous production of H2S via CSE. In addition, H2S disrupts insulin-induced glucose uptake independent of the Akt pathway. These results suggest that H2S antagonism over insulin-induced glucose uptake could help maintain the plasmatic glucose levels in conditions that provoke hypoglycemia, which could serve as an H2S-regulated mechanism for maintaining glucose plasmatic levels through the inhibition of the skeletal muscle insulin-depended glucose uptake.

Pilot Plant for the Capture of Ammonia from the Atmosphere of Pig and Poultry Farms Using Gas-Permeable Membrane Technology.

Gas-permeable membrane (GPM) technology is a possible solution to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions from livestock housing. This paper presents the results obtained with an NH3-capture prototype based on the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes in real conditions in a gestating sow house and a free-range laying hen house, comparing them with the results obtained in controlled laboratory conditions for the same type of waste. The NH3 present in the air of the livestock housing was captured by reaction with an acidic solution flowing inside the membranes. The periods of continuous operation of the pilot plant were 232 days at the pig farm and 256 days at the poultry farm. The NH3 recovery rate at the end of those periods was 2.3 and 0.4 g TAN·m-2·d-1 in the pig and the poultry farms, respectively. The limiting factor for the capture process was the NH3 concentration in the air, with the highest recovery occurring in the most concentrated atmosphere. Differences in NH3 capture were observed between seasons and farms, with capture efficiencies of 1.62 and 0.33 g·m-2·d-1 in summer and 3.85 and 1.20 g·m-2·d-1 in winter for pig and poultry farms, respectively. The observed differences were mainly due to the higher ventilation frequency in the summer months, which resulted in a lower NH3 concentration inside the houses compared to the winter months. This is especially important when considering the real applicability of this technology. The results obtained suggest that GPM technology holds promise for limiting NH3 emissions from livestock housing with NH3 ambient concentrations close to 20 ppm or as part of manure storage facilities, given that it allows for recovery of nitrogen in a stable and concentrated solution, which can be used as a fertilizer.

Effects of maternal dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and methionine during late gestation on fetal growth, DNA methylation, and mRNA relative expression of genes associated with the inflammatory response, lipid metabolism and DNA methylation in placenta and offspring's liver in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 PUFA or methionine (Met) supply during gestation alters offspring physiology. However, the effect of both nutrients on fetal development has not been explored. Our objective was to determine the effects of supplementation of these two nutrients during late gestation on fetal growth, DNA methylation, and mRNA expression of genes associated with the inflammatory response, and DNA methylation. Ewes (n = 5/treatment) were fed from day 100 to 145 of gestation one of the following treatments: 1) basal diet (NS) without fatty acids (FS) or methionine (MS) supplementation; 2) FS (10 g/kg Ca salts, source omega-3 PUFA); 3) MS (1 g/kg rumen protected methionine); and 4) FS and MS (FS-MS). On day 145, ewes were euthanized, and data from dams and fetus was recorded. Placenta (cotyledon), fetal liver, and blood samples were collected. RESULTS: A treatments interaction on fetal liver weight, ewe body weight and body condition score (BCS) was observed; FS-MS were heavier (P <  0.01) than FS and MS, and FS-MS ewes had a better (P = 0.02) BCS than NS. Methionine increased (P = 0.03) ewe plasma glucose concentration. Fetal liver global DNA methylation increased (P <  0.01) in FS and MS. Dietary treatments modify the mRNA relative expression on some of the genes evaluated. In the fetal liver, FS increased (P = 0.04) the mRNA relative expression of arachidonate-5-lipoxygenase-activating-protein and tended to decrease (P = 0.06) methionine-adenosyltransferase-1A. Moreover, MS decreased (P = 0.04) DNA-methyltransferase-1 and tended to decrease (P = 0.08) free-fatty-acid-receptor-1 mRNA relative expression. Furthermore, FS-MS decreased mRNA relative expression of tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (P = 0.05), peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor-delta (P = 0.03) and gamma (P = 0.04), tended to decrease (P ≤ 0.09) interleukin-6, fatty-acid-transport-protein-1, and delta-5-desaturase, and increased adenosylhomocysteinase (P = 0.04) mRNA relative expression. In cotyledon, FS tended to decrease fatty acid binding protein 4 (P = 0.09) mRNA relative expression. CONCLUSION: Omega-3 PUFA and Met supplementation improves dam's performance in late gestation, which was positively correlated with an increase in offspring's liver development. Moreover, FS-MS decreased mRNA relative expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and lipogenic genes, and increased the expression on an enzyme that has an important role in methylation.

Reperfusión del infarto agudo de miocardio en el adulto mayor (características clínicas y pronóstico). Resultados del programa Código infarto IMSS, Nuevo León / Reperfusion of the myocardial acute infarction in the elderly (clinical characteristics and prognosis). Results from the program Code infarction IMSS, Nuevo Leon

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La edad es un factor pronóstico en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio. OBJETIVO: Establecer las características y pronóstico de los adultos mayores con tratamiento de reperfusión mecánica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Análisis retrospectivo en que se incluyeron pacientes en el programa Código infarto en los que se instauró tratamiento de reperfusión de enero de 2016 a diciembre de 2017. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1025 pacientes; 15.3% eran mayores de 75 años. El intervalo de edad fue de 33 a 92 años. La mortalidad aumentó de forma exponencial a mayor edad (3.4% de los pacientes ≤ 54 años, 6.1% en los de 55 a 64 años, 9.2% en los de 65 a 75 años y 15.9% en los ≥ 75 años, p < 0.001). En los pacientes mayores de 75 años, la angioplastia primaria fue el método de reperfusión preferido (77.7%), sin encontrar en este grupo de pacientes aumento en el evento vascular cerebral de origen isquémico o hemorrágico. Los mayores de 75 años que padecieron choque cardiogénico tuvieron mortalidad mucho mayor comparada con los más jóvenes (17.6, 28, 33 vs 56%, respectivamente; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de los diferentes tratamientos de reperfusión, la mortalidad sigue siendo más elevada en los adultos de edad avanzada, principalmente por múltiples comorbilidades y tasa más alta de disfunción ventricular.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Age is an important prognostic factor in patients with acute myocardial infarction. OBJECTIVE: To establish the characteristics and prognosis of older adults treated with mechanical reperfusion treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis including patients in the program code myocardial reperfusion treatment was carried out from January 2016 to December 2017. RESULTS: There were included 1025 patients; 15.3% older than 75 years. The age range was of 33 to 92 years. The mortality rate was increasing exponentially with higher age (3.4% in patients ≤ 54 years, 6.1% in the group of 55 to 64 years, 9.2% in the group of 65 to 75 years and 15.9% in ≥ 75 years, p < 0.001). In patients older than 75 years, primary angioplasty was the preferred method of reperfusion (77.7%), without finding in this group of patients an increase in the ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebral vascular event. Patients older than 75 years who develop cardiogenic shock had a much higher mortality compared with the younger (17.6%, 28%, 33% vs 56%, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the different treatments of reperfusion, mortality remains higher in older adults, mainly by multiple comorbidities and a higher rate of ventricular dysfunction.

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty: clinical and echocardiographic factors associated with success in a Tertiary-Care Hospital in Mexico / Valvuloplastía mitral percutánea con balón: factores clínicos y ecocardiográficos asociados con el éxito en un hospital de tercer nivel en México

Abstract: Introduction: Prevalence of mitral stenosis of rheumatic etiology has diminished. However, in Mexico there are some regions where still represents a health issue in productive population. Percutaneous valvuloplasty has become the treatment of choice in those with favorable anatomy. When successful immediate results are obtained, adequate long-term results are predicted. Objective: To determine the clinical and echocardiographic factors associated with the immediate success of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty. Material and methods: A comparative and retrospective cross-sectional, observational study. Clinical records of patients treated with percutaneous valvuloplasty between 2000-2016 were reviewed. We studied clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural factors associated with immediate success. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used with SPSS v2.4 package. Results: A total of 363 patients. Female gender 287 (79.1%), age 50.8 ± 10.9 years. Functional class II 218 (60.1%). Atrial fibrillation 201 (55.4%). Previous procedure 78 (21.5%). Wilkins score 8-10: 228 (62.8%). Previous moderate mitral insufficiency 20 (5.5%). Inoue Balloon used in 343 (94.5%). We achieved success in 309 (85.1%), 26 had complications (7.16%), one death. We observed an increased number of complications in patients with pulmonary hypertension (> 60 mmHg) (p = 0.01), transvalvular gradient (mean > 10 mmHg) (p = 0.049), previous moderate mitral regurgitation (p = 0.001), and procedures with double-balloon (p = 0.001). We identified as unfavorable predictors of the procedure with statistical significance: Wilkins score 8-10 points (OR 2.6, 95% CI, 1.3-5.2) and previous moderate mitral regurgitation (OR 3.3, 95% CI, 1.28-8.93). Conclusion: Similar results were obtained with previous studies (success, complications and mortality). Only the Wilkins score greater than 8 points and the previous moderate mitral regurgitation were unfavorable predictors for the success of the procedure.

Resumen: Introducción: La prevalencia de estenosis mitral de etiología reumática ha disminuido. Sin embargo, en México hay regiones donde aún representa un problema de salud en la población productiva. La valvuloplastia percutánea se ha convertido en el tratamiento de elección en pacientes con anatomía favorable. Cuando se obtienen resultados inmediatos exitosos, se predicen resultados adecuados a largo plazo. Objetivo: Determinar factores clínicos y ecocardiográficos asociados con el éxito inmediato de la valvuloplastia mitral percutánea. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, comparativo y retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes tratados con valvuloplastia percutánea entre 2000-2016. Estudiamos los factores clínicos, ecocardiográficos y de procedimiento asociados con el éxito inmediato. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales con el paquete SPSS v2.4. Resultados: Un total de 363 pacientes. Género femenino 287 (79.1%), edad 50.8 ± 10.9 años. Clase funcional II 218 (60.1%). Fibrilación auricular 201 (55.4%). Procedimiento previo 78 (21.5%). Puntaje de Wilkins 8-10: 228 (62.8%). Insuficiencia mitral moderada previa 20 (5.5%). Se utilizó Balón Inoue en 343 (94.5%). Logramos éxito en 309 (85.1%), 26 tuvieron complicaciones (7.16%), una muerte. Observamos un mayor número de complicaciones en pacientes con hipertensión pulmonar (> 60 mmHg) (p = 0.01), gradiente transvalvular (media > 10 mmHg) (p = 0.049), regurgitación mitral previa moderada (p = 0.001) y procedimientos con doble globo (p = 0.001). Se identificaron como predictores desfavorables del procedimiento con significación estadística: puntuación de Wilkins 8-10 puntos (OR 2.6, IC 95%, 1.3-5.2) y regurgitación mitral moderada previa (OR 3.3, IC 95%, 1.28-8.93). Conclusión: Se obtuvieron resultados similares con estudios previos (éxito, complicaciones y mortalidad). Sólo el puntaje de Wilkins mayor de 8 puntos y la regurgitación mitral moderada previa fueron factores predictivos desfavorables para el éxito del procedimiento.

Sintomatología asociada al estrés y condiciones laborales de operarios de taxi de un sitio de la Ciudad de México / Stress-related symptoms and working conditions among Mexico City taxi drivers

Introducción: Los estilos de vida no saludables se relacionan con hábitos y conductas que deterioran los órganos y sus funciones generando envejecimiento prematuro y enfermedades crónicodegenerativas, estas condiciones se ven agravadas por las desigualdades sociales en ciertos grupos laborales, tal es el caso de los conductores de taxis, los cuales presentan riesgos ambientales, físicos, químicos, bioquímicos, así como exigencias laborales como son extensión de jornada, bajos salarios, las formas de organización y la falta de apoyo sindical. Estudiar el proceso salud/enfermedad de estos trabajadores, permite identificar el desgaste laboral y la integridad mental determinada por la cantidad e intensidad de trabajo y proponer medidas de prevención. Método: Se diseñó un estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo, se aplicó una encuesta, valoración antropométrica, análisis bioquímicos, cuyos resultados tuvieron un procesamiento para identificar asociaciones y significancia estadística. Resultados: el 32.5% de la muestra conduce más de 9 horas. al día sin descansos, el 21.8% presentó supervisión estricta y 48.7% son obligados a cubrir cuotas diarias. Más de la mitad de la muestra se encuentra con exposición constante a condiciones adversas tanto en la unidad como en el lugar de trabajo. Se encontró asociación de estas condiciones con la prevalencia de enfermedades crónico degenerativas como diabetes mellitus, hipertrigliceridemia e hipercolesterolemia, más altas con las reportadas a nivel nacional. Conclusiones: las condiciones de los conductores de taxis tanto laborales como de salud mental y física se encuentran deterioradas de manera extrema por lo cual se necesitan estrategias multidisciplinarias para su disminución(AU)

Introduction: Unhealthy lifestyles are related to habits and behaviors that can contribute to the deterioration and function of organ systems, leading to premature aging and degenerative chronic diseases. These conditions are aggravated due to the social inequality in certain occupations. Such is the case of taxi drivers, who experience environmental, physical, chemical, and biochemical risks, as well as high work demands such as long work days, low pay and little union support. By studying the health / disease process of these workers we can identify occupational burnout and mental integrity determined by the amount and intensity of the work, and propose preventive measures. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study was designed. We obtained data via a survey, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory testing. We examined associations and tested them for statistical significance. Results: Of the overall respondents, 32.5% reported driving more than 9 hours a day without breaks; 21.8% mentioned strict supervision and 48.7% reported being required to meet daily fee quotas. More than half the sample was continuously exposed to adverse conditions in the cab and the workplace. We found associations between these working conditions and the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases, including diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, higher than national average prevalence figures. Conclusion: occupational, physical and psychological working conditions among taxi drivers are very poor, and multidisciplinary strategies are needed to diminish them(AU)

Pharmacoinvasive strategy versus primary angioplasty in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction / Estrategia farmacoinvasiva versus angioplastia primaria en pacientes con infarto agudo al miocardio con elevación del segmento ST

Abstract: Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The delays associated with PPCI reduce the benefits of this therapy. To minimize these delays, the pharmacoinvasive strategy (PS) was developed, consisting of applying thrombolytic therapy followed by coronary angioplasty 2 to 24 hours after. Objective: To compare the safety and efficiency of PPCI vs PS in STEMI. Methods: We included patients with STEMI who had emergency PCI. The primary endpoint was combined major adverse cardiac events (MACE), death, reinfarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization (TVR) during hospitalization. The secondary endpoints were the individual components of MACE, and major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium: BARC ≥ 3). Results: A total of 400 patients, 263 (65.8%) for PPCI group, 114 (28.5%) for PS group and 23 (5.75%) for diagnostic group. The PS group, 79 (69.3%) were then categorized as systematic angioplasty having had a successful thrombolysis, and 35 (30.7%) were rescue angioplasty because they had a failed thrombolysis. There were no differences in MACE: 13 (9.5%) patients in PS and 27 (10.3%) patients in the PPCI (p = 0.806), there were no differences in the individual components of MACE. The rate of major bleeding was the same, 5 (3.6%) and 4 (1.5%) respectively (p = 0.173). The multivariate analysis did not show a relationship between MACE and the reperfusion strategy. Conclusions: The pharmacoinvasive strategy when compared to PPCI has a similar rate of primary and secondary endpoints. There is no increase in major bleeding therefore, it is an important strategy that offers a reperfusion therapy for patients with STEMI in a non-PCI capable hospital.(AU)

Resumen: Antecedentes: La intervención coronaria percutánea primaria (ICPP) es el tratamiento de elección en infarto agudo al miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMCEST). El retraso relacionado con ICPP disminuye el beneficio. Buscando una reperfusión oportuna se implementa la estrategia farmacoinvasiva (EFI), que consiste en realizar trombólisis seguido de ICP entre 2 a 24 horas después. Objetivo: Comparar la seguridad y eficacia en pacientes sometidos a ICPP contra EFI en IAMCEST. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con IAMCEST sometidos a ICP emergente. El punto final primario son eventos cardiacos adversos mayores (ECAM), muerte, reinfarto, evento vascular cerebral y revascularización del vaso tratado, durante la hospitalización. Los puntos finales secundarios son la presencia de los componentes individuales del ECAM, y el sangrado mayor (BARC ≥ 3). Resultados: Se estudiaron 400 pacientes, 263 (65.8%) de ICPP, 114 (28.5%) a EFI y 23 (5.75%) angiografía diagnóstica. Del grupo EFI, 79 (69.3%) fueron angioplastia sistemática por trombólisis exitosa y 35 (30.7%) por angioplastia de rescate por trombólisis fallida. No se observó diferencia en la frecuencia de ECAM: EFI 13 (9.5%) contra ICPP 27 (10.3%) respectivamente (p = 0.806), tampoco hubo diferencia en los componentes individuales. No se observó diferencia en sangrado mayor, 5 (3.6%) vs 4 (1.5%), (p = 0.173). El análisis multivariado no relacionó la estrategia de reperfusión con los ECAM. Conclusiones: La EFI comparada con ICPP demuestra una tasa similar de ECAM, así como de sus componentes individuales. No se asocia con aumento de hemorragia mayor, concluyendo que ofrece el beneficio de una reperfusión oportuna sin aumento del riesgo en los hospitales que no tienen la capacidad para realizar ICPP.(AU)

Carotid angioplasty in diabetic patients carriers of critical carotid stenosis. Experience in a hospital in Mexico; results and six-month follow-up / Angioplastia carotídea en pacientes diabéticos portadores de estenosis carotídea crítica. Experiencia en un hospital en México; resultados y seguimiento a seis meses

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the impact of diabetic status on outcome of patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS). Background: Diabetes has been demonstrated to be a strong predictor of adverse outcome in patients undergoing coronary revascularization. Its significance in predicting outcome of patients undergoing carotid interventions has not been ascertained. Methods: This research is an observational, retrospective, comparative, descriptive study. Results: 279/341 patients/lesions were evaluated for carotid stenosis undergoing stenting. Non-diabetics versus diabetics were compared. Of the diabetic group, 59.5% were men, mostly hypertensive and with hypercholesterolemia. More than 40% of both groups had a prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), 68.2% were asymptomatic and a half was high risk, greater comorbidity in the diabetic group with an EuroSCORE > 3, 46 vs 21.4% p = 0.000. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 30 days and accumulated six months in the non-diabetic group (non-DM) versus the diabetic (DM): nine patients (5.4%) versus eight (4.8%), p = 0.756 OR, 95% CI 0.857 (0.322-2.27) and 14 (8.3%) versus nine (5.3%), p = 0.249 OR, 95% CI 0.604 (0254-1435), respectively. Diabetic patients treated with carotid stent who underwent cardiovascular surgery showed a higher intrahospitalary mortality (4.6 vs 0.6%, p = 0.02). There was a higher rate of restenosis (1.9 vs 0%, p = 0.077) in non-diabetic patients. An increased incidence of TIA (transient ischemic attack) was observed in diabetic patients (8.7 vs 3.6%, p = 0.05). Conclusion: Diabetics undergoing CAS are more likely to have associated co-morbidities. However despite this handicap, their short term outcome after CAS is similar to that of non diabetics. Endovascular treatment of carotid stenosis may be a good alternative to surgical treatment.(AU)

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del estado diabético sobre el resultado de los pacientes que se someten a la colocación de stents en la arteria carótida (CAS). Antecedentes: Se ha demostrado que la diabetes es un fuerte predictor de resultados adversos en pacientes sometidos a revascularización coronaria. No se ha determinado su importancia para predecir el resultado de los pacientes que se someten a intervenciones carotídeas. Métodos: Esta investigación es un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, comparativo y descriptivo. Resultados: Se evaluaron 279/341 pacientes/lesiones para la estenosis carotídea sometida a colocación de stents. Se compararon los no diabéticos versus los diabéticos. Del grupo diabético, 59.5% fueron hombres, la mayoría hipertensos y con hipercolesterolemia. Más del 40% de ambos grupos tuvieron una intervención coronaria percutánea (ICP) previa, el 68.2% fueron asintomáticos y la mitad de ellos de alto riesgo, mayor comorbilidad en el grupo diabético con un EuroSCORE > 3, 46 vs 21.4% p = 0.000. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a los eventos cardiovasculares adversos mayores (MACE) a los 30 días y acumulados a los seis meses en el grupo no diabético (no DM) versus diabético (DM): nueve pacientes (5.4%) versus ocho (4.8%), p = 0.756 OR; IC 95%: 0.857 (0.322-2.27) y 14 (8.3%) versus nueve (5.3%), p = 0.249 OR; IC 95%: 0.604 (0254-1435), respectivamente. Los pacientes diabéticos tratados con endoprótesis carotídea sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular mostraron una mortalidad intrahospitalaria mayor (4.6 vs 0.6%, p = 0.02). Hubo una mayor tasa de reestenosis (1.9 vs 0%, p = 0.077) en pacientes no diabéticos. Se observó una mayor incidencia de AIT (ataque isquémico transitorio) en pacientes diabéticos (8.7 vs 3.6%, p = 0.05). Conclusión: Los diabéticos que se someten a la CAS son más propensos a tener comorbilidades asociadas. Sin embargo, a pesar de esta desventaja, su resultado a corto plazo después del CAS es similar al de los no diabéticos. El tratamiento endovascular de la estenosis carotídea puede ser una buena alternativa al tratamiento quirúrgico.(AU)

Effects of Two Training Modalities on Body Fat and Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women.

Henríquez, S, Monsalves-Alvarez, M, Jimenez, T, Barrera, G, Hirsch, S, de la Maza, MP, Leiva, L, Rodriguez, JM, Silva, C, and Bunout, D. Effects of two training modalities on body fat and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 2955-2964, 2017-Our objective was to compare the effects of a low-load circuit resistance training protocol and usual aerobic training in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women with at least 1 feature of the metabolic syndrome were randomly allocated to a low-load circuit resistance training protocol or traditional aerobic training in a braked cycle ergometer. The intervention consisted in supervised sessions lasting 40 minutes, 3 times per week, during 6 months. At baseline and at the end of the intervention, fasting serum lipid levels, serum interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, 8 isoprostanes, and insulin resistance (assessed through QUICKI and HOMA-IR) were measured. Body fat was measured by double-beam X-ray absorptiometry and by computed tomography densitometric quantification at lumbar 3 vertebral level. Twenty-one women aged 58 (54-59) years were allocated to aerobic training and 21 women aged 55 (52-61) years were allocated to the low-load circuit resistance training protocol. Eighteen and 16 women in each group completed the 6 months training period. Women in both groups experienced significant reductions in blood pressure, total body, subcutaneous, and intraabdominal body fat. Reductions in total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were also observed. No changes in insulin resistance indexes, 8 isoprostanes, C-reactive protein, or interleukin 6 were observed in either group. No significant differences between treatment groups were observed in any of the measured parameters. We conclude that low-load circuit resistance training and aerobic training resulted in the same reductions in body fat and serum lipid levels.

Irisin is weakly associated with usual physical activity in young overweight women

PURPOSE: To determine if irisin plasma levels are associated with regular physical activity, body composition and metabolic parameters in women subjected to calorie restriction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 42 women aged 34 ± 13 years with a body mass index of 27.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2, who were subjected to a calorie restriction for three months. At baseline and at the end of the study, weight, waist and hip circumference, laboratory parameters, body composition by DEXA, resting and activity energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and 72 hours actigraphy were measured. Fasting serum irisin was quantified using an ELISA kit. RESULTS: After the intervention period, participants lost 1.5 (0.4-3.4) kg and irisin levels did not change. Irisin baseline levels were positively but weakly correlated with the level of physical activity. This association was lost at the end of the intervention. No association was found between irisin levels and body composition or insulin sensitivity or their changes after calorie restriction. No association between serum irisin levels and PGC-1αexpression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum irisin was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fasting serum irisin was weakly associated with usual physical activity and did not change after calorie restriction.

Expression of tomato thymidine kinase 1 by means of the baculovirus expression vector system.

Tomato thymidine kinase 1 (ToTK1) is a deoxyribonucleoside kinase (dNK) that has been subject to study because of its potential to phosphorylate the nucleoside analogue 3-azido-2,3-dideoxythymidine (azidothymidine, AZT) equally well as its natural substrate thymidine (dThd). The combination of ToTK1 and AZT has been tested in two animal studies for its efficiency and use in suicide gene therapy for malignant glioma. The determination of the 3D structure of ToTK1 might shed light on the structure-function relationships of nucleoside activation by this enzyme and thereby show routes toward further improvement of ToTK1 and other TK1-like dNKs for suicide gene therapy. Here we report the successful expression of both full-length ToTK1 and a C-terminal truncated ToTK1 in Spodoptera frugiperda and Trichoplusia ni insect cells using the baculovirus expression vector system. This constitutes a further step on the road to determine the 3D structure of the first TK1 of plant origin, but also an enzyme with great potential for dNK-mediated suicide gene therapy.