[Clinical and pharmacological data in COVID-19 hospitalized nonagenarian patients]. / Variables clínicas y farmacológicas de pacientes nonagenarios hospitalizados por COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in geriatrics, data on nonagenarian patients is scarce. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features of COVID19-diagnosed nonagenarians, as well as its clinical evolution and therapeutic response. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of nonagenarians, admitted for COVID-19. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were registered, including previous polypharmacy. Blood analysis data and COVID-19-specific treatment were registered. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were included, with 50.6% (40 patients) of mortality. None of the comorbidities registered correlated with mortality, which was significantly higher among patients with moderate/complete functional dependence, compared to those mild-dependents/independents (59.5% vs 40.5%; p=0.015). Most prescribed drugs were hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine and azithromycin. Non-survivors presented higher counts of leukocytes and neutrophils, and higher lymphopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Nonagenarians with functional dependence presented higher mortality, irrespective of comorbidities or treatment received. Implementing an integral geriatric evaluation would enhance the implementation of personalized therapeutic strategies for nonagenarians.

Oestradiol microimplants in the ventromedial preoptic area inhibit secretion of luteinizing hormone via dopamine neurones in anoestrous ewes.

Oestradiol exerts a season-specific negative feedback effect on the GnRH/LH neurosecretory system of the Suffolk ewe. This neuroendocrine suppression is mediated in part by dopamine A15 neurones, but these neurones do not possess the oestrogen receptor. Based on indirect evidence, we hypothesized that oestrogen receptor-containing neurones in the ventromedial preoptic area (vmPOA) may be the initial step in a neuronal system whereby oestradiol suppresses GnRH secretion during the non-breeding season. To test this, three experiments were conducted using ovariectomized ewes receiving either empty or oestradiol-containing bilateral microimplants directed at the vmPOA or s.c. subcutaneous oestradiol-containing implants. In the first experiment, LH pulse frequency was measured on days 0, 1, 7 and 14 of treatment during seasonal anoestrus. In vmPOA oestradiol and s.c. oestradiol groups only, LH pulse frequency was suppressed on days 7 and 14, with maximal suppression evident by day 7. In the second experiment, this protocol was repeated during the breeding season, with LH pulses examined on days 0 and 7; LH pulse frequency did not change in any group. The third experiment tested if the effect of vmPOA oestradiol during anoestrus could be overcome by an injection of the dopamine-D2 receptor antagonist (-)-sulpiride. The vmPOA microimplants and s.c. oestradiol implants again suppressed LH pulse frequency and this was reversed by sulpiride in vmPOA oestradiol ewes. We conclude that oestradiol acts on cells in the vmPOA to stimulate a system involving dopamine neurones that inhibits GnRH/LH pulsatility in the anoestrous ewe.

Evaluation of selected parameters of a metabolic profile and levels of cadmium in reproductive organs of rabbits after an experimental administration.

Selected serum parameters of metabolic profile and distribution of cadmium in reproductive organs in rabbits were studied after an acute and subchronic administration. After an i.p. application of cadmium (1.5 mg.kg-1) a significant increase of glucose (5.90 mmol.l-1) and cholesterol (2.22 mmol.l-1) was observed. There were no significant differences in these parameters after the subchronic (5 month) p.o. application. The concentration of AST and ALT significantly decreased after a subchronic p.o. administration (1.0 mg.kg-1) but not after an acute i.p. application. There were no significant differences in the level of total proteins and total lipids. The highest accumulation in reproductive organs (testis, ovary, uterus) was observed after i.p. administration. The level in the testis was 40 times higher than in the control group (0.04 mg.kg-1; 1.93 mg.kg-1), 174 times higher in the ovary (0.03; 5.21) and 65 times higher in the uterus (0.04; 2.59). After a subchronic p.o. application, the concentration was only 2.5 times higher in the testis (0.04; 0.10), 16 times higher in the ovary and 6 times higher in the uterus than in the control group.

Differential susceptibility of fresh Trichomonas vaginalis isolates to complement in menstrual blood and cervical mucus.

The ability of complement in human menstrual blood and cervical mucus to kill Trichomonas vaginalis was compared with that of complement in serum, and 95 fresh trichomonal isolates obtained from vaginal wash material were evaluated for susceptibility to complement immediately after isolation. Only serum and menstrual blood with haemolytic activity produced total cytolysis of T vaginalis. The cytolytic abilities of these fluids were totally inactivated by treatment with heat or edetic acid (EDTA), which confirms the role of complement in cytolysis. Most cervical mucus samples had no detectable trichomonal cytotoxic properties. The cytotoxic activity in the remaining samples was not due to complement, as it was heat stable. Fresh isolates of T vaginalis and subpopulations of fresh isolates differed in their susceptibility or resistance to complement mediated lysis in serum. Resistance to complement did not remain stable after trichomonads were grown in vitro.