Correlation between breast cancer subtypes determined by immunohistochemistry and n-COUNTER PAM50 assay: a real-world study.

PURPOSE: Molecular subtyping based on gene expression profiling (i.e., PAM50 assay) aids in determining the prognosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC), particularly in hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative tumors, where luminal A and B subtypes have different prognoses and treatments. Several surrogate classifications have been proposed for distinguishing between the luminal A and B subtypes. This study determines the accuracy of local immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques for classifying HR-positive/HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) tumors according to intrinsic subtypes using the nCOUNTER PAM50 assay as reference and the HR status definition according the ASCO/CAP recommendations. METHODS: Molecular subtypes resulting from nCOUNTER PAM50 performed in our laboratory between 2014 and 2020 were correlated with three different proxy surrogates proposed in the literature based on ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 expression with different cut-off values. Concordance was measured using the level of agreement and kappa statistics. RESULTS: From 1049 samples with the nCOUNTER test, 679 and 350 were luminal A and B subtypes, respectively. Only a poor-to-fair correlation was observed between the three proxy surrogates and real genomic subtypes as determined by nCOUNTER PAM50. Moreover, 5-11% and 18-36% of the nCOUNTER PAM50 luminal B and A tumors were classified as luminal A and B, respectively, by these surrogates. CONCLUSION: The concordance between luminal subtypes determined by three different IHC-based classifiers and the nCOUNTER PAM50 assay was suboptimal. Thus, a significant proportion of luminal A and B tumors as determined by the surrogate classifiers could be undertreated or over-treated.

PEGylation Strategy for Improving the Pharmacokinetic and Antitumoral Activity of the IL-2 No-alpha Mutein.

BACKGROUND: In a previous work, an IL-2Rßγ biased mutant derived from human IL-2 and called IL-2noα, was designed and developed. Greater antitumor effects and lower toxicity were observed compared to native IL-2. Nevertheless, mutein has some disadvantages, such as a very short half-life of about 9-12 min, propensity for aggregation, and solubility problems. OBJECTIVE: In this study, PEGylation was employed to improve the pharmacokinetic and antitumoral properties of the novel protein. METHODS: Pegylated IL-2noα was characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography, in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo cell expansion bioassays, and pharmacokinetic and antitumor studies. RESULTS: IL-2noα-conjugates with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of 1.2 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa were obtained by classical acylation. No significant changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of the modified protein were detected. A decrease in biological activity in vitro and a significant improvement in half-life were observed, especially for IL-2noα-PEG20K. PEGylation of IL-2noα with PEG20K did not affect the capacity of the mutant to induce preferential expansion of T effector cells over Treg cells. This pegylated IL-2noα exhibited a higher antimetastatic effect compared to unmodified IL-2noα in the B16F0 experimental metastases model, even when administered at lower doses and less frequently. CONCLUSION: PEG20K was selected as the best modification strategy, to improve the blood circulation time of the IL-2noα with a superior antimetastatic effect achieved with lower doses.

Survival Outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Frontline Therapy in Daily Practice.

Acute myeloid leukemia has a poor prognosis in older adults, and its management is often unclear due to its underrepresentation in clinical trials. Both overall survival (OS) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) are key outcomes in this population, and patient-reported outcomes may contribute to patient stratification and treatment assignment. This prospective study included 138 consecutive patients treated in daily practice with the currently available non-targeted therapies (intensive chemotherapy [IC], attenuated chemotherapy [AC], hypomethylating agents [HMA], or palliative care [PC]). We evaluated patients' condition at diagnosis (Life expectancy [Lee Index for Older Adults], Geriatric Assessment in Hematology [GAH scale], HRQoL [EQ-5D-5L questionnaire], and fatigue [fatigue items of the QLQ-C30 scale]), OS, early death (ED), treatment tolerability (TT) and change in HRQoL over 12 months follow-up. The median OS was 7.1 months (IC not reached, AC 5.9, HMA 8.8, and PC 1.0). Poor risk AML category and receiving just palliative care, as well as a higher Lee index score in the patients receiving active therapy, independently predicted a shorter OS. The Lee Index and GAH scale were not useful for predicting TT. The white blood cell count was a valid predictor for ED. Patients' HRQoL remained stable during follow-up.

Molecular characterization of the cytotoxic and regulatory T cell coreceptor (CRTAM), and its ligand CADM1, in the European seabass and gilthead seabream.

T cell activation is a multifaceted process that depends on the activation of the T cell receptor (TCR). However, other coreceptors are also strictly necessary to provide co-signals and modulate the immune response. However, to date, most of these coreceptors are unknown in fish or their information is very limited. Therefore, in this work, we have identified the cytotoxic and regulatory T cell molecule, CRTAM, and its ligand, the cell adhesion molecule 1, CADM1, in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata); and evaluated their transcriptional levels. Both putative proteins showed the canonical architecture observed in mammals, where CRTAM exhibited two immunoglobulin domains and CADM1, both the a and b forms, exhibited three of these domains. In addition, phylogeny and synteny analyses showed their conservation throughout vertebrate evolution. We found constitutive expression of all three genes, with crtam and cadm1a being predominant in immune tissues such as spleen, thymus and head-kidney (HK), while cadm1b expression was more limited to the brain. In vitro, only the T cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) up-regulated the transcription of crtam and cadm1a in HK leucocytes. Nodavirus (NNV) infection elicited an up-regulation of crtam and cadm1a in brain and HK, appearing earlier in seabream than in seabass, which could explain the resistance of seabream to the development of nodavirus disease. In addition, they are up-regulated during the innate cell-mediated cytotoxic response in seabream but not in seabass. Altogether, our data seem to indicate that CRTAM is more related to the innate cytotoxicity in seabream and more in the specific and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity in seabass. Our results highlight the importance of CRTAM and CADM1 as important molecules in the activation of T lymphocytes in seabass and seabream, but further studies are needed.

Genetic Testing at Diagnosis Has Prognostic Value in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia including at Early Stages.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has a variable clinical evolution, with some patients living treatment-free for decades while others require therapy shortly after diagnosis. In a consecutive series of 217 CLL patients, molecular biomarkers with prognostic value (IGHV status, TP53 mutations, and cytogenetics), whose analysis is recommended prior to treatment start, were studied at diagnosis. Multivariate analyses identified prognostic variables for overall survival (OS) and time to first treatment (TTFT) and validated the CLL-IPI and IPS-E variables for all or early-stage patients (Rai 0-2/Binet A), respectively. Unmutated IGHV was associated with shorter OS and TTFT, even for early-stage patients. Lymphocyte count was not statistically significant for TTFT of early-stage patients in multivariate analysis. Our results validate the prognostic value of IGHV mutational status at diagnosis for OS and TTFT, including for early stages. Our findings suggest a role for molecular and mutational analysis at diagnosis in future prospective studies.

COVID-19 mortality in cancer patients in a Madrid hospital during the first 3 weeks of the epidemic.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Covid-19 pandemic especially affects cancer patients with higher incidence and mortality according to published series of original pandemic foci. The study aims to determine the mortality in our center due to covid-19 in cancer patients during the first 3 weeks of the epidemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cancer patients who died of covid-19 during the analysis period have been reviewed describing the oncological and the covid-19 infection characteristics and the treatments established. RESULTS: Confirmed cases covid-19: 1069 with 132 deaths (12.3%). With cancer 36 patients (3.4%), 15 deceased (41.6%). Of the deceased, only 6 patients (40%) were in active treatment. The most frequent associated tumor was lung (8/15 patients, 53.3%), 11 with metastatic disease (11/15, 73.3%). No specific treatment was established in 40 % (6/15) of the patients. The rest of them received treatments with the active protocols. CONCLUSION: Covid-19 mortality in cancer patients is almost four times higher than that of the general population. Until we have effective treatments or an effective vaccine, the only possibility to protect our patients is to prevent the infection with the appropriate measures.

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: La pandemia por Covid-19 afecta especialmente a pacientes con cáncer con mayor incidencia y mortalidad según series publicadas de focos originales de pandemia. El estudio pretende conocer la mortalidad en nuestro centro por covid-19 en pacientes con cáncer durante las primeras 3 semanas de epidemia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se han revisado los pacientes con cáncer fallecidos por covid-19 durante el periodo de análisis describiendo las características oncológicas, de la infección por covid-19 y de los tratamientos instaurados. RESULTADOS: Casos confirmados covid-19: 1069 con 132 fallecimientos (12,3%). Con cáncer 36 pacientes (3.4%), 15 fallecidos (41,6%). De los fallecidos solo 6 pacientes (40%) se encontraban en tratamiento activo. El tumor más frecuente asociado fue pulmón (8/15 pacientes, 53,3%), 11 con enfermedad metastásica (11/15, 73,3%). El 40% (6/15) no recibió tratamiento específico contra covid-19, el resto fue tratado con los protocolos activos. CONCLUSIÓN: La mortalidad por covid-19 en pacientes con cáncer casi cuadriplica la de la población general. Hasta disponer de tratamientos eficaces o una vacuna efectiva la única posibilidad de proteger a nuestros pacientes es impedir el contagio con las medidas adecuadas.

[COVID-19 mortality in cancer patients in a Madrid hospital during the first 3 weeks of the epidemic]. / Mortalidad por COVID-19 en pacientes con cáncer en un hospital de Madrid durante las primeras 3 semanas de epidemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The covid-19 pandemic especially affects cancer patients with higher incidence and mortality according to published series of original pandemic foci. The study aims to determine the mortality in our center due to covid-19 in cancer patients during the first 3 weeks of the epidemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cancer patients who died of covid-19 during the analysis period have been reviewed describing the oncological and the covid-19 infection characteristics and the treatments established. RESULTS: Confirmed cases covid-19: 1069 with 132 deaths (12.3%). With cancer 36 patients (3.4%), 15 deceased (41.6%). Of the deceased, only 6 patients (40%) were in active treatment. The most frequent associated tumor was lung (8/15 patients, 53.3%), 11 with metastatic disease (11/15, 73.3%). No specific treatment was established in 40% (6/15) of the patients. The rest of them received treatments with the active protocols. CONCLUSION: Covid-19 mortality in cancer patients is almost four times higher than that of the general population. Until we have effective treatments or an effective vaccine, the only possibility to protect our patients is to prevent the infection with the appropriate measures.

Subcutaneous bortezomib in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma nontransplant eligible: Retrospective evaluation.

Bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone combination is one of the standards of care for nontransplant eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. However, bortezomib intravenous (twice weekly for 4 cycles then weekly for 5 cycles) results in ~13% of patients with grade 3-4 peripheral neuropathy. Bortezomib subcutaneous (SQ) and weekly delivery, improves tolerability without impairment of efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of SQ bortezomib-based combinations in nontransplant eligible patients with newly diagnosed myeloma in a real-world setting. A total of 135 patients (median age [range] = 76 [58-89], International Staging System-III = 54%, median follow-up = 14.8 months [1-40], Intensive group [twice weekly bortezomib] = 65%, Optimized group [weekly bortezomib] = 35%) were included and evaluable for safety, whereas 121 were evaluable for effectiveness. Overall response rate (95% CI) was 61% (53%, 71%) (complete response = 27%, very good partial response = 13%, and partial response = 21%) and median progression-free survival was 22.2 months (95% CI: 16.1-not reached). The 3-year overall survival was 75%. The most frequent grade 3-4 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (18%), neutropenia (17%), and anemia (11%). Peripheral neuropathy of any grade was observed in 44% of patients (2% with grade 3). Comparison between regimens (Intensive vs Optimized) showed similar overall response rate (57% vs 70%) and PFS (25 vs 19 months). A similar safety profile was observed between regimens. Thus, SQ bortezomib showed similar effectiveness and better tolerability as compared with results from intravenous bortezomib studies, and showing no differences either in effectiveness or safety in different bortezomib-based combinations.

Hematoma retroperitoneal tras punción lumbar diagnóstica. Caso clínico / Retroperitoneal haematoma following diagnostic lumbar puncture. Clinical case

Introduction: Iatrogenic retroperitoneal haematoma is an infrequent but serious complication of certain surgical procedures. Case presentation: We present the case of a female who developed retroperitoneal haemorrhage after an intradural lumbar puncture, resulting in multiple-organ failure. The diagnosis and treatment of this complication was more difficult than usual because of the presence of bilateral subclavian artery stenosis. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with either conservative or interventional management is essential in order to decrease associated morbidity. Bilateral non-invasive arterial pressure measurements should be routinely performed in all cases, especially in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Introducción: El hematoma retroperitoneal iatrogénico es una complicación infrecuente pero, en ocasiones, de consecuencias fatales. Presentación del caso: En este artículo describimos el caso de una mujer que sufrió una hemorragia retroperitoneal secundaria a una punción lumbar intradural con evolución hacia el fallo multiorgánico, agravado en su manejo por la presencia de estenosis bilateral de arterias subclavias que dificultó el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Conclusión: Un diagnóstico precoz y certero del hematoma retroperitoneal, unido a las medidas de soporte necesarias y a un abordaje quirúrgico eficiente cuando se requiera, se antojan fundamentales para evitar un desenlace mortal. Por otro lado, la medición de la presión arterial de forma bilateral debe ser una medida rutinaria en todos los pacientes, pero más aún en aquellos casos con enfermedad arterial periférica.

Primary orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: case report and review of the literature.

Orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a very uncommon lesion of the bone and extraskeletal tissue. To our knowledge, approximately 30 cases have been described. We present the case of a 52-year-old male who presented with a history of progressive proptosis and chemosis of the right eye caused by an orbital tumor. He underwent exenteration of the right orbit, and the histological examination revealed a mesenchymal orbital chondrosarcoma. This paper attempts to describe a rare entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of calcified orbital lesions, especially in young adults. Complete removal of the tumor is the mainstay of treatment, but adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy should be considered.

Colonic anastomosis and colonic polyp mucosal metastasis of signet ring cell gastric adenocarcinoma.

The mucosal metastasis of adenocarcinomas located in colonic mucosa is not infrequent. We present a clinical report of a patient diagnosed with a gastric multifocal signet ring cell adenocarcinoma without any evidence of visceral dissemination with the exception of mucosal infiltration of signet ring cell adenocarcinoma in a colonic polyp and in the mucosa of previous colonic anastomosis. The histopathological study of suspect lesions in the colonic mucosa is necessary to correctly approach the treatment of these patients.

Prevalencia de discapacidad mental en ancianos de la provincia Granma / Prevalence of mental disability in the elderly from Granma province

Las discapacidades mentales, íntimamente relacionadas con el incremento de la expectativa de vida, se consideran entre los problemas más graves a enfrentar en la actualidad. Con la finalidad de estimar la prevalencia de la discapacidad mental de los ancianos de la provincia Granma, en el año 2004, se realizó un estudio descriptivo. Mediante muestreo estratificado polietápico, se eligieron 688 ancianos. La información se obtuvo a través del Examen Mínimo del Estado Mental. El procesamiento de la información incluyó la estimación puntual y por intervalos de tasas y porcentajes. Se constató una discapacidad mental de 21,5 por ciento. El recuerdo, el cálculo y la atención, constituyen los principales procesos mentales afectados. El incremento de la edad, el sexo femenino, el analfabetismo y la desocupación constituyeron los factores más prevalentes.

Prevalencia de discapacidad física en ancianos de la provincia Granma / Prevalence of physical disability in the elderly from Granma province

El envejecimiento poblacional ha cobrado gran importancia en la comunidad científica internacional, y la discapacidad física se ha convertido en un problema de salud frecuente en la tercera edad. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo para estimar la prevalencia de discapacidad física en ancianos de la provincia Granma en el año 2004. La muestra de 688 ancianos se conformó mediante un muestreo estratificado polietápico. Se recogió la información mediante el Examen Mínimo del Estado Mental, el Índice de Lawton y una encuesta que contenía variables biológicas, psicológicas y sociales. Se realizó la estimación puntual y por intervalos de tasas y porcentajes. Se constató una discapacidad física de 36,6 por ciento con IC 31,6-41,7. Las principales limitaciones en las actividades de la vida diaria fueron, la capacidad para la realización de compras y el modo de transporte. Concluimos que las actividades que demandan mayor movilidad del anciano fueron las que se observaron con mayor frecuencia.

Tuberculosis pulmonar con baciloscopia negativa, peculiaridades de su frecuencia en Cuba 1992-2002 / Smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis, peculiarities of its frequency in Cuba 1992-2002

Se estimó el aumento o la disminución porcentual del número de casos de tuberculosis y las tasas de incidencia en los períodos 1992-1994 y 1994-2002. Del total de 11 216 casos, 9 737 (86,8 por ciento) fueron de tuberculosis pulmonar, entre ellos 30,5 por ciento con baciloscopia negativa. Solo se registraron 1 279 casos (13,1 por ciento) de tuberculosis pulmonar BAAR(-) cultivo (+). Hubo 13,2 por ciento de tuberculosis extrapulmonar. Se produjo un incremento desde 7,2 a 14,7 por 105 habitantes, 24,1 por ciento en la tasa global de incidencia de tuberculosis de 1994 con respecto a 1993 y de 53 por ciento respecto a 1992 (5,8 a 14,7 por 105 habitantes). Desde 1994 hasta 2002 se observó una reducción sostenida de 48,3 por ciento (6 por ciento por año), pero las proporciones de las categorías de casos permanecieron estables relativamente. Se observó un incremento importante del número y la tasa de casos de tuberculosis pulmonar BAAR(-) notificados en el período 1992-1994 y una disminución sostenida desde 1995 hasta 2002, muy posiblemente asociada al fortalecimiento de las medidas de control.

The percentage increase or reduction of the number of cases of tuberculosis and the incidence rates in the periods 1992-1994 and 1994-2002 were estimated. Of the total of 11 216 cases, 9 737 (86.8 %) were pulmonary tuberculosis, among them 30.5 % with negative smear. Only 1 279 cases (13.1 %) of smear-negative culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis were registered. 13.2 % cases had extra pulmonary tuberculosis. There was an increase from 7.2 to 14.7 per 105 inhabitants that accounted for 24.1 % in the global rate of tuberculosis incidence of 1994 compared with 1993, and of 53 % in comparison with 1992 (5.8 to 14.7 per 105 inhabitants). A sustained reduction of 48.3 % (6 % per year) was observed from 1994 to 2002, but the proportions of the case categories were relatively stable. An important growth of the number and the rate of cases with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis reported in the period 1992-1994 and a sustained decrease between 1995 and 2002 very possibly associated with the strengthening of the control measures were noticed.

Costo del Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis. Centro Provincial de Higiene y Epidemiología de Ciudad de La Habana, 2002* / Cost of the National Tuberculosis Control Program. Provincial Hygiene and Epidemiology Center of Havana City, 2002

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de estimación de costos del Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis en Ciudad de La Habana, desde una perspectiva institucional. Las variables estudiadas fueron: personal, reactivos, equipos y edificación. Se estimaron costos directos e indirectos, que fueron expresados en pesos (1 peso= 1 USD). La ejecución del programa en el Centro Provincial de Higiene y Epidemiología generó costos por más de 80 000 pesos; 52,2 % recayó en los recursos humanos. El costo promedio en pesos por caso de tuberculosis fue de 378,08; el tratamiento alcanzó 175,88; la realización de la tuberculina 6,65; un cultivo 2,59; la quimioprofilaxis 2,12; el control de calidad del diagnóstico BAAR fue de 1,64 y 1,02 la baciloscopia. El costo de la detección de un caso, una investigación completa y la quimioprofilaxis de sus contactos resultaron respectivamente 38, 26 y 82 veces menos costosas que el tratamiento de uno. Los salarios aportaron más de la mitad de los costos del programa a este nivel, a pesar de que la institución garantizó en el período, un volumen importante de recursos para la ejecución del programa en la provincia. La vigilancia epidemiológica de la tuberculosis y la prevención con quimioprofilaxis resultaron actividades menos costosas que el tratamiento de un enfermo.

A retrospective descriptive study of cost estimation of the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP) in the City of Havana was carried out from an institutional point of view. Salary, reagents, buildings and equipment were the studied variables. Direct and indirect costs were estimated and expressed in equivalent Cuban pesos to American dollars (1 Peso = 1 USD). The implementation of the NTCP in the Provincial Hygiene and Epidemiology Center generated costs for more than 80 000 pesos, from which 52.2% was in human resources. The average cost for every TB case in Cuban pesos was 378.08; the treatment cost was 175.88 per TB case; tuberculin skin performance reached 6.65 per contact; 2.59 for one culture; chemoprophylaxis treatment was 2.12 per contact; the quality control of sputum smear microscopies was 1.64 and 1.02 for a sputum smear microscopy. The costs of a case detection, a complete investigation and the chemoprophylaxis of its contacts were 38, 26 and 82 times lower than that of a case treatment. The salaries represented more than half of the program costs at this level, although this institution guaranteed an important volume of resources for the program implementation in the province. Tuberculosis epidemiological surveillance and chemoprophylaxis prevention were less costly than a case treatment.

Tuberculosis en trabajadores de salud del Hospital Psiquiátrico de la Habana, 1997-2003 / Tuberculosis in health care workers of the Psychiatric Hospital of Havana, 1997-2003

Fundamento: La transmisión de Mycobacterium tuberculosis es un riesgo reconocido en las instalaciones de salud. El riesgo varía según el tipo de instalación, la prevalencia de tuberculosis (TB) en la comunidad, el grupo ocupacional de los trabajadores, el área de la instalación en que trabajan y la efectividad del control. Objetivo: Caracterizar y evaluar la ocurrencia de TB en trabajadores del Hospital Psiquiátrico de la Habana (HPH). Método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en la población de trabajadores del HPH en el periodo 1997-2003 y en la población general del Municipio Boyeros. Se estimó la incidencia global del periodo en los trabajadores del HPH y se comparó con la reportada en la población general, estimando además el Riesgo Relativo (RR) y sus intervalos de confianza. Resultados: Se notificaron 7 casos de TB (6 auxiliares generales y una enfermera), predominando el sexo femenino; la edad media fue 46.6 años y el tiempo promedio entre los primeros síntomas y el diagnóstico fue 47.9 días; el riesgo de TB de los trabajadores fue 3.12 veces mayor que la población de Boyeros; el riesgo de enfermarse en las auxiliares generales fue 8.21 veces mayor que la población de Boyeros; los síntomas iniciales más frecuentes incluyen tos, expectoración y hemoptisis; todos los casos fueron confirmados bacteriológicamente. Conclusiones: El riesgo de TB entre los trabajadores del HPH fue 3.12 veces mayor que el observado en la población general, lo que sugiere la adquisición ocupacional de la TB

Comportamientos sobre sexualidad en adolescentes de un Policlínico cubano / Behaviors about sexuality in adolescents of a cuban Policlinic

La adolescencia constituye un período de transición difícil y crítico, donde se desarrollan emociones concomitantes con la maduración sexual genital que propician la iniciación de las relaciones sexuales, fundamentalmente coitales, favoreciendo que las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual (ITS) tiendan a manifestarse de una manera progresiva. OBJETIVO: Identificar comportamientos sobre sexualidad y precisar aquellos aspectos que puedan favorecer las ITS y las secuelas que éstas puedan dejar en los adolescentes. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal para identificar comportamientos sobre sexualidad en 78 adolescentes pertenecientes al Policlínico “1ro de Enero” del Municipio Playa en Ciudad de La Habana, de Abril hasta Junio del 2002. La información se obtuvo aplicando una encuesta validada en estudios anteriores. RESULTADOS: Predominaron los adolescentes del sexo masculino, de 7mo grado y del grupo etáreo de 11-12 años; la mayoría de los adolescentes estudiados mantienen comportamientos riesgosos con respecto a la sexualidad tales como: precocidad en la iniciación de las relaciones sexuales, práctica de relaciones sexuales con personas desconocidas en muchas ocasiones e inadecuada utilización de los métodos anticonceptivos, fundamentalmente del condón. CONCLUSIONES: Se evidencia la necesidad de intensificar las acciones educativas en este grupo de edad para incorporarles las pautas de una sexualidad sana, basada en el amor, el cariño y respeto mutuo hacia la pareja y desviarlos de la promiscuidad y la superficialidad en las relaciones sexuales. Palabras clave: Adolescencia, Sexualidad, Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, Promiscuidad, Anticonceptivos

Pattern of expression of CXCR4 and adhesion molecules by human CD34+ cells from different sources: role in homing efficiency in NOD/SCID mice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of adhesion molecules (AM) and CXCR4 in the homing of CD34+ cells to NOD/SCID marrow and spleen is not completely elucidated. In this work, we study the differences in the expression of CXCR4 and AM by human CD34+ cells from different sources and their impact on homing ability in NOD/SCID mice. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used flow cytometry to analyze the expression of CXCR4 and AM ( CD49d, CD49e, CD11a, CD58, CD54, CD31, CD62L, CD43 and CD44) on fresh CD34+ cells from bone marrow (BM), mobilized peripheral blood (MPB), positively selected CD34+ cells (PS) and after expansion cultures with two cytokine combinations. Secondly, we studied the homing efficiency of CD34+ cells from each source in 75 irradiated NOD/SCID mice, and finally the pattern of expression of CXCR4 and AMs by retrieved human CD34+ cells that had efficiently homed. RESULTS: The homing efficiency of PS CD34+ cells was significantly lower than that of BM and MPB CD34+ cells. Our results reveal that changes in the expression of CXCR4 and AM are induced by mobilization, PS and in vitro expansion. However none of these changes has definitive impact on the homing efficiency. Human CD34+ cells found in the marrow and spleen of NOD/SCID mice have the same adhesive profile as the injected cells: CXCR4, CD62L and CD11a mainly negative, and CD49d+, indicating that homing is not restricted to positive cells. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that changes induced in CXCR4 and AM expression after mobilization, selection and expansion of human CD34+ cells do not cause significant differences in the homing efficiency of these cells. The lower homing efficiency of PS CD34 cells could be explained by the absence of accessory cells.

Sífilis: pasado y presente / Syphilis: past and present

La sífilis es una de las infecciones de transmisión sexual que, superada solamente por el VIH/SIDA, ha tenido efectos devastadores en la humanidad y aún constituye un problema de salud. En este artículo se hace una revisión documental del tema, y se expone la evolución histórica de esta enfermedad a partir de 2 vertientes que intentan brindarle una explicación científica: la primera es la que sitúa el origen de la sífilis en las Américas y que fue posteriormente llevada por los conquistadores españoles al continente europeo, y la otra es la teoría que plantea un origen común que la sitúa en Europa, Cercano Oriente y África. No obstante su origen, la sífilis causó grandes epidemias, y durante los siglos XV y XVI, alrededor del 15 por ciento de la población europea la padecía, mientras había ocasionado en ella miles de muertes. A partir del siglo XX, cuando se suceden una serie de descubrimientos importantes en este sentido, dentro de los que se encuentra el tratamiento de la enfermedad, se pensaba que esta dejaría de constituir un problema de salud; sin embargo, aun continúa siendo un azote para la humanidad