Quasifree (p, 2p) Reactions on Oxygen Isotopes: Observation of Isospin Independence of the Reduced Single-Particle Strength.

Quasifree one-proton knockout reactions have been employed in inverse kinematics for a systematic study of the structure of stable and exotic oxygen isotopes at the R^{3}B/LAND setup with incident beam energies in the range of 300-450 MeV/u. The oxygen isotopic chain offers a large variation of separation energies that allows for a quantitative understanding of single-particle strength with changing isospin asymmetry. Quasifree knockout reactions provide a complementary approach to intermediate-energy one-nucleon removal reactions. Inclusive cross sections for quasifree knockout reactions of the type ^{A}O(p,2p)^{A-1}N have been determined and compared to calculations based on the eikonal reaction theory. The reduction factors for the single-particle strength with respect to the independent-particle model were obtained and compared to state-of-the-art ab initio predictions. The results do not show any significant dependence on proton-neutron asymmetry.

Circulating NK-cell subsets in renal allograft recipients with anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies.

Detection of posttransplant donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) constitutes a risk factor for kidney allograft loss. Together with complement activation, NK-cell antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been proposed to contribute to the microvascular damage associated to humoral rejection. In the present observational exploratory study, we have tried to find a relationship of circulating donor-specific and non donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA and HLA non-DSA) with peripheral blood NK-cell subsets and clinical features in 393 renal allograft recipients. Multivariate analysis indicated that retransplantation and pretransplant sensitization were associated with detection of posttransplant DSA. Recipient female gender, DR mismatch and acute rejection were significantly associated with posttransplant DSA compared to HLA non-DSA. In contrast with patients without detectable anti-HLA antibodies, DSA and HLA non-DSA patients displayed lower proportions of NK-cells, associated with increased CD56(bright) and NKG2A(+) subsets, the latter being more marked in DSA cases. These differences appeared unrelated to retransplantation, previous acute rejection or immunosuppressive therapy. Although preliminary and observational in nature, our results suggest that the assessment of the NK-cell immunophenotype may contribute to define signatures of alloreactive humoral responses in renal allograft recipients.

[Complications associated with percutaneous renal biopsy in Spain, 50 years later]. / Complicaciones asociadas a la biopsia renal percutánea. Experiencia en España 50 años después.

BACKGROUND: The renal biopsy is essential for the diagnostic of glomerular disease However, it is an aggressive procedure with risk of complications. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the complications directly related to percutaneous renal biopsy procedure in our centre. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed using the data obtained from all patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy of the native kidney from January 1992 to December 2008. A semiautomatic 18 G needle biopsy was used until 2004 and thereafter we used a 16 G needle. From January 2009 to January 2010 we prospectively analyzed changes induced by renal biopsy. We analysed age, sex, indication for biopsy, histopathological diagnosis, hypertension, serum creatinine, GFR-MDRD-4, proteinuria, hemoglobin pre and post biopsy. Minor complications were defined as a decrease in hemoglobin levels greater than 1 g/dL. Mayor complications were: need for blood transfusion, surgery, nephrectomy, angiography, embolization, or death. The renal biopsy was performed by the nephrologist with the help of ultrasound. Anticoagulant therapy was removed prior to the biopsy. RESULTS: Total number of renal biopsies were 867. Seven hundred and ninety five renal biopsies were performed between 1992 and 2008. The prospective part of the study included 70 additional biopsies. Considering all patients, the mean age was 46.8 ± 19 and 60.7% were male. There were only six major complications (0.75%). Three of these mayor complications occurred in liver transplanted patients and required vascular embolization or nephrectomy. The remaining 3 major complications were observed in: one patient with liver disease, another patient had trait of hemophilia and a third patient required nephrectomy which after examination demonstrated epithelioid hemangioma. During the prospective analysis the rate of major and minor complications did not change, 1.4 and 2.0 % respectively. Switching from 18 to 16 G biopsy needle did not result in an increase of major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Major complications derived from all renal biopsy during the last 18 years were observed in only 0.75-1.4 %. Major complications occurred mainly in liver transplant patients. The use of 16 G needle provided greater diagnostic yield than the 18 G and it did not cause an increase in complications.

The Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Overall Survival in Hispanic Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: High values of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are related with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. However, this association has been rarely assessed in Hispanic populations that show important clinicopathological differences to Asian and Caucasian patients. In this study, we determined the prognostic value of these biomarkers in Hispanic patients from Costa Rica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrieved data regarding pre-treatment NLR and PLR, as well as clinical variables from medical records of 381 consecutive gastric cancer patients treated in four major hospitals in Costa Rica between 2009 and 2012. Univariate and multiple Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the value of NLR and PLR as predictors of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The best cutoff point was based on the maximization of the Log-rank test. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 13.21 months. In univariate analysis, a NLR ≥ 5 was associated with reduced DFS (hazard ratio (HR) 2.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.78-3.00; p < 0.001) and poor OS (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.72-2.92; p < 0.001). Similarly, a PLR ≥ 350 was associated with worse DFS (HR 2.28; 95% CI 1.70-3.06; p < 0.001) and poor OS (HR 2.33; 95% CI 1.73-3.13; p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, multivariate analysis revealed that only the NLR ≥ 5 was independently associated with worse DFS (HR 1.97; 95% CI 1.44-2.47) and OS (HR 1.59; 95%CI 1.15-2.28). CONCLUSIONS: NLR ≥ 5 was independently associated with worse OS and DFS in Hispanic patients with gastric cancer.

Evaluación de la interacción de capecitabina con inhibidores de la bomba de protones en pacientes con cáncer de colon metastásico / Evaluation of the interaction of capecitabin with proton pump inhibitors in patients with metastatic colon cáncer

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto clínico que la interacción de capecitabina con inhibidores de la bomba de protones (IBP) puede tener sobre la efectividad del tratamiento de mantenimiento en pacientes con cáncer de colon metastásico (CCm). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional descriptivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes con CCm tratados con capecitabina sola o en combinación entre enero 2013-diciembre 2016. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos según si fueron o no tratados con IBP concomitantemente con capecitabina. Se evaluaron variables demográficas, farmacológicas y clínicas, siendo la supervivencia libre de progresión (SLP) la variable elegida para evaluar el impacto clínico de la interacción. Resultados: Se incluyeron 150 pacientes. De ellos, el 57,33% varones, media de edad 70,10±12,06 años; el 55,33% tuvieron un ECOG 1 y el 58,67% utilizaron IBP. Un 39,33% fueron tratados con capecitabina en monoterapia, 31,33% CapeOx, y 20% capecitabina+bevacizumab y 9,33% CapeOx+bevacizumab. El 53,33% tuvo un tratamiento basado en capecitabina en primera línea, la frecuencia de variaciones de tratamiento fue de 42,0% reducción de dosis, 38,0% retraso, y 12% interrupción tratamiento. El 78,0% presentó alguna toxicidad, destacando 34,67% diarrea y 30,0% (síndrome mano-pie). La SLP media fue de 6,69 vs 6,0 meses (HR=0,97; IC95% 0,68-1,39; p=0,87) en favor de los pacientes que no utilizaron IBP, aunque la relación fue no significativa. Conclusiones: En la población estudiada, los pacientes con CCm que recibieron tratamiento de mantenimiento basado en capecitabina y que utilizaron IBP simultáneamente, presentaron una tendencia no significativa a la disminución de la SLP. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact that the interaction of capecitabine with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may have on the effectiveness of maintenance treatment in patients with metastatic colon cancer (mCC). Material and methods: Retrospective, observational, descriptive study that included all patients with CCm treated with capecitabine alone or in combination between January 2013-December 2016. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they were treated with PPIs concomitantly with capecitabine. Demographic, pharmacological and clinical variables were evaluated, with progression free survival (PFS) being the variable chosen to evaluate the clinical impact of interaction. Results:150 patients were included. Of them, 57.33% were men, mean age 70.10±12.06 years; 55.33% had an ECOG 1 and 58.67% used it in PPIs. 39.33% were treated with capecitabine in monotherapy, 31.33% CapeOx, and 20% capecitabine+bevacizumab and 9.33% CapeOx+bevacizumab. 53.33% had a first-line capecitabine-based treatment, the frequency of treatment variations was 42.0% dose reduction, 38.0% delay, and 12% treatment interruption. 78.0% presented any toxicity, (highlighting 34.67% diarrhea and 30.0% hand-foot syndrome). The mean PFS was 6.69 vs 6.0 months (HR=0.97; 95% CI 0.68-1.39; p=0.87) in favor of patients who did not use IBP, although the relationship was not significant. Conclusions: In the population studied, patients with mCC who received maintenance treatment based on capecitabine and who used PPIs simultaneously, showed a non-significant trend towards a decrease in PFS. (AU)

Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus on submaximal and maximal exercise performance.

We investigated the effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim L (ESML) on performance during submaximal and maximal aerobic exercise. Twenty highly trained distance runners randomly assigned in matched pairs to either an experimental (ESML) or placebo (PL) group, participated in an 8-wk double-blind study during which they completed five trails of a 10-min treadmill run at their 10 km (10K) race pace and a maximal treadmill test (T(max)). Following a baseline trail, ESML and PL consumed, respectively, 3.4 ml of ESML extract or placebo daily for 6 wk. Subjects were tested every 2 wk during supplementation and 2 wk following withdrawal. Heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), expired minute volume (VE), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the 10K and T(max) tests. Resting, post-10K and post-T(max) blood samples were analyzed for serum lactate. No significant differences were observed between ESML and PL for: HR, VO2, VE, VE/VO2, RER, or RPE; T(max) time to exhaustion; or serum lactate. The data do not support an ergogenic effect of ESML supplementation on selected metabolic, performance, or psychologic parameters associated with submaximal and maximal aerobic exercise tasks.

Sarcoma pleomórfico gigante de la mama / Giant pleomorphic breast sarcoma

Abstract It is reported the case of a female patient 50 years old who, after failed attempts at diagnosis, arrives at breast surgery service of the E.S.E. Hospital Universitario del Caribe with history of five months consistent inthe excessive growth of a mass in right breast; patient received radical mastectomy plus reconstruction withlatissimus dorsi muscle flap. Following excision of tumor mass of 6,500 g is performed immunohistochemicaldiagnosis of a giant pleomorphic sarcoma.

Resumen introducción: Los tumores derivados del tejido conectivo interlobulillar de la mama son en mayor proporción malignos y, en virtud a su ubicación, en la actualidad reciben el nombre de "sarcomas" de la mama. Caso clínico: Se reporta el caso de una paciente femenina de 50 años de edad quien, posterior a fallidosintentos de diagnóstico, acude al servicio de cirugía de mama de la E.S.E. Hospital Universitario del Caribecon un cuadro de cinco meses de evolución consistente en el crecimiento desmedido de una masa en mamaderecha; la paciente recibió mastectomía radical más reconstrucción con colgajo de músculo dorsal ancho.Posterior a exéresis de masa tumoral de 6.500 g de peso se lleva a cabo diagnóstico inmunohistoquímico deun sarcoma pleomórfico gigante de la mama.

Complicaciones asociadas a la biopsia renalpercutánea. Experiencia en España 50 años después / Complications associated with percutaneous renal biopsy in Spain, 50 years later

Antecedentes: La biopsia renal (BR) es una técnica fundamental en el estudio de las enfermedades renales. Es también el procedimiento más agresivo por su morbimortalidad, por lo cual resulta fundamental conocer sus complicaciones. Objetivos: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue cuantificar las complicaciones de la BR percutánea en nuestro centro. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes a los que se les realizó una BR percutánea de riñón nativo entre enero de 1992 y diciembre de 2008. Hasta el año 2004 usamos una aguja semiautomática de 18 Gauges (G) y desde esa fecha, de 16 G. Se realizó, además, un estudio prospectivo desde enero de 2009 hasta enero de 2010. Se analizaron: edad, sexo, indicación de biopsia, diagnóstico histopatológico, hipertensión arterial (HTA), creatinina sérica, GFR-MRD-4, proteinuria y hemoglobina previa y posterior a la biopsia. Definimos complicaciones menores como: descenso de la hemoglobina mayor de 1 g/dl y como complicaciones mayores la necesidad de transfusión, cirugía, nefrectomía, arteriografía, embolización o muerte. La BR fue realizada por el equipo de nefrología con control ecográfico y retirando el tratamiento antiagregante. Resultados: El número total de biopsias realizadas en los últimos 18 años ha sido de 867. En el estudio retrospectivo, desde enero de 1992 hasta diciembre de 2008, se realizaron 797 biopsias renales. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 46,8 ± 19,1 años y el 60,7% de ellos eran hombres. Sólo observamos seis complicaciones mayores (0,75%). Tres de los pacientes que las presentaron habían sido sometidos a trasplante hepático, presentaron complicaciones hemorrágicas, dos de ellos precisaron embolización y uno nefrectomía. Las tres restantes complicaciones se presentaron en una paciente hepatópata, una afectada de hemofilia y en la tercera se realizó nefrectomía que evidenció hemangiomas epitelioides múltiples. En el estudio prospectivo (enero de 2009-2010) se han realizado 70 biopsias, observándose complicaciones mayores en un 1,4% (un caso) y menores en un 2% (un caso), datos similares a los del estudio retrospectivo. No hubo diferencias en complicaciones mayores entre la aguja de 16 y la de 18 G. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones mayores fueron del 0,75-1,4% y se presentan, sobre todo, en pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático. Con el empleo de la aguja de 16 G no se observaron más complicaciones mayores y sí una mayor rentabilidad diagnóstica (AU)

Background: The renal biopsy is essential for the diagnostic of glomerular disease However, it is an aggressive procedure with risk of complications. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the complications directly related to percutaneous renal biopsy procedure in our centre. Methods: This retrospective study was performed using the data obtanined from all patients who underwent percutaneous renal biopsy of the native kidney from January 1992 to December 2008. A semiautomatic 18 G needle biopsy was used until 2004 and thereafter we used a 16 G needle. From January 2009 to January 2010 we prospectively analyzed changes induced by renal biopsy. We analysed age, sex, indication for biopsy, histopathological diagnosis, hypertension, serum creatinine, GFR-MDRD-4, proteinuria, hemoglobin pre and post biopsy. Minor complications were defined as a decrease in hemoglobin levels greater than 1 g/dL. Mayor complications were: need for blood transfusion, surgery, nephrectomy, angiography, embolization, or death. The renal biopsy was performed by the nephrologist with the help of ultrasound. Anticoagulant therapy was removed prior to the biopsy. Results: Total number of renal biopsies were 867. Seven hundred and ninety five renal biopsies were performed between 1992 and 2008. The prospective part of the study included 70 additional biopsies. Considering all patients, the mean age was 46.8±19 and 60.7% were male. There were only six major complications (0.75%). Three of these mayor complications occurred in liver transplanted patients and required vascular embolization or nephrectomy. The remaining 3 major complications were observed in: one patient with liver disease, another patient had trait of hemophilia and a third patient required nephrectomy which after examination demostrated epitheliod hemanangioma. During the prospective analysis the rate of major and minor complications did not change, 1.4 and 2.0 % respectively. Switching from 18 to 16 G biopsy needle did not result in an increase of major complications. Conclusions: Major complications derived from all renal biopsy during the last 18 years were observed in only 0.75-1.4 %. Major complications occurred mainly in liver transplant patients. The use of 16 G needle provided greater diagnostic yield than the 18 G and it did not cause an increase in complications (AU)

Effects of back support on intra-abdominal pressure and lumbar kinetics during heavy lifting.

Lumbosacral supports (LSSs) have been used to minimize the risk of lower back injuries. Theoretically, an LSS will raise intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and reduce loads in the lower back region. This investigation compared three different LSSs with an unsupported condition. Nine males lifted a weighted box four times, once per condition, at 90% of their one-repetition maximum. Conditions were compared in terms of effects on IAP and its relieving force on L5-S1 kinetics. A multivariate analysis of covariance revealed no statistically significant differences among the three LSSs and the nonsupport conditions on the aforementioned dependent variables. This suggests that there is no difference among LSSs in terms of their biomechanical effects on the lower back region and that the use of any LSS does not necessarily afford more protection than a proper lift without one.

Analysis and quantification of mental stress and fatigue using Maxwell relations from thermodynamics.

Several experimental and theoretical techniques have been developed to analyze both physical and psychological stresses. These techniques have relied mainly on certain parameters based on physiological, behavioral, and performance related data. This study is based on a thought experiment which describes the technique to quantify mental stress based on physiological responses using the entropy concept. It relates different physiological parameters using the Maxwell relations of thermodynamics with a systems approach. Data for testing this analytical approach were obtained from an experimental study which was conducted to determine the effects of a mentally stressful situation (final examination) on the common physiological responses (blood pressure, pulse rate, and oral body temperature) of students. The results indicated that the imposed mental stress causes significant changes in physiological responses. The Maxwell relations of thermodynamics were used to quantify the level of stress under different conditions. The results obtained from these relations validated the principles of thermodynamics as applied to the human system.

Diaphyseal nutrient foramina in the first metatarsals in normal and hallux valgus feet: location and surgical implications.

We examined 47 first metatarsals from amputated lower limbs to determine the situation of the main diaphyseal nutrient foramina (NFs) in normal and hallux valgus feet. All the NFs, excepting one, were in a plantar-fibular location. The NF situation was analyzed by means of the foraminal index and three minimum distances: from NF to proximal extremity, from NF to the shaft dorsal face (NFDS) and from NF to the border of the cartilaginous coating of the metatarsal head. We found a constant location of the NF in the middle of the total metatarsal length and sexual dimorphism in NFDS (lower in females); there were no differences by side, neither by digital or metatarsal types, nor between normal and hallux valgus types. Vascular complications in some osteotomies are discussed. In the surgical design, the NF situation can be estimated from either the total or physiological metatarsal length by means of the corresponding equations as reported here.

The effect of oral creatine monohydrate supplementation on running velocity.

Creatine supplementation has been shown to augment muscle PCr content and increase the rate of ATP resynthesis. Thus, we hypothesized that creatine supplementation might enhance sprinting performance. Eighteen subjects completed both of two testing sessions (control and postsupplement) 1 week apart, wherein they sprinted three 60-m distance trials that were recorded with videotape. Following the control session, for 7 days, subjects in the treatment group ingested a creatine-glucose mixture, while the placebo group consumed a glucose powder, followed by the postsupplementation session. Velocities of the subjects through three testing zones within the 60-m sprint were calculated from the videotape. Resultant velocities were analyzed using a MANOVA with a 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 (Group x Session x Trial x Zone) design. Results indicated that there were no statistically significant main or interaction effects on velocity between groups for session, trial, or zone. These data do not support the hypothesis that supplementary creatine ingestion will enhance velocity during the early or latter segments of a 60-m sprint.

CD4+ T cell responses to CD40-deficient APCs: defects in proliferation and negative selection apply only with B cells as APCs.

During T-APC interactions in vivo, interfering with CD40-CD154 interactions leads to reduced T cell priming, defects in effector function, and, in some cases, T cell tolerance. As shown here, however, presentation of conventional peptide Ags by CD40-deficient spleen APC in vitro leads to normal CD4+ T cell proliferative responses. By contrast, responses to the same peptides presented by purified B cells were markedly reduced in the absence of CD40. Thus, the requirement for CD40-CD154 interactions appears to be strongly influenced by the type of APC involved. Analysis of responses to endogenous superantigens, which are known to be strongly dependent on B cells for presentation, indicated that CD4+ responses to strong Ags are less dependent on CD40 than are responses to weak Ags. Similar findings applied to negative selection in the thymus. Thus, deletion of potentially autoreactive cells depended on CD40 expression when B APC were involved, and this requirement was most pronounced when negative selection was directed to weak Ags.

[Prevalence of alcoholism in the population attending a urban health center]. / Prevalencia de alcoholismo entre la población que acude a un centro de salud urbano.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the prevalence of alcoholism among those attending an urban Health Centre. To establish the level of concordance between the CAGE and MALT-O tests in the detection of alcoholism and to assess the effectiveness of the joint use of the above tests. DESIGN: Observational, crossover study. SITE. San Ignacio de Loyola Health Centre (Cuenca). PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 499 people of both sexes and over 18 years old was chosen from among the people attending the Centre. Systematic sampling from a random starting-point was used. MAIN MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Each person was interviewed with a questionnaire containing the CAGE and MALT-O items and sociodemographic data. The person who gave at least two positive answers in both tests was considered an alcoholic. A total of 402 filled-in questionnaires were returned. 27 people were found to have two or more positive items, which mean a 6.7% prevalence of alcoholism (CI 95% = 4.2-9.1). This broke down into a prevalence of 1.33% among women and 13.63% among men (p < 0.0001). The concordance level, determined by the Kappa coefficient, between the two tests was 0.29 (CI 95% = 0.11-0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of alcoholism found is greater than in other national studies on the out-patient population, although it continues to be low in comparison with several foreign surveys. On the other hand, we seem to gain nothing in the detection of alcoholism by adding the MALT-O to the CAGE test, even when the concordance level between the two tests has come out low.

Modificación de la acción fisiológica de la FSH por las variantes genéticas de su receptor (FSHr) / No disponible

No disponible