Synaptotagmin-1 overexpression under inflammatory conditions affects secretion in salivary glands from Sjögren's syndrome patients.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy associated with severe secretory alterations by disruption of the glandular architecture integrity, which is fundamental for a correct function and localization of the secretory machinery. Syt-1, PI(4,5)P2 and Ca2+ are significant factors controlling exocytosis in different secretory cells, the Ca2+ role being the most studied. Salivary acinar cells from SS-patients show a defective agonist-regulated intracellular Ca2+ release together with a decreased IP3R expression level, and this condition may explain a reduced water release. However, there are not reports where Syt-1, PI(4,5)P2 and Ca2+ in acinar cells of SS patients had been studied. In the present study, we analyzed the expression and/or localization of Syt-1 and PI(4,5)P2 in acinar cells of labial salivary gland biopsies from SS-patients and control individuals. Also, we evaluated whether the overexpression of Syt-1 and the loss of cell polarity induced by TNF-α or loss of interaction between acinar cell and basal lamina, alters directionality of the exocytosis process, Ca2+ signaling and α-amylase secretion in a 3D-acini model stimulated with cholinergic or ß-adrenergic agonists. In addition, the correlation between Syt-1 protein levels and clinical parameters was evaluated. The results showed an increase of Syt-1 mRNA and protein levels, and a high number of co-localization points of Syt-1/STX4 and PI(4,5)P2/Ezrin in the acinar basolateral region of LSG from SS-patients. With regard to 3D-acini, Syt-1 overexpression increased exocytosis in the apical pole compared to control acini. TNF-α stimulation increased exocytic events in the basal pole, which was further enhanced by Syt-1 overexpression. Additionally, altered acinar cell polarity affected Ca2+ signaling and amylase secretion. Overexpression of Syt-1 was associated with salivary gland alterations revealing that the secretory dysfunction in SS-patients is linked to altered expression and/or localization of secretory machinery components together with impaired epithelial cell polarity. These findings provide a novel insight on the pathological mechanism implicated in ectopic secretory products to the extracellular matrix of LSG from SS-patients, which might initiate inflammation.

Aberrant localization of ezrin correlates with salivary acini disorganization in Sjogren's Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse whether the alterations in the structure and organization of microvilli in salivary acinar cells from SS patients are linked to changes in the expression and/or cellular localization of ezrin. METHODS: Salivary gland (SG) acini from controls and SS patients were used to evaluate ezrin expression by western blot and localization of total and activated (phospho-Thr567) ezrin by IF and EM. RESULTS: In acini from control labial SGs, ezrin was located predominantly at the apical pole and to a lesser extent at the basal region of these cells. Conversely, in acini extracts from SS patients, ezrin showed significantly elevated levels, which were accompanied with localization mostly at the basal region. Moreover, F-actin maintained its distribution in both the apical region and basolateral cortex; however, it was also observed in the acinar cytoplasm. Phospho-ezrin (active form) was located exclusively at the apical pole of acinar cells from control subjects and abundantly located at the basal cytoplasm in SS samples. These results were confirmed by immunogold studies. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of ezrin and phospho-ezrin at the apical pole and the cytoplasmic redistribution of F-actin suggest an altered interaction between the F-actin-cytoskeleton and plasma membrane in SS patient acini, which may explain the microvilli disorganization. These alterations could eventually contribute to SG hyposecretion in SS patients.

Assessment of the efficacy of commercial porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines based on measurement of serologic response, frequency of gamma-IFN-producing cells and virological parameters of protection upon challenge.

The efficacy of two different types of commercial vaccines against PRRSV (Euro-type) was evaluated based on clinical parameters upon challenge as well as post-challenge virological profiles (viremia and viral load in tissues upon necropsy, measured in both cases by quantitative real time PCR). In an attempt to establish correlates of protective immunity, two commonly proposed parameters predictive of immunity were measured: (1) serologic responses (ELISA and neutralizing antibodies), (2) frequency of gamma interferon-producing cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cell fraction. The vaccines compared consisted of two commercially available products that are regularly marketed in Spain: one modified live virus and one killed vaccine. The efficacy assay was carried out by vaccinating twice 3 weeks apart groups of 5 and-a-half month-old female swine and then challenging them with a European type 1 PRRSV strain (Lelystad). The results obtained indicate that the modified live virus vaccine was the only type of vaccine capable of establishing protective immunity, as measured by viral load in blood and tissues. The killed vaccine, in spite of this product evoking a spontaneous interferon-gamma response and post-challenge titers of virus-neutralizing antibody, evoked no measurable protective immunity. In the case of the modified live vaccine, the protection exhibited did not appear to be based on humoral but rather on cell-mediated immunity.

Comunicación y cohesión en familias de adolescentes que interrumpen el embarazo en Cienfuegos / Communication and cohesion in families of adolescents who interrupt pregnancy in Cienfuegos city

RESUMEN Fundamento: La comunicación y cohesión constituyen categorías fundamentales en la dinámica de las familias con hijas adolescentes embarazadas. Objetivo: Determinar el tipo de comunicación y cohesión en familias de adolescentes que interrumpen el embarazo. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en 40 adolescentes embarazadas y sus familiares. Se aplicaron las siguientes técnicas: Escala valorativa, test de percepción de funcionamiento familiar, subescala de cohesión familiar y escudo familiar; además de una entrevista semiestructurada a familiares de las adolescentes. Se incluyeron las variables: sociodemográficas, comunicación familiar y cohesión. Resultados: Predominaron las edades de 16 y 18 años, el nivel medio superior de escolaridad, ocupación estudiante, unión consensual, procedencia urbana, sin hijos, ni antecedentes de embarazos anteriores, el 57.5 % de las adolescentes y el 65 % de sus familiares consideraron regular la comunicación familiar, 62.5 % de las adolescentes percibieron cohesión intermedia en sus familias, resultados cercanos al 57.5 % de sus familiares. Conclusiones: Las adolescentes se encontraban en la etapa tardía, eran estudiantes, mantenían unión consensual con sus parejas, no tenían hijos, ni embarazos anteriores. En las familias de las adolescentes que interrumpieron el embarazo la comunicación fue regular y valoraron como intermedia la cohesión.

ABSTRACT Background: Communication and cohesion constitute fundamental categories in the dynamics of families with pregnant teenage daughters. Objective: to determine the type of communication and cohesion in families of adolescents who interrupt the pregnancy. Methodology: A descriptive observational study was carried out in 40 adolescent pregnant women and their families. The following techniques were applied: Assessment scale, test of perception of family functioning, subscale of family cohesion and family coat of arms; besides the semi-structured interview with relatives of the adolescents, other variables were included like: sociodemographic, family communication and cohesion. Results: The ages of 16 and 18 predominated, the upper middle level of schooling, student occupation, consensual union, urban origin, no children, no history of previous pregnancies, 57.5 % of adolescents and 65 % of their relatives considered regulate family communication, 62.5 % of adolescents perceived intermediate cohesion in their families, results close to 57.5 % of their relatives. Conclusions: The adolescents were in the late stage, they were students, they maintained consensual union with their partners, they had no children, nor previous pregnancies. In the families of the adolescents who terminated their pregnancies, communication was regular and they rated cohesion as intermediate.

La atención psicológica en un centro de aislamiento en tiempos de COVID-19

RESUMEN La situación actual generada por la pandemia de la COVID-19 afecta a todos los seres humanos, fundamentalmente a aquellos vinculados a personas enfermas o infectadas por el virus. Los profesionales de la Psicología en el contexto nacional e internacional aportan sus saberes y brindan ayuda a los pacientes y al personal de la salud. En el trabajo se pretende exponer las experiencias de la atención psicológica en un centro de aislamiento de personas contactos de pacientes con COVID-19.

ABSTRACT The current situation generated by the COVID-19 pandemic affects all human beings, mainly those linked to people who are sick or infected by the virus. Psychology professionals in the national and international context contribute their knowledge and provide help to patients and health personnel. The article aims to expose the experiences of psychological care in an isolation center for contact persons of patients with COVID-19.

Cytotoxic effect of the debris apically extruded during three different retreatment procedures.

We evaluated the cytotoxic effects of the debris apically extruded during root canal retreatment on primary human osteoblast (HOb) cells in vitro. TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were also measured. We examined three different techniques: conventional hand-files, and Mtwo and Reciproc retreatments. Filled mandibular incisors were prepared for a cytotoxicity assay in an experimental root model. The material was divided into three groups according to the technique used. Ten teeth were used as control. HOb cells were exposed to the extruded content and cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT test (assessing cell metabolic activity). TNF-α and IL-1ß production was also analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, all the teeth were radiographed and the residual filling material was quantified. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The conventional hand-file technique was significantly more cytotoxic than the other methods (P < 0.05). Reciproc was less cytotoxic than Mtwo retreatment (P < 0.05). All endodontic retreatment techniques led to a significant upregulation of IL-1ß levels (P < 0.05). However, only the conventional hand-file technique caused a significant increase in TNF-α levels (P < 0.05). Root-filling removal did not affect the levels of these proteins (P > 0.05). The Reciproc system required less time than the other two methods to remove the root-filling materials (P < 0.01). The endodontic retreatment with Reciproc was the least cytotoxic and the least time-consuming method of gutta-percha and sealer removal. (J Oral Sci 58, 211-217, 2016).

Differential signalling for enhanced hexose uptake by interleukin (IL)-3 and IL-5 in male germ cells.

We studied the expression and function of the IL (interleukin)-3 and IL-5 family of receptors in male germ cells. RT (reverse transcription)-PCR showed expression of mRNAs encoding the alpha and beta subunits of the IL-3 and IL-5 receptors in human testis, and the presence of IL-3 and IL-5 receptors alpha and beta proteins was confirmed by immunoblotting with anti-alpha and anti-beta antibodies. The immunolocalization studies showed expression of these receptors in the germ line in the human testis and in human and bovine ejaculated spermatozoa. Functional studies with bull spermatozoa indicated that IL-3 signalled for increased uptake of hexoses in these cells at picomolar concentrations compatible with expression of functional high-affinity IL-3 receptors in these cells. In contrast, IL-5 failed to induce increased hexose uptake in bull spermatozoa. Experiments using HL-60 eosinophils that express functional IL-3 and IL-5 receptors confirmed that IL-3, but not IL-5, signalled for increased hexose uptake. Our findings suggest that differential signalling for increased hexose uptake by heteromeric high-affinity IL-3 and IL-5 receptors in mammalian spermatozoa is a property that depends on the identity of the alpha-subunit forming part of the alphabeta-complex and is not a property specific to the germ cells.

Cloning, expression pattern and essentiality of the high-affinity copper transporter 1 (ctr1) gene in zebrafish.

The high-affinity copper transporter 1 (Ctr1) is a highly conserved transmembrane protein that mediates the internalization of copper ions from the extracellular medium. In this study, we have isolated the zebrafish ctr1 gene. The zebrafish ctr1 cDNA encodes a protein with 69% identity to the human orthologue and shows conservation of specific amino acid residues involved in copper transport. We find only a single ctr1 gene in the zebrafish genome which maps to linkage group 5. The genomic structure of the zebrafish gene shows that it consists of five exons and that exon-intron boundaries are absolutely conserved with the mammalian ctr1 genes. Expression in embryos was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by in situ hybridization. Zebrafish ctr1 is maternally loaded, and transcripts can be detected throughout development and in adult fish. Distribution of ctr1 message appears ubiquitous during early stages becoming restricted to the brain and ventral tissues by 24 h post fertilization (hpf). Beginning at 3 days post fertilization (dpf), expression is found mainly in the developing intestine. Specific knockdown of ctr1 by antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) causes early larval lethality. Defects include cell death in tissues where ctr1 is most heavily expressed, a finding similar to that described for a mouse knockout of mCtr1. Despite the existence of at least one other copper transport mechanism in the fish, our studies show that zebrafish ctr1 is an essential gene for development.

Expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in male germ cells: GM-CSF enhances sperm motility.

The granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pleiotropic cytokine capable of stimulating proliferation, maturation and function of hematopoietic cells. Receptors for this cytokine are composed of two subunits, alpha and beta, and are expressed on myeloid progenitors and mature mononuclear phagocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils, as well as in other nonhematopietic cells. We have recently demonstrated that bull spermatozoa express functional GM-CSF receptors that signal for increased glucose and Vitamin C uptake. In this study, we analyzed the expression of GM-CSF in bovine and human germ cells and its influence in bovine sperm motility. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization and immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that adult bovine and human testes expressed GM-CSF. In addition, immunolocalization studies confirmed the presence of GM-CSF in the germ cell line in bovine and human testes. Computer-assisted evaluation of patterns of sperm motility demonstrated that the addition of GM-CSF enhances several parameters of sperm motility in the presence of glucose or fructose substrates.

Psicodinámica familiar y apoyo social en adolescentes con conducta suicida. Área VI. Cienfuegos / Familial psycho-dynamics and social support in teenagers with suicidal behavior. Area VI. Cienfuegos

RESUMEN Fundamento: la conducta suicida en la adolescencia se ha convertido en un problema de salud pública, con gran repercusión emocional, costo económico y social. Objetivo: caracterizar las dimensiones de la psicodinámica familiar, comunicación y cohesión, así como la necesidad de apoyo social en adolescentes con conducta suicida. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, realizado en el policlínico Área VI del municipio de Cienfuegos, que incluyó 18 adolescentes con conducta suicida. Se aplicaron las siguientes técnicas: encuesta para pacientes con conducta suicida, escala valorativa, test de percepción de funcionamiento familiar, subescala de cohesión familiar y cuestionario de apoyo social. Resultados: predominó el grupo de 15 años de edad, con mayor frecuencia relativa en las mujeres, nivel de escolaridad secundario, ocupación estudiante, sin vínculo de pareja. Tienen como antecedentes patológicos personales y familiares la depresión y conducta suicida; la ingestión de fármacos fue el método más empleado considerado poco serio y de baja gravedad; entre los factores de riesgo personal está la depresión y entre los familiares los conflictos. Conclusiones: las familias de los adolescentes estudiados presentaron cohesión intermedia, existe entre ellos comunicación regular y los adolescentes necesitaron algún apoyo social.

ABSTRACT Foundation: suicidal Behavior in teenagers has become a health problem, with a great emotional repercussion and high economic and social costs. Objective: to characterize dimensions of the familial psycho-dynamics, communication and cohesion, so as the need of social support in teenagers with suicidal behavior. Methods: descriptive observational study, developed at polyclinic Area VI of the Cienfuegos Municipality which included 18 teenagers with suicidal behavior. The following techniques were applied: survey for adolescents with suicidal behavior, assessing scale, perception test of familial functioning, sub-scale of familial cohesion and questionnaire of social support. Results: the 15 year old group predominated, with higher relative frequency in women, high school level, students, without partner. They have depression and suicidal behavior as personal and familial pathological antecedents. Drug ingestion was the most used method which is considered little serious and low severity; among the personal risks are depression and among the familial ones conflicts. Conclusion: families with studied adolescents presented intermediate cohesion, there is regular comunication among them and teenagers needed some social support.

Percepción de los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 acerca de la calidad y satisfacción con la atención médica en consulta / Perception of type 2 diabetic patients about quality and satisfaction with medical care at office

Introducción: Los indicadores de calidad de la atención y satisfacción percibida en la consulta de seguimiento por el paciente diabético tipo 2, son factores de especial importancia para comprender un fenómeno tan complejo como la adherencia terapéutica en las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Objetivo: Valorar algunos indicadores de calidad de la atención médica en las consultas de seguimiento y el grado de satisfacción percibidos por los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 adheridos y no adheridos al tratamiento. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal en 30 pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 del consultorio 3, Consejo Popular Cartagena, provincia Cienfuegos. Se emplearon los ítems 13 y 14 del Cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Adherencia Terapéutica en Pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 elaborado por investigadores de la Universidad Central Marta Abreu de las Villas en Cuba. Información procesada con SPSS versión 15.0. Resultados: Los pacientes cumplidores registraron mayores frecuencias absolutas y relativas en sentido positivo en más indicadores de calidad de la atención médica que los incumplidores y fue evidente que se encontraban satisfechos con la atención médica recibida a pesar de cumplir o no con el tratamiento. Conclusiones: Se demostró la necesidad de investigar con más profundidad el fenómeno de la adherencia terapéutica y de manera particular los determinantes relacionados con el equipo de salud-paciente, para de esta manera contribuir al desarrollo de este campo de estudio y optimizar la praxis médica(AU)

Introduction: Quality indicators for attention and satisfaction perceived in the follow-up consultation by the type 2 diabetic patient are factors of special importance to understand a phenomenon as complex as therapeutic adherence in chronic noncommunicable diseases. Objective: To assess some quality indicators of medical care in follow-up consultations and the degree of satisfaction perceived by type 2 diabetic patients with adherence or non-adherence to treatment. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with 30 type 2 diabetic patients from the family doctor's office 3, Cartagena Popular Council, Cienfuegos Province. We used items 13 and 14 of the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Therapeutic Adherence in Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus prepared by researchers from Marta Abreu Universidad Central de Las Villas in Cuba. The information was processed with the SPSS version 15.0. Results: Disciplined patients registered higher absolute and relative frequencies positively in more quality indicators of medical care than undisciplined patients and they were evidently satisfied with medical care received despite complying or not with the treatment. Conclusions: The need was proved to investigate in depth the phenomenon of therapeutic adherence and particularly the determinants associated with the team health-patient, in order to contribute towards the development of this field of study and optimize medical practice(AU)

Fatores associados à ocorrência do parto cesáreo em um hospital público da Bahia / Factors associated with caesarean delivery in a public hospital of Bahia / Factores asociados con la ocurrencia de cesárea en hospital público de Bahia

A escolha do tipo de parto está diretamente relacionada aos indicadores de qualidade de saúde materno-infantil positivos e, na atualidade, observa-se que o número de parto cirúrgico tem aumentado. Com isso, este estudo objetivou analisar os fatores associados à ocorrência do parto cesáreo em um hospital público, no ano de 2014. Trata-se pesquisa quantitativa de corte transversal, com amostra probabilística de 263 partos realizados no Hospital Regional de Guanambi, Bahia. Os resultados indicaram que, no modelo de investigação, os fatores associados à ocorrência do parto cesáreo foram o índice de Apgar, com associação negativa e o parto prematuro; o sexo masculino; a raça negra e apresentação não cefálica apresentaram associação positiva. Após ajuste, mantiveram-se no modelo à raça negra, a apresentação não cefálica, o sexo masculino e a prematuridade como fatores associados à ocorrência do parto prematuro. Concluiu-se, diante da importância do ciclo gravídico-puerperal para a saúde da mulher e indicadores de saúde populacional, que é necessário estudar junto aos profissionais de saúde quais são os fatores que são associados à ocorrência de partos cesáreos nos serviços de saúde pública, buscando identificar questões que possam diminuir o número de cesariana desnecessária e as complicações decorrentes desse processo.

The choice of delivery type is directly related to the indicators of positive maternal and child health quality and, at the present time, it is observed that the number of surgical delivery has increased. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the occurrence of caesarean delivery in a public hospital in the period of 2014. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 263 deliveries performed at the Regional Hospital of Guanambi, Bahia. The results indicated that, in the research model, the factors associated with the occurrence of caesarean delivery were the Apgar score, with negative association and premature delivery; the male sex; the black race and non-cephalic presentation were positively associated with preterm birth. After adjusting, the black race, non-cephalic presentation, male gender and prematurity were factors associated with the occurrence of preterm birth. It was possible to conclude that, facing the importance of the pregnancy-puerperium cycle to the health of women and the population health indicators, it is necessary to study with health professionals which are the factors that are associated to the occurrence of caesarean delivery in the services of public health, seeking to identify the subjects that might diminish the amount of unnecessary caesarean deliveries and the complications derived from this process.

La elección del tipo de parto está directamente relacionada con los indicadores de calidad de salud materno-infantil positivos y, en la actualidad, observase que el número de parto quirúrgico ha aumentado. Con ello, este estudio objetivó analizar los factores asociados a la ocurrencia de cesárea en un hospital público, en el período de 2014. Tratase de una investigación cuantitativa de corte transversal, con muestra probabilística de 263 partos realizados en el Hospital Regional de Guanambi, Bahía. Los resultados indicaron que, en el modelo de investigación, los factores asociados a la ocurrencia de cesárea fueron el índice de Apgar, con asociación negativa y el parto prematuro; el sexo masculino; la raza negra y la presentación no cefálica presentaron asociación positiva. Después del ajuste se mantuvieron en el modelo a la raza negra, la presentación no cefálica, el sexo masculino y la prematuridad como factores asociados a la ocurrencia del parto prematuro. Concluyóse que delante de la importancia del ciclo gravídico-puerperal para la salud de la mujer e indicadores de salud de la población, que es necesario estudiar junto a los profesionales de salud cuales son los factores que son asociados a la ocurrencia de cesáreas en los servicios de salud pública, buscando identificar cuestiones que posan disminuir el número de cesáreas desnecesarias y las complicaciones debidas de ese proceso.

Relación entre estados emocionales y variables clínicas en pacientes con dolor crónico lumbar / Connection between emotional states and clinical variables in patient with chronic lumbar pain

Introducción: el dolor lumbar crónico es una de las causas de sufrimiento en el mundo, y las emociones influyen en la respuesta del individuo ante la enfermedad. Objetivo: relacionar los estados emocionales de ansiedad, depresión e ira en pacientes con dolor crónico lumbar con algunas variables clínicas (tiempo de evolución, intensidad y persistencia). Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo-correlacional, policlínico de Cartagena, entre septiembre de 2012 y abril de 2013. Universo: 30 pacientes, muestra: 25 pacientes escogidos por muestreo intencional. Técnicas empleadas: entrevista estructurada, escala analógica visual, Idare, Staxi-2, Inventario de Beck. Resultados: distinguen como variables identificativas el sexo masculino y la configuración del vínculo de pareja (84 por ciento), ocupación: trabajadores (76 por ciento), la edad: adultos jóvenes (52 por ciento), con niveles medios de escolaridad (40 por ciento). En las variables clínicas predominó tiempo de evolución de 13 a 24 meses (56 por ciento), con una intensidad leve del dolor (48 por ciento) y persistencia intermitente (84 por ciento). Los estados emocionales mostraron porcentajes medios de ansiedad estado (60 por ciento), altos de ansiedad rasgo (56 por ciento), niveles de depresión moderados (40 por ciento), nulos de ira estado, moderados como rasgo (48 por ciento), y expresiones elevadas de esta (52 por ciento). Conclusiones: la presencia de porcentajes altos de sintomatología ansiosa, depresión e ira manifiestas en la muestra estudiada se asemejó a lo descrito en la literatura. La ansiedad e ira como rasgo de la personalidad no guardó relación con las variables clínicas estudiadas, se hallaron asociaciones entre intensidad y persistencia del dolor con la depresión y ansiedad e ira como estado y entre tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad y la ira estado(AU)

Introduction: Chronic lumbar pain is one of the suffering causes worldwide, and emotions influence the individual's response to the disease. Objective: To relate the emotional states of anxiety, depression and anger in patients with chronic lumbar pain with some clinical variables (time of evolution, intensity and persistence). Methods: Observational, descriptive-correlational study at Cartagena Polyclinic between September 2012 and April 2013. Universe: 30 patients, sample: 25 patients, selected by intentional sampling. Techniques employed: structured interview, visual analogue scale, Idare, Staxi-2, Beck Inventory. Results: Male sex and engagement configuration (84 percent) appear as identification variables, occupation: workers (76 percent), age: young adults (52 percent), mean schooling (40 percent) were identified as identification. The clinical variables predominated in the evolution period from 13 to 24 months (56 percent), with mild pain intensity (48 percent) and intermittent persistence (84 percent). Emotional states showed average percentages of state anxiety (60 percent), high trait anxiety (56 percent), moderate depression (40 percent), and mild anger status, moderate as trait (48 percent), (52 percent). Conclusions: The presence of high percentages of anxious symptoms, depression and anger manifested in the sample studied was similar to that described in the literature. Anxiety and anger as a personality trait was not related to the clinical variables studied, associations were found between intensity and persistence of pain with depression and anxiety and anger as a state and between time evolution of disease and anger state(AU)

Aproximación al estudio de la violencia en la relación de pareja en mujeres con infecciones de transmisión sexual / Approach to the study of violence in the relationship in women with sexually transmitted infections

Introducción: la violencia contra la mujer en la relación de pareja y las enfermedades de transmisión sexual constituyen uno de los principales problemas de salud en la presente centuria. Objetivos: determinar características psicosociales en mujeres con infecciones de transmisión sexual y la posible interrelación con la violencia de pareja. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional-descriptivo en el período de septiembre del 2009 a febrero del 2010. La muestra estuvo conformada por 30 mujeres enfermas de infecciones de transmisión sexual perteneciente al Área V del Municipio de Cienfuegos. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de una entrevista semiestructurada. Resultados: las características identificativas encontradas fueron: mujeres jóvenes con un nivel medio superior de escolaridad, con insuficientes conocimientos sobre las infecciones de transmisión sexual y que desempeñaban el rol productivo. Los vínculos que configuraban con su pareja fue de no conviviente, cuya fusión es equitativa-compensatoria. La representación social que poseían las mujeres portadoras de una infección de transmisión sexual fue contraria a los comportamientos reales asumidos. El abatimiento, la tristeza y la desconfianza fueron las reacciones emocionales negativas más frecuentes, donde casi la totalidad de las mujeres fue víctima de violencia de pareja, con predominio de la psicológica. Conclusiones: las representaciones sociales estuvieron pobremente ajustadas a su situación objetiva de salud, acompañadas de estados emocionales negativos y el haber sido víctimas de violencia por su pareja concomitó con esta enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Violence against women in the relationship and sexually transmitted diseases are one of the major health problems in this century. Objectives: Determine psychosocial characteristics in women with sexually transmitted infections and possible interaction with partner violence. Methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted from September 2009 to February 2010. The sample consisted of 30 women living with STIs inArea V, Cienfuegos Municipality. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview. Results: The identifying characteristics found were: young women with a high school level of education, insufficient knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and who played productive role. The bonds that shaped their partner was non cohabiting partner, whose merger is fair-compensatory. The social representation held by women carrying a sexually transmitted infection was made contrary to the actual behaviors. Despondency, sadness and distrust were the most frequent negative emotional reactions, where almost all women were victims of their partner violence, predominantly psychological. Conclusions: Social representations were poorly adjusted to their objective health status, accompanied by negative emotional states and have been victims of partner violence corresponded with this disease(AU)

La hipnosis: una técnica al servicio de la Psicología / Hypnosis: a Technique at the Service of Psychology

La hipnosis constituye un complemento eficaz en el tratamiento de una amplia variedad de trastornos psicológicos y médicos. El objetivo de este artículo es exponer sus antecedentes históricos y destacar sus aportes en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades. Se revisan los resultados de estudios que poseen relevancia clínica y muestran que esta técnica, cuando se utiliza como un coadyuvante a otras intervenciones médico psicológicas, incrementa su eficacia. Sus aplicaciones fundamentales están dadas en el alivio del dolor, los trastornos del sueño, la deshabituación tabáquica, la obesidad, el asma, la enuresis infantil, enfermedades de la piel, disminución de síntomas ansiosos, disfunción sexual eréctil, el desarrollo de la capacidad de atención y habilidades creativas. También se usa para el tratamiento de trastornos inmunológicos, en la disminución de los síntomas de las pacientes con fibromialgia, en trastornos de colon irritable y en niños con trastornos estomacales.

Hypnosis is an effective complement in the treatment of many psychological and medical disorders. The objective of this article is to expose hypnosis’s historical precedents and to point out its contribution in the treatment of various diseases. Was checked the results of precedent researches with clinical relevance, showing that, when hypnosis is used as a complement for other medical and psychological interventions, its efficiency is increased. Its main applications are focus in to relieve pain, dream’s disorders, smoking cessation, the obesity, the asthma, enuresis in children, skin diseases, the drop of anxiety symptoms, sexual failure, the develop of capacity for attention and creative skills. It is also used in the treatment of immunological disorders, the drop of symptoms in patient with fibromyalgia, in disorders of irritable colon and children with stomach disorders.

Novel identification of peripheral dopaminergic D2 receptor in male germ cells.

Dopamine is a recognized modulator in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral organ functions. The presence of peripheral dopamine receptors outside the CNS has suggested an intriguing interaction between the nervous system and other functional systems, such as the reproductive system. In the present study we analyzed the expression of D2R receptors in rat testis, rat spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa, in different mammals. The RT-PCR analysis of rat testis mRNA showed specific bands corresponding to the two dopamine receptor D2R (L and S) isoforms previously described in the brain. Using Western blot analysis, we confirmed that the protein is present in rat testis, isolated spermatogenic cells and also in spermatozoa of a range of different mammals, such as rat, mouse, bull, and human. The immunohistochemistry analysis of rat adult testis showed that the receptor was expressed in all germ cells (pre- and post-meiotic phase) of the tubule with staining predominant in spermatogonia. Confocal analysis by indirect immunofluorescence revealed that in non-capacitated spermatozoa of rat, mouse, bull, and human, D2R is mainly localized in the flagellum, and is also observed in the acrosomal region of the sperm head (except in human spermatozoa). Our findings demonstrate that the two D2 receptor isoforms are expressed in rat testis and that the receptor protein is present in different mammalian spermatozoa. The presence of D2R receptors in male germ cells implies new and unsuspected roles for dopamine signaling in testicular and sperm physiology.

Involvement of specific laminins and nidogens in the active remodeling of the basal lamina of labial salivary glands from patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate remodeling of the basal lamina of labial salivary glands (LSGs) from patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) by analyzing the expression of specific components that participate in its assembly and attachment to acinar and ductal cells. METHODS: Two groups of SS patients with similar levels of remnant glandular tissue but with low and high levels of interacinar fibrosis, respectively, were studied. The expression of laminin alpha1, alpha4, and gamma2 chains and nidogens was examined at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Nidogens 1 and 2 were also studied in situ by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Increases in the amount of mRNA and protein for both the processed and unprocessed laminin gamma2-chain were more pronounced in patients with low interacinar fibrosis. Increases in the protein levels of laminin alpha1 and alpha4 chains were observed in patients with low interacinar fibrosis, but not in those with high interacinar fibrosis. Nidogen mRNA and protein levels were similar in SS patients and controls. Interestingly, high levels of nidogen degradation were observed in patients with low interacinar fibrosis. Nidogens were readily detected by immunofluorescence in the basal lamina of the capillaries and stroma in SS patients, but were less apparent in the basal lamina of the acini and ducts. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the basal lamina of LSGs from patients with SS is undergoing active remodeling, such that alterations are less evident in patients who have advanced morphologic signs of the disease (high interacinar fibrosis). Nidogen proteolysis might account for the disorganization of the basal lamina that is typically observed in LSGs from SS patients, assuming that cleavage impairs their ability to crosslink type IV collagen and laminin networks.

Different involvement for aldolase isoenzymes in kidney glucose metabolism: aldolase B but not aldolase A colocalizes and forms a complex with FBPase.

The expression of aldolase A and B isoenzyme transcripts was confirmed by RT-PCR in rat kidney and their cell distribution was compared with characteristic enzymes of the gluconeogenic and glycolytic metabolic pathway: fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and pyruvate kinase (PK). We detected aldolase A isoenzyme in the thin limb and collecting ducts of the medulla and in the distal tubules and glomerula of the cortex. The same pattern of distribution was found for PK, but not for aldolase B, PEPCK, and FBPase. In addition, co-localization studies confirmed that aldolase B, FBPase, and PEPCK are expressed in the same proximal cells. This segregated cell distribution of aldolase A and B with key glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes, respectively, suggests that these aldolase isoenzymes participate in different metabolic pathways. In order to test if FBPase interacts with aldolase B, FBPase was immobilized on agarose and subjected to binding experiments. The results show that only aldolase B is specifically bound to FBPase and that this interaction was specifically disrupted by 60 microM Fru-1,6-P2. These data indicate the presence of a modulated enzyme-enzyme interaction between FBPase and isoenzyme B. They affirm that in kidney, aldolase B specifically participates, along the gluconeogenic pathway and aldolase A in glycolysis.

S111N mutation in the helical domain of human Gs(alpha) reduces its GDP/GTP exchange rate.

G-protein alpha subunits consist of two domains: a Ras-like domain also called GTPase domain (GTPaseD), structurally homologous to monomeric G-proteins, and a more divergent domain, unique to heterotrimeric G-proteins, called helical domain (HD). G-protein activation, requires the exchange of bound GDP for GTP, and since the guanine nucleotide is buried in a deep cleft between both domains, it has been postulated that activation may involve a conformational change that will allow the opening of this cleft. Therefore, it has been proposed, that interdomain interactions are playing an important role in regulating the nucleotide exchange rate of the alpha subunit. While constructing different Gs(alpha) quimeras, we identified a Gs(alpha) random mutant, which was very inefficient in stimulating adenylyl cyclase activity. The introduced mutation corresponded to the substitution of Ser(111) for Asn (S111N), located in the carboxi terminal end of helix A of the HD, a region neither involved in AC interaction nor in the interdomain interface. In order to characterize this mutant, we expressed it in bacteria, purified it by niquel-agarose chromatography, and studied its nucleotide exchange properties. We demonstrated that the recombinant S111N Gs(alpha) was functional since it was able to undergo the characteristic conformational change upon GTP binding, detected by the acquisition of a trypsin-resistant conformation. When the biochemical properties were determined, the mutant protein exhibited a reduced GDP dissociation kinetics and as a consequence a slower GTPgammaS binding rate that was responsible for a diminished adenylyl cyclase activation when GTPgammaS was used as activator. These data provide new evidence that involves the HD as a regulator of Gs(alpha) function, in this case the alphaA helix, which is not directly involved with the nucleotide binding site nor the interdomain interface.