PTHrP intracrine actions divergently influence breast cancer growth through p27 and LIFR.

The role of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein (PTHrP) in breast cancer remains controversial, with reports of PTHrP inhibiting or promoting primary tumor growth in preclinical studies. Here, we provide insight into these conflicting findings by assessing the role of specific biological domains of PTHrP in tumor progression through stable expression of PTHrP (-36-139aa) or truncated forms with deletion of the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) alone or in combination with the C-terminus. Although the full-length PTHrP molecule (-36-139aa) did not alter tumorigenesis, PTHrP lacking the NLS alone accelerated primary tumor growth by downregulating p27, while PTHrP lacking the NLS and C-terminus repressed tumor growth through p27 induction driven by the tumor suppressor leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR). Induction of p27 by PTHrP lacking the NLS and C-terminus persisted in bone disseminated cells, but did not prevent metastatic outgrowth, in contrast to the primary tumor site. These data suggest that the PTHrP NLS functions as a tumor suppressor, while the PTHrP C-terminus may act as an oncogenic switch to promote tumor progression through differential regulation of p27 signaling.

May Measurement Month 2017: analysis of the blood pressure screening results in Argentina-Americas.

Hypertension is a growing concern worldwide, causing over 10 million deaths each year. The prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) in Argentina is 36.3% and 38% of these are unaware of their disease. Half of the hypertensive patients are on pharmacological treatment and only a quarter of them are controlled. The International Society of Hypertension initiated the May Measurement Month (MMM) as a global campaign to raise awareness on high BP that may also serve as a temporary solution to the lack of global screening programs worldwide. A volunteer cross-sectional survey was carried out in May 2017 across 56 health centres. Blood pressure measurement, definition of hypertension and statistical analysis followed the MMM protocol. For this awareness campaign, the Argentine Society of Hypertension coined the slogan: 'Know and control your blood pressure'. A total of 32 346 individuals aged at least 18 years were screened during MMM17. After imputation, 16 263 (50.4%) were hypertensive. Of the 12 156 receiving antihypertensive medication 5400 (44.4%) still had uncontrolled BP. MMM17, called in our country 'Know and control your blood pressure', was the largest BP screening campaign done in Argentina. Almost 6 out of 10 hypertensive patients were either not on treatment or were not controlled to the BP goal. These results suggest that appropriate screening can help to identify a significant number of people with high BP.

Comparison of 2 stitches vs 1 stitch for transvaginal cervical cerclage for preterm birth prevention.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and outcomes of 2 vs 1 stitch at the time of cervical cerclage placement for preterm birth prevention. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton gestation undergoing history- or ultrasound-indicated transvaginal cervical cerclage prior to 24 weeks. The primary outcome was delivery at less than 37 weeks. The secondary outcomes included gestational age at delivery at less than 35, less than 34, less than 32, less than 28, and less than 24 weeks, perioperative details at the time of cerclage placement and removal, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Comparison was made between patients with 2 vs 1 stitch at the time of cerclage placement. History- and ultrasound-indicated cerclages were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-four patients met inclusion criteria, 237 being history indicated (2 stitches, n = 86, 1 stitch, n = 151), and 207 ultrasound indicated (2 stitches, n = 117, 1 stitch, n = 90). Gestational age at delivery at less than 37 weeks was not significantly different between the 2 groups for both history- and ultrasound-indicated cerclage, even after adjusting for demographic differences and suture type (39% vs 35%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-3.01; and 44% vs 49%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-1.61, respectively). CONCLUSION: Two stitches at the time of cerclage do not appear to improve pregnancy outcome either in the history- or the ultrasound-indicated procedures, compared with 1 stitch.

[Perception of happiness associated to family life in Bogotá- Colombia]. / Percepción de felicidad relacionada con la familia a lo largo de la vida en Bogotá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the association between happiness and family functionality in order to promote healthy family relationships and the biopsychosocial health of the people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive study developed over a span of three years. A questionnaire was applied to 8 885 people from Bogotá selected by convenience sampling. The population was divided into those who said they were happy and those who said they felt sad at the time of the survey. Explanatory variables included sex, age, socioeconomic status, functionality (based on the family APGAR), family structure (members of the household), and support network. Odds ratios were obtained and the significant results were subjected to the regression process. RESULTS: The logistic regression analysis of the odds ratios showed that the perception of happiness decreases with age (60 and over vs. 7 to 10 years; OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03-0.26), that there is a stronger significant association with functionality (severe dysfunction vs. normal functionality; OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03-0.08) than with family structure (extended vs. nuclear home; OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37-0.96), and that happiness is related to support networks (low network vs. high network; OR: 0.52 95% CI: 0.31-0.88). CONCLUSION: This research confirms the importance of the family in happiness perception, which is a sentiment considered as a health benchmark. Based on these results, strengthening family coexistence is essential to promote the health of people.

OBJETIVO: Demostrar la relación entre felicidad y funcionalidad familiar con el fin de promover las relaciones familiares y, con ello, la salud biopsicosocial. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal. A lo largo de tres años se aplicó un cuestionario a 8 885 personas de Bogotá, escogidas por conveniencia. Se dividió la población entre los que afirmaron estar felices y quienes dijeron sentirse tristes al momento de realizar la encuesta. Como variables explicativas se indagaron el género, la edad, el estrato, la funcionalidad (usando el APGAR familiar) y la estructura familiar (miembros con los que se convive) y la red de apoyo. Se obtuvieron los Odss Ratio y los resultados significativos se sometieron al proceso de regresión. RESULTADOS: El análisis de regresión logística de las razones de riesgo mostró que la percepción de felicidad disminuye con la edad (60 y más años versus 7 a 10 años, OR 0,09 IC95% 0,03-0,26); que hay una asociación significativa más fuerte con la funcionalidad (disfunción severa versus funcionalidad normal, OR 0,05 IC95% 0,030,08) que con la estructura familiar (hogar extenso versus nuclear, OR 0,60 IC95% 0,37-0,96) y que la felicidad se relaciona con las redes de apoyo (red baja versus red alta, OR 0,52 IC95% 0,31-0,88). CONCLUSIÓN: Está investigación confirma la importancia de la familia en la percepción de la felicidad, sentimiento considerado como referente de salud. Con base en esto, resulta clave fortalecer la convivencia familiar para promover la salud de las personas.

Percepción de felicidad relacionada con la familia a lo largo de la vida en Bogotá, Colombia / Perception of happiness associated to family life in Bogotá- Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Demostrar la relación entre felicidad y funcionalidad familiar con el fin de promover las relaciones familiares y, con ello, la salud biopsicosocial. Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal. A lo largo de tres años se aplicó un cuestionario a 8 885 personas de Bogotá, escogidas por conveniencia. Se dividió la población entre los que afirmaron estar felices y quienes dijeron sentirse tristes al momento de realizar la encuesta. Como variables explicativas se indagaron el género, la edad, el estrato, la funcionalidad (usando el APGAR familiar) y la estructura familiar (miembros con los que se convive) y la red de apoyo. Se obtuvieron los Odss Ratio y los resultados significativos se sometieron al proceso de regresión. Resultados El análisis de regresión logística de las razones de riesgo mostró que la percepción de felicidad disminuye con la edad (60 y más años versus 7 a 10 años, OR 0,09 IC95% 0,03-0,26); que hay una asociación significativa más fuerte con la funcionalidad (disfunción severa versus funcionalidad normal, OR 0,05 IC95% 0,030,08) que con la estructura familiar (hogar extenso versus nuclear, OR 0,60 IC95% 0,37-0,96) y que la felicidad se relaciona con las redes de apoyo (red baja versus red alta, OR 0,52 IC95% 0,31-0,88). Conclusión Está investigación confirma la importancia de la familia en la percepción de la felicidad, sentimiento considerado como referente de salud. Con base en esto, resulta clave fortalecer la convivencia familiar para promover la salud de las personas.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To demonstrate the association between happiness and family functionality in order to promote healthy family relationships and the biopsychosocial health of the people. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive study developed over a span of three years. A questionnaire was applied to 8 885 people from Bogotá selected by convenience sampling. The population was divided into those who said they were happy and those who said they felt sad at the time of the survey. Explanatory variables included sex, age, socioeconomic status, functionality (based on the family APGAR), family structure (members of the household), and support network. Odds ratios were obtained and the significant results were subjected to the regression process. Results The logistic regression analysis of the odds ratios showed that the perception of happiness decreases with age (60 and over vs. 7 to 10 years; OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03-0.26), that there is a stronger significant association with functionality (severe dysfunction vs. normal functionality; OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03-0.08) than with family structure (extended vs. nuclear home; OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37-0.96), and that happiness is related to support networks (low network vs. high network; OR: 0.52 95% CI: 0.31-0.88). Conclusion This research confirms the importance of the family in happiness perception, which is a sentiment considered as a health benchmark. Based on these results, strengthening family coexistence is essential to promote the health of people.(AU)

Tumoral load quantification of positive sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer to predict more than two involved nodes.

AIM: One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) can detect isolated tumour loads in axillary lymph nodes of breast cancer patients. We investigated the predictability of the non-sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastatic involvement (MI) based on the OSNA SLN assessment in surgical invasive breast cancer. METHODS: We studied surgical breast invasive carcinoma patients, not taking neoadjuvant chemotherapy, having SLN positive by OSNA and having received axillary lymphadenectomy. Age, basic histopathological, immunohistochemical, SLN biopsy and lymphadenectomy data were compared between patients with or without MI of more than 2 non-SLN in both univariate and multivariate analyses. The discriminating capacity of the multivariate model was characterized by the ROC AUC. RESULTS: 726 patients from 23 centers in Spain aged 55.3 ± 12.2 years were analysed. The univariate analysis comparing patients with or without MI of more than 2 non-SLN detected statistically significant differences in primary tumour size, multifocality, presence of lymphovascular infiltration, positive proliferation index with ki67, immunophenotype and logTTL (Tumour Total Load). The multivariate logistic analyses (OR (95% CI)) confirmed multifocality (2.16 (1.13-4.13), p = 0.019), lymphovascular infiltration (4.36 (2.43-7.82), p < 0.001) and logTTL (1.22 (1.10-1.35), p < 0.001) as independent predictors, and exhibit an AUC (95% CI) of 0.78 (0.72-0.83) with an overall fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow test) of 0.359. A change in the slope of both sensitivity and specificity is observed at about 10,000 copies/µL, without relevant changes in the Negative Predictive Values. CONCLUSIONS: Using OSNA technique, the MI of more than 2 non-SLN can be reliably predicted.

Lectin binding patterns and carbohydrate mediation of sperm binding to llama oviductal cells in vitro.

Sperm binding to oviductal epithelium would be involved in sperm reservoir formation in the utero tubal junction (UTJ). Although in other mammals sperm-oviduct interaction has been proved to be mediated by carbohydrate-recognition mechanisms, the factors implicated in the sperm adhesion to oviductal epithelium of llama are still unknown. In order to assess the role of carbohydrates present in the mucosa surface, we examined the distribution of glycoconjugates in the llama oviduct by confocal lectin-histochemistry. Mannosyl, glucosyl, N-acetylglucosaminyl, galactosyl, N-acetylgalactosaminyl and sialic acid residues were detected in the oviductal mucose glycocalyx. By incubation of UTJ oviductal explants with LCA, DBA, UEA-1 or PNA lectin previous to co-culture with sperm, we observed a significant decrease in sperm binding only with LCA lectin. In the mucosa surface there were numerous d-glucosyl and D-manosyl residues, which were spotted by this lectin. Probably, this fact promotes the whole covering of the oviduct luminal surface by the sugar-lectin complex, preventing sperm access and adhesion of further residues. However, sperm incubation with mannose or glucose does not significantly prevent binding, which means that glucose and mannose would not be involved in a specific sperm-oviduct interaction. On the other hand, we observed a high reduction in sperm binding to UTJ explants with N-acetylgalactosamine and galactose (p<0.001). Coincidentally, binding sites for N-acetylgalactosamine-PAA-FITC conjugate were observed on the whole surface of the sperm, supporting the concept that llama sperm have lectin-like molecules in their surface, as is the case in other mammals. Probably, these lectin-like molecules, by means of N-acetylgalactosamine and galactose recognition, could link the sperm to the oviductal mucosa with the purpose of forming storing sites in the UTJ. Our results support the idea that more than one carbohydrate could participate in sperm reservoir formation in the llama UTJ oviductal segment.

Funcionalidad familar, estres y red de apoyo psicosocial en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares / Family funcionality, stress and social support in disease cardiovascular's patients

En un estudio correlacional, transversal y comparativo realizado en 60 pacientes mayores de 35 años de edad: 30 con enfermedades cardiovasculares (Grupo control) y 30 con antecedentes de infarto del miocardio un año antes del estudio controlados en el servicio de cardiología del ISHULA, con la finalidad de comparar la funcionalidad familiar, el estrés y la red de apoyo psicosocial. Se investigó el estrato social y los hábitos caféicos, tabáquicos y alcohólicos. Ambos grupos pertenecen a la clase media baja y el consumo de café supera el 90 por ciento. El consumo de alcohól fue idéntico para ambos grupos (50 por ciento), mientras que el consumo de tabaco fue superior al grupo con antecedente de IM (46,7 por ciento) y el grupo control 20 por ciento. En general la funcionalidad familiar es buena y el estrés leve. Hubo significancia estadística en relación al estrés de ambos grupos. hubo disfunción familiar moderada en los pacientes con IM, estrés moderado para el grupo control y el soporte social fue catalogado como regular para ambos