Effects of Fructose and Palmitic Acid on Gene Expression in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae: Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

One of the largest health problems worldwide is the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases due to the consumption of hypercaloric diets. Among the most common alterations are cardiovascular diseases, and a high correlation between overnutrition and neurodegenerative diseases has also been found. The urgency in the study of specific damage to tissues such as the brain and intestine led us to use Drosophila melanogaster to study the metabolic effects caused by the consumption of fructose and palmitic acid in specific tissues. Thus, third instar larvae (96 ± 4 h) of the wild Canton-S strain of D. melanogaster were used to perform transcriptomic profiling in brain and midgut tissues to test for the potential metabolic effects of a diet supplemented with fructose and palmitic acid. Our data infer that this diet can alter the biosynthesis of proteins at the mRNA level that participate in the synthesis of amino acids, as well as fundamental enzymes for the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems in the midgut and brain. These also demonstrated alterations in the tissues of flies that may help explain the development of various reported human diseases associated with the consumption of fructose and palmitic acid in humans. These studies will not only help to better understand the mechanisms by which the consumption of these alimentary products is related to the development of neuronal diseases but may also contribute to the prevention of these conditions.

The global development of community psychology as reflected in the American Journal of Community Psychology.

This commentary presents a virtual special issue on the global growth of community psychology (CP), particularly, but not exclusively, as reflected in the American Journal of Community Psychology (AJCP). CP exists in at least 50 countries all over the world, in many of those for over 25 years. Yet, aside from several early Israeli articles, AJCP rarely published work from or about countries outside the US and Canada until the early 2000s, when the number of international articles began to rise sharply. The focus of CP developed differently in different continents. CP in Australia and New Zealand initially followed North America's emphasis on improving social service systems, but has since focused more on environmental and indigenous cultural and decolonial issues that are as salient in those countries as in North America, but have drawn much more attention. CP came later to most of Asia, where it also tended to follow the North American path, but starting in Japan, India, and Hong Kong and now in China and elsewhere, it is establishing its own way. The other two global hotspots for CP for over 40 years have been Europe and Latin America. The level and focus of CP in Europe varies in each country, with some focused on applied developmental psychology and/or community services and others advancing critical and liberation psychology. CP in Latin America evolved from social psychology, but like CP in Sub-Saharan Africa, is also more explicitly political due to a history of political oppression, social activism, and the limitations of individualistic psychology to focus on social change, overcoming poverty, and interventions by (not just for) community members. Despite those differences, CP literature over the past 23 years suggests an increasingly common interest in social justice, multinational collaborations, and decoloniality. There is still a need for more truly (bidirectional) cross-cultural, comparative work for mutual learning, sharing of ideas, methods, and intervention practices, and for CP to develop in countries and communities throughout the globe where it could have the greatest impact.

Genotoxicity assessment of four novel quinazoline-derived trypanocidal agents in the Drosophila wing somatic mutation and recombination test.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, has increased in the world due to migration, travelling and climate change; at present, the principal problem is that common trypanocidal agents have resulted in toxic or inconvenient side effects. We tested for genotoxicity in the standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses of Drosophila wing somatic mutation and recombination test, four novel trypanocidal agents derived from 2, 4, 6-triaminquinazoline (TAQ): 2,4-diamino-6 nitro-1,3 diazonaftalene (S-1QN2-1), 2,4-diacetamino-6-amino 1,3 diazonaftalene (D-1), N6-(4,methoxybenzyl)quinazoline-2,4,6-triamine (GHPM) and N6-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzyl]quinazoline-2,4,6-triamine (GHPMF) at 1.9, 3.9, 7.9 and 15 µM, respectively. Also, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was run to determine the remanence of either drug in flare, and Oregon R(R)-flare flies emerged from treated larvae. S-1QN2-1 showed genotoxicity only in the ST cross, increasing the small, large and total spot frequencies at all concentrations and twin spots only at 1.9 µM; D-1 and GHPM showed significant increments of large spots only at 15 µM in the ST cross; GHPMF was not genotoxic at any concentration or either cross. In the mwh clones accumulated distribution frequencies analysis, associated with disrupted cell division, S-1QN2-1 caused alterations in the ST cross at all concentrations but only at 15 µM in the HB cross; D-1 caused alterations at 3.9, 7.9 and 15 µM in the ST cross and at 1.9 and 15 µM in the HB cross; GHPM caused alterations at 7.9 and 15 µM in the ST cross and also at 1.9, 3.9 and 7.9 µM in the HB cross; GHPMF caused those alterations at all concentrations in the ST cross and at 1.9, 3.9 and 7.9 µM in the HB cross. The HPLC results indicated no traces of either agent in the flare and Oregon R(R)-flare flies. We conclude that S-1QN2-1 is clearly genotoxic, D-1 and GHPM have an unclear genotoxicity and GHPMF was not genotoxic; all quinazoline derivatives disrupted cell division. GHPMF is a good candidate to be tested in other genotoxicity and cytotoxic bioassays. The differences in the genotoxic activity of these trypanocidal agents are correlated with differences in their chemical structure.

The impact of frailty in aortic valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that diminishes potential functional recovery after any surgical procedure. Preoperative surgical risk assessment is crucial to calibrate the risk and benefit of cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to test usefulness of FRAIL Scale and other surgical-risk-scales and individual features of frailty in cardiac aortic valve surgery. METHODS: Prospective study. From May-2014 to February-2016, we collected 200 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement, either surgically or transcatheter. At 1-year follow-up, quality of life measurements were recorded using the EQ-5D (EuroQol). Univariate and multivariate analyses correlated preoperative condition, features of frailty and predicted risk scores with mortality, morbidity and quality of life at 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age 78.2y, 56%male. Mean-preoperative-scores: FRAIL scale 1.5(SD 1.02), STS 2.9(SD 1.13), BI 93.8(SD 7.3), ESlog I 12.8(SD 8.5) and GS 7.3 s (SD 1.9). Morbidity at discharge, 6 m and 1 year was 51, 14 and 28%. Mortality 4%. Survival at 6 m/ 1-y was 97% / 88%. Complication-rate was higher in TAVI group due to-vascular complications. Renal dysfunction, anemia, social dependence and GS slower than 7 s were associated with morbidity. On multivariate analysis adjusted STS, BI and GS speed were statistically significant. Quality of life at 1-year follow-up adjusted for age and prosthesis type showed a significant association with STS and FRAIL scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty increases surgical risk and is associated with higher morbidity. Preoperative GS slower 7 s, and STS and FRAIL scale scores seem to be reliable predictors of quality of life at 1-year follow-up.

Resilience, Coloniality, and Sovereign Acts: The Role of Community Activism.

Puerto Rico has been a U.S. colony since 1898. For the past decades, it has been mired in public debt, social problems, and ineffective and corrupt governance. In 2017, the island was hit by hurricanes which devastated our country. After the event, the term "resilience" became ubiquitous. Labeling Puerto Ricans' capacity to tolerate misfortune and suffering "resilient" gave people a false sense of hope and offered government a pretext to postpone or inequitably dispense aid. So-called "resilience" also allowed Puerto Ricans to avoid the impact of colonialism and coloniality on pre-existing conditions which hurricanes accentuated. In this context, community activism played a major role. Community organizations initially provided aid and generated chains of solidarity. They initiated "sovereign acts" which are mostly guided by principles and values espoused by community psychology. Thus, we have a duty to contribute to efforts which can promote liberating our island from colonialism and coloniality.

Norfloxacin is more effective than Rifaximin in avoiding bacterial translocation in an animal model of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Norfloxacin administration is useful in preventing bacterial infections in cirrhosis but associated to the generation of resistant species. Rifaximin is known to reach high concentrations in the intestinal lumen without generating relevant resistance in the intestinal flora. Our aim was to compare the effect of Norfloxacin and Rifaximin on intestinal flora composition, bacterial translocation and survival in cirrhotic rats. METHODS: Cirrhosis was induced in rats by oral administration of CCl4 . Animals were divided into three groups: only CCl4 (group I, n = 10); CCl4 + Norfloxacin (group II, n = 17) and CCl4 + Rifaximin (group III, n = 14). Gut bacterial composition, bacterial translocation and cytokine levels were measured. RESULTS: Forty-one rats were finally included. The incidence of viable and non-viable bacterial translocation was significantly reduced in animals receiving Norfloxacin; Rifaximin also decreased the incidence of viable and non-viable bacterial translocation, but did not reach statistical significance. Serum TNF-α levels were significantly lower in antibiotic groups. Norfloxacin modified intestinal microbiota, depleting significantly more pathobionts than Rifaximin. CONCLUSION: Norfloxacin is more effective than Rifaximin in preventing bacterial translocation in rats with cirrhosis probably because of its capacity to reduce pathobionts from intestinal microbiota.

[Associated factors and descriptive analysis of healthcare-related infective endocarditis in a tertiary reference hospital]. / Factores asociados y análisis descriptivo de la endocarditis infecciosa adquirida en el entorno hospitalario de un centro terciario de referencia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate associated factors, clinical features and prognosis of healthcare-related infective endocarditis cases compared with community-acquired and intravenous drug user-related episodes. Changes in the distribution of healthcare-related infective endocarditis were also analysed over time in our setting. METHODS: A prospective, observational, comparative study was performed. We included all the cases of infective endocarditis from January 2003 to June 2010, which were then classified into 2 groups: group 1: community-acquired and intravenous drug user origin, and group 2: nosocomial and non-nosocomial healthcare-related cases. The episodes were classified into 2 periods: period I: January/2003-June/2006 and period II: July/2006-June 2010. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 212 cases were included (group 1: 138, group 2: 74). The variables of age (risk ratio 1.026; 95%CI, 1.003 to 1.049), Charlson index (risk radio 1.242; 95%CI, 1.067 to 1.445), and previous heart surgery (risk ratio 2.522; 95%CI, 1.353 to 4.701) were independently associated with healthcare-related infective endocarditis on multivariate analysis. A non-significant increase was observed in healthcare-related cases of infective endocarditis in period II (40/104; 38.4% vs. 34/108; 31.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The recent increase in healthcare-related infective endocarditis seems to be associated with the use of invasive procedures in elderly patients with prosthetic cardiac valve, and those with a greater number of underlying diseases, especially patients with chronic renal failure on haemodialysis.

[Primary hyperaldosteronism by unilateral adrenal hyperplasia: a report of two cases]. / Hiperaldosteronismo primario (HAP) por hiperplasia suprarrenal unilateral (HSU). Reporte de dos casos.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is actually the main cause of adrenal-endocrine hypertension. This syndrome is characterized by hypertension, hypokalemia, suppressed plasma renin activity, and increased aldosterone excretion. The most common causes of this syndrome are bilateral idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and aldosterone producing adenoma (Conn's syndrome) and less frequently unilateral adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal carcinoma, or familial hyperaldosteronism. Unilateral adrenal hyperplasia (UAP) constitutes 2% of the causes of PA. We present the case of two patients with UAP.

Transcriptomic and lipid profiling analysis reveals a functional interplay between testosterone and growth hormone in hypothyroid liver.

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that hypothyroidism might cause hepatic endocrine and metabolic disturbances with features that mimic deficiencies of testosterone and/or GH. The absence of physiological interactions between testosterone and GH can be linked to male differentiated liver diseases. Testosterone plays relevant physiological effects on somatotropic-liver axis and liver composition and the liver is a primary organ of interactions between testosterone and GH. However, testosterone exerts many effects on liver through complex and poorly understood mechanisms. Testosterone impacts liver functions by binding to the Androgen Receptor, and, indirectly, through its conversion to estradiol, and cooperation with GH. However, the role of testosterone, and its interaction with GH, in the hypothyroid liver, remains unclear. In the present work, the effects of testosterone, and how they impact on GH-regulated whole transcriptome and lipid composition in the liver, were studied in the context of adult hypothyroid-orchiectomized rats. Testosterone replacement positively modulated somatotropic-liver axis and impacted liver transcriptome involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. In addition, testosterone enhanced the effects of GH on the transcriptome linked to lipid biosynthesis, oxidation-reduction, and metabolism of unsaturated and long-chain fatty acids (FA). However, testosterone decreased the hepatic content of cholesterol esters and triacylglycerols and increased fatty acids whereas GH increased neutral lipids and decreased polar lipids. Biological network analysis of the effects of testosterone on GH-regulated transcriptome confirmed a close connection with crucial proteins involved in steroid and fatty acid metabolism. Taken together, this comprehensive analysis of gene expression and lipid profiling in hypothyroid male liver reveals a functional interplay between testosterone and pulsed GH administration.

Zearalenone Does Not Show Genotoxic Effects in the Drosophila melanogaster Wing Spot Test, but It Induces Oxidative Imbalance, Development, and Fecundity Alterations.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal mycoestrogen produced by the Fusarium genus. ZEN and its metabolites compete with 17-beta estradiol for cytosolic estrogen receptors, causing reproductive alterations in vertebrates. ZEN has also been associated with toxic and genotoxic effects, as well as an increased risk for endometrial adenocarcinomas or hyperplasia, breast cancer, and oxidative damage, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous studies have monitored cellular processes through levels of transcripts associated with Phase I Xenobiotic Metabolism (Cyp6g1 and Cyp6a2), oxidative stress (hsp60 and hsp70), apoptosis (hid, grim, and reaper), and DNA damage genes (Dmp53). In this study, we evaluated the survival and genotoxicity of ZEN, as well as its effects on emergence rate and fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, we determined levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using the D. melanogaster flare and Oregon R(R)-flare strains, which differ in levels of Cyp450 gene expression. Our results showed that ZEN toxicity did not increase mortality by more than 30%. We tested three ZEN concentrations (100, 200, and 400 µM) and found that none of the concentrations were genotoxic but were cytotoxic. Taking into account that it has previously been demonstrated that ZEN administration increased hsp60 expression levels and apoptosis gene transcripts in both strains, the data agree with an increase in ROS and development and fecundity alterations. Since Drosophila lacks homologous genes for mammalian estrogen receptors alpha and beta, the effects of this mycotoxin can be explained by a mechanism different from estrogenic activity.

CLARITY with neuronal tracing and immunofluorescence to study the somatosensory system in rats.

BACKGROUND: The CLARITY technique enables researchers to visualize different neuronal connections along the nervous system including the somatosensory system. NEW METHOD: The present work describes the antero-lateral and dorsal column pathways until the thalamic and cortical stations, as well as descending oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic innervations by means of combined CLARITY, neuronal tracing, and immunofluorescence techniques. We used male Sprague-Dawley rats of 13, 30, and 60 days. RESULTS: The main results are as follows: A) CLARITY is a reliable technique that can be combined with fluorescent neuronal tracers and immunofluorescence techniques without major procedure modifications; B) at spinal level, some primary afferent fibers were labeled by CGRP, as well as the presence of neuronal populations that simultaneously project to the gracile and ventral posterolateral thalamic nuclei; C) corticothalamic connections were visible when retrograde tracers were injected at thalamic level; D) oxytocin receptors were expressed in the spinal dorsal horn by GABAergic-positive neurons, reinforcing previous outcomes about the possible mechanism for oxytocin blocking the primary afferent sensory input. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS AND CONCLUSIONS: The CLARITY technique lets us observe in a transparent way the entire processed tissue compared with classical histological methods. CLARITY is a potentially useful tool to describe neuroanatomical structures and their neurochemical stratus.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity evaluation of two thallium compounds using the Drosophila wing somatic mutation and recombination test.

Thallium (Tl) is a heavy and toxic metal and a byproduct of several human activities, such as cement production, mining, and coal combustion. Thallium is found in fruits, vegetables, and animal fodder with high Tl contamination; therefore, it is an environmental pollution issue and a toxicological contamination problem for human beings and other organisms when exposed to it. The mutagenic potential of Tl and its compounds is controversial, and there are few in vivo studies on its effects. We conducted the animal bioassay Drosophila wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) to test for genotoxicity and assessed the genotoxic effects of Tl acetate (TlCH3COO) and Tl sulfate (Tl2SO4) on Drosophila melanogaster. Third instar larvae from the SMART standard cross (ST) were fed Tl acetate [0.2, 2, 20, 200, 600 and 1200 µM] and Tl sulfate [0.2, 2, 20, 200, and 600 µM]. Hexavalent chromium [CrO3, 500 µM] served as the positive control, and Milli-Q water served as the negative control. Only the high Tl2SO4 [600 µM] concentration resulted in genotoxicity with 87.6% somatic recombination, and both salts disrupted cell division of wing imaginal disc cells, showing the expected cytotoxic effects. Genotoxic risks due to high metal levels by bioaccumulation of Tl+1 or its compounds require further evaluation with other in vivo and in vitro assays.

Variation in resistance to oxidative stress in Oregon-(R)R-flare and Canton-S strains of Drosophila melanogaster.

All aerobic organisms are susceptible to damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-induced damage has been associated with aging and diseases such as metabolic syndrome and cancer. However, not all organisms develop these diseases, nor do they age at the same rate; this is partially due to resistance to oxidative stress, a quantitative trait attributable to the interaction of factors including genetics and environmental. Drosophila melanogaster represents an ideal system to study how genetic variation can affect resistance to oxidative stress. In this work, oxidative stress (total and mitochondrial ROS), antioxidant response, and Cap 'n' collar isoform C and Spineless gene expression, one pesticide resistant (Oregon R(R)-flare) and wild-type (Canton-S) strains of D. melanogaster, were analyzed to test resistance to basal oxidative stress. ROS, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were determined by flow cytometry, and Cap 'n' collar isoform C and Spineless expression by qRT-PCR. The intensity of oxidative stress due to the pro-oxidant zearalenone in both was evaluated by flow cytometry. Data confirm expected differences in oxidative stress between strains that differ in Cyp450s levels. The Oregon (R)R-flare showed greater ROS, total and mitochondrial, compared to Canton-S. Regarding oxidative stress genes expression Cap 'n' collar isoform C and Spineless (Ss), Oregon R(R)-flare strain showed higher expression. In terms of response to zearalenone mycotoxin, Canton-S showed higher ROS concentration. Our data show variation in the resistance to oxidative stress among these strains of D. melanogaster.

Oxytocin prevents neuronal network pain-related changes on spinal cord dorsal horn in vitro.

Recently, oxytocin (OT) has been studied as a potential modulator of endogenous analgesia by acting upon pain circuits at the spinal cord and supraspinal levels. Yet the detailed action mechanisms of OT are still undetermined. The present study aimed to evaluate the action of OT in the spinal cord dorsal horn network under nociceptive-like conditions induced by the activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and formalin injection, using calcium imaging techniques. Results demonstrate that the spontaneous Ca2+-dependent activity of the dorsal horn cells was scarce, and the coactivity of cells was mainly absent. When NMDA was applied, high rates of activity and coactivity occurred in the dorsal horn cells; these rates of high activity mimicked the activity dynamics evoked by a neuropathic pain condition. In addition, although OT treatment increased activity rates, it was also capable of disrupting the conformation of coordinated activity previously consolidated by NMDA treatment, without showing any effect by itself. Altogether, our results suggest that OT globally prevents the formation of coordinated patterns previously generated by nociceptive-like conditions on dorsal horn cells by NMDA application, which supports previous evidence showing that OT represents a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.

Barriers and facilitators of HIV prevention with heterosexual Latino couples: beliefs of four stakeholder groups.

Although HIV prevention interventions for women are efficacious, long-term behavior change maintenance within power-imbalanced heterosexual relationships has been difficult. To explore the feasibility, content, and format of an HIV intervention for Latino couples, the authors conducted 13 focus groups with HIV/AIDS researchers, service providers, and heterosexual men and women in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Reasons that participants thought that men should be involved in prevention efforts included promotion of shared responsibility, creation of a safe environment for open conversation about sex, and increased sexual negotiation skills. Perceived barriers to men's involvement included cultural taboos, sexual conservatism associated with Catholicism and machismo, and power-imbalanced relationships. Participants stressed the need for recruitment of men within naturally occurring settings or by influential community leaders. Participants indicated that couples-level interventions would be successful if they used strong coed facilitators, included both unigender and mixed-gender discussion opportunities, and addressed personally meaningful topics. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Principales características clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes con miocardiopatía periparto

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares representan una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad durante la gestación, entre las que se destaca la miocardiopatía, que cursa como un síndrome de insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con miocardiopatía periparto según variables clínicas y epidemiológicas de interés para la investigación. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de las 18 pacientes con diagnóstico de miocardiopatía periparto, asistidas en el Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba en el período comprendido desde octubre de 2015 hasta diciembre de 2022. Resultados: En la serie predominaron las pacientes mayores de 35 años de edad (edad promedio de 32,6 años), además de la descendencia africana (50,0 %), la hipertensión arterial crónica (44,4 %) y la multiparidad (8,9 %) como factores de riesgo y la insuficiencia del ventrículo izquierdo como manifestación clínica. La fracción de eyección de dicho ventrículo estuvo regularmente disminuida y la respuesta al tratamiento farmacológico fue satisfactoria en el total de la muestra. Conclusiones: La miocardiopatía en el periparto es de baja incidencia en este centro; sin embargo, por la gravedad que representa, se impone el diagnóstico temprano y la intervención del personal especializado para evitar complicaciones.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, cardiomyopathy is notable as a syndrome of heart failure. Objective: To characterize patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy according to clinical and epidemiological variables of interest for the investigation. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 18 patients with diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was carried out. They were assisted at Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba from October, 2015 to December, 2022. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of patients over 35 years (32.6 average age), besides African descendant (50.0 %), chronic hypertension (44.4 %) and multiparity (8.9 %) as risk factors and the left ventricle failure as clinical manifestation. The ejection fraction of this ventricle was regularly diminished and the pharmacological treatment response was satisfactory in all the sample. Conclusions: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is of low incidence in this center; however, due to its seriousness, the early diagnosis and the specialized staff intervention are necessary to avoid complications.

Activation of a code sepsis in the emergency department is associated with a decrease in mortality. / La activación de un código sepsis en urgencias se asocia a una menor mortalidad.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of a code sepsis (CS) activation, complying with recommendations, the evolution of patients with severe sepsis in the emergency room and determine independent factors associated to mortality. METHOD: All patients attending the emergency room with severe sepsis during a 6-month period were included. Complying with Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommendations, patients' average stay, intensive care admissions and 30-day mortality were assessed. Two groups were compared: CS activation (A) and no activation (NA). RESULTS: A total of 114 episodes were found, 61.4% belonging to group A and 38.6% to NA. Patients in group A presented hypotension more frequently (61.5% vs 34.4%; P=.005). Patients in group NA more frequently had lactate levels of >3mmol/L (48.3% vs 80%; P=.01), and abdominal focus of sepsis (34.3% vs 13%; P=.01). In group A, blood cultures were more frequently drawn in the first hour (95% vs 41.7%; P<.001), early antibiotic was administered (76.9% vs 25%; p=.005) and fluid replacement carried out (54.5% vs 18.2%; P=.01). Global achievement of CS objectives was higher in group A (31.4% vs 9.1%; P=.006). In group NA more patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (10% vs 36.4%; P<.001), had longer average stays (10.2 days SD 6.9 vs 14.4 days SD 5.8; P<.001) and a higher mortality rate (4.3% vs 34.1%; P<.001). CRP>200mg/l (OR 33.7; P<.001) and the no activation of CS (OR 13.3; p=.001) resulted in being independent factors associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a CS improves compliance with SSC recommendations and decreases intensive care admissions, average stays and mortality.

Genotoxicity of triasulfuron in the wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster is modulated by winter wheat seedlings.

Triasulfuron (TS) is a widely used sulfonylurea herbicide which inhibits the acetolactate synthase in broad-leaf weeds and in some wheat crop grasses (Triticum aestivum L.). Residues can be found in soil and superficial water with high toxicity to primary producers. In cereals, TS metabolism depends on cytochromes P450 (CYPs), the age of seedlings and the interaction with compounds. The genotoxicity of TS was demonstrated in the wing spot test of Drosophila melanogaster, an in vivo assay based on the loss of heterozygosity of the mwh and flr markers in the wing imaginal disk cells of larvae fed with chemical agents. Chronic treatments with analytical grade TS, commercial formulation TS (Amber) 75WG) (0.5mg/mL) and commercial formulation bentazon (Basagran) 480) (0.24mg/mL) were performed with three-day-old larvae of the standard (ST) and the high bioactivation (HB) crosses with regulated and high constitutive levels of CYPs, respectively. To demonstrate the effect of winter wheat metabolism on TS genotoxicity, T. aestivum L. seedlings were immersed for 4h in these herbicides, and aqueous extracts (AEs) of the roots were prepared to expose the larvae. TS and Amber 75WG produced similar genotoxic effects in both crosses. Wheat metabolism modulated the genotoxicity because the AEs yielded statistically significant lower spot frequencies in the HB cross than in the ST cross. Differences between the two crosses of the wing spot test in D. melanogaster must be related to CYPs levels. Basagran 480 was genotoxic only in the HB cross, and wheat metabolism did not modulate its genotoxicity.

To be different: the challenge of social-community psychology.

Summarizes the author's life and how differences contributed to her selection of community psychology and to various choices she has made to further her goals. Focuses on her context within a colonial setting and on the significance of being a woman in her particular environment. Shows how clarity and steadfastness to ideals linked to divergent skills and a collaborative and participatory ideology have bred change. Signifies students' contributions to the generation of new energy as well as new conceptualizations. Finally, stresses the importance of international and interdisciplinary collaborations to enrich both our lives and the discipline of community psychology.

Outcome-based national profile of Mexico's medical graduates.

INTRODUCTION: In countries such as Mexico, outcome-based education has flourished only in a few schools. The Mexican Association of Medical Schools committed to defining a set of national outcomes and standards for all Mexican medical graduates. METHODS: During the XLVIII ordinary national meeting of this association, 120 faculty members and deans of medical schools worked collaboratively and identified, by consensus, the preliminary version of the national outcomes and minimum essential requirements, as a means of defining the national outcome-based profile for Mexican medical graduates. RESULTS: The nine outcomes are: (1) clinical skills; (2) communication skills; (3) public health and health systems; (4) scientific bases of medicine; (5) information management; (6) critical thinking and research; (7) teaching skills; (8) administrative and legal aspects of medical practice; and (9) values, attitudes, professionalism, and ethics. CONCLUSION: The deans and faculty members of the Mexican medical schools are well aware of the diversity in the quality of medical education offered by different schools. The preliminary version of a national set of outcomes has been defined, and a final version will be created during the next national meetings of the Association. The greatest challenge however, will be its implementation into a new educational model in each school.