Observed Trajectories of Cannabis Use and Concurrent Longitudinal Outcomes in Youth and Young Adults Receiving Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis.

Cannabis use is present and persistent in young adults with early psychosis receiving Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) in the United States. While CSC programs are effective in improving quality of life, helping individuals reach goals, and promoting recovery, cannabis use may limit the extent of these improvements. This study extended upon previous findings to examine trajectories of cannabis use among individuals with early psychosis. The sample consisted of 1325 CSC participants enrolled for more than one year at OnTrackNY and followed up to two years, categorized into three groups: no use, reduced use, and persistent use. Baseline demographic and clinical differences were compared across groups and associations between clinical and psychosocial outcomes at 12 months and 24 months were examined across groups. Of the sample, 40 % remained persistent users over two years while 12.8 % reduced their use. At baseline, persistent users were younger (p = 0.011), more likely to be male (p < 0.001), had lower education levels (p = 0.019), and were more likely to have had past legal issues prior to admission (p < 0.001) than non-users. At 2 years, persistent users had significantly worse symptom scores than non-users (p = 0.0003) and reduced users (p = 0.0004). These findings highlight the presence of persistent cannabis use being common in this population and the need to improve substance use treatment offered to allow more CSC participants to achieve improved outcomes.

Hydrogen sulfide dysfunction in metabolic syndrome-associated vascular complications involves cGMP regulation through soluble guanylyl cyclase persulfidation.

Here, by using in vitro and ex vivo approaches, we elucidate the impairment of the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway in vascular complications associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). In the in vitro model simulating hyperlipidemic/hyperglycemic conditions, we observe significant hallmarks of endothelial dysfunction, including eNOS/NO signaling impairment, ROS overproduction, and a reduction in CSE-derived H2S. Transitioning to an ex vivo model using db/db mice, a genetic MetS model, we identify a downregulation of CBS and CSE expression in aorta, coupled with a diminished L-cysteine-induced vasorelaxation. Molecular mechanisms of eNOS/NO signaling impairment, dissected using pharmacological and molecular approaches, indicate an altered eNOS/Cav-1 ratio, along with reduced Ach- and Iso-induced vasorelaxation and increased L-NIO-induced contraction. In vivo treatment with the H2S donor Erucin ameliorates vascular dysfunction observed in db/db mice without impacting eNOS, further highlighting a specific action on smooth muscle component rather than the endothelium. Analyzing the NO signaling pathway in db/db mice aortas, reduced cGMP levels were detected, implicating a defective sGC/cGMP signaling. In vivo Erucin administration restores cGMP content. This beneficial effect involves an increased sGC activity, due to enzyme persulfidation observed in sGC overexpressed cells, coupled with PDE5 inhibition. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a pivotal role of reduced cGMP levels in impaired vasorelaxation in a murine model of MetS involving an impairment of both H2S and NO signaling. Exogenous H2S supplementation through Erucin represents a promising alternative in MetS therapy, targeting smooth muscle cells and supporting the importance of lifestyle and nutrition in managing MetS.

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effect of intracerebral administration of growth hormone in rats / Evaluación del efecto anticonvulsivante y neuroprotector de la administración intracerebral de la hormona de crecimiento en ratas

Introduction The growth hormone (GH) has been reported as a crucial neuronal survival factor in the hippocampus against insults of diverse nature. Status epilepticus (SE) is a prolonged seizure that produces extensive neuronal cell death. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of GH on seizure severity and SE-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration. Methodology Adult male rats were implanted with a guide cannula in the left ventricle and different amounts of GH (70, 120 or 220 ng/3 μl) were microinjected for 5 days; artificial cerebrospinal fluid was used as the vehicle. Seizures were induced by the lithium–pilocarpine model (3 mEq/kg LiCl and 30 mg/kg pilocarpine hydrochloride) one day after the last GH administration. Neuronal injury was assessed by Fluoro-Jade B (F-JB) staining. Results Rats injected with 120 ng of GH did not had SE after 30 mg/kg pilocarpine, they required a higher number of pilocarpine injections to develop SE than the rats pretreated with the vehicle, 70 ng or 220 ng GH. Prefrontal and parietal cortex EEG recordings confirmed that latency to generalized seizures and SE was also significantly higher in the 120 ng group when compared with all the experimental groups. FJ-B positive cells were detected in the hippocampus after SE in all rats, and no significant differences in the number of F-JB cells in the CA1 area and the hilus was observed between experimental groups. Conclusion Our results indicate that, although GH has an anticonvulsive effect in the lithium–pilocarpine model of SE, it does not exert hippocampal neuroprotection after SE. (AU)

Introducción La hormona de crecimiento (HC) es un factor que favorece la supervivencia neuronal en el hipocampo ante agresiones de diversa naturaleza. El status epilepticus (SE) es un tipo de crisis epiléptica de larga duración que produce muerte neuronal. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la administración intracerebroventricular de HC en la severidad de las convulsiones y la neurodegeneración hipocampal debida al SE. Metodología A ratas macho adultas se les implantó una cánula guía en el ventrículo lateral izquierdo y se les microinyectaron diferentes cantidades de HC (70, 120 o 220 ng/3 μl) durante 5 días; como vehículo se inyectó líquido cefalorraquídeo artificial. Las convulsiones se generaron con el modelo de litio-pilocarpina (3 mEq/kg LiCl y 30 mg/kg clorhidrato pilocarpina) un día después de la última inyección de HC. La neurodegeneración se identificó con la tinción de Fluoro-Jade B (F-JB). Resultados Las ratas a las que se les inyectaron 120 ng de HC requirieron 2 o 3 inyecciones de pilocarpina para desarrollar SE, en comparación con el resto de los grupos experimentales que requirieron solo una aplicación del convulsivante. Los registros EEG de la corteza prefrontal y parietal confirmaron que la latencia a las crisis generalizadas y al SE fue mayor en dicho grupo experimental. Todas las ratas con SE presentaron células positivas al FJ-B en el área CA1 e hilus del hipocampo, y no se identificaron diferencias entre los tratamientos. Conclusión Nuestros resultados muestran que, aunque la HC tiene un efecto anticonvulsivante, una vez que se ha desarrollado el SE no promueve neuroprotección en el hipocampo. (AU)

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effect of intracerebral administration of growth hormone in rats / Evaluación del efecto anticonvulsivante y neuroprotector de la administración intracerebral de la hormona de crecimiento en ratas

Introduction The growth hormone (GH) has been reported as a crucial neuronal survival factor in the hippocampus against insults of diverse nature. Status epilepticus (SE) is a prolonged seizure that produces extensive neuronal cell death. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of GH on seizure severity and SE-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration. Methodology Adult male rats were implanted with a guide cannula in the left ventricle and different amounts of GH (70, 120 or 220 ng/3 μl) were microinjected for 5 days; artificial cerebrospinal fluid was used as the vehicle. Seizures were induced by the lithium–pilocarpine model (3 mEq/kg LiCl and 30 mg/kg pilocarpine hydrochloride) one day after the last GH administration. Neuronal injury was assessed by Fluoro-Jade B (F-JB) staining. Results Rats injected with 120 ng of GH did not had SE after 30 mg/kg pilocarpine, they required a higher number of pilocarpine injections to develop SE than the rats pretreated with the vehicle, 70 ng or 220 ng GH. Prefrontal and parietal cortex EEG recordings confirmed that latency to generalized seizures and SE was also significantly higher in the 120 ng group when compared with all the experimental groups. FJ-B positive cells were detected in the hippocampus after SE in all rats, and no significant differences in the number of F-JB cells in the CA1 area and the hilus was observed between experimental groups. Conclusion Our results indicate that, although GH has an anticonvulsive effect in the lithium–pilocarpine model of SE, it does not exert hippocampal neuroprotection after SE. (AU)

Introducción La hormona de crecimiento (HC) es un factor que favorece la supervivencia neuronal en el hipocampo ante agresiones de diversa naturaleza. El status epilepticus (SE) es un tipo de crisis epiléptica de larga duración que produce muerte neuronal. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la administración intracerebroventricular de HC en la severidad de las convulsiones y la neurodegeneración hipocampal debida al SE. Metodología A ratas macho adultas se les implantó una cánula guía en el ventrículo lateral izquierdo y se les microinyectaron diferentes cantidades de HC (70, 120 o 220 ng/3 μl) durante 5 días; como vehículo se inyectó líquido cefalorraquídeo artificial. Las convulsiones se generaron con el modelo de litio-pilocarpina (3 mEq/kg LiCl y 30 mg/kg clorhidrato pilocarpina) un día después de la última inyección de HC. La neurodegeneración se identificó con la tinción de Fluoro-Jade B (F-JB). Resultados Las ratas a las que se les inyectaron 120 ng de HC requirieron 2 o 3 inyecciones de pilocarpina para desarrollar SE, en comparación con el resto de los grupos experimentales que requirieron solo una aplicación del convulsivante. Los registros EEG de la corteza prefrontal y parietal confirmaron que la latencia a las crisis generalizadas y al SE fue mayor en dicho grupo experimental. Todas las ratas con SE presentaron células positivas al FJ-B en el área CA1 e hilus del hipocampo, y no se identificaron diferencias entre los tratamientos. Conclusión Nuestros resultados muestran que, aunque la HC tiene un efecto anticonvulsivante, una vez que se ha desarrollado el SE no promueve neuroprotección en el hipocampo. (AU)

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effect of intracerebral administration of growth hormone in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The growth hormone (GH) has been reported as a crucial neuronal survival factor in the hippocampus against insults of diverse nature. Status epilepticus (SE) is a prolonged seizure that produces extensive neuronal cell death. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of GH on seizure severity and SE-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration. METHODOLOGY: Adult male rats were implanted with a guide cannula in the left ventricle and different amounts of GH (70, 120 or 220ng/3µl) were microinjected for 5 days; artificial cerebrospinal fluid was used as the vehicle. Seizures were induced by the lithium-pilocarpine model (3mEq/kg LiCl and 30mg/kg pilocarpine hydrochloride) one day after the last GH administration. Neuronal injury was assessed by Fluoro-Jade B (F-JB) staining. RESULTS: Rats injected with 120ng of GH did not had SE after 30mg/kg pilocarpine, they required a higher number of pilocarpine injections to develop SE than the rats pretreated with the vehicle, 70ng or 220ng GH. Prefrontal and parietal cortex EEG recordings confirmed that latency to generalized seizures and SE was also significantly higher in the 120ng group when compared with all the experimental groups. FJ-B positive cells were detected in the hippocampus after SE in all rats, and no significant differences in the number of F-JB cells in the CA1 area and the hilus was observed between experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that, although GH has an anticonvulsive effect in the lithium-pilocarpine model of SE, it does not exert hippocampal neuroprotection after SE.

SPONTANEOUS TRANSVAGINAL INTESTINAL EVISCERATION IN AN ELDERLY WOMAN.

Introduction: Transvaginal intestinal evisceration is a rare surgical emergency that is associated with morbidity and mortality. Only a few cases of transvaginal evisceration have so far been described. The predisposing risk factors associated with this clinical condition are multifactorial. Case presentation: We report a case of an 85-year-old female that presented with spontaneous small bowel evisceration through the vagina. The loops of the small bowel appeared edematous and thickened but there was demonstrable visible peristalsis. She had no previous laparotomy or vaginal surgery. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and the small bowel was reduced into the abdomen through the vaginal defect. Afterward, a total abdominal hysterectomy was performed with the closure of the vaginal vault. The postoperative period was uneventful. Conclusion: The spontaneous evisceration of bowel loops can be successfully managed when patients with such cases present early and promptly managed. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial to prevent complications. If the eviscerated viscera are non-viable, resection and restoration of bowel continuity are imperative. Management should be individualized and multidisciplinary.

Vitamin C supplementation promotes locomotor and exploratory behaviors in male Wistar rats exposed to varying stress models.

Constant exposure to environmental stress has negative behavioral outcomes. Considering the inverse relationship between stress and Vitamin C intake, this study was aimed at investigating variable stress techniques and Vitamin C supplementation on exploratory/locomotor behaviors in male Wistar rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (100g-120g) were allotted into four groups (n=7). Control received 10ml/kg distilled water, group two received 100 mg/kg vitamin C, group three was exposed to different models of stress while group four was stressed alongside 100 mg/kg vitamin C. Vitamin C treatments were given orally for 2 weeks. Animals in groups 3 and 4 were stressed every other day with models such as multiple cage changes, exposure to noise, overnight strange objects, overnight wetting of beddings, and immobility. Explorative and locomotor activities were assessed with the open field test, novel object recognition test, and Y maze test using a Logitech camera and ANY-maze software to track the movement of the rats. Cortisol was assayed in the serum using Enzyme-linked Immuno Assay (ELISA) kit. Superoxide Dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidase; malondialdehyde (MDA) were also assayed in the serum. The results show that locomotor activities such as distance traveled, average speed, and time spent in the center square was significantly reduced by stress. These activities were improved with the intake of vitamin C compared with stress. Explorative activities such as locomoting around the environment, orientating towards novelty, and touching or sniffing novel objects were significantly increased in the rats on Vitamin C supplements and reduced in the stressed group. In the serum, cortisol level was significantly increased in rats exposed to stress and decreased with Vitamin C intake. Stress also significantly increased MDA and decreased SOD and CAT while vitamin C supplement decreased MDA and increased SOD and CAT. In conclusion, oral intake of vitamin C enhanced explorative/locomotor behavior and increased oxidative stress in rats exposed to different models of stress.

Arteriolopatía cálcica urémica: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Calcific uremic arteriolopathy. A case report and review of the literature

Introducción. La arteriolopatía cálcica urémica se define como un síndrome constituido por úlceras cutáneas isquémicas, debido a la calcificación de la pared de las arteriolas del tejido celular subcutáneo como consecuencia del hiperparatiroidismo en pacientes urémicos. Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 55 años, hipertensa, con insuficiencia cardíaca e insuficiencia renal, tratada con hemodiálisis, quien presenta dolor en miembros inferiores e hipercalcemia. Al examen físico se encontraron lesiones cutáneas con pulsos periféricos presentes y simétricos en extremidades. Los exámenes de laboratorio revelaron hipercalcemia, hiperfosfatemia y niveles de paratohormona muy elevados. Se le realizó paratiroidectomía y biopsia de lesiones cutáneas presentando una evolución tórpida, por lo cual fallece. Se realizó la autopsia con hallazgos morfológicos propios de arteriolopatía cálcica urémica. Conclusiones. La arteriolopatía cálcica urémica o calcifilaxis es una enfermedad compleja, variable, difícil de diagnosticar y de manejo muy complicado. A pesar de los esfuerzos de los investigadores aún existen muchas interrogantes en cuanto a su patogenia, lo cual sirve de incentivo para futuras investigaciones con el fin de establecer la conducta más adecuada para mantener una mejor calidad de vida del paciente y evitar complicaciones que en algunas instancias desencadenen la muerte(AU)

Background. Calcific uremic arteriolopathy is defined as a syndrome consisting of ischemic skin ulceration due to calcification of the wall of the arterioles of the subcutaneous tissue as a result of hyperparathyroidism in uremic patients. Case report. A 55-year old female patient, hypertense, with heart failure and kidney failure treated with hemodialysis, who presented lower limb pain and hypercalcemia. On physical examination, skin lesions with symmetrical peripheral pulses present in the limbs. Laboratory tests revealed hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and very high parathyroid hormone levels. Parathyroidectomy was performed and biopsy of skin lesions, the patient having a torpid course causing exitus. Autopsy was performed, with histologic features characteristic of calcific uremic arteriolopathy. Conclusions. Calcific calcium uremic arteriolopathy or calciphylaxis is a complex and variable disease that is difficult to diagnose and whose treatment is complicated. Despite the efforts of the investigators, there are still many questions regarding its pathogenesis. This acts as an incentive for further research to establish the most appropriate actions to take to maintain an adequate quality of life for the patients and avoid complications that trigger death in some cases(AU)

Deterioro de la función renal inducido por fibratos / No disponible

Introducción: Los fibratos representan uno de los grupos de fármacos indicados para el tratamiento de la hiperlipidemia. Uno de sus efectos secundarios, aún poco conocido, es el deterioro agudo de la función renal. En los últimos 26 meses hemos objetivado en nuestra consulta externa de Nefrología un total de13 pacientes con deterioro de la función renal asociado al uso de fibratos. Material y métodos: El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar nuestra experiencia en el incremento de Creatinina sérica (Crs) inducido por fibratos. Se trata de una revisión retrospectiva de una serie de casos. Resultados: De los 13 pacientes (8 hombres/5 mujeres) con edad media de 65,5 ± 12,2 años, diez fueron tratados con fenofibrato, uno con bezafibrato y dos con gemfibrozilo. Seis pacientes partían de una función renal normal y los otros siete presentaban una Insuficiencia Renal Crónica (IRC) leve-moderada previamente al inicio del tratamiento. El incremento de creatinina con respecto a la basal expresado en porcentaje fue superior al 74%. En nueve de los pacientes el deterioro de función renal fue completamente reversible (grupo 1), mientras que en cuatro de ellos la recuperación fue parcial (grupo 2). La media de creatinina antes de recibir tratamiento con fibratos fue de 1,33 ± 0,36 mg/dl (aclaramiento de creatinina 63,2 ± 26,6 ml/min) y la media de la creatinina máxima durante el tratamiento fue de 2,22± 0,49 mg/dl (aclaramiento de creatinina 33,4 ± 8,1 ml/min). El tiempo medio de evolución hasta objetivarse el incremento de creatinina fue de 6,7 ± 5,8 meses y la recuperación de la función renal ocurrió a los 3,8 ± 3,5 meses de la suspensión del tratamiento con fibratos. En los pacientes del grupo 2 se objetivó un mayor incremento de Crs y un tiempo de tratamiento confibratos más prolongado. En los pacientes en los que se obtuvieron niveles de CPK, éstos fueron normales. En dos de nuestros (..) (AU)

Introduction: Fibrates represent one of the medications used to treat patients with hyperlipemia. Deterioration in renal function is not a very known adverse effect of fibric acid derivates . In the last 26 months we have detected thirteen patient s with acute renal failure associated to fibrates in our outpatients’ clinic. Subjects and methods : The aim of our study is to analyze our experience in deterioration in renal function associated to fibrates use. This is a retrospective char t s review. Results: From the thirteen patients (8 males/5 females) with mean age of 65.5 ± 12.2 year s , ten received Fenofibrate (FN) , one Beza fibrate (BZ) and two Gemfibrozil (GF). Six cases had previously normal renal function and the seven remaining had mi ld chronicrenal failure (CRF) . The increase of serum Creatinine (Cr s ) value was higher than 74%. (..) (AU)

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in a Nigerian family practice population

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, with a greater burden and prohibitive cost of care particularly in developing countries. This study determined the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and identified its associated risk factors in patients attending the Family Practice Clinic, Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria. Method: Consecutive newly-registered patients who attended the Family Practice Clinic of Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa from August 2005 to January 2006 were recruited and studied. Relevant data were collected by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and determining the spot urinary ACR (albumin-creatinine ratio) of the subjects by using Microalbustix™ reagent strips and using their serum creatinine concentration. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of each subject was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. A repeat urine test was done three months after the initial screening to identify subjects with persistent microalbuminuria. Results: The age of the study subjects ranged from 20 to 74 years, with a mean age of 50.52 + 13.03 years. There were 68 males and 182 females in the sample population, showing a male to female ratio of 1:2.7. One hundred and thirteen of the 250 subjects (45.2%) were found to have pathologic albuminuria at the initial screening, while 31 (12.4%) had persistent albuminuria three months later. Also, 51 subjects (20.4%) had estimated low GFR at the initial screening and 26 (10.4%) had persistent low GFR three months later. Significant risk factors for CKD in the study subjects were increasing age, elevated blood pressure, history of diabetes mellitus (DM), habitual intake of analgesics and herbs, and an abnormal waist to hip ratio(p < 0.05). The association between persistent abnormal ACR and low GFR did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.053). Habitual analgesic intake (p = 0.002) and age group (p = 0.0027) were true predictors of CKD among the study subjects. Conclusions: The prevalence of CKD in the study population was high and its association with modifiable risk factors was demonstrated. Family physicians have a unique opportunity to identify and address these factors in their patients. Routine screening for CKD in family practice clinics is indicated to reduce the burden of renal disease in the population

Sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria

This study was a crossectional survey conducted among 716 senior secondary school adolescents in Ibadan from March to August 2005. The result of 695 that was analyzed revealed that the mean age of 15±2.6years. 28.3% of the respondents had previous sexual exposure with higher proportions being male (p=0.00043). Majorities' first sexual exposure was unplanned. Family settings and educational level do not have significant influence on the previous sexual exposure. The methods of sexual activity were mainly through vagina route while some had also practiced oral and anal sex. Most of those that are sexually exposed had more than one partner. About half of the respondents learn about sex from their friends while others through their parents and media. We conclude that in-school adolescents practiced unsafe sexual activity and they are therefore predisposed to STI/HIV and other reproductive health risks. (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[2]:89-97)

Comparative evaluation of haemoglobin estimation amongst pregnant women in Ibadan: Hemocue ­ B Haemoglobin analyzer versus haemiglobincyanide (Standard) method as the gold standard

This was a comparative crossectional study that was conducted among 557 antenatal women at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1st April and 30th May 2006. The study compared the accuracy of haemoglobin estimation using an automated HemoCue B analyzer kit with a standard laboratory method(haemogloincyanide) as the gold standard. The result showed a positive correlation of HaemoCue haemoglobin results when compared with the standard methods (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.892; p value = 0.000). We concluded that the use of the automated HemoCue kit for haemoglobin estimation gives an objective assessment which overcomes the challenge of extra skilled manpower or power outages in rural areas thereby enhancing access to quality of care in resource poor countries. (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[2]:153-159)

Physicians and AIDS Care: Does Knowledge Influence their Attitude and Comfort in Rendering Care?

Adequate knowledge; positive attitude; and feeling of comfort are important factors in providing compassionate care to patients. The purpose of this study was to assess physicians' knowledge; attitude and global comfort in caring for patients with AIDS (PWA); to determine the sociodemographic variables that could influence physicians' attitude and global comfort; and to identify any relationship between their knowledge; attitude and comfort. Consultants and residents (N=211) in two Nigerian teaching hospitals were surveyed using a two-part questionnaire. Part I elicited sociodemographic and previous AIDS encounter information; and Part II assessed knowledge; attitude and global comfort with AIDS patients care. Nigerian physicians showed satisfactory knowledge; but they harbored negative attitude and low level of comfort in caring for PWA. Previous AIDS care experience; age and being a consultant or a senior resident influenced attitude; while male gender and knowing someone with AIDS influenced global comfort. Knowledge is weakly but positively associated with attitude; while attitude is modestly associated with comfort. The study reinforced the need for an ongoing education focused on experiential learning; and professional socialization in order to influence physicians' attitude and enhance their feeling of comfort when caring for PWA

Fourteen days oral administration of therapeutic dosage of some antibiotics reduced serum testosterone in male rats

Fourteen days oral administration of therapeutic dose of Ampicillin (4mg/100g/day); Cloxacillin (6mg/100g/day) and Tetracycline (12mg/100g/day) separately to healthy adult male albino rats significantly reduced their serum testosterone level as assessed by enzyme immunoassay. The control group received equal volume of the vehicle (Normal saline) throughout the period of the treatment. A significant reduction (P0 .05) in testicular and epididymal weight was also produced by Cloxacillin; Cloxacillin and Tetracycline respectively. Ampicillin administration on the other hand significantly reduced (P0 .05) prostrate gland weight. After subjecting the treated animals to a recovery period ranging from 1-2 weeks; during which the drug administration was discontinued; all the animals recovered fully from the antifertility effect of these antibiotics on the serum testosterone level by the end of the second week. A significant recovery in the epididymal; testicular and prostrate gland weight was also recorded in the Cloxacillin and Tetracycline; Cloxacillin; and Ampicillin treated animals respectively. The result suggests that the reversible antifertility effects of these antibiotics were produced via the disruption of testosterone hormone production process. This was also accompanied by reduction in the weight of some of the male reproductive organs

Fourteen Days Oral Administration of Therapeutic Dosage of some Antibiotics Reduced Serum Testosterone in Male Rats

Fourteen days oral administration of therapeutic dose of Ampicillin (4mg/100g/day); Cloxacillin (6mg/100g/day) and Tetracycline (12mg/100g/day) separately to healthy adult male albino rats significantly reduced their serum testosterone level as assessed by enzyme immunoassay. The control group received equal volume of the vehicle (Normal saline) throughout the period of the treatment. A significant reduction (P0 .05) in testicular and epididymal weight was also produced by Cloxacillin; Cloxacillin and Tetracycline respectively. Ampicillin administration on the other hand significantly reduced (P0 .05) prostrate gland weight. After subjecting the treated animals to a recovery period ranging from 1-2 weeks; during which the drug administration was discontinued; all the animals recovered fully from the antifertility effect of these antibiotics on the serum testosterone level by the end of the second week. A significant recovery in the epididymal; testicular and prostrate gland weight was also recorded in the Cloxacillin and Tetracycline; Cloxacillin; and Ampicillin treated animals respectively. The result suggests that the reversible antifertility effects of these antibiotics were produced via the disruption of testosterone hormone production process. This was also accompanied by reduction in the weight of some of the male reproductive organs

Estado del arte de la participacion en salud ocupacional de los trabajadores en Colombia desde 1976 / State of Art of teh occupational health workers participation in Colombia since 1976

Tradicionalmente la persona encargada de la salud ocupacional, se siente responsable de controlar los factores de riesgo a los cuales está expuesto el trabajador quien asume un papel pasivo. Aun cuando este tipo de intervención es necesaria, se requieren cambios de actitud del trabajador y la organización laboral, que contribuyan al empoderamiento del trabajador respecto a su salud. Para esto son esenciales los procesos participativos. Por lo anterior se considera importante realizar una recapitulación crítica de la participación en salud de los trabajadores, conscientes de la necesidad de un cambio en los procesos participativos, que los involucren como sujetos activos en la determinación de procesos que promuevan, mejoren y conserven su salud, pues son ellos los que poseen la vivencia y conocimiento acerca de las condiciones de trabajo y las repercusiones en ella. Con este estado del arte, se busca recopilar la información existente, teniendo en cuenta los antecedentes históricos, tanto de la participación comunitaria como la de los trabajadores; un marco de referencia que contempla la conceptualización de la participación; las formas y tipos de participación; la intervención de la educación como proceso de participación; la participación vista como un derecho y deber; los modelos de participación; el marco constitucional y legal y los actores sociales en nuestro contexto. Finalmente, en una fase reflexiva - crítica de la documentación se pretende analizar los fenómenos hallados, con el fin de develar como se presentan y los intereses y las tendencias de los mismos. Como último aporte se elabora una base de datos de la participación, útil para próximas investigaciones relacionadas con el tema

Receptores solubles para interferón / Soluble interferon receptors

En el desarrollo del trabajo se detectó la presencia de receptor pra interferón gamma (R-IFN gamma) soluble en el plasma de individuos sanos, infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), con cáncer y trastornos autoinmunes (artritis reumatoidea) y en el sobrenadante de cultivos celulares (Colo 205, Raji). Se observó la presencia de especies moleculares de 84, 56, 51 y menores de 30 kDa en la preparación proveniente de plasma. Se purificó el receptor de membrana para interferón (IFN) gamma en leucocitos y plaquetas humanos. Fueron detectados especies moleculares de 84 y 51 kDa en ambos. Productos degradativos con unión específica al IFN gamma y fueron detectados en 27 y 13 kDa, en condiciones reductoras, en la preparación de receptos de membrana para leucocitos. Fue encontrada la actividad que une IFN *-2 de forma específica en el plasma y en el sobrenadante de cultivos celulares (Hep-2, Daudi) (AU)

Receptores solubles para interferón / Soluble interferon receptors

En el desarrollo del trabajo se detectó la presencia de receptor pra interferón gamma (R-IFN gamma) soluble en el plasma de individuos sanos, infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), con cáncer y trastornos autoinmunes (artritis reumatoidea) y en el sobrenadante de cultivos celulares (Colo 205, Raji). Se observó la presencia de especies moleculares de 84, 56, 51 y menores de 30 kDa en la preparación proveniente de plasma. Se purificó el receptor de membrana para interferón (IFN) gamma en leucocitos y plaquetas humanos. Fueron detectados especies moleculares de 84 y 51 kDa en ambos. Productos degradativos con unión específica al IFN gamma y fueron detectados en 27 y 13 kDa, en condiciones reductoras, en la preparación de receptos de membrana para leucocitos. Fue encontrada la actividad que une IFN *-2 de forma específica en el plasma y en el sobrenadante de cultivos celulares (Hep-2, Daudi)