The feasibility of masks and face shields designed by 3D printing makers; some considerations of their use against the COVID-19.

The use of mask and face shield has been established as one of the main preventive measures for the control of COVID 19 spread. In Mexico, as well as in other regions of the world, 3D printing has been employed for the design and production of masks and face shields as personal protective equipment (PPE). These models have been fabricated mainly by the makers, industries, and university communities; therefore, it is necessary to analyze the feasibility of the 3D printed PPE to understand its advantages and limitations. In this work, some characteristics of masks and face shields fabricated by additive manufacturing were studied to explore their viability as protection against flow fluids similar to human sneeze. In the present paper, the PPE was designed, and 3D printed utilizing three types of polylactic acid (PLA) as base material. The morphology and the surface elemental analyses of sectioned samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Showing spacing between printed layers, porous areas, and dispersed copper particles. On the other hand, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was carried out, the results demonstrated the importance of using PPE for protection of a possible exposure to a "contaminated" aerosol and human sneeze. Based on the abovementioned results, it is possible to consider the commercial PLA as suitable material for the manufacturing of PPE due to its capability to be disinfected employing isopropanol, ethanol, or commercial disinfectants.

Determination of the temperature causing a nociceptive response in the tail of albino BALB/c mice.

INTRODUCTION: Designs for determining nociceptive response in rodents are of great use in neurology and experimental neuroscience. Immersing mice's tails in warm water is one of the most widely used procedures to evaluate this response; however, a wide range of temperatures are used in different studies. Knowing the temperature that produces a powerful nociceptive response in the tail of BALB/c mice is extremely useful. METHODS: Eight 2-month-old male BALB/c mice were used. A 14-cm high beaker was filled with water up to 13cm. The animals' tails were immersed in the container with a starting temperature of 36°C. The water temperature was raised in 1°C increments until we identified the temperatures that produced nociceptive responses. That response was determined by counting the time taken before the mouse shook its tail to remove it from the water. RESULTS: Six of the 8 mice began shaking their tails at the temperature of 51°C. All animals removed their tails from the water at the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C, taking a mean time of 8.54, 7.99, and 5.33seconds, respectively. ANOVA applied to the response times for each of the 3 temperatures indicated revealed a value of F=2.8 (P=.123). CONCLUSIONS: The response time was statistically similar for the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C; however, the data were less dispersed for the latter temperature.

Determinación de la temperatura de respuesta nociceptiva sobre la cola de ratones albinos de la cepa Balb/c / Determination of the temperature causing a nociceptive response in the tail of albino BALB/c mice

Introducción: Los diseños para determinar la respuesta nociceptiva en roedores son de gran utilidad en neurología y en neurociencias experimentales. El paradigma de inmersión de la cola de ratón en agua temperada es uno de los más empleados para evaluar dicha respuesta; sin embargo, existe amplia variación en la temperatura utilizada en las diversas investigaciones. Resulta sumamente útil determinar la temperatura que produce una mejor respuesta nociceptiva sobre la cola de ratones de la cepa Balb/c.MétodosSe emplearon 8 ratones machos Balb/c de 2 meses de edad. Un beaker de 14 cm de alto se llenó de agua hasta 13 cm. Partiendo desde los 36 °C se empezó a sumergir la cola del animal dentro del recipiente. Se comenzó a elevar en 1 °C el agua hasta encontrar las temperaturas que produzcan las respuestas nociceptivas. Dicha respuesta se determinó contabilizando el tiempo que el ratón tardó en sacudir su cola retirándola del agua.ResultadosLos ratones empezaron a sacudir su cola a los 51 °C (6 de los 8 roedores). El total de la muestra retiró su cola del agua a los 54, 55 y 56 °C en el tiempo promedio de 8,54, 7,99 y 5,33 s, respectivamente. Al aplicar ANOVA a los tiempos de las 3 temperaturas señaladas se obtuvo el valor F = 2,8 y p = 0,123.ConclusionesEl tiempo de respuesta fue similar estadísticamente ante las temperaturas de 54, 55 y 56 °C; sin embargo se encontró menor dispersión de los datos ante esta última. (AU)

Introduction: Designs for determining nociceptive response in rodents are of great use in neurology and experimental neuroscience. Immersing mice's tails in warm water is one of the most widely used procedures to evaluate this response; however, a wide range of temperatures are used in different studies. Knowing the temperature that produces a powerful nociceptive response in the tail of BALB/c mice is extremely useful.MethodsEight 2-month-old male BALB/c mice were used. A 14-cm high beaker was filled with water up to 13 cm. The animals’ tails were immersed in the container with a starting temperature of 36 °C. The water temperature was raised in 1 °C increments until we identified the temperatures that produced nociceptive responses. That response was determined by counting the time taken before the mouse shook its tail to remove it from the water.ResultsSix of the 8 mice began shaking their tails at the temperature of 51 °C. All animals removed their tails from the water at the temperatures of 54 °C, 55 °C, and 56 °C, taking a mean time of 8.54, 7.99, and 5.33 seconds, respectively. ANOVA applied to the response times for each of the 3 temperatures indicated revealed a value of F=2.8 (P=.123).ConclusionsThe response time was statistically similar for the temperatures of 54 °C, 55 °C, and 56 °C; however, the data were less dispersed for the latter temperature. (AU)

Two thalidomide analogs induce persistent estrous behavior and inhibit uterus contractility in rats: The central role of cAMP.

The effects of 4NO2PDPMe and 4APDPMe, which are thalidomide (Tha) analogs that act as selective phosphodiesterase (PDE-4) inhibitors, on estrous behavior (lordosis and proceptive behaviors) and on uterine contraction were studied in ovariectomized (OVX) estrogen-primed Sprague Dawley (SD) and in intact non-pregnant Wistar rats, respectively. We found that intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of either 4NO2PDPMe or 4APDPMe (20 to 80 µg) stimulated intense lordosis and proceptive behavior in response to mounts from a sexually active male, within the first 4 h after infusion, and persisting for up to 24 h. Inhibitors of the progesterone receptor (RU486, administered subcutaneously), the estrogen receptor (tamoxifen, ICV), the adenylate cyclase (AC)/ cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway (administered ICV), and the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway (administered ICV) significantly decreased lordosis and proceptive behavior induced by Tha analogs. Uterine contractility studies showed that Tha analogs inhibited both the K+- and the Ca2+-induced tonic contractions in rat uterus. Tha analogs were equally effective, but 4APDPMe was more potent than 4NO2PDPMe. These results strongly suggest the central role of cAMP in both processes, sexual behavior, and uterine relaxation, and suggest that Tha analogs may also act as Ca2+-channel blockers.

Design shielding assessment for a nuclear medicine service / Evaluación del diseño de blindaje de un servicio de medicina nuclear

Abstract It is recognized worldwide that the security of radioactive substances is very important and that the design of facilities where these sources are used and stored must cater for the implementation of good security measures, including the shielding of some treatment and diagnostic rooms. The radiation protection assessment of a nuclear medicine facility consists of the evaluation of the annual effective dose both to workers occupationally exposed and to members of the public. This assessment take into account the radionuclides involved, the facility features, the working procedures, the expected number of patients per year, the administered activity, the distribution of rooms, the thickness and physical materials of walls, floors and ceilings and so on. The assessment results were compared to the design requirements established by the Cuban regulatory body in order to determine whether or not, the nuclear medicine facility complies with those requirements, both for workers and for members of the public. The work presented is useful for facility designer that uses unsealed radionuclides and for the regulatory body.

Resumen A nivel mundial se reconoce que la seguridad de las sustancias radiactivas es muy importante y que el diseño de las instalaciones, donde se utilizan y almacenan las mismas, tienen que implementar medidas de seguridad adecuadas, incluyendo el blindaje de algunos locales de tratamiento y diagnóstico. La evaluación de la protección radiológica de una instalación de medicina nuclear consiste en la determinación de la dosis efectiva anual, tanto para los trabajadores ocupacionalmente expuestos a las radiaciones como para los miembros del público. Esta evaluación tuvo en consideración los radionúclidos involucrados, las características de la instalación, los procedimientos de trabajo, la cantidad de pacientes que se espera tratar o diagnosticar por año, la actividad administrada, la distribución de los locales y el espesor de los materiales empleados en las paredes, pisos y techo, entre otros. Los resultados obtenidos de la evaluación fueron comparados con los requerimientos de diseño establecidos por el órgano regulador cubano para determinar si cumplen o no con tales requerimientos para los trabajadores expuestos y miembros del público. El trabajo presentado resulta útil para diseñadores de instalaciones que utilizan sustancias abiertas y para el órgano regulador.

Determination of the temperature causing a nociceptive response in the tail of albino BALB/c mice. / Determinación de la temperatura de respuesta nociceptiva sobre la cola de ratones albinos de la cepa Balb/c.

INTRODUCTION: Designs for determining nociceptive response in rodents are of great use in neurology and experimental neuroscience. Immersing mice's tails in warm water is one of the most widely used procedures to evaluate this response; however, a wide range of temperatures are used in different studies. Knowing the temperature that produces a powerful nociceptive response in the tail of BALB/c mice is extremely useful. METHODS: Eight 2-month-old male BALB/c mice were used. A 14-cm high beaker was filled with water up to 13 cm. The animals' tails were immersed in the container with a starting temperature of 36°C. The water temperature was raised in 1°C increments until we identified the temperatures that produced nociceptive responses. That response was determined by counting the time taken before the mouse shook its tail to remove it from the water. RESULTS: Six of the 8 mice began shaking their tails at the temperature of 51°C. All animals removed their tails from the water at the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C, taking a mean time of 8.54, 7.99, and 5.33seconds, respectively. ANOVA applied to the response times for each of the 3 temperatures indicated revealed a value of F=2.8 (P=.123). CONCLUSIONS: The response time was statistically similar for the temperatures of 54°C, 55°C, and 56°C; however, the data were less dispersed for the latter temperature.

Randomised clinical trial: a leucine-metformin-sildenafil combination (NS-0200) vs placebo in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is suppressed in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while its' stimulation or overexpression results in reduced disease severity in pre-clinical NAFLD models. Leucine allosterically activates Sirt1 and synergise with other Sirt/AMPK/NO pathway activators. We developed a triple combination of leucine, metformin and sildenafil (NS-0200), which was effective in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). AIM: To report the results from a Phase 2, randomised clinical trial of of NS-0200 in 91 subjects with NAFLD (liver fat ≥15% by magnetic resonance imaging-proton-density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF)). METHODS: Subjects were randomised to placebo, low-dose (1.1 g leucine/0.5 g metformin/0.5 mg sildenafil) or high-dose NS-0200 (1.1 g leucine/0.5 g metformin/1.0 mg sildenafil) b.d. for 16 weeks; change in hepatic fat was assessed via MRI-PDFF, and lipid metabolism was assessed via changes in the lipidomic signature. Seventy subjects completed the trial and met a priori compliance criteria. Analyses were conducted on the full cohort and on those with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values above median (50 U/L; n = 35). RESULTS: In the full cohort, active treatments did not separate from placebo. High dose NS-0200 reduced hepatic fat by 15.7% (relative change from baseline) in the high ALT group (P < 0.005) while low dose NS-0200 and placebo did not significantly change hepatic fat. Lipidomic analysis showed dose-responsive treatment effects in both overall and high ALT cohorts, with significant decreases in metabolically active lipids and up-regulation of fatty acid oxidation. CONCLUSION: These data support further evaluation of high-dose NS-0200 for treating NASH, especially in those with elevated ALT (NCT 02546609).

Kinematics and dynamics of the auto-rotation of a model winged seed.

Numerical simulations of the auto-rotation of a model winged seed are presented. The calculations are performed by solving simultaneously the Navier-Stokes equations for the flow surrounding the seed and the rigid-body equations for the motion of the seed. The Reynolds number based on the descent speed and a characteristic chord length is varied in the range 80-240. Within this range, the seed attains an asymptotic state with finite amplitude auto-rotation, while for smaller values of the Reynolds number no auto-rotation is observed. The motion of the seed is characterized by the coning and pitch angles, the angular velocity and the horizontal translation of the seed. The values obtained for these quantities are qualitatively similar to those reported in the literature in experiments with real winged seeds. When increasing the Reynolds number, the seed tends to rotate at higher speeds, with less inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, and with a larger translation velocity. With respect to the aerodynamic forces, it is observed that, with increasing Reynolds number, the horizontal components decrease in magnitude while the vertical component increases. The force distribution along the wing span is characterized using both global and local characteristic speeds and chord lengths for the non-dimensionalisation of the force coefficients. It is found that the vertical component does not depend on the Reynolds number when using local scaling, while the chordwise component of the force does.

Lordosis facilitated by GPER-1 receptor activation involves GnRH-1, progestin and estrogen receptors in estrogen-primed rats.

The present study assessed the participation of membrane G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) and gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 (GnRH-1) receptor in the display of lordosis induced by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of G1, a GPER-1 agonist, and by unesterified 17ß-estradiol (free E2). In addition, we assessed the participation of both estrogen and progestin receptors in the lordosis behavior induced by G1 in ovariectomized (OVX), E2-benzoate (EB)-primed rats. In Experiment 1, icv injection of G1 induced lordosis behavior at 120 and 240min. In Experiment 2, icv injection of the GPER-1 antagonist G15 significantly reduced lordosis behavior induced by either G1 or free E2. In addition, Antide, a GnRH-1 receptor antagonist, significantly depressed G1 facilitation of lordosis behavior in OVX, EB-primed rats. Similarly, icv injection of Antide blocked the stimulatory effect of E2 on lordosis behavior. In Experiment 3, systemic injection of either tamoxifen or RU486 significantly reduced lordosis behavior induced by icv administration of G1 in OVX, EB-primed rats. The results suggest that GnRH release activates both estrogen and progestin receptors and that this activation is important in the chain of events leading to the display of lordosis behavior in response to activation of GPER-1 in estrogen-primed rats.

Ecuaciones de predicción de pliegues cutáneos en escolares / Prediction equations of skinfold in children of primary school

El objetivo de este trabajo es crear ecuaciones que estimen las medidas de los pliegues cutáneos para escolares de 6 a 13 años de edad. Como resultado se obtuvieron catorce ecuaciones que estiman algunos pliegues cutáneos. Las ecuaciones se validaron con muestras aleatorias de 479 niñas y 541 niños del estado de Puebla y otras 2 muestras aleatorias del estado de Veracruz con 155 niñas y 146 niños respectivamente; las mediciones directas se realizaron con la metodología y unidades ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry) (AU)

The aim of this paper is to create equations that predict the skinfold measures for school children 6 to 13 years old. Fourteen resulting equations were derived to estimate some measures of skinfold. The equations were validated with random samples of 479 girls and 541 boys in the state of Puebla and 2 other random samples of the state of Veracruz with 155 girls and 146 boys respectively; direct measurements were performed with the methodology and units ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (AU)

Estrogen receptors regulate the estrous behavior induced by progestins, peptides, and prostaglandin E2.

The role of classical estrogen receptors (ERs) in priming female reproductive behavior has been studied previously; however, the participation of this receptor during activation of estrous behavior has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this work was to test the possibility that the facilitation of lordosis behavior in estrogen-primed rats by progesterone (P) and its 5α- and 5ß-reduced metabolites, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leptin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vagino-cervical stimulation (VCS) involves interactions with classical ERs by using the selective ER modulator, tamoxifen. To further assess the role of ERs, we also explored the effects of the pure ER antagonist, ICI182780 (ICI), on estrous behavior induced by P and GnRH. Ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rats (5µg estradiol benzoate 40h earlier) were injected intraventricularly with the above-mentioned compounds, or they received VCS. All compounds and VCS effectively facilitated estrous behavior when tested at 60, 120 or 240min after infusion or application of VCS. Intraventricular infusion of tamoxifen (5µg), 30min before, significantly attenuated estrous behaviors induced in estradiol-primed rats by P, most of its 5α- and 5ß-reduced metabolites, GnRH, and PGE2, but not by VCS. Although there was a trend for reduction, tamoxifen did not significantly decrease lordosis in females treated with 5ß-pregnan-3,20-dione. ICI also inhibited lordosis behavior induced by P and GnRH at some testing intervals. These results suggest that activation of classical ERs participates in the triggering effects on estrous behavior induced by agents with different chemical structures that do not bind directly to ERs.

Rate of tree carbon accumulation increases continuously with tree size.

Forests are major components of the global carbon cycle, providing substantial feedback to atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. Our ability to understand and predict changes in the forest carbon cycle--particularly net primary productivity and carbon storage--increasingly relies on models that represent biological processes across several scales of biological organization, from tree leaves to forest stands. Yet, despite advances in our understanding of productivity at the scales of leaves and stands, no consensus exists about the nature of productivity at the scale of the individual tree, in part because we lack a broad empirical assessment of whether rates of absolute tree mass growth (and thus carbon accumulation) decrease, remain constant, or increase as trees increase in size and age. Here we present a global analysis of 403 tropical and temperate tree species, showing that for most species mass growth rate increases continuously with tree size. Thus, large, old trees do not act simply as senescent carbon reservoirs but actively fix large amounts of carbon compared to smaller trees; at the extreme, a single big tree can add the same amount of carbon to the forest within a year as is contained in an entire mid-sized tree. The apparent paradoxes of individual tree growth increasing with tree size despite declining leaf-level and stand-level productivity can be explained, respectively, by increases in a tree's total leaf area that outpace declines in productivity per unit of leaf area and, among other factors, age-related reductions in population density. Our results resolve conflicting assumptions about the nature of tree growth, inform efforts to undertand and model forest carbon dynamics, and have additional implications for theories of resource allocation and plant senescence.

Infección por adenovirus en hospital de niños con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas / Adenovirus infection in a children's hospital with chronic pulmonary diseases

Introducción: Las infecciones por adenovirus se diseminan rápidamente en recintos cerrados causando brotes asociados a gran morbimortalidad. Objetivos: Identificar tasa de ataque (TA) de infección por adenovirus en hospital de niños con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (ERC) y evaluar factores asociados que faciliten la infección. Pacientes y Método: Entre junio y octubre de 2010 se evaluaron 50 niños con ERC del Hospital Josefina Martínez. Ellos estuvieron expuestos durante el invierno a pacientes con infección respiratoria aguda baja. A los pacientes con ERC sintomáticos (fiebre y cambio en su signología respiratoria basal) se les realizó Inmunofluorescencia Directa (IFD) Viral. "Caso" fue definido como "paciente sintomático e IFD positiva para Adenovirus". Se evaluaron TA primaria, secundaria y global. Variables como género, edad, traqueostomía y gastrostomía fueron analizadas buscando asociación con los casos. Resultados: El 44 por ciento de los pacientes eran lactantes. El 68 por ciento tenía traqueostomía y 54 por ciento gastrostomía. El primer paciente con Adenovirus ingresó en junio y el caso primario apareció dos semanas después. Hubo 25 casos secundarios que representaron TA secundaria de 51 por ciento. La TA global fue 52 por ciento. No hubo fallecidos. Los lactantes tuvieron un riesgo tres veces mayor que los niños mayores de contraer la infección (OR 3,31 [IC95 por ciento 1,02-10,72; p = 0,046]). No hubo asociación significativa con traqueostomía, gastrostomía ni género. Conclusiones: La alta diseminación de la infección por adenovirus en recintos cerrados obliga a extremar las medidas de prevención de IAAS especialmente en lactantes.

Introduction: Intrahospital adenovirus infections spread rapidly in closed environments causing outbreaks associated with high morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To identify the attack rate (AR) of adenovirus in a hospital treating children with Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD) and to evaluate associated factors that facilitate infection. Patients and Methods: Fifty children with CRD were evaluated between June 2010 and October 2010 at Josefina Martinez Hospital. They were exposed to patients with acute lower respiratory infection during winter. Patients with CRD symptoms (fever and change in basal nasal mucus) underwent Viral Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF). The case was defined as "symptomatic patient with positive DIF for Adenovirus". Primary, secondary and global ARs were evaluated. Variables such as gender, age, tracheostomy and gastrostomy were analyzed looking for associations with the cases. Results: 44 percent of patients were infants; 68 percent of children had tracheostomy and 54 percent had gastrostomy. The first patient with Adenovirus was admitted in June and the primary case was reported two weeks later. 25 cases presented secondary AR corresponding to 51percent Global AR was 52 percent overall. No mortality was reported. The risk was three times higher in infants than older children (OR 3.31 [IC95 percent 1.02-10.72; p = 0.046]). No significant associations with tracheostomy, gastrostomy and gender were found. Conclusions: The rapid spread of adenovirus infection in closed environments requires extreme prevention measures especially regarding infants.

Respuestas metabólicas inducidas por ejercicio físico de alta intensidad en mujeres sedentarias con glicemia basal alterada e hipercolesterolemia / Metabolic response to high intensity exercise training in sedentary hyperglycemic and hypercholesterolemic women

Background: High intensity training could be an effective way of improving health on individuals at high metabolic risk. Aim: To investigate the effects of a high intensity training intervention on metabolic-related markers in sedentary women at high metabolic risk. Material and Methods: Forty six sedentary women with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m² were assigned to four groups, according to their metabolic profile; hyperglycemia (H, n = 12), hyperglycemia/hypercholesterolemia (HH, n = 13), normoglycemia (N, n = 10) and normoglycemia/hypercholesterolemia (NH, n = 11). For 12 weeks and five days per week, subjects performed seven intervals of high intensity training (20 to 30 seconds) during a training session of 20 minutes. Anthropometric (body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and metabolic variables (glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG) were measured at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. Results: BMI and waist circumference decreased significantly after 12 weeks of intervention. Similarly, glucose decreased significantly after 12 weeks of intervention in all groups. The reduction was of higher magnitude in those groups with hyperglycemia (H = -16%, HH = -22%, N = -7,5%, NH = -9,6%). However, lipid profile (TG, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL) improved significantly only in the hypercholesterolemic groups. Conclusions: Physical activity programs incorporating high intensity training can improve glucose and lipid profile in women with metabolic disorders. Moreover, this benefit is greatest in those individuals with highest metabolic burden.

Glycinamide, a glycine pro-drug, induces antinociception by intraperitoneal or oral ingestion in ovariectomized rats.

AIMS: The effect of i.p. injection or oral ingestion of glycinamide, a glycine pro-drug, on two tests for nociception was assessed in ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats. MAIN METHODS: To explore the potential analgesic effect of glycinamide the vocalization threshold to tail shock (VT) and the tail flick latency (TFL) were used. Glycinamide was administered both through the intraperitoneal route (doses 0, 25, 100, 400, 800 mg/kg) and through ad libitum oral ingestion of glycinamide solution (40 mg/ml) following a 24h period of water deprivation. KEY FINDINGS: Glycinamide exerted a significant analgesic effect on VT when injected i.p. at doses of 400 or 800 mg/kg. Analgesia occurred 10-20 min post-injection and persisted approx 45 min. At the high dose level, glycinamide exerted a weaker and more delayed effect on TFL than on the VT test. I.p. injection of 800 mg/kg glycinamide inhibited vocalizations induced by the application of suprathreshold tail shocks (30% above threshold) with a latency of approx 3 min and duration of approx 1h. The volume of a glycinamide solution (40 mg/ml) ingested by rats deprived of water for 24h was positively correlated with the degree of analgesia in the VT test. Values between 100 and 200mg glycinamide exerted clear analgesic responses. SIGNIFICANCE: Thus, glycinamide, either by systemic or oral routes, exerts a clear analgesic effect in the VT test of nociception and a much weaker action in the TFL test. This effect is probably due to the conversion of glycinamide to glycine in the brain.

[Metabolic response to high intensity exercise training in sedentary hyperglycemic and hypercholesterolemic women]. / Respuestas metabólicas inducidas por ejercicio físico de alta intensidad en mujeres sedentarias con glicemia basal alterada e hipercolesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: High intensity training could be an effective way of improving health on individuals at high metabolic risk. AIM: To investigate the effects of a high intensity training intervention on metabolic-related markers in sedentary women at high metabolic risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty six sedentary women with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m² were assigned to four groups, according to their metabolic profile; hyperglycemia (H, n = 12), hyperglycemia/hypercholesterolemia (HH, n = 13), normoglycemia (N, n = 10) and normoglycemia/hypercholesterolemia (NH, n = 11). For 12 weeks and five days per week, subjects performed seven intervals of high intensity training (20 to 30 seconds) during a training session of 20 minutes. Anthropometric (body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and metabolic variables (glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG) were measured at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: BMI and waist circumference decreased significantly after 12 weeks of intervention. Similarly, glucose decreased significantly after 12 weeks of intervention in all groups. The reduction was of higher magnitude in those groups with hyperglycemia (H = -16%, HH = -22%, N = -7,5%, NH = -9,6%). However, lipid profile (TG, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL) improved significantly only in the hypercholesterolemic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity programs incorporating high intensity training can improve glucose and lipid profile in women with metabolic disorders. Moreover, this benefit is greatest in those individuals with highest metabolic burden.

Ethnobotanic study of Randia aculeata (Rubiaceae) in Jamapa, Veracruz, Mexico, and its anti-snake venom effects on mouse tissue

In Mexico, medicinal plants are widely used. The use of Randia aculeata by healers against snakebites has never been scientifically tested in relation to possible effects on blood parameters and muscle tissue damage. Interviews were carried out in Jamapa, Veracuz, Mexico, with local residents to collect information about the traditional use of Randia aculeata. In this locality, seven pieces of fruit from the plant are mixed in a liter of alcohol, and then administered orally against snakebites. By using histological techniques and a murine model, we explored its cytoprotective properties against the effects of Crotalus simus and Bothrops asper venoms. Possible protections provided by the plant against tissue damage to skeletal and cardiac muscles and against the typical loss of red blood cells were analyzed. Randia aculeata caused an increase in microhematocrit and total hemoglobin, parameters that are often decremented in association with the loss of red blood cells, which is a characteristic effect of animal venom. Randia aculeata was also shown to protect against the lowering of platelet levels caused by Bothrops asper venom. Finally, Randia aculeata produced a partial inhibition of necrosis following administration of snake venom in skeletal and myocardial muscles. The present results provide solid evidence for the traditional use of Randia aculeata against snakebites, as demonstrated by protection against muscular tissue damage and the diminution of red blood cells.

Comparación del consumo de drogas en una población escolar de género masculino utilizando la metodología de pares y el cuestionario auto registrado estándar / Drug consumption in the masculine school population using the peer methodology and the standard self assessment questionnaire

El objetivo es comparar el consumo de drogas a través de dos metodologías, la metodología de pares (MP) y la metodología del cuestionario auto registrado (CAR). La población está compuesta por escolares de género masculino, que cursan entre 8° básico y 4° medio. La muestra alcanzó a 301 escolares. Los resultados obtenidos son, una tendencia a mayor consumo general con la MP que con el CAR; igualmente, en el último mes el consumo muestra una tendencia al aumento con la MP en comparación con el CAR. En ambos períodos no hubo significación estadística. Por otro lado, el consumo de drogas ilícitas en los últimos 12 meses, fue el doble con la MP. En cuanto al consumo de los últimos 30 días, también se duplica al indagar con la MP. La declaración del consumo de drogas ilícitas es significativamente mayor con la MP que con el CAR, en ambos períodos estudiados. El consumo de marihuana, en ambos períodos, es el de mayor consumo entre las drogas ilícitas. Todas las diferencias alcanzaron significación y por lo tanto, la hipótesis que indica utilizando la MP se obtiene mayor declaración del consumo de drogas ilícitas se ratifica.

The objective of this study is to compare the declared licit and illicit drug consumption, between paired methodology (MP) and self assessed questionnaire (CAR). We suggest that understatement of illicit drug use will be minimized with the use of peer methodology, and that licit drug understatement will not be affected using peer methodology. The population of this study is composed by male school students ranging between middle and high School. The sample reached to 301 students. The results obtained regarding illicit drug consumption in the year, tend to be higher using MP compared with the CAR. Similarly, last month consumption reached a higher prevalence using MP than using CAR. There are no significant differences in both samples, during both periods. Nevertheless, in the last 12 months, illicit drug consumption doubled the CAR report in comparison to MP. Regarding drug consumption in the last 30 days, the results also showed that CAR underestimated half of the rate stated using MP. Illicit drug consumption is significantly higher using MP, than CAR, in both periods that were studied. Illicit consumption rates of in the past year and in the last month are significantly higher using MP, particularly with Marihuana. There are no statistical differences in the same periods, regarding licit drug consumption rate, as alcohol and tobacco.

Prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica en centros urbanos de atención primaria / Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in subjects consulting in urban primary care clinics

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major worldwide public health problem and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Aim: To assess CKD prevalence in urban Primary Care Services (PCS) of Concepcion, Chile. Material and Methods: The clinical records of 27.894 adults aged 55 ± 18 years (66 percent females), consulting in outpatient clinics and in whom serum creatinine was measured, with or without assessment of urine albumin levels, were reviewed. The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)-4 equation. CKD was defined as an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and classified according to the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NFK-KDOQI) guidelines. Results: Mean eGFR was 77.1 ± 16.3 ml/min/1.73 m2. Twelve percent of subjects had CKD (women, 14.5 percent and men 7,4 percent, p < 0,05). The prevalence of stages 3, 4 and 5 of CKD were 11.6, 0.3 and 0.2 percent respectively. eGFR was negatively correlated with age ( r = -0,54, p < 0,05). Among patients with an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, 96.3 percent had eGFR 30-59, 2.3 percent 15-29 and 1.4 percent < of 15. Seventy nine percent were women. 75.1 percent were aged 65 years or more, 26.8 percent had a serum creatinine equal or less than 1.0 mg/dL and 40.5 percent had microalbuminuria. Only 1 percent of outpatients ascribed to Cardiovascular or Diabetes Programs had the diagnosis of CKD registered. Independent risk predictors of CKD were age > 60 years, female sex and microalbuminuria. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of CKD in ambulatory patients, mainly among women and older people. The low level of diagnosis of CKD in cardiovascular and diabetes programs is of concern.

[Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in subjects consulting in urban primary care clinics]. / Prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica en centros urbanos de atención primaria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major worldwide public health problem and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. AIM: To assess CKD prevalence in urban Primary Care Services (PCS) of Concepcion, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical records of 27.894 adults aged 55 ± 18 years (66% females), consulting in outpatient clinics and in whom serum creatinine was measured, with or without assessment of urine albumin levels, were reviewed. The glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)-4 equation. CKD was defined as an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and classified according to the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NFK-KDOQI) guidelines. RESULTS: Mean eGFR was 77.1 ± 16.3 ml/min/1.73 m2. Twelve percent of subjects had CKD (women, 14.5% and men 7,4%, p < 0,05). The prevalence of stages 3, 4 and 5 of CKD were 11.6, 0.3 and 0.2 % respectively. eGFR was negatively correlated with age ( r = -0,54, p < 0,05). Among patients with an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, 96.3% had eGFR 30-59, 2.3% 15-29 and 1.4 % < of 15. Seventy nine percent were women. 75.1% were aged 65 years or more, 26.8% had a serum creatinine equal or less than 1.0 mg/dL and 40.5% had microalbuminuria. Only 1% of outpatients ascribed to Cardiovascular or Diabetes Programs had the diagnosis of CKD registered. Independent risk predictors of CKD were age > 60 years, female sex and microalbuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high prevalence of CKD in ambulatory patients, mainly among women and older people. The low level of diagnosis of CKD in cardiovascular and diabetes programs is of concern.