Use of simplified models for theoretical prediction of the interactions between available antibodies and the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

The negative impact of infectious diseases like COVID-19 on public health and the global economy is evident. This pandemic represents a significant challenge for the scientific community to develop new practical analytical methods for accurately diagnosing emerging cases. Due to their selectivity and sensitivity, new methodologies based on antigen/antibody interactions to detect COVID-19 biomarkers are necessary. In this context, the theoretical, computational modeling reduces experimental efforts and saves resources for rational biosensor design. This study proposes using molecular dynamics to predict the interactions between the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein simplified model and a set of highly characterized antibodies. The binding free energy of the antigen/antibody complexes was calculated for the simplified models and compared against the complete SARS-CoV-2 ectodomain to validate the methodology. The structural data derived from our molecular dynamics and end-point free energy calculations showed a positive correlation between both approximations, with a 0.82 Pearson correlation coefficient; t = 3.661, df = 3, p-value = 0.03522, with a 95% confident interval. Furthermore, we identified the interfacial residues that could generate covalent bonds with a specific chemical surface without perturbing the binding dynamics to develop highly sensitive and specific diagnostic devices. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Brazil's Community Health Workers Practicing Narrative Medicine: Patients' Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Narrative medicine (NM) encourages health care providers to draw on their personal experiences to establish therapeutic alliances with patients of prevention and care services. NM medicine practiced by nurses and physicians has been well documented, yet there is little understanding of how community health workers (CHWs) apply NM concepts in their day-to-day practices from patient perspectives. OBJECTIVE: To document how CHWs apply specific NM concepts in Brazil's Family Health Strategy (FHS), the key component of Brazil's Unified Health System. DESIGN: We used a semi-structured interview, grounded in Charon's (2001) framework, including four types of NM relationships: provider-patient, provider-colleague, provider-society, and provider-self. A hybrid approach of thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 27 patients. KEY RESULTS: Sample: 18 females; 13 White, 12 "Pardo" (mixed races), 12 Black. We found: (1) provider-patient relationship-CHWs offered health education through compassion, empathy, trustworthiness, patience, attentiveness, jargon-free communication, and altruism; (2) provider-colleague relationship-CHWs lacked credibility as perceived by physicians, impacting their effectiveness negatively; (3) provider-society relationship-CHWs mobilized patients civically and politically to advocate for and address emerging health care and prevention needs; (4) provider-self relationship-patients identified possible low self-esteem among CHWs and a need to engage in self-care practices to abate exhaustion from intense labor and lack of resources. CONCLUSION: This study adds to patient perspectives on how CHWs apply NM concepts to build and sustain four types of relationships. Findings suggest the need to improve provider-colleague relationships by ongoing training to foster cooperation among FHS team members. More generous organizational supports (wellness initiatives and supervision) may facilitate the provider-self relationship. Public education on CHWs' roles is needed to enhance the professional and societal credibility of their roles and responsibilities. Future research should investigate how CHWs' personality traits may influence their ability to apply NM.

Screening sarcopenia through SARC-F in postmenopausal women: a single-center study from South America.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of postmenopausal women at high risk of sarcopenia and to compare their quality of life (QOL) with those at low risk using the SARC-F questionnaire. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of postmenopausal women who attended a menopause clinic in Colombia. The risk of sarcopenia was determined through the SARC-F questionnaire; a score ≥4 was considered high risk. The Menopause Rating Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tool were applied. Results: A total of 112 postmenopausal women with an average age of 68.4 ± 8.5 years were included. The prevalence of women at high risk of sarcopenia was 15.2% (n = 17) (95% confidence interval: 9.7; 23.0). Among the high-risk group there was a higher proportion of women with severe symptoms in the three domains when compared to the low-risk group (somatic 7% vs. 24%, psychological 15% vs. 44%, and urogenital 28% vs. 53%; p < 0.05). A tendency to a lower physical performance was found in the high-risk group (SPPB: 8 [interquartile range: 6-11] vs. SPPB: 10 [interquartile range: 8-11), p = 0.059). Conclusion: Our results suggest that women with high risk of sarcopenia have a poor QOL. The SARC-F questionnaire is a brief and non-invasive screening tool to detect postmenopausal women at high risk of sarcopenia.

Timed artificial insemination plus heat II: gonadorelin injection in cows with low estrus expression scores increased pregnancy in progesterone/estradiol-based protocol.

The use of tail chalk and estrus/heat expression scores (HEATSC) evaluation is instrumental in identifying cows with greater estrus expression and greater artificial insemination pregnancy rates (P/AI) in cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI), and cows with low or no estrus expression present lower P/AI. It was intended in this study to improve the pregnancy rates in TAI for Bos indicus beef cows, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection was hypothesized to increase pregnancy rates in a TAI program for cows submitted to progesterone-estradiol-based protocols with low or no estrus expression, evaluated by HEATSC. Cows (n= 2284) received a progesterone device and 2 mg estradiol benzoate, after 8 days the device was removed and 1 mg estradiol cypionate, 150 µg of d-cloprostenol and 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was administered. All cows were marked with chalk and HEATSC evaluated (scales 1 to 3) at TAI performed on day 10. Animals with HEATSC1 and HEATSC2 (n= 937) received 100 µg de gonadorelin (GNRH group; n= 470), or 1 ml saline (Control group; n= 467), and cows with HEATSC3 (named HEAT group; n= 1347) received no additional treatment. The larger dominant follicle, evaluated on day 8and at TAI (day 10), was greater in HEAT group (P= 0.0145 and P <0.001, respectively). Corpus luteum (CL) area and progesterone concentration was evaluated on day 17, and CL area was larger in HEAT group, intermediary in Control and lower in GnRH group (Control= 2.68 cm2, GnRH= 2.37 cm2, HEAT group= 3.07 cm2, P <0.001). Greater progesterone concentrations were found in HEAT group than in Control and GnRH groups (Control= 4.74 ng/ml, GnRH= 4.29 ng/ml, HEAT group= 6.08 ng/ml, P<0.001). There was a difference in ovulation rate, greater in HEAT group than GnRH and Control groups (Control= 72.5%; GnRH= 81.25%; HEAT group= 90.71%; P= 0.0024). Artificial insemination pregnancy rates was greater in HEAT group (57.09% (769/1347) than in Control and GNRH groups, with positive effect of GnRH injection at the time of TAI in P/AI (Control= 36.18% (169/467), GnRH= 45.95% (216/470); P<0.0001). In conclusion, GnRH application in cows with low HEATSC (1 and 2) is a simple strategy, requiring no changes in TAI management to increase pregnancy rates in postpartum beef cows submitted to progesterone-estradiol-based TAI protocols, without reaching, however, the pregnancy rates of cows that demonstrate high estrus expression at the TAI.

Rotavirus VP6 protein as a bio-electrochemical scaffold: Molecular dynamics and experimental electrochemistry.

This paper reports a theoretical and experimental investigation on the recombinant protein rotavirus VP6 as a bioelectrochemical interface. Our motivation arises from the highly active zones of VP6 which can interact with biological structures and metals, as well as its useful features such as self-assembly, polymorphism, and active surface charge. A molecular simulation study was performed to analyze the charge transfer properties of theVP6 trimer under an applied electric field. The electrostatic properties were evaluated via the nonlinear second-order Poisson-Boltzmann equation, using finite element methods based on parameter discretization and calculation of solute/solvent interaction forces, which account for mean-field screening effects. The electrochemical study validated the theoretical predictions for VP6 in their different assemblies (trimers and nanotubes) when they are used as electrodes in 10 mM K3[Fe(CN)6], 1 M KCl. Applying a potential sweep promotes charge transfer, facilitates redox activity of the ferricyanide ion. Furthermore, protein assemblies decreased electrode electrical resistance and enabled gold particle electrodeposition on the protein VP6. These results suggest that VP6 is a promising conductive biomaterial that promotes charge transfer of redox probes and could be used as a new scaffold to create bio-electrochemical interfaces.

Hallazgos citológicos y factores de riesgo asociados a lesión cervical en mujeres pertenecientes a tres etnias indígenas del Estado Zulia / Cytological findings and risk factors associated to cervical lesions in indigenous women belonging to three etnias of Zulia State

El cáncer de cuello uterino (CaCu) representa un problema de salud pública y es considerado la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en mujeres. Se han descrito factores de riesgo, los cuales están relacionados con hábitos, conductas y agentes infecciosos tales como el Virus de Inmunodeficiencia humana, herpes virus, Chlamydia trachomatis y Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH). Con el fin de establecer los factores de riesgo y detectar lesiones preinvasivas de cérvix, se seleccionaron 101 mujeres de tres etnias indígenas, a las cuales se les realizó una encuesta clínico-epidemiológica, además del estudio citológico. Del total de pacientes estudiadas un 66,34% presentaron algún tipo de alteración, siendo las Yukpa las más afectadas, así mismo 21 (20,79%) presentaron neoplasia intraepitelial cervical y se encontraron agentes infecciosos en un 56,51% de las mujeres. En un 26,21% de las pacientes se encontraron células coilocíticas sugestivas de VPH. Al analizar los factores de riesgo se encontró que el inicio de relaciones sexuales antes de los 15 años, y el consumo de alcohol fueron los más relevantes. Es de importancia el diagnóstico oportuno en estas comunidades que se encuentran desasistidas y sin acceso a centros de salud, ya sea por condiciones de vida o por implicaciones culturales.

The cervical cancer represents a problem of public health and is considered the second reason of death by cancer in women. There have been described factors associated, related to the conduct, habits and infectious agents, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, herpes virus, Chlamydia trachomatis and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In order to establish risk factors and detect preinvasive cervical lesions, 101 samples of women from three indigenous ethnic groups of Zulia State were selected; to which a clinical-epidemiological survey was carried out to study the predisposing factors, in addition to the cytological study. Of the total of patients studied 33.66% were negative to the cytological study, while 66.34% had some type of alteration, observing that the Yukpa the most affected, 21 (20.79%) presented Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and related infectious agents were found in 56.51% of the women. Coelocytic cells suggestive of HPV were found in 26.21% of all patients. When we analyzed the risk factors, we found that, the onset of sexual intercourse before age 15 as well as alcohol consumption were the most relevant. According to the findings, it is important the timely diagnosis in these communities, which are disassociated, and without access to health centers, whether due to living conditions or cultural implications.

The electronic and optical properties of the sulvanite compounds: a many-body perturbation and time-dependent density functional theory study.

We have studied, by means of first-principles calculations, the electronic and optical properties of the sulvanite family: Cu3MX4 (M = V, Nb, Ta and X = S, Se), which, due to its broad range of gaps and chemical stability, have emerged as promising materials for technological applications such as photovoltaics and transparent conductivity. To address the reliability of those properties we have used semi-local and hybrid functionals (PBEsol, HSE06), many-body perturbation theory (G0W0 approximation and Bethe-Salpeter equation), and time-dependent density functional theory (revised bootstrap kernel) to calculate the quasi-particle dispersion relation, band gaps, the imaginary part of the macroscopic dielectric function and the absorption coefficient. The calculated valence band maximum and the conduction band minimum are located at the R and X-points, respectively. The calculated gaps using PBEsol are between 0.81 and 1.88 eV, with HSE06 into 1.73 and 2.94 eV, whereas the G0W0 values fall into the 1.91-3.19 eV range. The calculated dielectric functions and absorption coefficients show that all these compounds present continuous excitonic features when the Bethe-Salpeter equation is used. Contrarily, the revised bootstrap kernel is incapable of describing the excitonic spectra. The calculated optical spectra show that Cu3VS4 and Cu3MSe4 have good absorption in the visible, whereas Cu3NbS4 and Cu3TaS4 have it on the near ultraviolet.

Assessing photocatalytic power of g-C3N4 for solar fuel production: A first-principles study involving quasi-particle theory and dispersive forces.

First-principles quasi-particle theory has been employed to assess catalytic power of graphitic carbon nitride, g-C3N4, for solar fuel production. A comparative study between g-h-triazine and g-h-heptazine has been carried out taking also into account van der Waals dispersive forces. The band edge potentials have been calculated using a recently developed approach where quasi-particle effects are taken into account through the GW approximation. First, it was found that the description of ground state properties such as cohesive and surface formation energies requires the proper treatment of dispersive interaction. Furthermore, through the analysis of calculated band-edge potentials, it is shown that g-h-triazine has high reductive power reaching the potential to reduce CO2 to formic acid, coplanar g-h-heptazine displays the highest thermodynamics force toward H2O/O2 oxidation reaction, and corrugated g-h-heptazine exhibits a good capacity for both reactions. This rigorous theoretical study shows a route to further improve the catalytic performance of g-C3N4.

Multivariate analysis of coconut residues by near infrared spectroscopy.

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the content of Klason lignin, acid-soluble lignin, total lignin, extractives, ash, acid-insoluble residue, glucose, xylose, rhamnose, galactose, arabinose, mannose and total sugars in coconut residues. The samples were analyzed at several processing stages: wet unground (WU), dried unground (DU) and dried and sieved (DS). Partial least squares models were built, and the models for the analytes exhibited R(2)>0.80, with the exceptions of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, mannose and ash from all fractions, and the lignin content from the WU fraction, which were predicted poorly (R(2)<0.70). There were some significant differences between the models for the main lignocellulosic components at the various stages of biomass. These results proved that NIR spectroscopy is useful for analysis at biorefineries, and it can be used as a faster and more economical alternative to the standard methods.

The landscape and therapeutic relevance of cancer-associated transcript fusions.

Transcript fusions as a result of chromosomal rearrangements have been a focus of attention in cancer as they provide attractive therapeutic targets. To identify novel fusion transcripts with the potential to be exploited therapeutically, we analyzed RNA sequencing, DNA copy number and gene mutation data from 4366 primary tumor samples. To avoid false positives, we implemented stringent quality criteria that included filtering of fusions detected in RNAseq data from 364 normal tissue samples. Our analysis identified 7887 high confidence fusion transcripts across 13 tumor types. Our fusion prediction was validated by evidence of a genomic rearrangement for 78 of 79 fusions in 48 glioma samples where whole-genome sequencing data were available. Cancers with higher levels of genomic instability showed a corresponding increase in fusion transcript frequency, whereas tumor samples harboring fusions contained statistically significantly fewer driver gene mutations, suggesting an important role for tumorigenesis. We identified at least one in-frame protein kinase fusion in 324 of 4366 samples (7.4%). Potentially druggable kinase fusions involving ALK, ROS, RET, NTRK and FGFR gene families were detected in bladder carcinoma (3.3%), glioblastoma (4.4%), head and neck cancer (1.0%), low-grade glioma (1.5%), lung adenocarcinoma (1.6%), lung squamous cell carcinoma (2.3%) and thyroid carcinoma (8.7%), suggesting a potential for application of kinase inhibitors across tumor types. In-frame fusion transcripts involving histone methyltransferase or histone demethylase genes were detected in 111 samples (2.5%) and may additionally be considered as therapeutic targets. In summary, we described the landscape of transcript fusions detected across a large number of tumor samples and revealed fusion events with clinical relevance that have not been previously recognized. Our results support the concept of basket clinical trials where patients are matched with experimental therapies based on their genomic profile rather than the tissue where the tumor originated.

Pineal gland function is required for colon antipreneoplastic effects of physical exercise in rats.

Light-at-night exposure enhances the risk of cancer. Colon cancer is among the most dangerous tumors affecting humankind. Physical exercise has shown positive effects against colon cancer. Here, we investigated whether pineal gland modulates antipreneoplastic effects of physical exercise in the colon. Surgical and non-surgical pineal impairments were performed to clarify the relationship between the pineal gland activity and manifestation of colonic preneoplastic lesions. Next, a progressive swimming training was applied in rats exposed or not to either non-surgical pineal impairment or carcinogen treatment for 10 weeks. Both surgical and non-surgical pineal impairments increased the development of colon preneoplasia. It was further found that impairing the pineal gland function, higher rates of DNA damage were induced in colonic epithelial and enteric glial cells. Physical exercise acted positively against preneoplasia, whereas impairing the pineal function with constant light exposure disrupts its positive effects on the development of preneoplastic lesions in the colon. This was yet related to increased DNA damage in glial cells and enteric neuronal activation aside from serum melatonin levels. Our findings suggest that protective effects of physical exercise against colon cancer are dependent on the pineal gland activity.

High-density dependence but low impact on selected reproduction parameters of Brucella suis biovar 2 in wild boar hunting estates from South-Western Spain.

Porcine brucellosis is a disease caused by Brucella suis, which is characterized by reproductive disorders in pigs. The number of cases of swine brucellosis has risen in many European countries, likely because of the presence of a wild reservoir of B. suis in wild boar. This study aimed at evaluating factors that may influence the probability of infection with Brucella spp. in wild boar and at assessing the impact of a previous contact with Brucella spp. on reproductive parameters of wild boar. Two hundred and four wild boar living in Extremadura (south-western Spain) were studied. The presence of anti-Brucella antibodies was determined using an indirect ELISA, while the presence of living bacteria in genital organs was evaluated through microbiological cultures. Sex, age, density of wild boar in summer and presence of outdoor pigs were selected as possible risk factors for being seropositive for Brucella spp. in wild boar. In addition, reproductive parameters such as breeding status or potential fertility in females and testis weight in males were estimated and related to the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies. A total of 121 animals were seropositive, resulting in a prevalence of 59.3% (95% CI). In addition, seven isolates of B. suis biovar 2 were obtained. Wild boar density in summer, as well as age and sex, was proposed as factors to explain the probability of Brucella seroconversion, although wild boar density in summer was the key factor. Current measures of reproductive parameters were not influenced by a previous contact with Brucella spp. Isolation of B. suis confirms that wild boar could represent a risk to domestic pig health in the study area. Wild boar density seems to have a great influence in the probability of infections with B. suis and suggests that density management could be useful to control Brucella infection in wild boar.

[Older people admitted to the emergency department after a fall: what to do?]. / Patients âgés admis aux urgences suite à une chute: que faire?

Falls in older people are frequent. Falls may lead to serious injuries and are associated with greater morbidity, mortality, and reduced overall functioning in the older population. Evidences exist regarding the beneficial effects of fall prevention programs. However, these interventions are rarely implemented in our health system. Older people admitted to the emergency department after a fall should get careful attention in order to initiate specific interventions to prevent new falls. This article provides a clinical assessment strategy to evaluate older persons after a fall and proposes an algorithm for discharge planning decision.

Outbreak of swine erysipelas in a semi-intensive wild boar farm in Spain.

Swine erysipelas (SE) is a disease caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and is one of the best-known and most serious diseases affecting domestic pigs. However, few studies exist concerning the susceptibility of wild boars to this disease and the role of this species as a reservoir. This study investigates and describes an outbreak of SE that occurred on a semi-intensive wild boar breeding farm housing 40 boars in Extremadura (SW Spain) on 11-18 February 2010. Seven animals died, of which four were examined post-mortem. Of these, three (two females and one male) were approximately 3 months old, and one was 1 year old (male). Lesions were consistent with acute septicaemia, consisting of cutaneous erythema/cyanosis and petechial haemorrhages in kidneys, urinary bladder, lungs and meninges. The 1-year-old male also had proliferative polyarthritis. Histopathology confirmed the presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation and vasculitis. Additionally, a bilateral acute panuveitis with concurrent necrotizing vasculitis and diffuse corneal oedema, neither of which have been described before in this disease, were found in the 3-month-old male boar. E. rhusiopathiae was isolated from all four animals in pure cultures from several tissues. Of these four animals, antibodies against E. rhusiopathiae, using an indirect ELISA test, were only detected in the 1-year-old male boar with polyarthritis. Posteriorly, of nine live adults tested for antibodies, four (including an adult male with polyarthritis) were positive.

Análisis de diferentes variables antropométricas y bioquímicas y su relación con hábitos de vida familiares en población obesa / Analisis of different anthropometric and biochemical variables and its relation to life habits in children with obesity

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar si existe correlación entre el índice da masa corporal (IMC) de los niños con obesidad con los parámetros antropométricos familiares, hábitos de vida y parámetros bioquímicos. Pacientes: niños entre 2-17 años .Todos los pacientes y sus padres rellenaron encuestas donde se recogieron datos personales y habitos de vida. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio 108 niños con obesidad 44,4% niños. Edad media de 10 años (2-17 años). El 56% prepuberales. El IMC medio de 27,8 % (+4,4DS). No encontramos correlación entre el IMC del niño y el nivel de estudios familiar ni con la situación laboral familiar, ni con quién le acompaña por las tardes. Sólo el 4,6% obtienen una puntuación < 3, en calidad de la dieta (KIDMED). Los niños dedican 3,3 horas al día a actividades sedentarias. Se encontró correlación entre el nº total de actividades sedentarias y el IMC del niño (r=0,205;p=0,004). También el peso con IMC de los progenitores(r= 0,427;P<0,001).Solo se correlacionan con el IMC la insulina, péptido C y índice HOMA, por encima de los valores normales. Conclusiones: La actividad sedentaria es uno de los parámetros fundamentales en el desarrollo de la obesidad. Dada la relación del IMC, la insulinemia y el índice HOMA, y teniendo en cuenta que estos valores están por encima de los valores normales, el mantenimiento de esta situación en el tiempo, podría ser el responsable del síndrome metabólico en el adulto (AU)

Objetive: The objective of this study has been to analyze if there is correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of children with obesity with the anthropometric parameters of their relatives and habits of life. Patients: children between 2-17 years of age. All the patients and their parents filled up a survey where they gathered data on anthropometry, and life style. Results: 108 children participated in the study. 44,4% boys. Average age of 10 years (2-17 years). 56% prepubertal. BMI means of 27,8% (+4,4DS). We didn´t found any correlation between the BMI of the child and the familiar level of studies neither with their labor situation. Only 4,6% obtain a score < 3, in quality of the diet (KIDMED). The children dedicate 3.3 hours of the day to sedentary activities. There was correlation between total nº of sedentary activities and the BMI of the boy (r=0,205; p=0,004), and the weight with BMI of the ancestors (r= 0,427; P< 0,001) too. Insulin, peptide C and index HOMA are correlated with BMI, these values are over the normal range. Conclusions: Sedentary activity is one of the fundamental parameters in the development of the obesity. Given the relation between BMI, insulinemia and index HOMA, and considering that these values are upon the normal values, the maintenance of this situation in time, could be the responsible of the metabolic syndrome in the adult (AU)

Structural stability and reversible unfolding of recombinant porcine S100A12.

Porcine S100A12 is a member of the S100 proteins, family of small acidic calcium-binding proteins characterized by the presence of two EF-hand motifs. These proteins are involved in many cellular events such as the regulation of protein phosphorylation, enzymatic activity, protein-protein interaction, Ca2+ homeostasis, inflammatory processes and intermediate filament polymerization. In addition, members of this family bind Zn2+ or Ca2+ with cooperative effect on binding. In this study, the gene sequence encoding porcine S100A12 was obtained by the synthetic gene approach using E. coli codon bias. Additionally, we report a thermodynamic study of the recombinant S100A12 using circular dichroism, fluorescence and isothermal titration calorimetry. The results of urea and temperature induced unfolding and refolding processes indicated a reversible two-state process. Also, the ANS fluorescence studies showed that in presence of divalent ions the protein exposes hydrophobic sites which could facilitate the interaction with other proteins and trigger the physiological responses.

Immunomodulatory properties of a viral homolog of human interleukin-10 expressed by human cytomegalovirus during the latent phase of infection.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes a latent infection in hematopoietic cells, from which it can reactivate to cause significant disease in immunocompromised individuals. HCMV expresses a functional homolog of the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 (termed cmvIL-10), and alternate splicing of the cmvIL-10 transcript results in expression of a latency-associated cmvIL-10 transcript (LAcmvIL-10). To determine whether LAcmvIL-10 encodes immunosuppressive functions, recombinant LAcmvIL-10 protein was generated, and its impact on major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) expression was examined on granulocyte macrophage progenitor cells (GM-Ps) and monocytes. LAcmvIL-10 (and cmvIL-10) downregulated MHC-II on the surfaces of both cell types. This downregulation was associated with a decrease in total MHC-II protein and transcription of components of the MHC-II biosynthesis pathway. Unlike cmvIL-10, LAcmvIL-10 did not trigger phosphorylation of Stat3, and its ability to downregulate MHC-II was not blocked by neutralizing antibodies to the human IL-10 receptor, suggesting that LAcmvIL-10 either does not engage the cellular IL-10 receptor or utilizes it in a different manner from cmvIL-10. The impact of LAcmvIL-10 on dendritic cell (DC) maturation was also assessed. In contrast to cmvIL-10, LAcmvIL-10 did not inhibit the expression of costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, and CD86 and the maturation marker CD83 on DCs, nor did it inhibit proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha). Thus, LAcmvIL-10 retains some, but not all, of the immunosuppressive functions of cmvIL-10. As GM-Ps and monocytes support latent infection, expression of LAcmvIL-10 may enable HCMV to avoid immune recognition and clearance during latency.

Utilidad del Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) como método para valorar la resistencia a la insulina en individuos que presentan al menos uno de los cinco criterios para síndrome metabólico definido por los criterios del NCEP-ATP-III / Utility of the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) as method to value the insulin resistance in adults that present at least one of the five criteria for metabolic syndrome as defined by the NCEP-ATP-III

Objetivo: Establecer la utilidad del HOMA-IR como método matemático para valorar la resistencia a la insulina (RI) en individuos que presentan al menos uno de los cinco criterios para el diagnóstico del síndrome metabólico (SM) de acuerdo con el NCEP-ATPIII y correlacionarlo con métodos clínicos sencillos, como el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el perímetro de cintura (PC). Material y métodos: Se analizan los datos de una encuesta realizada en el año 2004 en 125 individuos sin diabetes mellitus de entre 20 y 79 años que viven en Guayaquil (Ecuador), escogidos por presentar al menos uno de los cinco criterios del SM definido por el NCEP-ATP-III. A todos se les realizó un examen físico (IMC, PC y presión arterial [PA]) y determinaciones basales de laboratorio (glucosa, cHDL, triglicéridos e insulina) en búsqueda de los otros criterios. El HOMA-IR se calculó mediante la fórmula: Insulina plasmática en ayunas (mUI/L) 3 glucosa plasmática en ayunas (mmol/ L)/22,5. Se consideró RI cuando los valores HOMA-IR eran iguales o superiores a 2,8. Resultados: La prevalencia de RI fue del 57,6%. Los varones con obesidad central tuvieron un HOMA-IR más alto que aquéllos con obesidad no central (p <0,05). Las concentraciones plasmáticas en ayunas de triglicéridos (p <0,02), glucosa (p <0,02) e insulina (p <0,001) fueron más altas en las mujeres obesas con RI que en las mujeres obesas con sensibilidad normal a la insulina (SNI). Entre los varones, la concentración plasmática de insulina fue más alta en los obesos con RI que en aquellos con SNI (p <0,02). El IMC y las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (cHDL) no se diferenciaron estadísticamente en ninguno de los subgrupos. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de RI, medida a través del HOMA-IR, en individuos con alto riesgo de SM es alta. La utilización del HOMA-IR para evaluar a un paciente durante el diagnóstico constituye una herramienta muy útil por ser poco costosa, de fácil y rápida realización, poco invasiva y aportar información clínica de gran valor práctico. El PC puede servir como herramienta clínica sencilla para evaluar la obesidad central y es posible emplearlo para predecir qué individuos probablemente tienen SM, independientemente de la grasa corporal total calculada mediante el IMC

Objective: To establish the utility of HOMA-IR as a mathematical model to value the insulin resistance (IR) in adults having at least one of the 5 criteria of the metabolic syndrome (MS) as defined by the NCEP-ATP-III and to correlate it with simple clinical methods as the body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC). Material and methods: We analyzed data from a survey conducted in 2004 with 125 adults without diabetes mellitus aged >20 years living in the city of Guayaquil-Ecuador, chosen because they presented at least 1 of the 5 criteria of the MS defi ned by the NCEP-ATP-III. All of them were submitted to physical examination and measurement (BMI, WC, and blood pressure) and basal laboratory analyses (glucose, cHDL, triglycerides and insulin), in search of the other criteria. HOMAR-IR was calculated by means of the formula: plasmatic insuline before food intake (mUI/L) 3 plasmatic glucose before food intake (mmol/L)/22.5. It was considered IR when HOMA-IR values were equal or greates than 9.8. Results: The prevalence of IR was of 57.6%. Men with central obesity had an HOMA-IR higher than those with non central obesity (p <0.05). The plasmatic concentrations of triglycerides (p <0.02), glucose (p <0.02), and insulin (p <0.001) were higher in the obese women with IR than in obese women with normal insulin sensitivity (NIS). Among men the plasmatic concentration of insulin was higher in the obese ones with IR than in those with NIS (p <0.02). The BMI and the cHDL didn’t differ statistically in none of the subgroups. Conclusions: The prevalence of IR, measured through HOMA-IR, in adults with high risk of MS is high. The uses of HOMA-IR to evaluate a patient during the diagnosis constitutes a very useful tool because it is not very expensive, it is of easy and quick implementation, little invasive and it brings clinical information of great practical value. The WC can be a simple clinical tool to determine central obesity and it is possible to use it to predict which individuals would probably have the MS, independently of total body fat calculated by means of the BMI

Cinética enzimática de la polifenol oxidasa del banano Gros Michel en diferentes estados de maduración / Enzime kinetics of poliphenol oxidase from Gros Michel banana through different maturation stages

La poscosecha del banano se acompaña de múltiples reacciones enzimáticas, causantes de la degradación de almidones y clorofila, de la síntesis de azúcares y carotenos, y de los cambios en la acidez, ablandamiento de tejidos y pardeamiento enzimático. Este pardeamiento es causado por la acción de la Polifenol Oxidasa (PFO) sobre fenoles contenidos en el fruto y es considerado un cambio indeseable por el consumidor. Con el objeto de determinar el momento de mínima actividad enzimática para lograr su óptimo color, textura, actividad de agua, humedad y grados Brix, y luego se midió la cinética enzimática aprovechando la formación de color café durante el pardeamiento, empleando un espectrofotómetro de UV-visible a 420nm. También se cuantificó la cantidad de proteína (enzima) mediante el método de Bradford (lectura a 595nm). Una vez identificadas las cinéticas de cada estado de maduración, se hizo una comparación entre cada uno de los grupos mediante la técnica estadística de Análisis de Varianza con Medidas Repetidas en el tiempo, que mostró una marcada diferencia, estadísticamente significativa, entre los bananos de menor y mayor estado de maduración en forma decreciente, y se encontró el punto mínimo de actividad de la enzima en los estados más avanzados de maduración

Concentraciones de hemoglobina glucosilada A1c, lipoproteínas de baja densidad y valores de presión arterial en adultos diagnosticados previamente de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoproteins and blood pressure among adults with previously diagnosed diabetes

Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de control de los factores de riesgo para enfermedad vascular en adultos diagnosticados previamente de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), que acuden de manera regular a la consulta ambulatoria de endocrinología. Material y método: Analizamos los datos de una encuesta conducida durante el año 2004 en 129 sujetos diagnosticados previamente de DM2. Los participantes eran adultos entre 20 y 80 años y participaron tanto en la entrevista como en el examen. Los principales parámetros medidos fueron las concentraciones de hemoglobina glucosilada A1c (HbA1c), el colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL) y los valores de presión arterial (PA) en referencia a los objetivos establecidos para personas con diabetes por la Asociación Americana de Diabetes (ADA). Se utilizó el promedio de un mínimo de 3 valores obtenidos a lo largo del año. Resultados: El 20,2% de los participantes alcanzó el objetivo para HbA1c 8% (un 17,6% en varones y un 29,5% en mujeres), concentración por encima de los valores de HbA1c que recomiendan emprender acciones. Sólo el 7,8% de los participantes alcanzó concentraciones de cLDL = 140 o PAD >= 80 mmHg). Sólo el 1,6% de los adultos con DM consiguieron los 3 objetivos recomendados para HbA1c < 7%, PA < 130/80 mmHg y cLDL < 100 mg/dl. Conclusiones: Son necesarios esfuerzos más enérgicos en el campo de la salud pública para el control de los factores de riesgo para enfermedad vascular en individuos con DM diagnosticada

Objective: To evaluate the degree of control of risk factors for vascular disease in adults with previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes (DM2) undergoing regular ambulatory evaluation in an endocrinology department. Material and method: We analyzed data from a survey conducted in 2004 in 129 adults with previously diagnosed DM2. Participants were adults aged 20 years old and older who participated in both the interview and examination. Main outcome measures: values of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein (cLDL) and blood pressure with reference to the target goals for persons with diabetes established by the American Diabetes Association. The means of a minimum of three values obtained throughout the year were used. Results: Only 20.2% of participants achieved the target goal of HbA1c level lower than 7.0% (19.6% in men and 20.5% in women) and 24.8% of participants were above the recommended "take action" HbA1c level of more than 8.0%. Only 7.8% of participants achieved the cLDL target of less than 100 mg/dl (9.8% in men and 6.4% in women). Less than half of the participants (45.7%) achieved the systolic blood pressure (SBP) target of less than 130 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) target of less than 80 mmHg (51.0% in men and 42.3% in women), and 31.8% had hypertensive blood pressure values (SBP > 140 mmHg or DBP > 90 mmHg). Only 1.6% of adults with diabetes attained the recommended goals of HbA1c level lower than 7.0%, cLDL lower than 100 mg/dl, and blood pressure lower than 130/80 mmHg. Conclusions: Further public health efforts are needed to control risk factors for vascular disease among individuals with diagnosed diabetes