CYTOGENETIC AND MOLECULAR RESPONSES OF AMMONIUM SULPHATE APPLICATION FOR TOLERANCE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES IN VICIA FABA L.

Effects of ammonium sulphate [(NH4)2SO4] on mitosis, cell cycle and chromosomes in Vicia faba L. seeds exposed to extreme temperatures were investigated using flowcytometric and cytogenetic analysis. Seeds germinated at high and low temperatures showed a signiicant decrease in mitotic index as compared to those of optimum temperature conditions. Application of 50 and 1000 µM (NH4)2SO4 were successful in alleviating the negative effects of low and high temperature on mitotic activity, respectively. 50 µM (NH4)2SO4 showed the most positive effect on cell cycle at the extreme temperatures. This concentration increased the cell division removing or decreasing the negative effects of temperature stress. Namely, the highest G2/M and S phase percentages under stress conditions were obtained with application of 50 µM (NH4)2SO4. Chromosomal aberrations were not observed in cells of seeds germinated in distilled water and also at any temperatures. However, the frequency of chromosomal aberrations increased significantly by increasing (NH4)2SO4 concentration. The highest aberration frequency in all temperature degree tested was found at 1000 µM (NH4)2SO4 concentration.

Asociación entre disfuncionalidad familiar y síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica en estudiantes de Cartagena, Colombia / Association between family dysfunction and clinically important depressive symptoms among students of Cartagena, Colombia

Introducción: La presencia de síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica, a lo largo del ciclo vital, es el resultado de la imbricación de múltiples factores. Se ha señalado que la disfuncionalidad familiar se relaciona positivamente con síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica; sin embargo, los datos son divergentes. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación entre disfuncionalidad familiar y síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica en adolescentes estudiantes de un colegio de un sector de estrato bajo (I) en Cartagena, Colombia. Método: Se diseñó un estudio transversal en el que participaron estudiantes de secundaria. Se cuantificó la disfuncionalidad familiar con el cuestionario de APGAR familiar y síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica con la escala de Zung para depresión. Se usó la regresión logística para controlar confusores. Resultados: Participaron 424 estudiantes de séptimo a undécimo grado con edad promedio de 14,7 años (DE=1,6), 59% mujeres y una escolaridad promedio de 8,6 (DE=1,3). Informaron disfuncionalidad familiar el 41% y síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica, el 41% de los estudiantes. Se observó falta de asociación entre disfuncionalidad familiar y síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica (OR=1,4; IC 95%: 0,92-2,1), después de controlar por otras variables. Conclusiones: La presencia de disfuncionalidad familiar y la presencia de síntomas depresivos con importancia clínica no guarda asociación significativa en estudiantes de estrato bajo...

Introduction: The presence of clinically important depressive symptoms is the result of multiple factors. It has been pointed out that dysfunctional families relate positively with depressive symptoms with clinical significance. However, data are divergent. Objective: To establish the association between family dysfunction and depressive symptoms among adolescent students of a school in a low socio-economic level sector in Cartagena, Colombia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with secondary school students. Family dysfunction was quantified with the APGAR family questionnaire, and clinically important depressive symptoms with the Zung’ scale for depression. Logistic regression was used to control confounding variables. Results: The participants were 424 students from the seventh to the eleventh grade. Average age was 14.7 years (SD=1.6), 59% were girls, and the school grade average was 8.6 (SD=1.3). Family dysfunction was present in 41% and clinically important depressive symptoms were found in 41% of students. There was a lack of association between dysfunctional families and depressive symptoms with clinical significance (OR=1.4, 95%CI 0.92-2.1), after controlling for other variables. Conclusions: Family dysfunction and clinically important depressive symptoms are not associated in students living in areas with low socio-economic levels in Cartagena, Colombia...

Nucleic acid aptamers and their complimentary antidotes. Entering an era of antithrombotic pharmacobiologic therapy.

The translation of fundamental science-based constructs to the preemptive identification and optimal management of individuals with or those at risk for thrombotic disorders of the cardiovascular system has taken a step closer to being realized with the development of molecular technologies that include nucleic acid aptamers and their complimentary oligonucleotide antidotes. Herein, we summarize our experience with factor IX and von Willebrand factor aptamers, and introduce the era of antithrombotic pharmacobiologic therapy.

Antidote-controlled platelet inhibition targeting von Willebrand factor with aptamers.

Thrombus formation is initiated by platelets and leads to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. A number of antiplatelet drugs have improved clinical outcomes for thrombosis patients. However, their expanded use, especially in surgery, is limited by hemorrhage. Here, we describe an antiplatelet agent that can have its activity controlled by a matched antidote. We demonstrate that an RNA aptamer targeting von Willebrand factor (VWF) can potently inhibit VWF-mediated platelet adhesion and aggregation. By targeting this important adhesion step, we show that the aptamer molecule can inhibit platelet aggregation in PFA-100 and ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation assays. Furthermore, we show that a rationally designed antidote molecule can reverse the effects of the aptamer molecule, restoring platelet function quickly and effectively over a clinically relevant period. This aptamer-antidote pair represents a reversible antiplatelet agent inhibiting a platelet specific pathway. Furthermore, it is an important step towards creating safer drugs in clinics through the utilization of an antidote molecule.