MELD 3.0 adequately predicts mortality and renal replacement therapy requirements in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis.

Background & Aims: Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score better predicts mortality in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) but could underestimate severity in women and malnourished patients. Using a global cohort, we assessed the ability of the MELD 3.0 score to predict short-term mortality in AH. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to hospital with AH from 2009 to 2019. The main outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. We compared the AUC using DeLong's method and also performed a time-dependent AUC with competing risks analysis. Results: A total of 2,124 patients were included from 28 centres from 10 countries on three continents (median age 47.2 ± 11.2 years, 29.9% women, 71.3% with underlying cirrhosis). The median MELD 3.0 score at admission was 25 (20-33), with an estimated survival of 73.7% at 30 days. The MELD 3.0 score had a better performance in predicting 30-day mortality (AUC:0.761, 95%CI:0.732-0.791) compared with MELD sodium (MELD-Na; AUC: 0.744, 95% CI: 0.713-0.775; p = 0.042) and Maddrey's discriminant function (mDF) (AUC: 0.724, 95% CI: 0.691-0.757; p = 0.013). However, MELD 3.0 did not perform better than traditional MELD (AUC: 0.753, 95% CI: 0.723-0.783; p = 0.300) and Age-Bilirubin-International Normalised Ratio-Creatinine (ABIC) (AUC:0.757, 95% CI: 0.727-0.788; p = 0.765). These results were consistent in competing-risk analysis, where MELD 3.0 (AUC: 0.757, 95% CI: 0.724-0.790) predicted better 30-day mortality compared with MELD-Na (AUC: 0.739, 95% CI: 0.708-0.770; p = 0.028) and mDF (AUC:0.717, 95% CI: 0.687-0.748; p = 0.042). The MELD 3.0 score was significantly better in predicting renal replacement therapy requirements during admission compared with the other scores (AUC: 0.844, 95% CI: 0.805-0.883). Conclusions: MELD 3.0 demonstrated better performance compared with MELD-Na and mDF in predicting 30-day and 90-day mortality, and was the best predictor of renal replacement therapy requirements during admission for AH. However, further prospective studies are needed to validate its extensive use in AH. Impact and implications: Severe AH has high short-term mortality. The establishment of treatments and liver transplantation depends on mortality prediction. We evaluated the performance of the new MELD 3.0 score to predict short-term mortality in AH in a large global cohort. MELD 3.0 performed better in predicting 30- and 90-day mortality compared with MELD-Na and mDF, but was similar to MELD and ABIC scores. MELD 3.0 was the best predictor of renal replacement therapy requirements. Thus, further prospective studies are needed to support the wide use of MELD 3.0 in AH.

SARS-CoV-2 self-testing in Peru: a cross-sectional survey of values and attitudes of the general population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the values of and attitudes towards the use of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen-detection tests for self-testing in a rural and an urban area in Peru. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, street-based population survey. SETTING: A series of over 400 randomly selected street points in Valle del Mantaro and in Lima. PARTICIPANTS: 438 respondents (203 female) participated. They were all older than 17 years and provided informed consent for participation. INTERVENTION: All respondents answered on the spot, a 35-item questionnaire developed in KoboToolbox. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes of interest were: likelihood to use a SARS-CoV-2 self-test; willingness to pay for a SARS-CoV-2 self-test and likelihood to comply with recommended actions following a positive SARS-CoV-2 self-test result. Bivariate analyses and Poisson regression (PR) analyses were performed to identify significant associations between dependent variables and independent variables pertaining to respondents' characteristics, risk perception and previous experiences with conventional COVID-19 testing. RESULTS: Of the 438 respondents, 51.49% had previous experience with conventional COVID-19 testing; 20.37% had COVID-19 disease; 86.96% accepted the idea of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing; and, 78.95% would be likely to use it if needed. Almost all (94.75%) would pay for a self-testing device (mean acceptable payment: US$10.4) if it was not provided free of charge by health authorities. Overall, 93.12%, 86.93% and 85.32% would self-isolate, report the results and warn their contacts, respectively. Being a female (adjusted PR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09, p<0.018), having completed secondary education (adjusted PR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37, p<0.024) and expressing likelihood to use self-testing (adjusted PR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.16, p<0.0.24) could be predictors of willingness to pay for a self-test. CONCLUSIONS: Self-testing is perceived as an acceptable approach. Health authorities in Peru should facilitate access to this approach to complement healthcare facilities-led testing efforts for COVID-19. Future research is necessary to understand the impact of self-testing in case detection and pandemic control.

Ruxolitinib as a treatment strategy for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: clinical experience in a real-world setting.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection is characterised by a viral phase and a severe pro-inflammatory phase. The inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway limits the pro-inflammatory state in moderate to severe COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: We analysed the data obtained by an observational cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia treated with ruxolitinib in 22 hospitals of Mexico. The applied dose was determined based on physician's criteria. The benefit of ruxolitinib was evaluated using the 8-points ordinal scale developed by the NIH in the ACTT1 trial. Duration of hospital stay, changes in pro-inflammatory laboratory values, mortality, and toxicity were also measured. RESULTS: A total of 287 patients were reported at 22 sites in Mexico from March to June 2020; 80.8% received ruxolitinib 5 mg BID and 19.16% received ruxolitinib 10 mg BID plus standard of care. At beginning of treatment, 223 patients were on oxygen support and 59 on invasive ventilation. The percentage of patients on invasive ventilation was 53% in the 10 mg and 13% in the 5 mg cohort. A statistically significant improvement measured as a reduction by 2 points on the 8-point ordinal scale was described (baseline 5.39 ± 0.93, final 3.67± 2.98, p = 0.0001). There were 74 deaths. Serious adverse events were presented in 6.9% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ruxolitinib appears to be safe in COVID-19 patients, with clinical benefits observed in terms of decrease in the 8-point ordinal scale and pro-inflammatory state. Further studies must be done to ensure efficacy against mortality.

Feasibility of Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in the Treatment of Oxygen-Dependent COVID-19 Patients in Peru.

Intensive care is expensive, and availability is limited. Low- and middle-income countries in particular have struggled to cope with the large influx of critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noninvasive respiratory support devices delivering continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) require less resource and staff expertise compared with invasive mechanical ventilators and can be routinely used outside of intensive care units. This study assessed the use of the UCL-Ventura Wayrachi CPAP device in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Peru. A secondary analysis of data collected for a feasibility study commissioned by the Peruvian Ministry of Health was conducted. Data were collected from three hospitals, including patient demographics, clinical data, and outcomes. Forty-five patients were enrolled from July 16 to September 1, 2020. Eight patients (18%) were intolerant of the CPAP mask. Of the remainder, 18 (48.7%) improved and were discharged from hospital after 6 days. Eight (21.6%) died while on CPAP and 11 (29.7%) were eventually intubated, of whom two died. In total, 27 (60%) survived to hospital discharge. Participating physicians noted the device was easy to use and provided patient benefit, though voiced concerns about the strain on hospital oxygen supplies. In conclusion, the UCL Ventura Wayrachi CPAP device proved feasible in COVID-19 patients in Peru, and offered a bridging therapy for patients who required a ventilator when none were available.

Hiperprocalcitonemia como pronóstico clínico en pacientes sépticos de los centros hospitalarios privados de la ciudad de Cuenca ­ Ecuador / Hyperprocalcitonemia as a clinical prognosis in septic patients of private hospitals in the city of Cuenca­Ecuador

La procalcitonina, reactante de fase aguda, permite establecer el estado de los pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis, brindando la posibilidad de asociarlo con su pronóstico. El objetivo de este estudio fue el determinar el pronóstico clínico de la hiperprocalcitonemia en pacientes sépticos de los centros hospitalarios privados de Cuenca­Ecuador. El estudio fue analítico de corte transversal, la muestra fueron 207 pacientes. Los datos se analizaron con el programa estadístico SPSS (25,0); el análisis se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva; la asociación mediante Odds Ratio (OR), intervalo de confianza (95%), considerando valores estadísticamente significativos con p <0,05. La prevalencia de hiperprocalcitonemia severa fue 63,29%, la media de edad 67,25±19,07 años; predominó el sexo masculino 57% y la etnia mestiza. Se evidenció asociación estadística entre hiperprocalcitonemia severa y mayor estancia hospitalaria (>15 días) OR: 2,41 (IC 95% 1,11-5,19 p: 0,015); de igual manera con la mortalidad intrahospitalaria OR: 9,37 (IC 95% 4,31-20,37 p: <0,000). Se determinó asociación, mas no significancia estadística con la presencia de comorbilidades OR: 1,35 (IC 95% 0,69-2,64 p: 0,243). Se evidenció hiperprocalcitonemia severa en casi 2/3 de los pacientes, y existió asociación con aumento de mortalidad y estancia hospitalaria.

Procalcitonin, an acute phase's reactant, enables to establish sepsis-diagnosis'-patients status, bringing the possibility of associate it with its prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical prognosis of hyperprocalcitonemia in septical patients of private hospital centers in Cuenca­Ecuador. The study was cross-sectional, the sample were 207 patients. Data was analyzed with SPSS statistical program (25.0); analysis was done through descriptive statistic; association through Odds Ratio (OR), confidence interval (95%), considering statiscally significant values with p <0.05. Severe hyperprocalcitonemia prevalence was 63.29%, average age 67.25±19.07 years old; male sex prevailed 57% and half-blood ethnic group. A statistical association between severe hyperprocalcitonemia and longer hospital stay (≥15 days) was shown OR: 2.41 (CI 95% 1.11­5.19 p: 0.015); likewise, with in-hospital mortality OR: 9.37 (CI 95% 4.31­20.37 p: <0.000). Association was determined, but statistical significance with presence of comorbidities was not OR: 1.35 (CI 95% 0.69­2.64 p:0.243). Severe hyperprocalcitonemia was shown in almost 2/3 of patients, and there was an association with mortality increase and hospital stay.

Physiognomic responses of páramo tussock grass to time since fire in northern Ecuador / Respuestas fisionómicas de las macollas de gramínea del páramo posteriores a incendios en el norte del Ecuador

Abstract Ecologically-sound management plans for high-altitude grasslands of the Andes depend on an understanding the responses of plants to fire, especially the dominant tussock grasses. This study considers physiognomic responses of tussock grass in 13 sites in northern Ecuador with a known fire history, with time since fire 0.5-10 y, and a control site which had not been burned for at least 40 y. At each site, we assessed vegetation height, basal cover of the tussocks, and the ratio of dead:live leaves in tussocks. We also measured light at ground level. As recovery time increased, tussock cover and number decreased, while tussock height increased. Light levels fell sharply below the tussock canopies as recovery took place, and dead leaves accumulated quickly, reaching 60 - 70% by just two years after fire. The modification of physical tussock structure is likely to influence a much wider ecosystem response to fire, and determines directly the fuel load for future fires. Despite these clear changes in tussock characteristics, they were too variable to be used as a reliable bioindicator of time since fire. However, a better understanding of the responses of tussock grasses to fire and particularly its impact on other species should become the focus of further attention in future.

Resumen Los planes de manejo ecológicamente sólidos para los pastizales de gran altura en los Andes dependen del entendimiento de las respuestas de las plantas al fuego, en especial las respuestas de los pastos dominantes. Este estudio considera las respuestas fisionómicas de pastos en 13 sitios en el norte del Ecuador con un historial de incendios conocido, con tiempo entre 0.5 y 10 años después del incendio, más un sitio control donde al menos durante 40 años no se había producido incendio. En cada sitio, evaluamos la altura de la vegetación, la cobertura basal de las macollas y la proporción de hojas muertas:vivas en las macollas. También, medimos la luz a nivel del suelo. A medida que aumentó el tiempo de recuperación, la cobertura y el número de macollas disminuyeron, mientras que la altura de las macollas aumentó. Los niveles de luz cayeron fuertemente debajo de las copas de las macollas durante la recuperación, y las hojas muertas se acumularon rápidamente, alcanzando 60 - 70% solo dos años después del incendio. Es probable que las modificaciones en la estructura física de las macollas influyen en una respuesta mucho más amplia del ecosistema al fuego, y determinen directamente la carga de combustible para futuros incendios. A pesar de que se observaron cambios claros en las características de las macollas, estas eran demasiado variables para ser consideradas como un bioindicador confiable del tiempo transcurrido después del incendio. Sin embargo, una mejor comprensión de las respuestas de las macollas al fuego y, en particular, el impacto de esas respuestas en otras especies debería ser el enfoque de mayor atención en el futuro.

Current and future suitable habitat areas for Nasuella olivacea (Gray, 1865) in Colombia and Ecuador and analysis of its distribution across different land uses.

Nasuella olivacea is an endemic mammal from the Andes of Ecuador and Colombia. Due to its rarity, aspects about its natural history, ecology and distribution patterns are not well known, therefore, research is needed to generate knowledge about this carnivore and a first step is studying suitable habitat areas. We performed Ecological Niche Models and applied future climate change scenarios (2.6 and 8.5 RCP) to determine the potential distribution of this mammal in Colombia and Ecuador, with current and future climate change conditions; furthermore, we analysed its distribution along several land covers. We found that N. olivacea is likely to be found in areas where no records have been reported previously; likewise, climate change conditions would increase suitable distribution areas. Concerning land cover, 73.4% of N. olivacea potential distribution was located outside Protected Areas (PA), 46.1% in Forests and 40.3% in Agricultural Lands. These findings highlight the need to further research understudied species, furthering our understanding about distribution trends and responses to changing climatic conditions, as well as informig future PA designing. These are essential tools for supporting wildlife conservation plans, being applicable for rare species whose biology and ecology remain unknown.

GABA promotes gastrin-releasing peptide secretion in NE/NE-like cells: Contribution to prostate cancer progression.

In prostate cancer (PCa), neuroendocrine cells (NE) have been associated with the progression of the disease due to the secretion of neuropeptides that are capable of diffusing and influence surrounding cells. The GABAergic system is enriched in NE-like cells, and contributes to PCa progression. Additionally, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) stimulates the secretion of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in peripheral organs. For the first time, in this study we show the role of GABA and GABAB receptor 1 (GABBR1) expression in GRP secretion in NE-like prostate cancer cells. We demonstrated an increase in GRP levels in NE-like cell medium treated with GABAB receptor agonist. Moreover, the blocking of this receptor inhibited GABA-induced GRP secretion. The invasive potential of PC3 cells was enhanced by either GRP or conditioned medium of NE-like cells treated with GABA. Additionally, we confirmed a positive correlation between GABA and GRP levels in the serum of PCa patients with NE markers. Finally, using public available data sets, we found a negative correlation between GABBR1 and androgen receptor (AR) expression, as well as a strong positive correlation between GABBR1 and enolase 2. These results suggest that GABA via GABBR1 induces GRP secretion in NE like cells involved in PCa progression.

[IgG4-related disease: a case report]. / Enfermedad asociada a IgG4: reporte de un caso.

IgG4-related disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of IgG4. It affects salivary and lacrimal glands, pancreas, lymph nodes, lungs or kidney. The diagnosis is based on identifying a histological pattern with a dense lymphocyte and plasmacyte infiltration, focal fibrosis or phlebitis, finding more than 10 IgG4 positive cells per high power field and/or IgG4/IgG ratio in plasma higher than 40%. We present a patient with Mikulicz's disease who meets histological findings required for the diagnosis of IgG4 related disease.

La enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 es una condición fibroinflamatoria en la que existe elevación de IgG4, afección a nivel de glándulas salivares, lacrimales, páncreas, ganglios linfáticos y pulmón. Para su diagnóstico se requiere la identificación de un patrón histológico sugestivo que muestre infiltrado linfoplasmocitario denso, fibrosis focal o flebitis a nivel de una glándula, más de 10 células positivas para IgG4 por campo de gran aumento y relación de IgG4/IgG arriba de 40% en plasma. Describimos el caso de una paciente que presentó enfermedad de Mikulicz y cumplió con los datos histológicos para diagnóstico de enfermedad relacionada con IgG4.

A two-step synthetic strategy to obtain a water-soluble derivative of curcumin with improved antioxidant capacity and in vitro cytotoxicity in C6 glioma cells.

A novel water-soluble derivative of curcumin (Cur-[G-2]-OH) was designed and synthesized from accessible raw materials in only two steps with an overall yield of 80%. The modification of curcumin phenol groups with second-generation polyester dendrons (dendronization) as a strategy to achieve an optimal hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance allows the complete water solubilization of the new curcumin derivative (5mg/ml) at room temperature. The therapeutic potential of Cur-[G-2]-OH was investigated in terms of antioxidant capacity, intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity in both rat glioblastoma cells and normal human dermal fibroblasts. Although the phenolic groups of curcumin were locked by dendronization, Cur-[G-2]-OH exhibited antioxidant capacity in water that was even higher than curcumin in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). This compound showed a steady cellular uptake contrasted with curcumin, which has a saturation capture at high concentrations. Combined with improved stability, this property seems to allow the intracellular accumulation of Cur-[G-2]-OH. Furthermore, the new compound exhibited increased cytotoxicity in rat C6 glioma cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, whereas in normal human fibroblasts, its IC50 value was >600µM versus the IC50 of curcumin found between 100 and 200µM. Surprisingly, Cur-[G-2]-OH drives cell death of C6 cells by a different mechanism of apoptosis triggered by curcumin. Together, these results suggest that curcumin dendronization could promote molecular and cellular mechanisms that are different from those induced by curcumin, presumably due to structural factors and not only for improved water solubility.

Epilepsy and hippocampal neurodegeneration induced by glutamate decarboxylase inhibitors in awake rats.

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme responsible for GABA synthesis, requires pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) as a cofactor. Thiosemicarbazide (TSC) and γ-glutamyl-hydrazone (PLPGH) inhibit the free PLP-dependent isoform (GAD65) activity after systemic administration, leading to epilepsy in mice and in young, but not in adult rats. However, the competitive GAD inhibitor 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) induces convulsions in both immature and adult rats. In the present study we tested comparatively the epileptogenic and neurotoxic effects of PLPGH, TSC and MPA, administered by microdialysis in the hippocampus of adult awake rats. Cortical EEG and motor behavior were analyzed during the next 2h, and aspartate, glutamate and GABA were measured by HPLC in the microdialysis-collected fractions. Twenty-four hours after drug administration rats were fixed for histological analysis of the hippocampus. PLPGH or TSC did not affect the motor behavior, EEG or cellular morphology, although the extracellular concentration of GABA was decreased. In contrast, MPA produced intense wet-dog shakes, EEG epileptiform discharges, a >75% reduction of extracellular GABA levels and remarkable neurodegeneration of the CA1 region, with >80% neuronal loss. The systemic administration of the NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK-801 30 min before MPA did not prevent the MPA-induced epilepsy but significantly protected against its neurotoxic effect, reducing neuronal loss to <30%. We conclude that in adult awake rats, drugs acting on PLP availability have only a weak effect on GABA neurotransmission, whereas direct GAD inhibition produced by MPA induces hyperexcitation leading to epilepsy and hippocampal neurodegeneration. Because this degeneration was prevented by the blockade of NMDA receptors, we conclude that it is due to glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity consequent to disinhibition of the hippocampal excitatory circuits.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and genotyping based on EBNA2 protein in Mexican patients with hodgkin lymphoma: a comparative study in children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family and is associated with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Isolates of EBV are classified according to sequence variation in the latency genes such as Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA). EBNA2 contains the most divergent locus and is classified into type 1 and type 2 or EBNA2A and EBNA2B, respectively. We compared the frequency of EBV and the distribution of EBNA genotypes in Mexican children and adults with HL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Lymph node biopsy specimens from children and adults with HL were embedded in paraffin. EBV was identified by LMP1 amplification and Epstein-Barr-encoded RNA EBER by in situ hybridization (ISH) and genotyped as EBNA2A or EBNA2B using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific primers for the detection of subtype. RESULTS: Sixty-six samples were obtained from 3 hospitals-42 (63%) from children and 24 (37%) from adults with HL. Thirty-two of the 42 samples (76.1%) were positive for EBV in children and 16 of 24 (66.6%) samples were positive in adults (P = .41). In both children and adults, EBV was found more frequently in male patients. Thirty-four of 48 cases could be typed (70.8%). EBNA2A was found in 7/21 (33.3%) children and in 4/13 (30.8%) adults (P = 1.0), and EBNA2B was found in 10/21 (47.6%) children and in 9/13 (69.2%) adults (P = .22). A mix of subtypes was found in 4/21 (19%) children. CONCLUSION: EBV was found frequently in both children and adults with HL. EBNA2B was the most frequent subtype, and a high frequency of mixed subtypes was found in children.

[National guidelines of diagnosis and treatment of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma]. / Guías nacionales de diagnóstico y tratamiento de linfoma no Hodgkin.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprises a heterogeneous group of haematological malignancies, classified according to their clinic, anatomic-pathological features and, lately, to their molecular biomarkers. Despite the therapeutic advances, nearly half of the patients will die because of this disease. The new diagnostic tools have been the cornerstone to design recent therapy targets, which must be included in the current treatment guidelines of this sort of neoplasms by means of clinical trials and evidence-based medicine. In the face of poor diagnoses devices in most of the Mexican hospitals, we recommend the present diagnose stratification, and treatment guidelines for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, based on evidence. They include the latest and most innovative therapeutic approaches, as well as specific recommendations for hospitals with limited framework and therapy resources.

Adjuvant immunotherapy of C6 glioma in rats with pertussis toxin.

PURPOSE: In spite of the recent advances in surgery and antitumor drugs, the brain tumors, like glioblastoma, have shown a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pertussis toxin (PTx) as immunomodulatory molecule on glial tumors induced by C6 glioma cells. METHODS: Given the pleiotropic effect of PTx on the immune system, we analyzed the effect of PTx on CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ (Treg) cells like as immunotherapeutic adjuvant. Thirty rats with a glial tumor of 1.5 cm in diameter were separated in two groups: the first group was treated with PTx and the second group was non-treated (controls). Tumoral volume was measured weekly; tumor, blood and spleen were taken for analysis of subpopulations of T cells, apoptotic index and cytokine contents, in both groups. RESULTS: We observed a significant decrease in tumor volume in the PTx group; this was associated with a decreased in the number of Treg cells, in both spleen and tumor. The percentage of apoptotic cells was increased as compared with that of controls. The production of proinflammatory cytokines was increased in mRNA for IL-6 as well as a small increase in the mRNA expression of perforin and granzime in tumors from rats treated with PTx. No changes were found in the mRNA expression of MCP-1 and MIP-1α. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PTx could be an immunotherapeutic adjuvant in the integral therapy against glial tumors.

Incidencia y causas de hemorragia digestiva baja Instituto Gastroenterológico Boliviano Japones (1979 - 2005) / Incidence and causes of low intestine blooding at Intitute Gastroenterológico Boliviano Japones (1979-2005)

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo es de estudiar y determinar retrospectivamente las causas y la frecuencia de presentación de la hemorragia digestiva baja , en pacientes del I.G.B.J, demostrado por endoscopía en un periodo de tiempo de 25 años. Se estudiaron 3591 pacientes (1275 mujeres y 1245 hombres), con diagnóstico de hemorragia digestiva baja, diagnóstico que se hizo en base a datos que fueron recolectados de la historia clínica y hallazgos endoscópicos. Se revisaron un total de 8314 procedimientos endoscópicos bajos, en un período de tiempo comprendido entre enero de 1979 a diciembre de 2005 realizados en el I.G.B.J, de Cochabamba, correspondientes a estudios endoscópicos de pacientes internados u ambulatorios, de diferente edad, sexo y patología. De estos 3591 (43,2%) presentan diagnóstico de HDB, de los cuales 2520 procedimientos (70,2%) son patológicos y 1071 procedimientos (29,8%) fueron normales. De los 2520 pacientes de nuestro estudio, el 49.4% son varones (1245 pacientes), y el 50,6% son mujeres (1275 pacientes). Las lesiones vasculares de tubo digestivo bajo como son las hemorroides, lesiones vasculares y proctitis actínica constituyen el mayor porcentaje causante de HDB, 975 pacientes (38,6%), cuya etiología difiere según frecuencia y según grupo etéreo de lo reportado en la literatura. El índice de mortalidad encontrado es del orden de 0.2 % significativamente menor al de la literatura que es del 5 % , esto probablemente a que en nuestro medio la casuística es menor. Se espera que el presente estudio sea el punto de partida para elaborar nuestro propio protocolo de manejo en nuestro hospital.

Abstract This work is a retrospective study and determine the causes and frequency of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients I.G.B.J demonstrated by endoscopy in a period of 25 years. We studied 3591 patients (1275 women and 1245 men), diagnosed with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, that diagnosis was based on data that were collected on clinical history and endoscopio findings. We reviewed a total of8314 low endoscopio procedures, in a period oftime from January 1979 to December 2005 in the I.G.B.J Cochabamba, endoscopio studies for inpatient or outpatient, in a different age, sex and pathology. Ofthese 3591 (43.2%) present diagnosis of HDB, ofwhich 2520 procedures (70.2%) are pathological and 1071 procedures (29.8%) were normal. Ofthe 2520 patients in our study, 49.4% are male (1245 patients) and 50.6% are women (1275 patients). The vascular lesions alimentary canal are as low as hemorrhoids, vascular lesions and ra diation proctitis constitute the largest cause of HDB, 975 patients (38.6%), whose etiology differs according to age group and as often as reported in the literature. The mortality rate isfound in the orderofO.2% significantly lower than in the literature that is 5%, this probably because in our case mix is lower. It is hoped that this study is the starting point for developing our own management protocol in our hospital.

GABA effects during neuronal differentiation of stem cells.

Gamma-amino butyrate (GABA) is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain. In this review, we summarize the pharmacology and regulation of GABAergic transmission components (biosynthetic enzymes, receptors and transporters) in adult non-neurogenic brain regions. The effects of targeted mutations in genes relevant for GABAergic functions and how they influence specific neuronal circuits and pathological states are presented. We then review GABA actions on neuronal differentiation. During brain development, GABA has depolarizing activity in cerebrocortical neural precursors, controlling cell division and contributing to neuronal migration and maturation. In the adult forebrain there are two neurogenic regions exposed to synaptic and non-synaptic GABA release. Neural stem cells and neuronal progenitors express GABA receptors in subventricular and subgranular zones. GABA effects in these cells are very similar to those found in embryonic cortical precursor cells, and therefore it is possible that this amino acid has important roles during adult brain plasticity.

Changes in the content of estrogen alpha and progesterone receptors during differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to dopamine neurons.

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) can differentiate to derivatives of the three embryonic germ layers. Dopamine neurons have been produced from mouse and human ESC. This in vitro induction mimics the developmental program followed by dopaminergic cells in vivo. Production of dopamine neurons might have clinical applications for Parkinson's disease, which has a higher incidence in men than in women, suggesting a protective role for sex hormones, particularly progesterone and estradiol. These hormones exert many of their effects through the interaction with their nuclear receptors. In this study, we used a described 5-stage protocol for dopamine neuron differentiation of ESC, allowing neuronal commitment as evidenced by specific markers and by behavioural recovery of hemiparkinsonian rats after grafting. We studied the expression of steroid hormone receptors by immunoblot during this procedure and found an increase in the content of both A and B isoforms of progesterone receptor (PR) and a decrease in estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) when cells were at the neural/neuronal stages, when compared with the amount found in initial pluripotent conditions. We also found the same pattern of PR and ER-alpha expression by immunocytochemistry. Ninety-two percent of dopamine neurons expressed progesterone receptors and only 19% of these neurons co-expressed tyrosine hydroxylase and ER-alpha. These results show a differential expression pattern of ER-alpha and PR isoforms during neuronal differentiation of ESC.

Infecciones nosocomiales en el servicio de neonatología Hospital de la Mujer gestión 2001, La Paz Bolivia / Nosocomiales infecton in the service of neonatologia, Hospital of the Woman, management 2001, La Paz-Bolivia

Las infecciones hospitalarias son aquellas que ocurren en pasientes hospitalizados en quienes la infección no estaba presente en el momento del ingreso. El objetivo principal fue: Conocer las infecciones nosocomiales más frecuentes del Servicio de Neonatología del Hospital de la Mejer, gestión 2001. Se realizó el estudio el estudio descriptivo observacional retrospectivo transversal, en el cual se revizaron 369 historias clínicas de todos los pacientes ingresados enla gestión 2001. De acuerdo a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión se consideraron 101 pacientes. 39,6 porciento se diagnosticaron con infecciones nosocomiales, de los cuales 31 neonatos tenían peso bajo al nacimiento (77,5 porciento), 31(77,5 porciento)se encontraba por debajo de las 37 semanas de gestación. Su mayor tiempo de permanencia fue entre los 21 a 50 días(23,8 porciento). Se practicó venopunciones en todos ños pacientes infectados (40 pacientes), 39 utilizaron venoclisis, y un número similar sondas orogástricas. Las loaclizaciones de infeccipon más frecuente fueron la cavidad oral, la sistémica, umbilical y conjuntival. Se realizaron 17 cultivos, predominando: Escherichia coli con 6 casos en hemocultivos, Stafilococo aureus con tres casos, 2 en secresión conjuntival y uno en secresión nasal. De 21 pacientes con infecciones fúngicas, 18(85,7 porciento) hacía uso de antibióticos. Se observó con bastante frecuencia en pacientes diagnosticados con infecciones nosocomiales: peso bajo al nacimiento, edad gestacional de la madre inferior a 37 semanas, uso de procedimientos invasivos como las venopunciones, venoclisis y las sondas orogástricas, uso prolongado de antibióticos.

Premio doctor Jorge Rosenkranz 2001 investigación clínica / Dr. George Rosenkranz 2001

Antecedentes. El factor de crecimiento hepatocítico (HGF) es una citocina multifuncional que promueve proliferación, motilidad y morfogénesis de células epiteliales. Algunos tumores malignos como el cáncer de mama, broncopulmonar y el miolema múltiple pueden sobreexpresarla al igual que su receptor. El HGF ha sido detectado en astrocitos normales. Los tumores gliales más frecuentes son los astrocitomas malignos con un sobrevida media de 9 meses para glioblastoma multiforma (GBM), y de 3 años para el astrocitoma anáplasico (AA), pronóstico que no se ha modificado en las últimas tres décadas.Objetivos. Determinar la concentración intratumoral de HGF en neoplasias intracraneales y correlacionarlas con el pronóstico, recurrencia, ploliferación celular y densidad vascular.

Prevalencia de estado de portador de Haemophilus influenzae en niños de Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México, México / Prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae carrier state among children in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, State of Mexico, Mexico

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia del estado de portador de los diferentes serotipos de Haemophilus infruenzae (Hi) en niños sanos de Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio tranversal, descriptivo, en 639 niños menores de 15 años, estratificados por edad. Utilizando cultivos de masofaringe se identificó Hi y se tipificaron las cepas capsuladas. Para el cálculo de la muestra se utilizó el paquete estadístico Epi-Info con una p del 0.5 por ciento de confianza del 95 por ciento y un error del 5 por ciento para el análisis estadístico se emplearon frecuencia, medias y proporciones y las diferencias entre los grupos se evaluaron mediante la comparación de grupos independientes a través de sus proporciones. Resultados. Se cultivaron 639 muestras de nosofaringe. Hi fue aislado en 136 niños (21 por ciento). La proporción de tipos aislados fue: Hi no tipificable= 125 (92 por ciento), Hi tipo b=6(4 por ciento) y Hi a,c,f=5(4 por ciento). El aislamiento de Hi fue mayor en los primeros 10 años de vida (p < 0.01). Conclusiones. La prevalencia de colonización de nasofaringe encontrada en los niños menores de 15 años en Ciudad Nezahualcoyotl es similar a lo reportado en la literatura. La relación inversa entre la proporción de portadores con respecto a la edad podría relacionarse con el desarrollo de inmunidad especifica e inespecífica por el hospedero

To determine the prevalence of H. influenzae (Hi) carrier state among children, in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, State of Mexico. Material and methods. A cross-sectional comparative random study was designed. Study subjects were 639 children under 15 years of age, stratified by age and sex. Nasopharyngeal cultures were used to identify Hi and to typify encapsulated strains. Sample size was computed with the software package EpiInfo, using a p value of 0.5%, 95% confidence intervals and a 5% error; statistical analysis was performed using frequencies, means and proportions. Differences were tested by comparison of two proportions from independent populations. Results. Hi was isolated from 136 of 639 pharyngeal cultures (21%). Hi types found were Hi b (n=6, 4%), Hi a, c, and f (n=5, 4%), and non-typifiable (NT) Hi (n=125, 92% ). Conclusions. The prevalence of pharyngeal colonization by Hi found among children under 15 years of age, in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, is similar to that reported in the literature. The inverse relation of pharyngeal carriers with age can be accounted for by the progressive development of specific and non specific immunity against encapsulated and non-encapsulated strains.