Response to physical activity of females with multiple sclerosis throughout the menstrual cycle: a protocol for a randomised crossover trial (EMMA Project).

The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and females is a crucial aspect in the development of the disease, with the ovarian hormonal cycle being a sensitive stage, especially in females with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The objectives of the study are to identify moderating variables that modify satisfaction with physical activity practice throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) in females in or out of their MC, during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training sessions and to compare the acute effects of different types of physical activity sessions in females with and without MS. This protocol is the methodology used in the EMMA Study, a randomised, single-blind crossover trial study conducted in females with MS who were matched 1:1, based on age, lifestyle factors and country of residence, with females without MS, to analyse the effect of physical activity practice on satisfaction, functionality, fatigue and inflammatory profile through their MC. Participants will visit the facilities approximately 10 times (4 preliminary familiarisation visits and 6 visits to carry out a physical activity session in each phase of the MC) for 3-4 months. A total sample of 30 females (15 females without MS and 15 with MS) is necessary for the study. The evaluation will comprise clinical, nutritional and psychological interviews, including different variables. It is hypothesised during the luteal phase, females with MS are expected to exhibit different acute responses to HIIT and strength training sessions as compared with females without the disease. Before starting the study, all participants will read and sign an informed consent form. Trial registration number: This research protocol is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov to ensure transparency and accessibility of study information (NCT06105463). The university's ethics committee number for this study is UALBIO2022/048.

Factores de riesgo para cáncer gástrico: ¿cuál es su papel? / Risk factors for gastric cancer. What is their role?

Resumen El proceso de la carcinogénesis gástrica es multifactorial y secuencial. No lo comprendemos completamente, pero conocemos la historia natural de la enfermedad descrita por el Dr. Pelayo-Correa y también la existencia de múltiples factores de riesgo. La identificación de estos factores que participan en cada paso y el manejo apropiado de los mismos podría ayudar a reducir la incidencia del cáncer gástrico (CG). Probablemente, la infección por Helicobacter pylori (HP) es el factor de riesgo más conocido y discutido; sin embargo, existen otros factores como los relacionados con el estilo de vida, tipo de dieta, historia familiar de cáncer, entre otros, que también participan en el desarrollo e incidencia de este tipo de cáncer y tienen una amplia ventana de tiempo para ejercer su influencia. A nivel poblacional, la identificación y el conocimiento de estos factores de riesgo puede proporcionar un entendimiento en la etiología de la enfermedad y es esencial para planear, monitorizar y evaluar los planes, políticas y estrategias de prevención. Es necesario, por lo tanto, desarrollar una herramienta de estudio basada en la identificación de factores de riesgo que se pueda sumar a los hallazgos endoscópicos e histológicos y ser usada en la práctica clínica para la clasificación del riesgo de CG.

Abstract The process of gastric carcinogenesis is multifactorial and sequential. We do not fully understand this, but we know the natural history of the disease described by Dr. Pelayo Correa and the existence of multiple risk factors. Identifying the factors involved in each step and managing them appropriately could help reduce the incidence of gastric cancer (GC). Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is probably the most widely known and discussed risk factor. However, there are other factors such as lifestyle, type of diet, family history of cancer, among others, that are also involved in the development and incidence of this cancer and have a wide window of time to exert their influence. At the population level, identification and awareness of these risk factors can provide insight into the etiology of the disease and are essential for planning, monitoring and evaluating prevention plans, policies and strategies. It is therefore necessary to develop a study tool based on risk factor identification that can be added to endoscopic and histological findings and used in clinical practice for GC risk classification.

Complicaciones del uso de prótesis metálicas autoexpansibles como paliación de obstrucción maligna del tracto de salida gástrico / Complications of the use of self-expanding metal stents as paliation of malignant obstruction of the gastric outlet tract

RESUMEN La colocación de prótesis metálicas autoexpansibles (PMA) constituye una forma de tratamiento común en las obstrucciones malignas al tracto de salida gástrico, pues consigue la resolución de los síntomas a corto plazo, con un riesgo aceptable de complicaciones. Objetivo: Evaluar la ocurrencia de complicaciones del procedimiento y su tratamiento. Métodos: Este trabajo tuvo un componente descriptivo sobre las complicaciones del uso de prótesis y su tratamiento y un componente de asociación respecto a la administración del tratamiento oncológico con intención paliativa y su resultado respecto a la supervivencia global. Se revisaron 150 pacientes desde enero de 2011 hasta julio de 2017 que requirieron este procedimiento en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC). Resultados: La etiología que más frecuentemente causó obstrucción del tracto de salida gástrico fue el cáncer de estómago, seguido del cáncer pancreatoduodenal, tumores malignos de la vía biliar y otros, incluso fuera del sistema digestivo. Se documentó un porcentaje de éxito técnico del 98,6% (148/150) y éxito clínico del 96% (146/150). Se identificó un 64% (N=96) de pacientes con enfermedad maligna en estadio IV y que tuvieron una incidencia de complicaciones tempranas del 11,33% (N=17) y tardías del 29,33% (N=44). La mayor parte de las complicaciones fueron tratadas por vía endoscópica y el 2,66% (N=4) de los pacientes necesitaron tratamiento quirúrgico. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones de la colocación de prótesis duodenales pueden ser manejadas en forma exitosa por vía endoscópica en la mayoría de los casos. Los pacientes que además de la colocación de prótesis recibieron tratamiento oncológico presentaron una mayor supervivencia estadísticamente significativa.

ABSTRACT The placement of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) is a common form of treatment in malignant obstructions to the gastric outlet tract, achieving the resolution of symptoms in the short term and with an acceptable risk of complications; It is convenient to know and the detail of its use and how to treat them. The objective of this publication was to evaluate the occurrence of complications of the procedure and its treatment. Methods: The work had a descriptive component on the treatment of the use of prosthesis and its treatment and another of association with respect to the administration of oncological treatment with palliative intention and its result with respect to survival; In a retrospective manner, 150 patients were reviewed from January 2011 to 25July 2017, who required this procedure at the National Institute of Cancerology, in Bogotá, Colombia. Results: A 64% (N = 96) of patients with stage IV disease were identified, which had an incidence of early complications of 11.33% (N = 17) and late complications 29.33% (N 29= 44). A technical success rate of 98.6% (148/150) and clinical success of 96% (146/150) was documented. Most of the complications were treated endoscopically and 2.66% (N = 4) patients needed surgical treatment. Conclusions: Complications of duodenal stent placement can be successfully managed endoscopically in most cases. Patients who, in addition to prosthesis placement, received oncological treatment had a statistically significant higher survival rate.

Prevalence and Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Strains in the Pork Chain Supply in Chile.

The detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other emerging strains in meat-producing animals and retail meat has increased the risk of contamination of food. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characterize S. aureus strains isolated from the pork chain supply in Chile. A total of 487 samples were collected: 332 samples from pigs at farms and slaughterhouses (nasal, n = 155; skin, n = 177); 85 samples from carcasses at slaughterhouses; and 70 meat samples at supermarkets and retail stores. The isolation of S. aureus was carried out by selective enrichment and culture media. Biochemical testing (API® Staph) and PCR (detection of the nuc and mecA genes) were used to confirm S. aureus and MRSA strains. The agglutination test was used to determine the protein PBP2'. Enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED) were determined by agglutination test and the se genes by PCR method. Oxacillin and cefoxitin susceptibility testing were carried out using the diffusion method. The overall prevalence of S. aureus in the pork meat supply was 33.9%. A higher prevalence was detected on carcasses (56.5%), in pigs sampled at farms (40.6%) than in pigs sampled at slaughterhouses (23.3%) and in nonpackaged retail meat (43.1%) than packaged retail meat (5.3%) (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the prevalence in pigs (28.3%) and pork meat (32.9%) and between natural pig farming (33.3%) and conventional production (52.8%). The mecA gene and the protein PBP2' were not detected in S. aureus strains. Two S. aureus strains exhibited oxacillin and cefoxitin resistance, and one S. aureus strain was resistant to cefoxitin. One S. aureus strain isolated from a meat sample was positive for enterotoxin SEB. Although the mecA gene was not detected, oxacillin-resistant and seb-producing S. aureus strains were detected, which represent a risk in the pork chain supply.

Long-Length Fiber Optic Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy Probes for On-Line Quality Control of Processed Land Animal Proteins.

This research was conducted using a spectral database comprising 346 samples of processed animal proteins (PAPs) with a range of compositions, analyzed using a Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy multichannel instrument (Matrix-F, Bruker Optics) coupled to a 100 m fiber optic cable. Using both its static and dynamic operating modes (on a conveyor belt), simulating the movement of the product in the plant, the predictive capabilities of both modes of analysis were assessed and compared, for the purposes of predicting moisture, protein, and ashes. The results show that both exhibit highly similar degrees of precision and accuracy for predicting these parameters. This research provides a foundation of scientific-technical knowledge, hitherto unknown, regarding the "on-line" incorporation of an instrument (equipped with a 100 m fiber optic cable) into a processing plant of by-products of animal origin.

CARIOTIPO DEL LAGARTO Tropidurus hispidus(SAURIA: TROPIDURIDAE) EN EL ORIENTE DE VENEZUELA / Lizard Karyotipe Tropidurus hispidus (Sauria: Tropiduridae) in the East of Venezuela

El estudio citogenético mediante tinción con Giemsa, en tres regiones xerofíticas (continental, peninsular e insular) del oriente de Venezuela, demostró un número diploide 2n=36, compuesto por seis pares de macrocromosomas metacéntricos y submetacéntricos y 12 pares de microcromosomas acrocéntricos manteniéndose esta característica en machos y hembras en las tres poblaciones estudiadas. Se determinó que el primer par de macrocromosomas es metacéntrico y en la región continental representa 13% de longitud relativa total (LRT), siendo el cromosoma de mayor tamaño con respecto a la población peninsular con un 9,4 % y a la población insular con 7,1 %, conteniendo esta última población los cromosomas más pequeños. Considerando las diferencias cromosómicas y el aislamiento geográfico existente, estos lagartos podrían presentar un proceso de especiación alopátrica de tipo vicariante.

A cytogenetic study by Giemsa staining in three xerophytic regions (continental, peninsular and insular) in eastern Venezuela, showed a diploid number 2n=36, consisting of 6 pairs of metacentric and submetacentric macrochromosomes and 12 pairs of acrocentric microchromosomes maintained, this feature in males and females in the three populations studied. It was determined that the first pair of macrochromosomes is metacentric and the continental region represents 13% of total relative length (LRT) as the larger chromosome, with respect to the peninsular population with 9.4% and the insular population 7.1%, the latter population containing the smallest chromosomes. Whereas chromosomal differences and geographic isolation exists, these lizards have a process of vicariant allopatric speciation.

Arteriovenous fistula for long-term venous access for boys with hemophilia.

OBJECTIVES: Hemophilia is a sex-linked condition affecting about 1 of every 5000 males in the United States. The management of children with hemophilia can be improved with regular intravenous infusion of factor VIII or IX, thus preventing crippling and sometimes fatal hemorrhage. Maintaining this vital intravenous access is often hampered by gradual loss of superficial veins or repeated central catheter sepsis and thrombosis. This study reviewed an experience with arteriovenous fistula in selected hemophilia patients with limited venous access. METHODS: Consecutive patients operated on between October 2000 and July 2006 for venous access with the creation of an arteriovenous fistula were reviewed. They were selected because of repeated problems with other venous access. Patency, ease of use, duplex scan derived brachial artery diameter, and arm length were assessed. RESULTS: During a 69-month period, 10 arteriovenous fistulas (five brachial artery-basilic vein fistulas, 5 brachial artery-cephalic vein fistulas) were created for nine patients. The patients were a median age of 5.5 years (range, 1 to 27 years), and all were <13 except the 27-year-old patient. There were no postoperative hematomas requiring evacuation. One arteriovenous fistula failed to mature and was redone in the opposite arm, which subsequently occluded after 13 months. Of the mature fistulas, patency was 100% at 1 year, 80% (4/5) at 3 years, and 75% (3/4) at 4 years, with mean follow-up of 22 months. Brachial artery diameter increased in the involved arm by a ratio of 1.95 (range, 1.51 to 2.5) compared with the opposite arm. Arm length disparity was increased by 0.5 cm (range, 0.8 to 1.5 cm) in the involved arm. All fistulas allowed good access at home by a care provider. CONCLUSIONS: For hemophilia patients with compromised venous access, arteriovenous fistulas provide good early patency. Brachial artery diameter and arm length require continued follow-up.

Efectos de la coccion tradicional sobre los factores antinutricionales de los frijoles negros (Phaseolus vulgaris) de Costa Rica / Effects of the traditional cooking on antinutritional factors of the black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) of Costa Rica

En esta investigación se determinó la presencia de los inhibidores de tripsina, inhibidores de alfa amilase y hemaglutininas en los frijoles (P. vulgares) producidos en Costa Rica. Además, se estudió su comportamiento ante la cocción tradicional. Los factores antinutricionales se determinaron por espectofotometría en los frijoles crudos, y después de diferentes tiempos de cocción. Se observó que los inhibidores de alfa amilase son los más termorresistentes, ya que a los 30 min de cocción existe un 33% de la actividad inicial presente en el frijol crudo. Alrededor del 80% de la actividad antitripsina ha desaparecido de los 9 min de cocción. En cuanto a las hemaglutininas, a los 10 min la actividad es aproximadamente sólo de 1%

Incidencia y características de las injurias oculares penetrantes

Del total de casos de heridas oculares penetrantes recibidas en el departamento de Oftalmología del hospital Luis E. Aybar durante el período comprendido entre julio de 1987 y junio de 1988 se pudo comprobar que el grupo de pacientes más afectados es el del que tienen edades comprendidas entre 11 a 20 años, los cuales abarcaron un 28.0% del total de casos. Luego siguieron los pacientes con edades comprendidas entre los 6-10 años con un total de 30 casos, para un 23.0% de la población estudiada. Los pacientes comprendidos entre las edades de 0-5 años, abarcaron un total de 23 casos para un 18.0 del total. Se demostró que los traumas del segmento anterior del ojo son más frecuentes en el ambiente familiar con 64 casos para un 50% del total de casos. les sigueron los tipos laborales con 34%. Se determinó que los objetos más frecuentes causantes de heridas oculares son los metálicos con 58 casos para un 45.5%. luego le siguieron los vegetables con 32.0%, mientras los objetos de cristal abarcaron 12 casos para un 10.0%. Por último comprobamos que las injurias oculares penetrantes son más frecuentes de localización corneo- esclerales con 82 casos para un 64%, mientras que las corneales abarcaron un 36.0% del total de casos