Headache and Other Factors Modifying Cerebrospinal Fluid Opening Pressure in Pediatric Patients.

Cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure values are associated with various neurologic diseases; however, numerous factors can modify this measurement. This study aims to describe factors related to modifications in opening pressure measurements in pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of lumbar punctures in pediatric patients conducted by the neuropediatrics group with institutional standardization. Bivariate and linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between opening pressure and variables included in the study. Results: 544 events, median age 107 months, median opening pressure 19.7 cm H2O. Bivariate analysis found no association with medication use; anesthetics that increased opening pressure were remifentanil (P = .02) and propofol (P = .05), along with a positive linear correlation between opening pressure and age (P < .0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, BMI, male gender, and remifentanil use were associated with an increase in opening pressure, whereas corticosteroid withdrawal was associated with a reduction in opening pressure. There is an interaction between age and headache, with an association with increased opening pressure up to around 140 months. Conclusion: This study identifies factors associated with changes in opening pressure, crucial for estimating normal opening pressure values in children. Headaches, anesthetic use, and corticosteroid withdrawal are confirmed as significant factors.

A phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike RBD protein vaccine in adults (ABDALA-3 study).

Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 raised the urgent need for safe and efficacious vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new SARS-CoV-2 virus receptor-binding domain (RBD) vaccine. Methods: A phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out at 18 clinical sites in three provinces of the south-eastern region of Cuba. Subjects (healthy or those with controlled chronic diseases) aged between 19 and 80 years, who gave written informed consent were eligible. Subjects were randomly assigned (1:1, in blocks) to two groups: placebo, and 50 µg RBD vaccine (Abdala). The product was administered intramuscularly, 0.5 mL in the deltoid region, in a three-dose immunization schedule at 0-14-28 days. The organoleptic characteristics and presentations of the vaccine and placebo were identical. All participants (subjects, clinical researchers, statisticians, laboratory technicians, and monitors) remained blinded during the study period. The main endpoint was to evaluate the efficacy of the Abdala vaccine in the prevention of symptomatic COVID-19. The trial is registered with the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials, RPCEC00000359. Findings: Between March 22 to April 03, 2021, 48,290 subjects were included (24,144 and 24,146 in the placebo and Abdala groups, respectively) in the context of predominant D614G variant circulation. The evaluation of the main efficacy outcomes occurred during May-June 2021, starting at May 3rd, in the context of high circulation of mutant viruses, predominantly VOC Beta. The incidence of adverse reactions for individuals in the placebo and Abdala vaccine groups were 1227/24,144 (5.1%) and 1621/24,146 (6.7%), respectively. Adverse reactions were mostly mild, and from the injection site, which resolved in the first 24-48 h. No severe adverse events with demonstrated cause-effect relationship attributable to the vaccine were reported. Symptomatic COVID-19 disease was confirmed in 142 participants in the placebo group (78.44 incidence per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI], 66.07-92.46) and in 11 participants in Abdala vaccine group (6.05 incidence per 1000 person years; 95% CI 3.02-10.82). The Abdala vaccine efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 was 92.28% (95% CI 85.74-95.82). Moderate/serious forms of COVID-19 occurred in 30 participants (28 in the placebo group and only 2 in the Abdala vaccine group) for a vaccine efficacy of 92.88% (95% CI 70.12-98.31). There were five critical patients (of which four died), all in the placebo group. Interpretation: The Abdala vaccine was safe, well tolerated, and highly effective, fulfilling the WHO target product profile for COVID-19 vaccines. Those results, along with its immunization schedule and the advantage of easy storage and handling conditions at 2-8 °C, make this vaccine an option for the use in immunization strategies as a key tool for the control of the pandemic. Funding: Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba.

Current recommendations and novel strategies for sustainable management of soybean sudden death syndrome.

The increase in food production requires reduction of the damage caused by plant pathogens, minimizing the environmental impact of management practices. Soil-borne pathogens are among the most relevant pathogens that affect soybean crop yield. Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by several distinct species of Fusarium, produces significant yield losses in the leading soybean-producing countries in North and South America. Current management strategies for SDS are scarce since there are no highly resistant cultivars and only a few fungicide seed treatments are available. Because of this, innovative approaches for SDS management need to be developed. Here, we summarize recently explored strategies based on plant nutrition, biological control, priming of plant defenses, host-induced gene silencing, and the development of new SDS-resistance cultivars using precision breeding techniques. Finally, sustainable management of SDS should also consider cultural control practices with minimal environmental impact. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of a DIVA ELISA for diagnosis of Aujeszky's disease using recombinant gE fused to thioredoxin as antigen.

The major control methods for Aujeszky's Disease (AD) involve SHV1 gE gene-deleted vaccines and ELISA for detection of specific gE antibodies in infected animals, distinguishing infected animals from vaccinated animals (DIVA). This work aimed to develop a DIVA ELISA recombinant gE (gErec) for AD diagnosis using recombinant gE fused to thioredoxin protein. The analytical sensitivity and specificity were assessed with World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) AD serum and sera from specific pathogen free (SPF), vaccinated SPF and AD-vaccinated SPF animals. The OIE serum reacted up to the recommended limit of detection and the other sera presented negative results. The cut-off point, diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic specificity were determined by receiver operating curve analysis. This cut-off value corresponded to a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.60% and diagnostic specificity of 96.42%. Furthermore, two other cut-off points were chosen to discuss the ELISAgErec as a screening test in AD-endemic and free areas.

Development and Application of Interactive, Culturally Specific Strategies for the Consumption of High-fiber Foods in Puerto Rican Adolescents.

Healthy eating practices in the adolescents can prevent the development of obesity and other chronic diseases in the adulthood. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in Puerto Rican adolescents is low and might be contributing to the high prevalence of food-related chronic diseases, such as obesity in this group. The purpose of the study was to develop and apply interactive methods and strategies that help adolescents make healthy food choices. Over time, healthy food choices can delay or prevent food-related chronic diseases in the adulthood. Information from the focus groups helped to develop nutrition education materials that were age-culturally specific. Following nutrition education, the consumption of foods high in dietary fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals improved significantly in Puerto Rican adolescents. A modified socioecological model for dietary fiber-rich foods consumption in Puerto Rican adolescents, demonstrated that effective nutrition education strategies reduced the barriers to dietary fiber-rich foods consumption on the adolescents, their parents and the community promoting healthy eating choices of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals, to prevent food-related chronic diseases in the adulthood.

Design and validation of an immuno-PCR assay for IFN-α2b quantification in human plasma.

Aim: Nowadays, IFN-α is considered a promising therapeutic target for systemic lupus erythematosus. An immuno-PCR (iPCR) was developed to quantify low amounts of IFN-α in human plasma followed by a deep analysis of the methodologic robustness throughout quality by design approach. Results: An accurate, sensitive, selective and versatile iPCR was validated. The critical iPCR procedural steps were identified, applying a Plackett-Burman design. Also, this assay demonstrated an outstanding LOD of 0.3 pg/ml. A significant aspect relies on its high versatility to detect and quantify other cytokines in human plasma as the appropriate biotinylated antibody is employed. Conclusion: This reliable iPCR assay can be clinically used as an alternative method for quantitating and detecting low IFN-α2b concentrations in human plasma samples.

Paramylon and synthesis of its ionic derivatives: Applications as pharmaceutical tablet disintegrants and as colloid flocculants.

Paramylon, a high molecular weight polysaccharide, is a linear and unbranched (1 → 3)-ß-d-glucan. Despite its numerous biological benefits, the poor aqueous solubility of crystalline paramylon is a drawback that has hampered some of its applications. In an effort to make this biomaterial amenable to practical uses, cationic and anionic paramylon derivatives were obtained. The degrees of substitution of both products were determined. The products were characterized by FT-IR spectrocopy, ESI mass spectrometry, 1H, 13C and 1H-13C NMR and SEM microscopy. These techniques confirmed the success of the substitution reactions. 1H NMR analysis was used to develop alternative methods for an approximate estimation of the degree of substitution. 1H-13C HSQC NMR spectra were assigned for both derivatives. New applications of native, cationic and anionic paramylon were found. Native paramylon showed similar performance as pharmaceutical tablet disintegrant than sodium croscarmellose. Cationic paramylon behavior as colloid flocculant was comparable with commercial cationic polyacrylamides. The anionic derivative could eventually be used in the formulation of matrix controlled release systems or as a suspending agent.

Changes in the physico-chemical properties of the xanthan produced by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri in grapefruit leaf extract.

Xanthan is a virulence factor produced by Xanthomonas spp. We previously demonstrated that this exopolysaccharide is not only essential for pathogenicity by contributing with bacterial survival but also its pyruvate substituents interfere with some plant defense responses. Deepening our studies about xanthan properties and structure, the aim of this work was to analyze the characteristics of xanthan produced by Xanthomonas in different culture media. We analyzed the xanthan produced by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) in leaf extracts from grapefruit (a susceptible host of this bacterium) and compared it with the xanthan produced in a synthetic culture medium. We found that the xanthan produced in the grapefruit extract (Xan-GLE) presented shorter and more disordered molecules than xanthan produced in the synthetic medium (Xan-PYM). Besides, Xan-GLE resulted less viscous than Xan-PYM. The disordered molecular conformation of Xan-GLE could be attributed to its higher pyruvilation degree and lower acetylation degree compared with those detected in Xan-PYM. Meanwhile, the difference in the viscosity of both xanthans could be due to their molecules length. Finally, we cultured Xcc in the presence of the Xan-GLE or Xan-PYM and observed the formation of biofilm-like structures in both cases. We found significant differences in biofilm architecture between the two conditions, being the biofilm produced in presence of Xan-GLE similar to that formed in canker lesions developed in lemon plant leaves. Together, these results show how xanthan structure and properties changed when Xcc grew in a natural substrate and can contribute to better understand the biological role of xanthan.

A Qualitative Study of Puerto Rican Parent and ChildPerceptions Regarding Eating Patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To identify barriers that prevent healthy eating practices in Puerto Rican early adolescents (EAs). DESIGN: Qualitative data collected via focus groups. A total of 7 focus groups were conducted: 5 with EAs and 2 with parents and caregivers (PCs). SETTING: Urban and rural Puerto Rico. PARTICIPANTS: Early adolescents aged 12-14years (n = 52) and PCs (n = 17). PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Factors that prevent healthy eating behavior in EAs in Puerto Rico. ANALYSIS: Verbatim transcripts from focus group interviews were coded for concept frequency, extension, and content analysis. RESULTS: The 3 main factors that influenced participants' eating habits, according to EAs' and PCs' answers, were stores that sold less healthful foods on or near school and the community, parental influence in the development of unhealthy eating habits, and the low cost of unhealthy foods. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: When EAs chose what to eat, primary food choices were based on taste preferences, physical access, economic cost, and influence of PCs, whereas health effects had little consideration. Nutrition education programs have to meet taste preferences and provide eating options that are affordable, accessible, and easy to prepare to achieve healthy food practices among EAs.

Suplementos nutricionales como modificadores del riesgo cardiovascular en componentes del síndrome metabólico en adultos / Dietary supplements as modifiers of cardiovascular risk in components of the metabolic syndrome in adults

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los suplementos nutricionales con ácidos grasos de cadena larga, micronutrientes y antioxidantes en la población adulta, como posibles modificadores del riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico, o alguno de sus componentes. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline y Embase, utilizando los términos ''Metabolic Syndrome'' AND ''Dietary supplements'' y 'Metabolic Syndrome'/exp AND 'Dietary supplement'/exp, respectivamente, sobre el papel de los suplementos nutricionales en la modificación del riesgo cardiovascular en adultos con síndrome metabólico o alguno de sus componentes. Resultados: De 475 artículos depurados, se seleccionaron 37 que estudiaran el posible beneficio de los suplementos nutricionales en el síndrome metabólico. Algunos estudios muestran un potencial de ácidos grasos de cadena larga y antioxidantes (vitamina D, vitamina E) para reducir el riesgo cardiovascular de pacientes con síndrome metabólico, evidenciado en la reducción de parámetros como colesterol total, glucemia, índice de masa corporal y perímetro abdominal. Conclusión: El uso de suplementos nutricionales con ácidos grasos de cadena larga y antioxidante podría tener efectos benéficos en la disminución de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico o alguno de sus componentes. El uso de suplementos con otros componentes debe estudiarse a mayor profundidad para efectuar recomendaciones.

Abstract Objective: To analyze dietary supplements with long chain fatty acids, micronutrients and antioxidants in adult population as possible modifiers of cardiovascular risk in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or any of its components. Methods: Literature review of databases Medline and Embase using terms ''Metabolic Syndrome'' AND ''Dietary supplements'' and 'Metabolic Syndrome'/exp AND 'Dietary supplement'/exp, respectively, on the role of dietary supplements in modifying cardiovascular risk in adults with metabolic syndrome or any of its components. Results: Out of 475 articles, the 37 selected studied the possible benefit of dietary supplements in metabolic syndrome. Some studies reveal a potential in long chain fatty acids and antioxidants (vitamin D, vitamin E) in reducing cardiovascular risk of patients with metabolic syndrome, evidenced in the decrease of parameters such as total cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index and abdominal perimeter. Conclusion: The use of dietary supplements with long chain fatty acids and antioxidants could have beneficial effects in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or any of its components. The use of supplements with other components must be studied more deeply to make further recommendations.

Suplementos nutricionales en el deterioro cognitivo y la enfermedad de Alzheimer: revisión de la literatura / Dietary supplements in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: a literature review

RESUMEN OBJETIVOS: Evaluar los efectos del consumo de ácidos grasos omega 3 en forma de suplementos, complementos o alimentos sobre la función cognitiva de los adultos. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline y Embase, buscando ensayos clínicos, estudios observacionales, revisiones sistemáticas y estudios experimentales que relacionaran los ácidos grasos omega 3 con función cognitiva y Alzheimer. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los estudios relacionó la suplementación de cápsulas con omega 3, el consumo de pescado u otros alimentos con contenido de omega 3, con resultados en pruebas de función cognitiva, desenlace de enfermedad o imágenes diagnósticas, encontrando en general efectos benéficos, que parecen ser mayores en personas sanas y con mejor función cognitiva de base. Hubo diferencias en los resultados encontrados en los ensayos clínicos y revisiones sistemáticas, que podrían atribuirse a la variabilidad en las dosis de la suplementación, el tiempo de seguimiento y la manera en que se midió la función y el deterioro cognitivo. CONCLUSIÓN: El consumo de ácidos grasos omega 3 en forma de suplementos, complementos o alimentos ricos en estos como el pescado parece tener efectos benéficos en la función cognitiva de las personas adultas.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of omega 3 fatty acids consumption in the form of dietary supplement, complement or food-products presentation on adult cognitive function. METHODS: A literature review in two databases (Medline and Embase) was undertaken, searching for clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews and experimental studies concerning omega-3 fatty acids and their relation with cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. RESULTS: Most studies linked supplementation with omega-3 capsules and consumption of fish and other omega-3 containing foods with results in cognitive function testing, outcomes in diseases or diagnostic imaging and found beneficial effects, which seem to be stronger in healthier persons with better cognitive function at baseline. There were differences in the results found in clinical trials and systematic reviews, which could be attributable to the variability in the supplementation dose, the length of follow-up and the methods used to assess cognitive function and decline. CONCLUSION: The use of omega-3 fatty acids in supplement, complement or food-products presentation seems to have beneficial effects in the cognitive function of healthy adults.

TMV induces RNA decay pathways to modulate gene silencing and disease symptoms.

RNA decay pathways comprise a combination of RNA degradation mechanisms that are implicated in gene expression, development and defense responses in eukaryotes. These mechanisms are known as the RNA Quality Control or RQC pathways. In plants, another important RNA degradation mechanism is the post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) mediated by small RNAs (siRNAs). Notably, the RQC pathway antagonizes PTGS by preventing the entry of dysfunctional mRNAs into the silencing pathway to avoid global degradation of mRNA by siRNAs. Viral transcripts must evade RNA degrading mechanisms, thus viruses encode PTGS suppressor proteins to counteract viral RNA silencing. Here, we demonstrate that tobacco plants infected with TMV and transgenic lines expressing TMV MP and CP (coat protein) proteins (which are not linked to the suppression of silencing) display increased transcriptional levels of RNA decay genes. These plants also showed accumulation of cytoplasmic RNA granules with altered structure, increased rates of RNA decay for transgenes and defective transgene PTGS amplification. Furthermore, knockdown of RRP41 or RRP43 RNA exosome components led to lower levels of TMV accumulation with milder symptoms after infection, several developmental defects and miRNA deregulation. Thus, we propose that TMV proteins induce RNA decay pathways (in particular exosome components) to impair antiviral PTGS and this defensive mechanism would constitute an additional counter-defense strategy that lead to disease symptoms.

Uso de probióticos en el síndrome de intestino irritable y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: una revisión de la literatura / A Review of the Literature on the Use of Probiotics to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Resumen Introducción: el síndrome de intestino irritable (SII) y la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII), son motivos de consulta frecuente. Usualmente su tratamiento se hace en primer nivel de atención, con ajuste de estilo de vida y cambios dietéticos. Los tratamientos farmacológicos tienen eficacia limitada e importantes efectos secundarios, por lo que existe un interés creciente en terapias diferentes, como el uso de probióticos. Métodos: se realizó una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Medline y Embase buscando estudios que asociaran suplementos nutricionales con SII o EII, haciendo énfasis en probióticos. Resultados: de un total de 1598 referencias, 43 cumplieron criterios finales de inclusión. El uso de probióticos en SII y EII sugiere ser una terapia que ayuda a mantener los períodos de remisión de la enfermedad, mejorar la calidad de vida y atenuar el proceso fisiopatológico. Conclusiones: el uso de probióticos y prebióticos podría ser una alternativa de soporte nutricional en pacientes seleccionados.

Abstract Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are frequent reasons for medical consultation. Usually they are treated at the first level of attention with adjustment of lifestyle and dietary changes. Pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy and significant side effects, so there is growing interest in other therapies such as the use of probiotics. Methods: This is literature review of studies associating nutritional supplements with IBS or IBD that have an emphasis on probiotics and which found in the Medline and Embase databases. Results: Of a total of 1,598 references, 43 met the final inclusion criteria. The use of probiotics in IBS and IBD suggests a therapy that helps maintain periods of disease remission, improvement of quality of life and attenuation of the pathophysiological process. Conclusions: The use of probiotics and prebiotics could be alternative nutritional support for selected patients.

An antibody against an Anopheles albimanus midgut myosin reduces Plasmodium berghei oocyst development.

BACKGROUND: Malaria parasites are transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Although several studies have identified mosquito midgut surface proteins that are putatively important for Plasmodium ookinete invasion, only a few have characterized these protein targets and demonstrated transmission-blocking activity. Molecular information about these proteins is essential for the development of transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV). The aim of the present study was to test three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), A-140, A-78 and A-10, for their ability to recognize antigens and block oocyst infection of the midgut of Anopheles albimanus, a major malaria vector in Latin America. METHOD: Western-blot of mAbs on antigens from midgut brush border membrane vesicles was used to select antibodies. Three mAbs were tested by membrane feeding assays to evaluate their potential transmission-blocking activity against Plasmodium berghei. The cognate antigens recognized by mAbs with oocyst-reducing activity were determined by immunoprecipitation followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Only one mAb, A-140, significantly reduced oocyst infection intensity. Hence, its probable protein target in the Anopheles albimanus midgut was identified and characterized. It recognized three high-molecular mass proteins from a midgut brush border microvilli vesicle preparation. Chemical deglycosylation assays confirmed the peptide nature of the epitope recognized by mAb A-140. Immunoprecipitation followed by proteomic identification with tandem mass spectrometry revealed five proteins, presumably extracted together as a complex. Of these, AALB007909 had the highest mascot score and corresponds to a protein with a myosin head motor domain, indicating that the target of mAb A-140 is probably myosin located on the microvilli of the mosquito midgut. CONCLUSION: These results provide support for the participation of myosin in mosquito midgut invasion by Plasmodium ookinetes. The potential inclusion of this protein in the design of new multivalent vaccine strategies for blocking Plasmodium transmission is discussed.

Giant Molluscum Contagiosum in an HIV positive patient.

Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) is a skin infection caused by a double-stranded DNA virus of the family Poxviridae that replicates in the human epidermis, affecting mainly children and young sexually active adults and causing flesh colored papular lesions with central umbilication with an average size of 3-5mm, although atypical lesions that reach great size (Giant Molluscum Contagiosum), 10-15mm, can be seen in almost any immunodeficiency condition. We report the case of a 35 year old male patient with C3 HIV disease with an abdominal pathology associated to skin lesions predominantly in the forehead and scalp that reached sizes over 5mm, diagnosed as Giant Molluscum Contagiosum by skin biopsies.

[Postraumatic mental disorders in traders victims of crime]. / Alteraciones psíquicas postraumáticas en comerciantes víctimas de delitos.

INTRODUCTION: Crime consequences are not only a security problem; they are also a community health question. Because shop assistants are particularly exposed to crime victimization, they are at risk from suffering posttraumatic stress disorders. OBJECTIVES: To describe posttraumatic symptomatology of crime victimized shop assistants and to explore the relationship between the symptoms and demographic, victim and situational factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-reported information about mental symptomatology was gathered from 126 victimized shop assistants identified during cross-sectional study. Case and control groups were formed to explore association between symptomatology and crime and victim characteristics. RESULTS: The 20.6% of respondents reported information compatible with posttraumatic stress disorder; the 13 %, with moderate/severe depression and the 69.8% with adjustment disorder. The condition of being a case was associated with the violent characteristic of the crime, with the subtraction of goods and the economic value of the goods.

Metabolic and miRNA profiling of TMV infected plants reveals biphasic temporal changes.

Plant viral infections induce changes including gene expression and metabolic components. Identification of metabolites and microRNAs (miRNAs) differing in abundance along infection may provide a broad view of the pathways involved in signaling and defense that orchestrate and execute the response in plant-pathogen interactions. We used a systemic approach by applying both liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to determine the relative level of metabolites across the viral infection, together with a miRs profiling using a micro-array based procedure. Systemic changes in metabolites were characterized by a biphasic response after infection. The first phase, detected at one dpi, evidenced the action of a systemic signal since no virus was detected systemically. Several of the metabolites increased at this stage were hormone-related. miRs profiling after infection also revealed a biphasic alteration, showing miRs alteration at 5 dpi where no virus was detected systemically and a late phase correlating with virus accumulation. Correlation analyses revealed a massive increase in the density of correlation networks after infection indicating a complex reprogramming of the regulatory pathways, either in response to the plant defense mechanism or to the virus infection itself. Our data propose the involvement of a systemic signaling on early miRs alteration.

[Mental disorders and working capacity evaluation in psychiatric boards]. / La evaluación de trastornos mentales y de capacidad laboral en juntas psiquiátricas.

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation by a "Psychiatric Board" of workers in certified sickness absence is a complex practice, and its results have significant effects from a work and health standpoint. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability in the psychiatric board and the association between self-reported measurement and the board judgment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: information was obtained from 68 school teachers on sick leaves through self-reported scales (Zung and Conde Self-rating Scale for Depression; Maslach Burnout Inventory; Effort-reward Imbalance Questionnaire; and Self Reported Present Health State Scale). Blind clinical psychiatric evaluation regarding the former information was carried out. Two independent scores of the Global Assessment Scale; Clinical Global Impression; Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Reliability Scale were obtained. RESULTS: The results support the reliability of the instruments and that they can provide important information to the Psychiatric Board.

[Influence of leptin and adiponectin on prostate cancer]. / Influencia de la leptina y adiponectina en el cáncer de próstata.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated the association between obesity, adipose tissue-derived factors (leptin and adiponectin) and prostate cancer (CaP) but the results are still inconsistent. METHODS: The aim of this study was to carry out a comprehensive review of the existing evidence about the role of leptin and adiponectin in prostate carcinogenesis and to provide an overview of it. RESULTS: Recent evidence suggests that leptin may play a rol in prostate cancer progression, while adiponectin may act as an "antiprostatic cancer" adipokine. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity may promote the progression of established prostate cancer and and adipokines may provide a molecular mechanism whereby obesity exerts its effects on prostate tumour biology.

Virus infection elevates transcriptional activity of miR164a promoter in plants.

BACKGROUND: Micro RNAs (miRs) constitute a large group of endogenous small RNAs that have crucial roles in many important plant functions. Virus infection and transgenic expression of viral proteins alter accumulation and activity of miRs and so far, most of the published evidence involves post-transcriptional regulations. RESULTS: Using transgenic plants expressing a reporter gene under the promoter region of a characterized miR (P-miR164a), we monitored the reporter gene expression in different tissues and during Arabidopsis development. Strong expression was detected in both vascular tissues and hydathodes. P-miR164a activity was developmentally regulated in plants with a maximum expression at stages 1.12 to 5.1 (according to Boyes, 2001) along the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. Upon quantification of P-miR164a-derived GUS activity after Tobacco mosaic virus Cg or Oilseed rape mosaic virus (ORMV) infection and after hormone treatments, we demonstrated that ORMV and gibberellic acid elevated P-miR164a activity. Accordingly, total mature miR164, precursor of miR164a and CUC1 mRNA (a miR164 target) levels increased after virus infection and interestingly the most severe virus (ORMV) produced the strongest promoter induction. CONCLUSION: This work shows for the first time that the alteration of miR pathways produced by viral infections possesses a transcriptional component. In addition, the degree of miR alteration correlates with virus severity since a more severe virus produces a stronger P-miR164a induction.