Meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies on the effects of opioid receptor ligands on food intake, motivation, and choice.

The opioid receptors (OR) regulate food intake. Still, despite extensive pre-clinical research, the overall effects and individual contribution of the mu (MOR), kappa (KOR), and delta (DOR) OR subtypes to feeding behaviors and food intake remain unclear. To address this, we conducted a pre-registered systematic search and meta-analysis of rodent dose-response studies to evaluate the impact of central and peripheral administration of non-selective and selective OR ligands on intake, motivation, and choice of food. All studies had a high bias risk. Still, the meta-analysis confirmed the overall orexigenic and anorexigenic effects of OR agonists and antagonists, respectively. Our results support a larger orexigenic role for central MOR agonists among OR subtypes and that peripheral OR antagonists reduce motivation for and intake of preferred foods. In binary food choice studies, peripheral OR agonists selectively increase the intake of fat-preferred foods; in contrast, they did not increase the intake of sweet carbohydrate-preferred foods. Overall, these data support that OR regulation of intake, motivation, and choice is influenced by food macronutrient composition.

Natural products from plants targeting key enzymes for the future development of antidiabetic agents.

Covering: 2000 to January 2023Diabetes is a metabolic disease of serious concern nowadays, with a negative economic impact. In 2021, the International Diabetes Federation estimated that more than 537 million adults live with diabetes, causing over 6.7 million deaths in that year. Intensive scientific research on medicinal plants in the last 100 years reveals that herbal drugs have been an essential source of products for developing antidiabetic agents acting on different physiological targets. This review summarizes recent research from 2000 to 2022 on plant natural compounds affecting selected crucial enzymes (dipeptidyl peptidase IV, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, fructose 1,6-biphosphatase, glucokinase, and fructokinase) involved in glucose homeostasis. Enzyme-aimed treatments usually induce reversible inhibition, irreversible by covalent changes of the objective enzymes, or bind non-covalently but so tightly that their inhibition is irreversible. Depending on the binding site, these inhibitors could be orthosteric or allosteric; in any case, the desired pharmacological action is achieved. One crucial advantage of targeting enzymes in drug discovery is that the required assays are usually simple, using biochemical experiments capable of analyzing enzyme activity.

Innovative multiple nanoemulsion (W/O/W) based on Chilean honeybee pollen improves their permeability, antioxidant and antibacterial activity.

Beehive derivatives, including honeybee pollen (HBP), have been extensively studied for their beneficial health properties and potential therapeutic use. Its high polyphenol content gives it excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Today its use is limited due to poor organoleptic properties, low solubility, stability, and permeability under physiological conditions. A novel edible multiple W/O/W nanoemulsion (BP-MNE) to encapsulate the HBP extract was designed and optimized to overcome these limitations. The new BP-MNE has a small size (∼100 nm), a zeta potential greater than +30 mV, and efficiently encapsulated phenolic compounds (∼82%). BP-MNE stability was measured under simulated physiological conditions and storage conditions (4 months); in both cases, stability was promoted. The formulation's antioxidant and antibacterial (Streptococcus pyogenes) activity was analyzed, obtaining a higher effect than the non-encapsulated compounds in both cases. In vitro permeability was tested, observing a high permeability of the phenolic compounds when they are nanoencapsulated. With these results, we propose our BP-MNE as an innovative solution to encapsulate complex matrices, such as HBP extract, as a platform to develop functional foods.

Presiones de la vía biliar en pacientes con y sin colelitiasis

Introducción: El reflujo de enzimas pancreáticas hacia la vía biliar extra-hepática y la vesícula biliar es un fenómeno anormal que tiene un rol en la litogénesis y carcinogénesis. Debido a que la presión de la vía biliar depende entre otros factores, de las presiones del esfínter de Oddi. La disfunción de éste se vería reflejada en presiones elevadas de la vía biliar en pacientes con colelitiasis. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es el de medir las presiones de la vía biliar extra-hepática en pacientes con y sin colelitiasis y relacionarlas con la presencia de reflujo pancreáticobiliar. Material y Método: Se diseñó un estudio pros-pectivo de casos y controles. La muestra está constituida por todos los pacientes operados con gastrectomía total por cáncer gástrico estadios I y II durante 30 meses. La medida de resultado primaria fue establecer diferencias en las presiones de la vía biliar entre pacientes con y sin colelitiasis. Resultados: Las presiones de la vía biliar extra-hepática en pacientes con colelitiasis fueron más elevadas (16,9 mmHg) que en los pacientes sin colelitiasis (3,3 mmHg) (p < 0,0001). Estas presiones se correlacionan con la presencia de amilasa y lipasa en la bilis de la vesícula; se encontraron niveles elevados de enzimas pancreáticas en pacientes con colelitiasis (p < 0,0001). Conclusiones: Las presiones de la vía biliar en pacientes con colelitiasis fueron, significativamente, mayores comparadas con las presiones de la vía biliar en pacientes sin colelitiasis. En los pacientes con colelitiasis, la presión elevada de la vía biliar se asocia a la presencia de reflujo pancreáticobiliar.

Background: The reflux of pancreatic enzymes into the bile duct and the gallbladder is an abnormal phenomenon that plays a role in lithogenesis and carcinogenesis. Because the pressure of the common bile duct depends on the pressures of the sphincter of Oddi, its dysfunction would be reflected in an increase in the pressure of the common bile duct in patients with cholelithiasis. Aim: The objective of this study was to measure the pressures of the common bile duct in patients with and without cholelithiasis and to relate them to the presence of pancreatobiliary reflux. Material and Method: A prospective case-control study was designed. The universe was constituted by all patients undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer stages I and II during 30 months. The primary outcome measure was to establish differences between common bile duct pressures in patients with and without cholelithiasis. Results: Common bile duct pressures in patients with gallstones showed a significant elevation (16.9 mmHg) compared to patients without gallstones (3.3 mm Hg) (p < 0.0001). These pressures correlated with the levels of amylase and lipase in gallbladder bile; higher levels were found in patients with gallstones compared to patients without gallstones (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Common bile duct pressure in patients with cholelithiasis was significantly higher compared to patients without cholelithiasis leading to pancreatobiliary reflux.

Anaerobic RSH-dependent tellurite reduction contributes to Escherichia coli tolerance against tellurite.

BACKGROUND: Tellurium is a rare metalloid that exerts high toxicity on cells, especially on bacteria, partly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, it has also been observed that tellurite can target free cell thiols groups (RSH) (i.e. reduced glutathione (GSH)), enhancing the cellular redox imbalance. Additionally, in vitro experiments have suggested that several enzymes can reduce tellurite (IV) to its elemental form (0); where RSH present on their active sites may be responsible for the process. Nevertheless, the mechanisms implemented by bacteria for tellurite reduction and its role in resistance have not been evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: This work shows that tellurite reduction to elemental tellurium is increased under anaerobic conditions in E. coli cells. The in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular concentration of total RSH, in the presence and absence of oxygen. This metabolization of tellurite directly contributes to the resistance of the bacteria to the oxyanion. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular thiol concentration, i.e. large availability of cellular RSH groups, results in a more significant reduction of tellurite. Furthermore, we observed that, when the bacterium exhibits less resistance to the oxyanion, a decreased tellurite reduction was seen, affecting the growth fitness. Together, these results let us propose that tellurite reduction and the intracellular RSH content are related to the oxyanion bacterial resistance, this tripartite mechanism in an oxygen-independent anaerobic process.

Anaerobic RSH-dependent tellurite reduction contributes to Escherichia coli tolerance against tellurite

BACKGROUND: Tellurium is a rare metalloid that exerts high toxicity on cells, especially on bacteria, partly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, it has also been observed that tellurite can target free cell thiols groups (RSH) (i.e. reduced glutathione (GSH)), enhancing the cellular redox imbalance. Additionally, in vitro experiments have suggested that several enzymes can reduce tellurite (IV) to its elemental form (0); where RSH present on their active sites may be responsible for the process. Nevertheless, the mechanisms implemented by bacteria for tellurite reduction and its role in resistance have not been evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: This work shows that tellurite reduction to elemental tellurium is increased under anaerobic conditions in E. coli cells. The in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular concentration of total RSH, in the presence and absence of oxygen. This metabolization of tellurite directly contributes to the resistance of the bacteria to the oxyanion. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that in vivo tellurite reduction is related to the intracellular thiol concentration, i.e. large availability of cellular RSH groups, results in a more significant reduction of tellurite. Furthermore, we observed that, when the bacterium exhibits less resistance to the oxyanion, a decreased tellurite reduction was seen, affecting the growth fitness. Together, these results let us propose that tellurite reduction and the intracellular RSH content are related to the oxyanion bacterial resistance, this tripartite mechanism in an oxygen independent anaerobic process.

The effect of protease inhibitor-based dual antiretroviral regimens on CD4/CD8 ratio during the first year of therapy in ART-naïve patients with HIV-infection.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of protease inhibitor (PI)-based dual therapy on CD4/CD8 ratio during the first year of therapy in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve patients using data from randomized controlled clinical trials. METHODS: We pooled data from the GARDEL and ANDES studies, both randomized controlled clinical trials that recruited ART-naïve people living with HIV and randomly assigned them to receive PI-based dual therapy (DT) or triple therapy (TT) aiming to compare viral efficacy. We compared median CD4/CD8 ratios and the proportion of patients with CD4/CD8 ratio > 1 at 48 weeks after ART initiation in both treatment arms using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the χ2 test. We performed subgroup analysis for patients > 50 years old, with baseline CD4 counts ≤ 200 cells/µL, viral load > 100 000 HIV RNA copies/mL, and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir-based therapy. RESULTS: We analysed data from 571 patients: 292 on DT and 279 on TT. No differences were observed in CD4/CD8 ratio (0.632 vs. 0.617, P = 0.729) or in the proportion of patients with CD4/CD8 ratio > 1 (17.9% vs. 19.3%, P = 0.678) 48 weeks after ART initiation. Subgroup analysis showed no further differences. CONCLUSION: The impact of PI-based DT regimens on the CD4/CD8 ratio during the first year of treatment for ART-naïve patients is similar to that of TT.

Understanding gold toxicity in aerobically-grown Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND: There is an emerging field to put into practice new strategies for developing molecules with antimicrobial properties. In this line, several metals and metalloids are currently being used for these purposes, although their cellular effect(s) or target(s) in a particular organism are still unknown. Here we aimed to investigate and analyze Au3+ toxicity through a combination of biochemical and molecular approaches. RESULTS: We found that Au3+ triggers a major oxidative unbalance in Escherichia coli, characterized by decreased intracellular thiol levels, increased superoxide concentration, as well as by an augmented production of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Because ROS production is, in some cases, associated with metal reduction and the concomitant generation of gold-containing nanostructures (AuNS), this possibility was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Au3+ is toxic for E. coli because it triggers an unbalance of the bacterium's oxidative status. This was demonstrated by using oxidative stress dyes and antioxidant chemicals as well as gene reporters, RSH concentrations and AuNS generation.

Understanding gold toxicity in aerobically-grown Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND: There Is an emerging field to put Into practice new strategies for developing molecules with antimicrobial properties. In this line, several metals and metalloids are currently being used for these purposes, although their cellular effect(s) or target(s) in a particular organism are still unknown. Here we aimed to investigate and analyze Au3+ toxicity through a combination of biochemical and molecular approaches. RESULTS: We found that Au3+ triggers a major oxidative unbalance in Escherichia coli, characterized by decreased intracellular thiol levels, increased superoxide concentration, as well as by an augmented production of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Because ROS production is, in some cases, associated with metal reduction and the concomitant generation of gold-containing nanostructures (AuNS), this possibility was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Au3+ is toxic for E. coli because it triggers an unbalance of the bacterium's oxidative status. This was demonstrated by using oxidative stress dyes and antioxidant chemicals as well as gene reporters, RSH concentrations and AuNS generation.

Influence of protamine shell on nanoemulsions as a carrier for cyclosporine-A skin delivery.

Novel protamine-based nanosystems have been studied for cyclosporine-A (CsA) skin delivery. Core-shell structure systems have been developed to this end. These vehicles have particles sizes of 200-300 nm, a low polydispersity index and a zeta potential which varies between -16 mV and +35 mV. The resulting four nanosystems efficiently encapsulated CsA in their oily nucleus (60-80%) and released this drug in a controlled manner. These formulations have shown a high stability in aqueous suspension in storage conditions at 4 °C (for at least 21 months) and in acetate buffer at a physiological temperature of 37 °C (for at least 24 h). Ex vivo transdermal diffusion experiments using Franz diffusion cells and 2- to 3-day-old pig skin as a biological barrier were performed. All nanoformulations designed produced an increase in CsA transdermal delivery and two of these nanosystems presented a marked promoting effect; the more relevant parameters were smaller particle size (200 ± 7 nm) and negative superficial charge. Finally, the ability of these nanosystems to enhance retention of CsA in the skin was also studied. The protamine disposition in the shell influenced CsA skin retention. Therefore, the incorporation of CsA into the nanosystems studied here makes them suitable vehicles for CsA transdermal administration.

[Morbimortality associated to nutritional status and feeding path in children with cerebral palsy]. / Morbimortalidad asociada al estado nutricional y vía de alimentación en niños con parálisis cerebral.

INTRODUCTION: Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) have a high prevalence of malnutrition associated to poor prognosis. For an adequate nutritional assessment, new growth curves (Brooks, 2011) are available, in which precise cut-off points in Weight/Age index correlate to increased morbidity and mortality rate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk of hospitalization and death in patients with CP, according to nutritional risk (NR). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Observational and prospective cohort study of patients with CP in an outpatient referral center. We registered demographic, socioeconomic data and nutritional assessment. During a one-year follow-up, hospitalizations and mortality were recorded. The correspondent committee extended an ethical approval. RESULTS: 81 CP patients were recruit, age 131.6 ± 60.4 months (25-313), 60 % male, 77.5 % without independent mobility. The 23 NR patients (28.4%) had lower muscle and fat mass (p = 0.000). During the follow-up, 29/81 patients required hospitalization (35.8%) and 4/81 died (4.9%). There was not an increased risk of hospitalization and/or mortality in NR group, but both were significantly higher in gastrostomy-fed children (RR: 2,98 CI 95%: 1.32-6.75 combining both variables). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, children and adolescents with severe CP and nutritional risk had similar morbidity and mortality during a one-year follow-up, compared to those with acceptable nutritional status. Both risks were higher in gastrostomy-fed than the orally fed children.

Nivel de dependencia, autocuidado y calidad de vida del adulto mayor / Level of dependency, self-care, and quality of life in the elder adult / Nível de dependência, autocuidado e qualidade de vida do idoso

Introducción: El envejecimiento es un proceso natural. La calidad e independencia con que se vive esta etapa depende no solo de la estructura genética de los seres humanos, sino también de lo que se realiza durante el curso de vida. Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre calidad de vida del adulto mayor y su nivel de dependencia y autocuidado. Métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo y correlacional. Fueron entrevistados 116 adultos mayores que acudieron a consulta en una unidad de salud. Las variables estudiadas fueron: dependencia, autocuidado y calidad de vida. Se utilizaron la Escala de Barthel, la Escala de capacidades de autocuidado y el Cuestionario SF-36 de calidad de vida. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables y correlación de Pearson y Spearman. El presente proyecto fue revisado y aprobado por un Comité de Investigación. Resultados: El 54.3% de los participantes fueron mujeres. El 80.2% de los adultos mayores encuestados presentaron independencia para realizar las actividades de la vida diaria y el 19.8% presentaron dependencia leve. En la calificación global de las actividades de autocuidado el 22.4% tuvieron buena capacidad y el 76.6%, muy buena capacidad. En la percepción de calidad de vida en la dimensión física, el 24% de los entrevistados consideran que su salud es buena y el 56%, regular. En las pruebas de correlación se encontró mínima relación entre las variables de autocuidado y dependencia; escasa entre autocuidado y grado de escolaridad; correlación positiva entre la dependencia y la calidad de vida, así como la calidad de vida y la edad, aunque el valor de todas las correlaciones fue bajo.

Introduction: Getting old is a natural process. The quality of life and independency lived during this stage depend not only on the genetic structure, but also on what is done throughout the entire life. Objective: To explore the relationship among the levels of quality of life, dependency, and self-care in the elder adult. Methods: This is a transversal, descriptive, and correlational study. One hundred and sixteen elder adults who attended consultation visits at a health unit were interviewed. The variables studied were: dependency, self-care, and quality of life. The Barthel scale, the Self-Care Capacities Scale, and the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire were used. The Pearson and Spearman correlations were calculated. This project was reviewed and approved by a Research Committee. Results: Fifty four point three percent of the participants were female. The 80.2% of the elder adults interviewed showed independence to perform their daily life activities, while the rest (19.8%) showed a mild level of dependency. In relation to the self-care activities, 22.4% showed a good capacity, while 76.6% showed a very good capacity. In relation to their perception of quality of life, in the physical dimension, 24% of the participants considered their health as good, while 56% consider it as more or less good. In the correlation tests, a minimal relationship was found between the variables of self-care and dependency, also, a low relationship was found between the self-care and the school levels. A positive correlation was found between dependency and quality of life, and also between quality of life and age, though their values were low.

Introdução: O envelhecimento é um processo natural. A qualidade e independência com que se vive esta etapa depende não só da estrutura genética dos seres humanos, senão também do que se realiza durante o curso de vida. Objetivo: Estabelecer a relação entre a qualidade de vida do idoso e o seu nível de dependência e autocuidado. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo e de correlação. Foram entrevistados 116 idosos que acudiram a consulta em uma unidade de saúde. As variáveis estudadas foram: dependência, autocuidado e qualidade de vida. Utilizou-se a escala de Barthel, Escala de capacidades de autocuidado e Questionário SF-36 de qualidade de vida. Realizou-se uma análise descritiva das variáveis e correlação de Pearson e Spearman. O presente projeto foi revisado e aprovado por um Comité de Pesquisa. Resultados: 54.3% dos participantes era mulher. O 80.2% dos idosos respondentes apresentou independência para realizar as atividades da vida diária e o 19.8% apresentou dependência leve. Na qualificação global das atividades de autocuidado, 22.4% teve boa capacidade e 76.6% muito boa capacidade. Na percepção de qualidade de vida na dimensão física, 24% dos entrevistados considera que sua saúde é boa e o 56% regular. Nas provas de correlação encontrou-se mínima relação entre as variáveis de autocuidado e dependência, escassa entre autocuidado e grau de escolaridade, correlação positiva entre a dependência e a qualidade de vida, bem como a qualidade de vida e a idade, ainda assim, o valor de todas as correlações foi baixo.

Quadrupedal Robot Locomotion: A Biologically Inspired Approach and Its Hardware Implementation.

A bioinspired locomotion system for a quadruped robot is presented. Locomotion is achieved by a spiking neural network (SNN) that acts as a Central Pattern Generator (CPG) producing different locomotion patterns represented by their raster plots. To generate these patterns, the SNN is configured with specific parameters (synaptic weights and topologies), which were estimated by a metaheuristic method based on Christiansen Grammar Evolution (CGE). The system has been implemented and validated on two robot platforms; firstly, we tested our system on a quadruped robot and, secondly, on a hexapod one. In this last one, we simulated the case where two legs of the hexapod were amputated and its locomotion mechanism has been changed. For the quadruped robot, the control is performed by the spiking neural network implemented on an Arduino board with 35% of resource usage. In the hexapod robot, we used Spartan 6 FPGA board with only 3% of resource usage. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed system in both cases.

Adelantamiento rotuliano tipo Bandi versus limpieza articular artroscópica para el manejo de la artrosis patelofemoral: Seguimiento a un año / Bandi tibial tubercule osteotomy vs artrhroscopy lavage in patelo femoral arthritis: 1 year follow-up

Introducción: La osteoartritis (OA) es una artropatía degenerativa que modifica las propiedades mecánicas y biológicas, del cartílago articular y del hueso subcondral, su tratamiento va encaminado hacia el alivio del dolor, mantener la función articular y reducir la progresión de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar los resultados quirúrgicos de la limpieza articular artroscópica y adelantamiento rotuliano utilizando la escala WOMAC. Metodología: Estudio transversal en el que se compara el resultado funcional del tratamiento de la OA patelofemoral en pacientes operados por limpieza articular artroscópica y pacientes operados por adelantamiento rotuliano con técnica de Bandi. Las variables fueron, género, edad, lado afectado, técnica quirúrgica e índice de WOMAC prequirúrgico y a los 12 meses de seguimiento. Utilizamos estadística descriptiva así como t de Student para la diferencia de promedios de WOMAC entre ambos grupos de pacientes. Resultados: n = 37 pacientes, la edad promedio fue 53.48 años (28-82), ± 12.55, el género 11 (29.7%) hombres y 26 (70.3%) mujeres, el lado afectado: 19 (51.35%) derecho y 18 (48.65%) izquierdo. Técnica quirúrgica: 45.9% artroscópico y 54.1% con técnica de Bandi. Los pacientes operados mediante Bandi y adelantamiento rotuliano tuvieron mejoría del dolor, rigidez articular y de la función física (p = 0.00); la comparación del puntaje global de WOMAC para ambas técnicas al año no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0.78). Conclusión: Ambas técnicas (Bandi y limpieza artroscópica) ofrecen buenos resultados a los 365 días de operados, sin embargo, los pacientes manejados por limpieza artroscópica presentan menor dolor comparados con los de adelantamiento rotuliano tipo Bandi.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that modifies the mechanical and biological properties of articular cartilage and subchondral bone, treatment is aimed at relieving pain, maintain joint and reduce disease progression function. The aim of this paper is to compare the surgical outcomes of the arthroscopic articular cleaning and Bandi procedure by using the WOMAC scale. Methods: Cross-sectional study, functional outcome of treatment of patellofemoral ostheoarthritis by arthroscopic articular cleaning and Bandi procedure are compared. Variables were gender, age, affected side, surgical technique and preoperative and 12 months follow up WOMAC evaluation. We used descriptive statistics and t-test for mean difference in WOMAC between both groups of patients. Results: n = 37 patients, the mean age was 53.48 (28-82), ± 12.55 years; 11 (29.7%) males and 26 (70.3%) women, the affected side: 19 (51.35%) right and 18 (48.65%) left. Surgical technique: 45.9% arthroscopic articular cleaning and 54.1% Bandi procedure. Patients operated by both technics: Bandi and arthroscopic articular cleaning had improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function (p = 0.00); comparison of global WOMAC score for both techniques a year after showed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.78). Conclusion: Both techniques (Bandi and arthroscopic articular cleaning) offer good results at 365 days of surgery, however patients managed by arthroscopic articular cleaning have less pain compared with Bandi procedure.

[Bandi tibial tubercule osteotomy vs. artrhroscopy lavage in patelo femoral arthritis. 1 year follow-up]. / Adelantamiento rotuliano tipo Bandi versus limpieza articular artroscópica para el manejo de la artrosis patelofemoral. Seguimiento a un año.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that modifies the mechanical and biological properties of articular cartilage and subchondral bone, treatment is aimed at relieving pain, maintain joint and reduce disease progression function. The aim of this paper is to compare the surgical outcomes of the arthroscopic articular cleaning and Bandi procedure by using the WOMAC scale. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, functional outcome of treatment of patellofemoral ostheoarthritis by arthroscopic articular cleaning and Bandi procedure are compared. Variables were gender, age, affected side, surgical technique and preoperative and 12 months follow up WOMAC evaluation. We used descriptive statistics and t-test for mean difference in WOMAC between both groups of patients. RESULTS: n = 37 patients, the mean age was 53.48 (28-82), ± 12.55 years; 11 (29.7%) males and 26 (70.3%) women, the affected side: 19 (51.35%) right and 18 (48.65%) left. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: 45.9% arthroscopic articular cleaning and 54.1% Bandi procedure. Patients operated by both technics: Bandi and arthroscopic articular cleaning had improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function (p = 0.00); comparison of global WOMAC score for both techniques a year after showed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.78). CONCLUSION: Both techniques (Bandi and arthroscopic articular cleaning) offer good results at 365 days of surgery, however patients managed by arthroscopic articular cleaning have less pain compared with Bandi procedure.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La osteoartritis (OA) es una artropatía degenerativa que modifica las propiedades mecánicas y biológicas, del cartílago articular y del hueso subcondral, su tratamiento va encaminado hacia el alivio del dolor, mantener la función articular y reducir la progresión de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar los resultados quirúrgicos de la limpieza articular artroscópica y adelantamiento rotuliano utilizando la escala WOMAC. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio transversal en el que se compara el resultado funcional del tratamiento de la OA patelofemoral en pacientes operados por limpieza articular artroscópica y pacientes operados por adelantamiento rotuliano con técnica de Bandi. Las variables fueron, género, edad, lado afectado, técnica quirúrgica e índice de WOMAC prequirúrgico y a los 12 meses de seguimiento. Utilizamos estadística descriptiva así como t de Student para la diferencia de promedios de WOMAC entre ambos grupos de pacientes. RESULTADOS: n = 37 pacientes, la edad promedio fue 53.48 años (28-82), ± 12.55, el género 11 (29.7%) hombres y 26 (70.3%) mujeres, el lado afectado: 19 (51.35%) derecho y 18 (48.65%) izquierdo. Técnica quirúrgica: 45.9% artroscópico y 54.1% con técnica de Bandi. Los pacientes operados mediante Bandi y adelantamiento rotuliano tuvieron mejoría del dolor, rigidez articular y de la función física (p = 0.00); la comparación del puntaje global de WOMAC para ambas técnicas al año no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0.78). CONCLUSIÓN: Ambas técnicas (Bandi y limpieza artroscópica) ofrecen buenos resultados a los 365 días de operados, sin embargo, los pacientes manejados por limpieza artroscópica presentan menor dolor comparados con los de adelantamiento rotuliano tipo Bandi.

Tromboprofilaxis en pacientes médicos hospitalizados. ¿A todos por igual? / Thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients. Do all alike?

Venous thromboembolic disease is the leading preventable cause of hospital mortality. Up to 75 percent of these are in non - surgical patients. This is a large, heterogeneous group of patients; so to know the risk factors for deep venous thrombosis crucial to provide a correct prevention. This article reviewed the indications, contraindications and complications of thromboprophylaxis. Difficult cases in elderly, obese, chronic kidney disease, critical care and cirrhotic patients were reviewed. The purpose of this article is to support decision – making on dvt prevention in hospitalized medical patients...

Tromboprofilaxis farmacológica en pacientes oncológicos quirúrgicos en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in surgical oncology patients in Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile

The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of thromboprophylaxis in surgical oncology patients in HCUCH in 2011. Method: Retrospective analysis of patients with cancer undergoing surgery in 2011. Was defined as adequate pharmacological thromboprophylaxis the correct dose, mechanical prophylaxis in case of drug contraindications and beginning on day 0 or 1. Results: 131 medical records were reviewed. Main neoplasms were colorectal (21.3 percent), prostate (12.9 percent), gallbladder (8.3 percent) and stomach (6.9 percent). Of the patients requiring pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (n = 110) were rated as adequate 52 patients (47 percent), 47 inadequate (43 percent) and 11 absent (10 percent). The causes of inappropriate use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis included 27 late onset (58 percent), 10 lower doses (21 percent), 3 late onset associated with lower dose (6 percent), 6 incomplete thromboprophylaxis (13 percent) and 1 dose increased (2 percent). Factors significantly associated with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis absent were: <40 years of age (p = 0.002), head and neck cancer (p < 0.001), and hospital stay <7 days (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The absence of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is associated with lower absolute risk factors for VTE: Age less than 40 years old, head and neck cancer, hospital stay less than 7 days...

Genetic identification of Theobroma cacao L. trees with high Criollo ancestry in Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico.

Criollo-type cacao trees are an important pool of genes with potential to be used in cacao breeding and selection programs. For that reason, we assessed the diversity and population structure of Criollo-type trees (108 cultivars with Criollo phenotypic characteristics and 10 Criollo references) using 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Cultivars were selected from 7 demes in the Soconusco region of southern Mexico. SSRs amplified 74 alleles with an average of 3.6 alleles per population. The overall populations showed an average observed heterozygosity of 0.28, indicating heterozygote deficiency (average fixation index F = 0.50). However, moderate allelic diversity was found within populations (Shannon index for all populations I = 0.97). Bayesian method analysis determined 2 genetic clusters (K = 2) within individuals. In concordance, an assignment test grouped 37 multilocus genotypes (including 10 references) into a first cluster (Criollo), 54 into a second (presumably Amelonado), and 27 admixed individuals unassigned at the 90% threshold likely corresponding to the Trinitario genotype. This classification was supported by the principal coordinate analysis and analysis of molecular variance, which showed 12% of variation among populations (FST = 0.123, P < 0.0001). Sampled demes sites (1- 7) in the Soconusco region did not show any evidence of clustering by geographic location, and this was supported by the Mantel test (Rxy = 0.54, P = 0.120). Individuals with high Criollo lineage planted in Soconusco farms could be an important reservoir of genes for future breeding programs searching for fine, taste, flavor, and aroma cocoa.

[Candidemia epidemiology in Córdoba Argentina. Surveillance study of five institutions]. / Epidemiologia de candidemia en Córdoba Republica Argentina. Estudio de vigilancia de cinco instituciones.

UNLABELLED: The incidence rate of invasive infections due to Candida species has increased drastically in the last 20 years, causing a 40% mortality rate in hospitalized patients. In order to comprehend the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infection, the study was carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was done based on microbiology laboratory reports from five terciary care hospitals from the city of Cordoba between January 2010 and August 2012. RESULTS: 158 patients had candidemia, the average age was 55,8 years, and 54% of patients were in the intensive care unit. Candida albicans (44%), Candida parapsilosis (22%) and Candida tropicalis (12%) were the main fungi isolated. Candida parapsilosis was commonly associated with catether infections. CONCLUSIONS: The data from the city of Cordoba showed that C. albicans, C. parapsilosis y C. tropicalis were the more frequent species isolated from blood cultures. This is similar to what is seen in other series published from Argentina and Latinamerica. This study may have implications when it comes to deciding which empiric antifugal agent is best for the treatment of candidemia.

La incidencia de infecciones invasivas por Candida ha aumentado en forma dramática en los últimos 20 años, siendo causa importante de mortalidad en torno al 40% en los pacientes hospitalizados. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, basado en reportes de laboratorio de cinco hospitales de tercer nivel de la ciudad de Córdoba entre enero de 2010 y agosto de 2012, con el objetivo de conocer la epidemiología regional. Resultados: 158 pacientes con candidemia, edad promedio de 55.8 años, el 60% internados en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Candida albicans 44%, Candida parapsilosis 22% y Candida tropicalis 12% fueron las principales especies aisladas. Candida parapsilosis estuvo comúnmente asociada a infecciones relacionadas a catéteres. Conclusiones: Esta serie local de la ciudad de Córdoba muestra que C. albicans, C. parapsilosis y C. tropicalis son las especies mas frecuentes coincidente con el perfil de las series publicadas en Argentina y Latinoamérica. Esto puede tener implicancias para decidir que agente antifúngico usar empíricamente para tratar las candidemias.

[Cervical arthrodesis by means of interbody fusion with autologous bone and/or interbody spacer for cervical disc disease]. / Artrodesis cervical mediante fusión intersomática con hueso autólogo versus espaciador intersomático en discopatía cervical.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of cervical arthrodesis performed through interbody fusion with autologous bone and/or interbody spacer for cervical disc disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparative cross-sectional study that included 49 patients who underwent surgery for anterior arthrodesis between January and December 2011, whose clinical records were reviewed. RESULTS: We included 49 patients: 20 (40.8%) males and 29 (59.2%) females. All of them were diagnosed with disc disease (cervical disc herniation) involving one or two levels. Mean operative time was 69.12, with a minimum of 53 and a maximum of 110 +/- 19.61 minutes for cervical arthrodesis with a graft. Mean operative time was 61.18 with a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 96.00 +/- 11.38 minutes for cer vical arthrodesis with an interbody spacer (p = 0.00, Student t test). Patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and complications are shown. Patients in whom both surgical techniques were used had appropriate radiological integration, with p = 0.015, considering p < or = a 0.05 as significant, chi2. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cervical disc disease bone integration is appropriate with the use of either an interbody cage or an autologous iliac crest graft.