Effect of Arthrospira maxima Phycobiliproteins, Rosiglitazone, and 17ß-Estradiol on Lipogenic and Inflammatory Gene Expression during 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Cell Differentiation.

The study evaluated the effects of Arthrospira maxima phycobiliproteins (PBPs), rosiglitazone (RSG), and 17ß-estradiol (E) on the differentiation process of 3T3-L1 cells and on their regulation of lipogenic and inflammatory gene expression at different stages of the process. The results showed that phycobiliproteins promoted cell proliferation after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, for all three treatments, the regulation of the highest number of markers occurred on days 6 and 12 of differentiation, regardless of when the treatment was applied. Phycobiliproteins reduced lipid droplet accumulation on days 3, 6, 10, and 13 of the adipogenic process, while rosiglitazone showed no differences compared to the control. On day 6, both phycobiliproteins and rosiglitazone positively regulated Acc1 mRNA. Meanwhile, all three treatments negatively regulated Pparγ and C/ebpα. Phycobiliproteins and estradiol also negatively regulated Ucp1 and Glut4 mRNAs. Rosiglitazone and estradiol, on the other hand, negatively regulated Ppara and Il-6 mRNAs. By day 12, phycobiliproteins and rosiglitazone upregulated Pparγ mRNA and negatively regulated Tnfα and Il-1ß. Additionally, phycobiliproteins and estradiol positively regulated Il-6 and negatively regulated Ppara, Ucp2, Acc1, and Glut4. Rosiglitazone and estradiol upregulate C/ebpα and Ucp1 mRNAs. The regulation exerted by phycobiliproteins on the mRNA expression of the studied markers was dependent on the phase of cell differentiation. The results of this study highlight that phycobiliproteins have an anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the expression of adipogenic, lipogenic, and inflammatory genes in 3T3-L1 cells at different stages of the differentiation process.

Spanish Society of Medical Oncology recommendations for comprehensive assessment and care of cancer survivors' needs.

This article reviews the contemporary and inclusive definition of cancer survivorship, including patients with and without disease who have completed or continue to undergo treatment. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) describes in this article the needs of these patients and outlines a care model based on an estimation of cancer incidence and identification of patient needs, to enable the provision of practical actions to achieve effective care. The objectives of this review are to identify the main effects of cancer on survivors and to establish appropriate ways of measuring these effects, as well as discussing the management of physical, psychological and social, occupational, financial, and other health-related needs. We suggest a multidisciplinary care model and training programs for the different professionals involved in care, and highlight challenges and the future role of the SEOM and health-care policy in ensuring optimum care of cancer survivors.

Factores de riesgo relacionados con hipoacusia en recién nacidos mediante tamizaje neonatal auditivo en el departamento del Atlántico (Colombia), 2019-2020

Objetivos: Identificar los factores de riesgo relacionados con hipoacusia en recién nacido mediante tamizaje neonatal auditivo en el departamento del Atlántico (Colombia) en el periodo 2019-2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte. Los recién nacidos fueron atendidos en 4 instituciones de III nivel de complejidad en Atlántico entre 2019 y 2020. Se incluyeron 32 casos correspondientes a registros según criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), sugestivos de alteración auditiva mediante la prueba de otoemisiones acústicas y 28 controles seleccionados de la misma población fuente, donde se originaron los casos en el mismo período. Se aplicaron los criterios de exclusión. Las variables cualitativas se presentaron en tablas de frecuencia y el análisis estadístico se realizó en el programa STATGRAPHICS versión 16. Para establecer diferencia entre los 2 grupos se utilizó la prueba (X2), calculándose su respectivo odds ratio, con un intervalo del 95 % de confianza. Resultados: Los principales factores de riesgo encontrados en recién nacido con alteración auditiva sugestiva de hipoacusia con significancia estadística (p<0,05) fueron la estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Neonatales: OR 4,2 IC95 % (1,4-12,4) y uso de aminoglucósidos: OR 3,2 IC95 % (1,03-10,1). Conclusiones: Se encontró asociación entre la estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Neonatales y uso de aminoglucósidos con alteración auditiva sugestivo de hipoacusia. Se debe tener en cuenta estos factores de riesgo para ser identificados en forma oportuna y realizar el manejo adecuado, como por ejemplo, disminuyendo tiempo de exposición.

Objectives: Identify risk factors related to hearing loss in newborns through neonatal hearing screening in the Department of Atlantic in the period 2019-2020. Materials and methods: Observational, analytical, case-control study nested in a cohort. Newborns were cared for in 4 level III of complexity health institutions in Atlantic between 2019 and 2020. 32 cases were included corresponding to records according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, suggestive of hearing impairment through the otoacoustic emissions test and 28 controls selected from the same source population, where the cases originated in the same period. Exclusion criteria were applied. The qualitative variables were presented in frequency tables and the statistical analysis was carried out in the STAT-GRAPHICS version 16 program. To establish the difference between the 2 groups, the (X2) test was used, calculating their respective odds ratio with a CI 95 %. Results: The main risk factors found in newborns with hearing impairment suggestive of hearing loss with statistical significance (p<0,05) were the stay in the Neonatal Care Unit: OR 4,2 CI95% (1,4-12,4) and use of aminoglycosides: OR 3,2 CI95 % (1,03-10,1). Conclusions: An association was found between the stay in the neonatal care unit and the use of aminoglycosides with hearing impairment suggestive of hearing loss. These risk factors must be taken into account to be identified in a timely manner and to carry out adequate management, such as reducing exposure time.

Risk factors for developing ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection in patients with severe COVID-19: a multinational, multicentre study, prospective, observational study.

Around one-third of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 develop a severe illness that requires admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In clinical practice, clinicians have learned that patients admitted to the ICU due to severe COVID-19 frequently develop ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections (VA-LRTI). This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, the factors associated with VA-LRTI, and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. This was a multicentre, observational cohort study conducted in ten countries in Latin America and Europe. We included patients with confirmed rtPCR for SARS-CoV-2 requiring ICU admission and endotracheal intubation. Only patients with a microbiological and clinical diagnosis of VA-LRTI were included. Multivariate Logistic regression analyses and Random Forest were conducted to determine the risk factors for VA-LRTI and its clinical impact in patients with severe COVID-19. In our study cohort of 3287 patients, VA-LRTI was diagnosed in 28.8% [948/3287]. The cumulative incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 18.6% [610/3287], followed by ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) 10.3% [338/3287]. A total of 1252 bacteria species were isolated. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.2% [266/1252]), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.1% [239/1252]) and Staphylococcus aureus (15.5% [194/1,252]). The factors independently associated with the development of VA-LRTI were prolonged stay under invasive mechanical ventilation, AKI during ICU stay, and the number of comorbidities. Regarding the clinical impact of VA-LRTI, patients with VAP had an increased risk of hospital mortality (OR [95% CI] of 1.81 [1.40-2.34]), while VAT was not associated with increased hospital mortality (OR [95% CI] of 1.34 [0.98-1.83]). VA-LRTI, often with difficult-to-treat bacteria, is frequent in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe COVID-19 and is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including higher mortality. Identifying risk factors for VA-LRTI might allow the early patient diagnosis to improve clinical outcomes.Trial registration: This is a prospective observational study; therefore, no health care interventions were applied to participants, and trial registration is not applicable.

Incomplete Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Is Associated with Lower CD4-CD8 Ratio in Virally Suppressed Patients with HIV Infection in Mexico.

Suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people with HIV, even during sustained viral suppression, is associated with persistent inflammation, immune activation, and coagulopathy. Persistently low CD4-CD8 Ratio has been also associated with residual inflammation, is a good predictor of increased risk of death and more widely available than inflammatory biomarkers. We tested the hypothesis that the CD4-CD8 Ratio is associated with ART adherence during periods of complete viral suppression. We used the Medication Possession Ratio based in pharmacy registries as measure of adherence and time-varying, routine care CD4 and CD8 measurements as outcome. We used a linear mixed model for longitudinal data, including fixed effects for sex, age, education, date of ART initiation, AIDS-related conditions, and baseline CD4 to model the outcome. In 988 adults with a median follow-up of 4.13 years, higher ART adherence was independently associated with a modest increase in CD4-CD8. For each increasing percentage point in adherence, the CD4-CD8 Ratio increased 0.000857 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.000494 to 0.002209, p = .213731) in the first year after achieving viral suppression; 0.001057 (95% CI 0.000262-0.001853, p = .009160) in years 1 to 3; 0.000323 (95% CI -0.000448 to 0.001095, p = .411441) in years 3 to 5; and 0.000850 (95% CI 0.000272-0.001429, p = .003946) 5-10 years after achieving viral suppression. The magnitude of the effect of adherence over CD4-CD8 Ratios varied over time and by baseline CD4 count, with increasing adherence having a larger effect early after ART initiation in people with higher baseline CD4 (>500 cells/µL) and in later years in people with lower baseline CD4 count (≥200 cells/µL). Our findings expand on previous evidence suggesting that the benefits of optimal adherence to modern ART regimens goes beyond maintaining viral suppression. These results highlight the importance of including objective measurements of adherence as part of routine care, even in patients with complete HIV suppression over long-term follow-up.

Mixed kernel SVR addressing Parkinson's progression from voice features.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with multiple motor and non-motor characteristics. PD patients commonly face vocal impairments during the early stages of the disease. In this article, the aim is to explain the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) as a measure of the progression of Parkinson's disease using a set of covariates obtained from voice signals. In particular, a Support Vector Regression (SVR) model based on a combination of kernel functions is introduced. Theoretically, this proposal, that relies on a mixed kernel (global and local) produces an admissible kernel function. The optimal fitting was obtained for the combination given by the product of radial and polynomial basis. Important results are the non-linear relationships inferred from the features to the response, as well as a considerable improvement in prediction performance metrics, when compared to other learning approaches. Furthermore, with knowledge on factors such as age and gender, it is possible to describe the dynamics of patients' UPDRS from the data collected during their monitoring. In summary, these advances could expand learning processes and intelligent systems to assist in monitoring the evolution of Parkinson's disease.

Risk assessment in COVID-19 patients: A multiclass classification approach.

Understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection that causes COVID-19 disease among the population was fundamental to determine the risk factors associated with severe cases or even death. Amidst the study of the pandemic, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have been successfully applied in many areas such as biomedicine. Using a dataset from the Mexican Ministry of Health, we performed a multiclass classification scheme for the detection of risks in COVID-19 patients and implemented three Machine Learning algorithms achieving the following accuracy measures: Random Forest (89.86%), GBM (89.37%) XGBoost (89.97%). The key findings are the identification of relevant components associated with different severities of COVID-19 disease. Among these factors, we found sex, age, days elapsed from the beginning of symptoms, symptoms such as dyspnea and polypnea; and other comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. This setting allows us to establish predicting algorithms to model the risk that an individual or a specific group of people face after contracting COVID-19 and the factors associated with developing complications or receiving appropriate treatment.

Complete genome sequence of Shewanella algae strain 2NE11, a decolorizing bacterium isolated from industrial effluent in Peru.

Shewanella is a microbial group with high potential to be applied in textile effluents bioremediation due to its ability to use a wide variety of substrates as a final electron acceptor in respiration. The present research aimed to describe a new strain, Shewanella algae 2NE11, a decolorizing bacterium isolated from industrial effluent in Peru. S. algae 2NE11 showed an optimal growth under pH 6-9, temperature between 30-40 °C, and 0-4 % NaCl. It can tolerate high concentrations of NaCl until 10% and low temperatures as 4 °C. It decolorizes azo and anthraquinone dyes with a decolorization rate of 89-97%. We performed next-generation sequencing (Pacific Bioscience®) and achieved its complete genome sequence with a length of 5,030,813bp and a GC content of 52.98%. Genomic characterization revealed the presence of protein-coding genes related to decolorization like azoreductase, dyp-peroxidase, oxidoreductases, and the complete Mtr respiratory pathway. Likewise, we identified other properties such as the presence of metal resistant genes, and genes related to lactate and N-acetylglucosamine metabolism. These results highlight its potential to be applied in the bioremediation of textile effluents and guide future research on decolorization metabolic pathways.

Total mercury exposure risk and selenium content measuring on fishery products consumed by women of childbearing age from Bogota, Colombia / Riesgo de exposición a mercurio total y medición del contenido de selenio en productos de la pesca consumidos por mujeres en edad fértil de Bogotá, Colombia

Background: Dietary exposure to mercury in women of childbearing age could result in neurological effects on the fetus. A health risk assessment of total mercury by fishery products intake has not been conducted in this population group in Bogota, Colombia. On the other hand, it has been suggested that selenium content on fishery products may have a protective effect against mercury toxicity. Nevertheless, selenium content on fish species marketed in Bogota has not been determined. Objective: Exposure risk to total mercury and selenium content on fishery products consumed by women of childbearing age from Bogota, Colombia, were assessed. Methods: Total mercury and selenium concentrations for products available at fish stores and supermarkets were determined. The exposure risk to total mercury was estimated considering the intake of these products by women of childbearing age group. Results: Total mercury highest concentrations were 0.8166 mg/kg in mota (Calophysusmacropterus), and 0.6275 mg/kg in catfish (Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum). On the other hand, the highest selenium concentration was 0.6471 mg/kg in nicuro (Pimelodus blochii). Finally, it was established that for women of childbearing age group, health risk of exposure to total mercury due to mota intake exceeded by 8.56-fold the reference dose. Conclusions:Mota intake considerably increases exposure risk to total mercury on women of childbearing age from Bogota, Colombia. The selenium levels established in the fishery products assessed, except for catfish and mota, are theoretically suggestive of a protective effect of selenium against mercury toxicity. Consequently, continuous total mercury concentrations monitoring is required to protect health of women of childbearing age and the general population from Bogota, Colombia

Antecedentes: La exposición dietética al mercurio en mujeres en edad fértil podría provocar efectos neurológicos en el feto. En Bogotá, Colombia no se han realizado evaluaciones de riesgo por la exposición al mercurio total debido a la ingesta de productos de la pesca en este grupo de la población. Por otro lado, ha sido sugerido que el contenido de selenio en los productos de la pesca podría tener un efecto protector frente a la toxicidad por mercurio, sin embargo, el contenido de selenio en las especies de peces comercializadas en Bogotá, Colombia no ha sido determinado. Objetivo: Evaluar el riesgo de exposición al mercurio total y el contenido de selenio en los productos de la pesca consumidos por las mujeres en edad fértil de Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: Se determinaron las concentraciones de mercurio total y selenio en distintos productos de la pesca disponibles en pescaderías y supermercados. El riesgo de exposición a mercurio total se estimó considerando la ingesta de estos productos por parte de un grupo de mujeres en edad fértil. Resultados: Las concentraciones más altas de mercurio total fueron de 0.8166 mg/kg en mota (Calophysus macropterus) y 0.6275 mg/kg en bagre (Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum). Por otro lado, la concentración más alta de selenio fue de 0.6471 mg/kg en nicuro (Pimelodus blochii). Finalmente, se estableció que el riesgo de exposición a mercurio total, debido a la ingesta de mota, excedió en 8.56 veces la dosis de referencia en el grupo de mujeres en edad fértil. Conclusiones: La ingesta de mota aumenta el riesgo de exposición al mercurio total en las mujeres en edad fértil de Bogotá, Colombia. Por otro lado, los niveles de selenio identificados en los productos evaluados, excepto en bagre y mota, teóricamente sugieren un posible efecto protector del selenio contra la toxicidad por mercurio. Considerando lo indicado, es necesario realizar un monitoreo continuo de las concentraciones de mercurio total en los productos de la pesca, con el fin de proteger la salud de las mujeres en edad fértil y de la población general de Bogotá, Colombia

Atenção farmacêutica a pacientes portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e asma / Pharmaceutical care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma

As doenças respiratórias crônicas, como a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e a asma, afetam centenas de milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, sendo a prevalência dessas doenças mais elevada nos países em desenvolvimento. Essas patologias têm consequências significativas em relação à qualidade de vida dos pacientes e a instituição de um tratamento é preponderante para a melhora do estado de saúde. No entanto, a eficácia do tratamento depende não apenas da disponibilidade do medicamento adequado, mas de seu uso correto. A via inalatória é a via de escolha primária para o tratamento da asma e da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, mas os pacientes costumam encontrar dificuldades para usar corretamente os dispositivos inalatórios. Para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho foi realizada revisão integrativa da literatura, com o objetivo de demonstrar a importância da atenção farmacêutica aos pacientes portadores de DPOC e asma. A atenção farmacêutica, que envolve a conduta peculiar do farmacêutico na área de assistência ao paciente, pode prevenir a ocorrência de problemas relacionados ao uso de medicamentos para DPOC e asma, melhorar a adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa e melhorar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes, de seus famílias e pessoas próximas. A atuação do farmacêutico em nível de atenção básica permite que esse profissional acompanhe os pacientes de forma sistematizada, podendo também auxiliar os usuários do sistema de saúde a melhorar o acesso aos medicamentos prescritos e a adotar medidas não farmacológicas, atuando positivamente para uma atenção à saúde de forma equânime e integral.

Chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, with the prevalence of these diseases being highest in developing countries. These pathologies have significant consequences in relation to the patients' quality of life and the institution of a treatment is preponderant for the improvement of health status. However, the effectiveness of the treatment depends not only on the availability of the appropriate medication, but on its correct use. The inhalation route is the primary route of choice for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but patients often find it difficult to use inhaled devices correctly. For the development of this work, an integrative literature review was carried out, in order to demonstrate the importance of pharmaceutical care to patients with COPD and asthma. Pharmaceutical care, which involves the pharmacist's peculiar conduct in patient care, can prevent the occurrence of problems related to the use of medications for COPD and asthma, improve adherence to drug therapy and improve the quality of life of these patients, their families and close people. The role of the pharmacist at the level of primary care allows this professional to monitor patients in a systematic way, and can also help users of the health system to improve access to prescription drugs and to adopt non-pharmacological measures, acting positively for health care in an equitable and integral way.

Comprehensive health evaluation of an urban wetland using quality indices and decision trees.

In a world where pristine water is becoming scarcer, the need to reuse water becomes imperative. In this context explaining the water quality, purpose fitness and the parameters or conditions of the water body to adjust so as to improve its quality, are of great relevance. The goal of the present study was the use of water, riverine, and biodiversity quality indices to assess the condition of the studied urban wetland, since no single index can provide a complete health assessment of a water body. Decision trees were also used to elucidate the best water parameters to mend in order to recover the overall health of the urban wetland. The decision trees identified relevant physicochemical parameters as well as their approximate concentration at which a healthy water environment can be sustained for zooplankton and proved to be a powerful and simple alternative to customary approaches. Suspended particles and phosphates proved to be important parameters with concentrations approximately lower than 88 mg L-1 and 11 mg L-1, respectively, for a good biodiversity index of zooplankton. Ammonia, total coliforms, BOD, nitrates, and sodium were the main parameters that affected the water quality index. The vegetation coverage and its structure were the driving factors in the riverine quality index of the wetland.

Consumption of sweeteners at different stages of life: effects on body mass, food and drink intake in male and female Wistar rats.

The consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners has increased in the last decades. However, there are doubts about its consumption and its impact on body mass and metabolic alterations. For this reason, this study investigates the effects of the consumption of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on body mass in different life stages of male and female Wistar rats: Childhood, adolescence, young adult, adulthood, and aged. For this purpose, 8 groups of male and female rats were used (10 per group/gender): sucrose 10%, glucose 14%, fructose 7%, acesulfame K 0.05%, aspartame:acesulfame mixture 1.55%, sucralose 0.017%, saccharin 0.033%, and a control group. Only in aged male rats (504 days) there were significant differences in body mass. In both genders, there were differences in food, drink, and energy intake along all life stage. It is concluded that non-nutritive sweeteners when consumed together with a balanced diet did not cause a greater body mass gain.

A hidden Markov model addressing measurement errors in the response and replicated covariates for continuous nondecreasing processes.

Motivated by a study tracking the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) based on features extracted from voice recordings, an inhomogeneous hidden Markov model with continuous state-space is proposed. The approach addresses the measurement error in the response, the within-subject variability of the replicated covariates and presumed nondecreasing response. A Bayesian framework is described and an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo method is developed. The model performance is evaluated through a simulation-based example and the analysis of a PD tracking progression dataset is presented. Although the approach was motivated by a PD tracking progression problem, it can be applied to any monotonic nondecreasing process whose continuous response variable is subject to measurement errors and where replicated covariates play a key role.

Diabetic by HbA1c, Normal by OGTT: A Frequent Finding in the Mexico City Diabetes Study.

CONTEXT: The agreement between glucose-based and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-based American Diabetes Association criteria in the diagnosis of normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes, or diabetes is under scrutiny. A need to explore the issue among different populations exists. OBJECTIVE: Examine the results obtained with both methods in the diagnosis of the glycemic status. DESIGN: The Mexico City Diabetes Study is a population-based, prospective investigation. SETTING: Low-income elder urban community. PARTICIPANTS: All 854 participants without known diabetes had both oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c measurements on the same day of the 2008 phase. INTERVENTIONS: Standardized protocol: questionnaires, anthropometry, and biomarkers. MAIN OUTCOME: Diagnostic classification of American Diabetes Association criteria. RESULTS: We found by OGTT normal glucose tolerance (NGT) in 512 (59.9%) participants, prediabetes [impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)] in 261 (30.5%), and diabetes in 81 (9.4%). In total, 232 in the NGT group (45.3%) and 158 in the prediabetes group (60.5%) had HbA1c ≥6.5%. Body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure were significantly different among OGTT-defined diabetic status groups but not in the HbA1c-diagnosed group. We identified 404 participants in the NGT group with confirmed NGT throughout all phases of the Mexico City Diabetes Study. Of these, 184 (45.5%) had HbA1c ≥6.5%. In a vital/diabetes status follow-up performed subsequently, we found that, of these, 133 remained nondiabetic, 3 had prediabetes, 7 had diabetes, and 13 had died without diabetes; we were unable to ascertain the glycemic status in 5 and vital status in 23. CONCLUSIONS: Normal OGTT coexisting with elevated HbA1c is a common finding in this cohort. It is possible that this finding is not mediated by hyperglycemia. This might occur in similar populations.

Mercurio en biomarcadores y su relación con el consumo de productos pesqueros / Mercury in Biomarkers and its Relation with the Consumption of Fishery Products / Mercúrio nos Biomarcadores e a sua Relação com o Consumo de Produtos Pesqueiros

Introducción: El mercurio es un metal tóxico que genera graves problemas en salud; su toxicidad obedece a la dosis y vía de ingreso, entre otros. Puede llegar a contaminar los cuerpos de agua, bioacumularse y biomagnificarse a lo largo de la cadena trófica acuática, convirtiendo el consumo de peces contaminados en fuente de exposición. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión temática de investigaciones, para identificar la relación entre el aumento de mercurio en biomarcadores y la frecuencia de consumo de productos de la pesca. Materiales y métodos: Revisión temática a partir de fuentes secundarias. Resultados: Fueron analizadas 8 investigaciones, el 62,5 % de tipo descriptivo; el 25 % transversal, el 12,5 % fue un estudio de casos y controles. Los tamaños de muestras oscilaron entre 110 y 2.893. En cuatro investigaciones, la población fue adulta. No se encontró relación entre sexo y presencia de mercurio en biomarcadores en el 50 % de las investigaciones. En el 62,5 % de las investigaciones se halló una correlación-asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la concentración de mercurio en biomarcadores y la frecuencia de consumo de productos de la pesca. Conclusiones: La presencia de mercurio en biomarcadores asociada con el consumo de productos de la pesca contaminados tiene que ver con la frecuencia de consumo, características de la especie, procedencia, concentración de mercurio y cantidad ingerida. Basados en la importancia nutricional de dichos productos, es necesario desarrollar evaluaciones de riesgo de exposición a mercurio por consumo de productos de la pesca contaminados, para garantizar la protección de los consumidores.

Introduction: Mercury is a toxic metal that may generate severe health problems; its toxicity to the organism is due to the physicochemical state exposed, dose, and path, among other factors. It also may contaminate water bodies to the extent it is bio-accumulated and biomagnified throughout the aquatic food chain making the consumption of contaminated fishery products a potential source of exposure to the metal. Objective: To carry out a thematic review of research in order to identify a relationship between the increasing presence of mercury in biomarkers (hair, blood or urine) and the consumption frequency of fishery products. Materials and methods: A thematic review developed from the information analysis got from secondary sources. Results: Eight researches were analyzed, of which 62.5 % descriptive, 25 % transversal, and 12.5 % related to a case-control study; there was a 110-2893 range for sample sizes (n). The study population was adult for four researches (50 %). There was not any relationship between gender and the presence of mercury in biomarkers for 50 % of researches. 62.5 % researches revealed a correlation, i.e. a statistically significant link between mercury concentration in biomarkers and the consumption frequency of fishery products. Conclusions: The presence of mercury in biomarkers associated with the consumption of contaminated fishery products has to do with the consumption frequency, the species properties, origin, mercury concentration range, and the amount swallowed. Based on the relevant nutrition facts of these goods, it is necessary to develop risk exposure assessments against this contaminant by consumption of fishery products, which may ensure the consumers protection.

Introdução: O mercúrio é um metal tóxico que pode gerar graves problemas de saúde, sua toxicidade para o organismo obedece ao estado físico-químico ao qual se estiver exposto, dose, via de ingresso, entre outros. Esse metal pode até contaminar os corpos de agua, lá se bioacumula e biomagnífica ao longo da cadeia trófica aquática, tornando o consumo de productos da pesca contaminada numa possível fonte de exposição a esse metal. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão temática de pesquisas a fim de identificar a relação entre o aumento e a presencia de mercúrio nos biomarcadores (cabelos, sangue e urina) e frequência de consumo de productos da pesca. Materiais e métodos: Revisão temática desenvolvida a partir da análise de informaçao obtenida de fontes secundarias. Resultados: foram analisadas oito pesquisas das quais o 62.5 % foram de tipo descriptivo, o 25 % transversal e o 12,5 % correspondeu a um estudo de caso y controles, os tamanhos das amostras (n) oscilaram ente 110 e 2893. Em 4 (50 %) pesquisas a populacão objeto de estudio foi adulta. Nao foi achada relacão entre sexo e a presencia de mercúrio nos biomarcadores no 50 % de pesquisas. No 62,5 % de pesquisas foi encontrada uma correlação­associação estadísticamente significativa entre concentração de mercurio em biomarcadores e a frequência de consumo de productos da pesca: Conclussoes: A presencia de mercurio em biomarcadores associada com o consumo de productos de pesca contaminados, tem a ver com a frequência do consumo, as características da especie, procedencia, concentração de mercurio nesta, e a quantidade ingerida. Baseados na importãncia nutricional desses productos, é preciso desnvolver avaliaçoes de risco de exposição a esse contaminante pelo consumo de produtos da pesca contaminados, que garantissem a proteção dos consumidores.

Mercurio en biomarcadores y su relación con el consumo de productos pesqueros / Mercury in Biomarkers and its Relation with the Consumption of Fishery Products / Mercúrio nos Biomarcadores e a sua Relação com o Consumo de Produtos Pesqueiros

El mercurio es un metal tóxico que genera graves problemas en salud; su toxicidad obedece a la dosis y vía de ingreso, entre otros. Puede llegar a contaminar los cuerpos de agua, bioacumularse y biomagnificarse a lo largo de la cadena trófica acuática, convirtiendo el consumo de peces contaminados en fuente de exposición. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión temática de investigaciones, para identificar la relación entre el aumento de mercurio en biomarcadores y la frecuencia de consumo de productos de la pesca. Materiales y métodos: Revisión temática a partir de fuentes secundarias. Resultados: Fueron analizadas 8 investigaciones, el 62,5 % de tipo descriptivo; el 25 % transversal, el 12,5 % fue un estudio de casos y controles. Los tamaños de muestras oscilaron entre 110 y 2.893. En cuatro investigaciones, la población fue adulta. No se encontró relación entre sexo y presencia de mercurio en biomarcadores en el 50 % de las investigaciones. En el 62,5 % de las investigaciones se halló una correlación-asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la concentración de mercurio en biomarcadores y la frecuencia de consumo de productos de la pesca. Conclusiones: La presencia de mercurio en biomarcadores asociada con el consumo de productos de la pesca contaminados tiene que ver con la frecuencia de consumo, características de la especie, procedencia, concentración de mercurio y cantidad ingerida. Basados en la importancia nutricional de dichos productos, es necesario desarrollar evaluaciones de riesgo de exposición a mercurio por consumo de productos de la pesca contaminados, para garantizar la protección de los consumidores.

Mercury is a toxic metal that may generate severe health problems; its toxicity to the organism is due to the physicochemical state exposed, dose, and path, among other factors. It also may contaminate water bodies to the extent it is bio-accumulated and biomagnified throughout the aquatic food chain making the consumption of contaminated fishery products a potential source of exposure to the metal. Objective: To carry out a thematic review of research in order to identify a relationship between the increasing presence of mercury in biomarkers (hair, blood or urine) and the consumption frequency of fishery products. Materials and methods: A thematic review developed from the information analysis got from secondary sources. Results: Eight researches were analyzed, of which 62.5 % descriptive, 25 % transversal, and 12.5 % related to a case-control study; there was a 110-2893 range for sample sizes (n). The study population was adult for four researches (50 %). There was not any relationship between gender and the presence of mercury in biomarkers for 50 % of researches. 62.5 % researches revealed a correlation, i.e. a statistically significant link between mercury concentration in biomarkers and the consumption frequency of fishery products. Conclusions: The presence of mercury in biomarkers associated with the consumption of contaminated f ishery products has to do with the consumption frequency, the species properties, origin, mercury concentration range, and the amount swallowed. Based on the relevant nutrition facts of these goods, it is necessary to develop risk exposure assessments against this contaminant by consumption of fishery products, which may ensure the consumers protection.

O mercúrio é um metal tóxico que pode gerar graves problemas de saúde, sua toxicidade para o organismo obedece ao estado físico-químico ao qual se estiver exposto, dose, via de ingresso, entre outros. Esse metal pode até contaminar os corpos de agua, lá se bioacumula e biomagnífica ao longo da cadeia trófica aquática, tornando o consumo de productos da pesca contaminada numa possível fonte de exposição a esse metal. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão temática de pesquisas a fim de identificar a relação entre o aumento e a presencia de mercúrio nos biomarcadores (cabelos, sangue e urina) e frequência de consumo de productos da pesca. Materiais e métodos: Revisão temática desenvolvida a partir da análise de informaçao obtenida de fontes secundarias. Resultados: foram analisadas oito pesquisas das quais o 62.5 % foram de tipo descriptivo, o 25 % transversal e o 12,5 % correspondeu a um estudo de caso y controles, os tamanhos das amostras (n) oscilaram ente 110 e 2893. Em 4 (50 %) pesquisas a populacão objeto de estudio foi adulta. Nao foi achada relacão entre sexo e a presencia de mercúrio nos biomarcadores no 50 % de pesquisas. No 62,5 % de pesquisas foi encontrada uma correlação­associação estadísticamente significativa entre concentração de mercurio em biomarcadores e a frequência de consumo de productos da pesca: Conclussoes: A presencia de mercurio em biomarcadores associada com o consumo de productos de pesca contaminados, tem a ver com a frequência do consumo, as características da especie, procedencia, concentração de mercurio nesta, e a quantidade ingerida. Baseados na importãncia nutricional desses productos, é preciso desnvolver avaliaçoes de risco de exposição a esse contaminante pelo consumo de produtos da pesca contaminados, que garantissem a proteção dos consumidores.

A D2-like receptor family agonist produces analgesia in mechanonociception but not in thermonociception at the spinal cord level in rats.

The administration of dopaminergic drugs produces analgesia in individuals experiencing different types of pain. Analgesia induced by these drugs at the spinal cord level is mediated by D2-like agonists, which specifically inhibit the detection of nociceptive stimuli by sensory afferents. The extent of the analgesia provided by spinal dopamine agonists remains controversial, and the cellular mechanism of this analgesic process is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of quinpirole, a D2-like agonist, based on two nociceptive tests and at various doses that were selected to specifically activate dopamine receptors. We found that intrathecal quinpirole administration produces analgesia of mechanical but not thermal nociception and that the analgesic effect of quinpirole is reversed by a mix of D2, D3, and D4 receptor-specific antagonists, suggesting that the activation of all D2-like receptors is involved in the analgesia produced by intrathecal quinpirole. The differential effect on thermal and mechanical nociception was also tested upon the activation of µ-opioid receptors. As reported previously, low doses of the µ-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO produced analgesia of only thermonociception. This evidence shows that a D2-like receptor agonist administered at the spinal cord level produces analgesia specific to mechanonociception but not thermonociception.

Molecular characterization and antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans strains collected from a single institution in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection with a worldwide distribution, mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. AIMS: To molecularly characterize the mating-types, serotypes, genotypes and antifungal susceptibility profiles of a set of retrospectively isolated C. neoformans strains from Lima, Peru. METHODS: A set of 32 Cryptococcus spp. strains from the Institute of Tropical Medicine of the National University of San Marcos, Lima, Peru, were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-four strains were isolated from patients, while the remaining 8 were isolated from the environment. RESULTS: Using conventional PCR, 27 (84.4%) of the isolates were identified as C. neoformans var. grubii mating-type alpha and serotype A. Using the AFLP fingerprinting, it was shown that 16 (50%) of the C. neoformans strains were genotype AFLP1, 13 (40.6%) were genotype AFLP1B, 2 (6.3%) were genotype AFLP2, and 1 (3.1%) was found to be a hybrid between both C. neoformans varieties (genotype AFLP3). The antifungal susceptibility profiles for amphotericin B, fluconazole and voriconazole showed that all the 32 C. neoformans are sensitive to these antifungal compounds. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we observed that C. neoformans var. grubii (AFLP1 and AFLP1B) and C. neoformans var. neoformans (AFLP2) were the only cryptococcal varieties involved. All strains were found to be sensitive to the antifungals tested, results that are consistent with those found in the international literature.

Conocimientos de las madres sobre factores de riesgos para la prevención de crisis asmática en niños de 2 a 5 años en la Unidad de Control del Asma, Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue - 2014 / Knowledge of the mothers about risk factors for prevention of asthmatic crisis in children aged 2 to 5 years in the Asthma Control Unit, National Hospital Hipolito Unanue û 2014

El objetivo fue determinar los conocimientos de las madres sobre factores de riesgo para la prevención de crisis asmática en niños de 2 a 5 años en la Unidad de Control del Asma. Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue. Lima-Perú 2014. Material y Método: El estudio es de tipo cuantitativo, nivel aplicativo, método descriptivo de corte trasversal. La población estuvo conformada por 30 madres. La técnica fue la encuesta y el instrumento un formulario tipo cuestionario aplicado previo consentimiento informado. Resultados: Del 100 por ciento (30), 53 por ciento (16) conoce y 47 por ciento (14) no conoce. Los conocimientos según ítems 83 por ciento (25) no conocen que su hijo es alérgico a algún alimento, 70 por ciento (21) es alérgico a los alimentos con preservantes; mientras que 97 por ciento (29) conocen que los síntomas del asma son tos con silbidos y dificultas para respirar, 97 por ciento (29) el asma es una enfermedad crónica que afecta los pulmones y 90 por ciento (27) en casa no fuman. Conclusiones: Los conocimientos de las madres sobre factores de riesgo para la prevención de crisis asmática en niños de 2 a 5 años en la Unidad de Control del Asma, el mayor porcentaje no conocen que el niño tuvo otros problemas respiratorios durante el año, que a su niño le falta aire cuando hace ejercicios, la importancia de asistir a todos sus controles de CRED, seguido de una mayoría que conocen los síntomas del asma, que su niño se puede enfermar si se encuentra con una persona con gripe, que es importante tener las vacunas completas, lactancia materna y si es alérgico a algún medicamento; y a olores fuertes...

The objective was to determine mothers' knowledge about risk factors for the prevention of acute asthma in children aged 2 to 5 years in Asthma Control Unit. National Hospital Hipolito Unanue, Lima-Peru. 2014. Material and Methods: The study is quantitative, application-level, cross-sectional descriptive method. The population consisted of 30 mothers. The technique was the survey instrument and applied a standard questionnaire form prior informed consent. Results: 100 per cent (30), 53 per cent (16) and 47 per cent known (14) is not known. Knowledge as items 83 per cent (25) do not know that your child is allergic to any food, 70 per cent (21) are allergic to foods with preservatives; while 97 per cent (29) know the symptoms of asthma are coughing wheezing and breathing difficulties, 97 per cent (29) Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and 90 per cent (27) at home do not smoke. Conclusions: The knowledge of mothers on risk factors for preventing asthma in children aged 2 to 5 years in Asthma Control Unit, the highest percentage not know the child had other respiratory problems during the year, your child short of breath when you exercise, the importance of attending all controls CRED followed by most who know the symptoms of asthma, your child can get sick if you come across someone with the flu, it is important to vaccines full breastfeeding and if you are allergic to any medicines; and strong odors...

[Interpersonal relationships: perception of the communication, treatment and adverse experiences encountered by users of medical units that belong to the Coordinating Commission of the National Institutes of Health and High Specialty Hospitals (CCINSHAE)]. / Las relaciones interpersonales: percepción de la comunicación, trato y experiencias adversas en los usuarios de las unidades médicas pertenecientes a la Comisión Coordinadora de Institutos Nacionales de Salud y Hospitales de Alta Especialidad (CCINSHAE).

INTRODUCTION: User's perception with regard to the attention they received in healthcare units is increasingly being taken into account by the health service providers in order to improve the quality of their service. AIM: Describe how the users perceive the health services provided by the CCINSHAE with regard to the communication with the physicians, the attention of the staff and the adverse personal and institutional experiences and to explore their relation with user's demographic characteristics, health condition, physical limitations to carry out daily activities and service area. METHODS: A questionnaire was designed to collect information about the user and his/her opinion with regard to the healthcare units, the communication with the physicians, the attention of the staff and the adverse personal and institutional experiences. The data were analyzed with STATA using sample weights. RESULTS: A total of 2,176 individuals were interviewed after they had received attention and represent a population of 1,457,964 users, over 6 months, of the CCINSAHE. We then calculated four binary variables that reflect the perception of the users. These four variables were significantly associated with the type of health unit where the user received attention, schooling, limitations to carry out daily activities, facilities provided to the relatives, family income, the use of alternative medicine, and the area of attention. DISCUSSION: A fundamental aspect of the service provided by the healthcare institutions is the communication between the physicians and the users. We found that the perception of the users with regard to the communication with the physician, the attention of the staff, and the adverse personal and institutional experiences was associated with the type of healthcare unit. The federal reference hospitals produced the most unfavorable perception while the regional hospitals produced the most favorable impression. This study enables the decision-making personnel to determine what needs to be modified in order to improve the service provided by the health units.