Association of Polymorphisms of the IL-17A and IL-17F Genes with Increased Risk of Hypertension and Obesity in Mexican Patients with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2). COVID-19 can cause a cytokine release syndrome in which cytokines, including interleukin 17 (IL-17), are massively secreted in response to a specific stimulus. This can contribute to mortality and severe forms of COVID-19. The study aimed to determine the association of SARS-CoV2 infection with the IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 variants, as well as with the associated comorbidities in COVID-19-positive Mexican patients. The study included 178 patients positive to COVID-19 and 177 COVID-19 negative subjects. For genotyping, the samples were amplified with a TaqMan® probe. There was no association between the AA genotype and A allele of IL-17A variant or the IL-17F C allele with the presence of COVID-19. In regard to comorbidities, a statistically significant association was found between IL-17A rs2275913 AA genotype and hypertension, as well as with the presence of obesity (P = 0.003, OR 23, 95% CI: 2.97-178.092 and P = 0.025, OR 28, 95% CI: 1.52-178.029, respectively) in patients with COVID-19. In conclusion, rs2275913 IL-17A polymorphism in COVID-19 patients seems to confer a higher susceptibility to the presence of hypertension and obesity, increasing the risk of premature cardiovascular disease in this population. However, more studies should be conducted for a better understanding of their relation.

Manejo desde atención primaria de la infección por la viruela del mono (MPOX) en humanos / Management from Primary Care of monkeypox infection (MPOX) in humans

La viruela del mono (MPOX) es una zoonosis vírica endémica en países de África occidental o central que esporádicamente se exporta a otras regiones. En mayo del 2022, comenzó a ocurrir un brote mundial de viruela MPOX en varias naciones de Europa y Norteamérica. La mayoría de los casos notificados se identificaron a nivel ambulatorio y afectaron principalmente a hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). El contagio es por contacto estrecho con lesiones, líquidos corporales, secreciones respiratorias o con material contaminado, de persona o animal infectado. El cuadro clínico es similar a la viruela humana, con menor gravedad. Predomina la afectación cutánea leve y autolimitada tras dos a cuatro semanas. En HSH aparecen lesiones cutáneas atípicas debido a la manera de contagio. En ciertos grupos de riesgo pueden presentarse formas graves o complicaciones. La tasa de letalidad es de 3 a 6% según el clado responsable. El diagnóstico de sospecha se confirma con la detección del virus, a partir de exudados de las lesiones o costras, con técnicas de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) convencional o en tiempo real. El manejo clínico en la mayoría de los casos se realiza desde atención primaria (AP), mediante el control de los principales síntomas. Entre 5 a 10% requieren un manejo hospitalario y existen algunas opciones de tratamiento antiviral específico. Las vacunas frente a la viruela humana protegen contra la MPOX y se utilizan como profilaxis pre y posexposición a personas de riesgo. Las medidas para reducir la exposición al virus, es la principal estrategia de prevención de la MPOX. Además, el papel del médico de familia es clave para controlar la propagación del virus de la MPOX mediante la vigilancia activa y el diagnóstico temprano de la enfermedad.(AU)

Monkeypox (MPOX) is a viral zoonosis endemic in West or Central African countries that is sporadically exported to another area. In May 2022, a global outbreak of MPOX smallpox began to occur in several countries in Europe and North America. Most of the reported cases are identified at the outpatient level and mainly affect men who have sex with men (MSM). Transmission is by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory secretions or contaminated material from an infected person or animal. The clinical picture is similar to human smallpox, with less severity. Mild, self-limiting skin involvement predominates after 2-4 weeks. In MSM, atypical skin lesions appear due to the mode of infection. Severe forms or complications may appear in certain risk groups. The case fatality rate is 3%-6% depending on the clade responsible. The diagnosis of suspicion is confirmed by detection of the virus from exudates of lesions or scabs, with nucleic acid amplification techniques by conventional or real-time PCR. Clinical management in most cases is performed in primary care (PC), by monitoring the main symptoms. Between 5-10% require hospital management and there are some specific antiviral treatment options. Human smallpox vaccines protect against MPOX and are used as pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for persons at risk. Measures to reduce exposure to the virus are the main MPOX prevention strategy. In addition, the role of the family physician is key to controlling the spread of MPOX through active surveillance and early diagnosis of the disease.(AU)

[Management from Primary Care of monkeypox infection (MPOX) in humans]. / Manejo desde atención primaria de la infección por la viruela del mono (MPOX) en humanos.

Monkeypox (MPOX) is a viral zoonosis endemic in West or Central African countries that is sporadically exported to another area. In May 2022, a global outbreak of MPOX smallpox began to occur in several countries in Europe and North America. Most of the reported cases are identified at the outpatient level and mainly affect men who have sex with men (MSM). Transmission is by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory secretions or contaminated material from an infected person or animal. The clinical picture is similar to human smallpox, with less severity. Mild, self-limiting skin involvement predominates after 2-4 weeks. In MSM, atypical skin lesions appear due to the mode of infection. Severe forms or complications may appear in certain risk groups. The case fatality rate is 3%-6% depending on the clade responsible. The diagnosis of suspicion is confirmed by detection of the virus from exudates of lesions or scabs, with nucleic acid amplification techniques by conventional or real-time PCR. Clinical management in most cases is performed in primary care (PC), by monitoring the main symptoms. Between 5-10% require hospital management and there are some specific antiviral treatment options. Human smallpox vaccines protect against MPOX and are used as pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for persons at risk. Measures to reduce exposure to the virus are the main MPOX prevention strategy. In addition, the role of the family physician is key to controlling the spread of MPOX through active surveillance and early diagnosis of the disease.

Information and consensus document for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide that affects more than 10% of the Spanish population. CKD is associated with high comorbidity rates, poor prognosis and major consumption of health system resources. Since the publication of the last consensus document on CKD seven years ago, little evidence has emerged and few clinical trials on new diagnostic and treatment strategies in CKD have been conducted, apart from new trials in diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, CKD international guidelines have not been recently updated. The rigidity and conservative attitude of the guidelines should not prevent the publication of updates in knowledge about certain matters that may be key in detecting CKD and managing patients with this disease. This document, also prepared by 10 scientific associations, provides an update on concepts, clarifications, diagnostic criteria, remission strategies and new treatment options. The evidence and the main studies published on these aspects of CKD have been reviewed. This should be considered more as an information document on CKD. It includes an update on CKD detection, risk factors and screening; a definition of renal progression; an update of remission criteria with new suggestions in the older population; CKD monitoring and prevention strategies; management of associated comorbidities, particularly in diabetes mellitus; roles of the Primary Care physician in CKD management; and what not to do in Nephrology. The aim of the document is to serve as an aid in the multidisciplinary management of the patient with CKD based on current recommendations and knowledge.

Role of ß-Klotho and Malondialdehyde in Metabolic Disorders, HIV Infection, and Antiretroviral Therapy.

Metabolic alterations, resulting from factors such as obesity or infections (HIV), generate inflammation in the body, affecting the immune system and causing oxidative stress. Prolonged exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART) conditions the appearance of alterations considered risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS), affecting the quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). ß-klotho is a protein that can counteract levels of oxidative stress. The aim was to determine the relation of ß-klotho and oxidative stress with metabolic alterations in PLWHA. We hypothesized that levels of ß-klotho and malondialdehyde (MDA) are related in PLWHA on ART with overweight/obesity. As a result of comparing cases versus controls, significant differences were obtained in levels of ß-klotho (p = 0.011), MDA (p < 0.0001), body mass index (p = 0.001), and weight (p < 0.0001). The presence of MetS in PLWHA was 21.2% and 10.6% according to the World Health Organization and ATP III (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III) criteria, respectively. The founded correlations were of ß-klotho (r = 0.019) and MDA (r = 0.0001), both with CD4+ cells in PLWHA. In controls, ß-klotho was correlated with very low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.035) and atherogenic index (AI; r = 0.037), MDA with AI (r = 0.039), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.002). The increase of inflammation in the organism, owing to HIV infection and/or the presence of obesity, conditions metabolic disruption or depletion of elements needed for homeostasis in the human body.

In vitro 5-Fluorouracil resistance produces enhanced photodynamic therapy damage in SCC and tumor resistance in BCC.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy worldwide, with rising incidence in the recent years. It includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Several non-invasive therapies have been developed for its treatment such as topical 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), among others. Despite both are appropriated for NMSC treatment, recurrence cases have been reported. To prevent this, in this work we explore the potential of the combination of PDT and 5FU to treat SCC and BCC. First we evaluate the efficacy of PDT in cells resistant to 5FU. For this purpose, we use SCC-13 and CSZ-1 cells, obtained from a human SCC and a murine BCC, respectively. We first induced 5FU resistance in these cell lines by repeated treatments with the drug and then, the efficacy to PDT was evaluated. The results obtained indicated that SCC-5FU resistant cells were sensible to PDT administration, whereas BCC-5FU resistant cells were also resistant to PDT. The observed responses in both cell lines are in concordance to Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels produced after the incubation with MAL and subsequent light exposure. The obtained data support the fact that PDT seems to be an appropriate therapeutic option to be administered after 5FU resistance in SCC. However, PDT would not be a choice therapy for resistant BCC cells to 5FU.

TGFß1 Secreted by Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts as an Inductor of Resistance to Photodynamic Therapy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells.

As an important component of tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have lately gained prominence owing to their crucial role in the resistance to therapies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) stands out as a successful therapeutic strategy to treat cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we demonstrate that the transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1) cytokine secreted by CAFs isolated from patients with SCC can drive resistance to PDT in epithelial SCC cells. To this end, CAFs obtained from patients with in situ cSCC were firstly characterized based on the expression levels of paramount markers as well as the levels of TGFß1 secreted to the extracellular environment. On a step forward, two established human cSCC cell lines (A431 and SCC13) were pre-treated with conditioned medium obtained from the selected CAF cultures. The CAF-derived conditioned medium effectively induced resistance to PDT in A431 cells through a reduction in the cell proliferation rate. This resistance effect was recapitulated by treating with recombinant TGFß1 and abolished by using the SB525334 TGFß1 receptor inhibitor, providing robust evidence of the role of TGFß1 secreted by CAFs in the development of resistance to PDT in this cell line. Conversely, higher levels of recombinant TGFß1 were needed to reduce cell proliferation in SCC13 cells, and no induction of resistance to PDT was observed in this cell line in response to CAF-derived conditioned medium. Interestingly, we probed that the comparatively higher intrinsic resistance to PDT of SCC13 cells was mediated by the elevated levels of TGFß1 secreted by this cell line. Our results point at this feature as a promising biomarker to predict both the suitability of PDT and the chances to optimize the treatment by targeting CAF-derived TGFß1 in the road to a more personalized treatment of particular cSCC tumors.

FGF21 serum levels are related to insulin resistance, metabolic changes and obesity in Mexican people living with HIV (PLWH).

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved prognosis in treatment against HIV infection, however, prolonged exposure is associated to cardiovascular diseases, lipodystrophy, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic alteration, as obesity which includes the accumulation of oxidative stress in adipose tissue. FGF21 is a peptide hormone that is known to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. FGF21 is expressed and secreted primarily in the liver and adipose tissue, promoting oxidation of glucose/fatty acids and insulin sensitivity. Alterations in FGF21 may be associated with the development of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that FGF21 protein levels are associated with metabolic abnormalities, placing special attention to the alterations in relation to the concurrence of overweight/obesity in people living with HIV (PLWH). DESIGN: Serum FGF21 was analyzed in 241 subjects, 160 PLWH and 81 unrelated HIV-uninfected subjects as a control group. Clinical records were consulted to obtain CD4+ cell counting and number of viral RNA copies. Serum FGF21 levels were tested for correlation with anthropometric and metabolic parameters; glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, insulin and indexes of atherogenesis and insulin resistance (HOMA). RESULTS: The participants were classified into four groups: (i) PLWH with normal weight, (ii) PLWH with overweight/obesity, (iii) HIV-uninfected with normal weight, and (iv) HIV-uninfected with overweight/obesity. Insulin levels were higher in normal-weight PLWH than in the HIV-uninfected group but not statistically significant, however, for the overweight/obesity PLWH group, insulin levels were significantly higher in comparison with the other three groups (p<0.0001). For FGF21, serum levels were slightly higher in the overweight/obesity groups in both patients and controls. In HIV-infected subjects, FGF21 levels showed a strong positive correlation with triglycerides, insulin levels and insulin resistance with a p-value <0.0001. In the seronegative group, FGF21 was only correlated with weight and waist circumference, showing an important association of FGF21 levels with the degree of obesity of the individuals. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance and FGF21 elevations were observed in overweight-obese PLWH. FGF21 elevation could be viewed as a compensation mechanism as, in the control group, FGF21 correlations appeared to be confined to weight and waist circumference. This can be explained based on the action of FGF21 promoting the uptake of glucose in adipose tissue. In PLWH, FGF21 was low, possibly as a result of a change in adiposity leading to a metabolic disruption.

[Basic aspects of COVID-19 for management from primary care]. / Aspectos básicos de la COVID-19 para el manejo desde atención primaria.

SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or contact with respiratory droplets and aerosols. The median incubation period is 5.1 days. Fever, dry cough, dyspnea and fatigue are the most common symptoms. Almost half of the cases are asymptomatic. The spectrum of disease varies from mild (81%) to critical (5%). Older age, male gender and comorbidities negatively impact on the severity and mortality of COVID-19. The diagnosis of acute COVID-19 is made with RT-PCR or antigenic detection tests. In hospital patients, remdesivir reduces recovery time. Oral steroids are recommended for severe or critical cases requiring oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended in all severe and non-severe cases with high thrombotic risk. Antibiotherapy is limited to cases of high suspicion of bacterial superinfection. Mild-moderate and severe cases after discharge from hospital should be clinically monitored for a minimum period of two weeks.

COVID-19 en España, ¿cómo hemos llegado hasta aquí? / COVID-19 in Spain, how did we get here?

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Klotho-HIV and Oxidative Stress: The Role of Klotho in Cardiovascular Disease Under HIV Infection-A Review.

Combined antiretroviral therapy has improved quality and life expectancy of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, this therapy increases oxidative stress (OS), which in turn causes alterations in lipid and carbon metabolism, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The Klotho gene has been implicated in cardiovascular risk increase. Klotho protein expression at X level decreases the risk of heart disease. HIV-positive people usually present low plasma levels of Klotho; thus, contributing to some extent to an increase in cardiovascular risk for these types of patients, mostly by favoring atherosclerosis. Therefore, our aim is to provide an overview of the effect of OS on Klotho protein and its consequent cardiometabolic alterations in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy.

Therapeutic effects of hMAPC and hMSC transplantation after stroke in mice.

Stroke represents an attractive target for stem cell therapy. Although different types of cells have been employed in animal models, a direct comparison between cell sources has not been performed. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of human multipotent adult progenitor cells (hMAPCs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on endogenous neurogenesis, angiogenesis and inflammation following stroke. BALB/Ca-RAG 2(-/-) γC(-/-) mice subjected to FeCl(3) thrombosis mediated stroke were intracranially injected with 2 × 10(5) hMAPCs or hMSCs 2 days after stroke and followed for up to 28 days. We could not detect long-term engraftment of either cell population. However, in comparison with PBS-treated animals, hMSC and hMAPC grafted animals demonstrated significantly decreased loss of brain tissue. This was associated with increased angiogenesis, diminished inflammation and a glial-scar inhibitory effect. Moreover, enhanced proliferation of cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and survival of newly generated neuroblasts was observed. Interestingly, these neuroprotective effects were more pronounced in the group of animals treated with hMAPCs in comparison with hMSCs. Our results establish cell therapy with hMAPCs and hMSCs as a promising strategy for the treatment of stroke.

Epidemia de VIH/sida. Su comportamiento municipio La Habana Vieja períodos 1997- 2002 y 2003-2008 / Aids epidemic and its behavior at the municipality of Old Havana periods 1997-2002 and 2003-2008

Introducción: Se realizó un estudio sobre el comportamiento de la epidemia de VIH/sida en el municipio Habana Vieja. Objetivo: Describir la evolución del VIH-SIDA según algunas variables biológicas y sociales durante los períodos 1997-2002 y 2003_2008.Pacientes y Métodos: Se estudiaron 337 casos, 118 en el primer período de estudio y 219 en el segundo, mostrando una duplicidad en el segundo. Resultados: Las edades que mostraron mayores porcentajes fueron de 20_34 y 40_49. Predominó el sexo masculino y dentro de ellos los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). El mayor porciento de los estudiados eran solteros y su nivel de escolaridad entre secundaria básica y preuniversitario.Conclusiones: Concluimos que la tendencia de la epidemia es a continuar su incremento, aunque la evolución de la enfermedad ha mejorado después del inicio de la terapia con medicamentos antirretrovirales de gran actividad(AU)

Introduction:There was carried out a study about the behavior of the VIHS/AIDS at the municipality of Old Havana. Objective: describing the evolution of the VIH/AIDS according with some biological and social varieties during the periods of 1997 - 2002 y 2003 _ 2008. Materials and Methods: The universe and sample was represented by all the diagnosed cases as HIV positive persons in those periods. In the first period there were diagnosed 118 cases and in the second one 219 cases. Results: We observed that in the period of study there were notified a total of 337 cases, with a progressive increase of the rate and with an increasing tendency of such. The ages that showed greater per cents were the ones of 20 _ 34 y 40 _ 49. The preponderance was in the male sex and among them the men who have sex with men (MSM). The greater percent of the studied cases were single and the education degrees were secondary school and high school. Conclusions: The AIDS epidemic at the municipality shows a growing speed in the epidemic duplicating the number of cases in the second study period. The major percent of the infested patients are found in the young men and adults medium age ones. The mortality decreases in the second period of study with the increase with the use antiretroviral drugs(AU)

Epidemia de VIH/sida. Su comportamiento municipio La Habana Vieja períodos 1997- 2002 y 2003-2008 / Aids epidemic and its behavior at the municipality of Old Havana periods 1997-2002 and 2003-2008

Introducción: Se realizó un estudio sobre el comportamiento de la epidemia de VIH/sida en el municipio Habana Vieja. Objetivo: Describir la evolución del VIH-SIDA según algunas variables biológicas y sociales durante los períodos 1997-2002 y 2003_2008. Pacientes y Métodos: Se estudiaron 337 casos, 118 en el primer período de estudio y 219 en el segundo, mostrando una duplicidad en el segundo. Resultados: Las edades que mostraron mayores porcentajes fueron de 20_34 y 40_49. Predominó el sexo masculino y dentro de ellos los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). El mayor porciento de los estudiados eran solteros y su nivel de escolaridad entre secundaria básica y preuniversitario. Conclusiones: Concluimos que la tendencia de la epidemia es a continuar su incremento, aunque la evolución de la enfermedad ha mejorado después del inicio de la terapia con medicamentos antirretrovirales de gran actividad.

Introduction:There was carried out a study about the behavior of the VIHS/AIDS at the municipality of Old Havana. Objective: describing the evolution of the VIH/AIDS according with some biological and social varieties during the periods of 1997 - 2002 y 2003 _ 2008. Materials and Methods: The universe and sample was represented by all the diagnosed cases as HIV positive persons in those periods. In the first period there were diagnosed 118 cases and in the second one 219 cases. Results: We observed that in the period of study there were notified a total of 337 cases, with a progressive increase of the rate and with an increasing tendency of such. The ages that showed greater per cents were the ones of 20 _ 34 y 40 _ 49. The preponderance was in the male sex and among them the men who have sex with men (MSM). The greater percent of the studied cases were single and the education degrees were secondary school and high school. Conclusions: The AIDS epidemic at the municipality shows a growing speed in the epidemic duplicating the number of cases in the second study period. The major percent of the infested patients are found in the young men and adults medium age ones. The mortality decreases in the second period of study with the increase with the use antiretroviral drugs.

Histological and ultrastructural comparison of cauterization and thrombosis stroke models in immune-deficient mice.

BACKGROUND: Stroke models are essential tools in experimental stroke. Although several models of stroke have been developed in a variety of animals, with the development of transgenic mice there is the need to develop a reliable and reproducible stroke model in mice, which mimics as close as possible human stroke. METHODS: BALB/Ca-RAG2-/-γc-/- mice were subjected to cauterization or thrombosis stroke model and sacrificed at different time points (48hr, 1wk, 2wk and 4wk) after stroke. Mice received BrdU to estimate activation of cell proliferation in the SVZ. Brains were processed for immunohistochemical and EM. RESULTS: In both stroke models, after inflammation the same glial scar formation process and damage evolution takes place. After stroke, necrotic tissue is progressively removed, and healthy tissue is preserved from injury through the glial scar formation. Cauterization stroke model produced unspecific damage, was less efficient and the infarct was less homogeneous compared to thrombosis infarct. Finally, thrombosis stroke model produces activation of SVZ proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide an exhaustive analysis of the histopathological changes (inflammation, necrosis, tissue remodeling, scarring...) that occur after stroke in the ischemic boundary zone, which are of key importance for the final stroke outcome. This analysis would allow evaluating how different therapies would affect wound and regeneration. Moreover, this stroke model in RAG 2-/- γC -/- allows cell transplant from different species, even human, to be analyzed.

Estandares de calidad para la carrera de Medicina / Standard of quality for the career of Medicine

Se reseñan los estándares de calidad asumidos para la evaluación de la carrera de medicina por organismos internacionales, como la Red Iberoamericana de Acreditación y Certificación de Estudios Superiores, el sector educacional del Mercado Común Suramericano, la Unión de Universidades de América Latina y la Federación Mundial de Educación Médica y se incluye el Sistema de Acreditación de Carreras Universitarias de Cuba como referente. Al comparar las dimensiones definidas en estos sistemas se concluye que existe correspondencia entre ellas, enmascarada por diferente nomenclatura y operacionalización(AU)

Here are described the quality standards taken to the evaluation of medical career by international organizations such as the Spanish-American Accreditation and certification of superior studies web, the Educational area of the common south American market, the Union of Latin American Universities and the Worlds Federation of Medical Education and it is included in the System of Accreditation of Universitary Careers as a referent . By comparison, the defined dimensions of these systems, it is concluded that there is a correspondence among them, masked by nomenclature and operability(AU)

Estandares de cllidad para la carrera de medicina / Quality standrdss for the medical career

Se reseñan los estándares de calidad asumidos para la evaluación de la carrera de medicina por organismos internacionales, como la Red Iberoamericana de Acreditación y Certificación de Estudios Superiores, el sector educacional del Mercado Común Suramericano, la Unión de Universidades de América Latina y la Federación Mundial de Educación Médica y se incluye el Sistema de Acreditación de Carreras Universitarias de Cuba como referente. Al comparar las dimensiones definidas en estos sistemas se concluye que existe correspondencia entre ellas, enmascarada por diferente nomenclatura y operacionalización.

Here are described the quality standards taken to the evaluation of medical career by international organizations such as the Spanish-American Accreditation and certification of superior studies web, the Educational area of the common south American market, the Union of Latin American Universities and the Worlds Federation of Medical Education and it is included in the System of Accreditation of Universitary Careers as a referent . By comparison, the defined dimensions of these systems, it is concluded that there is a correspondence among them, masked by nomenclature and operability.

Isolation, culture and characterization of adult carotid body-derived cells.

Recent studies indicate that carotid body (CB) could be a suitable cell source for cell therapy in Parkinson's disease. We have isolated and successfully expanded in culture as monolayer adult CB-derived cells using a modification of the culture medium employed for bone marrow multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs). These cells express variable amounts of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), beta-III tubulin and Sox2. In addition, CB-derived cells showed high expression of Sox2 related to a high rate of proliferation and consistent with an undifferentiated state. Under culture conditions that reduced cell proliferation, Sox2 expression decreased while TH and beta-III tubulin expression was increased. This could indicate that the differentiation of some cells occurs in the culture, thus accounting for a certain neural differentiation potential of CB-derived cells.

Transcriptional characterization of the Notch signaling pathway in rodent multipotent adult progenitor cells.

The Notch signaling pathway is a multifunctional, evolutionarily conserved pathway, which plays an important role in development as well as stem cell biology. Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) represent a unique stem cell population, which is capable of differentiating into cell types of the ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal lineages in vitro, and contribute to most somatic cell types in vivo. Our aim was to characterize the gene expression of Notch signaling elements in rodent MAPCs. We show that transcripts for Notch-receptors, ligands, regulatory molecules of the pathway and the Hairy/Enhancer of Split-1 (HES-1) target gene are present in mouse and rat low-Oct4 MAPCs. We found that mouse Notch3 and rat Notch1 transcripts increased when cells were cultured at high density for 48 to 96 hours. HES-1 and HES-related transcription factor-1 (HERP-1), transcriptional targets of Notch-signaling, were both elicited by immobilized Delta1 ligand. In addition, mRNA for Notch1 and Notch3 was also induced by Notch-signaling, suggesting the presence of regulatory feedback loops. Slight differences between mouse and rat derived MAPCs suggest that the exact function, transcriptional regulation and the fine-tuning of the signal may be species specific. Taken together, we characterized the gene expression profile of the Notch pathway in rodent low-Oct4-MAPCs, and showed that the pathway is functional and can be modulated. Our results provide an additional tool and a further basis for a better understanding of stem cell biology.