Does the interfacing angle between pedicle screws and support rods affect clinical outcomes after posterior thoracolumbar fusion? A retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Proper alignment and tightening of the pedicle screw/rod assembly after instrumented posterior fusion of the lower spine is known to be crucial in order to achieve satisfactory clinical results. Such interfacing angle mismatches indicate stress overloading of the implant system. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence of postoperative screw/rod interfacing angle mismatch and to analyze the impact of mismatches on clinical outcome in terms of (1) revision surgery, (2) adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and (3) pain. STUDY DESIGN: This is a monocentric retrospective observational study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients underwent fusion surgery with pedicle screw/rod systems for predominantly degenerative pathologies. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pedicle screw/rod interfacing angle mismatch (mismatch is the angular deviation from 90° formed by the rod axis and the pedicle screw head axis as an indicator for missing form-fit) revision rate, ASD at the immediately adjacent cranial segment and VAS pain. METHODS: Revision refers to subsequent procedures in which all or part of the original implant configuration is changed or removed. Radiographic parameters are evaluated using a/p and lateral radiographs at final follow-up. The interfacing angle mismatch between pedicle screw and rod is measured as the angle between two parallel lines on either side of each pedicle screw head and a line laterally along the associated rod. Multiple comparisons are counteracted by Bonferroni correction, adjusted significance level is at *p<.01. RESULTS: Pedicle screw and rod interfacing angle mismatch was found in 171/406 (42.1%) of patients undergoing fusion surgery, affecting 613/3016 (20.3%) screws. The overall revision incidence was 11.8% (48/406), and a new ASD occurred in 12.1% of all patients (49/406) with an average follow-up of 5 years. Mean VAS pain score at final follow-up was 2.0. Comparison of the two groups with and without mismatches revealed statistically significantly higher (1) numbers of revision procedures performed (26.9% vs 0.9%), (2) numbers of new ASD developed (27.5% vs 3.8%), and (3) higher VAS pain scores (2.8/10 vs 1.4/10) for cases with mismatch. When comparing patients who underwent intraoperative correction and/or reduction with those who did not, statistically significant more screw mismatches (63.4% vs 39.7%) and revision surgeries (29.3% vs 9.9%) were noted in patients who had these forceful maneuvers. CONCLUSIONS: Pedicle screw/rod interfacing angle mismatch is a frequent occurrence after fusion surgery. Mismatches indicate that the construct was assembled under mechanical stress. All preventable mechanical stresses, for example, unintentional uncontrolled forces on the instrumentation, should be avoided as much as possible, as they can negatively influence the clinical outcome.

Dataset of conditions and characteristics of street vendors located in public spaces in Colombia.

The objective of this document is to introduce the datasets and the methods for accessing them, derived from the article "Social, commercial, and economic diversity. Poverty and expectations among street vendors in Florencia, Caquetá, Colombia." These datasets aim to provide insights into the conditions and characteristics of street vending in Colombia. The data collection process involved both mapping and personal surveys conducted on 190 street vendors. Additionally, practical recommendations are provided for tailoring the implementation of each survey instrument based on the specific attributes of the study's target demographic. The collected data holds the potential for comparative and longitudinal analyses, not only within different Colombian cities but also in cities worldwide facing similar circumstances to those of intermediate cities like Florencia. These datasets offer a valuable resource for understanding the dynamics of street vending and its implications, fostering more comprehensive research and informed policymaking.

Effectiveness and safety of tildrakizumab for the treatment of psoriasis in real-world settings at 24 weeks: A retrospective, observational, multicentre study by the Spanish Psoriasis Group.

BACKGROUND: Tildrakizumab is a humanized, IgG1/κ antibody that interacts with the p19 subunit of interleukin 23. It is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Real-world evidence on the effectiveness and safety of tildrakizumab is limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of tildrakizumab at 24 weeks in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in routine clinical practice. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, multicentre study including adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated with tildrakizumab under real-life conditions. Patient data were extracted from anonymized electronic medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS22. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients were included. About 53.9% were men with a mean age of 51.45 (SD 3.9) and a mean BMI of 29.13 (SD 6.21). About 79.8% (132 out of 190) of patients had previously received biological therapy (BT) and 17.3% (33 out of 191) had psoriatic arthritis. Baseline PASI was 10.7 (SD 6.53). Up to 109 patients reached Week 24 and at this point mean baseline PASI decreased to 1.7 (SD 4.8), representing an 88.79% mean PASI reduction. At 6 months, 87.1% and 40.3% of the treated patients achieved PASI ≤3 and ≤1, respectively. At Week 24 mean BSA decreased from 13.2 (SD 10.07) to 1.6 (SD 4.40) and mean DLQI went from 12.5 (SD 7.12) to 1.2 (SD 3.27). Multivariate analysis showed no differences when effectiveness was correlated with gender, obesity, psoriatic arthritis or prior exposure to BT. The rate of adverse events (AE) was 5.9% (11 out of 190), where infections were the most frequent AE (4 out of 11). One patient suffered a haemorrhagic ictus and one patient died due to causes unrelated to the study. CONCLUSION: Tildrakizumab was effective and safe in a large cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis treated in a routine clinical setting.

C1-C2 Rotatory Subluxation in Adults "A Narrative Review".

The atlantoaxial joint C2 (axis) with the anterior arch of C1 (atlas) allows 50% of cervical lateral rotation. It is responsible for precise and important movements that allow us to perform precise actions, both in normal and working life. Due to low incidence in adults, this condition often goes undiagnosed, or the diagnosis is delayed and the outcome is worse. An early diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure satisfactory neurological and functional outcomes. The aim of this review is to analyze C1-C2 rotatory subluxation in adults, given its rarity. The time between injury and reduction is key, as it is directly related to prognosis and the severity of the treatment options. Due to low incidence in adults, this condition often goes undiagnosed, or the diagnosis is delayed as a lot of cases are not related to a clear trauma, with a poor prognosis just because of the late diagnosis and the outcome is worse. The correct approach and treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation requires a careful study of the radiological findings to decide the direction and plane of the dislocation, and the search for associated skeletal anomalies.

Restoration in Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCF): Effectiveness Evaluation Based on 3D Technology.

There are few studies about anatomical reduction of the fractured vertebral body before stabilization for treatment of vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Although restoration on vertebral height has been useful, the reduction of fractured endplates is limited. The vertebra is part of a joint, and vertebral endplates must be treated like other weight-bearing joint to avoid complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of anatomic reduction of vertebral compression fracture, in different bone conditions, fracture types, and ages (VCF). Under methodological point of view, we followed different steps: first was the placement of two expandable titanium implants just below the fracture. Later, to push the fractured endplates into a more anatomical position, the implants were expanded. Finally, with the implants perfectly positioned, PMMA cement was injected to avoid any loss of correction. To evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure in anatomical fracture reduction, a method based on 3D CT reconstructions was developed. In this paper, we have developed the procedure in three case studies. In all of them, we were able to demonstrate the efficacy of this procedure to reduce the VCF. The percentage of correction of the kyphotic angle varied range between 49% and 62% with respect to the value after the fracture preoperative value. This was accompanied by a reduction of the pain level on the VAS scale around 50%. In conclusion, this novel approach to the vertebral fracture treatment (VCF) associated with 3D assessment have demonstrated the possibility of reducing the vertebral kyphosis angle and the vertebral endplate fractures. However, given the few cases presented, more studies are necessaries to confirm these results.

Treatment of Thoracolumbar Type A3 Fractures Using a Percutaneous Intravertebral Expandable Titanium Implant: Long-term Follow-up Results of a Pilot Single Center Study.

BACKGROUND: There are controversies about the optimal management of AO subtype A3 burst fractures. The most common surgical treatment consists of posterior fixation with pedicle screw and rod augmentation. Nevertheless, a loss of correction in height restoration and kyphotic reduction has been observed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of a minimally invasive technique using a percutaneous intravertebral expandable titanium implant (PIETI). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, single center, pilot study was carried out on a consecutive case series of 44 patients with acute (< 2 weeks) traumatic thoracolumbar fractures AO type A3. The average follow-up was 5.6 years. SETTING: A single center in Castilla y Leon, SpainMETHODS: Clinical outcomes (pain intensity on visual analog scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], analgesic consumption) and radiographic outcomes (anterior/mid/posterior vertebral body height, vertebral area, local kyphosis angle, traumatic regional angulation) were analyzed before surgery, at one month after surgery, and at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: At one-month postsurgery, significant improvements in VAS score and ODI score were observed. PIETI achieved significant vertebral body height restoration with median height increases of 2.9 mm/4.3 mm/2.3 mm for anterior/middle/posterior parts, respectively. Significant correction of the local kyphotic angle and improvement of the traumatic regional angulation were accomplished. All these improvements were maintained throughout the follow-up period. The only complication reported was a case of cement leakage. LIMITATIONS: In our opinion, the main limitation of the study is the small number of patients. However, the sample is superior to that shown in other papers. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that using a PIETI in the treatment of fractures type A3 is a safe and effective method that allows marked clinical improvement, as well as anatomical vertebral body restoration. Unlike with other treatments, results were maintained over time, allowing a better long-term clinical and functional improvement. The rate of cement leakage was lower than other reports.

Maculopapular eruptions associated to COVID-19: A subanalysis of the COVID-Piel study.

A previous study has defined the maculopapular subtype of manifestations of COVID-19. The objective of our study was to describe and classify maculopapular eruptions associated with COVI-19. We carried out a subanalysis of the maculopapular cases found in the previous cross-sectional study. Using a consensus, we defined seven clinical patterns. We described patient demographics, the therapy received by the patient and the characteristics of each pattern. Consensus lead to the description of seven major maculopapular patterns: morbilliform (45.5%), other maculopapular (20.0%), purpuric (14.2%), erythema multiforme-like (9.7%), pytiriasis rosea-like (5.7%), erythema elevatum diutinum-like (2.3%), and perifollicular (2.3%). In most cases, maculopapular eruptions were coincident (61.9%) or subsequent (34.1%) to the onset of other COVID-19 manifestations. The most frequent were cough (76%), dyspnea (72%), fever (88%), and astenia (62%). Hospital admission due to pneumonia was frequent (61%). Drug intake was frequent (78%). Laboratory alterations associated with maculo-papular eruptions were high C-reactive protein, high D-Dimer, lymphopenia, high ferritin, high LDH, and high IL-6. The main limitation of our study was the impossibility to define the cause-effect relationship of each pattern. In conclusion, we provide a description of the cutaneous maculopapular manifestations associated with COVID-19. The cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 are wide-ranging and can mimic other dermatoses.

Specific therapies proposed for the management of COVID-19. / Terapias específicas propuestas para el manejo de COVID-19.

The appearance of a new coronavirus, which has caused the collapse of health systems around the world, has led to the emergence of numerous investigations looking for the ideal treatment and proper management of this new entity, since its control has become impossible and its cure an international necessity. To date, there are hundreds of articles and clinical trials to review. For this reason, in an attempt to facilitate the reader's knowledge of the new evidence and in summary form, the different therapies studied so far are presented in this article: their antiviral and adverse effects. Without forgetting that there are still doubts to be resolved and this process of new knowledge is just beginning.

La aparición de un nuevo coronavirus, causante del colapso de los sistemas de salud de todo el mundo, ha provocado el surgimiento de cuantiosas investigaciones en busca del tratamiento ideal y un adecuado manejo a esta nueva entidad, ya que su control se ha vuelto imposible y su cura una necesidad internacional. Hasta la fecha existen cientos de artículos y ensayos clínicos por revisar. Por ello, en un intento por facilitar al lector el entendimiento de la nueva evidencia y en forma de resumen, se exponen en el presente artículo las distintas terapias estudiadas hasta el momento: sus efectos antivirales y adversos. Sin olvidar que aún quedan varias incógnitas por resolver y este proceso de nuevo conocimiento apenas comienza.

Cloning of the Coffea canephora SERK1 promoter and its molecular analysis during the cell-to-embryo transition

Background: Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase 1 (SERK1) is a cell membrane receptor active in different plant tissues and involved in cell differentiation activities including somatic embryogenesis. The identification of promoter elements responsible for SERK1 expression during the onset of somatic embryogenesis can be useful to understand the molecular regulation of the cell-to embryo transition, and these promoter elements represent biotechnological tools in plant organ tissue culture. Results: A −1,620 bp DNA sequence located upstream of the Coffea canephora SERK1 gene homologue (CcSERK1) was isolated, and then, different segments containing key response elements (REs) for somatic embryogenesis onset and development were fused to the uidA (encoding a ß-glucuronidase, GUS) reporter gene to evaluate its expression in transgenic leaf explants. DNA segments of −1,620 and −1048 bp in length directed uidA expression with patterns in leaf explants similar to those occurring during somatic embryogenesis. When a −792-bp fragment was used, uidA expression disappeared only in leaf explants and pro-embryogenic mass but persisted in developing embryos. No uidA expression was detected in any embryogenic stage when a −618-bp fragment was used. Conclusion: DNA deletions showed that a −1048-bp sequence located upstream of the CcSERK1 gene is sufficient to direct gene expression during the onset and the development of C. canephora somatic embryogenesis. The DNA segment located between −1048 and −792 bp (containing BBM and WUS REs) is needed for gene expression before embryogenesis onset but not during embryo development. The promoter segment between −792 and −618 bp (including GATA, ARR1AT, and ANT REs) regulates gene expression in developing embryos.

Genetic Transformation of Pentalinon andrieuxii Tissue Cultures.

Pentalinon andrieuxii is a species used in Mayan traditional medicine due to its biological properties. Recent studies indicate that it produces a pentacyclic triterpene-denominated betulinic acid, which presents various biological activities: antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anticancer, leishmanicidal, and antiviral, as well as steroids and sterols with leishmanicidal properties. A recent study also reported the presence of urechitol A and B in the roots; these are secondary metabolites whose biochemical function is as yet unknown. This plant therefore represents a natural source of metabolites with potential application in the pharmaceutical industry. In this chapter, a protocol is described for obtaining transgenic plants, at the reporter gene of the ß-glucuronidase (GUS) via Agrobacterium tumefaciens from hypocotyl and root explants. The protocol established herein could be employed for the manipulation of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids or secondary metabolites of interest. To our knowledge, this is the first report of stable transformation of Pentalinon andrieuxii via Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Ectopic expression of the Coffea canephora SERK1 homolog-induced differential transcription of genes involved in auxin metabolism and in the developmental control of embryogenesis.

Somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase 1 (SERK1) is a membrane receptor that might serve as common co-regulator of plant cell differentiation processes by forming heterodimers with specific receptor-like kinases. The Coffea canephora SERK1 homolog (CcSERK1) was cloned in this work, and its early function in the transcription of embryogenesis master genes and of genes encoding proteins involved in auxin metabolism was investigated by externally manipulating its expression in embryogenic leaf explants, before the appearance of embryogenic structures. Overexpression of CcSERK1 early during embryogenesis caused an increase in the number of somatic embryos when the 55-day process was completed. Suppression of CcSERK1 expression by RNA interference almost abolished somatic embryogenesis. Real time-PCR experiments revealed that the transcription of the CcAGL15, CcWUS, CcBBM, CcPKL, CcYUC1, CcPIN1 and CcPIN4 homologs was modified in direct proportion to the expression of CcSERK1 and that only CcLEC1 was inversely affected by the expression levels of CcSERK1. The expression of the CcYUC4 homolog was induced to more than 80-fold under CcSERK1 overexpression conditions, but it was also induced when CcSERK1 expression was silenced. The level of CcTIR1 was not affected by CcSERK1 overexpression but was almost abolished during CcSERK1 silencing. These results suggest that CcSERK1 co-regulates the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Coffea canephora by early activation of YUC-dependent auxin biosynthesis, auxin transport mediated by PIN1 and PIN4, and probably auxin perception by the TIR1 receptor, leading to the induction of early-stage homeotic genes (CcAGL15, CcWUS, CcPKL and CcBBM) and repression of late-stage homeotic genes (CcLec1).

Achiote (Bixa orellana L.): a natural source of pigment and vitamin E.

Commercialization of agricultural products, including seeds and its derived products, represents an important economic source for developing countries. Natural colorants obtained from the seeds of achiote plant (annatto) have been used since pre-Hispanic times. Also, production of this crop has been important for Mayan cuisine. Annual world production of achiote seeds is approximately 14,500 tons (dry weight). Two thirds of the production is commercialized as dried seeds and the rest as colorant. Latin America produces 60% of the total world production, followed by Africa (27%) and Asia (12%). The main producers in Latin America are Peru, Brazil and Mexico. The purpose of the present paper is to review the most recent literature on Bixa orellana L. focusing on bixin, norbixin, tocotrienols and tocopherols biosynthesis, use and industrial applications of annatto extracts, as well as its nutraceutical potential and its benefits for human health.

La investigación en las facultades de administración de Colombia *

Introducción. La evolución de un campo profesional o disciplinar se asocia a la capacidad de su comunidad académica para generar conocimiento y el presente artículo aborda esta temática a partir de las facultades de administración existentes en el país. Objetivo. Caracterizar el estado actual de la investigación en las facultades de administración. Materiales y Métodos. Se utilizó una encuesta a 65 decanos de facultades de administración de Colombia, que se complementó con información institucional de la plataforma ScienTi de Colciencias. Resultados. Se identificaron dos tipos de facultades, el primero denominado de "mediano desarrollo de investigación" y el segundo de "bajo desarrollo de investigación". No se configuró un grupo de "alto desarrollo". Conclusiones. Aunque se ha avanzado en una cultura de investigación y desarrollo de políticas para el fomento y apoyo de la investigación aún prevalecen problemas como marcadas diferencias entre facultades y ciudades y aún puede percibirse que la investigación es marginal en el pregrado.

Introduction. The evolution of a disciplinary or professional field is associated to the capacity of its academic community for generating knowledge and this article deals with this topic from management Schools exiting in the country. Objective: to characterize the current status of research in Management Schools. Materials and Methods. A survey was applied to 65 deans of Management Schools of Colombia; this server was supplemented with institutional information of Colciencias scientific platforms. Results. Two types of Schools were identified: the first type called " middle development of research" and the second one "low development of research." "A hig development research group was not set." Conclusions. Although there has been an advancement in research culture in the development of politics for research support and foment, there are still problems such as big differences among Schools and cities and can still be perceived that research is marginal in undergraduate programs.

Introdução. A evolução de um campo profissional ou disciplinar se associa à capacidade de sua comunidade acadêmica para gerar conhecimento e o presente artigo aborda esta temática a partir das faculdades de administração existentes no país. Objetivo. Caracterizar o estado atual da investigação nas faculdades de administração. Materiais e Métodos. Se utilizou uma enquete a 65 decanos de faculdades de administração da Colômbia, que se complementou com informação institucional da plataforma Scienti de Colciencias. Resultados. Se identificaram dois tipos de faculdades, o primeiro denominado de "médio desenvolvimento de investigação" e o segundo de "baixo desenvolvimento de investigação". Não se configurou um grupo de "alto desenvolvimento". Conclusões. Ainda que se há avançado numa cultura de investigação e desenvolvimento de políticas para o fomento e apoio da investigação ainda prevalecem problemas como marcadas diferenças entre faculdades e cidades e ainda pode perceber-se que a investigação é marginal na pré- graduação.

Effectiveness and safety of Methotrexate in psoriasis: an eight-year experience with 218 patients.

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX), a traditional antipsoriatic drug, is very frequently used either as monotherapy or in combination with other systemic drugs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of MTX in psoriasis in usual clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study. We performed an electronic and manual chart review of patients treated with MTX in the Psoriasis Unit of our Hospital from January 2007 to December 2014. Demographic and clinical data, PASI/DLQI scores and reasons for suspension of all patients treated with MTX in usual clinical practice were recorded. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighteen patients were included. MTX was administered in 67% of cases as the first systemic treatment. The average treatment duration was 17.2 ± 13.6 months. All patients were subjected to clinical and laboratory monitoring. About 33.5% of them achieved a reduction of 75% or more of the initial PASI at week 12, 34.9% at week16, 44.7% at week 24, and 52.8% at week 48. A 3.3% had to discontinue the therapy due to analytical hepatic (2.8%) or renal (0.5%) abnormalities. Only one patient experienced severe interstitial pneumonitis and none required liver biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: MTX is an effective and safe option for the treatment of psoriasis in the real-world clinical practice.

Metotrexato en el tratamiento de la psoriasis / Methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis

La psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria, de base genética, mediada inmunológicamente, con manifestaciones cutáneas preeminentes y asociada a comorbilidades sistémicas (osteoarticular, cardiovascular, diabetes, obesidad, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, cardiopatía isquémica, síndrome metabólico, ictus, hepatopatía, enfermedad psiquiátrica), lo que hace que su limitación patológica se extienda más allá de la piel. Afecta aproximadamente al 2,4% de la población española y, dado que actualmente no se dispone de curación definitiva, se requiere terapia a lo largo de la vida del paciente ajustada al control clínico de esta. Los tratamientos sistémicos clásicos (metotrexato, acitetrina, ciclosporina, luz ultravioleta), junto con las denominadas terapias biológicas disponibles actualmente (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab), permiten al dermatólogo disponer de un arsenal terapéutico más amplio y disponer, por lo tanto, de mayores posibilidades de control de pacientes con psoriasis grave y/o extensa. El metotrexato, un fármaco clásico en la terapia antipsoriásica, sigue siendo de gran utilidad, tanto en monoterapia como asociado a otros fármacos sistémicos, en especial como rescate o combinación con los biológicos. El objetivo de este artículo es establecer el papel del metotrexato en el tratamiento de la psoriasis (AU)

Psoriasis is a genetic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease with preeminent cutaneous manifestations associated with systemic comorbidities (osteoarticular, cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, intestinal inflammatory disease, ischemic heart disease, metabolic syndrome, stroke, liver disease, psychiatric disease). Consequently, this disease has repercussions that go far beyond the skin. Psoriasis affects approximately 2.4% of the Spanish population. Currently, there is no definitive cure and consequently patients require lifelong treatment, with period adjustments based on the results of monitoring. Classic systemic therapies (methotrexate, acitretin, cyclosporine, ultraviolet light), together with currently available biological therapies (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab) provide dermatologists with a broader therapeutic armamentarium and therefore with greater possibilities for controlling severe and/or extensive psoriasis. Methotrexate, a classic drug in anti-psoriatic therapy, continues to be highly useful both in monotherapy and in combination with other systemic drugs, especially as rescue therapy or combined with biological agents. The aim of this article is to establish the role of methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis (AU)

Isotopologue profiling of triterpene formation under physiological conditions. Biosynthesis of lupeol-3-(3'-R-hydroxy)-stearate in Pentalinon andrieuxii.

The biosynthesis of lupeol-3-(3'R-hydroxy)-stearate (procrim b, 1) was investigated in the Mexican medicinal plant Pentalinon andrieuxii by (13)CO2 pulse-chase experiments. NMR analyses revealed positional enrichments of (13)C2-isotopologues in both the triterpenoid and the hydroxystearate moieties of 1. Five of the six isoprene units reflected a pattern with [1,2-(13)C2]- and [3,5-(13)C2]-isotopologues from the respective C5-precursors, IPP and DMAPP, whereas one isoprene unit in the ring E of 1 showed only the [3,5-(13)C2]-connectivity of the original C5-precursor, due to rearrangement of the dammarenyl cation intermediate during the cyclization process. The presence of (13)C2-isotopologues was indicative of [(13)C2]acetyl-CoA being the precursor units in the formation of the fatty acid moiety and of the triterpene via the mevalonate route. The observed labeling pattern was in agreement with a chair-chair-chair-boat conformation of the (S)-2,3-oxidosqualene precursor during the cyclization process, suggesting that the lupeol synthase from P. andrieuxii is of the same type as that from Olea europea and Taraxacum officinale, but different from that of Arabidopsis thaliana. The study shows that (13)CO2 pulse-chase experiments are powerful in elucidating, under in vivo conditions and in a single experiment, the biosynthesis of complex plant products including higher terpenes.

MC1R gene variants and sporadic malignant melanoma susceptibility in the Canary Islands population.

Several MC1R variants are associated with increased risk of malignant melanoma (MM) in a variety of populations. We aim to examine the influence of the MC1R variants (RHC: D84E, R151C, R160W; NRHC: V60L, R163Q and the synonymous polymorphism T314T) on the MM risk in a population from the Canary Islands. Overall, 1,046 Caucasian individuals were included in the study. A thousand of them were genotyped for MC1R variants: 509 were sporadic MM patients and 491 were healthy control subjects from general population. The analysis was adjusted for age, sex, hair colour, eye colour, skin phototype and ancestry. We found that carriers of the R151C and R163Q variants were at an increased risk for melanoma OR 2.76 (1.59-4.78) and OR 5.62 (2.54-12.42), respectively. The risk of carrying RHC variants was 3.04 (1.90-4.86). Current study confirms the increased MM risk for R151C carriers. It also supports the association between R163Q variant and MM risk in the population on the Canary Islands, as opposed to reported on northern populations. These results highlight the importance of the sample population selection in this kind of studies.

Rol de la TC multicorte con RMP en el diagnóstico de la hernia obturatriz: presentación de un caso / Role of multislice CT with MPR (multi-planar reformation) in the diagnosis of obturator hernia. a case report

La hernia obturatriz (HO) es poco frecuente y representa del 0.05 al 0.4 por ciento del total de hernias. Debido a su rareza y a su presentación inespecífica, el diagnóstico es por lo general tardío y las tasas de mortalidad elevadas (12-70 por ciento). Se presenta un caso típico de HO diagnosticada en el preoperatorio mediante TC Multi-corte con RMP y tratado mediante laparotomía de urgencia con buen resultado. El empleo de TC Multicorte con RMP de abdomen y pelvis, en cuadros de obstrucción intestinal en mujeres añosas, sin antecedente de cirugías previas ni hernias objetivables, tiene gran valor para el diagnóstico preoperatorio precoz de HO y podría contribuir a reducir las elevadas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad.

Abstract. The obturator hernia (OH) is rare and accounts for 0.05 to 0.4% of all hernias. Because of its rarity and its nonspecific presentation, diagnosis is usually late and has high mortality rates (12-70%). A typical case of OH diagnosed preoperatively by Multislice CT with MPR and treated using emergency laparotomy with good results, is presented. The use of Multislice CT with MPR of the abdomen and pelvis, in symptoms of intestinal obstruction in elderly women with no history of previous surgery or objectified hernias, has great value for early preoperative diagnosis of OH and could help reduce the high rates of morbidity and mortality.

Liderazgo y relaciones sociales en el trabajo como factor de riesgo psicosocial: su incidencia sobre gestión humana en las organizaciones / Leadership and Social Relationships at Work as a Psychosocial Risk Factor: It's Incidence on Human Resource Management in Organizations

Este artículo pretende analizar los tópicos liderazgo y relaciones sociales en el trabajo, como factores de riesgo psicosocial, fundamentados en los modelos: demanda control-apoyo social, el modelo de desequilibrio esfuerzo-recompensa y el modelo dinámico de los factores de riesgo. La contrastación empírica se hizo mediante la aplicación de una batería de instrumentos validados por el Ministerio de Protección Social de Colombia a un grupo de 148 jefes y 267 profesionales y técnicos, de 44 empresas localizadas en el Eje Cafetero colombiano. Los resultados permiten identificar un alto índice de riesgo en las dimensiones relaciones con colaboradores y relaciones sociales; no se encontraron diferencias significativas en el índice de riesgo por género y tipo de cargo, pero sí diferencias entre algunos grupos de edad, tiempo de servicio y tipo de contrato.

This paper intends to analyse leadership and social relationships at work as a psychosocial risk factor, grounded on the following models: control demand - social support, effort-reward disbalance, and the dynamic risk factors model. The empirical contrast was performed by applying a set of instruments validated by the Colombian Ministry of Social Protection to a sample comprised of 148 managers and 267 professionals and technicians in 44 companies in the Colombian Coffee Region. The results allow us to identify a high risk in the dimensions relations with coworkers and social relations; no significant differences were found in risk indexes by gender or position, but some differences were found among age groups, service time and type of contract.

Condiciones de causalidad entre la gestión de los recursos humanos y la cultura organizacional: un estudio empírico en el contexto industrial colombiano / Causal conditions between human resource management and organizational culture. An empirical study in the Colombian industrial context / Condições de causalidade entre a gestão dos recursos humanos e a cultura organizacional. um estudo empírico no contexto industrial colombiano

La gestión de los recursos humanos es el marco estratégico de la cultura organizacional. Por tanto, el presente estudio pretende identificar el impacto recíproco entre la cultura organizacional y la gestión de recursos humanos. Para esto se construyen dos modelos: uno para el análisis de la gestión de recursos humanos y otro para el análisis de la cultura organizacional. El estudio se contrasta en 199 empresas industriales de Colombia. Para el procesamiento de la información se utilizaron modelos multivariados con énfasis en análisis factorial confirmatorio -CFA- y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales -SEM-. Como principal hallazgo se identifica que la tipología cultural del mercado incide significativamente en las prácticas de recursos humanos tales como el aprovisionamiento, la capacitación y la carrera.

The human resource management is the strategic framework of the organizational culture. Therefore, this study aims to identify the mutual impact between organizational culture and human resource management practices. To this end two models were constructed: one for the analysis of human resource management and another for the analysis of the organizational culture. The study was conducted in 199 manufacturing firms in Colombia. For information processing, multivariate models with emphasis on confirmatory factor analysis -CFA- and structural equation modeling- SEM- were used. The main finding was that market culture has a positive and significant impact on human resource management practices such as supply, training and career prospect.

A gestão dos recursos humanos é o marco estratégico da cultura organizacional. Portanto, o presente estudo pretende identificar o impacto recíproco entre a cultura organizacional e a gestão de recursos humanos. Para isto constroem-se dois modelos: um para a análise da gestão de recursos humanos e outro para a análise da cultura organizacional. O estudo se contrasta em 199 empresas industriais da Colômbia. Para o processamento da informação utilizam-se modelos multivariados com ênfase em análise fatorial confirmatório -CFA- e modelos de equações estruturais -SEM-. Como principal descobrimento identifica-se que a tipologia cultural do mercado incide significativamente nas práticas de recursos humanos tais como o aprovisionamento, a capacitação e a carreira.