Carbohydrate and lipid balances in the positive plant phenotypic response to arbuscular mycorrhiza: increase in sink strength.

The exchange of phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a major determinant of their mutualistic symbiosis. We explored the C dynamics in tomato (Solanum lycorpersicum) inoculated or not with Rhizophagus irregularis to study their growth response under different NaH2 PO4 concentrations (Null P, 0 mM; Low P, 0.065 mM; High P, 1.3 mM). The percentage of AMF colonization was similar in plants under Null and Low P, but severely reduced under High P. However, the AMF mass biomarker 16:1ω5 revealed higher fungal accumulation in inoculated roots under Low P, while more AMF spores were produced in the Null P. Under High P, AMF biomass and spores were strongly reduced. Plant growth response to mycorrhiza was negative under Null P, showing reduction in height, biovolume index, and source leaf (SL) area. Under Low P, inoculated plants showed a positive response (e.g., increased SL area), while inoculated plants under High P were similar to non-inoculated plants. AMF promoted the accumulation of soluble sugars in the SL under all fertilization levels, whereas the soluble sugar level decreased in roots under Low P in inoculated plants. Transcriptional upregulation of SlLIN6 and SlSUS1, genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, was observed in inoculated roots under Null P and Low P, respectively. We conclude that P-limiting conditions that increase AMF colonization stimulate plant growth due to an increase in the source and sink strength. Our results suggest that C partitioning and allocation to different catabolic pathways in the host are influenced by AMF performance.

Evaluación del disbalance autonómico en el paciente con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas: Score de diagnóstico y tratamiento

La enfermedad de Chagas es una enfermedad parasitaria (Trypanosoma cruzi), endémica en 21 países de América y que las migraciones la han dispersado en distintos continentes. Una de las manifestaciones más precoces de esta enfermedad son las alteraciones disautonómicas o disfunción autonómica. La severidad de este inadecuado funcionamiento del sistema nervioso autónomo resulta mensurable, de modo que la evolución y/o progresión de la enfermedad puede constatarse mediante la alteración de estudios clínicos y detección de anticuerpos antimuscarínicos. Estos anticuerpos están presentes en un 30% de los infectados y aparecen muy precozmente una vez instalada la parasitosis; además otros estudios, como la dispersión del QT (>65 mseg) y la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (<100 mseg) presentan valores anormales. La utilización de nuevos paradigmas de atención, diagnóstico y tratamientos adecuados son imprescindibles para prevenir el desarrollo de esta cardiopatía.

Chagas disease is a parasitic disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), endemic in 21 countries of America and that migrations have dispersed it in different continents. One of the earliest manifestations of this disease is dysautonomic alterations or autonomic dysfunction. The severity of this inadequate functioning of the autonomic nervous system is measurable, so that the evolution and/or progression of the disease can be verified by altering clinical studies and detecting antimuscarinic antibodies. These antibodies are present in 30% of those infected and appear very early once the parasitosis is installed; In addition, other studies, such as QT dispersion (> 65 ms) and heart rate variability (<100 ms) show abnormal values. The use of new paradigms of care, diagnosis and appropriate treatments are essential to prevent the development of this heart disease.

A doença de Chagas é uma doença parasitária (Trypanosoma cruzi), endêmica em 21 países da América e que as migrações a dispersaram em diferentes continentes. Uma das primeiras manifestações desta doença são as alterações disautonômicas ou disfunção autonômica. A gravidade desse funcionamento inadequado do sistema nervoso autônomo é mensurável, de modo que a evolução e/ou progressão da doença pode ser verificada alterando os estudos clínicos e detectando anticorpos antimuscarínicos. Esses anticorpos estão presentes em 30% dos infectados e aparecem muito cedo, uma vez instalada a parasitose; Além disso, outros estudos, como a dispersão do QT (> 65 mseg) e a variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (<100 mseg), mostram valores anormais. A utilização de novos paradigmas de atendimento, diagnóstico e tratamentos adequados são essenciais para prevenir o desenvolvimento desta doença cardíaca.

Cardio protected areas in Mexico.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major public health problem. Fortunately, with timely access to early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an improvement in survival of victims of sudden death has been demonstrated. Efforts made in different countries to create programs for access to public defibrillation have shown great benefits in counteracting mortality associated with this type of event. Hence, we need more programs (such as cardio protected environments) and changes in public health policies. The objective of this work is to raise awareness among the population and decision makers, of importance establishing this type of programs in our country since there continues to be high mortality associated with SCD in our countrymen.

La muerte súbita cardíaca es todavía un problema importante de salud pública. Por fortuna, con un acceso oportuno a una desfibrilación temprana y una reanimación cardiopulmonar de alta calidad, se ha demostrado una mejoría en la sobrevida de las víctimas de muerte súbita. Los esfuerzos realizados en deferentes países para crear programas de acceso a la desfibrilación pública han mostrado grandes beneficios en contrarrestar la mortalidad relacionada con este tipo de episodios. Se necesitan más programas (como espacios cardioprotegidos) y cambios en las políticas de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo es poder concientizar a la población y a los tomadores de decisiones de la importancia de establecer este tipo de programas en el país, ya que aún existe una alta mortalidad relacionada con la muerte cardíaca súbita.

Cardio protected areas in Mexico / Áreas cardioprotegidas en México

Abstract Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major public health problem. Fortunately, with timely access to early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an improvement in survival of victims of sudden death has been demonstrated. Efforts made in different countries to create programs for access to public defibrillation have shown great benefits in counteracting mortality associated with this type of event. Hence, we need more programs (such as cardio protected environments) and changes in public health policies. The objective of this work is to raise awareness among the population and decision makers, of importance establishing this type of programs in our country since there continues to be high mortality associated with SCD in our countrymen.

Resumen La muerte súbita cardíaca es todavía un problema importante de salud pública. Por fortuna, con un acceso oportuno a una desfibrilación temprana y una reanimación cardiopulmonar de alta calidad, se ha demostrado una mejoría en la sobrevida de las víctimas de muerte súbita. Los esfuerzos realizados en deferentes países para crear programas de acceso a la desfibrilación pública han mostrado grandes beneficios en contrarrestar la mortalidad relacionada con este tipo de episodios. Se necesitan más programas (como espacios cardioprotegidos) y cambios en las políticas de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo es poder concientizar a la población y a los tomadores de decisiones de la importancia de establecer este tipo de programas en el país, ya que aún existe una alta mortalidad relacionada con la muerte cardíaca súbita.

Cardio protected areas in Mexico.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major public health problem. Fortunately, with timely access to early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an improvement in survival of victims of sudden death has been demonstrated. Efforts made in different countries to create programs for access to public defibrillation have shown great benefits in counteracting mortality associated with this type of event. Hence, we need more programs (such as cardio protected environments) and changes in public health policies. The objective of this work is to raise awareness among the population and decision makers, of importance establishing this type of programs in our country since there continues to be high mortality associated with SCD in our countrymen.

La muerte súbita cardíaca es todavía un problema importante de salud pública. Por fortuna, con un acceso oportuno a una desfibrilación temprana y una reanimación cardiopulmonar de alta calidad, se ha demostrado una mejoría en la sobrevida de las víctimas de muerte súbita. Los esfuerzos realizados en deferentes países para crear programas de acceso a la desfibrilación pública han mostrado grandes beneficios en contrarrestar la mortalidad relacionada con este tipo de episodios. Se necesitan más programas (como espacios cardioprotegidos) y cambios en las políticas de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo es poder concientizar a la población y a los tomadores de decisiones de la importancia de establecer este tipo de programas en el país, ya que aún existe una alta mortalidad relacionada con la muerte cardíaca súbita.

Interleukin 6 (rs1800795) gene polymorphism is associated with cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis of 74 studies with 86,229 subjects.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are group of complex and multifactorial pathologies, in which interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene polymorphisms have been associated with several components of the CVD. Thus, in this study, we thoroughly reviewed and meta-analyzed evidence on the association between the IL-6 (rs1800795) gene polymorphism and CVD. We systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases. The analyses were performed using five study groups based on (1) a combined pool of the overall populations, (2) the country of birth, (3) the continent of birth, (4) the diagnosis and (5) both location (country or continent) and diagnosis. The analysis included the allelic, homozygote, heterozygote, dominant and recessive models. The meta-analysis showed that -174G>C (rs1800795) is a risk factor for CVD (allelic: OR=1.06, CI 95%=1.02-1.10. Z p value <0.0001; homozygous: OR=1.11, CI 95%=1.03-1.19, Z p value= 0.002; heterozygous: OR=1.08, CI 95%=1.03-1.21, Z p value= 0.003; dominant: OR= 1.12, CI 95%= 1.07-1.18, Z p value= 0.001) and that this risk increases in the Chinese population. Additionally, we found that carriers of the C allele of 174G>C (rs1800795) polymorphism have an increase in the risk of coronary artery disease under the hereditary models assessed in the study. Using robust data, we found that IL-6 (rs1800795) -174G>C gene polymorphism is associated with CVD risk.

Association of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and nephrolithiasis: A meta-analysis.

Nephrolithiasis is a complex disease in which its pathophysiology is strongly influenced by genetics. Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have been reported to be associated with the development of kidney stones which in most cases are composed predominantly of calcium salts. For the purpose of this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the association of BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), TaqI (rs731236) and FokI (rs2228570) polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis. A systematic search was performed up to June 2018 using PubMed, Embase and ISI Web of Knowledge databases. The keywords used for the search were "vitamin D receptor or VDR" and "polymorphisms or SNPs" combined with "urolithiasis or nephrolithiasis". A meta-analysis was performed with the results of the selected and included studies. After analyzing 23 publications, we observed that BsmI polymorphism (rs1544410) has a protective association against nephrolithiasis (Allelic model: OR = 0.84, CI 95% 0.73-0.96, Z p-value 0.015; homozygous model: OR = 0.72, CI 95% 0.54-0.97, Z p-value 0.033). Furthermore, we observed that FokI polymorphism (rs2228570) has a decreased risk of nephrolithiasis in the heterozygous model in the presence of heterogeneity (OR = 0.69, CI 95% 0.48-0.99, Z p-value 0.044), as well as in the absence of heterogeneity (OR = 0.81, CI 95% 0.66-0.99, Z p-value 0.045). Additionally, TaqI polymorphism (rs731236) was associated with a decreased risk of nephrolithiasis in the heterozygous model (OR = 0.77, CI 95% 0.63-0.94, Z p-value 0.010), and no overall association was observed with ApaI polymorphism (rs7975232). This meta-analysis provided comprehensive evidence that VDR polymorphisms are associated with upper urinary tract stones incidence and the genetic variants we studied provide protection against nephrolithiasis.

The Type of Trypanosoma Cruzi Strain (Native or Non-Native) Used as Substrate for Immunoassays Influences the Ability of Screening Asymptomatic Blood Donors.

BACKGROUND: The origin (native or non-native) of Trypanosoma cruzi strains used as substrate for immunoassays may influence their performance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of an immunoassay based on a native T. cruzi strain compared to another based on non-native T. cruzi strains, in asymptomatic blood donors from Mexico. METHODS: Serum samples from a tertiary referral center were tested by both ELISA-INC9 (native) and Chagatest (non-native) assays. All reactive serum samples were further analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Sera from 1,098 asymptomatic blood donors were tested. A 4.3 and 0.7% serum reactivity prevalence was observed using ELISA-INC9 and Chagatest, respectively (kappa = 0.13; -0.11 to 0.38). Subsequently, indirect immunofluorescence analyses showed higher positivity in serum samples reactive by ELISA-INC9 compared to those reactive by Chagatest (79 vs. 62.5%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, out of the 47 positive samples by both ELISA-INC9 and indirect immunofluorescence, only four (8.5%) were reactive in Chagatest assay. Meanwhile, four (80%) out of the five positive samples by both Chagatest and indirect immunofluorescence were reactive using ELISA-INC9. CONCLUSION: Immunoassays based on a native T. cruzi strain perform better than those based on non-native strains, highlighting the need to develop and validate screening assays in accordance to endemic T. cruzi strains.

Seroprevalence and major antigens recognized by sera from Trypanosoma cruzi-infected dogs from Jalisco, México.

Chagas disease is a major endemic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasitic disease is widely distributed throughout Latin America, affecting 10 million people. There are also reports of canine infection in the southern part of the United States. Dogs are considered the predominant domestic reservoir for T. cruzi in many areas of endemicity. In México, dog infection by this parasite has been poorly studied. In this work 209 dogs from six villages in Jalisco, México, were assessed to detect anti-T. cruzi antibodies by ELISA and Western blot. Seventeen (17) seropositive dogs (8.1 %) were detected by both tests, representing a seropositive value similar to that found in some southern states of México where the infection is present. No statistical differences were observed concerning the age and sex of infected and non-infected dogs. The major antigens recognized by positive sera were 26, 32, 66 and 80kDa. These proteins are candidates to develop a specific diagnostic method for canine Chagas. No antibodies against HSP16 protein were found in T. cruzi seropositive sera. This is the first report of canine serology of Chagas disease in this central part of México. This report will contribute to the knowledge of the infection status of domestic reservoirs in the state of Jalisco, México.

Seroprevalence and major antigens recognized by sera from Trypanosoma cruzi-infected dogs from Jalisco, México / Seroprevalencia y principales antígenos reconocidos por sueros de perros infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi en el estado de Jalisco, México

Chagas disease is a major endemic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasitic disease is widely distributed throughout Latin America, affecting 10 million people. There are also reports of canine infection in the southern part of the United States. Dogs are considered the predominant domestic reservoir for T. cruzi in many areas of endemicity. In México, dog infection by this parasite has been poorly studied. In this work 209 dogs from six villages in Jalisco, México, were assessed to detect anti-T. cruzi antibodies by ELISA and Western blot. Seventeen (17) seropositive dogs (8.1 %) were detected by both tests, representing a seropositive value similar to that found in some southern states of México where the infection is present. No statistical differences were observed concerning the age and sex of infected and non-infected dogs. The major antigens recognized by positive sera were 26, 32, 66 and 80 kDa. These proteins are candidates to develop a specific diagnostic method for canine Chagas. No antibodies against HSP16 protein were found in T. cruzi seropositive sera. This is the first report of canine serology of Chagas disease in this central part of México. This report will contribute to the knowledge of the infection status of domestic reservoirs in the state of Jalisco, México.(AU)

El mal de Chagas es una enfermedad endémica causada por el parásito protozoario Trypanosoma cruzi. Este padecimiento está ampliamente distribuido en América, donde afecta a alrededor de 10 millones de personas. También existen comunicaciones de la infección canina desde el sur de los Estados Unidos hasta países de Sudamérica. Los perros son considerados los principales reservorios domésticos de T. cruzi en muchas áreas endémicas. En México, la infección canina ha sido estudiada escasamente. En el presente trabajo se evaluó mediante ELISA y Western blot la presencia de anticuerpos anti-T. cruzi en el suero de 209 perros de seis localidades del estado de Jalisco, México. Se encontraron 17 perros seropositivos (8,1 %) a ambas pruebas. No se observaron diferencias de significación estadística en la edad o el sexo de los perros infectados comparados con los no infectados. Los principales antígenos reconocidos por los sueros positivos fueron de 26, 32, 66 y 80 kDa. Estas proteínas son candidatos para desarrollar un método de diagnóstico específico para Chagas canino. No se encontraron anticuerpos contra la proteína HSP16 en los sueros positivos anti-T. cruzi. Este es el primer informe de serología canina en la región central de México y contribuirá al conocimiento de la infección en reservorios domésticos de Jalisco, México.(AU)

Seroprevalence and major antigens recognized by sera from Trypanosoma cruzi-infected dogs from Jalisco, México / Seroprevalencia y principales antígenos reconocidos por sueros de perros infectados con Trypanosoma cruzi en el estado de Jalisco, México

Chagas disease is a major endemic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasitic disease is widely distributed throughout Latin America, affecting 10 million people. There are also reports of canine infection in the southern part of the United States. Dogs are considered the predominant domestic reservoir for T. cruzi in many areas of endemicity. In México, dog infection by this parasite has been poorly studied. In this work 209 dogs from six villages in Jalisco, México, were assessed to detect anti-T. cruzi antibodies by ELISA and Western blot. Seventeen (17) seropositive dogs (8.1 %) were detected by both tests, representing a seropositive value similar to that found in some southern states of México where the infection is present. No statistical differences were observed concerning the age and sex of infected and non-infected dogs. The major antigens recognized by positive sera were 26, 32, 66 and 80 kDa. These proteins are candidates to develop a specific diagnostic method for canine Chagas. No antibodies against HSP16 protein were found in T. cruzi seropositive sera. This is the first report of canine serology of Chagas disease in this central part of México. This report will contribute to the knowledge of the infection status of domestic reservoirs in the state of Jalisco, México.

El mal de Chagas es una enfermedad endémica causada por el parásito protozoario Trypanosoma cruzi. Este padecimiento está ampliamente distribuido en América, donde afecta a alrededor de 10 millones de personas. También existen comunicaciones de la infección canina desde el sur de los Estados Unidos hasta países de Sudamérica. Los perros son considerados los principales reservorios domésticos de T. cruzi en muchas áreas endémicas. En México, la infección canina ha sido estudiada escasamente. En el presente trabajo se evaluó mediante ELISA y Western blot la presencia de anticuerpos anti-T. cruzi en el suero de 209 perros de seis localidades del estado de Jalisco, México. Se encontraron 17 perros seropositivos (8,1 %) a ambas pruebas. No se observaron diferencias de significación estadística en la edad o el sexo de los perros infectados comparados con los no infectados. Los principales antígenos reconocidos por los sueros positivos fueron de 26, 32, 66 y 80 kDa. Estas proteínas son candidatos para desarrollar un método de diagnóstico específico para Chagas canino. No se encontraron anticuerpos contra la proteína HSP16 en los sueros positivos anti-T. cruzi. Este es el primer informe de serología canina en la región central de México y contribuirá al conocimiento de la infección en reservorios domésticos de Jalisco, México.

Seroprevalence and major antigens recognized by sera from Trypanosoma cruzi-infected dogs from Jalisco, México. / Seroprevalence and major antigens recognized by sera from Trypanosoma cruzi-infected dogs from Jalisco, México.

Chagas disease is a major endemic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasitic disease is widely distributed throughout Latin America, affecting 10 million people. There are also reports of canine infection in the southern part of the United States. Dogs are considered the predominant domestic reservoir for T. cruzi in many areas of endemicity. In México, dog infection by this parasite has been poorly studied. In this work 209 dogs from six villages in Jalisco, México, were assessed to detect anti-T. cruzi antibodies by ELISA and Western blot. Seventeen (17) seropositive dogs (8.1

) were detected by both tests, representing a seropositive value similar to that found in some southern states of México where the infection is present. No statistical differences were observed concerning the age and sex of infected and non-infected dogs. The major antigens recognized by positive sera were 26, 32, 66 and 80kDa. These proteins are candidates to develop a specific diagnostic method for canine Chagas. No antibodies against HSP16 protein were found in T. cruzi seropositive sera. This is the first report of canine serology of Chagas disease in this central part of México. This report will contribute to the knowledge of the infection status of domestic reservoirs in the state of Jalisco, México.

[Analysis of food intake and dietary habits in a population of adolescents in the city of Granada (Spain)]. / Análisis de la ingesta alimentaria y hábitos nutricionales en una población de adolescentes de la ciudad de Granada.

OBJECTIVES: The main research objective was to analyze the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients in a population of adolescents. The purpose of the study was to verify a significant correlation between the habit of breafasting at home each morning and the nutritional status of the sample population. SAMPLE AND METHODOLOGY: The sample population was composed of 100 adolescents, 12-15 years of age, who attended two public secondary schools in the city of Granada. The study conducted was descriptive, cross-sectional, and multi-centered, and involved a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional status of the subjects by using anthropometry. The analysis of food intake and dietary habits was based on a 72-hour record of the subjects' food intake. The protocol used had previously been elaborated and validated by the research team. RESULTS: For all subjects, the energy intake was found to be higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The female subjects had a mean protein intake of 16% in regards to total calorific value (TCV). In the case of the male subjects, the mean protein intake was 15%. The mean consumption of fats was 106.1 for the male subjects, whereas for the females, it was 110.4 grams. The females were found to ingest more carbohydrates at a rate of 297.4 grams per day in comparison to the male subjects, whose rate of carbohydrate ingestion was 251 grams per day. The ingestion of minerals varied in both sexes though in all cases it was lower than the RDA. However, the male subjects had a calcium and zinc intake higher than the RDA for these minerals. The vitamin intake was varied and balanced in both male and female subjects, and covered the requirements for both age and sex. Regarding the variable, breakfast, a significant relation was found (p < 0.0001) between the dietary habit of breakfasting at home before going to school and the nutritional status of the students. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that an optimal nutritional and health status requires a balanced food intake and healthy dietary habits.

Objetivos: Los objetivos de este estudio fueron realizar un análisis de la ingesta de macronutrientes y micronutrientes en una población de adolescentes. En segundo lugar, verificar una correlación significativa entre el hábito de desayunar a diario en casa y el estado nutricional de dicha población. Muestra y metodología: La población de estudio estaba compuesta por 100 adolescentes de entre 12 y 15 años de edad, pertenecientes a 2 centros educativos públicos de la ciudad de Granada. Estudio descriptivo, transversal y multicéntrico en el que se llevó a cabo una valoración completa del estado nutricional de los alumnos mediante antropometría. Para el análisis de la ingesta alimentaria y hábitos nutricionales se utilizó un registro alimentario de 72 horas, específicamente elaborado y validado por el equipo investigador. Resultados: La ingesta energética fue superior en ambos sexos a la recomendada por la RDA. Se encontró una ingesta proteica media en chicas del 16% respecto del valor calórico total (VCT) y de un 15% del VCT en varones. Se evidenció un consumo medio de grasas de (106,1 gramos) en chicos, frente a los 100,4 gramos en chicas. Éstas ingerían más carbohidratos, destacando una ingesta media de 279,4 gramos/día frente a los 251 gramos/día ingeridos en varones. La ingesta de minerales fue variable en ambos sexos, siendo inferior a las recomendaciones de la RDA en chicas. En los varones resaltó una ingesta de calcio y zinc por encima de dichas recomendaciones. El aporte vitamínico fue variado y equilibrado en ambos sexos, cubriendo los requerimientos para edad y sexo. Respecto de la variable desayuno, se encontró una relación significativa (p < 0,0001) entre el hábito de desayunar en casa, antes de ir al instituto y el estado nutricional de los alumnos. Conclusiones: Un óptimo estado nutricional y de salud implica necesariamente mantener una alimentación equilibrada en sus nutrientes y unos hábitos nutricionales saludables.

Heberprot-P: a novel product for treating advanced diabetic foot ulcer.

Diabetic foot ulcer is a principal diabetic complication. It has been shown that diabetic patients have decreased growth factor concentrations in their tissues, particularly epidermal growth factor. Growth factor shortage impairs wound healing, which leads to chronic nonhealing wounds and sometimes eventual amputation. Ischemic diabetic foot ulcer is the most difficult to treat and confers the highest amputation risk. Injecting epidermal growth factor deep into the wound bottom and contours encourages a more effective pharmacodynamic response in terms of granulation tissue growth and wound closure. Epidermal growth factor injected into the ulcer matrix may also result in association with extracellular matrix proteins, thus enhancing cell proliferation and migration. Heberprot-P is an innovative Cuban product containing recombinant human epidermal growth factor for peri- and intra-lesional infiltration; evidence reveals it accelerates healing of deep and complex ulcers, both ischemic and neuropathic, and reduces diabetes-related amputations. Clinical trials of Heberprot-P in patients with diabetic foot ulcers have shown that repeated local infiltration of this product can enhance healing of chronic wounds safely and efficaciously. As a result, Heberprot-P was registered in Cuba in 2006, and in 2007 was included in the National Basic Medications List and approved for marketing. It has been registered in 15 other countries, enabling treatment of more than 100,000 patients. Heberprot-P is a unique therapy for the most complicated and recalcitrant chronic wounds usually associated with high amputation risk. Local injection in complex diabetic wounds has demonstrated a favorable risk-benefit ratio by speeding healing, reducing recurrences and attenuating amputation risk. Further testing and deployment worldwide of Heberprot-P would provide an opportunity to assess the product's potential to address an important unmet medical need.

Influencia del estado nutricional, niveles hormonales séricos e historia familiar de cáncer en el desarrollo del cáncer de mama / Influence of nutritional status, hormones serum levels, and family history on breast cancer development

Background: Several studies have analyzed the relation between obesity and the hormonal imbalances generated by overweight and a family history of breast cancer. All of these factors are potentially implicated in the early development of breast cancer. Aim: To verify the existence of a significant relation between the nutritional status of breast cancer patients, their hormone serum levels (estrogens, prolactin, and progesterone), and the existence of a family history of breast cancer. Material and Methods: Retrospective data was collected from clinical records of524 women diagnosed with breast cancer in a Spanish hospital. Results: There was a positive association between estrogen, progesterone and prolactin serum levels and body mass index. The elevations in hormone levels occurred earlier in life among women with a family history of breast cancer. A two way ANOVA found a significant association between progesterone and prolactin levels with the age at diagnosis of breast cancer. Conclusions: Extreme serum levels of these hormones appear to be related to the early development of breast cancer, which in turn is influenced by the existence of a family history of cancer among those women with normal or average hormone levels.

[Influence of nutritional status, hormones serum levels, and family history on breast cancer development]. / Influencia del estado nutricional, niveles hormonales séricos e historia familiar de cáncer en el desarrollo del cáncer de mama.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have analyzed the relation between obesity and the hormonal imbalances generated by overweight and a family history of breast cancer. All of these factors are potentially implicated in the early development of breast cancer. AIM: To verify the existence of a significant relation between the nutritional status of breast cancer patients, their hormone serum levels (estrogens, prolactin, and progesterone), and the existence of a family history of breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data was collected from clinical records of 524 women diagnosed with breast cancer in a Spanish hospital. RESULTS: There was a positive association between estrogen, progesterone and prolactin serum levels and body mass index. The elevations in hormone levels occurred earlier in life among women with a family history of breast cancer. A two way ANOVA found a significant association between progesterone and prolactin levels with the age at diagnosis of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Extreme serum levels of these hormones appear to be related to the early development of breast cancer, which in turn is influenced by the existence of a family history of cancer among those women with normal or average hormone levels.

cDNA cloning and partial characterization of amastigote specific surface protein from Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma cruzi amastigote surface proteins are the target of both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses; however, few such molecules have been thoroughly studied. In order to study a T. cruzi amastigote-specific protein (SSP4), we used antibodies against the deglycosylated form of this molecule to clone cDNA. The selected cDNA clone (2070 bp) encodes for a 64 kDa protein product whose sequence analysis revealed no N-glycosylation signal. The DNA sequence showed high homology with a member of a previously reported dispersed repetitive gene family of T. cruzi. Antibodies against the recombinant protein reacted strongly with a 66 kDa protein and weakly with an 84 kDa protein in amastigote extracts. Immunoelectron microscopy studies showed that intracellular amastigotes express the native protein on their surfaces and flagellar pockets. The antibody label was also associated with an amorphous material present in the parasitic cavity and in direct contact with the parasite surface, which suggest that amastigotes are releasing this material. On cell-free amastigotes, the antibody showed strong decoration of the cell surface and labeling of intracellular vesicles. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the superficial protein is expressed shortly after trypomastigotes begin to transform into amastigotes. Anti-recombinant protein antibodies recognized proteins of 100 kDa and 50-60 kDa in protein extracts of rat heart and skeletal muscle, respectively.