Effect of virgin olive oil as spreadable preparation on atherosclerosis compared to dairy butter in Apoe-deficient mice.

Olive oil is the main source of lipid energy in the Mediterranean diet and there is strong evidence of its health benefits. The effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in the form of a preparation of spreadable virgin olive oil (S-VO) on the progression of atheroma plaques was investigated in Apoe-deficient mice, a model of accelerated atherosclerosis. METHODS: Two isocaloric Western purified diets containing 20% fat, either as S-VO or as dairy butter, were used to feed 28 males and 16 females of two-month-old Apoe-deficient mice for 12 weeks. S-VO was prepared by blending more than 75% virgin olive oil with other vegetal natural fat to obtain a solid fat. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were measured. Hepatic lipid droplets were analyzed. Areas of atherosclerotic aortic lesions were quantified in cross-sectional images of the proximal aorta and en face analysis of the whole aorta. RESULTS: Total plasma cholesterol was increased in mice on the butter-supplemented diet in both female and male mice compared to S-VO, and the ratio of TC/HDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in S-VO than in the butter diet, although only in males, and no differences in plasma triglycerides were observed. No significant differences in hepatic lipid droplets were observed between diets in either sex. Aortic lesion areas were significantly higher in mice consuming the butter versus the S-VO diet in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Extra virgin olive oil prepared in spreadable form maintained the delay in atheroma plaque progression compared to butter.

Adaptación transcultural al español y validez de contenido de 3 escalas de riesgo nutricional / Cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish and content validity of three nutritional risk scales

Introducción: Existen diversas escalas diseñadas para determinar el riesgo de desnutrición al ingreso hospitalario en población infantil, sin embargo, la mayor parte de estos instrumentos se desarrollan y publican en lengua inglesa, siendo preceptiva su adaptación transcultural y validación para poder ser utilizados en nuestro país.Objetivos: Adaptar transculturalmente 3 escalas diseñadas para determinar el riesgo de desnutrición ligada a la enfermedad y determinar la validez de su contenido.Material y métodos: Adaptación transcultural mediante el método de traducción-retrotraducción de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la International Test Commission Guidelines for Translating and Adapting Tests. Se midió la validez de contenido a través de un panel de expertos (bajo 7 criterios básicos de selección adaptados del modelo Fehring) que evaluaron cada ítem de las escalas midiendo 4 criterios: ambigüedad, sencillez, claridad y relevancia. Con la puntuación extraída se obtuvo el estadístico V de Aiken para cada ítem y para las escalas completas.Resultados: Partiendo de 3 traducciones independientes por escala se obtuvieron 3 versiones definitivas en castellano de las escalas PNRS, STRONGkids y STAMP semánticamente equivalentes a sus versiones originales. Las escalas PNRS y STRONGkids presentaron una V de Aiken superior a 0,75 en todos sus ítems, mientras que escala STAMP presentó un valor inferior a 0,75 para el ítem «peso y altura».Conclusión: Este estudio aporta las versiones en castellano adaptadas transculturalmente de las escalas PNRS, STRONGkids y STAMP. Las escalas PNRS y STRONGkids presentan un contenido válido para ser aplicadas en el contexto hospitalario estatal. STAMP requiere la adaptación de su ítem «peso y altura» para considerar adecuado su uso en población infantil española. (AU)

Introduction: There are various scales designed to determine the risk of malnutrition at hospital admission in children. However, most of these instruments are developed and published in English. Their cross-cultural adaptation and validation being mandatory in order to be used in our country.Objectives: Cross-culturally adapt three scales designed to determine the risk of malnutrition linked to the disease and determine the validity of their content.Material and methods: Cross-cultural adaptation using the translation-back-translation method in accordance with the recommendations of the International Test Commission Guidelines for Translating and Adapting Tests. Content validity was measured by a panel of experts (under seven basic selection criteria adapted from the Fehring model) who evaluated each item of the scales by measuring 4 criteria: ambiguity, simplicity, clarity and relevance. With the extracted score, Aiken's V statistic was obtained for each item and for the complete scales.Results: Starting from three independent translations per scale, 3 definitive versions in Spanish of the PNRS, STRONGkids and STAMP scales were obtained semantically equivalent to their original versions. The PNRS and STRONGkids scales presented an Aiken's V greater than 0.75 in all their items, while the STAMP scale presented a value less than 0.75 for the item “weight and height”.Conclusion: This study provides the transculturally adapted Spanish versions of the PNRS, STRONGkids and STAMP scales. The PNRS and STRONGkids scales present valid content to be applied in the state hospital context. STAMP requires the adaptation of its item “weight and height” to consider its use in a Spanish child population adequate. (AU)

Cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish and content validity of three nutritional risk scales.

INTRODUCTION: There are various scales designed to determine the risk of malnutrition at hospital admission in children. However, most of these instruments are developed and published in English. Their cross-cultural adaptation and validation being mandatory in order to be used in our country. OBJECTIVES: Cross-culturally adapt three scales designed to determine the risk of malnutrition linked to the disease and determine the validity of their content. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation using the translation-back-translation method in accordance with the recommendations of the International Test Commission Guidelines for Translating and Adapting Tests. Content validity was measured by a panel of experts (under seven basic selection criteria adapted from the Fehring model) who evaluated each item of the scales by measuring 4 criteria: ambiguity, simplicity, clarity and relevance. With the extracted score, Aiken's V statistic was obtained for each item and for the complete scales. RESULTS: Starting from three independent translations per scale, 3 definitive versions in Spanish of the PNRS, STRONGkids and STAMP scales were obtained semantically equivalent to their original versions. The PNRS and STRONGkids scales presented an Aiken's V greater than 0.75 in all their items, while the STAMP scale presented a value less than 0.75 for the item "weight and height". CONCLUSION: This study provides the transculturally adapted Spanish versions of the PNRS, STRONGkids and STAMP scales. The PNRS and STRONGkids scales present valid content to be applied in the state hospital context. STAMP requires the adaptation of its item "weight and height" to consider its use in a Spanish child population adequate.

Species climatic niche explains post-fire regeneration of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) under compounded effects of fire and drought in east Spain.

Fire and drought are two major agents that shape Mediterranean ecosystems, but their interacting effects on forest resilience have not been yet fully addressed. We used Pinus halepensis to investigate how compound fire-drought regimes determine the success of post-fire regeneration. We measured the density of P.halepensis newly established individuals following fire in forty-three sites along the Spanish east coast, the wetter region of the species distribution. The climatic niche of P.halepensis was characterized by considering their populations across its Spanish distribution range. We used yearly values (1979-2013 period) of accumulated precipitation, mean temperature and the warmest quarter values of these two variables to generate the climatic space or climatic niche occupied by the species. Kernel density estimates were then applied to determine the niche centroid, which would correspond to the species' climatic optimum within its Spanish distribution range. Then, we computed the pre- and post-fire climatic deviations of each sampling site as the difference between site-specific climate conditions respect to the species niche centroid, and assessed their relationship with the success of post-fire regeneration. We found highly variable patterns of post-fire regeneration density of P.halepensis over the studied sites, ranging from 7 to 42,822 tree pines ha-1. Generalized linear models indicated a positive relationship between fire severity and the density of P.halepensis regeneration. Positive temperature deviations - warm conditions - before fire were positively related to pine regeneration. This effect increases under higher fire severity. By contrast, warm temperatures after fire showed a negative effect on the density of pine trees. Positive precipitation deviations - wet conditions - after fire enhanced pine regeneration, while precipitation before fire did not had any significant effect. Though P.halepensis is considered a species adapted to fire and drought, the interaction between these two disturbances can alter the success of its post-fire recovery patterns limiting the species' resilience in the future.

Prevención de úlcereas por presión en neonatos con ventilación mecánica no invasiva / Prevention of pressure ulcers in neonates with non-invasive mechanical ventilation

OBJETIVO: Determinar el apósito con mayor efectividad (hidrocoloide o espuma de poliuretano) en neonatos ingresados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatal y pediátrica del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, sometidos a ventilación mecánica no invasiva para la prevención de úlceras por presión nasales y/o faciales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Proyecto de investigación de tipo observacional, prospectivo y analítico cuya muestra estaba formada por 13 neonatos con ventilación mecánica no invasiva, hospitalizados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales y pediátrica. Los neonatos fueron divididos en dos grupos: en el grupo A (7 pacientes) se empleó el apósito de espuma de poliuretano y en el grupo B se utilizó el hidrocoloide (6 pacientes). La recogida de datos se realizó durante el período comprendido entre abril y mayo de 2018. RESULTADOS: De los neonatos incluidos en el estudio, 5 (38,5%) presentaron úlceras por presión nasales; el resto (62%) no presentó úlceras. Además, se obtuvo que, del total de pacientes con lesión, un 60% llevaba el apósito hidrocoloide y un 40% el de espuma de poliuretano. CONCLUSIONES: Tras el estudio, se determinó que el apósito de espuma de poliuretano presentaba un menor porcentaje de aparición de UPP en comparación con el hidrocoloide. Sin embargo, sería recomendable valorar la posibilidad de emplear alguno de ellos como medida de protección

OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective dressing (hydrocolloid or polyurethane foam) in neonates admitted by the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, subjected to non-invasive mechanical ventilation for the prevention of pressure ulcers nasal and/or facial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: observational, prospective and analytical research project whose sample considered of 13 neonates with non-invasive mechanical ventilation hospitalized in the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. They were divided into two groups, where group A (7 patients) used the polyurethane foam dressing and group B used the hydrocolloid dressing (6 patients). The data collection was carried out during the period from April to May 2018. RESULTS: Of the neonates included in the study, 5 presented nasal pressure ulcers (38.5%) and the rest did not (62%). In addition, it was obtained that, of the total of patients with injury, 60% wore the hydrocolloid dressing and 40% that of polyurethane foam. CONCLUSIONS: After the study, it was determined that the polyurethane foam dressing had a lower percentage of appearance of pressure ulcers compared to the hydrocolloid. However, it would be advisable to appraise the possibility of using any of them as a protection measure

Relationship between heatwave-induced forest die-off and climatic suitability in multiple tree species.

In recent decades, many forest die-off events have been reported in relation to climate-change-induced episodes, such as droughts and heat waves. To understand how these extreme climatic events induce forest die-off, it is important to find a tool to standardize the climatic conditions experienced by different populations during a specific climatic event, taking into account the historic climatic conditions of the site where these populations live (bioclimatic niche). In this study, we used estimates of climatic suitability calculated from species distribution models (SDMs) for such purpose. We studied forest die-off across France during the 2003 heatwave that affected Western Europe, using 2,943 forest inventory plots dominated by 14 single tree species. Die-off severity was estimated by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) loss using Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer remote sensor imagery. Climatic suitability at the local level during the historical 1979-2002 period (HCS), the episode time (2003; ECS) and suitability deviance during the historical period (HCS-SD) were calculated for each species by means of boosted regression tree models using the CHELSA climate database and occurrences extracted from European forest inventories. Low HCS-SD and high mean annual temperature explained the overall regional pattern of vulnerability to die-off across different monospecific forests. The combination of high historical and low episode climatic suitability also contributed significantly to overall forest die-off. Furthermore, we observed different species-specific relationships between die-off vulnerability and climatic suitability: Sub-Mediterranean and Mediterranean species tended to be vulnerable in historically more suitable localities (high HCS), whereas Euro-Siberian species presented greater vulnerability when the hot drought episode was more intense. We demonstrated that at regional scale, past climatic legacy plays an important role in explaining NDVI loss during the episode. Moreover, we demonstrated that SDMs-derived indexes, such as HCS, ECS and HCS-SD, could constitute a tool for standardizing the ways that populations and species experience climatic variability across time and space.

Los escenarios de la abuelidad / Scenaarios of grandparenthood

El concepto de abuelidad fue acuñado por la psicoanalista P. Redler, para denominar la relación intrapsíquica e interpersonal entre abuelo y nieto. La abuelidad remite a un vínculo determinado con conflictivas específicas y con un proceso de desarrollo, al que esta autora denomina "crisis de la abuelidad". Los abuelos tienen la oportunidad de resolver esta crisis del desarrollo en parte gracias al hecho de poder ayudar a los nietos a superar similares conflictos con la generación intermedia. A pesar de la importancia de la abuelidad en el contexto familiar, este concepto no está muy estudiado en psicología. En esta comunicación, intentamos explorar la relación entre abuelos y nietos, también desde la percepción que los niños tienen de sus abuelos, con el objetivo de profundizar en el tema de la transmisión intergeneracional

The term of grandparenthood was coined by the psychoanalist P. Redler, to denominate the intrapsychic and interpersonal relationship between grandparent and grandchildren. Grandparenthood involves a specific relationship with specific conflict areas and with a process of development, named by this author "grandparenthood crisis". Grandparents are provided a opportunity to resolve this developmental crisis as they can help grandchildren to resolve the same conflicts with the generation in between. Despite the importance of grandparenthood in the family context, this is a topic poorly studied en psychology. In this paper, we try to explore the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, also from the perception that children have of their grandparents, in order to explore the subject of intergenerational transmission

Salud mental perinatal / No disponible

No disponible

Hemicolectomía en un paciente con valvulopatía aórtica: reporte de caso / Hemicolectomy in a patient with aortic valve disease: Case report

Patients with valve disease are at a higher risk of perioperative complications in the context of non-cardiac surgery. The active involvement of the anaesthetist from the moment of the pre-anaesthesia assessment to determine the severity of the disease is crucial. The purpose of this report on the management of a clinical case is to highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the patient with heart disease. We present the case of a patient in the eighth decade of life with severe aortic stenosis, and a 46 mm infra-renal abdominal aortic aneurysm; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, controlled arterial hypertension; and a lymphoproliferative process. Following the pre-anaesthesia assessment, valve repair surgery was indicated prior to a surgical procedure for colon cancer resection. Key to the successful management of this patient was pre-operative optimization with cardiac surgery and adjustment of the pharmacological treatment, plus haemodynamic monitoring as a basis for decision-making during the perioperative period using a minimally invasive device (Vigileo®). Spinal analgesia with intrathecal morphine was combined with general anaesthesia. The patient remained stable with CI 2.3-3l/min/m², SVV 2-7% and ScvO2 74-67%. As a result of the successful anaesthetic and surgical process, we concluded that it is our duty at the present time to know and apply the recommendations contained in the guidelines developed by the anaesthesia and cardiology societies and their regular updates, as they allow clinicians to make decisions in accordance with evidence-based protocols.

Los pacientes con enfermedad valvular presentan mayor riesgo de complicaciones perioperatorias en el contexto de cirugía no cardiaca. La importancia del anestesiólogo desde la consulta de preanestesia para valorar la severidad de la enfermedad y su intervención activa es determinante. El manejo de este caso clínico se reporta para poner en valor la necesidad que tiene el paciente cardiópata de ser atendido de manera multidisciplinar. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 80 años con estenosis aórtica severa, aneurisma de aorta abdominal infrarrenal de 46 mm; enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, hipertensión arterial controlada; proceso linfoproliferativo. Tras valoración preanestésica se indicó cirugía valvular reparadora previa a la cirugía por cancer de colon. La optimización preoperatoria mediante la cirugía cardiaca y el ajuste del tratamiento farmacológico, así como el apoyo en la monitorización hemodinamica para la toma de decisiones durante el periodo perioperatorio, mediante un dispositivo mínimamente invasivo (Vigileo®), fueron las claves en el correcto manejo de este paciente; combinamos raquianalgesia con morfina intratecal y anestesia general. El paciente se mantuvo estable con IC 2.3 - 3 l/min/m², VVS 2 - 7% y ScvO2 74 - 67%. Tras el éxito del proceso anestésico-quirúrgico concluimos que hoy en día tenemos la obligación de conocer y aplicar las recomendaciones disponibles en las guías elaboradas por las sociedades de anestesiología y cardiología, de forma conjunta, que se actualizan continuamente y permiten al clínico protocolizar la toma de decisiones basandose en la evidencia científica.

El receptor nuclear NOR-1 regula la activación de las células vasculares y el remodelado vascular en respuesta a estrés hemodinámico / The nuclear receptor NOR-1 regulates the activation of vascular cells and vascular remodelling in response to hemodynamic stress

Introducción: Estudios previos sugieren que la pérdida de función de NOR-1 modula la activación de las células musculares lisas vasculares (CMLV). En este estudio utilizamos un ratón que sobreexpresa NOR-1 en CMLV para analizar su efecto en la activación celular y en la hiperplasia de la íntima inducida por estrés hemodinámico. Métodos Para generar el modelo animal el ADNc de NOR-1 humano se situó bajo el control del promotor de SM22α. La expresión de NOR-1 se analizó mediante PCR a tiempo real, Western-blot, inmunohistoquímica e inmunocitoquímica, y su funcionalidad se determinó mediante ensayos de actividad luciferasa. Como índice de proliferación celular se determinó la incorporación de timidina tritiada. La carótida izquierda se sometió a ligadura y en secciones de la misma se realizaron análisis morfométricos e inmunohistoquímicos. Resultados El transgénico desarrollado exhibía niveles significativos de NOR-1 humano en la aorta y las arterias carótidas. En las CMLV de los animales transgénicos se detectó un aumento de la actividad transcripcional de la ciclina D2, una mayor actividad proliferativa y niveles incrementados de Myh10. En estos animales la ligadura de la carótida indujo mayor formación de neoíntima y de estenosis que en los animales control, en consonancia con el marcaje de Myh10 e histona H3 fosforilada. Conclusiones Estos resultados refuerzan el papel de NOR-1 en la proliferación de las CMLV y en el remodelado vascular, y permiten proponer este modelo como una herramienta útil para estudiar la implicación de este receptor en la función vascular y en enfermedades como la arteriosclerosis y la reestenosis

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that the loss of NOR-1 function modulates the activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In this study we use a mouse that over-expresses human NOR-1 in VSMC to analyze the effect of a gain of NOR-1 function on the activation ofVSMC and in the hyperplasia of the intima induced by hemodynamic stress. Methods: To generate the transgenic animal the human NOR-1 cDNA was placed under the control of the SM22promoter. The expression of NOR-1 was analyzed by real time PCR, Westernblot, immunohistochemistry and immunocitochemistry, and NOR-1 functionality was evaluated by luciferase activity assays. The incorporation of tritiated thymidine was determined as a cellproliferation index. The left carotid artery was ligated, and cross-sections were subjected tomorphometric and immunostaining analysis. Results: The transgenic mouse exhibited significant levels of human NOR-1 in aorta and carotidarteries. In aortic VSMC from transgenic mice an increase in the transcriptional activity of ciclinD2 was detected, as well as higher proliferative rates and increased levels of the marker Myh10.In these animals, carotid artery ligation induced a greater neointimal formation and a higherstenotic grade than in wild-type animals, in accordance with the labelling detected for Myh10and phosphorylated Histone H3.Conclusions: These results reinforce the role of NOR-1 in VSMC proliferation and in vascular remodelling, and allow us to propose this model as a useful tool to study the involvement ofNOR-1 in vascular function and in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis

[The nuclear receptor NOR-1 regulates the activation of vascular cells and vascular remodelling in response to hemodynamic stress]. / El receptor nuclear NOR-1 regula la activación de las células vasculares y el remodelado vascular en respuesta a estrés hemodinámico.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown that the loss of NOR-1 function modulates the activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In this study we use a mouse that over-expresses human NOR-1 in VSMC to analyze the effect of a gain of NOR-1 function on the activation of VSMC and in the hyperplasia of the intima induced by hemodynamic stress. METHODS: To generate the transgenic animal the human NOR-1 cDNA was placed under the control of the SM22α promoter. The expression of NOR-1 was analyzed by real time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunocitochemistry, and NOR-1 functionality was evaluated by luciferase activity assays. The incorporation of tritiated thymidine was determined as a cell proliferation index. The left carotid artery was ligated, and cross-sections were subjected to morphometric and immunostaining analysis. RESULTS: The transgenic mouse exhibited significant levels of human NOR-1 in aorta and carotid arteries. In aortic VSMC from transgenic mice an increase in the transcriptional activity of ciclin D2 was detected, as well as higher proliferative rates and increased levels of the marker Myh10. In these animals, carotid artery ligation induced a greater neointimal formation and a higher stenotic grade than in wild-type animals, in accordance with the labelling detected for Myh10 and phosphorylated Histone H3. CONCLUSIONS: These results reinforce the role of NOR-1 in VSMC proliferation and in vascular remodelling, and allow us to propose this model as a useful tool to study the involvement of NOR-1 in vascular function and in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Evaluación formativa mediante el portafolio de 4 promociones de residentes de medicina de familia y comunitaria de la Unidad Docente de Murcia / Training evaluation using the four courses portfolio in primary care residents of a Teaching Unit in Murcia

Objetivo: Evaluar el cumplimiento y la calidad de los 10 grupos de tareas formativas previstas en el modelo de portafolio formativo que realizan todos los residentes de la Unidad Docente de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria de Murcia. Diseño: Estudio transversal realizado con los portafolios cumplimentados y entregados por todos los residentes en mayo de 2011. Participantes: Todos los residentes que en ese momento se estaban formando en la unidad docente (131). Método: Se establecen 10 grupos de tareas formativas de las recomendadas por la comisión nacional de la especialidad. Se evalúa el cumplimiento de cada una de ellas en cada uno de los portafolios. Se calcula la frecuencia de cumplimiento para cada tarea formativa. Se califica la calidad de la realización de cada una de las tareas, de 0 (muy deficiente) a 10 puntos (excelente). Resultados: Respecto al grado de cumplimiento, las tareas que más se cumplen: cumplimentar correctamente el libro del residente y utilizar la guía de competencias, ambas con un99,24%; seguidas de la elaboración de informes de reflexión sobre las estancias formativas. Todas las tareas obtienen un porcentaje de cumplimiento superior al 67%. El porcentaje medio de cumplimiento es del 86,49%. Todas las tareas obtienen una nota media superior a 7 (notable).La calificación media global fue de 7,80 puntos. Conclusiones: El grado de cumplimiento de las tareas previstas en el portafolio por los residentes es muy satisfactorio. Es necesario seguir insistiendo en la mejora de la realización del portafolio (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the performance and quality of the 10 groups of training tasks envisaged in the portfolio training model undertaken by all residents of the Primary Care Teaching Unit in Murcia. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the portfolios provided and completed by all residents in May 2011.ParticipantsAll residents who were in training at that time (131). Method: Ten groups of training tasks were established from those recommended by the National Commission for the specialty. The performance of each one in each of the portfolios was evaluated, and the compliance for each training task was calculated. The quality of the performance of each of the tasks was given a score, 0 points (very poor) to 10 points (excellent). Results: As regards compliance, the tasks that were most performed were: filling in the Resident book correctly and using the resident skills guide, both with 99.24%, followed by reflection reports on the training visits. All tasks had a compliance rate higher than 67%. The mean percentage of compliance was 86.49%. All tasks obtained an average score greater than 7 (outstanding). The overall mean score was 7,8 points. Conclusions: The level of perfomance of the tasks set out in the portfolio by the residents was very satisfying. It is necessary to continue working on improving the performance of the portfolio (AU)

[Training evaluation using the four courses portfolio in primary care residents of a Teaching Unit in Murcia]. / Evaluación formativa mediante el portafolio de 4 promociones de residentes de medicina de familia y comunitaria de la Unidad Docente de Murcia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance and quality of the 10 groups of training tasks envisaged in the portfolio training model undertaken by all residents of the Primary Care Teaching Unit in Murcia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the portfolios provided and completed by all residents in May 2011. PARTICIPANTS: All residents who were in training at that time (131). METHOD: Ten groups of training tasks were established from those recommended by the National Commission for the specialty. The performance of each one in each of the portfolios was evaluated, and the compliance for each training task was calculated. The quality of the performance of each of the tasks was given a score, 0 points (very poor) to 10 points (excellent). RESULTS: As regards compliance, the tasks that were most performed were: filling in the Resident book correctly and using the resident skills guide, both with 99.24%, followed by reflection reports on the training visits. All tasks had a compliance rate higher than 67%. The mean percentage of compliance was 86.49%. All tasks obtained an average score greater than 7 (outstanding). The overall mean score was 7,8 points. CONCLUSIONS: The level of perfomance of the tasks set out in the portfolio by the residents was very satisfying. It is necessary to continue working on improving the performance of the portfolio.

Cystathionine ß-synthase deficiency causes infertility by impairing decidualization and gene expression networks in uterus implantation sites.

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been reported in human reproduction as a risk factor for early pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and congenital birth defects like spina bifida. Female infertility was also observed in cystathionine beta synthase-deficient mice (Cbs-KO) as an animal model for severe hyperhomocysteinemia. The aim for the present research was to elucidate the time-point of pregnancy loss and to pinpoint gene and cellular changes involved in the underlying pathological mechanism. By mating 90-day-old wild-type and Cbs-KO female mice with their homologous male partners, we found that pregnancy loss in Cbs-KO occurred between the 8th and 12th gestation day during placenta formation. DNA microarrays were carried out on uterus from implantation and interimplantation samples obtained on day 8. The results allowed us to select genes potentially involved in embryo death; these were individually confirmed by RT-qPCR, and their expressions were also followed throughout pregnancy. We found that changes in expression of Calb1, Ttr, Expi, Inmt, Spink3, Rpgrip1, Krt15, Mt-4, Gzmc, Gzmb, Tdo2, and Afp were important for pregnancy success, since a different regulation in Cbs-KO mice was found. Also, differences in relationships among selected genes were observed, indicating a dysregulation of these genes in Cbs-KO females. In conclusion, our data provide more information on the gene expression cascade and its timely regulated process required for a successful pregnancy. In addition, we unveil new potential avenues to explore further investigations in pregnancy loss.

Hiperhomocisteinemia. Panorama actual y contribución del ratón a su estudio / Hyperhomocysteinemia. Current overview and contribution of mice to research on the topic

La homocisteína (HCY) es un aminoácido cuya elevación sanguínea se asocia con el desarrollo de enfermedades de tipo vascular, neurológico y reproductivo. Sus niveles plasmáticos varían en función de la raza, el sexo, la edad y otros factores ambientales. En la presente revisión se aborda su metabolismo, su fisiopatología y las consecuencias clínicas de su elevación. Un énfasis especial se presta al empleo del ratón como modelo experimental en este campo, ya que su uso ha puesto de manifiesto la importancia de la dieta en la regulación de la HCY. Esto, unido al desarrollo de animales modificados genéticamente con hiperhomocisteinemia, está permitiendo una rápida caracterización de los mecanismos moleculares implicados en la acción in vivo de la HCY. Además, la combinación de estos modelos con otros modificados genéticamente permite definir la influencia de la combinación de factores de riesgo en el desarrollo de diversas patologías. A su vez, la exploración en estos nuevos modelos de factores ambientales y/o farmacológicos contribuye de este modo a explicar muchas de las evidencias epidemiológicas en humanos así como el tratamiento más adecuado para cada condición (AU)

Homocysteine is an amino acid whose plasma levels are associated with the development of vascular, neurologic and reproductive diseases. Plasma levels show a wide range of values according to age, sex, race and other environmental factors. The present review discusses homocysteine metabolism and physiopathology and the clinical consequences of increased levels of this substance. Special emphasis has been placed on the use of mice as an experimental animal model in this field, since their use has unveiled the contribution of dietary modifications on plasma homocysteine levels. These findings, together with the generation of genetically-modified mice as models of hyperhomocysteinemia, are allowing rapid progress to be made in the characterization of the in vivo molecular mechanisms of homocysteine action. Crosses among these genetically-modified mice and others with different deleted genes will increase knowledge of the influence of the combination of several risk factors on pathological development. In these models, research into new environmental or pharmacological factors may yield results that could explain epidemiological findings in humans and help in the design of new treatments for specific clinical settings (AU)