Case-control study assessing the impact of COVID19 in advanced kidney cancer patients treated with antiangiogenics or immunotherapy: the COVID-REN study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a risk factor for developing severe COVID19. Additionally, SARS-CoV2 has a special tropism for renal cells and complications like thrombosis or cytokine storm could be enhanced by standard treatments in kidney cancer (i.e., antiangiogenics or immunotherapy). Thus, understanding the impact of COVID19 in patients with this tumor is key for their correct management. METHODS: We designed a retrospective case-control study comparing the outcome of three groups of advanced kidney cancer patients on systemic treatment: cohort A (developed COVID19 while on antiangiogenics), cohort B (developed COVID19 while on immunotherapy) and cohort C (non-infected). Matching factors were age, gender, and treatment. RESULTS: 95 patients were recruited in 16 centers in Spain from September 2020 to May 2021. Finally, 85 were deemed as eligible (23 cohort A, 21 cohort B, 41 cohort C). Patients with COVID required more dose interruptions (25 vs. six) and hospitalizations (10 vs. none) than those without COVID (both p = 0.001). No difference between cohorts A and B was observed regarding hospitalization or length of stay. No ICU admission was registered and one patient in cohort B died due to COVID19. Regarding cancer evolution, three patients in cohort A presented progressive disease after COVID19 compared to two in cohort B. One case in cohort B, initially deemed as stable disease, achieved a partial response after COVID19. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney cancer patients who developed COVID19 while on systemic therapy required more treatment interruptions and hospitalizations than those non-infected. However, no significant impact on cancer outcome was observed. Also, no difference was seen between cases on antiangiogenics or immunotherapy.

Factores tecnológicos-educativos asociados a problemas fisioergonómicos en estudiantes de medicina

Introducción: Existe evidencia sobre el efecto negativo del uso de tecnologías de información y comunicación en estudiantes, sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre problemas fisioergonómicos secundarios a su uso. Objetivo: Identificar los factores tecnológicos-educativos asociados al reporte de 4 problemas fisioergonómicos en estudiantes de medicina. Métodos: Estudio transversal en estudiantes de medicina de 11 países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Se utilizó un cuestionario cuyas variables fueron las características socio-educativas y tecnológicas, así como los problemas fisioergonómicos (dolor de cuello, dolor de espalda, ojo seco/rojo y dolor de cabeza). Resultados: De 11 587 estudiantes, 14,5 % reportó presentar 4 problemas fisioergonómicos. La mayoría reportó dolor de cuello (50 %), dolor de espalda (50,5 %) y dolor de cabeza (53,7 %). Tuvieron mayor frecuencia de presentar estos problemas fisioergonómicos las mujeres (RP= 1,06), quienes estudiaron una carrera previa (RP= 1,19), pertenecer a todos los años de estudios (RP= 1,12-1,20), quienes tenían mayor uso de Internet en horas (RP= 1,01) y aquellos que accedían a Twitter en horas de clases (RP= 1,30). La frecuencia de presentar estos problemas disminuyó en quienes tenían menor edad en años (RP= 0,99), procedían de una universidad privada (RP= 0,81), y quienes pertenecían a cualquier grupo extracurricular (RP= 0,67-0,93). Conclusiones: Los factores tecnológicos-educativos asociados al reporte de 4 problemas fisioergonómicos en estudiantes de medicina son ser mujer, tener carrera previa, pertenecer a todos los años de estudios, horas de uso de internet y el acceso a Twitter durante clases.

Introduction: There is evidence on the negative effect of the use of information and communication technologies on students, however, little is known about physio-ergonomic problems secondary to their use. Objective: To identify the technological-educational factors associated with the report of 4 physio-ergonomic problems in medical students. Methods: Cross-sectional study in medical students from 11 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. A questionnaire was used whose variables were socio-educational and technological characteristics, as well as physio-ergonomic problems (neck pain, back pain, dry/red eye and headache). Results: Of 11 587 students, 14.5% reported presenting 4 physio-ergonomic problems. Most reported neck pain (50%), back pain (50.5%), and headache (53.7%). Women (PR= 1.06), who studied a previous degree (PR= 1.19), who belonged to all years of studies (PR= 1.12-1.20), who had greater use of the Internet, had a higher frequency (in hours) of presenting these physio-ergonomic problems (PR= 1.01) and those who accessed Twitter during school hours (PR= 1.30). They decreased the frequency of presenting these problems, being younger in years (PR= 0.99), coming from a private university (PR= 0.81), and who belonged to any extracurricular group (PR= 0.67-0.93). Conclusions: The technological-educational factors associated with the report of 4 physio-ergonomic problems in medical students were being a woman, having a previous degree, belonging to all the years of study, hours of Internet use and access to Twitter during classes.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with melanoma: results of the Spanish Melanoma Group registry.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM) developed a national registry of patients with melanoma infected by SARS-CoV-2 ("GRAVID"). METHODS: The main objective was to describe the COVID-19 fatality rate in patients with melanoma throughout the pandemic, as well as to explore the effect of melanoma treatment and tumor stage on the risk of COVID-19 complications. These are the final data of the register, including cases from February 2020 to September 2021. RESULTS: One hundred-fifty cases were registered. Median age was 68 years (range 6-95), 61 (40%) patients were females, and 63 (42%) patients had stage IV. Thirty-nine (26%) were on treatment with immunotherapy, and 17 (11%) with BRAF-MEK inhibitors. COVID-19 was resolved in 119 cases, including 85 (57%) patients cured, 15 (10%) that died due to melanoma, and 20 (13%) that died due to COVID-19. Only age over 60 years, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes mellitus increased the risk of death due to COVID-19, but not advanced melanoma stage nor melanoma systemic therapies. Three waves have been covered by the register: February-May 2020, August-November 2020, and December 2020-April 2021. The first wave had the highest number of registered cases and COVID-19 mortality. CONCLUSION: Tumor stage or melanoma treatments are non-significant prognostic factors for COVID-19 mortality. During the pandemic in Spain there was a downward trend in the number of patients registered across the waves, as well as in the severity of the infection. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04344002.

Quantifying COVID-19's silver lining: Avoided deaths from air quality improvements in Bogotá.

In cities around the world, COVID-19 lockdowns have significantly improved outdoor air quality. Even if only temporary, these improvements could have longer-lasting effects by making chronic air pollution more salient and boosting political pressure for change. To that end, it is important to develop objective estimates of both the air quality improvements associated with lockdowns and the benefits they generate. We use panel data econometric models to estimate the effect of Bogotá's 16-month lockdown on PM2.5 and NO2 pollution, epidemiological models to simulate the effect of reductions in these pollutants on long- and short-term mortality, and benefit transfer methods to value the avoided mortality. We find that on average, Bogotá's lockdown cut PM2.5 pollution by 15% and NO2 pollution by 21%. However, the magnitude of these effects varied considerably over time and across the city's neighborhoods. Equivalent permanent reductions in these pollutants would reduce long-term premature deaths from air pollution by 23% each year, a benefit valued at $1 billion annually. Finally, we estimate that if they occurred ceteris paribus, the temporary reductions in pollutant concentrations in 2020-2021 due to Bogotá's lockdown would have cut short-term deaths from air pollution by 19%, a benefit valued at $244 million.

Clinical-epidemiologic variation in patients treated in the first and second wave of COVID-19 in Lambayeque, Peru: A cluster analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To identify differences in the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic at the EsSalud Lambayeque health care network, Peru. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study of 53,912 patients enrolled during the first and second waves of COVID-19 was conducted. Cluster analysis based on clustering large applications (CLARA) was applied to clinical-epidemiologic data presented at the time of care. The two pandemic waves were compared using clinical-epidemiologic data from epidemiologic surveillance. RESULTS: Cluster analysis identified four COVID-19 groups with a characteristic pattern. Cluster 1 included the largest number of participants in both waves, and the participants were predominantly female. Cluster 2 included patients with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and systemic symptoms. Cluster 3 was the "severe" cluster, characterized by older adults and patients with dyspnea or comorbidities (cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity). Cluster 4 included asymptomatic, pregnant, and less severe patients. We found differences in all clinical-epidemiologic characteristics according to the cluster to which they belonged. CONCLUSION: Using cluster analysis, we identified characteristic patterns in each group. Respiratory, gastrointestinal, dyspnea, anosmia, and ageusia symptoms were higher in the second COVID-19 wave than the first COVID-19 wave.

Enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en América Latina: Papel de la atención primaria en la preparación y respuesta / Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Latin America: Role of primary care in preparedness and response

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Factores asociados a la donación voluntaria de sangre en internos de medicina de Perú / Factors associated with voluntary blood donation among medical interns in Peru

Introducción: Perú ocupa el penúltimo lugar en el número de transfusiones de unidades de sangre y glóbulos rojos por cada 1000 habitantes en 17 países de América. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia en donación voluntaria de sangre y sus factores asociados en internos de medicina en 12 ciudades del Perú, 2016. Material y Métodos: estudio transversal analítico. La población de estudio fue 1229 internos de medicina de 35 hospitales en 12 ciudades. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 637 (51,8 por ciento del total). Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística de efectos mixtos para los conglomerados formados por el hospital en el que el estudiante realizaba el internado, se calcularon odds ratios ajustados (ORa) e intervalos de confianza al 95 por ciento. Resultados: Se encontró que 40,2 por ciento donó sangre voluntariamente al menos una vez y 7,1 por ciento al menos tres veces en su vida. En los análisis ajustados, tener más de 25 años en comparación con tener menos de 24 años (ORa: 2,00, IC 95 por ciento: 1,05 - 3,83) estuvo asociado a haber donado sangre alguna vez; en tanto que ser de sexo femenino (ORa: 0,15, IC 95 por ciento: 0,05 - 0,43) estuvo inversamente asociado a haber donado sangre al menos tres veces. Conclusión: Si bien cuatro de cada diez internos han donado sangre voluntariamente alguna vez, menos de uno de cada diez lo han hecho al menos tres veces. La mayor edad estuvo asociada a haber donado sangre voluntariamente alguna vez. Las mujeres tuvieron menor frecuencia de haberlo hecho al menos tres veces(AU)

Introduction: Peru ranks next to last in the number of transfusions of units of red blood cells per 1000 inhabitants in 17 countries of America. Objective: To determine the frequency of voluntary blood donation and its associated factors in medical interns in 12 cities of Peru, 2016. Material and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 1229 medical interns from 35 hospital sites distributed in 12 cities. The final sample was made up of 637 interns (51.8 percent of the total). To do this, mixed effect logistic regression models were used for the conglomerates formed by the hospital in which the student performed the internship. Adjusted odds ratios (ORa) and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated. Results: The results show that 40.2 percent of medical interns donated blood voluntarily at least once in their lifetime and 7.1 percent did it at least three times in their lifetime. In the adjusted analyzes, being over 25 years old compared to be under 24 years old (ORa: 2.00, 95 percent CI: 1.05 - 3.83) was associated with history of one blood donation; while being female (ORa: 0.15, 95 percent CI: 0.05 - 0.43) was inversely associated with history of at least three blood donations. Conclusion: Although four in ten interns have donated blood at least once, less than one in ten have donated blood at least three times. The older age was associated with having donated blood voluntarily at least once. Women were less likely to have donated blood at least three times(AU)

[The population's perceptions of generic drugs compared to original brand-name drugs in Peruvian hospitals]. / Percepción de la población con respecto a medicamentos genéricos frente a los de marca en hospitales del Perú.

The study aimed to investigate the population's perceptions of generic drugs compared to original brand-name drugs in Peruvian hospitals. Participation included 4,914 persons 18 years and older in 13 cities in Peru, categorized as Lima, large cities, and small cities. The study explored socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and perceptions of generics in comparison to brand-name drugs. In determining the associations for each intersection of variables, the authors calculated the prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), using crude and adjusted Poisson regression with robust variance with Stata 14.0. Of the 4,914 participants, 46.7% felt that generics are less effective than brand-name drugs and 49.3% had recommended or would recommend generics to other people; multivariate analysis showed that individuals with income less than PEN 1,000 (USD 300) were prone to recommending a generic drug (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.14-1.63). The results indicate that the Peruvian population still has mistaken concepts and low acceptance of generic drugs, and the study should serve to develop health policies that ensure low cost and quality when choosing medicines.

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la percepción de la población con respecto a medicamentos genéricos, frente a los medicamentos de marca, en hospitales del Perú. Participaron del estudio 4.914 personas mayores de 18 años, de 13 ciudades del Perú; clasificándolas en Lima, grandes y pequeñas ciudades. Se exploraron características socioeconómicas, demográficas y de percepción de medicamentos genéricos, en comparación con los medicamentos de marca. Determinando las asociaciones para cada cruce de variables, se calcularon razones de prevalencias (RP) y sus intervalos del 95% de confianza (IC95%), usando regresiones de Poisson crudas y ajustadas con varianza robusta con Stata 14.0. De los 4.914 participantes, el 46,7% estaban de acuerdo con que los medicamentos genéricos son menos eficaces que los medicamentos de marca, el 49,3% ha recomendado o recomendaría a otras personas el uso de medicamentos genéricos, además, el análisis multivariado encontró que las personas que tenían un ingreso económico menor a PEN 1.000 estaban predispuestas a recomendar un medicamento genérico (RP = 1,36; IC95%: 1,14-1,63). Los resultados ponen en manifiesto que la población peruana aún tiene conceptos equívocos y baja aceptación a los medicamentos genéricos. El presente estudio debería servir para desarrollar políticas de salud, que velen por el bajo costo y calidad a la hora de escoger un medicamento.

O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer a percepção da população a respeito dos medicamentos genéricos frente aos medicamentos de marca em hospitais do Peru. Participaram 4.914 pessoas maiores de 18 anos, de 13 cidades do Peru; foram classificadas em Lima, além de grandes e pequenas cidades. Foram exploradas as características socioeconômicas, demográficas e de percepção de medicamentos genéricos em comparação com os medicamentos de marca. Determinando as associações para cada intersecção de variáveis, foram calculadas as razões de prevalências (RP) e seus intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%), usando regressões de Poisson brutas e ajustadas com variância robusta com Stata 14.0. Dos 4.914 participantes, um 46,7% estavam de acordo com que os medicamentos genéricos são menos eficazes do que os medicamentos de marca, um 49,3% tem recomendado o recomendaria a outras pessoas o uso de medicamentos genéricos, além disso, a análise multivariada encontrou que as pessoas que tinham um ingresso econômico menor a PEN 1.000 eram propensas a recomendar um medicamento genérico (RP = 1,36; IC95%: 1,14-1,63). Os resultados manifestam que a população peruana ainda tem conceitos equívocos e baixa aceitação dos medicamentos genéricos, e o presente estudo deveria servir para desenvolver políticas de saúde, que assegurem o baixo custo e a qualidade na hora de escolher um medicamento.

The angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis protects from endothelial cell senescence via klotho and Nrf2 activation.

Endothelial cell senescence is a hallmark of vascular aging that predisposes to vascular disease. We aimed to explore the capacity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) heptapeptide angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) to counteract human endothelial cell senescence and to identify intracellular pathways mediating its potential protective action. In human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures, Ang II promoted cell senescence, as revealed by the enhancement in senescence-associated galactosidase (SA-ß-gal+) positive staining, total and telomeric DNA damage, adhesion molecule expression, and human mononuclear adhesion to HUVEC monolayers. By activating the G protein-coupled receptor Mas, Ang-(1-7) inhibited the pro-senescence action of Ang II, but also of a non-RAS stressor such as the cytokine IL-1ß. Moreover, Ang-(1-7) enhanced endothelial klotho levels, while klotho silencing resulted in the loss of the anti-senescence action of the heptapeptide. Indeed, both Ang-(1-7) and recombinant klotho activated the cytoprotective Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. The HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX prevented the anti-senescence action evoked by Ang-(1-7) or recombinant klotho. Overall, the present study identifies Ang-(1-7) as an anti-senescence peptide displaying its protective action beyond the RAS by consecutively activating klotho and Nrf2/HO-1. Ang-(1-7) mimetic drugs may thus prove useful to prevent endothelial cell senescence and its related vascular complications.

Percepción de la población con respecto a medicamentos genéricos frente a los de marca en hospitales del Perú / The population's perceptions of generic drugs compared to original brand-name drugs in Peruvian hospitals / Percepção da população a respeito dos medicamentos genéricos frente aos de marca em hospitais do Peru

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la percepción de la población con respecto a medicamentos genéricos, frente a los medicamentos de marca, en hospitales del Perú. Participaron del estudio 4.914 personas mayores de 18 años, de 13 ciudades del Perú; clasificándolas en Lima, grandes y pequeñas ciudades. Se exploraron características socioeconómicas, demográficas y de percepción de medicamentos genéricos, en comparación con los medicamentos de marca. Determinando las asociaciones para cada cruce de variables, se calcularon razones de prevalencias (RP) y sus intervalos del 95% de confianza (IC95%), usando regresiones de Poisson crudas y ajustadas con varianza robusta con Stata 14.0. De los 4.914 participantes, el 46,7% estaban de acuerdo con que los medicamentos genéricos son menos eficaces que los medicamentos de marca, el 49,3% ha recomendado o recomendaría a otras personas el uso de medicamentos genéricos, además, el análisis multivariado encontró que las personas que tenían un ingreso económico menor a PEN 1.000 estaban predispuestas a recomendar un medicamento genérico (RP = 1,36; IC95%: 1,14-1,63). Los resultados ponen en manifiesto que la población peruana aún tiene conceptos equívocos y baja aceptación a los medicamentos genéricos. El presente estudio debería servir para desarrollar políticas de salud, que velen por el bajo costo y calidad a la hora de escoger un medicamento.

Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the population's perceptions of generic drugs compared to original brand-name drugs in Peruvian hospitals. Participation included 4,914 persons 18 years and older in 13 cities in Peru, categorized as Lima, large cities, and small cities. The study explored socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and perceptions of generics in comparison to brand-name drugs. In determining the associations for each intersection of variables, the authors calculated the prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), using crude and adjusted Poisson regression with robust variance with Stata 14.0. Of the 4,914 participants, 46.7% felt that generics are less effective than brand-name drugs and 49.3% had recommended or would recommend generics to other people; multivariate analysis showed that individuals with income less than PEN 1,000 (USD 300) were prone to recommending a generic drug (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.14-1.63). The results indicate that the Peruvian population still has mistaken concepts and low acceptance of generic drugs, and the study should serve to develop health policies that ensure low cost and quality when choosing medicines.

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer a percepção da população a respeito dos medicamentos genéricos frente aos medicamentos de marca em hospitais do Peru. Participaram 4.914 pessoas maiores de 18 anos, de 13 cidades do Peru; foram classificadas em Lima, além de grandes e pequenas cidades. Foram exploradas as características socioeconômicas, demográficas e de percepção de medicamentos genéricos em comparação com os medicamentos de marca. Determinando as associações para cada intersecção de variáveis, foram calculadas as razões de prevalências (RP) e seus intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%), usando regressões de Poisson brutas e ajustadas com variância robusta com Stata 14.0. Dos 4.914 participantes, um 46,7% estavam de acordo com que os medicamentos genéricos são menos eficazes do que os medicamentos de marca, um 49,3% tem recomendado o recomendaria a outras pessoas o uso de medicamentos genéricos, além disso, a análise multivariada encontrou que as pessoas que tinham um ingresso econômico menor a PEN 1.000 eram propensas a recomendar um medicamento genérico (RP = 1,36; IC95%: 1,14-1,63). Os resultados manifestam que a população peruana ainda tem conceitos equívocos e baixa aceitação dos medicamentos genéricos, e o presente estudo deveria servir para desenvolver políticas de saúde, que assegurem o baixo custo e a qualidade na hora de escolher um medicamento.

Financiamiento de la investigación en pregrado en las facultades de medicina peruanas / Undergraduate research funding in Peruvian medical schools

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Enseñanza de idiomas en escuelas de medicina humana de Perú / Language teaching in Peruvian medical schools

Resumen Introducción. Las escuelas de medicina en Latinoamérica deberían asegurar que sus egresados conozcan ciertos idiomas además del español. Sin embargo, poco se ha descrito sobre el tema en Perú. Objetivo. Describir las características de la enseñanza de otros idiomas en escuelas de medicina humana de Perú. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico realizado durante agosto de 2015 en escuelas de medicina humana de Perú. Se contactaron al menos dos estudiantes de cada escuela, quienes recolectaron las variables de interés. Después, se compararon los datos recolectados y se analizaron con el programa STATA v13. Resultados. Se obtuvieron datos de 36 escuelas de medicina. Todas contaban con al menos un curso de inglés, obligatorio en 25 escuelas. 6 escuelas tenían un curso de quechua. Las escuelas con cursos obligatorios de inglés se ubicaban en su mayoría fuera de Lima y comenzaron a funcionar antes de 1999. Gran parte de las escuelas públicas tenían cursos de inglés obligatorios, sin seminarios, prácticas, ni talleres, los cuales no se pueden convalidar y son brindados por la misma institución. Conclusión. Se encontró que pocas escuelas tenían al menos un curso de quechua, aunque todas ofrecen cursos de inglés.

Abstract Introduction: Medical schools in Latin America should ensure that their graduates know certain languages besides Spanish, however, little has been described on the subject in Peru. Objective: To describe the characteristics of second language teaching in medical schools of Peru. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional analytical study carried out in August 2015 in human medicine schools of Peru. At least two students from each school were contacted, and variables of interest were collected. Subsequently, the collected data were compared and analyzed using the STATA v13 program. Results: Data were obtained from 36 medical schools. All of them offered at least one English course -which was mandatory in 25 schools-, while 6 schools offered a Quechua course. The schools with compulsory English courses were located mostly outside Lima and began to operate before 1999. Many of the public schools offered compulsory English courses that include seminars, practices and workshops, which cannot be validated and are offered by the school. Conclusion: Few schools offered at least one Quechua course, although all of them offered English courses.

Nivel de satisfacción de ciencias básicas en estudiantes de medicina de siete universidades de Perú / Satisfaction level regarding basic sciences in medical students from seven Peruvian universities

En la carrera profesional de Medicina Humana una formación educativa de calidad durante el pregrado es esencial para garantizar un buen desarrollo profesional del futuro médico. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal multicéntrico, durante el mes de julio de 2015, basado en la aplicación de una encuesta a estudiantes de medicina de siete facultades de medicina peruanas. De los 1 228 encuestados, el 50,1 por ciento (615) fueron de sexo femenino, la mediana de edades fue 20 años (rango intercuartílico: 18-22 años). El 50,7 por ciento (623) estudia en una universidad de tipo particular y el 37,5 por ciento (461) refirió haber desaprobado algún curso de la carrera, todos los aspectos evaluados tuvieron medianas de puntaje entre 6 a 8 (sobre 10 posibles); además, todos sus rangos intercuartílicos estuvieron entre 5 a 9 puntos. Es buena la satisfacción de los estudiantes de medicina evaluados respecto a la enseñanza de los cursos de ciencias básicas(AU)

In the professional major of Human Medicine, a high quality undergraduate educational training is fundamental to ensure good professional development for the future physicians. A multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the month of July 2015, based on the survey's conduction on medical students from seven Peruvian medical schools. Out of the 1228 participants, 50.1 percent (615) were female, the mean age was 20 years (interquartile range: 18-22 years). 50.7 percent (623) studied at a private university, and 37.5 percent (461) reported having flunked at least one course during the major; all aspects assessed had a score between 6 and 8 (in a ten-score scale). In addition, all interquartile ranged from 5 to 9 scores. The satisfaction of medical students assessed is good regarding the teaching of the courses on basic sciences(AU)

The Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Axis Counteracts Angiotensin II-Dependent and -Independent Pro-inflammatory Signaling in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Background and Aims: Targeting inflammation is nowadays considered as a challenging pharmacological strategy to prevent or delay the development of vascular diseases. Angiotensin-(1-7) is a member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that binds Mas receptors and has gained growing attention in the last years as a regulator of vascular homeostasis. Here, we explored the capacity of Ang-(1-7) to counteract human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) inflammation triggered by RAS-dependent and -independent stimuli, such as Ang II or interleukin (IL)-1ß. Methods and Results: In cultured HASMC, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the release of nitric oxide were stimulated by both Ang II and IL-1ß, as determined by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence or the Griess method, respectively. iNOS induction was inhibited by Ang-(1-7) in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was equally blocked by two different Mas receptor antagonists, A779 and D-Pro7-Ang-(1-7), suggesting the participation of a unique Mas receptor subtype. Using pharmacological inhibitors, the induction of iNOS was proven to rely on the consecutive upstream activation of NADPH oxidase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Indeed, Ang-(1-7) markedly inhibited the activation of the NADPH oxidase and subsequently of NF-κB, as determined by lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence and electromobility shift assay, respectively. Conclusion: Ang-(1-7) can act as a counter-regulator of the inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells triggered by Ang II, but also by other stimuli beyond the RAS. Activating or mimicking the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis may represent a pharmacological opportunity to attenuate the pro-inflammatory environment that promotes and sustains the development of vascular diseases.

Síndrome de burnout en estudiantes de medicina: frecuencia, características y factores asociados / Burnout syndrome in medical students: frequency, characteristics and associated factors

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia, características y los factores que están asociados ante el síndrome de burnout (SB) en estudiantes de medicina. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal analítico. Se encuestaron a 583 estudiantes de medicina que cursaban las ciencias clínicas y realizaban rotaciones hospitalarias en los departamentos de Lima, Ica, Junín, Lambayeque y Ucayali. El SB se evaluó a través del Maslach Burnout Inventory en su versión validada en español así mismo las características sociodemográficas que fueron incluidas en el instrumento Resultados: se encontró que 50,6% eran varones, el 16,5%, 47,7% y 35,3% de los estudiantes indicaron tener agotamiento emocional, despersonalización severa y realización personal baja, respectivamente. Se halló asociación significativa entre tener SB y sobrepeso (razón de prevalencias [RP]= 1,57; intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC95%]= 1,14 - 2,14), ser obeso (RP= 2,68; IC95%= 1,75 - 4,11), padecer una enfermedad crónica (RP= 1,84; IC95%= 1,38 - 2,45), fumar (RP= 1,41; IC95%= 1,76- 2,28) ingerir bebidas alcohólicas (RP= 1,46; IC95%= 1,10 - 1,95) y proceder de una universidad de provincia (RP= 1,20; IC95%= 1,05 - 1,36). Conclusión: el SB se presentó en aquellos quienes padecían de alguna enfermedad crónica, fumaban, ingerían bebidas alcohólicas y procedían de una universidad de provincia.

Objective: To determine the frequency, characteristics and associated factors with the Burnout Syndrome (BS) inmedical students. Material and methods: this is a cross-sectional study. Five-hundred and eighty three (583) medicalstudents doing clinical sciences courses having hospital training periods in Lima, Ica, Jun¡n, Lambayeque and Ucayaliwere surveyed. The presence of BS was determined using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in its validated Spanishversion, and also the socio-demographic characteristics included in the instrument. Results: gender distributionwas similar (50.6% were male), also 16.5%, 47.7% and 35.3% of the students reported having emotional exhaustion,severe depersonalization and low personal accomplishments, respectively, as defined by the MBI. Also, a significantassociation was found between BS and being overweight (Prevalence ratio [PR]= 1.57; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.14 to 2.14); obese (PR= 2.68; 95% CI= 1.75 to 4.11), having chronic disease (PR= 1.84; 95% CI= 1.38 to 2.45), smoking(PR= 1.41; 95% CI= 1.76 to 2.28) drinking alcohol (PR= 1.46; 95% CI= 1.10 to 1.95) and studying in a province university(PR= 1.20; 95% CI= 1.05 to 1.36). Conclusion: BS occurs in those who suffer from a chronic illness, smoke, drink alcohol,and study in a province university.

Inflammation, glucose, and vascular cell damage: the role of the pentose phosphate pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is acknowledged as a pro-inflammatory condition and a major cause of vascular damage. Nevertheless, we have previously described that high glucose only promotes inflammation in human vascular cells previously primed with pro-inflammatory stimuli, such as the cytokine interleukin (IL)1ß. Here, we aimed to identify the cellular mechanisms by which high glucose exacerbates the vascular inflammation induced by IL1ß. METHODS: Cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) and isolated rat mesenteric microvessels were treated with IL1ß in medium containing 5.5-22 mmol/L glucose. Glucose uptake and consumption, lactate production, GLUT1 levels, NADPH oxidase activity and inflammatory signalling (nuclear factor-κB activation and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression) were measured in HASMC, while endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were determined in rat microvessels. Pharmacological inhibition of IL1 receptors, NADPH oxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), as well as silencing of G6PD, were also performed. Moreover, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activity and the levels of reduced glutathione were determined. RESULTS: We found that excess glucose uptake in HASMC cultured in 22 mM glucose only occurred following activation with IL1ß. However, the simple entry of glucose was not enough to be deleterious since over-expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1 or increased glucose uptake following inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by sodium azide was not sufficient to trigger inflammatory mechanisms. In fact, besides allowing glucose entry, IL1ß activated the PPP, thus permitting some of the excess glucose to be metabolized via this route. This in turn led to an over-activation NADPH oxidase, resulting in increased generation of free radicals and the subsequent downstream pro-inflammatory signalling. Moreover, in rat mesenteric microvessels high glucose incubation enhanced the endothelial dysfunction induced by IL1ß by a mechanism which was abrogated by the inhibition of the PPP. CONCLUSIONS: A pro-inflammatory stimulus like IL1ß transforms excess glucose into a vascular deleterious agent by causing an increase in glucose uptake and its subsequent diversion into the PPP, promoting the pro-oxidant conditions required for the exacerbation of pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory pathways. We propose that over-activation of the PPP is a crucial mechanism for the vascular damage associated to hyperglycemia.