Dirofilaria immitis in pet dogs from the metropolitan area of the Colombian Caribbean.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the frequency and factors associated with Dirofilaria immitis infection in pet dogs in the metropolitan area of the Colombian Caribbean (northern Colombia). A total of 173 dogs were analyzed by a commercial rapid immunochromatographic test (RIT) and a nested PCR of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene, in parallel. Ninety-two (53.2%) of the dogs showed positive results to the RIT, while 59 (34.1%) animals had D. immitis DNA by PCR. Positivity to one or both diagnostic techniques was detected in 104 (60.1%; CI95%: 53.8-67.4) of the sampled dogs. In PCR-positive dogs, phylogenetic analyses evidenced high nucleotide identity (100%) with sequences previously obtained from mosquitoes, dogs and other mammals in different countries. Exercise intolerance (p = 0.002; OR: 2.33; CI95%: 1.37-3.96) and thrombocytopenia (p = < 0.001; OR: 1.95; CI95%: 1.11-3.43) were the main factors associated with D. immitis infection in dogs. The high frequency of D. immitis in dogs indicates a wide distribution of this parasite in the metropolitan area of the Colombian Caribbean, which can be of animal and public health concern. Our results highlight the need to combine different methods to increase the diagnostic accuracy of D. immitis.

Directional DBS of the Fornix in Alzheimer's Disease Achieves Long-Term Benefits: A Case Report.

Background: Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) modulate global neurotransmission but are neither specific nor anatomically directed. Tailored stimulation of target nuclei will increase treatment efficacy while reducing side effects. We report the results of the first directional deep brain stimulation (dDBS) surgery and treatment of a patient with AD in an attempt to slow the progression of the disease in a woman with multi-domain, amnestic cognitive status. Methods: We aimed to assess the safety of dDBS in patients with AD using the fornix as stimulation target (primary objective) and the clinical impact of the stimulation (secondary objective). In a registered clinical trial, a female patient aged 81 years with a 2-year history of cognitive decline and diagnoses of AD underwent a bilateral dDBS surgery targeting the fornix. Stimulation parameters were set between 3.9 and 7.5 mA, 90 µs, 130 Hz for 24 months, controlling stimulation effects by 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) scans (baseline, 12 and 24 months), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and clinical/neuropsychological assessment (baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months). Results: There were no important complications related to the procedure. In general terms, the patient showed cognitive fluctuations over the period, related to attention and executive function patterns, with no meaningful changes in any other cognitive functions, as is shown in the clinical dementia rating scale (CDR = 1) scores over the 24 months. Such stability in neuropsychological scores corresponds to the stability of the brain metabolic function, seen in PET scans. The MEG studies described low functional connectivity at baseline and a subsequent increase in the number of significant connections, mainly in the theta band, at 12 months. Conclusion: The dDBS stimulation in the fornix seems to be a safe treatment for patients in the first stage of AD. Effects on cognition seem to be mild to moderate during the first months of stimulation and return to baseline levels after 24 months, except for verbal fluency. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03290274], identifier [NCT03290274].

Comportamientos sexuales riesgosos y factores asociados entre estudiantes universitarios en Barranquilla, Colombia, 2019 / Risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among university students in Barranquilla, Colombia, 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN: Adolescentes y adultos jóvenes participan frecuentemente en comportamientos sexuales riesgosos (relaciones sexuales sin protección, sexo con parejas casuales, promiscuidad, iniciación sexual temprana, etc.), trayendo consigo embarazos no planeados, Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, suicidios, abortos, afectaciones académicas y laborales. El objetivo del estudio, fue identificar los comportamientos sexuales riesgosos y factores asociados en estudiantes de una universidad en Barranquilla, 2019. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de tipo descriptivo-correlacional de corte transversal, se utilizó la Encuesta de Riesgo Sexual, que evaluó comportamientos sexuales riesgosos en universitarios de Barranquilla, en los últimos seis meses, se generaron los coeficientes de correlación Chi cuadrado de Pearson (nivel de confianza 95%; p≤0.05) para medir la asociación entre los puntajes de riesgo sexual y factores sociodemográficos y académicos. RESULTADOS: El 63% de los participantes inició actividad sexual antes de los 18 años. 87% han participado una o más veces en comportamientos sexuales de riesgo: sexo vaginal sin condón (73%), fellatio sin condón (60.3%), número de parejas con quién tienen comportamientos sexuales (66.2%) y experiencias sexuales inesperadas (54.4%). Los hombres y estudiantes de Derecho tenían puntajes de riesgo sexual más altos que las mujeres y los estudiantes de Enfermería. CONCLUSIÓN: Los universitarios están en riesgo y participando en comportamientos sexuales riesgosos, que podrían afectar su salud y proyecto de vida. Los factores de mayor riesgo fueron; sexo temprano, género, edad >20 años, prácticas sexuales arriesgadas como el sexo vaginal, oral y anal sin protección y conductas sexuales impulsivas y no planificadas

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents and young adults are frequently involved in risky sexual behavior (unprotected sex, sex with casual partners, promiscuity, early sexual initiation, etc.) bringing with them, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, suicides, abortions, academic and labor affectations. The objective of the study was to identify risky sexual behaviors and associated factors in students at a university in Barranquilla, 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study descriptive-correlational cross-sectional, the sexual risk survey was used, which evaluated risky sexual behavior in university students of Barranquilla in the last six months, were generated correlation coefficients Chi-square Pearson (95% confidence level; p≤0.05) to measure the association between sexual risk scores and sociodemographic and academic factors. RESULTS: 63% of participants initiated sexual activity before the age of 18. The 87% have participated one or more times in risky sexual behaviors: vaginal sex without a condom (73%), fellatio without a condom (60.3%), number of partners with whom they have sexual behaviors (66.2%) and unexpected sexual experiences (54.4%). Men and law students had higher sexual risk scores than women and nursing students. CONCLUSION: The university students are at risk and participating in risky sexual behavior, which could affect their health and life Project. The major risk factors were; early sex, gender, age >20 years, risky sexual practices such as vaginal, oral, and anal unprotected sex and impulsive and unplanned sexual behaviors

Oral glutamine challenge is a marker of altered ammonia metabolism and predicts the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: The current therapies for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are not completely effective in all patients, probably due to the physiopathological heterogeneity and the different conditions underlying the bout of HE. We hypothesized that oral glutamine challenge (OGC) is able to predict the risk of HE through the identification of various features and types of HE. METHODS: We included 238 cirrhotic patients (198 without and 40 with a previous HE episode) that underwent OGC, obtaining baseline and 60 minutes post-load ammonia levels. Combined evaluation of baseline hyperammonemia (>78 mcg/dL) and impaired OGC (Δ >32 mcg/dL) defined low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups. Patients were censored at HE, liver transplantation and death or 6 years of follow-up. RESULTS: The 28.3% (56/198) of the main cohort suffered from HE during the follow-up. In the competing risk analysis, both intermediate- (subhazard ratio (sHR) 2.01 (95% CI 1.00-4.14); P = .048) and high-risk groups (sHR 4.67 (95% CI 2.19-9.98); P = .0001) were associated with the first HE episode, together with age and albumin. Similar results were found for repeated HE events. The cumulative incidence for HE of the high-risk group was two and four times greater than the intermediate- and low-risk groups, respectively. The HE grade was also higher in individuals with the greatest risk (P = .035). The most common precipitant factor was diuretics in the high-risk group, while infections and electrolyte imbalance predominated in the rest of patients. CONCLUSION: Oral glutamine challenge identified patients at risk of HE and defined specific features of the episodes. This tool could be useful in the decision-making process for the adequate management of HE.

Factores modificables y riesgo de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en adultos jóvenes: un estudio transversal / Modifiable factors and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in young adults: a cross-sectional study / Fatores modificáveis e risco de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 em adultos jovens: um estudo de corte transversal

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el riesgo de desarrollar Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (DM2) y sus factores asociados en estudiantes de una institución universitaria de Barranquilla-Colombia. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio correlacionai de corte transversal, en el cual se aplicó el cuestionario Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) a 362 sujetos para calcular el riesgo de DM2. Se determinó glicemia en ayunas a aquellos que obtuvieron puntuación ≥12 (riesgo moderado a muy alto de desarrollar DM2) en el cuestionario. Resultados: El 12,4% de los participantes mostraron una puntuación ≥12. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre esta puntuación y factores modificables como sedentarismo y sobrepeso/obesidad. Se detectó glicemia en ayunas alterada (100 -125 mg/dL) en el 26,67% de los sujetos testeados. Conclusiones: Este estudio presenta evidencias sobre el riesgo de DM2 y exposición a factores asociados en un colectivo de adultos mayoritariamente jóvenes. Los resultados sugieren adoptar medidas de prevención de DM2 en el grupo de estudio basadas en cambios de estilos de vida.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2) and its associated factors among students from a university in Barranquilla, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted, in which the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire was applied to 362 subjects in order to calculate the risk of DM2. Fasting glycemia was determined for those participants who obtained a ≥12 score (moderate to very high risk of developing DM2) in the questionnaire. Results: 12.4% of participants showed a ≥12 score. A statistically significant association was found between this score and modifiable factors such as sedentary lifestyle and overweight/obesity. Altered fasting glycemia (100 - 125 mg/dL) was detected in 26.67% of the participants. Conclusions: This study provides evidence about the risk of DM2 and exposure to associated factors in a group of mostly young adults. The results suggest adopting measures to prevent DM2 in the study group based on lifestyle changes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o risco de desenvolver Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 e os seus fatores associados em estudantes de uma instituição universitária em Barranquilla-Colômbia. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo correlacional de corte transversal, no qual o questionário Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) foi aplicado a 362 sujeitos para calcular o risco de DM2. A glicemia em jejum foi determinada para aqueles que obtiveram no questionário um escore ≥12 (risco moderado a muito alto). Resultados: 12,4% dos participantes obtiveram um escore ≥12. Foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significativa entre esse escore e fatores modificáveis, como sedentarismo e sobrepeso/obesidade. Foi detectada glicemia em jejum alterada (100 - 125 mg/dL) em 26,67% dos sujeitos testados. Conclusões: Este estudo apresenta evidências sobre o risco de DM2 e a exposição a fatores associados em um grupo de adultos, na maioria jovens. Os resultados sugerem a adoção de medidas de prevenção de DM2 no grupo de estudo com base em mudanças no estilo de vida.

In situ expressions of protein 16 (p16CDKN2A) and transforming growth factor beta-1 in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Protein 16 (p16CDKN2A) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF- ß1) are important tumor suppressor molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and simultaneous expression of p16CDKN2A and TGF- ß1 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer and their relationship whit the neoplasia progression. STUDY DESIGN: To evaluate the expressions of p16CDKN2A and TGF- ß1 an immunohistochemical study of both proteins in 75 cervical tissues (24 CIN I, 17 CIN II, 15 CIN III and 19 squamous cell cancer) was performed. RESULTS: Increased expression of epithelial and stromal p16CDKN2A in all grades of CIN and cancer was observed. Healthy controls were negative. The frequency of p16CDKN2A expression in the patients was as follow: 75% in CIN I and 100% in CIN II, CIN III and cancer. TGF- ß1 expression was found increased in all patients with CIN I and CIN II and decreased in CIN III and cancer; 60% of patients with CIN III and 16% with cancer showed reactivity for TGF- ß1. High intensity of p16CDKN2A reactivity and low intensity of TGF- ß1 reactivity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The linear frequency of p16CDKN2A expression accompanied by decreased frequency of TGF- ß1 in CIN III and cancer could be involved in the neoplasia progression.

Features of Dengue and Chikungunya Infections of Colombian Children under 24 Months of Age Admitted to the Emergency Department.

We aimed to assess clinical and laboratory differences between dengue and chikungunya in children <24 months of age in a comparative study. We collected retrospective clinical and laboratory data confirmed by NS1/IgM for dengue for 19 months (1 January 2013 to 17 August 2014). Prospective data for chikungunya confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction were collected for 4 months (22 September 2014-14 December 2014). Sensitivity and specificity [with 95% confidence interval (CI)] were reported for each disease diagnosis. A platelet count <150 000 cells/ml at emergency admission best characterized dengue, with a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 53-79) and specificity of 95% (95% CI, 82-99). The algorithm developed with classification and regression tree analysis showed a sensitivity of 93% (95% CI, 68-100) and specificity of 38% (95% CI, 9-76) to diagnose dengue. Our study provides potential differential characteristics between chikungunya and dengue in young children, especially low platelet counts.

Gender- and hydration- associated differences in the physiological response to spinning.

INTRODUCTION: There is scarce and inconsistent information about gender-related differences in the hydration of sports persons, as well as about the effects of hydration on performance, especially during indoor sports. OBJECTIVE: To determine the physiological differences between genders during in indoor physical exercise, with and without hydration. METHODS: 21 spinning sportspeople (12 men and 9 women) participated in three controlled, randomly assigned and non-sequential hydration protocols, including no fluid intake and hydration with plain water or a sports drink (volume adjusted to each individual every 15 min), during 90 min of spinning exercise. The response variables included body mass, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. RESULTS: During exercise without hydration, men and women lost ~2% of body mass, and showed higher body temperature (~0.2°C), blood pressure (~4 mmHg) and heart rate (~7 beats/min) compared to exercises with hydration. Body temperature and blood pressure were higher for men than for women during exercise without hydration, differences not observed during exercise with hydration. Between 42-99% of variance in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate could be explained by the physical characteristics of subjects and the work done. CONCLUSIONS: During exercise with hydration (either with water or sport drink), the physiological response was similar for both genders. Exercise without hydration produced physical stress, which could be prevented with either of the fluids (plain water was sufficient). Gender differences in the physiological response to spinning (body temperature, mean blood pressure and heart rate) can be explained in part by the distinct physical characteristics of each individual.

Introducción: La información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en cuanto a la hidratación de las personas deportistas, así como sobre los efectos de la hidratación sobre el rendimiento, especialmente en deportes de interior, es escasa e inconsistente. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias fisiológicas entre sexos durante el ejercicio físico en el interior con y sin hidratación. Métodos: Veintiuna personas deportistas (12 hombres y 9 mujeres) participaron en tres protocolos de hidra tación, no secuenciales, controlados y distribuidos al azar, que incluían falta de hidratación, hidratación con agua corriente e hidratación con una bebida para deportistas (ajustando el volumen a cada individuo cada 15 minutos), durante 90 minutos de ejercicio spinning. Las variables de respuesta incluían masa corporal, temperatura corporal, frecuencia cardíaca y presión sanguínea. Resultados: Durante el ejercicio sin hidratación los hombres y mujeres perdieron cerca de un 2 % de la masa corporal y mostraron una temperatura corporal (~0,2° C), presión sanguínea (~4 mm Hg) y frecuencia cardíaca (~7 latidos/min) superiores en comparación con los ejercicios sin hidratación. La temperatura corporal y la presión sanguínea fueron superiores en hombres que en mujeres durante el ejercicio sin hidratación, diferencias que no se observaron durante el ejercicio con hidratación. Entre el 42 y el 99 % de la varianza de la temperatura corporal, la presión sanguínea y la frecuencia cardíaca pudo explicarse por las características físicas de los individuos y el trabajo realizado. Conclusiones: Durante el ejercicio con hidratación (ya fuese con agua o una bebida para deportistas), la respuesta fisiológica fue similar en ambos sexos. El ejercicio sin hidratación produjo estrés físico que pudo ser evitado con cualquiera de los dos tipos de líquidos (el agua corriente fue suficiente). Las diferencias en la respuesta fisiológica al spinning (temperatura corporal, presión sanguínea media y la frecuencia cardíaca) pudieron explicarse en parte por características físicas individuales diferenciales.

Gender- and hydration-associated differences in the physiological response to spinning / Respuestas fisiológicas asociadas al género e hidratación durante el spinning

Introduction: There is scarce and inconsistent information about gender-related differences in the hydration of sports persons, as well as about the effects of hydration on performance, especially during indoor sports. Objective: To determine the physiological differences between genders during in indoor physical exercise, with and without hydration. Methods: 21 spinning sportspeople (12 men and 9 women) participated in three controlled, randomly assigned and non-sequential hydration protocols, including no fluid intake and hydration with plain water or a sports drink (volume adjusted to each individual every 15 min), during 90 min of spinning exercise. The response variables included body mass, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Results: During exercise without hydration, men and women lost ~2% of body mass, and showed higher body temperature (~0.2oC), blood pressure (~4 mmHg) and heart rate (~7 beats/min) compared to exercises with hydration. Body temperature and blood pressure were higher for men than for women during exercise without hydration, differences not observed during exercise with hydration. Between 42-99% of variance in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate could be explained by the physical characteristics of subjects and the work done. Conclusions: During exercise with hydration (either with water or sport drink), the physiological response was similar for both genders. Exercise without hydration produced physical stress, which could be prevented with either of the fluids (plain water was sufficient). Gender differences in the physiological response to spinning (body temperature, mean blood pressure and heart rate) can be explained in part by the distinct physical characteristics of each individual (AU)

Introducción: La información sobre las diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en cuanto a la hidratación de las personas deportistas, así como sobre los efectos de la hidratación sobre el rendimiento, especialmente en deportes de interior, es escasa e inconsistente. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias fisiológicas entre sexos durante el ejercicio físico en el interior con y sin hidratación. Métodos: Veintiuna personas deportistas (12 hombres y 9 mujeres) participaron en tres protocolos de hidratación, no secuenciales, controlados y distribuidos al azar, que incluían falta de hidratación, hidratación con agua corriente e hidratación con una bebida para deportistas (ajustando el volumen a cada individuo cada 15 minutos), durante 90 minutos de ejercicio spinning. Las variables de respuesta incluían masa corporal, temperatura corporal, frecuencia cardíaca y presión sanguínea. Resultados: Durante el ejercicio sin hidratación los hombres y mujeres perdieron cerca de un 2 % de la masa corporal y mostraron una temperatura corporal (~0,2o C), presión sanguínea (~4 mm Hg) y frecuencia cardíaca (~7 latidos/min) superiores en comparación con los ejercicios sin hidratación. La temperatura corporal y la presión sanguínea fueron superiores en hombres que en mujeres durante el ejercicio sin hidratación, diferencias que no se observaron durante el ejercicio con hidratación. Entre el 42 y el 99 % de la varianza de la temperatura corporal, la presión sanguínea y la frecuencia cardíaca pudo explicarse por las características físicas de los individuos y el trabajo realizado. Conclusiones: Durante el ejercicio con hidratación (ya fuese con agua o una bebida para deportistas), la respuesta fisiológica fue similar en ambos sexos. El ejercicio sin hidratación produjo estrés físico que pudo ser evitado con cualquiera de los dos tipos de líquidos (el agua corriente fue suficiente). Las diferencias en la respuesta fisiológica al spinning (temperatura corporal, presión sanguínea media y la frecuencia cardíaca) pudieron explicarse en parte por características físicas individuales diferenciales (AU)

Effects on secretory IgA levels in small intestine of mice that underwent moderate exercise training followed by a bout of strenuous swimming exercise.

Intestinal homeostasis effectors, secretory IgA (SIgA) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), have been evaluated in proximal and distal small intestine with moderate-exercise training but not with strenuous exercise or a combination of these two protocols. Therefore, two groups of mice (n=6-8) were submitted to strenuous exercise, one with and one without previous training. The control group had no exercise protocol. Assessment was made of intestinal SIgA and plasma adrenal hormones (by immunoenzymatic assay), alpha-chain and pIgR proteins in intestinal mucosa (by Western blot), lamina propria IgA plasma-cells (by cytofluorometry), mRNA expression (by real-time PCR) for pIgR, alpha- and J-chains in liver and intestinal mucosa, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in mucosa samples. Compared to other exercise protocols, training plus strenuous exercise elicited: (1) higher levels of SIgA and pIgR in the proximal intestine (probably by hepatobiliary contribution); (2) higher levels of SIgA in the distal segment; (3) lower mRNA expression of some SIgA- and most pro-inflammatory pIgR-producing cytokines. SIgA and pIgR in both segments were derived from an existing pool of their corresponding producing cells. The apparent decreased translation of mRNA transcripts underlies lower levels of SIgA and pIgR in distal than proximal small intestine. There was no significant difference in the relatively high adrenal hormone levels found in both exercised groups. Further study is required about the effects of training plus strenuous exercise on pool-derived SIgA levels and mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory pIgR-producing cytokines. These results could have important implications for intestinal disorders involving inflammation and infection.

Hepatitis C virus genotype 4 responds better to pegylated interferon with ribavirin than genotype 1 in HIV-infected patients.

We assess the efficacy of pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) with ribavirin (RBV) and the predictors of sustained virological response (SVR) among HIV/hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV-4)-coinfected patients. Thirty-nine (31.5%) of 124 individuals with HCV-4 achieved SVR compared with 103 (22.7%) of 453 individuals with HCV genotype 1 (P=0.046). Only interleukin-28B (IL28B) genotype CC was independently associated with SVR in HIV/HCV-4-coinfected patients. The efficacy of peg-IFN with RBV in coinfected individuals with genotype 4 is significantly higher than in those with genotype 1. IL28B CC genotype is the main predictor of response in this population.

Caloric restriction modifies both innate and adaptive immunity in the mouse small intestine

Although caloric restriction (CR) apparently has beneficial effects on the immune system, its effects on the immunological function of the intestinal mucosa are little known. The present study explored the effect of CR on the innate and adaptive intestinal immunity of mice. Balb/c mice were either fed ad libitum (control) or on alternate days fed ad libitum and fasted (caloric restriction). After 4 months, an evaluation was made of IgA levels in the ileum, the gene expression for IgA and its receptor (pIgR), as well as the expression of two antimicrobial enzymes (lysozyme and phospholipase A2) and several cytokines of the intestinal mucosa. CR increased the gene expression of lysozyme and phospholipase A2. The levels of IgA were diminished in the ileum, which apparently was a consequence of the reduced transport of IgA by pIgR. In ileum, CR increased the gene expression for most cytokines, both pro- and anti-inflammatory. Hence, CR differentially modified the expression of innate and adaptive immunity mediators in the intestine (AU)

Caloric restriction modifies both innate and adaptive immunity in the mouse small intestine.

Although caloric restriction (CR) apparently has beneficial effects on the immune system, its effects on the immunological function of the intestinal mucosa are little known. The present study explored the effect of CR on the innate and adaptive intestinal immunity of mice. Balb/c mice were either fed ad libitum (control) or on alternate days fed ad libitum and fasted (caloric restriction). After 4 months, an evaluation was made of IgA levels in the ileum, the gene expression for IgA and its receptor (pIgR), as well as the expression of two antimicrobial enzymes (lysozyme and phospholipase A2) and several cytokines of the intestinal mucosa. CR increased the gene expression of lysozyme and phospholipase A2. The levels of IgA were diminished in the ileum, which apparently was a consequence of the reduced transport of IgA by pIgR. In ileum, CR increased the gene expression for most cytokines, both pro- and anti-inflammatory. Hence, CR differentially modified the expression of innate and adaptive immunity mediators in the intestine.

Effect of moderate exercise on IgA levels and lymphocyte count in mouse intestine.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of moderate exercise on the production and secretion of IgA in mouse duodenum, on lymphocyte levels in the lamina propria, and on gene expression encoding for cytokines that regulate the synthesis of α-chain of IgA and the expression of pIgR in the lamina propria. Two groups of young Balb/c mice were fed ad libitum, one sedentary and the other with an exercise program (swimming) for 16 weeks. IgA levels in the duodenum were quantified by ELISA; the number of IgA containing cells as well as B cells, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the duodenal mucosa was determined by immunohistochemistry; gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, and the expression of proteins by Western blotting. Because of physical training, in the duodenum there was a decrease in the number of IgA producing cells, but an increase in the levels of IgA. Additionally, exercise increased the expression of the genes encoding for IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and TGF ß, cytokines that regulate the synthesis of IgA and pIgR, the inflammatory response, and the immune response in the intestine. Thus, the increased IgA found in the duodenal lumen is probably due to the increased production of IgA in the LP and the increased transport of the pIgA-pIgR complex across epithelial cells. Possibly the increased S-IgA levels in the bile also contribute to the change in IgA levels.

Insulin resistance impairs sustained response rate to peginterferon plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We evaluated the effect of insulin resistance and viral factors on sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin. METHODS: Patients (n=159; 94 men; age, 41.7 +/- 11.1 years) with chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1, n=113; non-1 genotype, n=46) received treatment with interferon plus ribavirin. Serum levels of leptin and insulin were measured, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR: homeostasis model of assessment) and body mass index were calculated. RESULTS: A sustained virological response was associated with lower age, insulin resistance index, body mass index, and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and serum leptin levels. There was no association with viral load, sex, type of interferon, or cholesterol levels. A sustained virological response was achieved in 43.4% (46/113) of genotype 1 and 89% (32/36) of genotype 2 and 3 (P=.0001) patients. Necroinflammatory activity and steatosis were not associated with the sustained virological response rate. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the independent variables related to sustained virological response were genotype (odds ratio, 3.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-8.3; P=.001), insulin resistance index (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-3.06; P=.012), and fibrosis (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.84; P=.029). A sustained virological response in patients with genotype 1 and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 2) occurred in 23 of 70 (32.8%; 95% confidence interval, 21.9%-43.9%) patients, vs. 26 of 43 (60.5%; 95% confidence interval, 45.9%-75.1%) genotype 1 patients without insulin resistance (P=.007; odds ratio, 3.12, 95% confidence interval, 1.42-6.89). CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance, fibrosis, and genotype are independent predictors of the response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin.

Niveles séricos de cobre en pacientes con enfermedad benigna y cáncer de mama / Serum levels of copper in patients with breast benign disease and breast cancer

El propósito de este estudio fue determinar los niveles séricos de cobre en pacientes con lesiones benignas y malignas de mama y controles sanos. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo donde se compararon los niveles séricos de cobre entre 30 pacientes con cáncer de mama, 15 con enfermedad benigna y 15 controles. Los niveles séricos de cobre fueron determinados por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica con flama. Se aplicaron evaluaciones estadísticas para correlacionar los resultados obtenidos. Los niveles de cobre fueron elevados en pacientes con cáncer de mama (P> 0,05) en contraste con las pacientes con enfermedad benigna y controles. No hubo diferencias entre el grupo con enfermedad benigna y los controles. El cobre puede ser usado como un indicador de enfermedad maligna en la evaluación y seguimiento de pacientes con cáncer de mama

Perfil socio-demográfico de la madre adolescente en recién nacido de bajo peso / The sociodemographic profile of adolescent mothers with a low weight newborn

Con la finalidad de conocer el perfil socio-demográfico de la madre adolescente del recién nacido de bajo peso, se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo, durante el período de Enero a Julio de 1998. Se estudiaron 328 madres adolescentes cuyos partos fueron atendidos en el Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Hospital Central Antonio pineda de Barquisimeto; se les realizó una entrevista estructurada donde se investigaron variables sociodemográficas. Se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: el 71,6 por ciento tenían entre 17 y 19 años, de procedencia urbana en un 61 por ciento. El 96,4 por ciento eran solteras y el 80,5 por ciento primigestas. La ocupación más frecuentemente observada fue la de oficios del hogar con un 54,3 por ciento. El grado de instrucción más frecuente fue el de secundaria imcompleta con un 42,2 por ciento, solo 2,1 por ciento eran analfabetas. Más de la mitad (64,3 por ciento) tuvieron menos de 6 consultas prenatales y el 35,7 por ciento registraron más de 6 consultas, pero no aportan datos sobre la calidad de la misma

Interleucina-10 y quimioprevención retinoide del cáncer de mama experimental / Interleukina-10 and retinoid chemoprevention in experimental breast cancer

Estudiar las concentraciones de interleucina-10 en el suero de ratas tratadas con 7-13 dimetil-benzantraceno, ácido retinoico y una combinación de ambos. Cátedra de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad del Zulia. Investigación longitudinal, antes y después de recibir las sustancias experimentales. La citocina se cuantificó por inmunoanálisis enzimatico (ELISA) de doble anticuerpo. Incremento de la citocina sérica en animales que recibieron la combinación (grupo A) y en los que recibieron el cancerígeno solo (grupo B), pero más significativo en los primeros. En el grupo A no se observaron tumores, pero sí en el B. El retinoide solo (grupo C) también indujo un ascenso, precoz y significativo, con el desenso posterior a la normalidad, cuando aún permanecían valores elevados en los grupos A y B. No se formaron tumores en los animales del grupo C. Las dos sustancias estudiadas producen aisladamente aumento en la secreción de la citocina. Las cantidades mayores de interleucina-10, dadas sus características biológicas, parecen producir cambios en la evolución tumoral.