Age-associated polyamines in peripheral blood cells and plasma in 20 to 70 years of age subjects.

Dietary polyamines have been associated with slowing ageing processes and various pathologies, raising the importance of establishing reference values at different ages throughout life. This study aimed to analyse age-dependent variations in polyamine content using peripheral blood cells and plasma in a healthy and homogeneous population. Peripheral blood of 193 volunteers of both sexes (20-70 years), selected by convenience, was processed to separate cells and plasma. A pre-column derivatization method was used to determine the amines by HPLC (nmol or pmol/mg protein or nmol/ml) to analyse their association with the age (continuous or ordinal in decades) of the subjects. Putrescine and spermine weakly declined significantly in mononuclear cells with age. In erythrocytes and plasma, putrescine showed an evident decrease in the 60-70-year-old group compared to the rest. The ratios between polyamines, mainly in erythrocytes, decreased in the 60-70 years age group and increased the ratio of putrescine in mononuclear cells/erythrocytes. The ratio of putrescine in mononuclear cells/erythrocytes was higher in the 60-70-year-old age group than in the rest. In a sample of subjects (20-29 vs. 60-70 years), whole blood polyamines were not significantly different when differences existed in erythrocytes. Polyamine homeostasis in blood cells and plasma changed with age. Putrescine declined in mononuclear cells and decreased in erythrocytes and plasma in the decade of the 60 s. Further studies should establish an age-dependent phenotype and whether polyamines' supplementation could restore the decreased values and be associated with long-term overall biological benefits.

Gut microbiota modulation and effects of a diet enriched in apple pomace on inflammation in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.

Certain types of soluble dietary fibre, such as pectin and pectic oligosaccharides from different sources, have demonstrated protective effects against inflammation in DSS-induced colitis mouse models. In this work, we have evaluated the impact of a diet enriched in apple pomace (AP-diet), an agricultural by-product with a significant content of pectin and that previously demonstrated prebiotic properties in human fecal batch fermentation models, on the gut microbiota composition, intestinal damage and inflammation markers in a DSS-induced colitis model. We found that the apple pomace enriched diet (AP-diet), providing a significant amount of pectin with demonstrated prebiotic properties, was associated with a slower increase in the disease activity index, translating into better clinical symptomatology of the animals. Histological damage scoring confirmed less severe damage in those animals receiving an AP-diet before and during the DSS administration period. Some serum inflammatory markers, such as TNFα, also demonstrated lower levels in the group receiving the AP-diet, compared to the control diet. AP-diet administration is also associated with the modulation of key taxa in the colonic microbiota of animals, such as some Lachnospiraceae genera and Ruminococcus species, including commensal short chain fatty acid producers that could play a role in attenuating inflammation at the intestinal level.

Testosterone inhibits cAMP-phosphodiesterases in heart extracts from rats and increases cAMP levels in isolated left atria.

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the acute cardiovascular effects elicited by androgens, such as vasodilation and positive inotropism. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important modulators of cardiac contractility. However, an effect on PDEs by androgens in cardiac tissues has not previously been reported. In this study, extracts from rat ventricles and isolated left atria were assayed for cAMP-dependent PDE activity. To study the tissue selectivity, the enzymatic activity was also assayed in extracts from bovine tracheal smooth muscle and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Functional assays were also performed with isolated atria. Testosterone, but not 5α- and 5ß-dihydrotestosterone, inhibited cAMP-PDE activity in extracts from left ventricles and atria. In atria, the inhibition of cAMP-PDE activity was associated with an increase in intracellular levels of cAMP and a cardiotonic response. This effect was not elicited in tracheal muscle strips or CHO cell extracts, suggesting the possibility of tissue and cAMP-PDE selectivity. The results of these studies suggest a new mechanism of action of testosterone in the rat heart, which might contribute to the reported cardiotonic effect.

Sex hormones modulate salbutamol-elicited long-term relaxation in isolated bovine tracheal strips.

Sex hormones are of interest regarding gender differences in the clinical manifestations of airway diseases. No conclusive data are available on the sex hormone modulation of ß-adrenoceptor-mediated responses on airways. To this aim, isolated preparations of bovine trachea were used to establish the sex hormone influence on salbutamol-elicited relaxation. This had 2 components, a full acute relaxation followed by a loss of efficacy, close to half of the effect. The remaining half was reverted by the ß-blocker, propranolol. The loss of salbutamol-elicited relaxation might reflect the receptor desensitization, as shown by the lack of effect by subsequent administration of salbutamol, and the decrease in the immunostaining of ß(2)-adrenoceptors. Sex hormones differently modified the salbutamol-elicited response. Testosterone, but not other androgens or estradiol, had a synergic effect, facilitating the acute relaxation and decreasing the loss of spasmolytic effect, associated with an increase in the latency of desensitization and a decrease in the time taken to reach long-term steady-state tone. These effects, not modified by the antiandrogen flutamide or epithelium removal, seem to be independent of a modulation of ß(2)-adrenoceptor desensitization. Testosterone also relaxed preparations with desensitized ß-adrenoceptor. Therefore, testosterone modulates tracheal smooth muscle tone, facilitating bronchodilation caused by ß(2)-adrenoceptor agonists which might be of pharmacological interest.

Role of polyamines and cAMP-dependent mechanisms on 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone-elicited functional effects in isolated right atria of rat.

Androgens produce acute vasodilation of systemic, pulmonary, and coronary arteries in several mammal preparations and increase cardiomyocyte contractility. A decrease of the spontaneous beating of sinoatrial cells has also been described. The aim of this study was to characterize the direct effect of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone on the spontaneous chronotropism and inotropism in the same preparation as an approach to establish the effect on cardiac output and their mechanism of action. The effects were studied on isolated right atria of Wistar rats placed in an organ bath in Tyrode solution at 37 degrees C and bubbled with carbogen. In male rats, the acute administration of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, a nonaromatizable derivate of testosterone, elicited a positive inotropism, which was associated with a negative chronotropism. As reported in the left atria, polyamines and beta-adrenoceptors played a role in 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone-elicited positive inotropism because the effect was antagonized by alpha-difluoromethylornithine, an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, and atenolol, a beta1-adrenoceptor blocker, but not on the negative effect on chronotropism. The androgen increased the sinoatrial node recovery time, suggesting an effect on the mechanisms of spontaneous diastolic depolarization involved in atria pacemaking. These effects of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone are not hormonally regulated because they are similarly produced in estrogenized females and gonadectomized male and female rats. These results suggest that the androgen could acutely improve cardiac performance.

Putrescine modulation of acute activation of the beta-adrenergic system in the left atrium of rat.

Endogenous polyamines mediate acute metabolic effects and cardiac hypertrophy associated to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. The aim of this study is to characterize the role of polyamines on beta-adrenoceptor system mediated responses. To this end, the functional interaction of polyamine modifying drugs on isoproterenol-elicited cardiotonic effect, in isolated left atria of male Wistar rats, and their effects on [(3)H]dihydroalprenolol (DHA) binding on beta-adrenoceptors and on adenylyl cyclase activity of membrane heart were studied. Polyamines interact with beta-adrenoceptors in rat heart, as shown by the displacement of [(3)H]DHA binding. Furthermore, putrescine (but not spermidine or spermine) increased adenylyl cyclase activity, elicited a positive inotropism and increased intracellular cAMP. The putrescine effect on adenylyl cyclase was not antagonized by the beta-adrenoceptors blockers, alprenolol and ICI-118,551, and facilitated the isoproterenol effect. Neither alprenolol, atenolol nor ICI-118,551 antagonized putrescine-elicited positive inotropism. However, the effect was abolished in preparations with desensitized beta-adrenoceptors. alpha-Difluoromethylornithine, an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, antagonized the effect of isoproterenol on inotropism and cAMP increase. In addition, putrescine might elicit effects by mechanisms independent of beta-adrenoceptor system, since in left atria with functional desensitized receptors an interaction with ouabain-elicited cardiotonic effect was observed. These results suggest that putrescine may act as a low affinity agonist on beta-adrenoceptors and modulate acute responses mediated by beta-adrenoceptors. These findings may be of importance in the physiology and in diseases involving cardiac beta-adrenoceptors.

Role of putrescine on androgen-elicited positive inotropism in the left atrium of rats.

Functional and biochemical studies were performed in isolated left atria of male Wistar rats to study whether endogenous polyamines may mediate androgen-elicited positive inotropism and their relationship with a rise in cAMP during the cardiotonic effect. 5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone (100 microM) exposure increased intracellular putrescine as determined by HPLC, but it did not increase spermidine and spermine. This effect was antagonized by an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, alpha-difluoromethylornithine (10 mM), suggesting enzyme activation. alpha-Difluoromethylornithine also antagonized androgens-elicited inotropism and the increase in intracellular cAMP. Putrescine (1 to 10 mM) elicited a concentration-dependent positive inotropism associated with the cAMP increase. The prior incubation with putrescine antagonized 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone-elicited inotropism and did not produce sinergism on intracellular cAMP. Short-term incubation with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone or forskolin shifted to the left the cardiotonic effect of isoproterenol, an agonist of beta-adrenoceptors, without any increase in Emax, suggesting that a common mechanism was involved. Therefore, polyamines might modulate the cAMP production associated with the cardiotonic effect of androgens.

Estradiol-modified prolactin secretion independently of action potentials and Ca2+ and blockade of outward potassium currents in GH3 cells.

Estrogens facilitate prolactin (PRL) secretion acting on pituitary cells. In GH3 cells, estradiol induces acute action potentials and oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ associated with the secretagogue function. Estradiol modulates several ion channels which may affect the action potential rate and the release of PRL in lactotroph cells, which might depend on its concentration. The aims were to characterize the acute effect of supraphysiological concentrations of estradiol on Ca2+ and noninactivating K+ currents and measure the effect on the spontaneous action potentials and PRL release in the somatolactotroph cell line, GH3. Electrophysiological studies were carried out by voltage- and current-clamp techniques and ELISA determination of PRL secretion. Pharmacological concentrations of estradiol (above 1 µM), without a latency period, blocked Ca2+ channels and noninactivating K+ currents, including the large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK), studied in whole-cell nystatin perforated and in excided inside-out patches of GH3 and CHO cells, transiently transfected with the human α-pore forming subunit of BK. The effect on BK was contrary to the agonist effect associated with the regulatory ß1-subunits of the BK, which GH3 cells lack, but its transient transfection did not modify the noninactivating current blockade, suggesting a different mechanism of regulation. Estradiol, at the same concentration range, acutely decreased the frequency of action potentials, an expected effect as consequence of the Ca2+ channel blockade. Despite this, PRL secretion initially increased, followed by a decrease in long-term incubations. This suggests that, in GH3 cells, supraphysiological concentrations of estradiol modulating PRL secretion are partially independent of extracellular Ca2+ influx.

Modulatory effect of intestinal polyamines and trace amines on the spontaneous phasic contractions of the isolated ileum and colon rings of mice.

Background: Gastrointestinal motility modulatory factors include substances of the intestinal content, such as polyamines and trace amines (TAs), the focus of this study. Methods: The amines of food, intestinal content and from faecal bacteria of Swiss mice were determined by HPLC and functionally characterised in isolated distal ileum and medial colon rings. Results: Mouse food and intestinal content contain polyamines (spermidine>putrescine>spermine) and TAs (isoamylamine>cadaverine). Intestinal bacteria mainly produce putrescine and cadaverine. The amines inhibited the spontaneous motility of the ileum (0.1-3 mM) and colon rings (0.01-3 mM, with lower IC50), with: spermine~isoamylamine~spermidine. Spermine inhibition was tetrodotoxin (TTX)-insensitive, while isoamylamine was TTX-sensitive, suggesting neural control. Mainly in the ileum, isoamylamine (3 mM) elicited acute effects modified by TTX, atropine and propranolol, and suppressed by spermine (3 mM), not being localized at the smooth muscle level. The amines assayed (3 mM), except putrescine and cadaverine in the ileum and isoamylamine in the colon, antagonised acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1 mM)-elicited phasic contractions. Isoamylamine and spermine in colon relaxed KCl (100 mM)-elicited tonic contractions, suggesting an effect on smooth muscle, but did not justify the suppression of motility caused by spermine and isoamylamine. Conclusions: Polyamines and TAs of the intestinal content might act on chemosensors and modulate intestinal peristalsis.

El enfermo transparente y la rehumanización de la medicina / The transparent sick and the rehumanization of medicine

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Ciencia, medicina y medicamentos en la prensa diaria: estudio del período 2001-2016 / Science, medicine and drugs in the daily press: a study of the period 2001-2016

Objetivo: Describir los temas más frecuentes sobre ciencia y tecnología, medicina y salud, y medicamentos en prensa escrita durante el período 2001-2016, seleccionados por su potencial interés formativo. Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionaron noticias de la colección CONPRE Oviedo. Los criterios de selección incluyen: título alusivo, autor identificable, noticia basada en hechos reales y contener una narración completa. Las noticias se agruparon por temas y se realizó una distribución dentro de cada apartado. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 1.933 noticias sobre ciencia y tecnología, 2.001 sobre medicina y salud y 1.960 sobre medicamentos. Los temas más frecuentes en ciencia y tecnología fueron la investigación fundamental y biomédica, el genoma y aspectos sociales de la política de investigación. Las enfermedades más citadas se clasificaron en las categorías 1 ('ciertas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias'), 10 ('enfermedades del aparato respiratorio'), y 15 ('embarazo, parto y puerperio') de la CIE-10, siendo también numerosas las referidas a salud pública. Los grupos de medicamentos más frecuentes en las noticias pertenecen a los grupos J ('antiinfecciosos para uso sistémico') y G ('sistema genitourinario y hormonas sexuales'). Un número elevado de medicamentos se clasifican como agentes dopantes, o como drogas según el Real Decreto 2829/1977. Se observaron dos patrones, uno incidental y otro mantenido en el tiempo. Conclusión: La cantidad y diversidad de noticias seleccionadas sugieren la potencial utilidad formativa de la prensa escrita en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud

Aim: To describe the most frequent topics on science and technology, medicine and health, and drugs in newspaper articles from 2001-2016 selected for their potential formative interest. Materials and methods: Newspaper articles from the CONPRE Oviedo collection were used in this study. The selection criteria are allusive title, identifiable author, articles based on real events, and articles that contain a complete narration. They were grouped in to common themes and a classification was made within each section. Results: We selected 1933 newspaper on science and technology, 2001 on medicine and health, and 1960 on drugs. The most frequent topics in science and technology were fundamental and biomedical research, the genome and social aspects of research policy. The most cited diseases were classified to be from categories 1 ('certain infectious and parasitic diseases'), 10 ('diseases of the respiratory system'), and 15 ('pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium') of the ICD-10. Additionally, articles referring to public health were also numerous. The most frequent drugs groups in the newspaper belong to the groups J ('anti-infectives for systemic use') and G ('genitourinary system and sexual hormones'). A large number of drugs are classified as doping agents, or as narcotics and psychotropic drugs according to RD 2829/1977. Two patterns were observed, one incidental and the other maintained over time. Conclusion: The number and diversity of selected news suggests the formative potential of the written press in health sciences students

Aceptación de actividades de fomento de la investigación en estudiantes de Grado en Medicina / Medical students acceptance of activities promoting research

OBJETIVO: Comunicar algunas actividades de iniciación a la investigación en el Grado en Medicina. MÉTODO: Hemos incorporado competencias de investigación en una asignatura obligatoria con contenidos metodológicos (teóricos y prácticos) y seminarios relacionados con descubrimientos científicos, y en tres asignaturas optativas en las que realizan un trabajo científico supervisado por un tutor. RESULTADOS: Las calificaciones de las tareas de la asignatura obligatoria son elevadas (3,7 ± 0,07 sobre 4 puntos) y el 43,8% de los inscritos concluye las tres optativas. La satisfacción con las actividades es elevada (3,46 y 3,9 sobre 5 puntos), lo que sugiere que contribuyen a adquirir las competencias científicas en la formación del médico y que la labor de los tutores es importante (4,4 sobre 5 puntos). CONCLUSIÓN: La exposición a tareas de investigación en el Grado en Medicina es bien aceptada por los estudiantes

AIM: To present activities for the initiation of research in the medical degree. METHOD: Research skills have been included as a compulsory subject with methodological contents (theoretical and practical) and seminars related to scientific discoveries, as well as in three optional subjects in which students perform a scientific project supervised by a tutor. RESULTS: The grades of the tasks of the compulsory subject are high (3.7 ± 0.07 out of 4 points), and 43.8% of the enrolled students completed the three optional subjects. Satisfaction with the activities was high (3.46 and 3.9 out of 5 points), which suggests that they contribute to acquiring scientific skills in medical education, and that the work of the tutors is important (4.4 out of 5 points). CONCLUSION: Exposure to research tasks in the medical degree is well accepted by the students

Noticias sobre medicina y salud en un diario de difusión nacional. Potencial utilidad educativa en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud / News about medicine and health in a national newspaper. Potential educational use in health sciences students

Las noticias de prensa tienen potencial interés formativo en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud por una serie de motivos: a) son frecuentes; b) cubren, al menos parcialmente, la demanda social de información sobre salud; c) aportan información sobre hechos incidentales de forma ágil, lo que favorece el debate crítico; d) permiten la apropiación social del conocimiento propio de las profesiones sanitarias incluyendo la educación para la salud; e) permiten apreciar la difusión del lenguaje médico; f) aportan el contexto sociológico que puede condicionar, al menos en parte, la enfermedad, su imagen social y las medidas que los sistemas públicos ponen en funcionamiento para la atención a los ciudadanos; g) facilitan el desarrollo de competencias de análisis crítico, habilidades de documentación y comunicación; y h) se adaptan bien a la utilización de diferentes metodologías docentes. El artículo propone aspectos de interés formativo a los que pueden contribuir las noticias de prensa, y presenta ejemplos para el abordaje de algunos de ellos

Press news have a potential educational interest in students of health sciences for several reasons: a) they are frequent; b) cover, at least partially, the social demand for health information; c) provide information on incidental events in an agile manner, which favors critical debate; d) allow the social appropriation of knowledge of health professions including health education; e) allow to know the diffusion of medical language; f) provide the sociological context that can condition, at least in part, the disease, its social image and the measures that the public systems put into operation for the care of citizens; g) facilitate the development of critical analysis skills, documentation and communication skills; and h) adapt well to the use of different teaching methodologies. The article proposes aspects of formative interest to which press news can contribute, and presents examples for addressing some of them

Androgens block outward potassium currents and decrease spontaneous action potentials in GH3 cells.

Androgens produce nongenomic effects in several cells by different mechanisms, including ion channel modulation. Adenohypophyseal cells express several K(+) channels, including voltage and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) (BK) channels, which might be the target of androgens to modulate cellular action potentials and hormonal secretion. Androgen effects were studied in GH3 cells (from anterior pituitary rat tumor) by means of the patch-clamp technique. Cells were continuously perfused with saline solution, in the absence or presence of the androgens studied, while applying 40 mV pulses of 400 ms from a holding potential of -60 mV in whole-cell configuration with nystatin-perforated patches. Androgens reversibly blocked noninactivating K(+) currents in a concentration-dependent manner without a latency period and with an order of efficacy of: 5ß-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)>testosterone>5α-DHT. RT-PCR showed two isoforms of the α-pore forming subunits of BK channels. These channels are responsible for one third of the noninactivating current, according to the blockade of paxilline, a selective BK antagonist. Androgens seem to directly interact with BK channels since they were blocked in excised inside-out patches and independent of the whole-cell configuration and the NO-cGMP-dependent pathway. Testosterone, but not 5α- or 5ß-DHT, increased BK currents in HEK-293 cells overexpressing the short isoform, suggesting a cellular selectivity based on the α-subunits. The effect on noninactivating currents may be responsible for the decrease of spontaneous action potential frequency. Long-term cellular incubation with testosterone did not modify noninactivating currents density in GH3 cells. It is remarkable that 5ß-DHT, a reductase metabolite with weak androgenic activity, was the most efficient blocker.

Razones por las cuales los estudiantes justifican la elección del Grado en Medicina / Reasons why students justify the choice of Medical Degree

OBJETIVO: Identificar las razones por las cuales los estudiantes acceden al Grado en Medicina. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Estudiantes de primer curso de Grado en Medicina de los años académicos 2014-2015, 2015-2016 y 2017-2018 realizaron una descripción abierta de sus razones de acceso al grado. Éstas se identificaron y clasificaron para su análisis, y se calculó el número de razones aducidas por el conjunto y en cada año académico, y su distribución según sexo. Se clasificaron en categorías para su comparación con otros estudios. RESULTADOS: Participaron 367 estudiantes (252 mujeres y 115 hombres). La diferencia en el porcentaje medio de respuesta entre mujeres (83,71 ± 4,8%) y hombres (82,4 ± 5,1%) no fue estadísticamente significativa. Los estudiantes justificaron su acceso por una media de 2,5 ± 0,06 razones, sin diferencias de sexo ni entre los tres años académicos. Se identificaron 23 razones diferentes para acceder al grado, que se agruparon en categorías, siendo las principales el altruismo, el conocimiento científico, los motivos instrumentales y las razones personales. Aumentó significativamente el acceso por adquisición de conocimiento entre los cursos 2014-2015 y 2017-2018 y se redujeron los accesos por vocación. La consideración social de la medicina o la imagen social del médico se invocaron con muy poca frecuencia. Las mujeres refieren con más frecuencia los motivos altruistas y los relacionados con el conocimiento para el acceso, pero sin diferencias significativas. CONCLUSIÓN: Los valores altruistas continúan siendo los más frecuentes motivos de acceso al Grado en Medicina. La vocación se reduce y la adquisición de conocimientos científicos aumenta como motivos de acceso

AIM: To identify the reasons why students access the Degree in Medicine. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: First-year medical students in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18 provided an open description of their reasons for access to the degree. These were identified and classified for analysis, the number of reasons given by the whole and in each academic year, as well as their distribution according to gender was calculated. They were classified into categories for comparison with other studies. RESULTS: A total of 367 students (252 women and 115 men) participated. The distribution of women (83.71 ± 4.8%) and men (82.4 ± 5.1%) was not statistically significant. The students justified their access for an average of 2.5 ± 0.06 reasons, with no gender differences or between the three academic years. Twenty-three different reasons for accessing the degree were identified and grouped into categories, the main ones being altruism, scientific knowledge, instrumental motives and personal reasons. There was a significant increase in access through knowledge acquisition between the 2014-15 and 2017-18 academic years, and a reduction in access by vocation. The social consideration of medicine or the social image of the doctor is rarely invoked by students as a reason for accessing the degree. Women refer altruistic and knowledge-related motives for access more frequently than men, but without significant differences. CONCLUSION: Altruistic values continue to be the most frequent reasons for accessing to the Degree in Medicine. The vocation is reduced and the acquisition of scientific knowledge increases as reasons for access

Intracellular cAMP increases during the positive inotropism induced by androgens in isolated left atrium of rat.

Molecular interactions of androgens with the plasma membrane may produce rapid cardiovascular effects that cannot be explained by the classic genomic mechanisms. In this sense, 5 alpha- and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone-induced an acute positive inotropic effect in isolated left atrium of rat, an effect which may be due to cAMP-dependent mechanisms. To prove this, intracellular levels of cAMP, after exposure to androgens in the organ bath, and binding to beta(1)-adrenoceptors were evaluated. After a 4-min exposure, 5 alpha- and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone increased cAMP levels from 3.83+/-0.61 to 6.15+/-1.1 and 11.18+/-2.4 pmol cAMP/mg of protein, respectively. These increases were inhibited by atenolol and not modified by treatment of the rats with reserpine. The androgen-induced cAMP increase seems to be produced via an extracellular interaction, because positive inotropism and raised levels of cAMP were produced by 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). In addition, it is independent of beta(1)-adrenoceptor activation, because neither androgen displaced [(3)H]dihydroalprenolol binding. Therefore, the androgens induced a positive inotropic effect via a postsynaptic effect that increases intracellular levels of cAMP. This effect is modulated by transcriptional mechanisms or by a protein with a short half-life.

Competencias de investigación en el Grado en Medicina en la universidad española / Research competences in Medicine Degree at Spanish universities

Objetivo: Analizar la distribución de competencias generales y específicas de investigación en los Grados en Medicina. Sujetos y métodos: Se utilizaron las memorias de verificación, las fichas de las asignaturas y la información del Registro de Universidades, Centros y Titulaciones como bases documentales para el estudio. Las competencias generales y específicas analizadas son las contenidas en la Orden ECI 332/2008. Se consideraron asignaturas de investigación las que así lo indican en su denominación, y complementarias, aquellas otras relacionadas con el proceso de investigación. Resultados: El Grado en Medicina es impartido en 40 universidades, que proponen 49 asignaturas de investigación: 22,5% básicas, 40,8% obligatorias y 36,7% optativas. Las asignaturas complementarias identificadas fueron 91: 46,1% básicas, 41,8% obligatorias y 12,1% optativas. Las competencias generales de investigación se encuentran mayoritariamente en asignaturas relacionadas con los módulos 'Medicina social, habilidades de comunicación e iniciación a la investigación' y 'Prácticas tuteladas y trabajo de fin de grado', mientras que las competencias específicas se concentran en los módulos 'Medicina social' y 'Optatividad'. Algunos grados no asignan competencias generales (n = 11) ni específicas (n = 30) de investigación al trabajo de fin de grado; de los que lo hacen, 16 le atribuyen todas las competencias generales, y cinco, todas las específicas. Conclusiones: La distribución de competencias y la presencia de asignaturas de investigación es heterogénea. En pocas universidades, el trabajo de fin de grado tiene una clara orientación a la investigación. Los grados en general no están orientados a la investigación

Aim: To analyse the distribution of general and specific research competences in Medicine Degrees. Subjects and methods: Verification reports, subject sheets and information included in the RUCT were used as documentary bases for the study. The general and specific competences analysed were those contained in the legislation ECI 332/2008. As research subjects were considered those that mentioned research in their name, and as complementary subjects those related with the research process. Results: Medicine Degree is taught at 40 universities across Spain, with 49 research subjects: 22.5% core, 40.8% mandatory and 36.7% optional. Ninety-one complementary subjects have been identified: 46.1% core, 41.8% mandatory and 12.1% optional. General research competences were found to a greater extent in subjects related to the module 'Social Medicine, Communication Skills and Initiation to Research' and the module 'Clinical Clerkships and Degree Final Project'. The specific competences were focused on modules 'Social Medicine' and 'Optional'. Several degrees analysed did not assign competences of research to the degree final project, neither general (n = 11) nor specific (n = 30) competences. However, other degrees assigned competences of research attributed to general and specific research competences with a distribution of sixteen and five, respectively. Conclusions: The distribution of competences and the presence of research subjects across Medicine Degrees in Spain was very heterogeneous. Surprisingly, only in a few universities the degree final project has a clear research orientation, suggesting a main focus on clinical medicine. Medicine Degree are not oriented to research

Iniciación a la investigación en el Grado en Medicina mediante la realización de proyectos tutorados / Introduction to research in the Medical Degree through supervised projects

Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia de iniciación a la investigación con estudiantes de medicina mediante asignaturas optativas: 'Proyectos de investigación de grado' (1, 2 y 3). Sujetos y métodos: Han participado estudiantes de segundo, tercero y cuarto año de los cursos académicos 2011-2012 a 2017-2018 que se matricularon sucesivamente en 'Proyectos 1' (identifi cación del tema, documentación y elaboración de hipótesis y objetivos), 'Proyectos 2' (diseño metodológico y adquisición de datos) y 'Proyectos 3' (divulgación científi ca). Cada grupo, de 2-4 estudiantes, trabajó bajo la dirección de un tutor, realizó presentaciones y elaboró un manuscrito sobre su actividad. En 'Proyectos 3', presentaron un póster con la actividad de los tres cursos que se expuso en una jornada monográfi ca. La evaluación de la satisfacción de los estudiantes se realizó mediante una encuesta. Resultados: En total, 546 estudiantes han iniciado la experiencia en 'Proyectos 1', de los que el 43,9% la completan. El número de tutores participantes ha sido de 83. Se han abordado 195 temas de investigación, de los que el 59% son de investigación clínica, el 31% de investigación fundamental y el 10% de otros. Las califi caciones obtenidas han sido superiores a 9 puntos sobre 10. La encuesta resalta que los estudiantes valoran el papel de los tutores y el potencial formativo de la actividad. Conclusión: El diseño de los cursos permite que el estudiante tome contacto con diferentes aspectos del proceso de investigación, actividad que consideran gratifi cante y apropiada a su formación como médico

Aim: To present the experience of an initiation in to research for medical students through optional courses: 'Research Projects of Degree' (1, 2, and 3). Subjects and methods: Medical students in their second, third, and fourth year from the academic years 2011-2012 to 2017-2018, enrolled consecutively in the subjects: 'Projects 1', identifi cation of the topic, documentation and elaboration of hypotheses and objectives; 'Projects 2', methodological design and acquisition of data; and 'Projects 3', scientifi c disclosure. Each group, of 2-4 students, did a research project under the supervision of a tutor; the research project was presented orally and on paper. In 'Projects 3', students made a poster about the activities performed during the three courses, posters were shown in a monographic exhibition. Evaluation of student satisfaction was carried out through a survey. Results: A total of 546 students started the experience in 'Projects 1', of which 43.9% completed it. The number of participating tutors was 83, addressing 195 research topics, of which 59% were clinical research, 31% fundamental research and 10% were termed others. The scores obtained in these courses were higher than 9 points out of 10. The survey highlights the important role of advisers and the training potential of the activity. Conclusion: The design of the course allows the students to be in contact with diff erent aspects of the biomedical research processes. Students considered the activity rewarding, useful, and appropriate to their training as a physician

Una experiencia de aproximación a la clínica en el primer curso del Grado de Medicina en la Universidad de Oviedo / An experience of early approximation to clinic in the first year of Medicine Degree in the University of Oviedo

Objetivo. Presentar una experiencia de aproximación a la clínica desarrollada en la Universidad de Oviedo con estudiantes de primer curso del Grado de Medicina. Sujetos y métodos. La actividad se ha realizado durante seis cursos en una asignatura obligatoria del primer curso del Grado de Medicina, en dos seminarios (4 horas y 45 minutos). Los estudiantes (150-155 por curso) realizan la actividad en subgrupos de cuatro o cinco. En el primer seminario, el profesor comenta los objetivos general y particulares, y presenta una historia clínica con los aspectos que debe observar el estudiante. En el segundo, se exponen las historias clínicas elaboradas. Se evaluó el contenido, la organización y la expresión oral, así como la satisfacción de los estudiantes. Resultados. Se presentaron 192 historias clínicas, siendo las más frecuentes las relacionadas con varones y de edades entre 14 y 44 años. Las categorías de enfermedades según la CIE-10 más descritas fueron las del sistema nervioso y trastornos mentales y del comportamiento, enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias, y las del aparato digestivo. Las enfermedades más descritas fueron la mononucleosis infecciosa, la diabetes mellitus y la tuberculosis pulmonar. Las calificaciones de los estudiantes oscilaron entre 0,89 ± 0,01 y 0,96 ± 0,01 puntos (máximo: 1 punto). El 93,84% de los participantes otorga a la actividad una calificación de 3,77 puntos sobre 5. Conclusión. Los estudiantes tienen una opinión favorable de la actividad y consideran que puede contribuir a la aproximación precoz a algunos aspectos de la profesión médica

Aim. To present an experience of approaching the clinic developed with first-year students in the Faculty of Medicine of Oviedo. Subjects and methods. The activity was performed over six academic years, in the form of two seminars (4 hours and 45 minutes) as part of a compulsory subject in the first year of the Medical degree of the University of Oviedo. Students (150- 155 per year) perform this activity in subgroups of 4-5. In the first seminar, the lecturer explains the general and specific aims, and presents a clinical history with the relevant aspects that the students should observe. During the second of the seminars, each group presents the clinical history selected. Contents, structure, oral presentations and student satisfaction were evaluated. Results. The number of submitted case histories was 192. The most frequent being sick males, aged between 14 and 44. The most described categories of diseases according to the ICD-10 were those of the nervous system, behavioral and mental disorders, infectious and parasitic diseases, and digestive tract diseases. The most common diseases were infectious mononucleosis, diabetes mellitus and pulmonary tuberculosis. The student scores ranged from 0.89 ± 0.01 to 0.96 ± 0.01 points (maximum score: 1 point). A survey, completed by 93.84% of participant's, gave a score of 3.77 points out of 5. Conclusion. The students had a favorable view of the same and they believe that it can contribute to an early approach to some aspects of the medical profession

Utilidad potencial de las artes visuales en la enseñanza de la medicina / Potential utility of the visual arts in medical teaching

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: Las habilidades de observación pueden facilitarse mediante la descripción de obras de arte. Presentamos una experiencia de observación y descripción de obras pictóricas desarrollada en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Oviedo. Sujetos y métodos: Los estudiantes (150-155/curso) realizaron 2 seminarios (4 h y 45 min) en subgrupos de 4-5. En el primer seminario, el profesor comenta los objetivos generales y particulares y realiza un ejercicio de lectura de varios cuadros incidiendo en los aspectos que debe observar el estudiante. En el segundo, cada subgrupo expone la tarea realizada sobre los cuadros asignados. Se evaluó el contenido, la organización y la expresión oral. La evaluación de la satisfacción de los estudiantes se realizó mediante una encuesta. RESULTADOS: Las obras de arte utilizadas han sido 90, con predominio de las realizadas en los siglos XVII (n = 30) y XIX (n = 32). De los 9 apartados que contiene la actividad de observación, descripción y documentación, analizada en los cursos 2015-2016 y 2016-2017, los estudiantes cumplimentaron una media de 6,9 ± 0,28 y 6,4 ± 0,25, respectivamente, e identificaron 2,7 ± 0,24 frente a 3,02 ± 0,26 elementos de interés médico. Las calificaciones de la presentación oral fueron superiores al 90% de la máxima posible. La encuesta, cumplimentada por el 95,4% de los asistentes, muestra que el 78,3% de los estudiantes está satisfecho con la actividad y el 63,4% la considera relevante para su formación médica. CONCLUSIÓN: La observación y descripción de obras de arte es aceptada por los estudiantes de medicina como una actividad educativa relevante en su formación

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Art-based teaching is a strategy for increasing the observational skills of medical students. We present our experience using artworks with first-year students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo. Subjects and methods: The activity was performed in the form of 2 seminars (4 h and 45 min). Students (150-155 per year) perform this activity in subgroups of 4 or 5. In the first seminar, the lecturer explains the general and specific aims, and presents several pictures with the relevant aspects that the students should observe. During the second of the seminars, each group presents the work they have carried out on the assigned artistic image. The contents, structure and oral expression of the presentations were evaluated. Student satisfaction was measured using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The number of paintings used was 90, distributed from XVII (n = 30), XIX (n = 32) and others centuries (n = 28). An evaluation of the observation, description and documentation of the artworks was performed through 9 questions. The students of the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 academic course completed 6.9 ± 0.28 and 6.4 ± 0.25 of these items. Likewise, these students identified 2.7 ± 0.24 vs. 3.02 ± 0.26 elements of medical interest. Oral presentations scores were over 90% of the maximum possible. A survey, completed by 95.4% of participant's suggested that 78.3% were satisfied with the activity, and that 63.4% considered it relevant for their medical training. CONCLUSION: The observation and description of artworks is accepted by students as a relevant educational activity for their medical education