Mercury and selenium concentrations in lanugo of free-ranging California sea lions in the southern Gulf of California, Mexico.

Total mercury ([THg]) and selenium ([TSe]) concentrations were determined in California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) lanugo from the Gulf of California in 2021 and 2022. Relationships with sex, morphometrics, and year were evaluated. Following toxicological thresholds of concern for piscivorous mammals, most pups had a [THg] < 10 ppm, one pup (2021) had a [THg] > 20 ppm, no pups had a [THg] > 30 ppm. Females had significantly higher [TSe] than males; sex did not influence [THg]. [THg] and [TSe] in 2022 were significantly higher in the general population and male cohorts compared to 2021. Significant negative correlations were observed between [THg], [TSe], and morphometrics (2021). These results indicate that, compared to other pinniped species, regional California sea lions may have a decreased likelihood of experiencing Hg-related adverse health effects. Year-related changes in element concentrations suggest continued monitoring of this population to assess pinniped, environmental, and potentially, human health.

HMGA2 is regulated by LIN28 and BRCA1 in human placental cells.

The chromatin associated transcription factor HMGA2 is a downstream target of let-7 miRNAs and binds to chromatin to regulate gene expression. Inhibition of let-7 miRNAs by RNA-binding proteins LIN28A and LIN28B is necessary during early embryogenesis to ensure stable expression of HMGA2. In addition to LIN28, HMGA2 is regulated by a BRCA1/ZNF350/CtIP repressor complex. In normal tissues, the BRCA1/ZNF350/CtIP complex binds to the HMGA2 promoter to prevent transcription. However, in many cancers the oncomiR miR-182 targets BRCA1, preventing BRCA1 translation and allowing for increased HMGA2. Little is known about the regulation of HMGA2 during early placental development; therefore, we hypothesized that both LIN28 and BRCA1 can regulate HMGA2 in placental cells. Using siRNA and CRISPR gene editing techniques, we found that knockdowns of both LIN28A and LIN28B increase HMGA2 levels in ACH-3P cells. These cells also demonstrated deficiencies in cell differentiation, seemingly differentiating solely towards the syncytiotrophoblast sublineage, secreting higher amounts of hCG, and displaying upregulated ERVW-1. Additionally, we found that a knockout of both LIN28A and LIN28B caused a significant increase of miR-182 and a decrease in BRCA1 allowing HMGA2 mRNA levels to increase and protein levels to remain the same. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we saw binding of the BRCA1 repressor complex to HMGA2. We also saw a decrease in binding to HMGA2's promoter in the LIN28A/B knockout cells. These findings suggest a novel role for BRCA1 during early human placental development.

Endoscopic Treatment for Vesicoureteral Reflux in Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Kidney Transplant: Experience of One Center.

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) after renal transplantation in adult patients has been reported. In renal transplant recipients, symptomatic urinary tract infection can cause high morbidity despite improved immunosuppressive and antibiotic treatment. In our country there have been few reported cases about use of copolymer of dextranomer and hyaluronic acid (DX-HA) injection in a renal transplant. We present 3 cases of recurrent or complicated infections with evidence of high-grade VUR, which were treated with DX-HA. Only 1 case had a partial remission; however, there were no episodes of urinary tract infection in 12 months of follow-up. Suburethral injection is an endoscopic treatment modality with low morbidity in our country.

Comparison of the antidepressant sertraline on differential depression-like behaviors elicited by restraint stress and repeated corticosterone administration.

Depressive disorder involves emotional, cognitive, autonomic and endocrine alterations and also evidences support the role of stress in the development of this disorder. Because the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is involved in the stress response with a concomitant rise in plasma corticoids, the present study compares the antidepressant effects of sertraline (10mg/kg, i.p.) on behavioral changes elicited by (i) restraint stress (2.5h/day for 13days) and (ii) corticosterone injections (30mg/kg, s.c., for 13days). Stressed animals, but not corticosterone-treated animals displayed anxiety behavior and a reduction in the acquisition of a conditioned avoidance response to 25% of control levels (8.0±2.2 vs. 31.7±3.2), being this effect partly sensitive to sertraline. Stressed, but not corticosterone-treated, animals displayed an increased escape failure compared with the control group (24.6%±3.5 vs. 1.6±0.7), an effect partly prevented by sertraline treatment (7.3%±2.0). Both stressed rats and corticosterone-treated rats showed an increase in immobility in the forced swim test, an effect prevented by sertraline. These results suggest that the altered behaviors elicited by stress and corticosterone can be explained by neural modifications that are sensitive to the sertraline antidepressant.

[Blood pressure and family history of hypertension in children from Santiago, Chile]. / Perfil de presión arterial e historia familiar de hipertensión en niños escolares sanos de Santiago de Chile.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pediatric arterial hypertension (AHT) is approximately 1% to 2%. In the last tenyears, mean blood pressure levels (BP) have raised due to obesity and changes in lifestyles. Family history (FH) of AHT is a risk factor to develop AHT in children. AIM: To assess blood pressure, cardiovascular risk factors and family history in healthy children of Santiago. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood pressure, family history of AHT, birth weight (BW), gestational age, puberal stage, blood glucose, serum lipids and ultrasensitive Reactive C Protein (usCRP) were analyzed, using data from a study of early markers of atherosclerosis in children. RESULTS: Data of 112 children aged between 6-12 years was analyzed. Hypertension (BP >percentile 95) was detected in 2.7% and pre hypertension (BP in percentiles 90-95) in 3.6% of the sample. Children with abnormal BP had higher levels of usCRP (p <0.05) and a non significant tendency towards a higher body mass index. All hypertensive and one pre hypertensive children had FH of AHT. Eleven percent of parents, had high blood pressure. In no children, both parents were hypertensive. Children with a family history of hypertension had higher concentrations of total serum cholesterol (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal prevalence of AHT found in this study is comparable to other studies. FH associated to higher levels of BP in children. Children with abnormal BP had a higher subclinical level of inflammation .

Perfil de presión arterial e historia familiar de hipertensión en niños escolares sanos de Santiago de Chile / Blood pressure and family history of hypertension in children from Santiago, Chile

Background: The prevalence of pediatric arterial hypertension (AHT) is approximately 1% to 2%. In the last ten years, mean blood pressure levels (BP) have raised due to obesity and changes in lifestyles. Family history (FH) of AHT is a risk factor to develop AHT inchildren. Aim: To assess blood pressure, cardiovascular risk factors and family history in healthy children of Santiago. Material and methods: Blood pressure, family history of AHT, birth weight(BW), gestational age, puberal stage, blood glucose, serum lipids and ultrasensitive Reactive C Protein (usCRP) were analyzed, using data from a study of early markers of atherosclerosis in children. Results: Data of 112 children aged between 6-12 years was analyzed. Hypertension (BP >percentile 95) was detected in 2.7% and pre hypertension (BP in percentiles 90-95) in 3.6% of thesample. Children with abnormal BP had higher levels of usCRP (p <0.05) and a non significant tendency towards a higher body mass index. All hypertensive and one pre hypertensive children had FH of AHT. Eleven percent of parents, had high blood pressure. In no children, both parents werehypertensive. Children with a family history of hypertension had higher concentrations of total serum cholesterol (p <0.05). Conclusions: The abnormal prevalence of AHT found in this study is comparable to other studies. FH associated to higher levels of BP in children. Children withabnormal BP had a higher subclinical level of inflammation.

Arterioesclerosis subclinica, factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos y emergentes en niños obesos chilenos / Subclinical atherosclerosis, traditional cardiovascular risk factors in obese children and emerging Chilean

La arteriosclerosis puede comenzar en la niñez y desarrollarse crónicamente dependiendo de la carga de factores de riesgo (FR) cardiovascular. Comparar niños obesos con eutrófilos en cuanto a FR clásicos, emergentes (proteina C Reactiva ultrasensible: PCRus) y arteriosclerosis subclínica, mediante dos nuevas técnicas no invasivas.

Plasticity of hippocampus following perinatal asphyxia: effects on postnatal apoptosis and neurogenesis.

Asphyxia during delivery produces long-term deficits in brain development, including hippocampus. We investigated hippocampal plasticity after perinatal asphyxia, measuring postnatal apoptosis and neurogenesis. Asphyxia was performed by immersing rat fetuses with uterine horns removed from ready-to-deliver rats into a water bath for 20 min. Caesarean-delivered pups were used as controls. The animals were euthanized 1 week or 1 month after birth. Apoptotic nuclear morphology and DNA breaks were assessed by Hoechst and TUNEL assays. Neurogenesis was estimated by bromodeoxyuridine/MAP-2 immunocytochemistry, and the levels and expression of proteins related to apoptosis and cell proliferation were measured by Western blots and in situ hybridization, respectively. There was an increase of apoptosis in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) and cell proliferation and neurogenesis in CA1, DG, and hilus regions of hippocampus 1 week after asphyxia. The increase of apoptosis in CA3 and cell proliferation in the suprapyramidal band of DG was still observed 1 month following asphyxia. There was an increase of BAD, BCL-2, ERK2, and bFGF levels in whole hippocampus and bFGF expression in CA1 and CA2 and hilus at P7 and P30. There was a concomitant decrease of phosphorylated-BAD (Ser112) levels. The increase of BAD levels supports the idea of delayed cell death after perinatal asphyxia, whereas the increases of BCL-2, ERK2, and bFGF levels suggest the activation of neuroprotective and repair pathways. In conclusion, perinatal asphyxia induces short- and long-term regionally specific plastic changes, including delayed cell death and neurogenesis, involving pro- and antiapoptotic as well as mitogenic proteins, favoring hippocampal functional recovery.

Arterioesclerosis subclínica, factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos y emergentes en niños obesos chilenos / Subclinical atherosclerosis: classic and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in Chilean obese children

La arteriosclerosis puede comenzar en la niñez y desarrollarse crónicamente dependiendo de la carga de factores de riesgo (FR) cardiovascular. Objetivo: Comparar niños obesos con eutróficos en cuanto a FR clásicos, emergentes (Proteína C Reactiva ultrasensible: PCRus) y arteriosclerosis subclínica, mediante dos nuevas técnicas no invasivas: dilatación mediada por flujo de la arteria braquial (DMF) y grosor de la íntima-media carotídea (IMT). Método: Se estudiaron 26 niños obesos (IMC ³ Pc95) y 57 eutróficos (IMC: Pc10 - Pc85). Se evaluó antropometría, presión arterial (PA), DMF, IMT, y se determinó de PCRus, perfil lipídico y glicemia de ayunas. Resultados: El 50 por ciento fueron mujeres y 41 por ciento prepúberes. Con edad de 9,9 + - 1,6 y 9,8 + - 1,8 años (ns), zIMC: 2,0 + - 0 2 y 1,7 + - 0,6, perímetro de cintura (por ciento Media): 133,5 + - 16 y 100,5 + -1 0 por ciento en obesos y eutróficos respectivamente. Los obesos tuvieron mayor Colesterol Total, CLDL, Triglicéridos, PCRus y menor CHDL (p < 0,005). No hubo diferencia significativa en DMF: 9,03 + - 5,2 por ciento vs 9,3 + - 4,2 por ciento, IMT: 0,49 + - 0,03 vs 0,50 + - 0,03 mm, glicemia ni PA. Conclusión: Este grupo de niños obesos chilenos presenta mayor carga de FR clásicos y nivel de PCRus que los eutróficos, pero no se encontró diferencia significativa en marcadores sustitutos de arteriosclerosis subclínica.

Organ donation in Latin America.

Recently in Latin America, there has been a strong influence of the "Spanish model" of organ procurement. In 2001, The "Punta Cana Group" was created by Latin American transplantation coordinators with the objective of registering and improving the system of donation and procurement. In many countries there is no universal financial support from the government for medical treatment, including dialysis and transplantation. In other countries there is complete financial support for all of the population, including immunosuppressive drugs. Practically all countries have transplantation laws that follow ethical concepts, such as brain death diagnosis criteria, forms of consent, criteria of allocation, and inhibition of commerce. The rate of potential donors notified in countries that perform transplantations with deceased donors varied from 6 to 47 per million population yearly (pmp/y); The rate of effective donors varied from 1 to 20 pmp. In 2004, the mean rate of effective donors in Latin America was 5.4 pmp. The family refusal rate for the donation of organs varied from 28% in Uruguay to 70% in Peru. In some countries, such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Cuba, it was more than 15 pmp, whereas in others countries deceased donors were practically not used. The number of patients on the waiting list for solid organ transplants in 12 Latin American countries is 55,000. Although the donation rate has increased by 100% during the last 10 years, it is lower than that in Europe (15 pmm/y) or the United States (20 pmp/y).

Costo-efectividad de la promoción de la salud en Chile: experiencia del programa íMirame! / Cost-effectiveness of health promotion in Chile: experience with íMirame! Program

Background : íMirame! program was launched in Chile in 1993, to promote a healthy life style at school age. Aim: To evaluate cost-effectiveness of this program. Material and methods: Fifth and sixth grade school children, from 5 selected municipalities of the Metropolitan Region were studied. The design was a quasi-experiment with an intervention (IP, 1,435 children) and reference population (RP, 1,246 children). Tobacco (T-C) and alcohol (OH-C) consumption were the indicators. A baseline survey was done in 1993 and repeated in 1996 in both groups. The criterion of Net Change was applied to assess effectiveness. For cost evaluation, an institutional perspective was considered. Direct municipal administration and "íMirame!" program costs were analyzed and incremental costs were calculated, using reference municipalities as controls. A univariate sensitivity analysis was done based on the beneficial discount rate and cost discount rate. Cost effectiveness coefficient was calculated. Results: The incremental cost per each boy and girl prevented from OH-C was US$ 112 (103.6-114.3) and US$ 132 (129.9-133.3) respectively. The figures for each boy and girl prevented from T-C was US$ 154 (142.7-157.4) and US$ 130 (122.5-135.2) respectively. The program caused an additional cost per child, for the city hall of US$ 11.7 in two years. Conclusions: It is possible to apply health promotion interventions in schools with a good cost effectiveness in the short run (Rev MÚd Chile 2004; 132: 361-70).

Patologia endometrial en mujeres con sangrado anormal durante terapia de reemplazo hormonal

Se presenta un estudio para analizar la incidencia de patología endometrial en mujeres sanas posmenopáusicas que reciben terapia de reemplazo hormonal (TRH) y que presentan sangrado uterino anormal. Se estudiaron 188 mujeres posmenopáusicas que presentaron flujo rojo uterino anormal (irregular o excesivo) durante TRH con estrógenos y progesterona en diferentes esquemas (49% secuencial continuo; 39% combinado continuo; 12% secuencial discontinuo. Al 100% de las pacientes se les realizó en forma ambulatoria un estudio biópsico aspirativo de endometrio. El procedimiento fue bien tolerado y no se observaron complicaciones hemorrágicas o infecciosas. Los resultados histológicos fueron los siguientes: endometrio secretor 28,8%; endometrio proliferativo 31,3%; endometrio atrófico 18,0%; hiperplasia endometrial sin atipías 4,3%; pólipo endometrial benigno 2,7%; tejido endometrial benigno, inactivo o fragmentos de epitelio 11,7%; adenocarcinoma de endometrio 0,5% y ausencia de tejido endometrial 2,7%. La biopsia aspirativa de endometrio permitió conocer la situación endometrial en 97,3% de las pacientes. Muestra insuficiente para diagnóstico se obtuvo en un 2,7% de los casos sugiriendo atrofia endometrial o patología focal no diagnosticada por el método. Se concluye que la baja incidencia de patología maligna de endometrio en nuestro estudio confirma su baja incidencia en mujeres que reciben esquemas adecuados de terapia de reemplazo hormonal.

P2Y(2) nucleotide receptor signaling in human monocytic cells: activation, desensitization and coupling to mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Activation of P2Y(2) receptors by extracellular nucleotides has been shown to induce phenotypic differentiation of human promonocytic U937 cells that is associated with the inflammatory response. The P2Y(2) receptor agonist, UTP, induced the phosphorylation of the MAP kinases MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 in a sequential manner, since ERK1/2 phosphorylation was abolished by the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD 098059. Other results indicated that P2Y(2) receptors can couple to MAP kinases via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and c-src. Accordingly, ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by UTP was inhibited by the PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, and the c-src inhibitors, radicicol and PP2, but not by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was independent of the ability of P2Y(2) receptors to increase the concentration of intracellular free calcium, since chelation of intracellular calcium by BAPTA did not diminish the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 induced by UTP. A 5-minute treatment with UTP reduced U937 cell responsiveness to a subsequent UTP challenge. UTP-induced desensitization was characterized by an increase in the EC(50) for receptor activation (from 0.44 to 9.3 microM) and a dramatic ( approximately 75%) decrease in the maximal calcium mobilization induced by a supramaximal dose of UTP. Phorbol ester treatment also caused P2Y(2) receptor desensitization (EC(50) = 12.3 microM UTP and maximal calcium mobilization reduced by approximately 33%). The protein kinase C inhibitor GF 109203X failed to significantly inhibit the UTP-induced desensitization of the P2Y(2) receptor, whereas the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid blocked receptor resensitization. Recovery of receptor activity after UTP-induced desensitization was evident in cells treated with agonist for 5 or 30 min. However, P2Y(2) receptor activity remained partially desensitized 30 min after pretreatment of cells with UTP for 1 h or longer. This sustained desensitized state correlated with a decrease in P2Y(2) receptor mRNA levels. Desensitization of ERK1/2 phosphorylation was induced by a 5-minute pretreatment with UTP, and cell responsiveness did not return even after a 30-minute incubation of cells in the absence of an agonist. Results suggest that desensitization of the P2Y(2) receptor may involve covalent modifications (i.e., receptor phosphorylation) that functionally uncouple the receptor from the calcium signaling pathway, and that transcriptional regulation may play a role in long-term desensitization. Our results indicate that calcium mobilization and ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by P2Y(2) receptor activation are independent events in U937 monocytes.

A nuclear casein kinase 2 activity is involved in early events of transcriptional activation induced by salicylic acid in tobacco.

Salicylic acid (SA) activates immediate early transcription of genes controlled by a family of DNA promoter elements named as-1-like elements. These elements are functional in the promoter of glutathione S-transferase genes. We have previously shown that SA increases the binding of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Xanthi nc) nuclear factors to the as-1 sequence in a process mediated by protein phosphorylation. In this study we give evidence for the participation of a nuclear protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase 2) in the pathway activated by SA in tobacco. The first line of evidence comes from the evaluation of the CK2 activity in nuclear extracts prepared from tobacco plants treated with SA or water as a control. Results from these experiments indicate that SA increases the nuclear CK2 activity. The second line of evidence derives from the evaluation of the in vivo effect of 5,6-dichloro-1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole (DRB), a cell-permeable CK2 inhibitor, on the responsiveness of the as-1 sequence to SA. Results from these experiments indicate that DRB impairs the activating effect of SA on the transcription of both, the GUS reporter gene controlled by a tetramer of the as-1 element, and the endogenous gnt35 gene encoding a glutathione S-transferase, in transgenic tobacco plants. DRB also impaired the increasing effect of SA on the binding of nuclear factors to the as-1 element. Furthermore, transcription of the as-1/GUS reporter gene activated by the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and by methyl jasmonate was also inhibited by DRB. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which activation of a CK2 enzyme by a plant hormone is reported.

Urinary vasodilator and vasoconstrictor angiotensins during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation.

Since normal human pregnancy is characterized by normotension in the face of an increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), we evaluated the temporal pattern of urinary excretion of a novel vasodilator within this system, angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-[1-7]), during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation. The urinary profiles of Ang I, Ang II, human chorionic gonadotropin, 17beta-estradiol, and progesterone were also determined. During the menstrual cycle, urinary Ang-(1-7) and Ang II remained stable (mean cycle value: 94.6 +/- 11.3 and 11.4 +/- 1.1 pmol/g of creatinine, respectively) in nine females. In 10 normal pregnant women, urinary Ang-(1-7) and Ang II increased throughout gestation, averaging 1499.8 +/- 310 and 224.4 +/- 58 pmol/g of creatinine, respectively (p < 0.05) at wk 35 and falling during lactation to 394.0 +/- 95 and 65.7 +/- 20 pmol/ g of creatinine (p < 0.05), respectively. The Ang-(1-7)/Ang II ratio was unchanged in the different reproductive periods. During the menstrual cycle, Ang II and Ang-(1-7) correlated with 17beta-estradiol and progesterone using multivariate analysis (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) and r = 0.28, p < 0.02, respectively). During gestation, 17beta-estradiol and progesterone correlated with urinary Ang-(1-7) (r = 0.48, p < 0.001 and r = 0.47, p < 0.001, respectively) and Ang II (r = 0.24, p < 0.03 and r = 0.25, p < 0.03, respectively); by multiple regression, only Ang-(1-7) correlated with both steroids (r = 0.49,p < 0.001). The progressive rise of Ang-(1-7) throughout gestation, probably modulated by estrogen and progesterone, suggests a physiologic counterregulation within the RAAS.

Therapeutic holding: outcomes of a pilot study.

1. Although decreasing the use of seclusion and restraints in the management of aggressive children is a critical issue facing pediatric psychiatric inpatient programs, finding effective alternatives has been a difficult challenge. 2. Therapeutic holding appears to be as effective as seclusion and restraint with respect to managing aggressive behaviors in the psychiatrically disordered child. 3. Therapeutic holding has the potential to reduce the episodes of mechanical restraints and to be perceived by children as less punitive.

[Trichobezoar: unusual diagnosis. Report of 3 cases]. / Tricobezoar: diagnostico inusual. Reporte de 3 casos.

We report 3 cases of gastric trichobezoar, recorded in the last 10 years in our Hospital. All the cases presented abdominal pain and tumor, as well as upper obstructive symptoms. The 3 cases were surgically treated with satisfactory evolution. The clinical has to consider this diagnosis taking into account the data summarized here. Surgery is a successful treatment for these cases. The literature on bezoars is reviewed.

An ouabain-sensitive Na+,K(+)-ATPase in tentacles of the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus.

Tentacles of Stichodactyla helianthus contain an ouabain-inhibitable, (Na+,K+)-stimulated ATPase. The K0.5 for Na+ was 24 mM and for K+, 3.2 mM. The apparent affinity for ouabain was low, I50 = 10(-4) M. The order of cation affinities was Rb+ > K+ > NH4+ = Cs+. The catalytic subunit of the enzyme comprised a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, M(r) = 105 kDa, that was phosphorylated by [32P]ATP in the presence of NaCl and dephosphorylated by the addition of KCl. The alpha subunit was weakly reactive with antibodies directed against the rat alpha subunit.

Prevención primaria de enfermedades crónicas del adulto: intervención sobre sus factores de riesgo en población escolar / Primary prevention of chronic diseases in adults: intervention on its risk factors in school children population

Se propone un programa para prevenir las enfermedades crónicas del adulto, cuyo objetivo es promover estilos de vida saludables en la población a través de la educación de los escolares sobre determinados factores de riesgo para la salud. El diseño considera comunidades escolares experimentales y de control. El método comprende un estudio de prevalencia para el diagnóstico basal de los factores de riesgo que se usarán como indicadores para medir el cambio, una fase de intervención donde se aplicará el programa y una etapa de evaluación en que se repetirá el estudio de prevalencia inicial para medir el impacto del programa. Los factores de riesgo que se estudiarán son tabaquismo, consumo de alcohol, sedentarismo, hipertensión arterial, obesidad y perfil lipídico. El programa durará tres años y se desarrollará en cinco comunas de Santiago metropolitano