Eutrophication assessment and environmental management perspectives of Tóbari: an arid subtropical coastal lagoon of the Gulf of California.

Coastal lagoons are vulnerable to eutrophication processes. In this study, we evaluate the eutrophication process in the restricted, arid subtropical Tóbari coastal lagoon, located in the eastern coast of the Gulf of California, where the main source of nutrient inputs and other pollutants is agricultural wastewater from the Yaqui Valley. The Assessment of Estuarine Trophic Status (ASSETS) model and the Trophic State Index (TRIX) were used to evaluate eutrophication. Overall, ASSETS showed that the Tóbari lagoon has a moderate eutrophication process, with seasonal symptoms of hypoxia, increased phytoplankton biomass, dominance of macroalgae (indicative of nutrient enrichment), and blooms development of potentially harmful algae species. The TRIX showed that the lagoon is mesotrophic most of the year. Challenges of environmental management detected correspond to reducing the input of nutrients and others contaminants from anthropic sources: agriculture, shrimp farming, livestock, and urban zones.

High sugar but not high fat diet consumption induces hepatic metabolic disruption and up-regulation of mitochondrial fission-associated protein Drp1 in a model of moderate obesity.

Identification of new modifications and the association with diet patterns are essential for the prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To address this problem, we feed rats with high caloric diets based on high sucrose (HSD) and high fat (HFD) and analysed metabolic and mitochondrial alterations. Both diets induce moderated obesity and fat accumulation in the liver after 8, 10 and 12 months of diet. The HSD induces both hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia, as well as up-regulation of transcription factors SRBEP1 and PPARγ along slight increase nitrosylation of proteins and increased mitochondrial fission. In contrast, HFD induced hyperleptinemia without changes in neither insulin levels nor oxidative stress, SREBP1, PPARγ, or mitochondrial dynamics. In conclusion, chronic consumption of high sucrose content diets induces more pathological and metabolic alteration in liver in comparison with consumption of high-fat content diets, although both induces obesity and liver steatosis in these animal models.

Scenarios of intermittent E. coli contamination from sewer overflows to shellfish growing waters: The Dart Estuary case study.

Sewage overflows (SOs) and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) significantly contribute to the bacterial contamination of coastal waters, which is of especial concern for aquaculture, a growing industry worldwide. Hydrodynamic and water quality models were used to investigate impacts of CSO discharge frequency and duration, river discharge and tides on Escherichia coli levels at shellfish farming sites in the Dart Estuary (UK), being the employed methodology generally applicable. High E. coli contamination occurred during neap tides and high river discharges due to higher retention and lower bacterial decay. Synchronicity of CSO spills affected the duration of the pollution episodes rather than peak concentrations, more influenced by discharges of the neighbouring CSOs. During peak discharges, E. coli concentrations could be 10 times higher than during average flows. CSO spills were more frequent when rainfall was >20 mm. Model outputs combined with rainfall forecasts can indicate microbiological contamination risk in the aquaculture sites.

Encuesta en población abierta respecto a términos relacionados con decisiones al final de la vida.

INTRODUCTION: Concepts related to end-of-life decisions, such as euthanasia, palliative care, advance directives and therapeutic obstinacy, are poorly understood by the general population, which, when facing a terminal situation, is not prepared to choose the best option. OBJECTIVE: Pilot study (n = 544) to find out what the open population understands about terms used in end-of-life situations in four cities of the Mexican Republic. METHOD: Survey via Internet with 18 questions about different terms. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: People older than 18 years who were not engaged in health-related professional activities were selected. CONCLUSIONS: Most terms related to end-of-life decisions were found not to be interesting to or understood by a part of the population. The least recognized term was therapeutic obstinacy (62.8%), and the most widely known, palliative care (91%); there was confusion between the terms euthanasia and assisted suicide (47.8%). Age and education level had more influence in the results, than other demographic variables.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Conceptos relacionados con las decisiones que se toman al final de la vida, como eutanasia, cuidados paliativos, voluntad anticipada y obstinación terapéutica son poco comprendidos por la población en general, que en el momento de enfrentar una situación terminal no está preparada para elegir la mejor opción. OBJETIVO: Estudio piloto (n = 544) para conocer lo que la población abierta entiende acerca de términos utilizados al final de la vida en cuatro ciudades de la república mexicana. MÉTODO: Encuesta vía internet de 18 preguntas sobre los distintos términos. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con análisis estadístico. RESULTADOS: Se eligieron personas mayores de 18 años que no trabajaran en profesiones relacionadas con la salud. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los términos del final de la vida no interesaron ni fueron entendidos por parte de la población. El término menos reconocido fue la obstinación terapéutica (62.8 %) y el más conocido, cuidados paliativos (91 %); se confunden los términos eutanasia y suicidio asistido (47.8 %). La edad y escolaridad resultaron de mayor influencia en los resultados, que las otras variables demográficas.

Encuesta en población abierta respecto a términos relacionados con decisiones al final de la vida / Open population survey regarding terms related to decisions at the end of life

Resumen Introducción: Conceptos relacionados con las decisiones que se toman al final de la vida, como eutanasia, cuidados paliativos, voluntad anticipada y obstinación terapéutica son poco comprendidos por la población en general, que en el momento de enfrentar una situación terminal no está preparada para elegir la mejor opción. Objetivo: Estudio piloto (n = 544) para conocer lo que la población abierta entiende acerca de términos utilizados al final de la vida en cuatro ciudades de la república mexicana. Método: Encuesta vía internet de 18 preguntas sobre los distintos términos. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con análisis estadístico. Resultados: Se eligieron personas mayores de 18 años que no trabajaran en profesiones relacionadas con la salud. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los términos del final de la vida no interesaron ni fueron entendidos por parte de la población. El término menos reconocido fue la obstinación terapéutica (62.8 %) y el más conocido, cuidados paliativos (91 %); se confunden los términos eutanasia y suicidio asistido (47.8 %). La edad y escolaridad resultaron de mayor influencia en los resultados, que las otras variables demográficas.

Abstract Introduction: Concepts related to end-of-life decisions, such as euthanasia, palliative care, advance directives and therapeutic obstinacy, are poorly understood by the general population, which, when facing a terminal situation, is not prepared to choose the best option. Objective: Pilot study (n = 544) to find out what the open population understands about terms used in end-of-life situations in four cities of the Mexican Republic. Method: Survey via Internet with 18 questions about different terms. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Statistical analysis was carried out. Results: People older than 18 years who were not engaged in health-related professional activities were selected. Conclusions: Most terms related to end-of-life decisions were found not to be interesting to or understood by a part of the population. The least recognized term was therapeutic obstinacy (62.8%), and the most widely known, palliative care (91%); there was confusion between the terms euthanasia and assisted suicide (47.8%). Age and education level had more influence in the results, than other demographic variables.

Connectivity of larval stages of sedentary marine communities between hard substrates and offshore structures in the North Sea.

Man-made structures including rigs, pipelines, cables, renewable energy devices, and ship wrecks, offer hard substrate in the largely soft-sediment environment of the North Sea. These structures become colonised by sedentary organisms and non-migratory reef fish, and form local ecosystems that attract larger predators including seals, birds, and fish. It is possible that these structures form a system of interconnected reef environments through the planktonic dispersal of the pelagic stages of organisms by ocean currents. Changes to the overall arrangement of hard substrate areas through removal or addition of individual man-made structures will affect the interconnectivity and could impact on the ecosystem. Here, we assessed the connectivity of sectors with oil and gas structures, wind farms, wrecks, and natural hard substrate, using a model that simulates the drift of planktonic stages of seven organisms with sedentary adult stages associated with hard substrate, applied to the period 2001-2010. Connectivity was assessed using a classification system designed to address the function of sectors in the network. Results showed a relatively stable overall spatial distribution of sector function but with distinct variations between species and years. The results are discussed in the context of decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure in the North Sea.

Fibromixoma de septum nasal: Presentación de un caso / Nasal septum fibromyxoma: A case report

Introducción: El fibromixoma es una lesión benigna poco frecuente cuya etiología aún es controversial. Rara vez aparece en cabeza y cuello, en cuyo caso afecta con mayor frecuencia a la mandíbula. Objetivo: Presentar un caso poco frecuente de fibromixoma derivado de septum nasal. Material y métodos: A continuación se describe el caso de un paciente masculino de 50 años con diagnóstico de fibromixoma proveniente del septum nasal, que se presento con epífora como única manifestación clínica; se trató quirúrgicamente con resección total endoscópica. Discusión: Son pocos los casos de fibromixoma documentados que comprometen la región nasosinusal. Conclusiones: Es importante considerar al fibromixoma dentro de los tumores del septum nasal, que a pesar de su naturaleza benigna, son lesiones que requieren resecciones amplias por su comportamiento localmente agresivo.

Introduction: Fibromyxoma is an uncommon benign lesion whose etiology is still controversial. Rarely, it appears in head and neck where the jaw is the region most often affected. Objective: To present a rare case of nasal septum fibromyxoma. Methods: We present the case of a 50 year old male with the diagnosis of fibromyxoma from the nasal septum, who presented with epiphora as the only clinical manifestation. It was treated surgically with complete endoscopic resection. Discussion: There are few cases of fibromyxoma documented that compromise sinonasal region. Conclusions: It is important to consider fibromyxoma within the differential diagnosis of nasal septum tumors, which despite its benign nature, requires extensive resections due to its locally aggressive behavior.

¿en qué medida ss verdad que los sujetos de investigación comprenden sus derechos? / To what exten iss it true that research subjects understand their iights? / Em qe medida é vverdade que os sujeitos de pesquisa compreendem seus direitos?

Este artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar la comprensión de los sujetos de experimentación acerca de sus derechos, y en qué medida son capaces de hacerlos valer. Es un estudio cualitativo, con entrevistas semiestructuradas, muestreo intencional y análisis situacional, en instituciones de salud en Ciudad de México. Se encontró que los sujetos de investigación en países como México presentan una extrema vulnerabilidad y dependencia hacia el médico reflejada y agravada por su desconocimiento de lo implicado en su participación en el protocolo de investigación, tal como se manifiesta en las respuestas a las entrevistas. Se concluye que se debe involucrar al investigador en mayor grado en el proceso de obtención del consentimiento informado (CI) de manera que resuelva eficazmente las dudas del paciente sobre la naturaleza y los efectos del tratamiento al que se va a someter. Por otro lado, es necesario empoderar al sujeto para exigir lo justo en beneficios y compensación de daños en caso de efectos adversos, superando la actitud arraigada todavía en el modelo paternalista.

The objective of this article is to assess what the subjects of experiments know about their rights and to what extent they are able to exercise them. The study in question is qualitative and features semi-structured interviews, purposive sampling and situation analysis conducted at health institutions in Mexico City. The findings show research subjects in countries such as Mexico are extremely vulnerable and dependent on the physician. As manifest in the responses to the interviews, this situation is reflected in and compounded by their lack of knowledge about what their participation in the research protocol implies. The conclusion is that researchers should be more involved in the process of obtaining informed consent (IC), so as to effectively address the patient's concerns about the nature and effects of the treatment they will receive. It also is necessary to empower the subject to demand what is fair in terms of benefits and compensation for damages in the event of adverse effects, by overcoming attitudes still entrenched in the paternalistic model.

Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a compreensão dos sujeitos de experimentação sobre seus direitos, e em que medida são capazes de fazê-los valer. É um estudo qualitativo, com entrevistas semiestruturadas, amostragem intencional e análise situacional, em instituições de saúde na Cidade do México. Constatou-se que os sujeitos de pesquisa em países como o México apresentam uma extrema vulnerabilidade e dependência do médico refletida e agravada por seu desconhecimento do implicado em sua participação no protocolo de pesquisa, tal como se manifesta nas respostas às entrevistas. Conclui-se que se deve envolver o pesquisador em maior grau no processo de obtenção do consentimento informado (CI) de maneira que resolva eficazmente de dúvidas do paciente sobre a natureza e os efeitos do tratamento ao qual será submetido. Por outro lado, é necessário fortalecer o sujeito para exigir o justo em benefícios e compensação de danos em caso de efeitos adversos, superando a atitude enraizada ainda no modelo paternalista.

[Third National Ovarian Consensus. 2011. Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer de Ovario y Tumores Ginecológicos de México "GICOM"]. / Tercer Consenso Nacional de Cáncer de Ovario 2011. Grupo de Investigación en Cáncer de Ovario y Tumores Ginecológicos de México "GICOM".

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide. Most of cases it is of epithelial origin. At the present time there is not a standardized screening method, which makes difficult the early diagnosis. The 5-year survival is 90% for early stages, however most cases present at advanced stages, which have a 5-year survival of only 5-20%. GICOM collaborative group, under the auspice of different institutions, have made the following consensus in order to make recommendations for the diagnosis and management regarding to this neoplasia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following recommendations were made by independent professionals in the field of Gynecologic Oncology, questions and statements were based on a comprehensive and systematic review of literature. It took place in the context of a meeting of two days in which a debate was held. These statements are the conclusions reached by agreement of the participant members. RESULTS: No screening method is recommended at the time for the detection of early lesions of ovarian cancer in general population. Staging is surgical, according to FIGO. In regards to the pre-surgery evaluation of the patient, it is recommended to perform chest radiography and CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast. According to the histopathology of the tumor, in order to consider it as borderline, the minimum percentage of proliferative component must be 10% of tumor's surface. The recommended standardized treatment includes primary surgery for diagnosis, staging and cytoreduction, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy Surgery must be performed by an Oncologist Gynecologist or an Oncologist Surgeon because inadequate surgery performed by another specialist has been reported in 75% of cases. In regards to surgery it is recommended to perform total omentectomy since subclinic metastasis have been documented in 10-30% of all cases, and systematic limphadenectomy, necessary to be able to obtain an adequate surgical staging. Fertility-sparing surgery will be performed in certain cases, the procedure should include a detailed inspection of the contralateral ovary and also negative for malignancy omentum and ovary biopsy. Until now, laparoscopy for diagnostic-staging surgery is not well known as a recommended method. The recommended chemotherapy is based on platin and taxanes for 6 cycles, except in Stage IA, IB and grade 1, which have a good prognosis. In advanced stages, primary cytoreduction is recommended as initial treatment. Minimal invasion surgery is not a recommended procedure for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Radiotherapy can be used to palliate symptoms. Follow up of the patients every 2-4 months for 2 years, every 3-6 months for 3 years and anually after the 5th year is recommended. Evaluation of quality of life of the patient must be done periodically. CONCLUSIONS: In the present, there is not a standardized screening method. Diagnosis in early stages means a better survival. Standardized treatment includes primary surgery with the objective to perform an optimal cytoreduction followed by chemotherapy Treatment must be individualized according to each patient. Radiotherapy can be indicated to palliate symptoms.

Diferencias entre comités de ética en investigación públicos y privados en ciudad de México: un estudio cualitativo / Diferenças entre comitês de ética públicos ou privados em pesquisa na Cidade de México: um estudo cualitativo / Differences between public and private research ethics committees in México City: a qualitative study

Describir problemas que enfrentan los Comités de Ética en Investigación (CEI) en la Ciudad de México. Método. Estudio cualitativo con muestreo intencional, grupos de discusión y teoría fundamentada con CEI de sector público y privado en instituciones de salud de la Ciudad de México. Resultados. Se detectaron importantes diferencias entre los CEI públicos y privados. Principalmente en carga de trabajo y prioridades de investigación. Los protocolos aprobados por CEI públicos son asumidos por la institución como un todo. Enfrentan cada caso como equipo de salud. Los CEI privados dirigen la responsabilidad de los protocolos al investigador principal que es quien la asume individualmente. Los CEI privados tienen una agenda centrada en los reportes de efectos adversos y la legalidad del proceso, mientras que los públicos en general se abocan además a la relevancia de la investigación para los pacientes. Ambos reciben pago por la revisión. Ambos coinciden en priorizar la ética de los protocolos en beneficio del paciente. Ambos están al tanto de que la industria farmacéutica les marca sus prioridades de investigación. Los CEI públicos abarcan principalmente investigación epidemiológica. Los CEI privados, esencialmente terapéutica.

Describe the problems facing research ethics committees (RECs) in Mexico City. Methodo. A qualitative study with purposive sampling, discussion groups and grounded theory focused on public and private sector RECs in health institutions in Mexico City. Results. Significant differences were detected between public and private RECs, mainly with respect to their workload and research priorities. The protocols approved by public RECs are assumed by the institution as whole. They address each case as health team. In contrast, the private RECs place accountability for the protocols on the chief researcher, who assumes that responsibility individually. The private RECs have an agenda focused on reports of adverse effects and the legality of the process, while the public RECs also generally afford consideration to the relevance of research for patients. Both are paid for the review. Both agree on prioritizing the ethics of protocols for the benefit of the patient. Both are aware the pharmaceutical industry has its research priorities. The public RECs deal mainly with epidemiological research, while the private RECs are concerned essentially with therapeutic research.

Objetivo. Descrever os problemas enfrentados pelos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa (CEI) na Cidade do México. Metodo. Estudo qualitativo com amostragem intencional, grupos focais e teoria fundamentada, realizado nos CEI dos setores público e privado em instituições de saúde na Cidade do México. Resultados. Foram detectadas diferenças significativas entre os CEIs públicos e os privados. Principalmente nas prioridades de trabalho e pesquisa. A instituição se encarrega dos protocolos aprovados pelos CEIs públicos como um todo. Cada caso é estudado como equipe de saúde. Os CEIs privados delegam a responsabilidade dos protocolos ao investigador principal, que os assume individualmente. Estes CEIs têm uma agenda baseada nos relatórios de efeitos adversos e da legalidade do processo, enquanto os públicos procuram, ademais, a relevância da pesquisa para os pacientes. Ambos recebem pagos pela revisão. Ambos concordam em priorizar a ética dos protocolos em benefício do paciente. Ambos estão conscientes de que a indústria farmacêutica determina as suas prioridades de pesquisa. Os CEIs públicos dedicam-se à investigação epidemiológica; os privados, à terapêutica.

Micobacterias no tuberculosas asociadas a procedimientos de mesoterapia en Colombia, 2004-2007 / Nontuberculous mycobacteria associated to mesotherapy treatment in Colombia, 2004-2007

Introducción: La mesoterapia es un procedimiento estético de amplio uso en nuestro país, por lo que se requiere una vigilancia de las infecciones posteriores a la administraciónde la misma. El objetivo de esteestudio fue describir la presencia de micobacterias no tuberculosas asociadas a los procedimientos de mesoterapia. Materiales y métodos: Se procesaron muestras de material purulento, biopsias y aislamientos provenientes de 80 pacientes con lesiones de piel posteriores a mesoterapia, de acuerdo con los protocolos estandarizados por el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia del Instituto Nacional de Salud. Resultados: Se confirmó infección subcutánea por micobacterias no tuberculosas en 33 (41,2%) pacientes. El tipo de muestra de donde se aisló con mayor frecuencia fue la secreción de las lesiones de piel 31 (93,9%). Las especies de micobacterias identificadas fueron: Mycobacterium chelonae, 19 (57,5%);de la Mycobacterium fortuitum, 8 (24,2%), y Mycobacterium abscessus, 6 (18,2%). Discusión: El diagnóstico de micobacteriosis se establece por los antecedentes del paciente y por las manifestaciones clínicas. La presencia de micobacterias no tuberculosas como causa de enfermedad es cada vez másfrecuente; de ahí, la importancia de realizar el diagnóstico por cultivo e identificación de especie. Se debe sospechar la etiología por micobacterias en los casos con antecedentes de mesoterapia, abscesos dolorosos en lossitios de la inyección y una inadecuada respuesta a la terapia antibiótica convencional. Se evidenció que en el caso de lesiones causadas después de este tipo de procedimiento se obtenía un mayor número de cultivos positivos a partir de las muestras de materialpurulento, en comparación con las biopsias.

Introduction: Mesotherapy is an aesthetic treatment widely used in our country; therefore, surveillance of subcutaneous infection after mesotherapy is required. The purposeof this study is to describe the presence of nontuberculous mycobacteria associated with mesotherapy treatments. Material and methods: Samples of purulent material, biopsies and isolates from 80 patients with skin lesions caused by mesotherapy wereprocessed according to protocols approved by the Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia, LNR, (National Reference Laboratory) of Instituto Nacional de Salud (Health National Institute.)Results: Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in 33 (41.2%) patients was confirmed. The sample type where it was most frequently isolated was skin lesion secretion in 31 (93.9%) patients. Mycobacteria species identified were:Mycobacterium chelonae 19 (57.5%), Mycobacterium fortuitum 8 (24.2%) and Mycobacterium abscessus 6 (18.2%). Discussion: Clinical diagnosis of mycobacteriosis is difficult; it is established by the patient’s history and his/her clinical manifestations. The presence of nontuberculousmycobacteria as a disease agent isvery frequent; for that reason, it is important to perform sample cultures for diagnosis and species identification. Special attention must be paid to possible mycobacterial infection when there is previous report ofmesotherapy treatment injections, presence of painful abscesses in injection sites, and an inadequate clinical outcome from antibioticconventional therapies. It has been confirmed that, in case of skin lesions caused after this kind of treatment, the sample obtained from purulent material shows higher positivity than the biopsies.

Sea-urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) glutathione S-transferases and cholinesterase activities as biomarkers of environmental contamination.

Activities of glutathione S-transferases (GST) and cholinesterase (ChE) from Paracentrotus lividus were investigated as possible biomarkers of environmental contamination in the coastal zone. In the first phase of the study, the activity of both enzymes was determined in various tissues in order to select the most appropriate ones to be used in the following assays. In the second phase, the ChEs present in ambulacra were characterized using different substrates and selective inhibitors. In the next phase, laboratory bioassays were performed with dilutions of water-accommodated fraction of #4 fuel-oil (WAF) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) to determine the response of those enzymes to these pollutants and, finally, the activity of both enzymes was determined during a year in indigenous specimens from six sites on the Northwest coast of Portugal, with different pollution levels, to determine basal values and seasonal variations of ChE and GST activities. Among the several tissues tested, ambulacra and the anterior portion of the intestine were selected for ChE and GST assays, respectively. The determination of ChE in ambulacra tissue may be performed in a non-destructive way. Ambulacra ChE hydrolysed acetylthiocholine preferentially to propionylthiocholine and butyrylthiocholine and, inhibition by excess of substrate was observed. Enzymatic activity was almost fully inhibited by eserine sulfate (>98%) at concentrations equal or higher than 6.25 microM. Sensitivity to both BW284C51 (reaching 98% at 200 microM) and iso-OMPA (73% at 8 mM) was found. In laboratory bioassays, GSTs activity was inhibited by WAF and induced by BaP, whereas ChE activity was not affected by any of these environmental contaminants. Seasonal variations in enzymatic activities were found. For example, in a reference site, ChE values changed from 52.2 +/- 9.3 U mg(-1) protein in autumn to 71.8 +/- 13.3 U mg(-1) protein in spring, while GST activity changed from 129.9 +/- 29.8 U mg(-1) protein in winter to 279.0 +/- 48.0 U mg(-1) protein in autumn. Sea-urchins from reference sites presented significantly higher values of both ChE and GST than animals from contaminated sites in all seasons. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that (i) ambulacra and the anterior portion of intestine are the most suitable tissues to measure ChE and GST activities, respectively; (ii) only one form of ChE seems to be present in ambulacra, showing properties of both typical acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and pseudocholinesterase (PChE); (iii)P. lividus GST is sensitive to both WAF and BaP even after acute exposures while ChE is not, and (iv) in spite of the significant seasonal variations observed in both enzymes in the field, P. lividus ChE and GST were capable of discriminate sites with different contamination levels and, thus, they are suitable for use as biomarkers in biomonitoring studies in the coastal zone.

Identification of cell surface and secreted proteins essential for tumor cell survival using a genetic suppressor element screen.

Survival factors play critical roles in regulating cell growth in normal and cancer cells. We designed a genetic screen to identify survival factors which protect tumor cells from apoptosis. A retroviral expression library of random cDNA fragments was constructed from cancer cells and used to transduce the colon carcinoma cell line HCT116. Recipient cells were functionally selected for induction of caspase 3-mediated apoptosis. Analyses of over 10,000 putative genetic suppression elements (GSEs) sequences revealed cognate gene candidates that are implicated in apoptosis. We further analysed 26 genes encoding cell surface and secreted proteins that can potentially serve as targets for therapeutic antibodies. Tetracycline-inducible GSEs from several gene candidates induced apoptosis in stable HCT 116 cell lines. Similar phenotypes were caused by RNAi derived from the same genes. Our data suggest requirement for the cell surface targets IGF2R, L1CAM and SLC31A1 in tumor cell growth in vitro, and suggests that IGF2R is required for xenograft tumor growth in a mouse model.

Redes y apoyo social en ancianos enfermos de escasos recursos en Guadalajara, México / Social network and social support among poor elderly ill in Guadalajara, Mexico

Analiza la composición de las redes y el apoyo social de ancianos enfermos de escasos recursos en Guadalajara, México. Se entrevistaron a 40 ancianos durante su hospitalización con un cuestionario de preguntas abiertas. Las redes sociales de estos ancianos están compuestas por 7,5 integrantes en promedio, principalmente mujeres, son redes multigeneracionales e incluyen a la familia extensa. Las redes en su mayoría proporcionan apoyo emocional. Las ancianas tienen redes más grandes y reciben más apoyo social en comparación a los ancianos varones; los ancianos casados y viudos, a su vez, tienen redes más grandes y reciben más apoyo social que los solteros. No hay diferencias por la edad y con quien vive en la unidad doméstica. Se requieren futuros estudios sobre los aspectos culturales y sociales sobre el tema.

Papel de la quimioterapia en el tratamiento del carcinoma cervicouterino / Role of the chemotherapy in the cervical carcinoma treatment

El carcinoma cervicouterino es la neoplasia más frecuente en México. Pese a los esfuerzos de detección temprana en nuestro país, la tasa de mortalidad permanece sin modificaciones importantes. La radioterapia y cirugía son las modalidades terapéuticas primarias; sin embargo, la quimioterapia cada vez está siendo más utilizada. En la enfermedad metastásica o recurrente, el cisplatino continua siendo la droga más efectiva; sin embargo, los resultados del tratamiento con quimioterapia no han podido mejorarse y la mediana de supervivencia permanece sin cambios. Por lo tanto, es necesario seguir ensayando nuevas combinaciones y nuevas drogas. La quimioterapia adyuvante con o sin radioterapia secuencial en estadios clínicos tempranos de alto riesgo no ha mostrado ser útil. En estadios localmente avanzados (IIB a IVA) la quimioterapia neoadyuvante seguida de radioterapia no es mejor que la radioterapia sola, mientras que la neoadyuvancia seguida de cirugía es una modalidad muy prometedora tanto en tumores tempranos (IB2 a IIA) como localmente avanzados. Estudios recientes de quimio-radioterapia concomitante tanto de manera adyuvante o como tratamiento definitivo demuestran la superioridad de este tratamiento al compararlo con radioterapia estándar. En conclusión, a pesar de que el uso de quimioterapia neoadyuvante o adyuvante en el carcinoma cervicouterino sigue siendo experimental, parece ser una modalidad prometedora. El tratamiento óptimo de estas pacientes aún está por definirse, por lo tanto debe alentarse la participación de las enfermas en estudios clínicos que evalúen las diversas modalidades terapéuticas. Para las pacientes que por algún motivo se traten fuera de protocolos clínicos y requieran radioterapia, los estudios sugieren que deben recibir quimioterapia concomitante con la radioterapia.