Properties and Functional Analysis of Two Chorismate Mutases from Maritime Pine.

Through the shikimate pathway, a massive metabolic flux connects the central carbon metabolism with the synthesis of chorismate, the common precursor of the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, as well as other compounds, including salicylate or folate. The alternative metabolic channeling of chorismate involves a key branch-point, finely regulated by aromatic amino acid levels. Chorismate mutase catalyzes the conversion of chorismate to prephenate, a precursor of phenylalanine and tyrosine and thus a vast repertoire of fundamental derived compounds, such as flavonoids or lignin. The regulation of this enzyme has been addressed in several plant species, but no study has included conifers or other gymnosperms, despite the importance of the phenolic metabolism for these plants in processes such as lignification and wood formation. Here, we show that maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) has two genes that encode for chorismate mutase, PpCM1 and PpCM2. Our investigations reveal that these genes encode plastidial isoenzymes displaying activities enhanced by tryptophan and repressed by phenylalanine and tyrosine. Using phylogenetic studies, we have provided new insights into the possible evolutionary origin of the cytosolic chorismate mutases in angiosperms involved in the synthesis of phenylalanine outside the plastid. Studies based on different platforms of gene expression and co-expression analysis have allowed us to propose that PpCM2 plays a central role in the phenylalanine synthesis pathway associated with lignification.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Sargassum spp. for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2.

This study presents a green method of producing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using aqueous extracts from Sargassum spp. as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents. The CuNPs created using this algae-based method are not hazardous, they are eco-friendly, and less toxic than their chemically synthesized counterparts. The XRD characterization of the CuNPs revealed the presence of Cu and CuO, with a crystallite size ranging from 13 to 17 nm. Following this, the CuNPs were supported onto a carbon substrate, also derived from Sargassum spp. (biochar CSKPH). The CuNPs in biochar (CuNPs-CSKPH) did not appear in the XRD diffractograms, but the SEM-EDS results showed that they accounted for 36 % of the copper weight. The voltamperometric study of CuNps-CSKPH in acid media validated the presence of Cu and the amount was determined to be 2.58 µg. The catalytic activity of CuNPs-CSKPH was analyzed for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. The use of Sargassum spp. has great potential to tackle two environmental problems simultaneously, by using it as raw material for the synthesis of activated biochar as support, as well as the synthesis of CuNPs, and secondly, by using it as a sustainable material for the electrochemical conversion of CO2.

Histone modification analysis reveals common regulators of gene expression in liver and blood stage merozoites of Plasmodium parasites.

Gene expression in malaria parasites is subject to various layers of regulation, including histone post-translational modifications (PTMs). Gene regulatory mechanisms have been extensively studied during the main developmental stages of Plasmodium parasites inside erythrocytes, from the ring stage following invasion to the schizont stage leading up to egress. However, gene regulation in merozoites that mediate the transition from one host cell to the next is an understudied area of parasite biology. Here, we sought to characterize gene expression and the corresponding histone PTM landscape during this stage of the parasite lifecycle through RNA-seq and ChIP-seq on P. falciparum blood stage schizonts, merozoites, and rings, as well as P. berghei liver stage merozoites. In both hepatic and erythrocytic merozoites, we identified a subset of genes with a unique histone PTM profile characterized by a region of H3K4me3 depletion in their promoter. These genes were upregulated in hepatic and erythrocytic merozoites and rings, had roles in protein export, translation, and host cell remodeling, and shared a DNA motif. These results indicate that similar regulatory mechanisms may underlie merozoite formation in the liver and blood stages. We also observed that H3K4me2 was deposited in gene bodies of gene families encoding variant surface antigens in erythrocytic merozoites, which may facilitate switching of gene expression between different members of these families. Finally, H3K18me and H2K27me were uncoupled from gene expression and were enriched around the centromeres in erythrocytic schizonts and merozoites, suggesting potential roles in the maintenance of chromosomal organization during schizogony. Together, our results demonstrate that extensive changes in gene expression and histone landscape occur during the schizont-to-ring transition to facilitate productive erythrocyte infection. The dynamic remodeling of the transcriptional program in hepatic and erythrocytic merozoites makes this stage attractive as a target for novel anti-malarial drugs that may have activity against both the liver and blood stages.

Growth of Anodic Layers on 304L Stainless Steel Using Fluoride Free Electrolytes and Their Electrochemical Behavior in Chloride Solution.

Anodic layers have been grown on 304L stainless steel (304L SS) using two kinds of fluoride-free organic electrolytes. The replacement of NH4F for NaAlO2 or Na2SiO3 in the glycerol solution and the influence of the H2O concentration have been examined. The obtained anodic layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization tests. Here, it was found that, although the anodic layers fabricated within the NaAlO2-electrolyte and high H2O concentrations presented limited adherence to the substrate, the anodizing in the Na2SiO3-electrolyte and low H2O concentrations allowed the growth oxide layers, and even a type of ordered morphology was observed. Furthermore, the electrochemical tests in chloride solution determined low chemical stability and active behavior of oxide layers grown in NaAlO2-electrolyte. In contrast, the corrosion resistance was improved approximately one order of magnitude compared to the non-anodized 304L SS substrate for the anodizing treatment in glycerol, 0.05 M Na2SiO3, and 1.7 vol% H2O at 20 mA/cm2 for 6 min. Thus, this anodizing condition offers insight into the sustainable growth of oxide layers with potential anti-corrosion properties.

Physicochemical and Optical Characterization of Citrus aurantium Derived Biochar for Solar Absorber Applications.

Agro-industrial waste valorization is an attractive approach that offers new alternatives to deal with shrinkage and residue problems. One of these approaches is the synthesis of advanced carbon materials. Current research has shown that citrus waste, mainly orange peel, can be a precursor for the synthesis of high-quality carbon materials for chemical adsorption and energy storage applications. A recent approach to the utilization of advanced carbon materials based on lignocellulosic biomass is their use in solar absorber coatings for solar-thermal applications. This study focused on the production of biochar from Citrus aurantium orange peel by a pyrolysis process at different temperatures. Biochars were characterized by SEM, elemental analysis, TGA-DSC, FTIR, DRX, Raman, and XPS spectroscopies. Optical properties such as diffuse reflectance in the UV-VIS-NIR region was also determined. Physical-chemical characterization revealed that the pyrolysis temperature had a negative effect in yield of biochars, whereas biochars with a higher carbon content, aromaticity, thermal stability, and structural order were produced as the temperature increased. Diffuse reflectance measurements revealed that it is possible to reduce the reflectance of the material by controlling its pyrolysis temperature, producing a material with physicochemical and optical properties that could be attractive for use as a pigment in solar absorber coatings.

Relación entre condición nutricional, deterioro neurocognitivo, dependencia funcional y depresión en adultos mayores, Ilama, Honduras / Relationship between nutritional condition, neurocognitive impairment, functional dependence, and depression in elderly people, Ilama, Honduras

l virus SARS-CoV-2, es responsable de la enfermedad COVID-19; para su detección indirecta se utilizan inmunoensayos que cuantifican anticuerpos séricos contra algunas de sus proteínas. Objetivo: documentar resultados de la técnica ELISA, para la identificación cualitativa de anticuerpos contra SARS-CoV-2 en sujetos de Tegucigalpa y Comayagüela y la determinación de relevancia epidemiológica y clínica que presenta esta prueba. Material y Métodos: estudio correlacional transversal de 596 sujetos, a quienes se les practicó ELISA para la determinación de anticuerpos contra el SARS-CoV-2. Se recolectó datos epidemiológicos y clínicos del 13 de mayo al 31 de agosto 2020. Resultados: se analizó datos de 492 sujetos, 271 mujeres y 221 hombres, 313 de Tegucigalpa y 179 de Comayagüela. La edad media fue de 42.1 años; 253 tuvieron nexo epidemiológico negativo y 239 fueron positivos, se identificaron 88 profesiones, con base en la clasificación del Departamento de Trabajo de Estados Unidos y se categorizaron en grupos de riesgo bajo, medio y alto. Se encontraron 12 síntomas clínicos y 2 enfermedades concomitantes. De acuerdo al resultado de la prueba ELISA, los resultados se estructuraron en cuatro grupos: IgM e IgG negativos, IgM positivos, IgM e IgG positivos e IgG positivos, los que se asociaron con las variables epidemiológicas y clínicas. Los habitantes de Comayagüela presentaron mayor número de casos de ELISA positiva en comparación con los de Tegucigalpa. 1Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNAH. 2 Laboratorios Molina, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 3 Western International School, San Pedro Sula. 4 Grupo de Investigación Historia. 5 Dirección General de Documentos Normativos, SESAL. 6 Grupo de Investigación Historia. 7 Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, UNAH. Autor corresponsal: Mayra Gabriela Handal Lorenzana. mayr_gt@hotmail.com Recibido: 15/04/2021 Aceptado: 28/06/2021 Conclusiones: no hubo difer encia entr e edad (p=0.528) y sexo (p=0.245) en cuanto a los resultados del ELISA. Un tercio de los sujetos a los que se detectó algún anticuerpo no refirieron nexo epidemiológico. Las profesiones u ocupaciones más afectadas fueron las de riesgo medio y los síntomas identificados más frecuentes fueron fiebre, cefalea y odinofagia...(AU)

Ceiba pentandra cellulose crosslinked with citric acid for drug release systems.

An alternative for the production of drug delivery system is proposed based on the Ceiba pentandra milkweed. The kapok cellulose was chemically crosslinked with citric acid (CA) at different CA proportions, and loaded with chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX) at different concentrations. Cellulose crosslinking was followed with FTIR and XPS analysis, and the CHX loading was determined using elemental analysis. In vitro studies showed a burst release within the first 2-3 h and the drug release kinetics was described with several models. In addition, the crosslinked Ceiba pentandra fibers did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect on human dermic fibroblasts. Results indicate that the crosslinked Ceiba pentandra fibers are a feasible material for the production of systems for drug release applications.

Direct or Collateral Liver Damage in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients.

Liver injury can result from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with more than one-third of COVID-19 patients exhibiting elevated liver enzymes. Microvesicular steatosis, inflammation, vascular congestion, and thrombosis in the liver have been described in autopsy samples from COVID-19 patients. Several factors, including direct cytopathic effect of the virus, immune-mediated collateral damage, or an exacerbation of preexisting liver disease may contribute to liver pathology in COVID-19. Due to its immunological functions, the liver is an organ likely to participate in the viral response against SARS-CoV-2 and this may predispose it to injury. A better understanding of the mechanism contributing to liver injury is needed to develop and implement early measures to prevent serious liver damage in patients suffering from COVID-19. This review summarizes current reports of SARS-CoV-2 with an emphasis on how direct infection and subsequent severe inflammatory response may contribute to liver injury in patients with and without preexisting liver disease.

Tactile trigeminal region acuity in temporomandibular disorders: A reliability and cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Two-point discrimination (2-PD) is a valuable test for measuring tactile acuity that provides relevant information about cortical reorganisation and somatosensory function. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of the present study were to assess intra- and interexaminer reliability of the 2-PD test in the trigeminal region in asymptomatic individuals and only intra-examiner reliability in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The secondary objective was to observe the correlations of the 2-PD test with regard to pain intensity and psychological and disability variables. METHODS: Intra- and interexaminer reliability of 2-PD in the trigeminal region was assessed in 40 asymptomatic individuals and 54 patients with TMD. Each clinician received training in the assessment of 2-PD using an esthesiometer and following a standardised protocol for the three branches of trigeminal nerve. RESULTS: In the asymptomatic participants, interexaminer (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC .64-.88) and test-retest (ICC .70-.87) values were obtained. Given similar test-retest values were shown in the group of patients with TMD (ICC .72-.86), the reliability were considered good-moderate. Statistically significant differences (P < .001) were obtained between the asymptomatic participants and the patients with TMD regarding the mean values from trials of the three trigeminal branch measurements, with a large effect size. CONCLUSION: Reliability of the 2-PD test was considered good-moderate. Patients with TMD showed greater distances in the 2-PD test, suggesting that tactile acuity in the trigeminal region is impaired in patients with TMD. Assessment of tactile acuity with 2-PD test in patients with TMD should be considered clinically.

Eficacia del método Ponseti en el tratamiento del pie equinovaro / Ponseti method efficacy in treatment of clubfoot

Contexto: El pie equinovaro es una deformidad musculoesquelética congénita caracterizada por la presencia de cavo, varo, adducto y equino. Afecta a 1-7 de cada 1000 nacimientos. Un pie zambo no tratado puede generar dolor y discapacidad durante la vida de la persona. El método Ponseti se ha convertido en la principal modalidad de tratamiento para el manejo del pie zambo produciendo buenos resultados a largo plazo. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue evaluar la eficacia del método Ponseti y la evolución de los pacientes en función de las tasas de recurrencia, tenotomías y cirugías asociadas. También se determinó si la edad de los niños influía en el éxito del tratamiento. Métodos: Se realizó una estrategia de búsqueda a través de Pubmed hasta abril de 2018. Los términos de búsqueda incluyeron pie zambo, método Ponseti y pie equinovaro. Se incluyeron metaanálisis, revisiones sistemáticas, ensayos clínicos y series de casos. También se examinaron las referencias bibliográficas de los artículos seleccionados. Resultados: Veintisiete artículos fueron incluidos en esta revisión. La literatura actual muestra una tasa de éxito del 78-92% utilizando el método Ponseti. Conclusión: El método Ponseti ofrece resultados alentadores en términos funcionales y estéticos, así como disminución del grado de corrección quirúrgica cuando los resultados no sean los esperados. Se necesita más investigación para generar evidencia de mayor calidad con mayores tamaños muestrales y unificación a la hora de medir la severidad de la deformidad. Otra limitación encontrada fue la ausencia de la definición de fracaso de tratamiento y sus correspondientes motivos

Background: Clubfoot is a congenital musculoskeletal deformity characterized by heel varus, indfoot equinus, mid-foot cavus and forefoot adduction. It is the most common defect that affects between 1 and 7 births in every 1000. Left untreated, clubfoot may lead to pain and disability throughout the person ́s life. Ponseti method has become the main treatment modality for the management of clubfoot producing good long-term results. The aim of this manuscript was to determine the efficacy of the Ponseti method for the treatment of CTEV and to evaluate the evolution of patients based on the recurrence rate, tenotomies rates and surgeries. Also determine if the age of children influences the success of the treatment. Methods: A search strategy completed examined Pubmed from inception to April 2018. Search terms included clubfoot, Ponseti method and equinovarus. Meta-analysis, systematic reviews, randomized control trials and case series were included. The reference lists of the selected articles were also examined. Results: Twenty-seven articles were included in this review. The current literature shows a success of the Ponseti method of 78-92%. Conclusion: Ponseti treatment for clubfoot has encouraging results in terms of attaining a functionally and cosmetically foot and lessening the extent of surgical correction in cases in which it does not reach the expected results. Further research is needed to generate higher quality evidence with larger sample sizes hich evaluate the severity of the deformity with the same measures. Another lack was the absence of a definition of treatment failure with the reasons

Prevalencia del consumo de tabaco en pacientes en tratamiento renal sustitutivo. Dependencia y actitudes ante el abandono / Prevalence of smoking in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy. Dependence and attitudes towards abandonment

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia del consumo de tabaco en pacientes en diálisis, el grado de dependencia y la predisposición para dejar de fumar. Material y Método: Se incluyeron un total de 157 pacientes en diálisis peritoneal y hemodiálisis. Se realizó un registro a cada uno de los pacientes, con datos relacionados con su historia médica y tratamiento. Se identificó la situación actual en relación al consumo, y se administró una batería de cuestionarios. Resultados: La prevalencia de exfumadores fue de 42.04% y la de fumadores activos del 15.28%. Presentando la mayor parte de ellos un consumo diario moderado y un grado de dependencia leve en el 70.8% de los casos. Conclusion: Más de la mitad de los fumadores activos en nuestra población se encuentran motivados y preparados para el abandono, por lo que se recomienda establecer medidas facilitadoras promuevan el abandono (AU)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of smoking in dialysis patients, the degree of dependence and the predisposition to quit smoking. Material and Method: A total of 157 patients were included in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Each patient was enrolled, with data related to their medical history and treatment. The current situation in relation to consumption was identified, and different questionnaires were administered. Results: The prevalence of ex-smokers was 42.04% and active smokers, 15.28%. Most of them presented moderate daily consumption and a mild degree of dependence in 70.8% of the cases. Conclusion: More than half of active smokers in our population are motivated and prepared for abandonment, so it is recommended to establish facilitative measures that promote abandonment (AU)

[Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in children]. / Hiperinsulinemia y resistencia insulínica en niños de dos escuelas públicas de Oaxaca, México.

BACKGROUND: Obesity during childhood is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases during adulthood. AIM: To measure insulin and glucose levels and parameters of insulin resistance in obese, overweight and normal weight Mexican children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparative study of 21 obese children with a body mass index (BMI) over percentile 95, aged 10 ± 1 years (10 males), 14 children aged 10 ± 2 (7 males) with a BMI between percentiles 85 and 94 and 16 children aged 9 ± 2 years (3 males) with a body mass index between percentiles 10 and 84. Body weight, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured and a blood sample was obtained to measure fasting glucose and insulin levels. Homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. RESULTS: Among obese, overweight and normal weight children, insulin levels were 14.9 (95% CI 10.90-18.99), 7.20 (CI 5.12-9.28) and 4.73 (CI 95% 1.92-7.53) uU/ml, respectively. The figures for HOMA were 3.16 (95% CI 2.20-4.12), 1.49 (95% CI 1.03-1.94) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.35-1.60), respectively. The figures for QUICKI were 0.331 (95% CI 0.319-0.343), 0.371 (95% CI 0.349-0.393) and 0.419 (95% CI 0.391-0.446), respectively. Compared to their normal weight counterparts, the risk of obese children and those with a waist circumference over percentile 90 of having a HOMA over 3.16 was 17 and 10 times higher, respectively. BMI correlated better than waist circumference with insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Obese children have higher levels of insulin resistance than their normal weight counterparts.

Hiperinsulinemia y resistencia insulínica en niños de dos escuelas públicas de Oaxaca, México / Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in children

Background: Obesity during childhood is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases during adulthood. Aim: To measure insulin and glucose levels and parameters of insulin resistance in obese, overweight and normal weight Mexican children. Material and Methods: Comparative study of 21 obese children with a body mass index (BMI) over percentile 95, aged 10 ± 1 years (10 males), 14 children aged 10 ± 2 (7 males) with a BMI between percentiles 85 and 94 and 16 children aged 9 ± 2 years (3 males) with a body mass index between percentiles 10 and 84. Body weight, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured and a blood sample was obtained to measure fasting glucose and insulin levels. Homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. Results: Among obese, overweight and normal weight children, insulin levels were 14.9 (95% CI 10.90-18.99), 7.20 (CI 5.12-9.28) and 4.73 (CI 95% 1.92-7.53) uU/ml, respectively. The figures for HOMA were 3.16 (95% CI 2.20-4.12), 1.49 (95% CI 1.03-1.94) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.35-1.60), respectively. The figures for QUICKI were 0.331 (95% CI 0.319-0.343), 0.371 (95% CI 0.349-0.393) and 0.419 (95% CI 0.391-0.446), respectively. Compared to their normal weight counterparts, the risk of obese children and those with a waist circumference over percentile 90 of having a HOMA over 3.16 was 17 and 10 times higher, respectively. BMI correlated better than waist circumference with insulin levels. Conclusions: Obese children have higher levels of insulin resistance than their normal weight counterparts.

Hemipenes in females of the Mexican viviparous lizard Barisia imbricata (Squamata: Anguidae): an example of heterochrony in sexual development.

The sexual development of saurians follows a similar pattern to that described for other amniotes. Changes in the timing or sequence of development events are known as heterochrony. We describe the pattern of sexual development in the viviparous Mexican lizard Barisia imbricata and report heterochrony in the regression of hemipenes in this lizard. We collected gestating females; some lizards were subjected to partial hysterectomy and the embryos were processed using routine histological technique to assess gonadal development; the remaining embryos were used to assess the development of hemipenes. Other pregnant females were kept in captivity in individual terraria until the time of delivery. All neonates were sexed by eversion of hemipenes and some of their body characteristics were recorded. Several neonates were sacrificed and processed to establish gonadal histology and the young of the remaining litters were maintained in captivity to observe the fate of the hemipenes in both sexes. Gonadal development began at embryonic stage 33 and the hemipenes were visible at the same stage. In the neonates, the ovary contained oogonias and ovarian follicles, whereas the testicles showed testicular cords. All neonates had hemipenes and sex could only be established through direct observation of the reproductive ducts and gonadal histology. The hemipenes regression in the females begins after approximately 7 months of postnatal development and concludes at about 15 months of age. We think that the delayed regression of the hemipenes reflects evolutionary differences among reptiles and may be an indication of a stage in the evolutionary process of this species.

Vibration response imaging versus perfusion scan in lung cancer surgery evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilation/perfusion scan is a standard procedure in high-risk surgical patients to predict pulmonary function after surgery. Vibration response imaging is a technique that could be used in these patients. The objective of our study was to compare this imaging technique with the usual scanning technique for predicting postoperative forced expiratory volume. METHODS: We assessed 48 patients with lung cancer who were candidates for lung resection. Forced spirometry, vibration response imaging, and ventilation/perfusion scan were performed in patients before surgery, and spirometry was performed after intervention. RESULTS: We included 48 patients (43 men; mean age, 64 years) undergoing lung cancer surgery (32 lobectomies/16 pneumonectomies). On comparison of both techniques, for pneumonectomy, we found a concordance of 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.92) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement of -0.33 to +0.45, with an average difference of 0.064. By comparing postoperative spirometry with vibration response imaging, we found a concordance of 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.93) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement of -0.60 to +0.33, with an average difference of -0.13. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 techniques presented good concordance values. Vibration response imaging shows non-negligible confidence intervals. Vibration response imaging may be useful in preoperative algorithms in patients before lung cancer surgery.

Lactation reduces stress-caused dopaminergic activity and enhances GABAergic activity in the rat medial prefrontal cortex.

We investigated the effect of restraint on the release of dopamine, GABA and glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of lactating compared with virgin Wistar female rats; besides the expression of D1, neuropeptide Y Y2, GABA receptors and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Results from microdialysis experiments showed that basal dopamine and GABA, but not glutamate, concentrations were higher in lactating rats. In virgin animals, immobilization caused significant increase in dopamine, whereas GABA was unchanged and glutamate reduced. In lactating animals, restrain significantly decreased dopamine concentrations and, in contrast to virgin animals, GABA and glutamate concentrations increased. We found a higher expression of CRF, as well as the D1 and neuropeptide Y Y2 receptors in the left mPFC of virgin stressed rats; also, only stressed lactating animals showed a significant increase in immunopositive cells to GABA in the left cingulate cortex; meanwhile, a significant decrease was measured in virgin rats after stress in the left prelimbic region. The increased inhibition of the mPFC dopamine cells during stress and the down-regulated expression of the neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor may explain the lower CRF and hyporesponse to stress measured in lactating animals. Interestingly, participation of mPFC in stress regulation seems to be lateralized.

Eliminating health disparities in women's health in Puerto Rico.

INTRODUCTION: Hispanic women in Puerto Rico share health concerns that affect women generally, and suffer disproportionately from some health concerns relative to non-Hispanic women. The University of Puerto Rico Women's Health Center contributes to the promotion of women's health by developing sustainable preventive services, designing programs according to women's needs, and creating awareness of sex/gender differences in health and disease. INITIATIVES: A longitudinal breast cancer early detection clinic was developed and a community screening campaign was coordinated. Focus groups were conducted. A course on sex/gender considerations in research was developed and offered. OUTCOMES: Access to early detection of breast cancer was provided through an annual on-campus clinic and a community screening campaign. A breast cancer support group resulted from focus group recommendations. Health professionals from diverse disciplines participated in a course on sex/gender considerations in research. CONCLUSIONS: Synergistic efforts towards eliminating disparities in women's health from an academic perspective provide a valuable tool for the promotion of health among Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico.

Spatiotemporal analysis of vehicle collisions involving wild boar and roe deer in NW Spain.

Ungulate-vehicle collisions pose a serious traffic safety hazard in the North of Spain. The understanding of underlying temporal and spatial structure of these non-random events is imperative to develop appropriate mitigation measures. This study analyses the temporal, spatial and spatiotemporal patterns of car crashes involving wild boar and roe deer in the province of Lugo (NW Spain) in the period 2006-2010 using geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial statistics. The temporal analysis--conducted at three scales: daily, weekly and seasonal--revealed that accidents are related to specific animal's life cycles and to interactions with human activities. The localization of collision points with GIS discovered the sections of the autonomic road network where accidents with the two studied species concentrate. Besides, the spatial arrangement of significant hotspots was mapped through kernel density estimation over two time scales (daily and seasonal), distinguishing among 41 sets, sequentially arranged to facilitate clustering comparison and determination of spatiotemporal risky areas. This work is of valuable help for road managers to design the appropriate mitigation measures that will improve traffic safety and animal welfare.

Primeras mujeres profesionistas del área de la salud en el Estado de Oaxaca / First professional women in health in Oaxaca State

El contexto socio-cultural en la ciudad de Oaxaca durante el siglo XIX y principios del XX, limitó el acceso e ingreso de las mujeres a la educación superior en general y específicamente a las carreras del área de la salud en el Instituto de Ciencias y Artes del Estado de Oaxaca (1827–1954). En 1955 el Instituto se convirtió en la Universidad “Benito Juárez” de Oaxaca, logrando su autonomía en 1971. En el campo de la salud las carreras profesionales fueron: Farmacéutico o Ayudante de Farmacia, Partera o Maestra en Partos, Instrumentista Médico y Medicina. El artículo comenta algunas de las características de estos estudios profesionales, menciona los nombres de las primeras mujeres tituladas egresadas, así como algunos de sus datos curriculares. (AU)

[Bone mineral density and 17 beta-estradiol correlation in postmenopausal women]. / Correlación entre la densidad mineral ósea y el 17beta-estradiol sérico en mujeres postmenopáusicas.

BACKGROUND: With the increased life-expectancy reached during 20th century, women will spend a very important part of their lives in the estrogenic deficiency state accompanying menopause. OBJECTIVES: To detect serum 17beta-estradiol levels, bone mineral density values, and to see the correlation between both parameters as well as with postmenopausal period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A transversal study with ambulatory, community-dwelling postmenopausal women from Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. was performed. RESULTS: We studied 70 women with spontaneous menopause, medium values were: age, 55.9 +/- 5.4 yr; menopause age, 48 +/- 3 yr; postmenopausal period, 7.9 +/- 5.3 yr; body mass index, 28.3 +/- 5.4, and serum 17beta-estradiol by radioimmunoassay, 62.78 +/- 25.83 pg/mL. Quantitative calcaneous ultrasound was used to measure bone mineral density and we found 30 women with normal level (-1.0 to 1.4 SD), 29 with osteopenia (-1.1 to -2.3 SD) and only 2 subjects with osteoporosis (-2.7 to 2.8 SD). CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis shows that bone mineral density and postmenopausal period were significantly correlated (p<0.05) as well as serum 17beta-estradiol levels with postmenopausal period; nevertheless, no correlation between bone mineral density and serum 17beta-estradiol or body mass index (p>0.05) was found. On the other hand, it is remarkable high serum 17beta-estradiol levels found in this group, related with postmenopausal status. These latter results are different from those reported in the literature.