Influence of nitric oxide signaling mechanisms in cancer.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule with multiple biological functions that is involved in various pathophysiological processes such as neurotransmission and blood vessel relaxation as well as the endocrine system, immune system, growth factors, and cancer. However, in the carcinogenesis process, it has a dual behavior; at low doses, NO regulates homeostatic functions, while at high concentrations, it promotes tissue damage or acts as an agent for immune defense against microorganisms. Thus, its participation in the carcinogenic process is controversial. Cancer is a multifactorial disease that presents complex behavior. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the initiation, promotion, and progression of neoplastic processes is required. Some hypotheses have been proposed regarding the influence of NO in activating oncogenic pathways that trigger carcinogenic processes, because NO might regulate some signaling pathways thought to promote cancer development and more aggressive tumor growth. Additionally, NO inhibits apoptosis of tumor cells, together with the deregulation of proteins that are involved in tissue homeostasis, promoting spreading to other organs and initiating metastatic processes. This paper describes the signaling pathways that are associated with cancer, and how the concentration of NO can serve a beneficial or pathological function in the initiation and promotion of neoplastic events.

Supraclavicular approach for subclavian vein catheterization in pediatric anesthesia: The reborn of an ancient technique with the ultrasound's assistance. / Acceso central subclavio por vía supraclavicular en anestesia pediátrica: el renacer de una técnica antigua con la ayuda del ultrasonido.

The insertion of a central venous catheter is a procedure frequently performed in paediatric anaesthesia. The most frequent approach for this procedure is the internal jugular vein. However, some specific factors in children, such as the short neck and the easy collapse of this vein, which is accentuated in situations such as hypovolaemia and changes in the respiratory pattern, can lead to greater difficulty. The supraclavicular approach of the subclavian vein was described more than 50 years ago. However, it is not often considered nowadays, even after the introduction of ultrasound, and despite the obvious advantages with respect to the internal jugular approach due to the lower incidence of thrombosis and infection. This document reviews the considerations of the supraclavicular approach according to the available evidence in paediatric anaesthesia, discusses the feasibility and safety of the procedure, and finally describes the technique of ultrasound--guided puncture.

Effect of a low glycemic diet in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and anovulation - a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a low glycemic index diet is better than a normal glycemic index diet in producing ovulatory cycles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and anovulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial involving 37 women with PCOS and anovulation. The authors randomly assigned low glycemic index diets (n = 19) and normal glycemic index (n = 18) diets, and analyzed the number of ovulatory cycles for three months. RESULTS: In patients who consumed a low glycemic index diet, 24.6% (14/57) of the cycles were ovulatory. In those who consumed a normal glycemic index diet, only 7.4% (4/54) of the cycles were ovulatory (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The difference observed in the number of ovulatory cycles could be related to a decrease in the serum levels of circulating androgens, secondary to an improvement in insulin resistance.

Association of the GSTM1 null polymorphism with breast cancer in a Mexican population.

The glutathione S transferase (GST) family plays an important role in the processing of carcinogens. Data on the null GSTM1 genotype has revealed associations with cancer, and has been suggested to affect carcinogen metabolism and to contribute to tumor promotion in the mammary gland. We examined the role of the null GSTM1 genotype by comparing the genotypes of 276 healthy Mexican women with those of 558 Mexican women with breast cancer (BC). The genotype frequencies observed in the controls and patients with BC were 38 and 45% for the null GSTM1 genotype, respectively. The obtained odds ratio (OR) was 1.36, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 1.02-1.8, P = 0.04. The protective association was also evident upon analysis of the distributions of the null GSTM1 genotype in patients with positive chemotherapy response who had high plasma levels of glucose (OR 0.56, 95%CI = 0.33-0.94, P = 0.03). This study suggested that the null GSTM1 genotype is associated with BC susceptibility in the Mexican population analyzed.

Association of the C677T polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene with breast cancer in a Mexican population.

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene plays an important role in the steps involved in the processing of amino acids. The analysis of polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene has revealed associations with cancer; in particular the C677T polymorphism, which has been suggested to affect folate metabolism, DNA methylation, synthesis, and repair, and to contribute to tumor promotion in the mammary gland. We examined the role of the C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene by comparing the C677T genotypes of 339 healthy Mexican women with those of 497 Mexican women with breast cancer (BC). The genotype frequencies observed in the controls and patients with BC were 10 and 21% for 677TT; 41 and 36% for 677CT; and 49 and 43% for 677CC, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) for the 677TT genotype was 2.5, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 1.6-3.8; P = 0.0001. The positive association was also evident when the distributions of the 677TT genotype in control and patients affected within the following two categories were compared to alcohol consumption (OR = 0.41; 95%CI = 0.19-0.86; P = 0.018); and high level glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) (OR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.15-0.83, P = 0.017). These results suggest that the 677TT genotype of the C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is associated with BC susceptibility in the Mexican population.

Cinética do P nos tecidos de suínos em crescimento alimentados com dietas formuladas de acordo com o conceito de proteína ideal e suplementadas com enzima fitase / Phosphorus kinetic in growing pigs tissue fed diets formulated according to the ideal protein concept and supplemented with phytase enzyme

O presente estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar os efeitos da enzima fitase sobre a cinética do P nos tecidos de suínos, alimentados com dietas formuladas de acordo com o conceito de proteína ideal e suplementadas com enzima fitase. Foram utilizados 20 suínos machos castrados, distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os animais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas durante 17 dias, sendo 10 dias para adaptação e sete dias para coletas de fezes e urina. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas por cinco dias. No primeiro dia da fase experimental, cada animal recebeu, por via endovenosa, uma solução radioativa com 7,4MBq de 32P. No final do período experimental, os animais foram sacrificados, e amostras de tecidos do músculo (lombo), coração, fígado, rins e ossos foram coletadas. A enzima fitase interferiu na cinética do 32P, levando a uma menor incorporação nos tecidos dos ossos...

This study was developed to evaluate the kinetic of the P in the pigs' tissues, feed diets formulated according the ideal protein concept and supplemented with phytase enzyme. Twenty male pigs were used, distributed in a randomized blocks experimental design, with five treatments and four replicates. The animals were housed in metabolic cages for 17 days, with 10 days for adaptation and 7 days for collection of feces and urine. Blood samples were collected in 5 days. On first day of the experimental phase, each animal was intravenously injected with 7.4 MBq 32P. At the end of the experiment the animals were slaughtered and samples of muscle (loin), heart, liver, kidney and bones were collected. The enzyme fitase interfered in the kinetics of 32P, leading to a smaller incorporation of bone tissues...

Radioisótopo e modelagem matemática na avaliação da suplementação de fitase em dietas para suínos em crescimento / Radioisotope and mathematical modeling in the assessment of supplementation of Phytase in diets for growing pigs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de níveis crescentes de enzima fitase em dietas para suínos em fase de crescimento, por meio do uso de modelagem matemática. Foram utilizados dados de 20 leitões mestiços, machos castrados, pesando em média, 26,8kg. Os animais ficaram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas individuais para a coleta de fezes e urina, onde permaneceram por um período de 17 dias. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. A dieta experimental fornecida aos leitões foi à base de milho e farelo de soja, suplementada com cinco níveis crescentes de enzima fitase (0, 250, 500, 750 e 1000UF/kg), correspondendo a 0; 0,01; 0,02; 0,03 e 0,04%, respectivamente. As variáveis avaliadas foram: ingestão, excreção, fluxo e refluxo do P nos compartimentos (trato digestivo, corrente sanguínea, tecidos moles e ossos). A enzima fitase não interferiu no P consumido (P>0,05 (F10), no P excretado na urina (F02), no fluxo e refluxo do P nos ossos (F32 e F23) e nos tecidos moles (F42 e F24), entretanto observou-se redução no P excretado nas fezes (F01) em 8,92%; 26,76%; 22,53% e 28,64% para os níveis 0, 250, 500, 750 e 1000UF/kg, respectivamente, e efeito linear positivo para o P endógeno (F12). Pode-se utilizar dietas à base de milho e farelo de soja com 50% de P por fosfato bicálcico, adicionando-se 250UF/kg de dieta para suínos em crescimento, o que reduz em 27% as excreções de P nas fezes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of including increasing levels of phytase enzyme in pig diets for growing pigs, using the mathematical model. Data from 20 crossbred male piglets, castrated and weighing 26.80 kg on average was used. The animals were housed in individual metabolic cages to collect feces and urine in a 17 day period. A randomized block experimental design containing five treatments and four repetitions was used. The experimental diet provided to piglets contained corn and soybean and was supplemented with five increasing levels of phytase enzyme (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 UF/kg), corresponding to 0.00 %, 0.01 %, 0.02 %, 0.03 % and 0.04 % respectively. The variables evaluated were: intake, excretion, output flow of P in the digestive tract, bloodstream, bones and soft tissues. The phytase enzyme did not affect the P intake (P>0.05 (F 10), the P excreted in urine (F02) and the output flow of P in the bones (F32 e F23) and soft tissue (F42 e F24) , however, there was a reduction in P excreted in feces (F01) of 8.92 %, 26.76 %, 22.53 % and 28.64 % to the levels 0, 250, 500, 750 e 1000UF/kg, respectively and showed a positive linear effect (P<0.08) for the endogenous P (F12) . Corn and soybean meal based diets can be used with 50% of P by dicalcium phosphate, adding 250UF/kg diet for growing pigs, and may cause a reduction of 27 % of P excretion in feces.

Assessing reproductive and endocrine parameters in male largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along a contaminant gradient in the lower Columbia River, USA.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are stable, bioaccumulative, and widely found in the environment, wildlife, and the human population. To explore the hypothesis that reproduction in male fish is associated with environmental exposures in the lower Columbia River (LCR), reproductive and endocrine parameters were studied in male resident, non-anadromous largescale sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus) (LSS) in the same habitats as anadromous salmonids having conservation status. Testes, thyroid tissue and plasma collected in 2010 from Longview (LV), Columbia City (CC), and Skamania (SK; reference) were studied. Sperm morphologies and thyrocyte heights were measured by light microscopy, sperm motilities by computer-assisted sperm motion analysis, sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with luciferase, and plasma vitellogenin (VTG), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) by immunoassay. Sperm apoptosis, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear DNA fragmentation, and reproductive stage were measured by flow cytometry. Sperm quality parameters (except counts) and VTG were significantly different among sites, with correlations between VTG and 7 sperm parameters. Thyrocyte heights, T4, T3, gonadosomatic index and Fulton's condition factor differed among sites, but not significantly. Sperm quality was significantly lower and VTG higher where liver contaminants and water estrogen equivalents were highest (LV site). Total PCBs (specifically PCB-138, -146, -151, -170, -174, -177, -180, -183, -187, -194, and -206) and total PBDEs (specifically BDE-47, -100, -153, and -154) were negatively correlated with sperm motility. PCB-206 and BDE-154 were positively correlated with DNA fragmentation, and pentachloroanisole and VTG were positively correlated with sperm apoptosis and negatively correlated with ATP. BDE-99 was positively correlated with sperm counts and motility; T4 was negatively correlated with counts and positively correlated with motility, thus indicating possible androgenic mechanisms and thyroid endocrine disruption. Male LSS proved to be an informative model for studying reproductive and endocrine biomarkers in the LCR.

Association of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha -308G>A polymorphism with breast cancer in Mexican women.

The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, coagulation, insulin resistance, and endothelial function. Polymorphisms of TNF-α have been associated with cancer. We examined the role of the -308G>A polymorphism in this gene by comparing the genotypes of 294 healthy Mexican women with those of 465 Mexican women with breast cancer. The observed genotype frequencies for controls and breast cancer patients were 1 and 14% for AA, 13 and 21% for GA, and 86 and 65% for GG, respectively. We found that the odds ratio (OR) for AA genotype was 2.4, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 5.9-101.1 (P = 0.0001). The association was also evident when comparing the distribution of the AA-GA genotype in patients in the following categories: 1) premenopause and obesity I (OR = 3.5, 95%CI = 1.3-9.3, P = 0.008), 2) Her-2 neu and tumor stage I-II (OR = 2.5, 95%CI = 1.31-4.8, P = 0.004), 3) premenopause and tumor stage III-IV (OR = 1.7, 95%CI = 1.0-2.9, P = 0.034), 4) chemotherapy non-response and abnormal hematocrit (OR = 2.4, 95%CI = 1.2-4.8, P = 0.015), 5) body mass index and Her-2 neu and III-IV tumor stage (OR = 2.8, 95%CI = 1.2- 6.6, P = 0.016), and 6) nodule metastasis and K-I67 (OR = 4.0, 95%CI = 1.01-15.7, P = 0.038). We concluded that the genotypes AA-GA of the -308G>A polymorphism in TNF-α significantly contribute to breast cancer susceptibility in the analyzed sample from the Mexican population.

COMPOSITION AND BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY AGAINST BENEFICIAL AND PATHOGENIC BACTERIA OF OREGANO ESSENTIAL OILS FROM FOUR CHEMOTYPES OF Origanum AND Lippia GENUS / COMPOSICIÓN Y ACTIVIDAD BACTERICIDA CONTRA BACTERIAS BENÉFICAS Y PATÓGENAS DE ACEITES ESENCIALES DE CUATRO QUIMIOTIPOS DE LOS GÉNEROS Origanum Y Lippia

Several studies have showed the antibacterial activity of oregano essential oils (OEO) chemotypes, carvarol and thymol against Gram positive and Gram negative pathogenic bacteria, but lack information on OEO antibacterial activity against beneficial bacteria. The object of this study was to compare the composition and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Origanum gender chemotypes: O. vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (OH), O. majorana (OM) y O. vulgare L. (OL) harvested in Colombia, against Lippia origanoides Kunth (LO) from Alto Patía in Colombia, and O. vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (OG) from Greece. The OEO composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer and its antibacterial activity by broth dilution and agar culture method. Three chemotypes were evaluated, OH and OG were carvacrol-type, LO and OL were thymol-tipe and OM was rich in sabinyl compound. The highest precursors content was showed to OEO from oregano varieties produced under greenhouse conditions at high altitude. The same bactericidal activity against Salmonella enteritidis (0.098 mg/mL) for OH and LO was founded. The lowest bactericidal activity against beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium breve was observed for OM (6.25 mg/mL) and LO (50 mg/mL), respectively. These results showed that LO native to Colombia had a comparable effect to OH and carvacrol against pathogenic enterobacteria and the lowest bactericidal activity against beneficial bacteria. These results showed a selective bactericidal effect against pathogenic beneficial bacteria of Origanum ssp. and L. origanoides chemotypes. A good potential to use L. origanoides as antimicrobial additive for animal and human health was found.

Diversos estudios demuestran la actividad antibacterial de distintos quimiotipos de aceites esenciales de orégano (OEO), carvacrol y timol, contra bacterias patógenas Gram positivas y Gram negativas, pero muy poca información está disponible sobre el efecto de los OEO en bacterias benéficas. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la composición y concentración mínima bactericida (CMB) de OEO de quimiotipos del género Origanum: O. vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (OH), O. majorana (OM) y O. vulgare L. (OL) cultivados en Colombia, frente Lippia origanoides Kunth (LO) nativo del Alto Patía en Colombia y O. vulgare L. ssp. hirtum cultivado en Grecia (OG). Los OEO se obtuvieron por arrastre de vapor, la composición se determinó por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas y la actividad antibacteriana mediante el método de dilución en caldo y cultivo en agar. Se evaluaron tres quimiotipos de OEO: OH y OG tipo-carvacrol, LO y OL tipo-timol y OM rico en compuestos sabinilo. Las variedades de orégano producidas bajo condiciones de invernadero a alta altitud mostraron un alto contenido de precursores. Un valor similar de concentración mínima bactericida contra Salmonella enteritidis (0.098 mg/mL) fue observada para carvacrol, OH y LO. La más baja actividad bactericida contra las bacterias benéficas Lactobacillus acidophilus y Bifidobacterium breve fue observada para OM (6.25 mg/mL) y LO (50 mg/mL), respectivamente. Estos resultados mostraron que LO, nativo de Colombia presentó un efecto antibacteriano comparable a OH y carvacrol contra enterobacterias patógenas y una baja actividad bactericida contra las bacterias benéficas. Estos resultados mostraron un efecto bactericida selectivo contra bacterias benéficas y patógenas de los quimiotipos Origanum ssp. y L. origanoides. Se comprobó un buen potencial de L. origanoides para uso como aditivo antimicrobiano para la salud humana y animal.

Biodisponibilidade do P e digestibilidade aparente do N em dietas de suínos suplementadas com níveis crescentes de fitase, balanceadas de acordo com o conceito de proteína ideal / Phosphorus bioavailability and nitrogen apparent digestibility in diets supplemented with phytase increasing level, balanced according to the ideal protein concept

Avaliaram-se o efeito de inclusão crescente de fitase (unidade de fitase - UF) em dietas para suínos na fase de crescimento pela técnica de diluição isotópica. Foram utilizados 20 suínos, machos castrados, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos - 0, 250, 500, 750 e 1000UF/kg da ração - e quatro repetições. Os animais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas por 17 dias, sendo 10 dias para adaptação e sete dias para coleta de fezes e urina. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas por cinco dias. No primeiro dia da fase experimental, cada animal recebeu por via endovenosa em solução radioativa com 7,4MBq de 32P. A Quantum Phytase foi eficiente em disponibilizar o P fítico para suínos em crescimento até 750UF/kg de dieta, sendo que 500UF/kg da ração foi o indicado para dietas à base de milho e farelo de soja, formuladas de acordo com o conceito de proteína ideal.

The effects of increasing levels of phytase (phytase units - PU) for pigs, using the isotopic dilution technique, were evaluated on 20 crossbred barrows in a randomized block design experiment, with five treatments, 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000PUkg diet, and four replicates. The animals were kept in metabolic cages for a 10-day adaptation period and seven days for total collection of feces and urine. Blood samples were taken for five days. On the first day of the collection period each animal was injected intravenously with 7.4 MBq 32P. Phytase was efficient to improve the availability of the P phytate for pigs until the level of 750 PU/kg diet. The level of 500 PU/kg diet is indicated for diets based on soybean meal and corn, formulated according to the concept of ideal protein.

An extended model of phosphorus metabolism in growing ruminants.

A major objective of this study was to extend the Vitti-Dias model used to describe P metabolism in ruminants, by adding 2 new pools to the original model to represent the rumen and saliva. An experiment was carried out using 24 male sheep, initial BW of 34.5 kg, aged 8 mo, fed a basal diet supplied with increasing amounts of dicalcium phosphate to provide 0.14, 0.32, 0.49, and 0.65% P in the diet. Sheep were individually housed indoors in metabolic cages and injected with a single dose of 7.4 MBq of (32)P into a jugular vein. Feed intake and total fecal and urinary outputs were recorded and sampled daily for 1 wk, and blood samples were obtained at 5 min, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h after (32)P injection. Saliva and rumen fluid samples were taken on d 6, 7, and 8. Then, animals were slaughtered and samples from liver, kidney, testicle, muscle, and heart (soft tissue) and bone were collected. Specific radioactivity and inorganic P were then determined in bone, soft tissue, plasma, rumen, saliva, and feces, and used to calculate flows between pools. Increased P intake positively affected total P (r = 0.97, P < 0.01) and endogenous P excretion in feces (r = 0.85, P < 0.01), P flow from plasma to saliva (r = 0.73, P < 0.01), from saliva to rumen (r = 0.73, P < 0.01), and from lower gastrointestinal tract to plasma (r = 0.72, P < 0.01). Urinary P excretion was similar for all treatments (P = 0.35). It was, however, related to plasma P (r = 0.63, P < 0.01) and to net P flow to bone (accretion - resorption; r = -0.64, P < 0.01). Phosphorus intake affected net P flow to soft tissue (P = 0.04) but not net P flow to bone (P = 0.46). Phosphorus mobilized from bone was directed toward soft tissue, as suggested by the correlations between P flow from bone to plasma and net P flow to soft tissue (r = 0.89, P < 0.01), and P flow from plasma to soft tissue and net P flow to bone (r = -0.76, P < 0.01). The lack of effect of dietary P on net P accretion in bone suggests that P demand for bone formation was low and surplus P was partially used by soft tissue. In conclusion, the model resulted in appropriate biological description of P metabolism in sheep and added knowledge of the effects of surplus dietary P on P metabolism. Additionally, the model can be used as a tool to assess feeding strategies aiming to mitigate P excretion into the environment.

Impacto ambiental provocado pelo P em dietas suplementadas com enzima fitase e proteína ideal para suínos em crescimento: estudo do fluxo do P no metabolismo animal / Environmental impact provoked by P in diets supplemented with phytase enzyme and ideal protein for growing pigs: study of the P flow in the animal metabolism

Avaliou-se a possibilidade de redução da concentração do fósforo inorgânico em dietas formuladas para suínos de acordo com o conceito de proteína ideal, utilizando-se um modelo experimental para o estudo do fluxo do P no metabolismo animal. Utilizaram-se 20 suínos machos castrados em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam à adição de 0, 250, 500, 750 e 1000UF/kg de dieta. No primeiro dia da fase experimental, os animais receberam, por via endovenosa, uma solução radioativa com 7,4MBq de 32P. No final do período experimental, os animais foram sacrificados e coletaram-se amostras de tecidos do músculo Longissimus dorsi, coração, fígado, rins e ossos. Pode-se reduzir em 50 por cento a suplementação de P em dietas para suínos em crescimento adicionando-se 750UF/kg de dieta, em rações à base de milho e farelo de soja, balanceadas de acordo com o conceito de proteína ideal, diminuindo-se significativamente a excreção de P nas fezes.

The study was developed to evaluate a possible of reduction of the inorganic P concentration in diets formulated for pigs in agreement with the concept of ideal protein, using Lopes et al. model. Twenty male pigs were used in a randomized blocks design, with five treatments and four replicates. The animals were housed in metabolic cages for 17 days, being 10 days for adaptation and seven days for collection of feces and urine. Samples of blood were collected for five days. On the first day of the experimental phase, each animal was intravenously injected with 7.4 MBq 32P. At the end of the experiment, the animals were slaughtered and samples of muscle (loin), heart, liver, kidney, and bones were collected. The supplementation in growing pigs can be reduced in 50 percent by adding 750UF/kg of diet in rations based in corn and soybean meal, balanced in agreement with concept of ideal protein, decreasing the P fecal excretion.

WITHDRAWN: Profiles in Comparative Endocrinology: Carl B. Schreck Howard Bern Lecturer, Annual Meeting of Society of Integrative and Comparative Endocrinology, Seattle, January 5, 2010.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Mortalidad perioperatoria en pacientes diabéticos sometidos a amputación no traumática de miembros inferiores en la Comunidad de Madrid de 1997 a 2005 / Perioperative mortality in diabetic patients after non traumatic lower extremity amputations in Madrid from 1997 to 2005

Introducción: Las complicaciones crónicas de la diabetes condicionanlos costes relacionados con la salud, la productividad y la economía,entre las que destacan el pie diabético. Objetivos: Análisis de latendencia y los factores relacionados con la mortalidad por amputaciónno traumática de miembros inferiores (AMI). Material y método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de las AMI ocurridas en Madridentre 1997 y 2005. Fuente documental: Conjunto Mínimo Básicode Datos. Se seleccionaron las altas con un procedimiento 84.1X y undiagnóstico 250.XX (CIE-9-MC). Se defi nió amputación menor comodistal a la articulación tarsometatarsiana. La tendencia de la mortalidadse evaluó mediante modelos segmentados de regresión de Poisson yse expresó como porcentaje anual de cambio (PAC). Se estudió elriesgo de muerte mediante regresión logística multivariante para lassiguientes variables independientes: edad, sexo, tipo de amputación ydiabetes. Resultados: Se produjeron 278 muertes en diabéticos (7,3%). En la evolución de la mortalidad se obtuvo un PAC del 1,99% (intervalo de confi anza del 95%: –2,7 a 6,9), no signifi cativo. El riesgo de mortalidad (odds ratio; intervalo de confi anza del 95%) fue en mayores de 65 años de 3,16 (2,03-4,91; p= 0,0001) y en la AMI mayorde 2,75 (2,08-3,64; p= 0,0001). Conclusiones: La mortalidadperioperatoria de la AMI permanece elevada y no muestran tendenciadescendente en el periodo de estudio con un mayor riesgo para losmayores de 65 años y AMI mayor(AU)

Introduction: Chronic diabetic complications greatly affect thecost in health, economic productivity, with an emphasis on diabeticfoot. Objectives: Analysis of mortality trends and related factorsassociated with LEA. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study of LEA in Madrid between 1997 and 2005. Documentarysource: MBDS (discharge minimum basic data set). We selected cases that included an 84.1X procedure and 250.XX diagnosis (ICD-9-CM). Minor amputation was defined as distal to theankle joint and a perioperative death that occurred during hospitalization.The trend of mortality was assessed using joinpoint regressionanaly sis and expressed as percentage of annual change (PAC). We studied the risk of death by multivariate logistic regression using the independent variables age, sex, type of amputationand diabetes. Results: During the study period there were 278 deaths (7.3%) in diabetic patients. Mortality trends: PAC 1.99% (–2.7 to 6.9) was not significant. Risk of death (OR; 95%CI), patients over 65 years old (3.16; 2.03-4.91; p= 0.0001) and major LEA (2.75; 2.08-3.64; p= 0.0001). Conclusions: The perioperativemortality of LEA remains high and showed no downward trend duringthe study period with an increased risk of death for adults over65 years and major LEA(AU)

Determination of the profile of fatty acids of 4 species of Shigella spp by chromatography of gases.

Shigella boydii, Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella sonnei were identified using gas chromatography instead of the traditional techniques. Their acid methyl esters profiles were determined using a gas chromatograph Hewlett Packard 5890A and a RSL-150 heliflex capillary column. A total of 192 samples were analyzed both reference strains (ATCC 8700, INDRE B2188, B2194 and B2199) and environmental isolates. 12 fatty acids were included in the profiles from which 3-hydroxytetradecanoic acid (peak 12), trans 9-octadecanoic acid (peak 22), heptadecanoic acid (peak 18) and octadecanoic acid (peak 23), were the most important for the differentiation of the species analyzed.

Effects of maturation-inducing hormone on heterologous gap junctional coupling in ovarian follicles of Atlantic croaker.

A previous ultrastructural study of heterologous (granulosa cell-oocyte) gap junction (GJ) contacts in ovarian follicles of Atlantic croaker suggested that these contacts disappear late during the process of resumption of oocyte meiosis. This observation suggested that, unlike scenarios proposed for a number of other species, uncoupling of GJ is not necessary for the onset of meiotic resumption in croaker follicles. However, the functionality of heterologous GJ contacts and the temporal association between maturation-inducing hormone (MIH)-induced changes in heterologous coupling and resumption of oocyte meiosis have not been examined in Atlantic croaker. These questions were addressed with a cell-cell coupling assay that is based on the transfer of a GJ marker, Lucifer Yellow, from oocytes to granulosa cells. Follicle-enclosed oocytes injected with Lucifer Yellow allowed transfer of the dye into the follicle cell layer, thus confirming that there is functional heterologous coupling between the oocyte and the granulosa cells. Dye transfer was observed in vitellogenic, full-grown/maturation-incompetent, and full-grown/maturation-competent follicles. Treatment of maturation-competent follicles with MIH caused a time-dependent decline in the number of follicles transferring dye. However, although GJ uncoupling in some of the follicles was observed before germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD, index of meiotic resumption), about 50% of the follicles maintained the ability to transfer dye even after GVBD had occurred. Further, a known GJ inhibitor (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) blocked heterologous GJ within a time frame similar to that seen with MIH but without inducing any of the morphological changes (including GVBD) associated with follicular maturation. In conclusion, uncoupling of heterologous GJ seems insufficient and unnecessary for the onset of meiotic resumption in ovarian follicles of Atlantic croaker.

Localization of estrogen receptor alpha and beta RNA in germinal and nongerminal epithelia of the channel catfish testis.

The germinal epithelium of the anterior region of the channel catfish testis is the site of spermatogenesis, whereas the nongerminal epithelium of the posterior region (seminal vesicle) may play a role in the regulation of seminal fluid composition. The available information indicates that estrogens play a physiological role in the regulation of spermatogenesis and seminal fluid composition in vertebrates. However, the cellular distribution of estrogen receptor (ER) gene expression in the teleost testis is poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the presence and cellular distribution of ERalpha and ERbeta transcripts in germinal and nongerminal epithelia of the mature testis of channel catfish. RT-PCR of whole-testis RNA extracts showed that ERalpha and ERbeta RNAs are present in the mature testis. In situ hybridization of histological sections of the germinal epithelium showed that primary spermatocytes contain little or no ERalpha or ERbeta RNA. However, both ER transcripts were present in secondary spermatocytes and spermatids and their levels were relatively high in mature sperm. The columnar epithelium of the seminal vesicle also contained ERalpha and ERbeta RNA. The ER RNAs in epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle were not evenly distributed throughout the cytoplasm but seemed to concentrate in their apical region, near the nucleus. In conclusion, ERalpha and ERbeta genes are coexpressed in germinal and nongerminal epithelia of the mature testis of channel catfish and seem to be developmentally regulated in spermatocytes. These observations are consistent with the concept that estrogens, via interaction with ERalpha and ERbeta, participate in the regulation of male gamete development and fertility.