Relation of serum IL-32 levels and gene polymorphism rs45499297 with obesity in Mexican patients: a laboratory and in silico analysis / Relación de los niveles séricos de IL-32 y del polimorfismo rs45499297 con la obesidad en pacientes mexicanos: un análisis de laboratorio e in silico

Background: many genes have been involved in the development of obesity. Interleukin 32 (IL-32) is a proinflammatory cytokine; rs45499297 is a T/C promoter, single-nucleotide polymorphism of the IL-32 gene. Objectives: this study aimed to evaluate the rs45499297 polymorphism and its association with obesity. Another objective of this study was to carry out an in silico analysis. Methods: this study was cross-sectional, and included 333 subjects classified by body mass index and fat percentage. The plasma glucose and lipid profile were measured. We measured serum IL-32 protein by ELISA and the rs45499297 polymorphism by PCR-RFLP. We used several databases to build the IL-32 gene network and infer transcription factors that bind to this polymorphic site. Results: subjects underweight and with low fat percentages had lower levels of IL-32. CT genotype and allele C were less frequent in the overweight/obesity group than in the normal-weight group. Interestingly, this result remained only in the male gender. We found that the transcription factors Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor and Specificity Protein 1 bind to this polymorphic site. In addition, we infer that IL-32 is involved in metabolic pathways related to viral infections. Conclusion: the TC genotype is associated with overweight/obesity. The decrease in levels of IL-32 observed in underweight and low fat percentage groups could be due to an impaired inflammatory profile. The in silico analysis showed that several transcriptional factors bind at this polymorphic site, and that the enrichment of the metabolic pathways is diverse (AU)

Introducción: la interleucina 32 es una citocina proinflamatoria. El rs45499297 es un polimorfismo de nucleótido simple del gen de IL-32, situado en la región promotora y caracterizado por un cambio de T/C. Objetivo: evaluar el polimorfismo rs45499297 y su asociación con la obesidad, y realizar un análisis in silico. Métodos: el estudio fue transversal e incluyó 333 sujetos clasificados por índice de masa corporal y porcentaje de grasa. Se midieron la glucosa y el perfil lipídico, así como los niveles séricos de IL-32 mediante ELISA y el genotipo del polimorfismo rs45499297 mediante PCR-RFLP. Para el análisis in silico se utilizaron varias bases de datos para hacer la red de genes de IL-32 e inferir factores de transcripción unidos al sitio polimórfico. Resultados: los sujetos con bajo peso y bajo porcentaje de grasa tienen niveles más bajos de IL-32. El genotipo TC y el alelo C se encontraron con menos frecuencia en los sujetos con sobrepeso/obesidad que en los normopeso, resultado que permaneció solo en el género masculino. Se encontró que el factor nuclear de los hepatocitos y la proteína de especificidad 1 se unen a este sitio polimórfico. Se infiere que IL-32 está involucrado en vías metabólicas relacionadas con las infecciones virales. Conclusión: el genotipo TC está asociado al sobrepeso/la obesidad. La disminución de los niveles de IL-32 observada en los sujetos con bajo peso y bajo porcentaje de grasa podría ser por un perfil inflamatorio alterado. El análisis in silico mostró que varios factores de transcripción se unen al sitio polimórfico y que el enriquecimiento de las vías metabólicas es diverso (AU)

Relation between personality dimensions and symptomatology of depression in skin cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Environmental psychological factors such as mood states can modify and trigger an organic response; depressive disorder is considered a risk factor for oncological development, leading to alterations both in the genesis and in the progression of the disease. Some authors have identified that personality relates to mood since a high score in neuroticism is associated with intense and long-lasting emotions of stress and therefore with the development of depressive behaviors. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between personality and depression in skin cancer patients. METHODS: A total of forty-seven clinically and histopathologically diagnosed patients were scheduled for an hour-long interview, during which they provided informed consent and sociodemographic information. The psychological questionnaires applied were the revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the clinical questionnaire for the diagnosis of the depressive syndrome. RESULTS: The patient's mean age was 66.5 years (SD ± 12.4) and the majority were diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (70.2%). The frequency of anxious/depressive symptoms was 42.5%, with an increase in depression scores in the female gender (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a difference was found in the neuroticism dimension related to gender, with higher values in women (p = 0.002). Depressive symptomatologic portraits were correlated with the dimensions of neuroticism (p < 0.001, r = 0.705), psychoticism (p = 0.003, r = 0.422) and lying (p = 0.028, r = - 0.321). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that personality dimensions are related to the presence of anxiety/depressive symptomatology in patients with skin cancer, especially in the female gender. Highlighting the need for future research that delves into the implications at the psychological level, the quality of life, and the biological mechanisms that link personality and depressive symptoms in the development and evolution of skin cancer.

Morbimortalidad neonatal en un entorno de baja adherencia a corticosteroides prenatales / Neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with low adherence to prenatal corticosteroids

Introducción: Los corticosteroides prenatales disminuyen la morbimortalidad neonatal, sin embargo, existen pocos estudios en países en vías de desarrollo, con resultados no consistentes. El objetivo fue cuantificar la frecuencia del uso de corticosteroides prenatales y estimar su efecto en la morbimortalidad de recién nacidos prematuros. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo; se seleccionaron los recién nacidos prematuros de un censo realizado entre enero de 2016 y agosto de 2017. De los expedientes maternos se registró el uso de corticosteroides; y de los expedientes de los neonatos se indagó las variables dependientes. La asociación se analizó con regresión logística, ajustada a la edad gestacional y el peso. Resultados: Se estudiaron 1.083 prematuros, el 53,3% de género masculino; la edad gestacional promedio fue 33,4 semanas. Recibieron corticosteroides el 42%, con latencia ≥ 24 horas el 23,6% y ≥ 48 horas el 13,8%. Presentaron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria el 35% (379/1083), sepsis neonatal temprana el 4,4% (48/1083), sepsis neonatal tardía el 10,7% (116/1083), hemorragia intraventricular el 15,1% (137/908), enfermedad pulmonar crónica el 51,4% (165/321) y muerte el 22,3% (242/1083). Los corticosteroides prenatales disminuyeron el riesgo de muerte en menores de 34 semanas (OR: 0,63, IC 95%: 0,40-0,98); el decremento fue mayor si presentaron latencia ≥ 48 horas (OR: 0,40; IC 95%: 0,20-0,80). El resto de variables dependientes no se modificó por la intervención. Conclusiones: El 42% de los prematuros recibe corticosteroides prenatales. En menores de 34 semanas se observó una disminución del riesgo de muerte sin modificación en la morbilidad

Introduction: Prenatal corticosteroids reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity; however, there are few studies in developing countries, and with inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to quantify the frequency of the use of prenatal corticosteroids and to estimate its effect on the morbidity and mortality of premature newborns. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on premature newborns selected from a census conducted between January 2016 and August 2017. The use of corticosteroids was taken from the maternal records, and the dependent variables from the neonatal records. An analysis was made of the relationship using logistic regression, adjusted to gestational age and weight. Results: The study included 1083 premature infants of which 53.3% were male. The mean gestational age was 33.4 weeks. Corticosteroids were received by 42%, with latency ≥ 24 hours in 23.6% and ≥ 48 hours in 13.8%. Respiratory distress syndrome was observed in 35% (379/1083), early neonatal sepsis in 4.4% (48/1083), late neonatal sepsis in 10.7% (116/1083), intraventricular haemorrhage in 15.1% (137/908), chronic lung disease in 51.4% (165/321), and death in 22.3% (242/1083). Prenatal corticosteroids decreased the risk of death in children under 34 weeks (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.98). The decrease was greater if they presented with latency ≥ 48 hours (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20-0.80). The rest of the dependent variables were not modified by the intervention. Conclusions: In preterm infants, 42% received antenatal corticosteroids. In those with less than 34 weeks, there was a decrease in the risk of death without changes in morbidity

Effect of milking frequency and α-tocopherol plus selenium supplementation on sheep milk lipid composition and oxidative stability.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of milking frequency [once-daily milking (ODM) vs. twice-daily milking (TDM)] and antioxidant (AOX) supplementation on fatty acid (FA) profile and oxidative stability in sheep milk. Sixteen Assaf ewes were used; 8 did not receive any vitamin-mineral supplement (control), and the other 8 received an oral dose of 1,000 IU of α-tocopherol and 0.4 mg of Se daily. The experiment consisted of 2 consecutive periods; the first was 3 wk with TDM of both mammary glands. The second period was 8 wk and consisted of ODM of one mammary gland and TDM of the other gland. All ewes were fed ad libitum the same total mixed ration from lambing and throughout the experiment. There were no differences in plasma or milk Se concentrations between control and AOX ewes. However, plasma and milk α-tocopherol concentrations and AOX capacity were increased in ewes receiving the AOX supplement. Milk FA profile was practically unaffected after 21 d of AOX supplementation. However, after 77 d, AOX supplementation increased the relative percentage of C16:0 and cis-9 C18:1 and reduced the proportions of some saturated FA with less than 16 carbons and cis-9 C12:1. Antioxidant supplementation had no effect on the proportions of conjugated linoleic acid or total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) but decreased the proportion of trans-7,cis-9 C18:2 and increased that of n-6 C20:3. Once-daily milking did not affect α-tocopherol, Se, or fat resistance to oxidation in milk. Total monounsaturated FA, cis-9 C16:1, and several cis and trans isomers of C18:1 were increased and total saturated FA were decreased in milk from ODM glands. Compared with TDM, ODM increased the proportions of cis-9,cis-12 C18:2 and several isomers of C18:2 and reduced those of cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 C18:3 and some PUFA of 20 and 22 carbons, but total proportion of PUFA was unaffected. Once-daily milking and AOX supplementation modified milk FA profile, but the effects of ODM could be considered of little biological relevance for consumer health. Supplementing ewes with α-tocopherol plus Se could be considered an effective strategy to improve plasma AOX status and reduce milk fat oxidation without substantial changes in the milk FA profile.

[Neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with low adherence to prenatal corticosteroids]. / Morbimortalidad neonatal en un entorno de baja adherencia a corticosteroides prenatales.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal corticosteroids reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity; however, there are few studies in developing countries, and with inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to quantify the frequency of the use of prenatal corticosteroids and to estimate its effect on the morbidity and mortality of premature newborns. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on premature newborns selected from a census conducted between January 2016 and August 2017. The use of corticosteroids was taken from the maternal records, and the dependent variables from the neonatal records. An analysis was made of the relationship using logistic regression, adjusted to gestational age and weight. RESULTS: The study included 1083 premature infants of which 53.3% were male. The mean gestational age was 33.4 weeks. Corticosteroids were received by 42%, with latency ≥24hours in 23.6% and ≥48hours in 13.8%. Respiratory distress syndrome was observed in 35% (379/1083), early neonatal sepsis in 4.4% (48/1083), late neonatal sepsis in 10.7% (116/1083), intraventricular haemorrhage in 15.1% (137/908), chronic lung disease in 51.4% (165/321), and death in 22.3% (242/1083). Prenatal corticosteroids decreased the risk of death in children under 34 weeks (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.98). The decrease was greater if they presented with latency ≥48hours (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20-0.80). The rest of the dependent variables were not modified by the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In preterm infants, 42% received antenatal corticosteroids. In those with less than 34 weeks, there was a decrease in the risk of death without changes in morbidity.

Efficacy of L-arginine for preventing preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies: A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of L-arginine for preventing preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancy. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in patients with high-risk factors for preeclampsia. Fifty subjects received L-arginine, beginning from the 20th week of gestation. An additional 50 patients received homologated placebo. RESULTS: The placebo group had a higher number of cases of preeclampsia (11/47) compared with the L-arginine group (3/49, P = 0.01). Birth weight was higher in the L-arginine group and there was a smaller number of preterm births (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: L-arginine is effective for preventing preeclampsia.

Validity of criteria for hospital admission in exacerbations of COPD.

AIMS: To validate a previously developed set of explicit criteria for the appropriateness of hospital admission among these patients using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Methodology (RAM). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients experiencing symptoms of COPD exacerbation seen in the emergency departments (ED) of 16 hospitals belonging to the Spanish National Health Service. Sociodemographic and clinical variables needed to assess appropriateness were recorded. Main outcomes were mortality, severe COPD evolution, complications at follow up, and three patient-reported measures: dyspnoea level, capacity for physical activity and perceived health status. RESULTS: Appropriately admitted patients were more likely to die (6.70% vs. 2.68%, p = 0.0102) than inappropriately admitted patients, and were more likely to develop severe evolution (27.09% vs. 6.08%, p < 0.0001) and complications (18.72% vs. 11.92%, p = 0.0244). Among discharged patients, no significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes. All patients exhibited worse dyspnoea and capacity for physical activity after exacerbation, but changes among appropriately admitted patients were less than among appropriately discharged patients. CONCLUSION: Our appropriateness criteria identified patients in worse condition at ED arrival who were more likely to benefit from admission in terms of mortality and COPD evolution.

Effect of reduction of milking frequency and supplementation of vitamin E and selenium above requirements on milk yield and composition in Assaf ewes.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of milking frequency and supplementation with a vitamin-mineral complex above requirements on intake, body weight (BW), and milk yield and composition in high-yielding Assaf ewes. Sixteen lactating Assaf ewes were used in this study, separated into 4 groups of 4 ewes each. Animals in 2 of the groups (control groups) did not receive any extra vitamin-mineral supplement, whereas animals in the other 2 groups (supplement groups) received daily an oral dose of 1g of vitamin E (1,000 IU, DL-α-tocopherol acetate) and 0.4 mg of selenium (sodium selenite anhydrous). The experiment consisted of 2 consecutive periods of 3 wk (twice-daily milking in both mammary glands) and 8 wk (once-daily milking in one mammary gland and twice-daily milking in the other gland). Intake, BW, and milk composition were controlled weekly, and milk production was recorded 3 times a week. Administration of the vitamin-mineral supplement had no effect on dry matter intake, BW, or milk production and composition. The reduction of milking from twice to once a day caused a decrease in milk production and lactose concentration and a significant increase in protein concentration, total solids, and somatic cell count, without affecting the fat content. Administration of a vitamin E and Se supplement at the doses used in the present study does not seem to exert, in the short term, a noticeable effect on the mammary gland when milking frequency is reduced.