Biological activity of mixed chelate copper(II) complexes, with substituted diimine and tridentate Schiff bases (NNO) and their hydrogenated derivatives as secondary ligands: Casiopeína's fourth generation.

We synthesize and characterize nine copper(II) compounds. Four with general formula [Cu(NNO)(NO3)] and five mixed chelates [Cu(NNO)(N-N)]+, where NNO corresponds to asymmetric salen ligands (E)-2-((2-(methylamino)ethylimino)methyl)phenolate (L1) and (E)-3-((2-(methylamino)ethylimino)methyl)naphthalenolate (LN1); and their hydrogenated derivatives 2-((2-(methylamino)ethylamino)methyl)phenolate (LH1) and 3-((2-(methylamino)ethylamino)methyl)naphthalenolate (LNH1); and N-N correspond to 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipiridyne(dmbpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). Using EPR, the geometries of the compounds in solution in DMSO were assigned, [Cu(LN1)(NO3)] and [Cu(LNH1)(NO3)] a square-planar, [Cu(L1)(NO3)], [Cu(LH1)(NO3)], [Cu(L1)(dmby)]+ and [Cu(LH1)(dmby)]+ a square-based pyramid; and [Cu(LN1)(dmby)]+, [Cu(LNH1)(dmby)]+ and [Cu(L1)(phen)]+ and elongated octahedral. By X-ray it was observed that [Cu(L1)(dmby)]+ and. [Cu(LN1)(dmby)]+ presented a square-based pyramidal, and [Cu(LN1)(NO3)]+ a square-planar geometry. The electrochemical study showed that copper reduction process is a quasi-reversible system, where the complexes with hydrogenated ligands were less oxidizing. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested by MTT assay, all the compounds showed biological activity in HeLa cell line, the mixed compounds were the more active ones. Naphthalene moiety, imine hydrogenation and aromatic diimine coordination, increased biological activity. A structure-activity relationships were found: Log(IC50) =  - 1.01(Epc) - 0.35(Conjugated Rings) + 0.87, for Schiff base complexes and Log(IC50) = 0.078(Epc) - 0.32(Conjugated Rings) + 1.94, for hydrogenated complexes; the less oxidizing species with a great number of conjugated rings presented the best biological activity. Complexes-DNA binding constants were obtained by uv-vis studies using CT-DNA, the results suggested that the complexes can interact through the grooves, except the phenanthroline mixed complex that intercalate with DNA. Gel electrophoresis study with pBR 322 showed that compounds can produce changes in the form of DNA and some complexes can cleave DNA in the presence of H2O2.

Examining the Factor Structure of an Adapted Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a Sample of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Brief Report.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) represents positive changes following a trauma, crisis, and/or psychologically distressing event. Experiencing cancer can serve as a traumatic event for patients, resulting in life changes among survivors. Various PTG measures have been used to assess post-cancer change among childhood cancer survivors (CCS), but few have been evaluated for use in this population. This study examined the factor structure of an adapted, 11-item version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) among CCS. A randomly selected subgroup of participants (N = 332) was selected from the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program (mean age of 26.5 years at time of survey, mean age at diagnosis of 12 years, primarily male [53.6%], and Hispanic [51.5%]). Participants indicated the degree to which they experienced positive, negative, or no change in their life because of their cancer experience. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified two factors: Appreciation of New Possibilities and Spiritual Change. The adapted, 11-item PTGI was deemed appropriate for use among CCS. Additional research is needed to confirm the use of the two-factor model with confirmatory factor analysis in an independent sample. Future research on PTG among CCS can consider spiritual change as a potential independent factor.

Downregulation of SLC16A11 is Present in Offspring of Mothers with Gestational Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Studies have identified that diseases in pregnancy affect fetal growth and development of the newborn. In Mexican population, the gene SLC16A11 has been identified as a factor that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date, information is scarce about its expression in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); epigenetic modifications due to maternal hyperglycemic state could be identified early in fetal development. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the SLC16A11 expression and methylation status in umbilical cord blood of newborns offspring of mothers with or without GDM. METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytic study. Pregnant patients undergoing caesarean delivery with and without GDM in the Unidad Medica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Gineco-obstetricia #4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, were invited to participate. DNA was extracted from the mothers' blood cells, or umbilical cord blood cells of their newborns, and subjected to methylation status. Total RNA was used to evaluate the SLC16A11 expression by endpoint RT-PCR. Variables were analyzed with Student t. Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A SLC16A11 downregulation was observed for newborns, while methylation status was found in only 1 of 68 mother-child pairs. Somatometry of newborns showed no differences between groups. Differences were found in total cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT, glucose, and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, a differential expression for SLC16A11 was observed in offspring. Downregulation in this gene expression could characterize the offspring from GDM. No difference was found in somatometry of newborns of mothers with and without GDM.

Project Forward: A Population-Based Cohort Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers.

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face increased risk of morbidity and are recommended to receive lifelong cancer-related follow-up care. Identifying factors associated with follow-up care can inform efforts to support the long-term health of CCS. Methods: Eligible CCS (diagnosed between 1996 and 2010) identified through the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program responded to a self-report survey that assessed demographic, clinical, health-care engagement, and psychosocial risk and protective factors of recent (prior 2 years) cancer-related follow-up care. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of care. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Results: The overall response rate was 44.9%, with an analytical sample of n = 1106 (54.2% Hispanic; mean [SD] ages at survey, diagnosis, and years since diagnosis were 26.2 [4.9], 11.6 [5.4], and 14.5 [4.4] years, respectively). Fifty-seven percent reported a recent cancer-related visit, with lower rates reported among older survivors. Having insurance, more late effects, receipt of a written treatment summary, discussing long-term care needs with treating physician, knowledge of the need for long-term care, having a regular source of care, and higher health-care self-efficacy were statistically significantly associated with greater odds of recent follow-up care, whereas older age, Hispanic or Other ethnicity (vs non-Hispanic White), and years since diagnosis were associated with lower odds of recent care (all Ps < .05). Conclusions: Age and ethnic disparities are observed in receipt of follow-up care among young adult CCS. Potential intervention targets include comprehensive, ongoing patient education; provision of written treatment summaries; and culturally tailored support to ensure equitable access to and the utilization of care.

Genotype-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in asymptomatic Peruvian women: a community-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the general and genotype-specific prevalence of HPV and to identify potential risk factors for the infection in a population-based screening of Peruvian women. RESULTS: A total of 524 samples were analyzed by PCR and a total of 100 HPV positive samples were found, of which 89 were high-risk, 19 were probably oncogenic, 9 were low-risk and 27 other HPV types. The 26-35 and 36-45 age groups showed the highest proportion of HPV positive samples with a total of 37% (37/100) and 30% (30/100), respectively. Moreover, high-risk HPV was found in 33.7% of both groups and probably oncogenic HPV in 52.6% and 31.6%, respectively. High-risk HPV were the most frequent types identified in the population studied, being HPV-52, HPV-31 and HPV-16 the most commonly detected with 17.6%, 15.7% y 12.9%, respectively. Demographic characteristics and habits were assessed in the studied population. A total of 62% high-risk HPV were detected in married/cohabiting women. Women with two children showed the highest proportion (33.8%) of high-risk HPV, followed by women with only one child (26.9%). Those women without history of abortion had a higher frequency of high-risk HPV (71.9%), followed by those with one abortion (25.8%).

A positive deviance-based qualitative study of stress, coping, and feeding practices among low-income, Hispanic mothers whose children do versus do not meet guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake.

Less than 1% of children in the United States concurrently meet guidelines for fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity, screen time, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Prior evidence suggests that parents of this 1% potentially cope with stress differently. This qualitative study used a positive deviance-based approach to locate mothers whose children avoided negative feeding outcomes despite being 'high-risk' for obesity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Spanish for two groups: low-income, Hispanic mothers whose children were normal weight and met recommendations for fruits/vegetables and physical activity (n = 5); and a comparison group whose children had obesity and did not meet guidelines (n = 8). Topics included weight-related parenting practices, attitudes toward health, and stress management. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and coded using NVivo for theoretically driven thematic analysis. Results suggested that mothers viewed stress differently. Mothers of healthy weight children believed stress could be prevented, such as by paying children more attention or directing one's attention away from stressors; comparison group mothers tended to report stress about managing their child's eating and about financial worries. Future research is needed to understand the underlying sources of these differences (e.g. personality traits, coping practices) and test whether stress prevention interventions can promote healthy parental feeding practices.

Early microscopic findings in preclinical inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: The immune response involved in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) may be present years before the diagnosis, but the characteristics of the disease during the preclinical period have been scarcely investigated. AIM: To describe the microscopic findings of preclinical IBD and its relationship with the natural history of the disease. METHODS: Medical records from all patients with an incidental diagnosis of IBD during a screening colonoscopy were included in this multicentric and retrospective study. We assessed 15 histologic items in the biopsy samples at diagnosis, and the Geboes score was calculated in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC). The main outcome was the development of gastrointestinal symptoms during follow-up. RESULTS: We included 110 patients (79 UC, 24 Crohn's Disease (CD) and 7 with unclassified disease). In UC the most common histologic findings were acute or chronic inflammatory infiltrate and crypt epithelial polymorphs, while in CD we observed acute or chronic neutrophilic infiltrate and epithelial irregularity. Granuloma were only observed in 4% of CD patients. Crypt distortion and the infiltration of neutrophils in the epithelium were associated with a higher risk of developing symptomatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical IBD shows specific microscopic findings and they are associated with the progression to symptomatic disease.

Enteroparasitism and Risk Factors Associated with Clinical Manifestations in Children and Adults of Jalisco State in Western Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasites in the population of San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico. METHODS: A total of 277 samples from 104 participants were analysed using direct smear, flotation, formaldehyde/ethyl acetate, and modified Kinyoun's acid-fast stain methods. The Graham method was applied only for samples from children under 12 years of age for the diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis. RESULTS: The prevalence of parasite infections in the study population was 77.9% including: Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii/E. bangladeshi (37.5%), Giardia intestinalis (11.5%); commensals: Endolimax nana (44.2%), Entamoeba coli (27.9%), Chilomastix mesnili (6.7%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii, (2.9%); emerging intestinal protozoans: Blastocystis spp. (49%), Cryptosporidium spp. (7.7%) and Cyclospora cayetanensis (2.9%); and helminths: Enterobius vermicularis (18.3%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.8%). The results also showed that 58.64% of the studied population presented polyparasitism. A significant association was found between protozoan infections and housewives, and houses that were not built with concrete ceilings, brick walls and cement floors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Polyparasitism was observed in over half the study population. The most prevalent parasite was Blastocystis spp, whilst the prevalence of helminths was less than that of protozoans. The risk factors for infection to intestinal parasites were being a housewife and not having solid brick, cement and concrete materials for house construction.

Hispanic Orientation and Cancer-Related Knowledge in Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Cancer-related knowledge among childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) has been underexplored. In particular, little is known about factors impacting knowledge of the need for lifelong follow-up care in CCSs. This secondary analysis of data examined acculturation, cancer-related knowledge, demographics, and clinical factors in 193 ethnically and culturally diverse CCSs (age at study 19.9 ± 2.8 years). Cancer-related knowledge gaps were found across all participants. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that Hispanic CCSs with greater Hispanic orientation were significantly more likely to be aware of a need for lifelong follow-up care. A greater focus on targeted risk communication with CCSs is warranted.

Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Impact of Gender and Latino Culture.

Ethnic and sex variations in depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) among adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors were explored among a sample of Latino and non-Latino childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) (n = 194) treated at hospitals in Los Angeles County. Latinos scored higher in depressive symptoms and lower in QOL when compared with non-Latinos. Males had higher depressive symptoms. Among Latinos, higher levels of acculturation were associated with depression and a poorer QOL, and we found that more acculturated Latino males were more likely to have meaningful levels of depression than less acculturated males or females. Interventions addressing depressive symptoms may be most needed for Hispanic male CCSs.

Prevalence and correlates of health information-seeking among Hispanic and non-Hispanic childhood cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) report high unmet information needs. This study examined the prevalence of cancer-related information-seeking among CCS and investigated associations between information-seeking behavior and positive health outcomes such as follow-up care. METHODS: Participants (n = 193) were young adult CCS diagnosed with cancer in Los Angeles County, 54% of Hispanic ethnicity, with a mean age of 19.87, in remission, and at least 2 years from completion of treatment. CCS were asked where they accessed health information related to their cancer with response options categorized into four information domains: hospital resources, social media, other survivors, and family members. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with each information domain, including sociodemographics, post-traumatic growth (i.e., reporting positive changes since cancer diagnosis), health care engagement, level of education, and health insurance status. RESULTS: Hospital resources were the most commonly accessed information domain (65.3%), and CCS of Hispanic ethnicity (vs. non-Hispanic) were more likely to access this source. Seeking information from other cancer survivors was positively associated with follow-up care and post-traumatic growth. Hispanic CCS were marginally less likely to seek information from other survivors and family than non-Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS: While CCS obtain information from a variety of sources, hospital resources are an important site for access, particularly for individuals of Hispanic ethnicity. Information sharing between survivors may promote positive health care engagement; however, Hispanic CCS may be less likely to utilize this resource and may face barriers in information sharing with other cancer survivors.

The Structure of Personality Disorders within a Depressed Sample: Implications for Personalizing Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Personality disorders (PDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are both significant public health burdens. They are frequently comorbid, and this comorbidity predicts poorer treatment outcomes and lower maintenance of treatment effects. Although there is growing consensus on the structure of personality pathology in non-depressed individuals, there is limited research on the structure of personality pathology in individuals experiencing MDD. METHOD: As part of the Predictors of Remission in Depression to Individual and Combined Treatment (PReDICT) randomized controlled trial, 192 treatment-naïve subjects meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for MDD completed the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE). Using this sample, a principal components analysis explored the factor structure of the IPDE. RESULTS: A three-factor model comprised three factors labeled "NADA" (Negative Affectivity, Disinhibition, and Antagnoism)," "Social Anxiety," and "Antisociality." Factor intercorrelations were small-to-moderate, and the sum score of the three factors was highly correlated (r = .94) with the total IPDE score. LIMITATIONS: Personality pathology was assessed with one instrument, and sample size was smaller than ideal for factor analytic research. \. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with prior factor-analytic findings, a three-factor solution provided the most clinically and theoretically useful model. This finding lends support for the personality disorders retained in DSM-5 and some support for a model of personality pathology aligned with the personality traits found in the leading nonclinical models of personality. The obtained factors are potential moderators of clinical interventions and may serve as an avenue to personalizing treatments.

Supporting long-term follow-up of young adult survivors of childhood cancer: Correlates of healthcare self-efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare self-efficacy (HCSE), the perceived confidence to manage one's health care, has been identified as a critical component in the transition process from pediatric to adult-oriented care for childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). HCSE is amenable to intervention and associated with long-term follow-up care among CCSs. However, factors associated with HCSE have not been fully explored among CCSs. PROCEDURE: We identified correlates of HCSE among a sample of CCSs (n = 193). Descriptive statistics and linear regression methods were used in this cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS: In univariate analyses, higher physical and psychosocial quality of life, posttraumatic growth, and religious/spiritual importance were associated with higher HCSE. Attendance at a survivorship clinic, having a regular source of care (both noncancer and oncologist), and any type of health insurance were also associated with HCSE. Hispanic ethnicity was negatively associated with HCSE relative to non-Hispanics. In a multivariable model, psychosocial quality of life, religious/spiritual importance, survivorship clinic attendance, having a regular oncologist, and Hispanic ethnicity remained significantly associated with HCSE. CONCLUSIONS: CCSs who reported greater well-being, who rated religion and spirituality of high importance, and who accessed specialized cancer services expressed greater HCSE. Hispanic CCSs, however, reported less HCSE than non-Hispanics. Interventions that attend to the quality of life and spiritual needs of CCSs have potential to build HCSE to support the healthcare transition process. Because Hispanic CCSs may be at risk of lower perceived confidence to navigate their health care, culturally competent, efficacy-enhancing interventions are needed for this population.

IMPACTO DE LA MATERIA DESARROLLO SUSTENTABLE EN EL CAMBIO DE LA CONCIENCIA AMBIENTAL DE LOS ESTUDIANTES DEL NIVEL SUPERIOR / IMPACT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUBJECT IN THE CHANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

Como parte de la problemática existente en nuestro entorno, y considerando la impartición antes y después de la asignatura Desarrollo Sustentable de los alumnos del Instituto Tecnológico de Matamoros de la carrera de Ingeniería Química, que parte de su misión es el cuidado del medio ambiente, encontrándose como solución la educación ambiental, que ha sido referente para la conciencia ambiental (Rengifo, Acevedo, Aldana, & Calvo, 2007), la cual fue estudiada por medio de las variables actitud y conocimiento ambiental, con un instrumento de 25 ítems con dimensiones de actitud y conocimientos ambientales, encontrándose que existe una conciencia ambiental alta.

As part of the problems existing in our environment, and considering the situation before and after the delivery of the Sustainable Development subject to the students of the Chemical Engineering Program in the Technological Institute of Matamoros, whose mission is the protection of the environment, environmental education has been found as a solution and a reference for environmental awareness (Rengifo, Acevedo, Aldana, & Calvo, 2007). The subject was approached by means of two variables, attitude and environmental knowledge using an instrument of 25 items with attitudinal and environmental knowledge dimensions, finding that there is a high environmental awareness.

Novel Redox-Dependent Esterase Activity (EC 3.1.1.2) for DJ-1: Implications for Parkinson's Disease.

Mutations the in human DJ-1 (hDJ-1) gene are associated with early-onset autosomal recessive forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). hDJ-1/parkinsonism associated deglycase (PARK7) is a cytoprotective multi-functional protein that contains a conserved cysteine-protease domain. Given that cysteine-proteases can act on both amide and ester substrates, we surmised that hDJ-1 possessed cysteine-mediated esterase activity. To test this hypothesis, hDJ-1 was overexpressed, purified and tested for activity towards 4-nitrophenyl acetate (pNPA) as µmol of pNPA hydrolyzed/min/mg·protein (U/mg protein). hDJ-1 showed maximum reaction velocity esterase activity (Vmax = 235.10 ± 12.00 U/mg protein), with a sigmoidal fit (S0.5 = 0.55 ± 0.040 mM) and apparent positive cooperativity (Hill coefficient of 2.05 ± 0.28). A PD-associated mutant of DJ-1 (M26I) lacked activity. Unlike its protease activity which is inactivated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), esterase activity of hDJ-1 is enhanced upon exposure to low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (<10 µM) and plateaus at elevated concentrations (>100 µM) suggesting that its activity is resistant to oxidative stress. Esterase activity of DJ-1 requires oxidation of catalytic cysteines, as chemically protecting cysteines blocked its activity whereas an oxido-mimetic mutant of DJ-1 (C106D) exhibited robust esterase activity. Molecular docking studies suggest that C106 and L126 within its catalytic site interact with esterase substrates. Overall, our data show that hDJ-1 contains intrinsic redox-sensitive esterase activity that is abolished in a PD-associated mutant form of the hDJ-1 protein.

Enhancing Hispanic participation in mental health clinical research: development of a Spanish-speaking depression research site.

BACKGROUND: Hispanics, particularly those with limited English proficiency, are underrepresented in psychiatric clinical research studies. We developed a bilingual and bicultural research clinic dedicated to the recruitment and treatment of Spanish-speaking subjects in the Predictors of Remission in Depression to Individual and Combined Treatments (PReDICT) study, a large clinical trial of treatment-naïve subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: Demographic and clinical data derived from screening evaluations of the first 1,174 subjects presenting for participation were compared between the Spanish-speaking site (N = 275) and the primary English-speaking site (N = 899). Reasons for ineligibility (N = 888) for the PReDICT study were tallied for each site. RESULTS: Compared to English speakers, Spanish speakers had a lower level of education and were more likely to be female, uninsured, and have uncontrolled medical conditions. Clinically, Spanish speakers demonstrated greater depression severity, with higher mean symptom severity scores, and a greater number of previous suicide attempts. Among the subjects who were not randomized into the PReDICT study, Spanish-speaking subjects were more likely to have an uncontrolled medical condition or refuse participation, whereas English-speaking subjects were more likely to have bipolar disorder or a non-MDD depressive disorder. CONCLUSION: Recruitment of Hispanic subjects with MDD is feasible and may enhance efforts at signal detection, given the higher severity of depression among Spanish-speaking participants presenting for clinical trials. Specific approaches for the recruitment and retention of Spanish-speaking participants are required.

Conciencia ambiental de los habitantes de la colonia Emilio portes gil en la h. matamoros, tamaulipas / Environmenal awaareness of the the emilio portes gil colona inhabitants iin h. matamoros, tamaulipas

La Conciencia ambiental en México es un tema de gran relevancia ya que las alteraciones de hoy en día sobre el medio ambiente son principalmente por actividades antropogénicas ya sea por el desarrollo industrial, consumismo, la contaminación, residuos sólidos, etc., por lo que es de gran importancia lograr un equilibrio entre la naturaleza - hombre y para alcanzar este equilibrio es necesario la educación ambiental la cual permite emplear diferentes estrategias para lograr generar sentimientos, desarrollar conciencia ambiental y evidenciar la necesidad de elaborar nuevos valores a partir de las experiencias directas. Por lo que la presente investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar la Conciencia Ambiental de los habitantes de la colonia Emilio Portes Gil en la H. Matamoros (Tamaulipas) mediante el instrumento llamado Cuestionario de Actitudes Ambientales (CAAM) de Núevalos a una población de 50 habitantes conformada con 52% de mujeres y el 48% de hombres en un rango de edad entre los 20 a 31 años, obteniéndose una conciencia ambiental muy parecida con un 32% y 30% tanto del sexo femenino como del masculino respectivamente.

Environmental awareness in Mexico is a very important issue since today's alterations on the environment are basically produced by anthropogenic activities either because of industrial development, consumerism, pollution, solid waste, etc.., reason why it is very important to achieve a balance between nature and man and, in order to achieve this balance, environmental education which can employ different strategies for generating feelings, developing environmental awareness and highlighting the need to develop new values from direct experiences is necessary. For this reason, this investigation has as its main objective the assessment of Emilio Portes Gil Colonia in H. Matamoros (Tamaulipas) inhabitants' Environmental Awareness, using Nuévalos' instrument called Environmental Attitudes Questionnaire (CAAM) to a population of 50 inhabitants conformed by 52% women and 48% men in an age range between 20 to 31 years, yielding a very similar environmental awareness with 32% and 30% of both the male and the female respectively.

Danazol as first-line therapy for aplastic anemia.

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) plus cyclosporine A (CsA) is the standard treatment for aplastic anemia (AA) patients not eligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the absence of ATG + CsA, androgens continue to be a treatment option. We documented the clinical evolution of AA patients treated with danazol instead of ATG + CsA. AA patients lacking both, human leukocyte antigen-matched donor and access to IST, were treated with danazol and modern support therapy and compared with those receiving a HSCT. Overall survival (OS), response rates, and death risk odds were calculated. Fifty AA patients were studied. Thirteen received a HSCT and 37 danazol and support therapy. Median daily dose of danazol was 400 mg (300 to 600 mg), administered during a median of 12 months. Five-year OS was higher for patients receiving HSCT (92%) compared to the danazol group (41%) (P = 0.001). Overall response rate was 46% (17/37) in the danazol-treated group and the median time to initial response was 3 months (1-27). Tendency to achieve remission was similar among severity groups (P = 0.094). The only adverse side effect recorded on the danazol group was an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. No patient treated with danazol suffered clonal evolution of his/her disease. Although ATG plus CsA is the therapy of choice for AA patients without a donor when neither HSCT nor IST is available, danazol remains an acceptable therapeutic option for AA patients.

NMDA antagonist AP-5 increase environmentally induced cocaine-conditioned locomotion within the nucleus accumbens.

An environment previously associated with cocaine use can elicit cravings, even in the absence of the drug, which may be due to the formation of strong associations between the environment and the drug. These associations can result from motor learning and reinforcing effects of cocaine, and may be mediated in part by ionotropic glutamate receptors in the nucleus accumbens (N.Acc.). To determine whether NMDA receptor activity in the N.Acc. affects the expression of conditioned locomotion, rats were trained using an environment-elicited cocaine-conditioning paradigm. Rats trained to pair a cocaine injection with an environment showed an increased locomotor activity when tested in the drug-paired environment, whereas rats injected with cocaine in their home cages did not exhibit greater locomotion. Significantly greater locomotor activity occurred in trained animals that received an infusion of AP-5, a NMDA receptor antagonist, into the N.Acc. These results suggest that animals trained to associate environmental cues with cocaine become conditioned to this environment. Furthermore, our finding demonstrates that NMDA receptor activation within the N.Acc. modulates cocaine-induced conditioning.

A bilingual "neighborhood club": intervening with children exposed to urban violence.

Mental health practitioners have offered relatively little in response to the pervasive community violence faced by many children living in impoverished neighborhoods. The "neighborhood club" is a school-based, short-term, support group designed to assist children with the psychological impact of exposure to community violence. Ten "neighborhood clubs" were conducted in two public elementary schools in Detroit, Michigan. This paper reviews the implementation of a bilingual "neighborhood club," undertaken to better serve the Spanish-speaking Latino students in a school community. We discuss many of the rewards and challenges of conducting a bilingual, multicultural support group for children and conclude that a bilingual support group provides all children with a model that validates ethnic and cultural diversity while also building empathic bonds based on mutually-reinforcing, common experiences.