Developing Sustainable Cancer Education Programs: Training Public Health Students to Deliver Cancer 101 in Puerto Rico.

The use of promotores to educate Hispanic communities about different health topics has been proven successful, albeit with limitations in program sustainability. The goal of this study was to develop a sustainable train-the-trainer model to train graduate public health (PH) students to disseminate cancer education among communities in Puerto Rico (PR). Graduate students (n = 32) from Ponce Health Sciences University's (PHSU) PH program participated in a 2-day Cáncer 101 training, where they learned how to deliver nine cancer modules to the community. Cancer knowledge was assessed before and after the training via 54 items measuring discussed concepts. Participants also assessed the training's effectiveness by completing a training evaluation informed by social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, facilitation, and observational learning. Participants were mainly female (78.1 %), 26.7 ± 3.9 years old, and enrolled in a Masters-level program (81.3 %). Participants reported an average 11.38-point increase in cancer knowledge after attending the training [t(31) = 14.88, p < .001]. Participants also evaluated the training favorably upon completion, reporting satisfactory comments in the open-ended responses and high scores on measured SCT constructs. The Cáncer 101 training program effectively prepared students to deliver cancer education to local communities. Training graduate PH students to educate communities about health issues is an innovative, and potentially sustainable, way to reach underserved populations.

Cafeína como contaminante ambiental / Caffeine as an environmental pollutant

En el presente estudio, se realiza una revisión bibliográfica de los datos publicados de concentraciones de cafeína y su principal metabolito, la paraxantina, en el agua como matriz ambiental. Se recopilan las concentraciones de muestras procedentes de aguas influentes y efluentes de estaciones depuradoras de agua residual (EDAR), de aguas superficiales y de aguas potables de España. Los valores máximos de cafeína estarían ubicados en la provincia de Madrid con una concentración de 13.167 ngL-1 en agua superficial. Le sigue la provincia de Sevilla con 3.840 ngL-1 en agua de influente. La máxima concentración de cafeína en agua potable también se situaría en Madrid con 75 ngL-1. Con el método de cocientes de riesgo (Hazard quotients, HQs), los resultados indican que Madrid podría presentar posibles efectos adversos con un valor de HQ=0,25. El riesgo de aparición de cafeína en los ecosistemas acuáticos estaría relacionado con la densidad de población y la proximidad de núcleos poblacionales al medio fluvial, y su aparición en el agua superficial y potable estaría estrechamente ligada a la ineficiencia de los sistemas de depuración de aguas residuales y estaciones de tratamiento de aguas potables. Se necesitan estudios de toxicidad crónica para evaluar el riesgo real que podría tener la cafeína de forma aislada y combinada con otros contaminantes emergentes sobre los organismos expuestos (AU)

Literature review of caffeine in surface waters and Hazard quotients analysis in Spain. More and more research is being conducted on emerging contaminants. This study undertakes a literature review of data from concentrations of caffeine and its metabolite paraxanthine in wáter as a biological matrix. The concentrations of samples from influent and effluents wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), surface wáter and drinking water from Spain are collected. The maximum values of caffeine found in the literature are located in Madrid province with a concentration equal to 13,167 ngL-1 in surface water and 5,690 ngL-1. It follows Seville province with 3,840 ngL-1 in influent WWTP. The highest concentration of caffeine in drinking water also is located in Madrid with 75 ngL-1. Risk characterization with Hazard quotients (HQ) of caffeine as an environmental pollutant on our aquatic ecosystems is made. Madrid is the riskiest region with a HQ= 0.25 value. Risk occurrence of caffeine in aquatic ecosystems is related to opulation density and the proximity of towns to the fluvial environment. The appearance of caffeine in surface water and drinking water would be closely linked to the inefficiency of wastewater treatment systems and drinking water treatment plants. Inefficient sewage-treatment systems are shown to be closely linked with the emergence of caffeine in drinking and surface water. Chronic toxicity studies are needed to reveal the real risk that single and combined caffeine could have with other emerging pollutants on exposed organisms because, even though the amounts of caffeine are microgL-1 to ngL-1, the effect on organisms is not known when they are exposed to these amounts on a continuous basis into the environmental compartments (AU)

Production of reuterin in a fermented milk product by Lactobacillus reuteri: Inhibition of pathogens, spoilage microorganisms, and lactic acid bacteria.

We assessed the antimicrobial activity of reuterin produced in vitro in glycerol aqueous solutions in situ by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 as part of a fermented milk product against starter (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus), spoilage (Penicillium expansum), pathogenic (Staphylococcus aureus Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes), and pathogen surrogate (Escherichia coli DH5α) microorganisms. We also assayed the influence of cold storage (28 d at 4°C) and reuterin on the color and rheology of the fermented milk product. We obtained maximum reuterin concentrations of 107.5 and 33.97 mM in glycerol aqueous solution and fermented milk product, respectively. Reuterin was stable throughout its refrigerated shelf life. Gram-positive microorganisms were more resistant to reuterin than gram-negative microorganisms. Penicillium expansum and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 survived at concentrations up to 10 and 8.5 mM, respectively. Escherichia coli DH5α was the most sensitive to reuterin (0.9 mM). The presence of reuterin did not cause relevant changes in the quality parameters of the fermented milk product, including pH, acidity, soluble solids, color, and rheological aspects (storage and loss moduli and viscosity). This study demonstrated the viability of using Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 53608 as a biopreservative in a fermented milk product through reuterin synthesis, without drastically modifying its quality parameters.

When a Common Language Is Not Enough: Transcreating Cancer 101 for Communities in Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico (PR), cancer is the leading cause of death. Previous research has identified the need for cancer education in PR. Using culturally adapted cancer curricula to train local health educators may effectively increase cancer education and reduce health disparities. This article describes the three-phase process used to transcreate the Cancer 101 curriculum to train Master of Public Health (MPH) students to educate PR communities. First, an expert panel collaboratively reviewed the curriculum for content, legibility, utility, and colloquialisms. Recommendations included incorporating local references and resources, replacing words and examples with culturally relevant topics, and updating objectives and evaluation items. Subsequent focus groups with 10 MPH students assessed the adaptation's strengths, weaknesses, and utility for future trainees. Participants were satisfied with the curriculum's overall adaptation, ease of use, and listed resources; further improvements were suggested for all modules. Final expert panel revisions highlighted minor feedback, with the final curriculum containing nine transcreated modules. The transcreation process identified the need for changes to content and cultural translation. Changes were culturally and literacy-level appropriate, represented PR's social context, and were tailored for future trainees to successfully deliver cancer education. Findings highlight the importance of adapting Spanish educational materials across Hispanic sub-groups.

A less invasive distal osteotomy of the radius for malunited dorsally displaced extra-articular fractures.

A less invasive corrective osteotomy for symptomatic post-traumatic deformity of the distal radius was done in 12 patients. They were followed up for an average of 3.7 years. The indications for correction were based on the patients' level of activities, pain, functional limitations, loss of grip strength or deformity occurring with an extra-articular rotational malunion of the distal end of the radius. The procedure included a dorsal open wedge osteotomy through a dorsal incision in which the fulcrum of rotation, or hinge, was located at the palmar cortex, and stabilized with an extra- and intramedullary fixed angle device. The bone defect was replaced with autologous morsellized iliac bone graft. The final outcome was graded as very good in eight patients, good in two and fair in two. Level of evidence: IV.

First Report of Downy Mildew Caused by Plasmopara halstedii on Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida cv. 'Goldsturm') in Maryland.

The North American perennial black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida cv. Goldsturm) is an important nursery crop, prized by gardeners and landscapers for its persistent bloom and ease of cultivation. In September 2013, disease symptoms characteristic of downy mildew were observed from multiple R. fulgida plants at two commercial nurseries in the Maryland counties of Howard and Anne Arundel. Over 100 R. fulgida were affected by this disease in both nurseries, rendering the plants unmarketable and causing a substantial financial loss. Plants exhibited dark necrotic lesions on the adaxial leaf surface, and sporulating masses of white mycelium on the abaxial leaf surface and on the adaxial in extreme infections. Plants were stunted with a reduced number of blooms. Microscopic visualization showed coenocytic mycelium, hyaline sporangiophores (length 261 to 904 µm; = 557 µm; n = 20) that were straight and monopodially branched at right angles with several terminal branchlets. Sporangia were hyaline, ovoid to elliptical with smooth surfaces ( = 31 × 28 µm; n = 50). Based on morphological data, the organism was identified as Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. & De Toni in Sacc (2). Voucher specimens were deposited in the U.S. National Fungus Collections (BPI 892792 to 892794). Molecular identification was conducted by extracting genomic DNA from sporangiophores and mycelium tweezed from the surface of three infected plants, with extractions performed using the QIAGEN Plant DNA kit (QIAGEN, Gaithersburg, MD). The large subunit of the nuclear rDNA was amplified by PCR using primers LROR and LR7 (3) and sequenced bidirectionally. BLASTn searches of NCBI GenBank showed that the resultant rDNA sequences (accessions KF927152 to KF927154) shared 99% nucleotide identity with curated P. halstedii sequences, consistent with morphological identification. To confirm pathogenicity, three 3.78-liter (1 gallon) containerized R. fulgida cv. Goldsturm plants were inoculated with a sporangial suspension of 2.4 × 104 sporangia/ml and sprayed until both the upper and lower surface of the leaves were completely covered. One negative control plant was sprayed with deionized water. Plants were placed in clear plastic bags in a growth chamber (20°C, 12-h photoperiod). Disease symptoms were observed 3 days post inoculation on all plants. The control plant was symptomless. Morphological features of the pathogen on the surface of inoculated plants were identical to those observed from the original infected plants. Although P. halstedii on R. fulgida cv. Goldsturm has been previously reported in Virginia in 2006 and Florida in 2004, to our knowledge, this is the first report on R. fulgida cv. Goldsturm in Maryland (1). Black-eyed Susans are widely distributed throughout Maryland's landscape and are a staple plant for gardeners, nurserymen and landscape professionals. Given the destructive nature of this disease, downy mildew has the potential to cause considerable economic losses to the state's ornamental crop industry. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., ARS, USDA. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , November 18, 2013. (2) P. A. Saccardo. Syllogue Fungorum 7:242, 1888. (3) R. Vilgalys and M. Hester. J. Bacteriol. 172:4238, 1990.

Interaction of radio-frequency, high-strength electric fields with harmful insects.

The objective of the research reported here is to investigate the influence of radio-frequency electric fields of high strength on insect mortality. The experiments were accomplished at the frequencies 47.5, 900 and 2,450 MHz for the pulse modulated radiation treatment and the continuous wave RF radiation. Two types of systems, which are the coaxial irradiation chamber and the irradiation chamber with plane capacitor are presented in this work. The experiments in the coaxial type radiation chamber on granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) at voltages U = 5.5-10.5 kV frequency 47.5 MHz, electric field intensity 180-350 kV/m and exposures 5-60 seconds give 40-90% of insect mortality that mainly depends on voltage increase. The experiments in the irradiation chamber with plane capacitor are presented for the pulse modulated regime at a frequency of 47.5 MHz and field intensities 350-2000 kV/m. 100% of insect mortality is reached at the exposures of 1-30 seconds, at field intensity of 2000 kV/m. The RF radiation of granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) in the coaxial irradiation chamber in stationary mode reaches 100% insect mortality at major exposure times for the frequencies 900 and 2,450 MHz. Stationary generator mode also permits 21-97% fungi (Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus candidus) control at voltage U = 10.5 kV frequencies 900 and 2,450 MHz and exposures of 120-180 seconds. Further investigation is needed for microscopic fungi control to understand the fungi reproduction mechanism during the RF-radiation treatment for Aspergillus fumigatus.

[Clinical control after diabetic and hypertension therapy group sessions]. / Control clínico posterior a sesiones grupales en pacientes con diabetes e hipertensión.

INTRODUCTION: To get good results in the treatment of chronic diseases, we need the participation of patients who take decisions, where education is the most relevant factor. We analyze the limits and impact of an educational strategy during six group sessions through a month. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical control in patients with diabetes and hypertension after group sessions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was included a group of 172 patients with diabetes and hypertension who went to a help group in 2003; There were two groups, a Group A with 88 patients who finished the educational strategy and a group B with 88 patients who left after the second session. RESULTS: The group A diminish glucose average -82 mg/dL (p<0.0001) and also lowered the systolic arterial tension -11.7 mm Hg (p<0.0001) and the diastolic tension -6.9 mm Hg (p<0.0001); there were not significant changes in group B. We used a repeated measured model 4 months before, during and 4 months after educational strategy, and there was a difference between the groups (p=0.008) and also the persistent effect after the educative strategy. CONCLUSION: We consider that improvement in clinical control was associated with the strategy used, because education motivate patients to take decisions to face real problematic situations, and helps them to think over life circumstances, and to have health live styles to control both diabetes and hypertension.

Acoso psicológico en el trabajo y psicopatología: Un estudio con el LIPT-60 y el SCL 90-R / Mobbing and psychopathology: A study with LIPT-60 and SCL 90-R

Los autores revisan los estudios sobre Acoso Psicológico en el Trabajo APT (mobbing o adult bullying) realizados en el Instituto de Psicoterapia e Investigación Psicosomática de Madrid en los últimos 6 años, que incluyen la descripción del Síndrome de Acoso Institucional, la elaboración del LIPT-60, versión expandida y mejorada del Leymann Inventory ofPsychological Terrorization, la determinación del perfil de psicopatología de las víctimas de APT con el SCL90R y de sus relaciones con las dinámicas de acoso y la puesta a punto de un procedimiento terapéutico especifico. Los afectados de acoso en el trabajo presentan psicopatologia significativa, con elevaciones en el total de síntomas y en las dimensiones de somatización, depresión, obsesión-compulsión, hostilidad e ideación paranoide con respecto a la media de la población psiquiátrica. La proporción de solteros en la muestra de APT es notablemente más elevada que en la población general. El nivel socioeconómico correlaciona de manera inversa con el grado de afectación psicopatológica. La relación inversa entre las dimensiones psicopatológicas de ideación paranoide y de sensibilidad interpersonal sugiere que las estrategias de acoso psicológico en el trabajo tienen un efecto paranógeno, independiente de la susceptibilidad interpersonal o de la tendencia a interpretar de manera negativa las actuaciones ajenas (AU)

The authors review their studies on workplace harassment (WPH), mobbing or adult bullying carried out in the Madrid Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Research over the last 6 years. These studies include the description of the Institutional HarassmentSyndrome, the development of the LIPT-60 (an extended and improved version of the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terrorization), the assessment of the psychopathological profile of WPH targets through the SCL90R and their relations with the profile of harassment dimensions, and the development of a specific therapeutic procedure. WPH targets show severe psychopathology on the SCL90R, higher than ambulatory psychiatric patients in the dimensions of somatization, depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, hostility and paranoid ideation. Within the same age range, the frequency of single persons is notably higher among WPH victims than in the general population. The socioeconomic level is negatively related with the severity of psychopathology. The dimensions of interpersonal sensitivity and paranoid ideation show negative correlations, which supports our hypothesis of the paranogenic effect of WPH –independently from interpersonal susceptibility and from the tendency to attribute negative interpretations to other people’s behaviour (AU)

Prospective study using standardized methodology for antimicrobial susceptibility of gram-positive cocci isolated from the Puerto Rico Medical Center

The Gram-positive cocci (GPC), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, have become important causes of community and nosocomial-acquired infections. The prevalence of multiple resistant isolates to standard antimicrobial drugs has significantly increased over the past decades. Few prospective studies have been performed in Puerto Rico (PR) concerning the GPC antimicrobial susceptibilities pattern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of GPC clinical isolates from PR to selected standard antibiotics and to the new antimicrobial agents, linezolid (LZ), quinupristin/dalfopristin (Q/D) and gemifloxacin (GM). The in vitro susceptibility utilizing disk diffusion and Etest methods to selected antibiotics was determined for a total of 429 isolates obtained during a period of 5 months from the Puerto Rico Medical Center Bacteriology Laboratory. The distribution of GPC collected was as follows: 213 S. aureus isolates, 162 E. faecalis, 16 E. faecium and 38 S. pneumoniae. The results of the susceptibility test demonstrated: 1) that in S. aureus, 100 per cent of the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (VAN), LZ and Q/D; 93 per cent to GM; and 61 per cent to methicillin/oxacillin; 2) in S. pneumoniae, 100 per cent were susceptible to LN and GM; 87 per cent to Q/D; and 53 per cent to penicillin; 3) in E. faecalis, 99 per cent were susceptible to ampicillin; 93 per cent to LZ; 79 per cent to GM; 78.6 per cent to VAN; and 0 per cent to Q/D. Sixty eight and 66 per cent of the E. faecalis isolates were susceptible to gentamicin and streptomycin respectively; and 4) in E. faecium, 100 per cent were susceptible to LZ; 94 per cent to Q/D; 69 per cent to GM; 37.5 per cent to VAN and 20 per cent to ampicillin. In E. faecium isolates, 50 per cent and 31 per cent were susceptible to gentamicin and streptomycin, respectively. Of the vancomycin resistant enterococci, 88.9 per cent and 21 per cent of E. faecium and faecalis showed VanA phenotypic resistance, respectively...

The Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin selectively sensitizes Bcr-Abl-expressing leukemia cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy.

The Bcr-Abl fusion protein drives leukemogenesis and can render leukemia cells resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Geldanamycin (GA), a drug which destabilizes Hsp90-associated proteins, depletes cells of Bcr-Abl, an Hsp90 client, but not of Abl. Both HL60 cells transfected with Bcr-Abl and naturally Ph1-positive K562 leukemia cells are resistant to most cytotoxic drugs, but were found to be sensitive to GA. Furthermore, GA sensitized Bcr-Abl-expressing cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX). In contrast, in parental HL60 cells, 90 nM GA inhibited PARP cleavage, nuclear fragmentation, and cell death caused by 500 ng/ml DOX. Like GA, STI 571 (an inhibitor of the Abl kinase) sensitized Bcr-Abl-expressing cells to DOX. Unlike GA, STI 571 did not antagonize the cytotoxic effects of DOX in parental HL60 cells. These results indicate that sensitization of Bcr-Abl-expressing cells, but not desensitization of HL60 cells, depends on inhibition of Bcr-Abl. Thus, GA differentially affects leukemia cells depending on their Bcr-Abl expression and selectively increases apoptosis in Bcr-Abl-expressing cells.

Conditional tissue-specific expression of the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) gene in the GAA knockout mice: implications for therapy.

Both enzyme replacement and gene therapy of lysosomal storage disorders rely on the receptor-mediated uptake of lysosomal enzymes secreted by cells, and for each lysosomal disorder it is necessary to select the correct cell type for recombinant enzyme production or for targeting gene therapy. For example, for the therapy of Pompe disease, a severe metabolic myopathy and cardiomyopathy caused by deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), skeletal muscle seems an obvious choice as a depot organ for local therapy and for the delivery of the recombinant enzyme into the systemic circulation. Using knockout mice with this disease and transgenes containing cDNA for the human enzyme under muscle or liver specific promoters controlled by tetracycline, we have demonstrated that the liver provided enzyme far more efficiently. The achievement of therapeutic levels with skeletal muscle transduction required the entire muscle mass to produce high levels of enzyme of which little found its way to the plasma, whereas liver, comprising <5% of body weight, secreted 100-fold more enzyme, all of which was in the active 110 kDa precursor form. Furthermore, using tetracycline regulation, we somatically induced human GAA in the knockout mice, and demonstrated that the skeletal and cardiac muscle pathology was completely reversible if the treatment was begun early.

Psicoterapia de la crisis / No disponible

La crisis es un síndrome agudo de estrés, caracterizado por la ruptura brusca de la vivencia de continuidad psíquica y por la respuesta activa ante un proceso de cambio. El éxito en esta respueseta favorece el desarrollo e integración d ela personalidad, mientras que su fracaso puede llevar a una total desestructuración. La intervención terapéutica requiere consideración del tipo y fase de la crisis, de la personalidad y experiencias críticas del sujeto, y de los condicionantes socioculturales del entorno(AU)

Crisis is an acute stress syndrome, characterized by sudden break of the psychic continuity experience and by active response to a change process. Success in this response favors personality development and integration, whereas failure carries the risk of total desestructuration. Therapeutic intervention has to consider the type and phase of the crisis, the personality and crisis experience of the subject, and the sociocultural conditions of the environment(AU)

Distal third fibular aneurysmal bone cyst: en bloc resection and proximal third fibular reconstruction.

Treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) located in the distal third fibula adjacent to the growth plate, can be problematic. The first choice of treatment for these lesions has been cyst curettage and bone graft. Complications include the high recurrence rate, possible growth-plate injury, and possible ankle instability associated with that treatment led to the development of other surgical options. We used en bloc resection and proximal third fibular bone reconstruction to treat an 8-year-old female patient with a distal third fibular ABC close to the growth plate. There was no recurrence, growth-plate injury, or ankle instability at 30-month follow-up.

Nosología psiquiátrica del estrés / Psychiatric nosology of stress

El estrés afecta al ser humano en su totalidad, aunque algunas de sus manifestaciones son más evidentes a unos métodos de observación que a otros. Cuando la detección de anormalidad, disfunción, sufrimiento o deterioro se debe a la aplicación de los métodos propios de la psicopatología, estamos justificados en clasificar estas observaciones dentro de la nosología psiquiátrica. De esta manera, podemos describir una psiquiatría del estrés, que se extiende a lo largo de tres dimensiones, que son: el estrés psicológico, el trauma psíquico, y la psicopatología reactiva. Las implicaciones psiquiátricas de los dos primeros fenómenos, estrés psicológico y trauma, son objeto de otro trabajo, titulado "Cambio, Trauma y Sobrecarga". Las del tercero, la psicopatología reactiva, se exponen en el presente trabajo. Finalmente, se establece la clasificación de los síndromes de estrés en: Agudos y Crónicos, correspondiendo a los primeros el autoestrés, la reacción aguda de estrés, la crisis psicosocial, el síndrome postraumático y los trastornos adaptativos, y a los segundos, el trastorno por estrés extremo y persistente, el síndrome de victimización de Ochberg (del que forma parte el Síndrome de Estocolmo), el síndrome de desgaste profesional o Bumout y el síndrome de acoso moral, del que forma parte el síndrome de acoso institucional (AU)

Evaluación de un programa de vacunación contra la gripe a nivel laboral / Occupational influenza vaccination program evaluation

Este estudio evalúa la efectividad de un programa de vacunación realizado en nuestra empresa, donde se utilizó un esquema para la prevención de las infecciones de vías respiratorias (IVR), que incluye la vacuna trivalente contra la influenza conteniendo virus enteros A y B de aplicación intramuscular y un estimulante de la inmunidad para la profilaxis de las complicaciones bacterianas de los resfrios. Durante los doce meses del estudio, el promedio de cuadros de IVR por trabajador fue de 1,58. Se reportaron un total de 586 días de IVR, de los cuales únicamente un trabajador requirió ausentarse cuatro días del trabajo (0,68 por ciento). Los trabajadores que participaron en el programa refirieron en un 93,1 por ciento que el esquema de vacunación fue efectivo y que estaban interesados en recibirla nuevamente. Hubo una reducción de un 42,7 por ciento en el número de episodios, de IVR entre el año previo a la vacunación y el año posterior a esta (p < .001). Se analiza la posibilidad de extender el programa a otros centros de trabajo en vista de los resultados obtenidos, la buena tolerancia reportada para este tipo de vacuna y la gran aceptación observada en nuestra experiencia (AU)

Intoxicación con ion cobre en ratas preñadas y su efecto en formación de centros primarios de osificación en fetos / Cooper ion intoxication in pregnant rats and their effects on the primary ossification center in fetus

La actividad socioeconómica de la II Región de Chile es la minería del cobre, generándose subproductos que son eliminados al medio. Se ha informado en centros industrializados, que los metales pesados se transfieren de las madres a los fetos, vía placenta. Se propone conocer la bioacumulación de cobre en órganos y fluidos en ratas gestantes y su efecto en la formación de centros primarios de osificación (CPO). Hembras de tres meses Sprague Dowley, se ciclan y se cruzan en estro. Al octavo día de gestación, se inyectan i.p. con 1 ml de CuSO en concentraciones 1024, 512, 256, 128 y 64 ppm y suero fisiológico, el grupo control. A los 18 días, se sacrifican y se evalúan los fetos, procesándose por técnicas de tinción, diafanización e histológica. Secciones de 5 um se tiñen con azul de Alcian /Azul de Toluidina. Se recupera sangre materna, membranas amniocoriónica, líquido amniótico y placenta, entre grupos tratados y controles. Una diferencia significativa en la formación de los CPO en vértebras y dorsales, se encontró con el tratamiento de 256 ppm, en comparación con el control (p<0.05). No se observaron anomalías externas. Se infiere que ión cobre se transfiere a los fetos vía placenta, bioacumulándose en el hígado e induciendo alteraciones o retardo en la formación de CPO, especialmente a nivel de vértebras cervicales y dorsales; observándose microscópicamente en dichas zonas, ausencias de tejido cartilaginoso característico

[Stress reactivity and affective psychopathology in health care workers]. / Reactividad al estrés y patología afectiva en personal sanitario.

While the etiology of the affective disorders remain unknown, most believe that interactions between genetic and environmental factors are critical. Stress has been implicated as an important factor related to the onset and progression of affective disorders. Characteristics rendering individuals more or less vulnerable to stress are very important to elucidate and will be relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of affective disorders. Stress reactivity could be one of these individual characteristics since the results of the present paper show a statistically significant correlation between stress reactivity and the affective psychopathology observed.

[Stress and anxiety]. / Estrés y ansiedad.

Stressful events, either of traumatic quality or of lesser intensity but repetitive, are a frequent antecedent in the development of anxiety disorders. The Stress Reactivity Index modulates the intensity of the "life event effect", and can be considered as a marker of vulnerability to stress. In susceptible subjects, a vicious circle process tends to feed the anxiety-producing mechanisms, long after the original initiating factors have disappeared.

[Life events and self-destructive behavior]. / Acontecimientos vitales y conducta autodestructiva.

The role of life events in precipitating self-destructive behaviour, especially in suicide attempts, needs to be studied in this paper the social readjustment rating scale (Holmes and Rahe), in its spanish version, in a sample of 100 suicide attempters are reported. The mean social readjustment index was 255.2 +/- 137.01, which is a higher score than that observed in medical inpatients (180.69 +/- 72.03) in our context. The mean life events index was 8.69 +/- 4.32, higher valves than were recorded in the somatic in patients sample (5.97 +/- 2.99). No sex differences were found in any of the two indexes. The finding of a greater number of unpleasant life events by different researchers is discussed.