Androgen treatment effects on neurocognition in female-to-male transgender adolescents. / Efectos del tratamiento con andrógenos sobre la neurocognición en adolescentes transgénero de mujer a hombre.

INTRODUCTION: It has been hypothesized that cognitive and memory-related brain function in transgender during cross-sex hormonal treatment might be activated towards that of the subjective gender. However, research on this topic has produced inconsistent results, and to the best of our knowledge no studies have investigated neurocognitive changes in androgen-treated female-to-male (FM) transgender adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 15 FM transgender adolescents (14-17 years) underwent neuropsychological testing in order to examine the effects of androgen on visuo-spacial abilities, verbal memory language, processing speed and executive functions. We used a longitudinal design in which 10 participants were tested twice, before and after receiving 12 months of testosterone treatment. This group was also compared with 5 FM transgender adolescents off-androgen treatment. RESULTS: Participants tested before and after 12 months of androgen treatment improved significantly on processing speed in a visuo-spatial (Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test) and in a visuo-oral task (Stroop), their performance on a verbal memory task (TAVEC) and on interference (Stroop) and they exhibited lower impulsivity control (CARAS-R). On-androgen treatment adolescents exhibited worse cognitive impulsivity control than off-androgen treatment adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that androgen has an influence on immediate verbal memory, cognitive interference, impulsivity control and processing speed.

TITLE: Efectos del tratamiento con andrógenos sobre la neurocognición en adolescentes transgénero de mujer a hombre.Introducción. Se ha planteado la hipótesis de que la neurocognición en personas transgénero durante el tratamiento hormonal cruzado podría aproximarse a la del género subjetivo. Sin embargo, la investigación sobre este tema ha producido resultados inconsistentes y, hasta donde sabemos, ningún estudio ha investigado los cambios neurocognitivos en adolescentes transgénero de mujer a hombre (FM) tratados con andrógenos. Sujetos y métodos. Quince adolescentes transgénero FM (14-17 años) se sometieron a pruebas neuropsicológicas para examinar los efectos de los andrógenos en sus habilidades visuoespaciales, memoria verbal, velocidad de procesamiento y funciones ejecutivas. Utilizamos un diseño longitudinal en el que se evaluó a 10 participantes dos veces, antes y después de recibir, durante 12 meses, tratamiento con testosterona. Este grupo también se comparó con cinco adolescentes transgénero FM sin tratamiento con andrógenos. Resultados. Los participantes evaluados antes y después de 12 meses de tratamiento con andrógenos mejoraron significativamente en velocidad de procesamiento en una tarea visuoespacial (prueba de la figura compleja de Rey-Osterrieth) y en una tarea visual (Stroop), en una tarea de memoria verbal (test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense) y en interferencia (Stroop), y exhibieron un menor control de la impulsividad (test de percepción de diferencias revisado). Los adolescentes que recibieron tratamiento con andrógenos mostraron un peor control de la impulsividad cognitiva que los adolescentes que no recibieron tratamiento con andrógenos. Conclusiones. Los resultados indican que los andrógenos influyen en la memoria verbal, la interferencia cognitiva, el control de la impulsividad y la velocidad de procesamiento.

Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in adult Filipino TB-HIV co-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: TB is the leading cause of death from a single infectious disease, particularly among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Molecular epidemiology provides information on prevalent genotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and disease transmission dynamics, which aid in TB control. Identification of mutations that confer drug resistance is essential for the rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant TB, especially in high TB burden settings, like the Philippines.METHODS: This study aimed to determine mutations in M. tuberculosis drug resistance-conferring genes and circulating genotypes in PLHIV. MIRU-VNTR (mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number of tandem repeats) typing using a set of 24-loci and sequencing of drug resistance-conferring genes were performed in 22 M. tuberculosis isolates from TB-HIV co-infected patients.RESULTS: The prevalence of resistance to any drug was 31.8%, 18.2% for isoniazid monoresistance, 4.5% for streptomycin monoresistance and 9.1% for multidrug resistance. The identified mutations in the katG, rpoB, pncA, rpsL and gyrA genes have been reported in the literature; none was found in the inhA and embB genes. All isolates belonged to the EAI2-Manila family and were grouped into four clusters based on their phenotypic drug resistance and mutation profiles.CONCLUSION: The use of 24-loci set may be used as a more discriminatory MIRU-VNTR typing in settings where the East African-Indian lineage is predominant, like the Philippines.

Regulation of hepatic P-gp expression and activity by genistein in rats.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ABC transporter exhibiting high pharmacotoxicological relevance by extruding a wide range of cytotoxic compounds out of the cells. Previously, we demonstrated that the phytoestrogen genistein (GNT) modulates P-gp expression in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. Although several beneficial effects (e.g., antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticancer) have been attributed to GNT, the molecular mechanisms have not been totally elucidated. In the present work, we evaluated the effect of GNT on P-gp expression in rat liver, kidney and ileum. We found that GNT (5 mg/kg daily s.c. 3 days) increased hepatic P-gp expression and also Mdr1a (one of the genes encoding P-gp) mRNA levels. Renal and intestinal P-gp remained unchanged after GNT treatment. Hepatic P-gp activity measured with rhodamine-123 and digoxin, both well-known P-gp substrates, was also increased. In vitro experiments using hepatocyte primary cell culture demonstrated that inhibition of ER-α with ICI182/780 did not prevent Mdr1a mRNA up-regulation by GNT (10 µM). In contrast, Mdr1a induction was suppressed after pregnane X receptor (PXR) inhibition by sulforaphane and knockdown of this nuclear receptor. These findings were confirmed in vivo by using the PXR antagonist ketoconazole. In conclusion, we demonstrated the induction of hepatic P-gp expression and activity by GNT in vivo, with PXR being a likely mediator. This suggests that GNT, at concentrations observed in plasma of individuals consuming the phytoestrogen in the diet or through supplements, could affect the clearance of relevant P-gp substrates of therapeutic use as well as toxicity of environmental and food toxicants.

Nest use and patterns of egg laying and damage by 4 strains of laying hens in an aviary system.

Laying hens are strongly motivated to use nests for egg laying, and alternative production systems (e.g., aviaries) provide artificial sites to meet this need and ensure efficient collection of clean, undamaged eggs. However, nests are typically not provided to allow simultaneous use by all hens; therefore, competition or mislaid eggs can result. To understand the influence of strain on laying eggs outside nests and damage to eggs, we compared daily patterns of nests use and egg laying among 4 laying hen strains (Hy-Line Brown (HB), Bovans Brown (BB), DeKalb White (DW), and Hy-Line W36 (W36)). Hens were observed over 3 consecutive days in aviaries with colony nests in the enclosure's top tier (2 nests/unit, 4 aviary units/strain, 144 hens/unit). The number and location of hens in nests and the number, location and condition of eggs throughout aviaries were recorded. Most eggs (90 to 95%) were laid in nests; however, brown hens consistently laid more non-nest eggs and damaged more eggs than white hens (P ≤ 0.05). Higher nest occupancy by brown hens was correlated with more non-nest and damaged eggs (P ≤ 0.05). In the morning, brown hens occupied more nest space and laid more nest eggs than white hens (e.g., HB vs. DW: 82.97 and 34.66% of space; 91.35 and 68.73% of nest eggs; P ≤ 0.05). At midday, white hens occupied more nest space and laid more nest eggs than brown hens (e.g., HB vs. DW: 28.47 and 15.81% of space; 27.39 and 8.29% of nest eggs; P ≤ 0.05). Brown hens preferred right nest compartments and laid more eggs there, whereas white hens preferred left compartments and W36 laid more eggs there (P ≤ 0.05). These findings indicate that different strains of hens have different patterns of nest use and laying behavior. In brown hens, heavy morning nest use was related to laying eggs outside nests and more damaged eggs, suggesting insufficient space for oviposition in nests. Specific facility design should be matched to hens' preferences to accommodate behavioral needs of different strains.

RUNX3 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes in Mexican patients with colorectal cancer.

We analyzed a possible association between RUNX3 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes in Mexican patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Genomic DNA samples were obtained from the peripheral blood of 176 Mexican patients with CRC at diagnosis and from 195 individuals that formed the control group. The polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Association was estimated by odds ratio (OR). The haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium were established using the Arlequin v3.5 software. We found that the RUNX3 polymorphisms analyzed were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The RUNX3 rs2236852 AA genotype and A allele showed association with CRC (OR = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.21-0.73, P < 0.01; OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.49-0.87, P < 0.01, respectively), while the rs6672420, rs11249206, and rs760805 polymorphisms did not show significant association with CRC. The TA haplotype (SNPs rs760805 and rs2236852) showed an increased risk for CRC (OR = 2.52, 95%CI = 1.47-4.30, P < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that the AA genotype and A allele of rs2236852 polymorphism confer a decreased CRC risk, while the TA haplotype appears to increase the risk of CRC development in Mexican patients.

Percepción del paciente hospitalizado respecto a la atención de enfermería en un hospital público / The hospitalized patient's perception of the nursing attention in a public hospital / Percepção do paciente hospitalizado referente à atenção de enfermagem num hospital público

Objetivo: Determinar y asociar la percepción del paciente hospitalizado respecto a la atención de enfermería con las variables sociodemográficas y estancia hospitalaria en el servicio de medicina de un hospital público. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal con 50 pacientes de ambos sexos mayores de 18 años atendidos en un servicio de medicina. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó el cuestionario de perfil social y el cuestionario de percepción del paciente de la atención de enfermería. Resultados: Se observó predominio del sexo femenino, edad entre 40 y 49 años, solteros, con secundaria completa y con menos de 5 días de estancia hospitalaria. La atención de enfermería fue categorizada como medianamente favorable. Los componentes Técnico e Interpersonal fueron categorizados como medianamente favorables y el componente Confort desfavorable. Se observó que la mujer percibe mejor la atención de enfermería. Conclusión: Los resultados apuntaron la necesidad de un proceso reflexivo por parte del personal de enfermería para mejorar la atención, la percepción del paciente y brindar un cuidado de calidad.

Objective: To determine and associate the perception of the hospitalized patient regarding the nursing attention, using social and demographical variables and hospital stay in the medical service of a public hospital. Method: Quantitative, descriptive and transversal study with 50 patients of both sexes over 18 being treated by a medical service. Data were collected through a social profile questionnaire and a patient questionnaire on their perception of nursing attention. Results: There was a prevalence of females, aged between 40 and 49 years old, single, with high-school education and admitted to the hospital for less than 5 days. Nursing attention was categorized as broadly favorable. The Technical and Interpersonal components were categorized as fairly favorable, while Comfort was unfavorable. It was observed that women perceive the nursing attention better than men. Conclusion: The results pointed towards the need for a reflexive process for the nursing staff to improve attention and the patient's perception of this, as well as to offer better quality care.

Objetivo: Determinar e associar a percepção do paciente hospitalizado referente à atenção de enfermagem com as variáveis sócio-demográficas e 'a permanência hospitalar no serviço de medicina de um hospital público. Método: Estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal com 50 pacientes de ambos os sexos com mais de 18 anos atendidos num serviço de medicina. Para a recolha de dados utilizou-se o questionário de perfil social e o questionário de percepção do paciente na atenção de enfermagem. Resultados: Observou-se o predomínio do sexo feminino, idade entre 40 e 49 anos, solteiros, com estudos secundários completos e com menos de 5 dias de permanência hospitalar. A atenção de enfermagem foi categorizada como medianamente favorável. Os componentes técnico e interpessoal foram categorizados como medianamente favoráveis e o componente conforto desfavorável. Na associação observou-se que a mulher percebe melhor a atenção de enfermagem. Conclusão: Os resultados dirigiram-se à necessidade de um processo reflexivo por parte do enfermagem para melhorar a atenção, à percepção do paciente e oferecer um cuidado de qualidade.

Association of MMP7-181A/G and MMP13-77A/G polymorphisms with colorectal cancer in a Mexican population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by enhanced expression and activity of several metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP13 and MMP7, which play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. The objective of this study was to analyze the association of functional MMP7-181A/G and MMP13-77A/G promoter polymorphisms with susceptibility to CRC in a Mexican population. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from peripheral blood of 102 CRC patients and 125 blood donors who were included as the control group. Identification of polymorphisms was based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. The association was estimated by the odds ratio (OR) test. The results showed that MMP7-181A/G and MMP13-77A/G variants were associated with CRC. For MMP7-181A/G, the AA (P=0.02, OR=3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.16-9.84) and AG (P=0.01, OR=3.4, 95%CI=1.17-9.83) genotypes were associated with an increased risk of CRC. For MMP13-77A/G, the AA and AG genotypes were associated with CRC (AA genotype: P=0.04, OR=3.2, 95%CI=1.004-10.2; AG genotype: P=0.01, OR=4.08, 95%CI=1.3-13.07). In conclusion, AA and AG genotype carriers for both polymorphisms are at a higher risk of developing CRC in this Mexican population.

Urinary exosomes as a source of kidney dysfunction biomarker in renal transplantation.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires for its treatment permanent dialysis or kidney transplantation (KT). KT is the best clinical treatment, however, the early function of the allograft varies depending on multiple factors associated with cold ischemia time (CIT) and the allograft rejection process. It is known that serum creatinine is an insensitive and late marker for predicting graft recovery after KT, mainly in patients with delayed graft function (DGF). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is produced in the distal nephron and it is one of the most promising novel biomarkers for acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). NGAL has been proposed to be a predictor of organ recovery from DGF after KT from donors after cardiac death. Because nonrenal diseases can also induce NGAL, more information is necessary to validate the sensitivity and specificity of urine and plasma NGAL in clinical samples. The exosomes are vesicles released into the urine from the kidney epithelium and they have been proposed as better source to explore as biomarker of renal dysfunction. The molecular composition of the urinary exosomes could be representative of the physiological or physiopathologic condition of the urinary system. We propose that determination of NGAL in urinary exosomes is a better predictor of kidney dysfunction after KT than other urinary fractions. We analyzed 15 kidney allograft recipients, with a mean age of 36 years (range, 16-60 years) and 75% were male: 11 living donors (LD) and 4 deceased donors (DD). The average length of CIT was 14 hours in DD and less than 1 hour in LD. Three patient developed DGF. Using Western blot analysis, NGAL was detectable in the cellular and exosomal fraction of the urine. The exosomes expressed higher levels of NGAL than the cellular fraction. The expression of NGAL was observed from the first day after transplantation. In the cellular fraction of the urine, no significant differences of NGAL were observed between the patients. However, the median of NGAL expression in the exosomes fraction was significantly higher in DD patient, from the first day after KT (P < .05). Moreover, we noticed that NGAL expression in exosomes remained elevated in the patients with DGF compared with non-DGF patients (P < .05). Considering the highest abundance of NGAL in the urinary exosomes and its correlation with DGF patients, we suggest the exosomal fraction as a more sensitive substrate to evaluate early biomarkers of DGF after KT.

Utilidad del catéter central de acceso periférico (PICC) en recién nacidos prematuros de la unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal de la Clínica General del Norte / Suitability of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in pre-term newborn infants in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Clínica General del Norte

Introducción: siendo cada vez mayor la sobrevida de recién nacidos prematuros en Colombia, se necesita implementar unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal que permitan una atención de calidad en todos los aspectos que atañen a estos pacientes. Generalmente, la atención de los prematuros está enfocada al uso de ventiladores, óxido nítrico y aplicación de surfactante, pero un punto en común para los neonatos que ingresan a una unidad de cuidado intensivo, es que definitivamente necesitan tener un buen acceso venoso y de preferencia, por vía central. Mucho se discute sobre el uso, colocación, tiempo de estancia y complicaciones de catéteres umbilicales o líneas centrales, por lo que la canalización con catéter central de acceso periférico ofrece un método confiable y seguro, siendo un procedimiento que no implica trasladar al paciente al quirófano y que puede realizarlo el personal de enfermería con mucho éxito.\r\nMétodo: en el estudio se incluyeron 230 neonatos que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal entre septiembre de 2009 y septiembre de 2010; a estos neonatos se les colocó un catéter central de acceso periférico según lo establecido en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo, de acuerdo a la patología, peso, edad gestacional del paciente y medicaciones a usar. Se estableció además, sitio de inserción, tiempo de estancia y complicaciones presentadas.\r\nResultados: los 230 neonatos que ingresaron al estudio corresponden al 8.1% de todos los nacimientos. El 66,5% de los neonatos pesó entre 1501 gr y 2500 gr. En el 32% de los neonatos la vena periférica más utilizada fue la basílica. Solo 12% de los casos presentó algún tipo de complicación mecánica y un 6% de los recién nacidos prematuros se colonizó en la primera semana de vida.\r\nConclusión: la aplicación del catéter central de acceso periférico mostró ser útil en la Clínica General del Norte. El personal de la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo evidenció disminución de punciones periféricas, disminución en el tiempo para la consecución de una vía venosa central, que no era necesaria la presencia del cirujano pediatra en la mayoría de los casos, que el número de las complicaciones era bajo y además, que hubo un descenso en las infecciones en los recién nacidos ingresados en la unidad neonatal durante el período de estudio.

Introduction: the increase in survival of preterm newborn infants in Colombia indicates the need for the implementation of neonatal intensive care units to enable quality care in all aspects pertaining to these patients. Generally, the care of preterm babies focuses on the use of ventilators, nitric oxide, and surfactant application, but what all newborns that enter an intensive care unit have in common is that they definitely need to have good venous access and preferably, through a central venous system. There are numerous discussions on the use, placement, extent of time, and complications of the umbilical catheter or central lines. The peripherally inserted central catheter is a safe and reliable method to have an adequate center vascular access from a peripheral vein, the patient does not need to be move to the operating room and the procedure can be performed by the nursing staff with a great success.\r\nMethods: 230 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were enrolled in the study, from September 2009 to September 2010. The babies underwent a placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter following the protocol of the intensive care unit, according to pathology, weight, gestational age and medications. The insertion site, length of time, and complications were also established.\r\nResults: the 230 babies enrolled in the study represented 8.1% of all births. 66.5% of babies weighed between 1501 and 2500 gr. In 32% of the newborns the most used peripheral vein was the basilica. Only 12% of cases had some type of mechanical complications and 6% of preterm infants were colonized in the first week of life.\r\nConclusions: the application of peripherally inserted central catheter showed to be useful at the Clínica General del Norte. The staff of the intensive care unit evidenced minimizing of the peripheral canalizations, a reduction in the time it took to find a central venous line, that in the majority of cases the presence of the pediatric surgeon was not required to achieve a central venous, the number of complications was minimal, and a decline of infections in newborns admitted to the neonatal unit during the study period.

MLH1 and XRCC1 polymorphisms in Mexican patients with colorectal cancer.

DNA repair proteins maintain DNA integrity; polymorphisms in genes coding for these proteins can increase susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC) development. We analyzed a possible association of MLH1 -93G>A and 655A>G and XRCC1 Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms with CRC in Mexican patients. Genomic DNA samples were obtained from peripheral blood of 108 individuals with CRC (study group) at diagnosis and 120 blood donors (control group) from Western Mexico; both groups were mestizos. The polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. Association was estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR). We found that the MLH1 and XRCC1 polymorphisms were in Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium. The MLH1 655A>G polymorphism in the 655G allele was associated with a 2-fold increase risk for CRC (OR = 2.04 and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.12-3.69; P < 0.01), while the MLH1 -93G>A polymorphism allele was associated with a protective effect (OR = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.40-0.89; P = 0.01 in the -93A allele and OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.13-0.79; P = 0.01 in the AA genotype). The XRCC1 Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms did not show any significant associations. In conclusion, we found that MLH1 -93G>A and 655A>G polymorphisms are associated with CRC in Mexican patients.

Enzymatic modification of chitosan with quercetin and its application as antioxidant edible films.

Quercetin, rutin, naringin, hesperidin and chrysin were tested as substrates for chloroperoxidase to produce reactive quinones to graft onto chitosan. Quercetin and rutin quinones were successfully chemically attached to low molecular weight chitosan. The quercetin-modified chitosan showed an enhancement of plastic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties as well as of thermal degradability. Finally, chitosan-quercetin films visibly decreased enzymatic oxidation when applied to Opuntia ficus indica cladodes.

[Caring for unaccompanied minors: an experience from Lausanne]. / Soins aux mineurs non accompagnés (MNA): l'expérience lausannoise.

Medical treatment of an unaccompanied minor is made more complicated firstly by its connections with the politics of immigration and secondly by the difficulty in gaining recognition of the priority of the minor's interests. Enabling healthcare teams to travel and meet these particularly vulnerable youths makes medical care more accessible to them and facilitates an optimal bio-psycho-social treatment. For most of these adolescents it is their lack of plans for the future which remains the major obstacle to their development and mental and physical health.

Combination of an e-nose, an e-tongue and an e-eye for the characterisation of olive oils with different degree of bitterness.

An electronic panel has been used to characterise the organoleptic characteristics of twenty-five extra virgin olive oils from varieties Hojiblanca, Picual and Arbequina, with different degree of bitterness. The method consists in the combination of three systems: electronic nose, electronic tongue and electronic eye. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA), where PC1, PC2 and PC3 explained 59% of the total variance between the samples, has demonstrated that the capability of discrimination of the combined system is superior to that obtained with the three instruments separately. This improvement is due to the increased information extracted from each sample. Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) has allowed separation of the groups in function of olive variety with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) lower than 0.099. Using PLS1 and PLS2 regression models, good correlations have been found between the signals obtained from the electronic tongue and the polyphenolic content (measured by chromatographic methods) or the bitterness index (scored by a panel of experts) with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9 in calibration and validation. These preliminary results indicate that the combination of an e-nose, an e-tongue and an e-eye can be a useful tool for the analysis of olive oil bitterness.

Evaluation of novel particles as an inhalation system for GLP-1.

AIM: The feasibility of administering native glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) as GLP-1 Technosphere Inhalation Powder for diabetes therapy has been demonstrated in a rat model. METHODS: GLP-1 Technosphere Inhalation Powders containing 5, 10 and 15% GLP-1 were prepared and administered to healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats and to male Zucker diabetic obese rats. Rats received a single dose of GLP-1 Technosphere Powder by pulmonary insufflation. GLP-1 pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses were measured. RESULTS: Maximum circulating GLP-1 concentrations were achieved at approximately 10 min after dosing with detectable levels at 40 min. In a food consumption study, Sprague-Dawley rats receiving GLP-1 Technosphere Powder once-daily consumed less food than control rats for up to 24 h after dosing. Cumulative food consumption was decreased approximately 10% after 78 h. In an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, Zucker diabetic fatty rats receiving 2 mg GLP-1 Technosphere Powder (0.3 mg GLP-1) by pulmonary insufflation exhibited lower glucose concentrations and higher insulin concentrations than control rats. Pancreatic evaluations showed no differences in apoptotic index or cell proliferation of beta-cells. In addition, a dose-related increase in insulin expression within the pancreas was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the feasibility of administering native GLP-1 as GLP-1 Technosphere Inhalation Powder for diabetes therapy.

Efectividad de anticuerpos antitransglutaminasa IgA en la evaluación de la dieta sin gluten en pacientes celiacos. Evolución de la hipertransaminasemia y ferropenia / Efectivity of antitransglutaminase antibodies IgA for the evaluation of gluten free diet in celiac patients. Evolution of hypertransaminasemia and iron deficiency

Objetivo: analizar la validez de los anticuerpos antitransglutaminasa (tTGA) como marcador de la respuesta a la dieta libre de gluten (DLG) en pacientes celíacos y valorar la evolución de la hipertransaminasemia (HT) y ferropenia detectadas en el diagnóstico. Material y métodos: se analiza a 172 celíacos (141 niños, 31 adultos) en DLG. Se realiza control dietético-clínico, histológico, serológico y bioquímico. La valoración de tTGA se realizó utilizando anticuerpo recombinante humano. Resultados: tras un período en DLG (mediana 18 meses), 114 (81%) niños mostraron concentración normal de tTGA, 17 (12%) se mantuvieron en la zona gris y 10 (7%), valores elevados. En adultos las frecuencias eran 15 (48,3%), 11 (33,5%) y 5 (17,2%). Se realizaron 27 biopsias intestinales (26 niños, 1 adulto). La concordancia histológica con la concentración de tTGA fue elevada; índice kappa = 0,898 (0,72¿0,98). Se detectan trasgresiones en 7 pacientes (4 ocasionales, 3 frecuentes), de los cuales 6 presentaron tTGA elevada. El control de la DLG se realizó conforme a las recomendaciones establecidas en los niños, mientras que el 30% de los adultos diagnosticados de EC carece del mismo. En ambas poblaciones observamos disminución significativa de la HT y normalización de la ferropenia detectada al diagnóstico (p<0,001). Conclusiones: dado el acuerdo con los hallazgos histológicos, consideramos que la tTGA es un marcador indirecto útil para evaluar DLG al menos en población pediátrica. Sin embargo, no sustituye a la biopsia en casos de trasgresiones o de mala respuesta clínica. En nuestro medio es necesario concienciar al colectivo adulto de la importancia de la dieta y las complicaciones que conlleva su enfermedad sin tratar(AU)

Objective: To analyze the validity of antitransglutaminase antibodies (tTGA) as a serological marker of response to the gluten-free diet (GFD) in celiac patients and to determine the outcome of hypertransaminasemia (HT) and ferropenia found at the time of diagnosis. Material and methods: We have retrospectively analyzed the data from 172 patients with celiac disease (CD) (141 children and 31 adults) following a GFD. We have collected clinical and diet information and also histological, biochemical and serological data. The tTGA was measured with a human recombinant antibody. Results: After a median follow-up time of 1.5 years in GFD, 114 (81%) of the children had normal levels of tTGA, 17 (12%) showed values in the ‘‘grey zone’’ and only 10 (7%) had elevated levels of this marker. This contrasts with the figures found in adults, corresponding to 15 (48.3%), 11 (33.5%) and 5 (17.2%), respectively. In our series we have performed 27 intestinal biopsies during follow-up (26 children and 1 adult). The concordance rate between the results of this biopsy and the tTGA determination was high, with a Kappa Index ¼ 0.898. We have detected dietary transgressions in 7 patients (4 occasional and 3 frequently) and 6 of these 7 patients showed high levels of tTGA. The GFD was correctly followed by children according to the international recommendations, but only 40% of the adults followed the GFD adequately. In both populations we have found a significant decrease in HTand normalization of the ferropenia found at diagnosis (Po0.001). Conclusions: tTGA is a useful indirect marker for evaluation of GFD in a pediatric population, with a high concordance between serum levels of the marker and histological findings in the intestinal biopsy. However, tTGA cannot substitute biopsy in cases of diet transgressions or unfavourable clinical evolution. In our environment it is still essential to increase the awareness of the adult population regarding the importance of diet in CD and also of the serious complications associated with untreated disease(AU)