Polysome-associated lncRNAs during cardiomyogenesis of hESCs.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in many biological processes, including the regulation of cell differentiation, but a complete characterization of lncRNA is still lacking. Additionally, there is evidence that lncRNAs interact with ribosomes, raising questions about their functions in cells. Here, we used a developmentally staged protocol to induce cardiogenic commitment of hESCs and then investigated the differential association of lncRNAs with polysomes. Our results identified lncRNAs in both the ribosome-free and polysome-bound fractions during cardiogenesis and showed a very well-defined temporal lncRNA association with polysomes. Clustering of lncRNAs was performed according to the gene expression patterns during the five timepoints analyzed. In addition, differential lncRNA recruitment to polysomes was observed when comparing the differentially expressed lncRNAs in the ribosome-free and polysome-bound fractions or when calculating the polysome-bound vs ribosome-free ratio. The association of lncRNAs with polysomes could represent an additional cytoplasmic role of lncRNAs, e.g., in translational regulation of mRNA expression.

Wakefulness-promoting role of the inferior colliculus.

The inferior colliculus (IC) is a mesencephalic auditory nucleus involved in several functions including the analysis of the frequency and intensity of sounds as well as sound localization. In addition to auditory processes, the IC controls the expression of defensive responses. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the IC contributes to the maintenance of wakefulness. For this purpose, several experimental approaches were performed in urethane-anesthetized guinea pigs. Electrical or chemical stimulation of the IC resulted in electroencephalographic (EEG) desynchronization, theta rhythm in the hippocampus and an increase in heart rate; all of these effects suggest an arousal reaction. Furthermore, by means of extracellular unit recordings, we determined that most IC neurons increased their spontaneous and tone-evoked responses in association with EEG desynchronization. We also studied the effect on sleep and wakefulness of bilateral acute inhibition of the IC by microinjections of muscimol (a GABAA agonist), as well as the effect of bilateral IC lesions in chronically-instrumented (drug-free) guinea pigs. Acute (via muscimol microinjections), but not chronic (via electrolytic lesions) inhibition of the IC decreased wakefulness., We conclude that the IC plays an active role in the maintenance of wakefulness. Further, we propose that this nucleus may mediate arousal responses induced by biologically significant sounds.

Estimating the cost of treating patients with liver cirrhosis at the Mexican Social Security Institute / Estimación de costos de la atención de pacientes con cirrosis hepática en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social

OBJECTIVE. To estimate the annual cost of treating patients with cirrhosis at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS per its abbreviation in Spanish). MATERIAL AND METHODS. The annual cost of treating three stages of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A, Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C) was estimated using micro-costing techniques and medical experts. These results were compared and contrasted with prices reported by IMSS. RESULTS. The annual cost of treatment, in USA dollars, by Child-Pugh stage was: a) micro-costing results: $1110.17 stage A, $549.55 stage B and $348.16 stage C; b) opinion of medical experts: $1 633.64, $6564.04 and $19660.35, respectively; and c) IMSS costs: $4269.00, $16949.63 and $30249.25, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. The cost of treating patients with cirrhosis is considerable, and costs increase as the disease worsens. Cost estimates vary depending on the source of information, and the methodology used. There are discrepancies between the procedures reported in medical records and treatment recommendations by IMSS liver experts.

OBJETIVO. Estimar el costo anual de atención de pacientes con cirrosis hepática en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS. Se estimó el costo de atención de la cirrosis en tres estadios de la enfermedad (Child Pugh A, Child Pugh B y Child Pugh C) mediante micro-costeo y consulta a expertos. Los resultados se compararon entre sí, y con los costos reportados por el IMSS. RESULTADOS. El costo anual de atención en dólares por estadio fue: a) con microcosteo $1110.17 etapa A, $549.55 etapa B y $348.16 etapa C, respectivamente; b) mediante consulta a expertos $1633.64, $6564.04 y $19660.35, respectivamente; y c) con costos del IMSS $4269.00, $16949.63 y $30249.25, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES. El tratamiento de cirrosis es costoso y generalmente los costos aumentan al avanzar la enfermedad. Además, los costos varían dependiendo de la fuente de información y la metodología utilizada. Existen diferencias entre los procedimientos reportados en los expedientes clínicos y el tratamiento recomendado por los hepatólogos del IMSS.

Estimating the cost of treating patients with liver cirrhosis at the Mexican Social Security Institute.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the annual cost of treating patients with cirrhosis at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS per its abbreviation in Spanish). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The annual cost of treating three stages of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A, Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C) was estimated using micro-costing techniques and medical experts. These results were compared and contrasted with prices reported by IMSS. RESULTS: The annual cost of treatment, in USA dollars, by Child-Pugh stage was: a) micro-costing results: $1110.17 stage A, $549.55 stage B and $348.16 stage C; b) opinion of medical experts: $1 633.64, $6564.04 and $19660.35, respectively; and c) IMSS costs: $4269.00, $16949.63 and $30249.25, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cost of treating patients with cirrhosis is considerable, and costs increase as the disease worsens. Cost estimates vary depending on the source of information, and the methodology used. There are discrepancies between the procedures reported in medical records and treatment recommendations by IMSS liver experts.

Descubrimiento y desarrollo de agentes cancerígenos derivados de plantas medicinales / Discovery and development of antineoplastic agents derived from medicinal plants

El siguiente trabajo fue realizado a partir de la literatura publicada en diferentes bases de datos como son Medline, IPA, Cancerlit y Oncolik en un período de 21 años; desde 1981 hasta 2002. Se utilizaron, además, las bases de datos de patentes. El análisis de la información recuperada arrojó que la institución que mayor actividad realiza en torno a la investigación de productos naturales para el tratamiento del cáncer, es el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de los Estados Unidos y que al parecer no se puede hablar de una investigación fuerte en los países subdesarrollados. Se muestra una tabla con una relación de 10 plantas medicinales que en estos momentos son objeto de investigación por diversas fuentes instituciones e intereses. Se presenta un análisis sobre la perspectiva de la biodiversidad y los derechos de propiedad intelectual

La homeopatía en el tratamiento del cáncer. Análisis de información / Homeopathy in the treatment of cancer. Analysis of information

Los medicamentos homeopáticos son preparados a partir de productos de los 3 reinos de la naturaleza. La homeopatía es un sistema con leyes, principios y medicamentos propios. La principal ley homeopática es ôSimilia similibus curenturö, enunciada por Hipócrates y retomada y desarrollada por Samuel F.C. Hahnemann, su fundador. Evidentemente, existe un sinnúmero de formas de cáncer y cada una tiene sus características propias y exige sus cuidados adecuados, por consiguiente, no se puede hablar de un tratamiento específico, general, para todas las formas de cáncer. A continuación se propone analizar las tendencias internacionales en el uso de la homeopatía para el tratamiento de algunos tipos de cáncer

Endometriosis en el Servicio de Ginecología Hospital Carlos Van Buren / Endometriosis in the Carlos Van Buren Hospital Gynecology Service

Se revisaron 1.828 protocolos de intervenciones ginecológicas, encontramos una incidencia de endometriosis de 2,5% por indicaciones en ginecología general y 7,3% en intervenciones por diagnóstico de infertilidad. En algunos pocos casos el diagnóstico se hizo por uso de laparoscopía. Se confirmó endometriosis por estudio histopatológico en casi 70% de los casos. La mitad de nuestra casuística se encuentra en el grupo etario entre 21 y 30 años. La sintomatología más frecuente que motiva la consulta fué: Infertilidad Masa Pélvica y Dismenorrea. El mayor porcentaje de nuestras pacientes presenta endometriosis moderada y severa etapificación al momento del diagnóstico, (según la clasificación de la American Fertility Society, revisada en 1985), de tal manera que estamos diagnosticando etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad. En relación al tratamiento existe una amplia gama de esquemas y soluciones quirúrgicas y médicas, de allí que, a la luz de nuevos avances en diagnóstico y tratamiento hacen necesario hacer un protocolo de manejo uniforme de endometriosis en nuestro servicio