Percepción de la calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado: un estudio cualitativo descriptivo / Perception of the Quality of Life of Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Objetivo Describir las percepciones de calidad de vida en una muestra de pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado de un hospital universitario. Métodos Desde un enfoque cualitativo descriptivo, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y líneas de tiempo para explorar la percepción de calidad de vida de siete pacientes con cáncer de próstata desde su diagnóstico. Por medio de un análisis temático de corte inductivo-deductivo, se identificaron las dimensiones de la calidad de vida que se perciben con mayores cambios a partir de la enfermedad y su tratamiento. Resultados Entre las dimensiones que se encuentran más frecuentemente afectadas están las funciones urinaria, sexual y hormonal. Así mismo, los participantes describen afectaciones relacionadas con los síntomas generales del cáncer y su tratamiento, el estado de ánimo y las limitaciones en la atención por el sistema de salud. Por otra parte, los participantes reportan que su calidad de vida se ve fortalecida gracias a nuevos hábitos y prácticas personales, así como la consolidación del apoyo social, en el que incluyen a la pareja, la familia y la relación con su médico tratante. Conclusiones El fortalecimiento de la relación médico-paciente basada en el trato cordial, disposición afectiva y empatía al momento de la valoración médica, y la consolidación de una adecuada red de apoyo social como mecanismo de afrontamiento ante el proceso de enfermedad se establecen como las principales estrategias para incrementar la percepción de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado.

Purpose To describe the preception of the quality of life of a sample of patients with advanced prostate cancer from a university hospital. Methods Based on a descriptive qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were held and timelines were developed to explore the perception of quality of life of seven patients with prostate cancer since their diagnosis. Through an inductive-deductive thematic analysis, the dimensions of quality of life that have had more changes due to the disease and its treatment were identified. Results Among the quality of life dimensions that are most frequently affected are urinary, sexual and hormonal functions. Likewise, the participants describe affectations related to the general symptoms of cancer and its treatment, changes in mood, and limitations in the care provided by the health system. However, participants report that their quality of life is strengthened by new habits and personal practices, as well as with the consolidation of social support, in which they include their partners, their families, and their relationship with their treating physician. Conclusions The strengthening of the doctor-patient relationship based on cordial treatment, affective disposition and empathy at the time of the medical evaluation, and the establishment of an adequate social support network as a coping mechanism in the face of the disease process are consolidated as the main strategies to increase the perception of the health-related quality of life of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Validating biochemical features at the genome level in the Antarctic bacterium Hymenobacter sp. strain UV11.

We present experimental data that complement and validate some biochemical features at the genome level in the UVC-resistant Antarctic bacterium Hymenobacter sp. UV11 strain. The genome was sequenced, assembled and annotated. It has 6 096 246 bp, a GC content of 60.6% and 5155 predicted genes. The secretome analysis, by combining in silico predictions with shotgun proteomics data, showed that UV11 strain produces extracellular proteases and carbohydrases with potential biotechnological uses. We observed the formation of outer membrane vesicles, mesosomes and carbon-storage compounds by using transmission electron microscopy. The in silico analysis of the genome revealed the presence of genes involved in the metabolism of glycogen-like molecules and starch. By HPLC-UV-Vis analysis and 1H-NMR spectra, we verified that strain UV11 produces xanthophyll-like carotenoids such as 2'-hydroxyflexixanthin, and the in silico analysis showed that this bacterium has genes involved in the biosynthesis of cathaxanthin, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin. We also found genes involved in the repair of UV-damaged DNA such as a photolyase, the nucleotide excision repair system and the production of ATP-dependent proteases that are important cellular components involved in the endurance to physiological stresses. This information will help us to better understand the ecological role played by Hymenobacter strains in the extreme Antarctic environment.

Draft Genome Sequence of the UV-Resistant Antarctic Bacterium Sphingomonas sp. Strain UV9.

We report the draft genome sequence of the Antarctic UV-resistant bacterium Sphingomonas sp. strain UV9. The strain has a genome size of 4.25 Mb, a 65.62% GC content, and 3,879 protein-coding sequences. Among others, genes encoding the resolving of the DNA damage produced by the UV irradiation were identified.

Searching for novel photolyases in UVC-resistant Antarctic bacteria.

Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation has serious consequences for cell survival, including DNA damage by formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and pyrimidine (6,4) pyrimidone photoproducts. In general, the Nucleotide Excision Repair pathway repairs these lesions; however, all living forms, except placental mammals and some marsupials, produce a flavoprotein known as photolyase that directly reverses these lesions. The aim of this work was the isolation and identification of Antarctic UVC-resistant bacteria, and the search for novel photolyases. Two Antarctic water samples were UVC-irradiated (254 nm; 50-200 J m- 2) and 12 UVC-resistant bacteria were isolated and identified by 16S rDNA amplification/analysis as members of the genera Pseudomonas, Janthinobacterium, Flavobacterium, Hymenobacter and Sphingomonas. The UVC 50% lethal dose and the photo-repair ability of isolates were analyzed. The occurrence of photolyase coding sequences in Pseudomonas, Hymenobacter and Sphingomonas isolates were searched by PCR or by searching in the draft DNA genome. Results suggest that Pseudomonas and Hymenobacter isolates produce CDP-photolyases, and Sphingomonas produces two CPD-photolyases and a 6,4-photolyase. Results suggest that the Antarctic environment is an important source of genetic material for the identification of novel photolyase genes with potential biotechnological applications.