Erythropoietin Improves Atrophy, Bleeding and Cognition in the Newborn Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

The germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) is one of the most devastating complications of prematurity. The short- and long-term neurodevelopmental consequences after severe GM-IVH are a major concern for neonatologists. These kids are at high risk of psychomotor alterations and cerebral palsy; however, therapeutic approaches are limited. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been previously used to treat several central nervous system complications due to its role in angiogenesis, neurogenesis and as growth factor. In addition, EPO is regularly used to reduce the number of transfusions in the preterm infant. Moreover, EPO crosses the blood-brain barrier and EPO receptors are expressed in the human brain throughout development. To analyze the role of EPO in the GM-IVH, we have administered intraventricular collagenase (Col) to P7 mice, as a model of GM-IVH of the preterm infant. After EPO treatment, we have characterized our animals in the short (14 days) and the long (70 days) term. In our hands, EPO treatment significantly limited brain atrophy and ventricle enlargement. EPO also restored neuronal density and ameliorated dendritic spine loss. Likewise, inflammation and small vessel bleeding were also reduced, resulting in the preservation of learning and memory abilities. Moreover, plasma gelsolin levels, as a feasible peripheral marker of GM-IVH-induced damage, recovered after EPO treatment. Altogether, our data support the positive effect of EPO treatment in our preclinical model of GM-IVH, both in the short and the long term.

The role of group identification in the well-being of Spaniards with gypsy ethnicity.

Objective: To describe the role of sex, age, educational level and psychosocial group-identification factors in well-being and satisfaction with life. METHOD: 229 Spanish Gypsies completed a survey of demographic data, psychological well-being, life satisfaction, ethnic identity and the individual's inclusion of self within the ingroup. RESULTS: (a) only level of studies is related to satisfaction with life; (b) participants with higher scores in ethnic identity reported more well-being and more life satisfaction; and (c) assessment of ethnic belonging affects more areas of well-being than does perception of closeness to the ingroup. CONCLUSION: objective conditions of deprivation are not related to well-being as reported by the participants; it is important to study how Spanish Gypsies value and perceive their ethnicity in order to predict their well-being and satisfaction with life.

Reproductive health and healthcare among sex workers in Escuintla, Guatemala.

This study examines understandings of sexual and reproductive health and healthcare, and perceptions of health services among women who regularly or occasionally sell or transact sex in Escuintla, Guatemala. Using an approach informed by grounded theory, 35 individual interviews were analysed. Results suggest that sex workers face multiple forms of vulnerability due to their level of education, economic situation and unequal gender relations. Many feel dissatisfied with the quality of health services received, specifically with the lack of medicines, poor personal treatment by health workers and scanty information. Condoms were widely acknowledged as the means of preventing STI/HIV; however, many of the women do not use them with regular clients and regular partners. An effective STI/HIV-prevention strategy that addresses sex workers' circumstances and needs, requires a comprehensive approach, which includes a combination of individual and community-based interventions. These interventions must involve clients, sex establishment owners and health personnel.