How to understand sports and traditional games and how to apply it to physical education. On the "Goal of Game".

Introduction: Does philosopher's stone exist in physical education? It could be said that teaching games for understanding approach (TGfU) keeps turning everything it touches into gold: its presence in the educational centers, its volume of publications, the way of teaching games and sports, its connections with other approaches, its game categories, learning transferable principles of play. But… no, all that glitters is not gold. There are TGfU issues that should be improved. For example, these categories are disconnected from each other because TGfU lacks classification criteria. The "goal of game" is a concept that has been studied, but it has not been applied to physical education. The aim of the article is to show how to deepen the understanding sports and traditional games from the "goal of game", and to propose its applicability to physical education. Methods: The traits of "goal of game" will be identified by investigating two close concepts, "prelusory goal" (formalist philosophy of sport) and "motor-goal" (motor praxeology). Results: The traits of "goal of game" concept: main-motor-problem, described in the game rules and that the players will try to solve during the game dynamics. The "goal of game" chances: (1) It allows us to understand sports and traditional games based on their internal logic (2) It allows us to classify traditional games and sports based on classification criteria and that can be useful to organize the physical education program; (3) It allows us to deepen the understanding of sporting games and their applicability to physical education: on the one hand, proposing progressively more specific goal of game options and, on the other hand, proposing a network model of intentions of play to understand the game dynamics and to design learning tasks. Conclusions: The conclusions collect some properties of the "goal of game" concept in order to propose its applicability in physical education students learning: identify and compare the main-motor-problems of the games; solve these problems during the game dynamics; transfer the procedures used to solve other games. The goal(d) of game amazes us; maybe physical education teachers are curious to continue discovering this wonderful treasure.

Una forma factible y precisa de ubicar las microcalcificaciones de mama: dando una oportunidad a la técnica SNOLL / A feasible and accurate way to locate breast microcalcifications: Giving Snoll a chance

Objetivos: Para valorar la viabilidad y precisión de la técnica de SNOLL en la localización de microcalcificaciones mamarias malignas planteamos un estudio prospectivo observacional multicéntrico. Evaluamos la aplicación de la técnica y la evolución de las pacientes en un periodo de 10 años. Materiales y métodos: Entre 2007 y 2010, se reclutaron 64 pacientes. Todas las pacientes habían sido diagnosticadas de neoplasia de mama por microcalcificaciones en mamografía y fueron tratadas con cirugía conservadora y biopsia de ganglio centinela. Las inyecciones de tecnecio-99m se realizaron de forma preoperatoria, con una o varias punciones (en lesiones > 3,5 cm), guiadas por mamografía o ecografía. En todos los casos se realizó una linfogammagrafía preoperatoria para valorar la migración del radiotrazador y una mamografía intraoperatoria para valorar la correcta extirpación de la lesión. Resultados: En las 64 pacientes se realizó la inyección de radiotrazador y la linfogammagrafía demostró la correcta migración del contraste al ganglio centinela, permitiendo la exéresis de la lesión mamaria y del ganglio centinela en el 100% de los casos. La mamografía intraoperatoria mostró la exéresis completa de la lesión en el 100% de los casos. La anatomía patológica mostró radicalidad en la primera cirugía en el 84,4% y supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 10 años en el 84%. Conclusión: La técnica SNOLL es una técnica factible y precisa para la localización y tratamiento quirúrgico de microcalcificaciones malignas con supervivencia libre de enfermedad y porcentaje de recidiva comparable a otras técnicas. Asimismo, proponemos el afeitado sistemático de la cavidad para reducir la necesidad de reintervención.(AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of the ROLL technique to localize malignant mammary microcalcifications and the risk of local recurrence, we performed a multicentre prospective observational study to assess the application of the technique and progress of patients with a 10year follow-up. Materials and methods: Between 2007 and 2010, 64 patients were recruited. All the patients had been diagnosed with breast neoplasm due to microcalcifications on mammography and were treated with conservative surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy. A technetium-99m injection was performed preoperatively, with a single or several punctures (> 3.5 cm lesions), guided by mammography or by ultrasound. In all cases, we performed a preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, to assess contrast migration, and intraoperative mammogram to assess correct removal of the lesion. Results: In the 64 patients, contrast injection could be confirmed, and lymphoscintigraphy proved correct migration of the contrast to the sentinel node, allowing excision of the mammary lesion and of the sentinel lymph node in 100%. The intraoperative mammogram showed complete lesion excision in 100% cases. The pathology showed radicality in the first surgery of 84.4% and showed a disease-free survival of 84% at 10 years. Conclusión: The SNOLL technique (ROLL + SNB) is a feasible and accurate technique for the localization and surgical treatment of malignant microcalcifications with disease-free survival and a relapse rate comparable to the rest of the techniques. Likewise, we propose systematic cavity shave to reduce the need for reinterventions.(AU)

Adrenomedullin as a potential biomarker involved in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Adrenomedullin (AM) is a vasoactive peptide mostly secreted by endothelial cells with an important role in preserving endothelial integrity.  The relationship between AM and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is unknown. We aimed to compare the serum levels and tissue expression of AM between HHT patients and controls. METHODS: Serum AM levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and compared between control and HHT groups. AM levels were also compared among HHT subgroups according to clinical characteristics. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4910118 was assessed by restriction analysis and sequencing. AM immunohistochemistry was performed on biopsies of cutaneous telangiectasia from eight HHT patients and on the healthy skin from five patients in the control group. RESULTS: Forty-five HHT patients and 50 healthy controls were included, mean age (SD) was 50.7 (14.9) years and 46.4 (9.9) years (p = 0.102), respectively. HHT patients were mostly female (60% vs 38%, p = 0.032). Median [Q1-Q3] serum AM levels were 68.3 [58.1-80.6] pg/mL in the HHT group and 47.7 [43.2-53.8] pg/mL in controls (p<0.001), with an optimal AM cut-off according to Youden's J statistic of 55.32 pg/mL (J:0.729). Serum AM levels were similar in the HHT subgroups. No patient with HHT had the SNP rs4910118. AM immunoreactivity was found with high intensity in the abnormal blood vessels of HHT biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: We detected higher AM serum levels and tissue expression in patients with HHT than in healthy controls. The role of AM in HHT, and whether AM may constitute a novel biomarker and therapeutic target, needs further investigation.

Gender differences in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia severity.

BACKGROUND: Gender differences in organ involvement and clinical severity have been poorly described in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The aim of this study was to describe differences in the severity of HHT manifestations according to gender. METHODS: Severity was measured according to Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS), Simple Clinical Scoring Index for hepatic involvement, a general HHT-score, needing for invasive treatment (pulmonary or brain arteriovenous malformations -AVMs- embolization, liver transplantation or Young's surgery) or the presence of adverse outcomes (severe anemia, emergency department -ED- or hospital admissions and mortality). RESULTS: One hundred forty-two (58.7%) women and 100 (41.3%) men were included with a mean age of 48.9 ± 16.6 and 49 ± 16.5 years, respectively. Women presented hepatic manifestations (7.1% vs 0%) and hepatic involvement (59.8% vs 47%), hepatic AVMs (28.2% vs 13%) and bile duct dilatation (4.9% vs 0%) at abdominal CT, and pulmonary AVMs at thoracic CT (35.2% vs 23%) more often than men. The Simple Clinical Scoring Index was higher in women (3.38 ± 1.2 vs 2.03 ± 1.2), and more men were considered at low risk of harboring clinically significant liver disease than women (61% vs 25.3%). These differences were mantained when considering HHT1 and HHT2 patients separetely. Duodenal telangiectasia were more frequent in men than women (21% vs 9.8%). Invasive treatments were more frequently needed in women (28.2% vs 16%) but men needed attention at the ED more often than women (48% vs 28.2%), with no differences in ESS, HHT-score, anemia hospital admissions or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: HHT women showed more severe hepatic involvement than men, also among HHT1 and HHT2 patients. Women had higher prevalence of pulmonary AVMs and needed invasive procedures more frequently, while men needed attention at the ED more often. These data might help physicians to individualize HHT patients follow-up.

[Utilisation of first-line antibiotics six years after a multifaceted intervention]. / Uso de antibióticos de primera línea 6 años después de una intervención multifacética.

OBJECTIVE: No study has evaluated the impact of a multifaceted intervention on the quality of the antibiotics prescribed more than 5 years later. METHODS: A total of 210 general practitioners (GP) from eight different regions of Spain were asked to participate in two registrations of respiratory tract infections (RTI) in 2008, before, and in 2009, just after a multifaceted intervention including prescriber feedback, clinical guidelines, training sessions focused on appropriate antibiotic prescribing, workshop on rapid tests and provision of these tests in the GP consultation. They were all again invited to participate in a similar registration in 2015. A new group of clinicians from the same areas who had never participated in antimicrobial stewardship courses were also invited to participate and acted as controls. RESULTS: The 121 GPs who continued the study (57.6%) and the 117 control GPs registered 22,407 RTIs. The antibiotic most commonly prescribed was amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, prescribed in 1,801 cases (8.1% of the total), followed by amoxicillin (1,372 prescriptions, 6.2%), being lower among GPs just after the intervention. The third leading antibiotic among GPs just after the intervention was penicillin V (127 cases, 3.3%) whereas macrolides ranked third in the other three groups of GPs. CONCLUSIONS: The use of first-line antibiotic for RTIs wanes over time after an intervention, but their utilisation is still significantly greater among intervened clinicians six years later compared to GPs who have never been exposed to any antimicrobial stewardship programmes.

Causas da aposentadoria por invalidez de servidores públicos / Causes of disability retirement of public servants

Objetivo: identificar o perfil sociodemográfico e ocupacional de servidores, as causas da aposentadoria por invalidez e dos óbitos. Método: estudo transversal desenvolvido com servidores aposentados por invalidez de uma universidade pública do Sul do Brasil, no período de janeiro de 2000 a fevereiro de 2015. Utilizou-se um instrumento contendo questões sobre perfil sociodemográfico e ocupacional, motivos da aposentadoria e causas dos óbitos. Resultados: população constituída por 78 servidores, destes 28% foram a óbitos. Verificou-se que 57,1% eram do sexo masculino. A maioria dos indivíduos que se aposentaram exerciam suas funções laborais no âmbito hospitalar. As causas da aposentadoria estiveram relacionadas aos transtornos mentais e comportamentais, doenças cerebrovasculares, lesão de esforços repetitivos e demência na doença de Alzheimer. Apenas um óbito esteve relacionado com a causa da aposentaria. Conclusões: é preciso implementar intervenções para promover a saúde, prevenir doenças, diminuir aposentadorias precoces e por consequência melhorar a qualidade de vida.

Objective: to identify the causes of disability retirement and the relation to death. Method: this isa cross-sectional descriptive study that was developed with retired employees by disability of apublic university in the South of Brazil, from January 2000 to February 2015. A questionnaire wasused, which contained sociodemographic and occupational questions, retirement reasons and causesof death. Results: the population consisted of 78 employees, 28% died. It was found that 57.1% weremale and 42.9% female. Most of the individuals who retired exercised their job roles in the hospitalsetting. The causes of retirement were related to mental and behavioral disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, repetitive strain injury and dementia in Alzheimer's disease. Only one death was relatedto the cause of retirement. Conclusions: it is necessary to implement interventions to promotehealth, prevent diseases, reduce early retirement and, consequently, improve quality of life.

Effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium in a freshwater fish.

Sub-chronic effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were evaluated in the catfish Rhamdia quelen. The fish were exposed to Cd (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100µgL(-1)) for 15 days. Bioconcentration was observed in the liver of fish exposed to 10 and 100µgL(-1) of cadmium. The liver glutathione S-transferase activity decreased at 0.1 and 1µgL(-1) and increased at 100µgL(-1) and lipoperoxidation increased in all tested concentrations. Fish exposed to 0.1, 1 and 100µgL(-1) Cd presented increase in hepatic lesion index. In the kidney, the catalase activity and LPO reduced in all exposed groups. The gluthatione peroxidase, etoxiresorufin-O-deethylase activities and metallothionein increased at the highest concentration of Cd, but the level of reduced glutathione decreased. The genotoxicity was observed at 0.1 and 100µgL(-1). Neurotoxicity was not observed. The results showed that low concentrations (range of µgL(-1)) of Cd caused hepato-, nephro- and hematological alterations in this freshwater fish species.

Biomarkers in Obesity: Serum Myeloperoxidase and Traditional Cardiac Risk Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade inflammation, combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, is common in obesity, providing systemic inflammation that is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Studies have shown serum mieloperoxidase as a potential biomarker and its clinical applicability for evaluating cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate the MPO in obese individuals, with or without systemic inflammation and potential cardiovascular risk, as well as correlating MPO with some classic cardiovascular risk parameters. METHODS: Inflammatory and cardiovascular risk markers, as well as different biochemical and hematological laboratory parameters, were analyzed. The volunteers were divided into 3 groups according to the presence (hs-CRP>3 mg/L) or absence (hs-CRP<3 mg/L) of systemic inflammation and possible cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: MPO was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the obese individuals with systemic inflammation. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the following biochemical parameters: glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, non-HDL, TG/HDL was observed, and a significant decrease (p<0.01) in HDL was observed. Significant increases in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.01), as well as elevated blood pressure (p<0.05), were observed in the group of obese individuals with systemic inflammation. Serum MPO levels were correlated with classic proinflammatory and cardiovascular risk parameters. CONCLUSIONS: High serum levels of MPO were observed in obese individuals with hs-CRP above 3 mg/L, which is a classic biomarker for inflammation and cardiovascular risk, suggesting the potential role of MPO in clinical applicability for cardiovascular disease in this population. However, considering that inflammation in obesity appears to manifest as a non-classical mechanism, further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of MPO in cardiovascular events in the population with obesity.

Short-term Recovery Following Resistance Exercise Leading or not to Failure.

This study analyzed the time course of recovery following 2 resistance exercise protocols differing in level of effort: maximum (to failure) vs. half-maximum number of repetitions per set. 9 males performed 3 sets of 4 vs. 8 repetitions with their 80% 1RM load, 3×4(8) vs. 3×8(8), in the bench press and squat. Several time-points from 24 h pre- to 48 h post-exercise were established to assess the mechanical (countermovement jump height, CMJ; velocity against the 1 m·s(-1) load, V1-load), biochemical (testosterone, cortisol, GH, prolactin, IGF-1, CK) and heart rate variability (HRV) and complexity (HRC) response to exercise. 3×8(8) resulted in greater neuromuscular fatigue (higher reductions in repetition velocity and velocity against V1-load) than 3×4(8). CMJ remained reduced up to 48 h post-exercise following 3×8(8), whereas it was recovered after 6 h for 3×4(8). Significantly greater prolactin and IGF-1 levels were found for 3×8(8) vs. 3×4(8). Significant reductions in HRV and HRC were observed for 3×8(8) vs. 3×4(8) in the immediate recovery. Performing a half-maximum number of repetitions per set resulted in: 1) a stimulus of faster mean repetition velocities; 2) lower impairment of neuromuscular performance and faster recovery; 3) reduced hormonal response and muscle damage; and 4) lower reduction in HRV and HRC following exercise.

One pot synthesis of heterometallic 3d-3d azide coordination architectures: effect of the single-ion anisotropy.

Five new isomorphic three-dimensional (3D) heterometallic 3d-3d azide complexes, [CuNi(1-x)Co(x)(N(3))(2)(isonic)(2)](∞) (x = 0 for 1, x = 0.3 for 2, x = 0.5 for 3, x = 0.6 for 4, and x = 1 for 5), were obtained by assembling Cu(II), M(II) (Ni(II) and Co(II)), azide, and pyridyl carboxylate in hydrothermal condition. The 3D structure can be described as end on (EO) azide and syn,syn carboxylates mixed bridged alternate Cu-M chains linked by the pyridyl groups. Dominant ferromagnetic interactions were observed between the Cu(II) and M(II) ions in the chains. At low temperature diverse magnetic phenomena were presented in those complexes. As the Ni(II) ions were replaced by Co(II) ions with large anisotropy, the magnetism of the complexes change gradually from metamagnet to single-chain magnet (SCM)-like behaviors.

Análisis de la duración y los motivos de cambio de la primera combinación de tratamiento antirretroviral / Analysis of the duration of and reasons for changing the first combination of antiretroviral therapy

Objetivo Conocer la duración y los motivos de cambio de las distintas combinaciones de fármacos utilizadas como inicio del tratamiento antirretroviral en pacientes naive. Métodos Estudio observacional y retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes con infección por VIH que iniciaron tratamiento antirretroviral en un hospital universitario de referencia de alta tecnología durante el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 2003 y el 31 de diciembre de 2005. El seguimiento se realizó hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2008. Para estimar la probabilidad acumulada de interrupción del tratamiento se utilizó el método de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 441 pacientes. La mediana de duración del primer tratamiento fue de 384 (intervalo intercuartil 84–1.290) días. Los regímenes basados en inhibidores de la transcriptasa inversa no análogos de nucleósidos y aquellos que incluían como análogos de nucleósidos abacavir o tenofovir en combinación con lamivudina o emtricitabina presentaron una duración significativamente mayor que el resto. Los principales motivos de finalización fueron las reacciones adversas aunque en un porcentaje menor que el obtenido en estudios anteriores. No se hallaron asociaciones entre el resto de características de los pacientes o del tratamiento y el riesgo de interrupción. Discusión Aunque la duración del primer tratamiento antirretroviral sigue siendo corta, actualmente se producen menos cambios por reacciones adversas y por pérdidas de seguimiento. Los motivos podrían ser una mejor tolerancia y una menor complejidad. No obstante, son necesarios más estudios para determinar el beneficio de un régimen frente a otro y poder generalizar estos resultados (AU)

Objective To determine the duration of and reasons behind changing the various combinations of drugs used for the initiation of antiretroviral treatment in naïve patients. Methods A retrospective observational study that included all patients with HIV infection who started antiretroviral therapy in a high-tech university reference hospital during the period from 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2005. Patients were followed until 31 December 2008. To estimate the cumulative probability of discontinuation the Kaplan-Meier method was used. Results A total of 441 patients were included. The average duration of the first treatment was 384 (interquartile interval 84–1290) days. The regimen based on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and those that included as nucleosides abacavir or tenofovir in combination with lamivudine or emtricitabine showed a significantly longer duration than the rest. The main reasons for termination were the side effects, although in a lesser percentage than that obtained in previous studies. No associations were found between the rest of the characteristics of the patients or of the treatment and the risk of termination. Discussion Although the duration of the first antiretroviral treatment remains short, currently fewer changes are made due to side effects and due to loss to follow-up. The reasons may be better tolerance and less complexity. However, more studies are needed to determine the benefits of one regimen or another, and to be able to generalise the results (AU)

[Analysis of the duration of and reasons for changing the first combination of antiretroviral therapy]. / Análisis de la duración y los motivos de cambio de la primera combinación de tratamiento antirretroviral.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the duration of and reasons behind changing the various combinations of drugs used for the initiation of antiretroviral treatment in naïve patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study that included all patients with HIV infection who started antiretroviral therapy in a high-tech university reference hospital during the period from 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2005. Patients were followed until 31 December 2008. To estimate the cumulative probability of discontinuation the Kaplan-Meier method was used. RESULTS: A total of 441 patients were included. The average duration of the first treatment was 384 (interquartile interval 84-1290) days. The regimen based on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and those that included as nucleosides abacavir or tenofovir in combination with lamivudine or emtricitabine showed a significantly longer duration than the rest. The main reasons for termination were the side effects, although in a lesser percentage than that obtained in previous studies. No associations were found between the rest of the characteristics of the patients or of the treatment and the risk of termination. DISCUSSION: Although the duration of the first antiretroviral treatment remains short, currently fewer changes are made due to side effects and due to loss to follow-up. The reasons may be better tolerance and less complexity. However, more studies are needed to determine the benefits of one regimen or another, and to be able to generalise the results.

Armoring CRAds with p21/Waf-1 shRNAs: the next generation of oncolytic adenoviruses.

Conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) represent a promising modality for the treatment of neoplastic diseases, including Prostate Cancer. Selectively replicating viruses can be generated by placing a tissue or cancer-specific promoter upstream of one or more of the viral genes required for replication (for example, E1A, E1B). We have previously reported multiple cellular processes that can attenuate viral replication, which in turn compromises viral oncolysis and tumor kill. In this study, we investigated the importance of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21/Waf-1, on viral replication and tumor growth. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the importance of p21/Waf-1shRNA on the induction of an androgen responsive element (ARE) based promoter driving the E1A gene. As a proof of concept, the study emphasizes the use of RNA interference technology to overcome promoter weaknesses for tissue-specific oncolytic viruses, as well as the cellular inhibitor pathways on viral life cycle. Using RNA interference against p21/Waf-1, we were able to show an increase in viral replication and viral oncolysis of prostate cancer cells. Similarly, CRAd viruses that carry p21/Waf-1 shRNA (Ad5-RV004.21) were able to prevent tumor outgrowth that resulted in a marked increase in the mean survival time of tumor-bearing mice compared with CRAd without p21/Waf-1 shRNA (Ad5-RV004). In studies combining Ad5-RV004.21 with Adriamycin, a suprar-additive effect was observed only in CRAds that harbor shRNA against p21/Waf-1. Taken together, these findings of enhanced viral replication in prostate cancer cells by using RNA interference against the cdk inhibitor p21/Waf-1 have significant implications in the development of prostate-specific CRAd therapies.

One-dimensional metal-azido complex constructed by a double EO azido bridged trinuclear nickel(II) unit: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties.

The hydrothermal reaction of Ni(NO(3))(2).6H(2)O, NaN(3) phenanthroline and nicotinic acid yielded a one-dimensional (1D) complex, [Ni(1.5)(N(3))(2)(phen)(nic)](n) (1) (phen = phenanthroline, nic = nicotinate), which is a new example of the named orbital countercomplementarity-like complex. In 1, the nicotinate shows mu(3)-nic-N,O,O coordination mode, and the azide groups adopt mu(1,1) bridging mode linking Ni(II) ions to form a rare trinuclear Ni(II) unit bridged by a double mu(1,1) azido.

Fibromatosis mamaria en el varón / No disponible

Presentamos el caso de un varón de 79 años que consultó por una tumoración en la mama izquierda compatible con carcinoma, tanto en la exploración física como en los hallazgos mamográficos y ecográficos. La fibromatosis o tumor desmoide es un tumor de origen mesenquimatoso con un comportamiento localmente agresivo. La presentación extraabdominal en la mama es rara, especialmente en el varón. Su diagnóstico es histológico y su tratamiento consiste en una exéresis amplia(AU)

We report a case of a 79 years old man who presented with a left breast tumor, clinically, ultrasonographically and mammographically compatible with carcinoma. Fibromatosis or desmoid tumor is a locally aggressive mesenchymal tumor. Extra-abdominal location in breast is not common, specially in men, with a very few reported cases. Diagnosis is histological, and the treatment is wide excision(AU)

Systemic inhibition of the Na(+)/H (+) exchanger type 3 in intact rats activates brainstem respiratory regions.

Selective inhibition of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger type 3 (NHE3) increases the firing rate of brainstem ventrolateral CO(2)/H(+) sensitive neurons, resembling the responses evoked by hypercapnic stimuli. In anesthetized animals, NHE3 inhibition has also been shown to stimulate the central chemosensitive drive. We aimed to analyze the respiratory-related brainstem regions affected by NHE3 inhibition in anaesthetized spontaneously-breathing rats with intact peripheral afferents. For that, c-Fos immunopositive cells were counted along the brainstem in rats intravenously infused with the selective NHE3 inhibitor AVE1599. A rostral extension of the ventral respiratory column which includes the pre-Bötzinger complex was activated by the NHE3 inhibitor. In addition, the number of c-Fos positive cells resulted significantly increased in the most rostral extension of the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parapyramidal region. In the pons, the intravenous infusion of AVE1599 activated the lateral parabrachial and Kölliker-Fuse nuclei. Thus, selective NHE3 inhibition in anaesthetized rats activates the respiratory network and evokes a pattern of c-Fos expressing cells similar to that induced by hypercapnia.

Novel lanthanide-azido complexes: hydrothermal syntheses, structures and magnetic properties.

Three new 1D lanthanide-azido complexes, [Ln(2)(N(3))(isonic)(2)-(OH)(3)(Hisonic)(H(2)O)](n) (Ln = Gd(III), Eu(III) and Sm(III)), were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction and their magnetic properties were studied.

HLA class I alleles in HTLV-1-associated myelopathy and asymptomatic carriers from the Brazilian cohort GIPH.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The development of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP) in HTLV-1-infected individuals is probably a multi-factor event, in which the immune system plays a crucial role. The efficiency of the host immunity seems to be one of the in vivo determining factors of the proviral load levels and is regulated by genes associated with MHC class I alleles (HLA). Protection or predisposition to HTLV-1-associated diseases according to individual HLA profile was shown in Japanese studies. The present work tested for HLA alleles previously related to protection or susceptibility to HTLV-1-associated myelopathy in a cohort study (GIPH) from Brazil. METHODS: A total of 93 HTLV-1-infected individuals participated in the study, as follows: 84 (90.3%) asymptomatic and 9 (9.7%) with HAM/TSP. Alleles related to protection (A*02, Cw*08) and susceptibility (B*07, Cw*08 and B*5401) were tested by the PCR-SSP method. RESULTS: Allele A*02 was more frequent in the asymptomatic group and in its absence, Cw*07 was correlated with HAM/TSP (P = 0.002). Allele B*5401 was not present in the Brazilian population. Alleles B*07 and Cw*08 were not different between the groups DISCUSSION: The presence of HLA-A2 elicits a stronger cytotoxic response, which is involved in the HTLV-1 proviral load reduction. This study confirmed a tendency of this allele to protect against HAM-TSP. Therefore, A*02 might be of interest for researches involved with HTLV-1 vaccine.

Relationship between adherence level, type of the antiretroviral regimen, and plasma HIV type 1 RNA viral load: a prospective cohort study.

The relationship between adherence, antiretroviral regimen, and viral load (VL) suppression was assessed through a 1 year prospective follow-up study among 1142 HIV-infected patient. Patients on antiretroviral therapy who attended to the pharmacy during a 6-month period were considered eligible. Those included in the final analysis were patients who had been taking the same antiretroviral therapy for > or =6 months since their inclusion. The cohort included patients taking first line therapy (n = 243) and antiretroviral-experienced patients (n = 899). Naive patients who were included had to have reached undetectable VL at enrollment. Antiretroviral-experienced patients with detectable VL determinations in the previous 6 months were excluded. Adherence was measured by means of announced pill counts and dispensation pharmacy records. Of patients, 58% were taking NNRTI, 31.4% boosted PI, and 10.6% unboosted PI-based regimens. Overall, the relative risk of virologic failure was 9.0 (95% CI 4.0-20.1) in patients with adherence 80-89.9%, 45.6 (95% CI 19.9-104.5) with adherence 70-79.9%, and 77.3 (95% CI 34.2-174.9) with adherence <70%, compared with adherence of > or =90%. The risk of virologic failure in patients with adherence <90% taking unboosted PI was 2.5 times higher than the group taking boosted PI (95% CI 1.2-5.3). There were no statistical differences in patients taking boosted PI and those who were taking NNRTI. Less than 95% of adherence is associated with high virologic success. For patients taking NNRTI- or boosted PI-based regimens with adherence rates of 80%, the failure rate is <10%. These data do not affect the goal of achieving the highest level of adherence possible.

Capacidad predictiva de la densiometría de calcáneo en mujeres climatéricas / Predictive capacity of calcaneal densitometry in climateric women

Material y métodos. Estudio de la capacidad predictiva del PIXI Lunar(R) en el calcáneo derecho con respecto al densitómetro DXA-Lunar(R), a través de las mediciones practicadas en 100 mujeres entre 46 y 70 años. La validez y seguridad se ha obtenido mediante la estimación de la sensibilidad, especificidad, precisión y valores predictivos para la categorización de la muestra como osteoporosis (OP) y baja masa ósea (BMO). Resultados. La precisión estimada para el PIXI como predictor de OP y BMO ha sido del 72,7% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 62,7-81,0) con referencia a la densitometría de doble energía de rayos X (DXA) de columna y del 73% (IC 95%: 63,0-81,2) y 75% (IC 95%: 65,2-82,9) para la DXA de cadera, respectivamente. La máxima sensibilidad se observó para la BMO comparada con la DXA de fémur, 93,7% (IC 95%: 81,8-98,4) y la máxima especificidad se obtuvo para OP con respecto a DXA de columna, 75,6% (IC 95%: 64,6-84,1). Conclusiones. La categorización realizada con el PIXI de calcáneo se corresponde mejor a la DXA de fémur. Su uso puede servir para clasificar una población según su densidad mineral ósea

Material and methods. We conducted a study of the predictive capacity of PIXI Lunar(R) in the right calcaneus with respect to DXA-Lunar(R) densitometry through measurements carried out in 100 women between 46 and 70 years of age. Validity and safety were assessed by measuring the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values for the classification of the sample as osteoporosis (OP) and low bone mass (LBM). Results. The estimated accuracy of PIXI as a predictor of OP and LBM was 72.7% (95% CI: 62.7-81.0) with respect to spinal DXA and 73% (95% CI: 63.0-81.2) and 75% (95% CI: 65.2-82.9), respectively for hip DXA. The maximum sensitivity was observed for LBM as compared to DXA of the femur, 93.7% (95% CI:81.8-98.4) and the maximum specificity was obtained for OP with respect to spinal DXA, 75.6% (95% CI: 64.6-84.1). Conclusions. Classification using PIXI of the calcaneus corresponds best to DXA of the femur. PIXI can be used to classify a population according to its bone mineral density