Diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia from a single selectional crosscut at C3 region, using CT scans before radiotherapy / Diagnóstico de pre-sarcopenia mediante un único corte axial en C3 utilizando el TC de planificación de radioterapia

Purpose: the main purpose of this study was to diagnose pre-sarcopenia in cancer patients who had lack of computed tomography (CT) abdominal images, with a newly discovered method based on cervical images. Material and methods: a sample of 37 patients with either lung cancer or a cancer that affected the upper digestive system underwent radiotherapy computed simulation which included measurements at C3 and L3 regions. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were determined by Hounsfield units and compared in both regions. Pre-sarcopenia was identified according to the cut-points currently established: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 in females, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2, and ≤ 53 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Results: the correlation of SMM and SMI between the C3 and L3 regions was R2 = 0.876 and R2 = 0.805, respectively. Moreover, there was a positive association (86.49%) in terms of the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia according to both regions. In total, eleven pre-sarcopenic patients (29.37%) were identified; three of them being overweight (27.27%) and two of them being obese (18.18%). Conclusion: a single sectional cross at the level of C3 can be used for the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia. This new method avoids unnecessary irradiation, saves hospital costs and detects malnutrition before starting radiotherapy treatment in cancer patients who have lack of CT abdominal imaging

Propósito: el propósito de este estudio fue diagnosticar la presarcopenia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes por tomografía computarizada (TC) a nivel abdominal mediante un método novedoso basado en cortes a nivel cervical. Material y métodos: se analizaron y se compararon mediante unidades la masa muscular y la masa muscular esquelética en 37 pacientes con cáncer de pulmón y neoplasias del aparato digestivo superior que incluían cortes en la TC de planificación a nivel de C3 y L3. La presarcopenia se identificó de acuerdo con los puntos de corte establecidos actualmente: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 para mujeres, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 en hombres con un IMC ≤ 25 kg/m2 y ≤ 53 cm2/m2 en hombres con IMC > 25 kg/m2. Resultados: la correlación de la masa muscular y el índice musculoesquelético entre las regiones C3 y L3 fue R2 = 0.876 y R2 = 0.805, respectivamente. Además, hubo una asociación positiva (86,49%) en términos del diagnóstico de presarcopenia según ambas regiones. En total, se identificaron once pacientes con presarcopenia (29,37%); tres de ellos con sobrepeso (27,27%) y dos con obesidad (18,18%). Conclusión: un solo corte transversal a nivel de la vértebra C3 puede diagnosticar la presarcopenia. Este nuevo método evita la irradiación innecesaria, ahorra costos hospitalarios y detecta la desnutrición antes de iniciar el tratamiento de radioterapia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes a nivel abdominal

Diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia from a single selectional crosscut at C3 region, using CT scans before radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Purpose: the main purpose of this study was to diagnose pre-sarcopenia in cancer patients who had lack of computed tomography (CT) abdominal images, with a newly discovered method based on cervical images. Material and methods: a sample of 37 patients with either lung cancer or a cancer that affected the upper digestive system underwent radiotherapy computed simulation which included measurements at C3 and L3 regions. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were determined by Hounsfield units and compared in both regions. Pre-sarcopenia was identified according to the cut-points currently established: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 in females, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2, and ≤ 53 cm2/m2 in males with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Results: the correlation of SMM and SMI between the C3 and L3 regions was R2 = 0.876 and R2 = 0.805, respectively. Moreover, there was a positive association (86.49%) in terms of the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia according to both regions. In total, eleven pre-sarcopenic patients (29.37%) were identified; three of them being overweight (27.27%) and two of them being obese (18.18%). Conclusion: a single sectional cross at the level of C3 can be used for the diagnosis of pre-sarcopenia. This new method avoids unnecessary irradiation, saves hospital costs and detects malnutrition before starting radiotherapy treatment in cancer patients who have lack of CT abdominal imaging.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Propósito: el propósito de este estudio fue diagnosticar la presarcopenia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes por tomografía computarizada (TC) a nivel abdominal mediante un método novedoso basado en cortes a nivel cervical. Material y métodos: se analizaron y se compararon mediante unidades la masa muscular y la masa muscular esquelética en 37 pacientes con cáncer de pulmón y neoplasias del aparato digestivo superior que incluían cortes en la TC de planificación a nivel de C3 y L3. La presarcopenia se identificó de acuerdo con los puntos de corte establecidos actualmente: ≤ 41 cm2/m2 para mujeres, ≤ 43 cm2/m2 en hombres con un IMC ≤ 25 kg/m2 y ≤ 53 cm2/m2 en hombres con IMC > 25 kg/m2. Resultados: la correlación de la masa muscular y el índice musculoesquelético entre las regiones C3 y L3 fue R2 = 0.876 y R2 = 0.805, respectivamente. Además, hubo una asociación positiva (86,49%) en términos del diagnóstico de presarcopenia según ambas regiones. En total, se identificaron once pacientes con presarcopenia (29,37%); tres de ellos con sobrepeso (27,27%) y dos con obesidad (18,18%). Conclusión: un solo corte transversal a nivel de la vértebra C3 puede diagnosticar la presarcopenia. Este nuevo método evita la irradiación innecesaria, ahorra costos hospitalarios y detecta la desnutrición antes de iniciar el tratamiento de radioterapia en pacientes con cáncer que no disponen de imágenes a nivel abdominal.

Mejora del sueño en deportistas: uso de suplementos nutricionales / Sleep improvement in athletes: use of nutritional supplements

El sueño es el estado de reposo físico y mental fundamental en la recuperación del sistema biológico, regulando mecanismos claves y ejerciendo su papel en la homeostasis metabólica. Las recomendaciones lo sitúan en torno a las 8 horas/noche, considerándose que una persona sufre restricción del mismo con tiempos inferiores a 6 horas durante 4 o más noches consecutivas. Éste se ve afectado por diferentes factores ambientales de forma negativa lo que conlleva efectos perjudiciales para la esperanza y la calidad de vida. En el ámbito deportivo, el rendimiento es el factor clave para el éxito en la competición. El sueño es pieza clave en el entrenamiento invisible, jugando un papel fundamental en el rendimiento. Está comprobado que la falta de descanso es desencadenante de una menor capacidad física y de la aparición de trastornos anímicos que dificultan la toma de decisiones. Por ello existen un gran número de investigaciones centradas en estudiar cómo mejorar la calidad y la cantidad del sueño de los atletas a partir de una correcta programación de los entrenamientos y/o una nutrición adecuada, y así minimizar la interferencia o mejorar la fase de conciliación del sueño. La conciliación del sueño, las alteraciones de este los días previos a la competición, el horario de entrenamiento, el estilo de vida del deportista y su influencia en el mismo, la alimentación y la suplementación son los principales temas tratados en esta revisión sobre el sueño en deportistas. Es necesario un mayor número de estudios y un mayor nivel de evidencia para poder conocer y usar las diferentes estrategias que mejoren la calidad del sueño en deportistas

Sleep is the physical and mental resting state which is fundamental for recovery of the biological system, regulating key mechanisms and metabolic homeostasis. It is recommended to sleep around 8 hours/night, and sleep restriction is considered when a person sleeps less than 6 hours during 4 or more consecutive nights. Some environmental factors adversely a ecting sleep will reduce quality of life and may increase mortality risk. Sports performance is obviously a key factor that needs to be successful in a competition period. It is well known that insucient rest reduces physical tness and favors the onset of mood disorders. For that reason, multiple lines of research are focused on nding the best way to improve the quality and quantity of sleep in athletes. It has been found that both nutrition and good training periodization are important to improve the rest and sleep of athletes. To get to sleep and its disruption in the previous days to competition, hour of training, athletes’ lifestyle and its impact, nutrition and supplementation, are the key topics addressed in this review about sleep in athletes. There is an urgent need of more research to understand and use diferent strategies, including nutritional supplements, in improving sleep in athletes

Analysis of microbiota in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

To identify the bacterial diversity (microbiota) in expectorated sputum, a pyrosequencing method that investigates complex microbial communities of expectorated sputum was done in 19 stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (mean (SD) FEV1: 47 (18%) of predicted value). Using conventional culture, 3 phyla and 20 bacterial genera were identified, whereas the pyrosequencing approach detected 9 phyla and 43 genera (p < 0.001). In sputum the prevalent genera with pyrosequencing approach were Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Rothia, Fusobacterium, Gemella, Granulicatella, Porphyromonas, Prevotella and Veillonella. Enterobacteriaceae, detected frequently in conventional culture, were not significantly detected with pyrosequencing methods. In addition, we found that important pathogens such as Haemophilus and Moraxella were detected more frequently with the new genetic procedures. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae is probably overestimated with conventional culture, whereas other difficult cultivable pathogens are underestimated. These studies open a new perspective for evaluating the role of bacterial colonization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease pathogenesis and progression.

[Characterization of gene expression associated with both the AcrAB/TolC system and the membrane permeability, in Salmonella spp isolates with and without gyrA mutation]. / Caracterización de la expresión de genes asociados con el sistema AcrAB/TolC y la permeabilidad de membrana en aislados de Salmonella spp. con y sin mutación en gyrA.

Introduction. The marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes have been studied in order to characterize mechanisms of AcrAB-TolC active efflux pumps and membrane permeability alterations that reduce fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp. Methods. Mutations in marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes were detected, as well as their expression levels in presence and absence of ciprofloxacin, calculating the level of change between them by qPCR. Data were analysed by using SPSS 19.0. Results. No mutations in these genes were found, but both AcrAB-TolC regulatory genes and structural acrB gene expression were affected by ciprofloxacin in both mutant strains and wild type bacterial strains (WT). The activation of the marA gene in presence of drug was higher in WT strains (level of change 0.823) than in mutants strains (level of change 0.158; p=0.049). In gyrA mutants, a reduction in ompF gene expression in presence of ciprofloxacin was found (level of change -0.949 p=0.017). Conclusion. The reduction of fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp is a complex process, in which several different bacterial mechanisms are involved. This study has found a high difference in the degree of participation among studied mechanisms, between bacterial strains with and without gyrA mutation. Whereas WT strains activated efflux pumps especially through marA gene, mutants supressed ompF gene expression related to porins.

Caracterización de la expresión de genes asociados con el sistema AcrAB/TolC y la permeabilidad de membrana en aislados de Salmonella spp. con y sin mutación en gyrA / Characterization of gene expression associated with both the AcrAB/TolC system and the membrane permeability, in Salmonella spp isolates with and without gyrA mutation

Introducción. Se han estudiado los genes marA, soxS, ramA, acrB y ompF para caracterizar los mecanismos del sistema de expulsión activa AcrAB/TolC y las alteraciones en la permeabilidad de membrana que reducen la sensibilidad a fluoroquinolonas en Salmonella spp. Métodos. Se detectaron las mutaciones en los genes marA, soxS, ramA, acrB y ompF y se cuantificó su nivel de expresión en presencia y ausencia de ciprofloxacino calculando su valor de nivel de cambio por qPCR. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente mediante el programa SPSS 19.0. Resultados. No se encontraron mutaciones en ninguno de los genes, pero la expresión de los genes reguladores de AcrAB/TolC y del gen estructural acrB se vieron afectados por la presencia de ciprofloxacino tanto en las cepas con mutación en gyrA como en las cepas silvestres. La activación del gen marA en presencia del fármaco fue mayor en las cepas silvestres (nivel de cambio de 0,823) que en las mutantes (nivel de cambio de 0,158; p=0,049). Se vio una disminución de la expresión del gen ompF en presencia de ciprofloxacino en cepas con mutación (nivel de cambio de -0,949 p=0,017). Conclusión. La disminución de la sensibilidad a fluoroquinolonas en Salmonella spp es un proceso complejo, donde intervienen diferentes mecanismos bacterianos. Este estudio encuentra gran diferencia en el grado de participación de los mecanismos estudiados entre las cepas con y sin mutación en gyrA. Mientras que las cepas silvestres activan el sistema de expulsión activa, especialmente a través del gen marA, las cepas con mutación reprimen la expresión del gen ompF, relacionado con las porinas (AU)

Introduction. The marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes have been studied in order to characterize mechanisms of AcrAB-TolC active efflux pumps and membrane permeability alterations that reduce fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp. Methods. Mutations in marA, soxS, ramA, acrB and ompF genes were detected, as well as their expression levels in presence and absence of ciprofloxacin, calculating the level of change between them by qPCR. Data were analysed by using SPSS 19.0. Results. No mutations in these genes were found, but both AcrAB-TolC regulatory genes and structural acrB gene expression were affected by ciprofloxacin in both mutant strains and wild type bacterial strains (WT). The activation of the marA gene in presence of drug was higher in WT strains (level of change 0.823) than in mutants strains (level of change 0.158; p=0.049). In gyrA mutants, a reduction in ompF gene expression in presence of ciprofloxacin was found (level of change -0.949 p=0.017). Conclusion. The reduction of fluoroquinolones susceptibility in Salmonella spp is a complex process, in which several different bacterial mechanisms are involved. This study has found a high difference in the degree of participation among studied mechanisms, between bacterial strains with and without gyrA mutation. Whereas WT strains activated efflux pumps especially through marA gene, mutants supressed ompF gene expression related to porins (AU)