Showing papers by "Facultad de Ciencias Médicas published in 2014"
TL;DR: Clinical trials employing melatonin in the range of 50–100 mg/day are urgently needed to assess its therapeutic validity in neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.
Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major health problem and a growing recognition exists that efforts to prevent it must be undertaken by both governmental and non-governmental organizations. In this context, the pineal product, melatonin, has a promising significance because of its chronobiotic/cytoprotective properties potentially useful for a number of aspects of AD. One of the features of advancing age is the gradual decrease in circulating melatonin levels. A limited number of therapeutic trials have indicated that melatonin has a therapeutic value as a neuroprotective drug in the treatment of AD and minimal cognitive impairment (which may evolve to AD). Both in vitro and in vivo, melatonin prevented the neurodegeneration seen in experimental models of AD. For these effects to occur, doses of melatonin about two orders of magnitude higher than those required to affect sleep and circadian rhythmicity are needed. More recently, attention has been focused on the development of potent melatonin analogs with prolonged effects, which were employed in clinical trials in sleep-disturbed or depressed patients in doses considerably higher than those employed for melatonin. In view that the relative potencies of the analogs are higher than that of the natural compound, clinical trials employing melatonin in the range of 50-100 mg/day are urgently needed to assess its therapeutic validity in neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.
61 citations
TL;DR: A major role is revealed for the phosphorylation of S2814 site on RyR2 in CaMKII-dependent I/R cardiac damage and it is shown that CaMK II-dependent increase in PLN phosphorylated during reperfusion opposes rather than contributes to I/ R damage.
59 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that monoterpenes in combination with each other, or individually in conjunction with simvastatin synergistically inhibits proliferation and cholesterogenesis in the human cell lines investigated, thus contributing to a clearer understanding of the action of essential-oil components, and their combination with the statins, in the targeting of specific points within a complex metabolic pathway.
51 citations
TL;DR: This review confirmed the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, and found weight reduction programmes that take account of family involvement are more effective than nutrition education itself or other routine interventions that fail to consider family involvement.
Abstract: Introduction: Obesity treatment has been the subject of much controversy; various authors have recommended the application of a comprehensive treatment programme, and in the light of this previous research, we consider the question of what is the most effective programme of physical activity to reduce overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Aims: To analyse major studies on the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Method: Systematic review of the results of physical activity programmes, published in scientific articles, to reduce overweight and obesity. Using an automated database search in PubMed and Google Scholar, conducted from October 2013 to March 2014, we identified 85 valid items. In selecting the items, the criteria applied included the usefulness and relevance of the subject matter and the credibility or experience of the research study authors. The internal and external validity of each of the articles reviewed was taken into account. Conclusions: This review confirmed the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The most effective programmes were those combining aerobic and anaerobic exercises. It is generally accepted that at least 180 minutes per week should be dedicated to exercise, in the form of three 60-minute sessions of moderate intensity. Such programmes could be sufficient for persons with overweight or obesity. Researchers in this field agree that when a diet based on an appropriate distribution of meals is combined with regular physical activity, they reinforce each other, and thus optimum results are obtained. Weight reduction programmes that take account of family involvement are more effective than nutrition education itself or other routine interventions that fail to consider family involvement. The role of pa rents and of the persons around the child or adolescent is essential to reinforce positive behaviour toward lifestyle change.
41 citations
TL;DR: Control of oxidative stress could be a useful strategy to prevent the transition from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes.
36 citations
TL;DR: A la dosis y el intervalo estudiado Tribulus terrestris no fue mas eficaz que el placebo en the mejora de los sintomas de the disfuncion erectil o the testosterona serica total, y los grupos fueron estadisticamente equivalentes en todos los aspectos evaluados.
Abstract: Resumen Objetivos Evaluar los posibles efectos de la fitoterapia con tribulus terrestris en el tratamiento de la disfuncion erectil y cuantificar su impacto potencial en los niveles de testosterona serica. Diseno y metodos Estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego y controlado con placebo incluyendo 30 hombres sanos seleccionados entre 100 pacientes que se presentaron espontaneamente con disfuncion erectil, ≥ 40 anos de edad, no fumadores, no sometidos a tratamiento para el cancer de prostata o disfuncion erectil, sin dislipidemia, sin uso de inhibidores de la fosfodiesterasa, sin manipulacion hormonal y si presentaban hipertension y/o diabetes mellitus debian ser controlados. El indice internacional de funcion erectil (IIFE-5) y la testosterona serica se obtuvieron antes de la aleatorizacion y despues de 30 dias de estudio. Los pacientes fueron divididos aleatoriamente en 2 grupos de 15 sujetos cada uno. El grupo de estudio recibio 800 mg de Tribulus terrestris, divididos en 2 dosis al dia durante 30 dias y el grupo control recibio placebo administrado de la misma manera. Resultados Los grupos fueron estadisticamente equivalentes en todos los aspectos evaluados. La media de edad (DE) fue de 60 (9,4) y 62,9 (7,9) —p = 0,36— para la intervencion y los grupos de placebo, respectivamente. Antes del tratamiento el grupo de intervencion mostro una media de IIFE-5 de 13,2 (5-21) y la media de testosterona total de 417,1 ng/dl (270,7-548,4 ng/dl); el grupo de placebo mostro una media de IIFE-5 de 11,6 (6-21) y una media de testosterona total de 442,7 ng/dl (301-609,1 ng/dl). Despues del tratamiento el grupo de intervencion mostro una media de IIFE-5 de 15,3 (5-21) y una media de testosterona total de 409,3 ng/dl (216,9-760,8 ng/dl); el grupo placebo mostro una media de IIFE-5 de 13,7 (6-21) y una media de testosterona total de 466,3 ng/dl (264,3-934,3 ng/dl). El factor tiempo causo cambios estadisticamente significativos en ambos grupos solo para IIFE-5 (p = 0,0004), sin embargo no hubo ninguna diferencia entre los 2 grupos (p = 0,7914). Conclusiones A la dosis y el intervalo estudiado Tribulus terrestris no fue mas eficaz que el placebo en la mejora de los sintomas de la disfuncion erectil o la testosterona serica total.
33 citations
TL;DR: The beneficial effects of MR antagonists in heart failure may be related to a decrease in oxidative stress, and cardiomyocytes were confirmed as a source of aldosterone induced mitochondrial ROS production in experiments performed in isolated cardiac myocytes.
32 citations
TL;DR: These studies show that salivary cortisol is a clear indicator of stress in both children and adults, and those examining the relation between high levels of salivaries cortisol and other disorders such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia or emotional deprivation are shown to be false.
Abstract: Salivary cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and secreted into saliva when persons are under stress. High levels of cortisol in saliva can be produced by many different factors, including obesity and certain psychological disorders. The articles selected for inclusion in this review were identified using Google Scholar and Medline, and this search obtained a total of 57 items. The validity of these studies was established according to the degree of evidence presented, by citations and by their applicability to the healthcare context in Spain. Specifically, this review takes into consideration studies of salivary cortisol and stress in children and adults, and those examining the relation between high levels of salivary cortisol and other disorders such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia or emotional deprivation. These studies show that salivary cortisol is a clear indicator of stress in both children and adults. High levels of this hormone in saliva are associated with the following main consequences: reduced immune function, affecting healing and thus prolonging recovery time; delayed growth in children; increased blood pressure and heart rate in both children and adults.
31 citations
TL;DR: NHE-1 hyperactivity seems not to be involved in physiological CH development, contrary to what characterizes pathological CH, and it is proposed that AKT, through an inhibitory phosphorylation of the N HE-1, prevents its stretch-induced activation.
31 citations
TL;DR: At the dose and interval studied, Tribulus terrestris was not more effective than placebo in improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction or serum total testosterone.
Abstract: Objectives To evaluate the possible effects of Tribulus terrestris herbal medicine in the erectile dysfunction treatment and to quantify its potential impact on serum testosterone levels. Design and methods A prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study including 30 healthy men selected from 100 patients who presented themselves spontaneously complaining of erectile dysfunction, ≥40 years of age, nonsmokers, not undergoing treatment for prostate cancer or erectile dysfunction, no dyslipidemia, no phosphodiesterase inhibitor use, and no hormonal manipulation, and if present, hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus should be controlled. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and serum testosterone were obtained before randomization and after 30 days of study. The patients were randomized into two groups of fifteen subjects each. The study group received 800 mg of Tribulus terrestris , divided into two doses per day for 30 days, and the control group received placebo administered in the same way. Results The groups were statistically equivalent in all aspects evaluated. The mean (SD) age was 60 (9.4) and 62.9 (7.9) years, p = 0.36, for intervention and placebo groups, respectively. Before treatment, the intervention group showed mean IIEF-5 of 13.2 (5–21) and mean total testosterone 417.1 ng/dl (270.7–548.4 ng/dl); the placebo group showed mean IIEF-5 of 11.6 (6–21) and mean total testosterone 442.7 ng/dl (301–609.1 ng/dl). After treatment, the intervention group showed mean IIEF-5 of 15.3 (5–21) and mean total testosterone 409.3 ng/dl (216.9–760.8 ng/dl); the placebo group showed mean IIEF-5 of 13.7 (6–21) and mean total testosterone 466.3 ng/dl (264.3–934.3 ng/dl). The time factor caused statistically significant changes in both the groups for IIEF-5 only ( p = 0.0004); however, there was no difference between the two groups ( p = 0.7914). Conclusions At the dose and interval studied, Tribulus terrestris was not more effective than placebo in improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction or serum total testosterone.
31 citations
TL;DR: The results of the review highlight the importance of physical activity during pregnancy, and show that the information currently available can serve as an initial benchmark for further investigation into the impact of regular physical exercise, in an aquatic environment, on maternal-foetal health.
Abstract: Introduction: Regular physical activity is known to be very beneficial to health. While it is important at all stages of life, during pregnancy doubts may arise about the suitability of physical exercise, as well as the type of activity, its frequency, intensity and duration. Aims: To analyse major studies on the influence of physical activity on maternal and foetal parameters. Method: Systematic review of physical activity programmes for pregnant women and the results achieved, during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. 45 items were identified through an automated database search in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, carried out from October 2013 to March 2014. In selecting the items, the criteria applied included the usefulness and relevance of the subject matter and the credibility or experience of the research study authors. The internal and external validity of each of the articles reviewed was taken into account. Conclusions: The results of the review highlight the importance of physical activity during pregnancy, and show that the information currently available can serve as an initial benchmark for further investigation into the impact of regular physical exercise, in an aquatic environment, on maternal-foetal health.
TL;DR: The interfacial two-dimensional spreading dynamics of quasilinear Vero cell colony fronts in methylcellulose-containing culture medium, under a constant average front displacement velocity regime, was investigated and found that at longer culture times enlarged cells appear at random in the border region of the colony.
Abstract: The interfacial two-dimensional spreading dynamics of quasilinear Vero cell colony fronts in methylcellulose (MC)-containing culture medium, under a constant average front displacement velocity regime, was investigated. Under comparable experimental conditions, the average colony front displacement velocity becomes lower than that reported for a standard culture medium. Initially, the presence of MC in the medium hinders both the colony spreading, due to a gradual change in the average size and shape of cells and their distribution in the colony, and the cell motility in the gelled medium. Furthermore, at longer culture times enlarged cells appear at random in the border region of the colony. These cells behave as obstacles (pinning sites) for the displacement of smaller cells towards the colony front. The dynamic scaling analysis of rough fronts yields the set of exponents α=0.63±0.04,β=0.75±0.05, and z=0.84±0.05, which is close to that expected for a quenched Kardar-Parisi-Zhang model.
TL;DR: T2DM and the development of its complications are positively associated with higher direct costs in Argentina, and these costs were twice as high in people with T2DM without complications and 3.6 times in those with complications.
Abstract: To estimate direct and indirect costs of care of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its complications in Argentina, and compare them with those recorded in people without diabetes (ND). Observational retrospective case–control study performed in one institution of the Social Security System of Argentina. Participants were identified and randomly selected from the Institution’s electronic medical records. We recruited persons with T2DM with (387) or without (387) chronic complications and 774 ND, matched by age and gender. Data were obtained by telephone interviews and supplemented with data from the Institution’s records. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used for group comparisons. Direct costs were higher in people with T2DM than in ND: twice as high in people with T2DM without complications and 3.6 times in those with complications. Absenteeism was only higher in T2DM with complications, but there were no differences among groups either in the duration or in the cost of such absenteeism. T2DM and the development of its complications are positively associated with higher direct costs in Argentina.
TL;DR: The reduction of neurite growth inhibitory molecules Nogo-A, Ng-R, and Rho-A is suggested to be a part of the restorative effects of progesterone possibly allowing the plastic phenomena to occur, able to support the functional preservation of the hippocampus following global cerebral ischemia.
TL;DR: The hypothesis that the neuroadaptative changes induced by amphetamine produce alterations in brain RAS components that are involved in the expression of the locomotor sensitization to the psychostimulant drug is supported.
TL;DR: It is anticipated that improved/continuing education of healthcare professionals, diabetes self-management education and development of a team approach for T2DM care will lead to optimization of patient-centered care.
18 Jul 2014
TL;DR: In this paper, the perfeccionamiento del disno curricular de Medicina entrana retos importantes que exigen una participación amplia y comprometida del claustro y los directivos academicos, considerados verdaderos retos, sobre la base de la integracion docente-asistencial-investigativa orientada a la pertinencia social de la formacion de medicos.
Abstract: Introduccion: con el interes de dar cumplimiento a las indicaciones metodologicas del Ministerio de Educacion Superior, se requiere desarrollar la base teorica sobre la cual se ha de realizar el perfeccionamiento del plan de estudio de Medicina segun las caracteristicas de un plan D. Objetivo: identificar los principales objetos de cambio que puedan considerarse retos en el perfeccionamiento del curriculo para la carrera de Medicina. Metodologia: aplicacion de metodos empiricos y teoricos para la obtencion, analisis e interpretacion de la informacion disponible sobre los cambios a realizar en el curriculo de esta carrera, que puedan considerarse retos por el nivel de dificultad que conlleva su implantacion, en las condiciones del contexto cubano actual. Resultados: todos los cambios derivados de trabajar con tres niveles de curriculo, de la creacion de la disciplina principal integradora (DPI), la coordinacion intradisciplinaria entre los programas de sus asignaturas y de las relaciones sistemicas funcionales de esta disciplina con las restantes del plan de estudio, la proyeccion curricular de la formacion para todas las funciones del profesional a egresar, la construccion colectiva de las estrategias curriculares necesarias y pertinentes para esta carrera y una ampliacion del marco teorico de formacion para la investigacion cientifica son los principales objetos de cambio identificados, considerados verdaderos retos porque requieren modificaciones en algunos paradigmas academicos dominantes en esta carrera y por lo tanto, una atencion priorizada. Conclusiones: el perfeccionamiento del diseno curricular de Medicina entrana retos importantes que exigen una participacion amplia y comprometida del claustro y los directivos academicos y la reactivacion del trabajo metodologico interdisciplinario, sobre la base de la integracion docente-asistencial-investigativa orientada a la pertinencia social de la formacion de medicos.
TL;DR: It is proposed that the thyroid status modulates the in vivo growth of EL4 T lymphoma through the regulation of cyclin, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and tumor suppressor gene expression, as well as the stimulation of angiogenesis.
Abstract: We have shown in vitro that thyroid hormones (THs) regulate the balance between proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphoma cells. The effects of THs on tumor development have been studied, but the results are still controversial. Herein, we show the modulatory action of thyroid status on the in vivo growth of T lymphoma cells. For this purpose, euthyroid, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid mice received inoculations of EL4 cells to allow the development of solid tumors. Tumors in the hyperthyroid animals exhibited a higher growth rate, as evidenced by the early appearance of palpable solid tumors and the increased tumor volume. These results are consistent with the rate of cell division determined by staining tumor cells with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester. Additionally, hyperthyroid mice exhibited reduced survival. Hypothyroid mice did not differ significantly from the euthyroid controls with respect to these parameters. Additionally, only tumors from hyperthyroid animals had increased expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and active caspase 3. Differential expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins was also observed. The levels of cyclins D1 and D3 were augmented in the tumors of the hyperthyroid animals, whereas the cell cycle inhibitors p16/INK4A (CDKN2A) and p27/Kip1 (CDKN1B) and the tumor suppressor p53 (TRP53) were increased in hypothyroid mice. Intratumoral and peritumoral vasculogenesis was increased only in hyperthyroid mice. Therefore, we propose that the thyroid status modulates the in vivo growth of EL4 T lymphoma through the regulation of cyclin, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, and tumor suppressor gene expression, as well as the stimulation of angiogenesis.
TL;DR: La metodologia empleada es described, primer estudio sistematico multicentrico realizado en 4 paises oficiales de Latinoamerica para deteccion of casos of EPOC confirmados por espirometria en atencion primaria.
Abstract: Resumen Introduccion Se desconoce la prevalencia de EPOC entre pacientes que acuden al sistema de salud en Latinoamerica. El estudio Prevalencia y practica habitUal –diagnostico y tratamiento– en poblacion de riesgo de EPOC en Medicos generalistas de 4 paises de America Latina (PUMA) evalua prevalencia, diagnostico y tratamiento de EPOC en pacientes en riesgo que acuden a atencion primaria constituyendose en deteccion de casos oportunista. El objetivo de esta publicacion es describir la metodologia del estudio. Metodos Estudio multicentrico, observacional, transversal, realizado en Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay y Venezuela. Participaron pacientes ≥ 40 anos, fumadores o ex fumadores y/o expuestos a combustion de biomasa que acudieron a consultas de atencion primaria. Los pacientes elegibles realizaron espirometrias pre y posbroncodilatador y respondieron cuestionarios estandarizados sobre datos demograficos, habito tabaquico, exposicion a polucion ambiental/domestica, sintomas/antecedentes y manejo de enfermedades respiratorias, comorbilidades y uso de recursos sanitarios. Resultados Participaron 57 centros en 4 paises. Se reclutaron 1.907 pacientes, 1.743 completaron el Cuestionario PUMA y 1.540 pacientes realizaron espirometrias validadas. Conclusiones Describimos la metodologia empleada en el estudio PUMA, primer estudio sistematico multicentrico realizado en 4 paises de Latinoamerica para deteccion de casos de EPOC confirmados por espirometria en atencion primaria. Aproximadamente el 90% de los pacientes que realizaron el Cuestionario PUMA realizaron espirometrias validas. Esto permite reflexionar sobre la factibilidad de realizar deteccion de casos oportunista en el primer nivel asistencial para encontrar pacientes en estadios tempranos o no diagnosticados y mejorar el diagnostico y manejo de EPOC en atencion primaria.
TL;DR: The results demonstrate that disabilities are a key component of diabetes burden; its regular and systematic estimation would allow to design effective prevention strategies, to assess the impact of their implementation and to optimize resource allocation based on objective evidence.
Abstract: Fil: Gonzalez, Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Medicas. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Organizacion Mundial de la Salud; Argentina
TL;DR: The PUMA study is described, the first systematic multicenter study in four Latin American countries aimed at detecting COPD cases confirmed by spirometry in primary care, which gives room for reflection on the feasibility of opportunistic screening at the primary care level to detect patients in the early stages of COPD or with undiagnosed COPD.
Abstract: Introduction The prevalence of COPD among patients treated in the healthcare system in Latin America is unknown. The PUMA study (Prevalencia y practica habitUal –diagnostico y tratamiento– en poblacion de riesgo de EPOC en Medicos generalistas de 4 paises de America Latina) screened at-risk patients attending primary care centers to evaluate the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of COPD in this setting. The aim of this report is to describe the study methodology. Methods Multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Subjects were ≥40 years, smokers, former smokers, and/or exposed to fossil fuels attending primary care centers. Eligible patients underwent pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry and completed standardized questionnaires on demographics, smoking, exposure to environmental/domestic pollution, symptoms/history, and management of respiratory diseases, comorbidities, and use of healthcare resources. Results A total of 57 centers in 4 countries participated; 1907 patients were included, 1743 completed the PUMA questionnaire and 1540 patients underwent validated spirometry. Conclusions We describe the methodology used in the PUMA study, the first systematic multicenter study in four Latin American countries aimed at detecting COPD cases confirmed by spirometry in primary care. Approximately 90% of patients who completed the PUMA questionnaire underwent valid spirometry tests. This gives room for reflection on the feasibility of opportunistic screening at the primary care level to detect patients in the early stages of COPD or with undiagnosed COPD, and improve the diagnosis and management of this disease.
24 Mar 2014
TL;DR: A partir de una revision bibliografica no exhaustiva se decidio realizar un estudio exploratorio, de corte transversal, con 5 grupos poblacionales, clasificados by grupos etarios, a quienes se aplico una metodologia cualitativa, haciendo uso de las tecnicas de grupo focal y proyectiva; se garantizo el anonimato del ofrecimiento de la inform
Abstract: En diferentes sociedades del mundo actual se ha agudizado la tendencia que ha preocupado a muchos sobre lo que se ha denominado "crisis de los paradigmas sociales y humanistas" o "crisis de valores". En Cuba, durante todo el primer quinquenio de este siglo XXI se ha hablado mucho acerca del tema en distintos escenarios y con auditorios diferentes. Varios han sido los cuestionamientos: ?la crisis de valores morales ha afectado a todos los grupos etarios? ?Cuales son los valores eticos realmente consensuados por la sociedad cubana del siglo XXI? ?Que antivalores estan coexistiendo con ellos? A partir de una revision bibliografica no exhaustiva se decidio realizar un estudio exploratorio, de corte transversal, con 5 grupos poblacionales, clasificados por grupos etarios, a quienes se aplico una metodologia cualitativa, haciendo uso de las tecnicas de grupo focal y proyectiva; se garantizo el anonimato del ofrecimiento de la informacion primaria. Se entendio por consenso cuando el 75 % o mas de los participantes coincidian. En este caso las virtudes que declararon admirar mas son: la sinceridad y la generosidad, en tanto los defectos que no toleran en los demas son: el egoismo y la mentira; mientras que los valores percibidos son: la solidaridad y la justicia; los antivalores percibidos son: el egoismo y la doble moral. En consecuencia se propone un plan de accion para fortalecer valores eticos sociales y construir valores eticos profesionales con los estudiantes y jovenes profesionales de las ciencias de la salud.
TL;DR: A case-control study of children presenting with deforming oral habits in the municipality of Manzanillo in Granma province was conducted between January and August 2013 as discussed by the authors, where 540 children aged 5 to 11 were included of which 180 had deformed oral habits and were asked to fill out a survey to identify specific type of habits leading to malocclusion.
Abstract: Introduction Dental and maxillofacial anomalies have multiple and complex causes. Most frequent among these are poor oral habits. A large number of children present with oral malocclusions, most of which are caused by deforming oral habits. It is important to learn about risk factors for this condition in order to institute preventive measures, early detection and treatment, and identification of low- and high-risk groups. Objectives To identify risk factors associated with deforming oral habits, which, if maintained over time, are responsible for occlusion defects, speech disorders, and can affect physical and emotional child development. Methods A case-control study of children presenting with deforming oral habits in the municipality of Manzanillo in Granma province was conducted between January and August 2013. 540 children aged 5 to 11 were included of which 180 had deforming oral habits and were asked to fill out a survey to identify specific type of habits leading to malocclusion. The case group was composed of children with deforming habits, and the remaining 360 children without poor oral habits were the control group. Each case was randomly matched to two control cases. The children mothers were also surveyed to gather supplemental information. Results Children with deforming oral habits were mostly female. At age 10, onychophagia was the predominant oral deforming habit. Risk factors detected for these habits were sociobiological maternal and child variables such as low and high birth weight, maternal breastfeeding inexperience, and discord in the family. Conclusions The study identified likely risk factors associated with deforming oral habits. These are discord in the family, birth weight, and lack of breastfeeding experience.
TL;DR: To assess excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep habits, quality of sleep, stress-related symptoms, and working conditions in a large sample of short-distance bus drivers in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a cross-sectional study was performed.
Abstract: Purpose – Driving needs high levels of alertness. Increased somnolence is the most important negative influence to maintain proper watchfulness and vigilance. Drowsiness, working conditions and their affective impact must be taken into account to determine driving safety. The purpose of this paper is to assess excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep habits, quality of sleep, stress-related symptoms, and working conditions in a large sample of short-distance bus drivers in the city of Buenos Aires. Design/methodology/approach – This was a cross-sectional study performed to evaluate sleep habits and obstructive apnea risk in short-distance bus drivers of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Questionnaires regarding anthropometric data, sleep habits, snoring, daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), quality of sleep (Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index, PQSI), working conditions and fatigue and anxiety related to work were administered to professional short-distance bus drivers (n=1023). Finding...
TL;DR: Results provide strong evidence that MR activation occurs after myocardial stretch and is a key factor to promote redox-sensitive kinase activation and their downstream consequences.
Abstract: Myocardial stretch triggers an angiotensin II-dependent autocrine/paracrine loop of intracellular signals, leading to reactive oxygen species-mediated activation of redox-sensitive kinases. Based on pharmacological strategies, we previously proposed that mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is necessary for this stretch-triggered mechanism. Now, we aimed to test the role of MR after stretch by using a molecular approach to avoid secondary effects of pharmacological MR blockers. Small hairpin interference RNA capable of specifically knocking down the MR was incorporated into a lentiviral vector (l-shMR) and injected into the left ventricular wall of Wistar rats. The same vector but expressing a nonsilencing sequence (scramble) was used as control. Lentivirus propagation through the left ventricle was evidenced by confocal microscopy. Myocardial MR expression, stretch-triggered activation of redox-sensitive kinases (ERK1/2-p90(RSK)), the consequent Na(+)/H(+) exchanger-mediated changes in pHi (HEPES-buffer), and its mechanical counterpart, the slow force response, were evaluated. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species production in response to a low concentration of angiotensin II (1.0 nmol/L) or an equipotent concentration of epidermal growth factor (0.1 μg/mL) was compared in myocardial tissue slices from both groups. Compared with scramble, animals transduced with l-shMR showed (1) reduced cardiac MR expression, (2) cancellation of angiotensin II-induced reactive oxygen species production but preservation of epidermal growth factor-induced reactive oxygen species production, (3) cancellation of stretch-triggered increase in ERK1/2-p90(RSK) phosphorylation, (4) lack of stretch-induced Na(+)/H(+) exchanger activation, and (5) abolishment of the slow force response. Our results provide strong evidence that MR activation occurs after myocardial stretch and is a key factor to promote redox-sensitive kinase activation and their downstream consequences.
07 Mar 2014
TL;DR: Decidir por cual carrera universitaria optar es, sin dudas, una eleccion dificil Esta situacion genera miedo al fracaso, a la decepcion propia y ajena, sentimiento muchas veces habitual en el joven preuniversitario, que se convierte en fuente de ansiedad y estres Esto demuestra la necesidad de una adecuada orientacion vocacional and profesional En Cuba est
Abstract: Decidir por cual carrera universitaria optar es, sin dudas, una eleccion dificil Esta situacion genera miedo al fracaso, a la decepcion propia y ajena, sentimiento muchas veces habitual en el joven preuniversitario, que se convierte en fuente de ansiedad y estres Esto demuestra la necesidad de una adecuada orientacion vocacional y profesional En Cuba esta tematica va tomando gran importancia, ya que un mayor numero de jovenes tienen la posibilidad de optar por mayor cantidad de profesiones, por lo que la decision sobre una u otra constituye un problema de gran repercusion practica y social La orientacion y formacion vocacional en el contexto educativo cubano tiene como fin reafirmar la inclinacion de los jovenes interesados hacia la carrera de Medicina, donde se desarrollen integramente sus potencialidades, sobre la consolidacion de los valores y sentimientos y con un elevado compromiso social, moral e incondicional hacia el ejercicio de la profesion En este trabajo se abordan los diferentes aspectos que influyen actualmente en la orientacion vocacional y el papel de cada uno de los protagonistas del proceso en si
27 Jun 2014
TL;DR: The presence of rheumatic illnesses increases the appearance of complications like the alveoli is, while adult is the time of more evolution it will be the probability of appearance of this complication.
Abstract: Introduction: The alveoli is a frequent complication in the dental, multiple extractions they are the factors of risk that can increase its expression, inside them they play a preponderant paper those affections that due to its ethiopatogenia or to the treatment that you/they receive they cause immune suppression states in the patients, in this last group they are the rheumatic affections. Objective: To determine the alveoli incidence in patient with rheumatic affections Methodology : I study descriptive in 53 patients with diagnostic of rheumatic illnesses assisted in consultation estomatologic and to which were carried out extraction it would jag. Results: The age average was of 56.55 years. The biggest gender frequency corresponded to the feminine gender with a 77,36. The time of more frequent evolution was the one understood between 1 and 5 years and the most frequent rheumatic affection it was the arthritis rheumatoid. Conclusions : The presence of rheumatic illnesses increases the appearance of complications like the alveoli is, while adult is the time of more evolution it will be the probability of appearance of this complication. The arthritis rheumatoid is the rheumatic affection in which with more percent the alveoli is appears.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of different Mn concentrations on DNA integrity of cumulus cells by olive tail moment (OTM), apoptosis by Annexin V staining assay, intracellular total glutathione (GSH-GSSG) content, and oocyte nuclear maturation and embryo cleavage after in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
TL;DR: The epidemiological and clinical data appears to be similar to other Western international series, however, of note, the MSA-C phenotype was predominant in Non-Caucasians, more specifically the Mestizo population, and this observation opens a new path to explore.
Abstract: Background Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset and rapidly progressive, neurodegenerative condition that presents with autonomic dysfunction, parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and corticospinal deficits. Clinical, demographic and epidemiological data from different regions have provided valuable information concerning the natural history of MSA. There are no published data of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in Latin American countries. Objective To describe clinical and epidemiological data of patients with "possible" MSA from seven referral movement disorders centers from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru and United States. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional Pan-American multicentre cohort study of MSA. Results The sample was composed of 82 females and 77 men with the diagnosis of "possible" MSA with a mean age at onset of 65 ± 10 years. 67.29% of the individuals had a MSA-P variant with a mean age at onset of 61.47 ± 10.28 years, whereas the mean age at onset in the MSA-C patients was 57.44 ± 10.58 years. Interestingly, MSA-C-was more prevalent in Non-Caucasian (50-Mestizo and 2 Asian patients) than Caucasians (51.92% vs. 20.79%, p = 0.0001). Dysautonomic symptoms were present in 95.6% of the patients, parkinsonism in 85.5%, pyramidal signs in 25.8% and depression in 48.4% of the patients. Conclusions Our epidemiological and clinical data appears to be similar to other Western international series, however, of note, the MSA-C phenotype was predominant in Non-Caucasians, more specifically the Mestizo population. This observation opens a new path to explore. Larger prospective epidemiologic studies in Latin America may provide valuable information concerning MSA in the region.
TL;DR: The average dynamic behaviour of individual cells in the colony suggested that cell motion undergoes under a concerted cell migration mechanism, in which both a limiting random walk-like and a limiting ballistic-like contribution were involved.
Abstract: The dynamics of in situ 2D HeLa cell quasi-linear and quasi-radial colony fronts in a standard culture medium is investigated. For quasi-radial colonies, as the cell population increased, a kinetic transition from an exponential to a constant front average velocity regime was observed. Special attention was paid to individual cell motility evolution under constant average colony front velocity looking for its impact on the dynamics of the 2D colony front roughness. From the directionalities and velocity components of cell trajectories in colonies with different cell populations, the influence of both local cell density and cell crowding effects on individual cell motility was determined. The average dynamic behaviour of individual cells in the colony and its dependence on both local spatio-temporal heterogeneities and growth geometry suggested that cell motion undergoes under a concerted cell migration mechanism, in which both a limiting random walk-like and a limiting ballistic-like contribution were involved. These results were interesting to infer how biased cell trajectories influenced both the 2D colony spreading dynamics and the front roughness characteristics by local biased contributions to individual cell motion. These data are consistent with previous experimental and theoretical cell colony spreading data and provide additional evidence of the validity of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation, within a certain range of time and colony front size, for describing the dynamics of 2D colony front roughness.