Value of urinary metabolic study in patients with recurrent renal stones. Study in or a Health Area

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las principales alteraciones metabólicas presentes en los pacientes de nuestra área de salud en un periodo de tiempo determinado para demostrar la utilidad de dicha prueba en el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 17 pacientes diagnosticados de litiasis recidivante y/o múltiple que se solicita estudio metabólico entre los meses de octubre-diciembre de 2014. Se realiza estudio en sangre, orina fresca y orina de 24 h, evaluándose diferentes factores y parámetros de riesgo litogénico entre los que destacan calciuria, oxaluria, uricosuria, citraturia y magnesuria. Análisis estadístico con programa SPSS 20.0 y significación estadística p≤0.05. Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes incluidos en el estudio fue de 47.6 ± 15.8 años, siendo el 64.7% hombres y el 35.3% mujeres. La principal alteración metabólica encontrada fue hipercalciuria (38.9%), hipomagnesuria (33.3%), hiperoxaluria (27.8%), hipocitraturia (22.2%) e hiperuricosuria (22.2%). Existió correlación lineal positiva y estadísticamente significativa entre la excreción de úrico y calcio en orina y entre la excreción de calcio en orina y el calcio/creatinina en orina de ayunas. Conclusión: El diagnóstico metabólico que nos ofrece este estudio completo en sangre y orina nos permite conocer las causas de la formación de litiasis y establecer un tratamiento dietético y médico dirigido con el objetivo de disminuir las recidivas.Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the main metabolic alterations in patients ,in our health area and in a period of time, to demonstrate the usefulness of this test in the diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 17 patients diagnosed with recurrent and/or multiple lithiasis, where a metabolic study is requested between the months of October to December 2014. The study was performed on blood, fresh urine and urine of 24 h, evaluating different lithogenic risk factors and parameters among which calciuria, oxaluria, uricosuria, citraturia and magnesuria. Statistical Analysis with SPSS 20.0 software and statistical significance p≤0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 47.6 ± 15.8 years, with 64.7% men and 35.3% women. The main metabolic abnormality found was hypercalciuria (38.9%), hypomagnesuria (33.3%), hyperoxaluria (27.8%), Hypocitraturia (22.2%) and hyperuricosuria (22.2%). Existed positive and statistically significant correlation between urinary uric and urinary calcium excretion and between urinary calcium and fasting calcium / creatinine ratio. Conclusion: The metabolic diagnosis offered by this comprehensive study in blood and urine allows us to know the causes of stone formation and establish a dietary and medical treatment directed in order to decrease recurrences

Co-occurrence of viral and bacterial pathogens in disease outbreaks affecting newly cultured sparid fish

Several microbial disease outbreaks in farm stocks of newly cultured sparid fish species, such as common seabream, redbanded seabream, and white seabream, were recorded from 2004 to 2006. This study describes the isolation and characterization of the potential causative agents, either bacteria or viruses, of these outbreaks. The isolated bacterial strains were characterized according to traditional taxonomical analyses and sequencing of a 16S rDNA fragment. Most bacteria were identified as Vibrio spp. and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae. The development of cytopathic effects (CPE) on different fish cell lines, the application of specific nested-PCR tests for infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV) and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), and subsequent sequence analyses were used for virus detection and identification. VNNV, related to the striped jack neural necrosis virus (SJNNV) genotype, and VHSV, related to the genotype Ia, were the only viruses detected. VNNV was isolated from the three fish species under study in five different outbreaks, whereas VHSV was isolated from common seabream and white seabream during two of these outbreaks. IPNV was not detected in any case. [Int Microbiol 2007; 10(3):193-199

p73 deficiency results in impaired self renewal and premature neuronal differentiation of mouse neural progenitors independently of p53

10 p.-5 fig.The question of how neural progenitor cells maintain its self-renewal throughout life is a fundamental problem in cell biology with implications in cancer, aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we have analyzed the p73 function in embryonic neural progenitor cell biology using the neurosphere (NS)-assay and showed that p73-loss has a significant role in the maintenance of neurosphere-forming cells in the embryonic brain. A comparative study of NS from Trp73-/-, p53KO, p53KO;Trp73-/-and their wild-type counterparts demonstrated that p73 deficiency results in two independent, but related, phenotypes: a smaller NS size (related to the proliferation and survival of the neural-progenitors) and a decreased capacity to form NS (self-renewal). The former seems to be the result of p53 compensatory activity, whereas the latter is p53 independent. We also demonstrate that p73 deficiency increases the population of neuronal progenitors ready to differentiate into neurons at the expense of depleting the pool of undifferentiated neurosphere-forming cells. Analysis of the neurogenic niches demonstrated that p73-loss depletes the number of neural-progenitor cells, rendering deficient niches in the adult mice. Altogether, our study identifies TP73 as a positive regulator of self-renewal with a role in the maintenance of the neurogenic capacity. Thus, proposing p73 as an important player in the development of neurodegenerative diseases and a potential therapeutic target.This work was supported by Grants SAF2009- 07897 from Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (to MCM), Grant from Cajas de Ahorro de Castilla y León (to MCM), and Grants LE030A07 (to MMM) and LE015A10-2 (to MCM) from the Junta de Castilla y León.Peer reviewe

Effects of histamine H 3 receptor ligands in experimental models of anxiety and depression

Abstract Histamine H 3 receptor ligands have been proposed to be of potential therapeutic interest for the treatment of different central nervous system disorders; however, the psychopharmacological properties of these drugs have not been studied extensively. In this work, we investigated the possible involvement of histamine H 3 receptor function in experimental models of anxiety (elevated plus-maze) and depression (forced swimming test). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated IP with the histamine H 3 receptor agonist R--methylhistamine (10 mg / kg) or the histamine H 3 receptor antagonist thioperamide (0.2, 2 and 10 mg /kg) and 30 min afterwards the time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus-maze was registered for 5 min. The immobility time of male OF1 mice in the forced swimming test was recorded for 6 min, 1 h after the IP administration of R--methylhistamine (10 and 20 mg / kg), thioperamide (0.2, 2, 10 and 20 mg / kg) or another histamine H 3 receptor antagonist, clobenpropit (5 mg / kg). The locomotor activity of mice was checked in parallel by means of an activity meter. Both saline controls and active drug controls were used in all the paradigms. Neither thioperamide nor R--methylhistamine significantly changed animal behaviour in the elevated plus-maze. R--methylhistamine and the higher dose of thioperamide assayed (20 mg / kg) were also inactive in the forced swimming test. By contrast, thioperamide (0.2-10 mg / kg) dose-dependently decreased immobility, the effect being significant at 10 mg /kg (33 % reduction of immobility); clobenpropit produced an effect qualitatively similar (24 % reduction of immobility). None of these histamine H 3 receptor antagonists affected locomotor activity. These preliminary results suggest that the histamine H 3 receptor blockade could be devoid of anxiolytic potential but have antidepressant effects. Besides, the stimulation of these receptors does not seem to be followed by changes in the behavioural parameters studied

Potential risk of Artemia sp as a transmission vector of lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV)

4 páginas, 1 figura. XI Congreso Nacional de Acuicultura (Vigo, 24-28 septiembre 2007). Ed. Antonio Cerviño Eiroa, Alejandro Guerra Díaz y Carmen Pérez Acosta.[EN] Cysts and naupliis of Artemia sp. were analysed. Specific nested-PCR revealed lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) genome. Infective viral particle has been observed by CPE development in inoculated cell cultures. Viral genome was found by in situ hybridization in nauplii and adults of natural infected artemia, as in nauplii of bath challenged artemia. No morphological damages have been observed. Artemia is a bio-accumulator of fish pathogens, with a possible role as environmental reservoir of fish pathogens. These results have shown the risk of artemia as a source of viral pathogens to fish larvae.[ES] En el presente trabajo se han realizado estudios virológicos en distintos lotes de quistes comerciales de artemias utilizados como alimento de larvas de peces marinos en piscifactorías. Mediante nested-PCR se ha detectado genoma del virus de linfocistis (LCDV) en homogeneizados de quistes y nauplios de artemia. La existencia de partículas víricas infectivas en estos homogeneizados se ha demostrado mediante la aparición de efectos citopáticos en cultivos celulares. Los ensayos de hibridación in situ han demostrado la existencia del LCDV en artemias infectadas naturalmente, así como en artemias inoculadas mediante baño, sin observarse alteraciones morfológicas. Las artemias actúan por tanto como bioacumuladores, pudiendo desempeñar un papel importante como reservorios ambientales de patógenos de peces. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto el riesgo potencial de las artemias como fuente de patógenos víricos en estadios larvarios.Irene Cano es contratada postdoctoral en el ICMAN.CSIC dentro del Fondo social europeo- I3P-CSIC, en el marco del proyecto AGL2006-17777-C03-02/ACU (IP: Carmen Sarasquete).Peer reviewe

Anti-Inflammatory (M2) Response Is Induced by a sp(2)-Iminosugar Glycolipid Sulfoxide in Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and is directly associated with inflammatory processes. Currently, neuro-inflammation is considered an early event in DR and proceeds via microglia polarization. A hallmark of DR is the presence of retinal reactive gliosis. Here we report the beneficial effect of (S (S),1R)-1-docecylsulfiny-5N,6O-oxomethylidenenojirimycin ((Ss)-DS-ONJ), a member of the sp(2)-iminosugar glycolipid (sp(2)-IGL) family, by decreasing iNOS and inflammasome activation in Bv.2 microglial cells exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli. Moreover, pretreatment with (Ss)-DS-ONJ increased Heme-oxygenase (HO)-1 as well as interleukin 10 (IL10) expression in LPS-stimulated microglial cells, thereby promoting M2 (anti-inflammatory) response by the induction of Arginase-1. The results strongly suggest that this is the likely molecular mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of (S (S))-DS-ONJ in microglia. (S (S))-DS-ONJ further reduced gliosis in retinal explants from type 1 diabetic BB rats, which is consistent with the enhanced M2 response. In conclusion, targeting microglia polarization dynamics in M2 status by compounds with anti-inflammatory activities offers promising therapeutic interventions at early stages of DR

Integrated Care Intervention Supported by a Mobile Health Tool for Patients Using Noninvasive Ventilation at Home: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Home-based noninvasive ventilation has proven cost-effective. But, adherence to therapy still constitutes a common clinical problem. We hypothesized that a behavioral intervention supported by a mobile health (mHealth) app could enhance patient self-efficacy. It is widely accepted that mHealth-supported services can enhance productive interactions among the stakeholders involved in home-based respiratory therapies. Objective: This study aimed to measure changes in self-efficacy in patients with chronic respiratory failure due to diverse etiologies during a 3-month follow-up period after the intervention. Ancillary objectives were assessment of usability and acceptability of the mobile app as well as its potential contribution to collaborative work among stakeholders. Methods: A single-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted between February 2019 and June 2019 with 67 adult patients with chronic respiratory failure undergoing home-based noninvasive ventilation. In the intervention group, a psychologist delivered a face-to-face motivational intervention. Follow-up was supported by a mobile app that allowed patients to report the number of hours of daily noninvasive ventilation use and problems with the therapy. Advice was automatically delivered by the mobile app in case of a reported problem. The control group received usual care. The primary outcome was the change in the Self Efficacy in Sleep Apnea questionnaire score. Secondary outcomes included app usability, app acceptability, continuity of care, person-centered care, and ventilatory parameters. Results: Self-efficacy was not significantly different in the intervention group after the intervention (before: mean 3.4, SD 0.6; after: mean 3.4, SD 0.5, P=.51). No changes were observed in adherence to therapy nor quality of life. Overall, the mHealth tool had a good usability score (mean 78 points) and high acceptance rate (mean score of 7.5/10 on a Likert scale). It was considered user-friendly (mean score of 8.2/10 on a Likert scale) and easy to use without assistance (mean score of 8.5/10 on a Likert scale). Patients also scored the perception of continuity of care and person-centered care as high. Conclusions: The integrated care intervention supported by the mobile app did not improve patient self-management. However, the high acceptance of the mobile app might indicate potential for enhanced communication among stakeholders. The study identified key elements required for mHealth tools to provide effective support to collaborative work and personalized care

Hormonal study in patients with prostate cancer with PSA at diagnosis between 4-10 ng/ml and PSA free/total <20%

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los parámetros hormonales en pacientes con adenocarcinoma de próstata con PSA entre 4-10 ng/ml (cociente libre/total <20%) en el momento del diagnóstico. Material y Métodos: Desde enero a diciembre de 2014, se incluyen en este estudio hombres con PSA entre 4-10 ng/ ml y cociente libre/total <20%, candidatos a biopsia de próstata. Se excluyen del estudio pacientes que estén tomando inhibidores de la 5 alfa-reductasa y pacientes con biopsias de próstata previamente realizadas. Se analiza edad, PSA total, testosterona total, libre y biodisponible, FSH, LH, SHBG, 17-hidroxiprogesterona, Androstendiona, volumen prostático (medido por ecografía transrectal), cocientes testosterona total/PSA, testosterona libre/PSA, testosterona biodisponible/PSA y Densidad de PSA, testosterona total/volumen próstata, testosterona libre/volumen próstata y testosterona biodisponible/volumen próstata. Análisis estadístico con SPSS 20.0 y significación estadística p≤0.05. Resultados: Un total de 109 pacientes han sido incluídos, sólo el 44.9% de los mismos presenta adenocarcinoma de próstata en la biopsia, incluyéndose en este estudio. Destaca un volumen prostático de 37.6 cc, una densidad PSA de 0.24, unos niveles de testosterona total de 4.51 ng/ml, de testosterona libre de 0.076 ng/ml y de testosterona biodisponible de 1.94 ng/ml. Además es destacable un cociente testosterona total/volumen próstata de 0.15, testosterona libre/volumen próstata de 0.002 y testosterona biodisponible/volumen próstata de 0.06. Existe relación lineal positiva y significativa entre niveles de PSA y grado de Gleason y entre SHBG y grado de Gleason. Además se observa relación lineal negativa y significativa entre el volumen de próstata y el ratio testosterona/PSA. Conclusión: Los niveles de PSA y SHBG se asocian con un mayor gleason de la biopsia y por tanto con un mayor riesgo histológico.Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the hormonal parameters in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma with PSA between 4-10 ng / ml (free / total ratio <20%) at the time of diagnosis. Material and Methods: From January to December 2014 were included in this study men with PSA between 4-10 ng / ml and free / total <20%, candidates for prostate biopsy ratio. Excluded from the study patients taking inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase and patients with prostate biopsies previously made. Parameters analyzed: Age, total PSA, total, free and bioavailable testosterone, FSH, LH, SHBG, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, Androstenedione, prostate volume (measured by transrectal ultrasound), ratios total testosterone/PSA, free testosterone/PSA, bioavailable testosterone/PSA and PSA density, total testosterone/prostate volume, free testosterone/prostate volume and bioavailable testosterone/prostate volume. Statistical analysis with SPSS 20.0 and statistical significance p≤0.05. Results: A total of 109 patients were included, only 44.9% of them presented prostate adenocarcinoma on biopsy, including in this study. A prostate volume of 37.6 cc with a PSA density of 0.24, total testosterone levels of 4.51 ng/ml, free testosterone 0.076 ng/ml and bioavailable testosterone 1.94 ng/ml. It is also remarkable ratio total testosterone/prostate volume of 0.15, free testosterone/prostate volume of 0.002 and bioavailable testosterone/prostate volume of 0.06. There is a significant linear relationship between PSA and Gleason score and between SHBG and Gleason score. Besides significant negative linear relationship between volume and prostate testosterone/PSA ratio was observed. Conclusion: PSA levels and SHBG levels are associated with a higher Gleason biopsy and therefore with greater histological risk

In vivo trypanosomicidal activity of imidazole- or pyrazole-based benzo[ g ]phthalazine derivatives against acute and chronic phases of chagas disease

The in vivo trypanosomicidal activity of the imidazole-based benzo[g]phthalazine derivatives 1−4 and of the new related pyrazole-based compounds 5 and 6 has been studied in both the acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease. As a rule, compounds 1−6 were more active and less toxic than benznidazole in the two stages of the disease, and the monosubstituted derivatives 2, 4, and 6 were more effective than their disubstituted analogs. Feasible mechanisms of action of compounds 1−6 against the parasite have been explored by considering their inhibitory effect on the Fe-SOD enzyme, the nature of the excreted metabolites and the ultrastructural alterations produced. A complementary histopathological analysis has confirmed that the monosubstituted derivatives are less toxic than the reference drug, with the behavior of the imidazole-based compound 4 being especially noteworthy.The authors thank the Santander-Universidad Complutense Research Program (Grant GR58/08-921371-891), the Spanish MEC Project (Grant CGL2008-03687-E/BOS), and the MCINN Projects (CTQ2009-14288-C04-01 and Consolider CSD2010-00065) for financial support