Antitumoral Effects of Metformin in Ovarian Cancer

In the last years, the antidiabetic drug metformin has received considerable attention in pursuing new drugs for anticancer treatments. Several reports have shown that metformin would have antitumor effects, not only attributable to its systemic effects but also due to direct effects on tumor cells. It has been proposed that metformin could be a suitable alternative for the treatment of gynecological cancers, such as ovarian cancer. This disease is characterized by high cell proliferation and angiogenesis potential, because ovarian cancer cells overexpress most oncogenic molecules including growth factors. The aim of the present chapter is to discuss the molecular mechanism by which metformin would affect tumor cells, with focus on epithelial ovarian cancer

The Silhouettes Fatigue Scale: a validity study with individuals with physical disabilities and chronic pain.

Purpose: Fatigue is known to interfere with function in individuals with physical disabilities. In order to monitor changes in fatigue over time and evaluate the efficacy of treatments, psychometrically sound measures of fatigue are needed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the validity of the Silhouettes Fatigue Scale with English instructions (SFS-EN) in a sample of adults with physical disabilities living in the USA. Methods: Individuals with medical conditions associated with physical disabilities responded to an online survey that included the SFS-EN as well as another validated measure of fatigue (PROMIS short form-4a Fatigue Scale), and measures of pain intensity and pain catastrophizing. Results: 523 individuals participated (mean age ¼ 59.1 years; SD¼11.4). Most participants were Caucasian (89%), women (59%) and unemployed (71%). Results showed strong positive correlations between both measures of fatigue, supporting the convergent validity of the SFS-EN. In addition, the magnitude of this association was significantly greater than the association between the scores of the SFS-EN and the measures of pain intensity and pain catastrophizing, supporting the former’s discriminant validity. Conclusions: The findings extend previous results supporting the SFS as a brief, easy to administer and understand, and valid measure of fatigue

DESCRIPCIÓN MACRO Y MICROSCÓPICA DE LAS GÓNADAS DE LA CHERNA ROJA: EPINEPHELUS ACANTHISTIUS (SERRANIDAE) CAPTURADAS EN EL PARQUE NACIONAL COIBA, PACÍFICO PANAMEÑO

A total of 23 E. acanthistius gonads were collected between September 2009 and February 2010 during monthly trips to the Coiba National Park. Gonads removed from the groupers were measured to be macroscopically assigned to a level of maturity. They were fixed for 24 hours in FAAC solution. The middle section of the right lobe of each gonad was dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. 3 μm thick microtome slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope. We identified nine testes and 14 ovaries. The gonads were bilobed bodies and varied in shape, size, and weight according to their degree of maturity. The smaller ones were elongated and flacid, while the mature ones were globular, compacted, and with abundant blood irrigation. The ovaries showed polyhedral oocytes. Macroscopic examination of testis revealed nine gonads under development. Six female gonads were under development, four developed, and four in mature state. Ontogenetically all males were classified as complete, while females were classified as mature. Mature females were further classified as: resting mature (six gonads), advanced resting mature (four gonads), and mature (four gonads). E. acanthistius is a protogynus species (all fish begin as females and males develop from females that have changed sexes). Microscopic analysis of the females showed three stages of development: mature inactive, advanced mature inactive, and mature active. It was identified five phases in the oocyte developmental cycle: chromatin nucleolus, peri-nucleolus, yolk vesicles, yolk globules, and migratory nucleus. Also, three mechanisms for oocyte reabsorption: fragmented pre-vitellogenic oocytes, atresia, and yellow bodies were recognized. These three mechanisms were found on females, while males showed only yellow bodies.    Se recolectaron las gónadas de 23 individuos de E. acanthistius en giras al PNC, durante septiembre de 2009 y febrero de 2010. Las gónadas fueron removidas, medidas y asignadas a un estadio de madurez según criterios macroscópicos. Posteriormente fueron fijadas por 24 horas en solución FAAC. A cada gónada se le cortó una sección central del lóbulo derecho, la cual fue deshidratada y embebida en parafina para realizar cortes histológicos de 3 μ de espesor que fueron teñidos con hematoxilina y eosina, y examinadas bajo el microscopio. Se identificaron 14 ovarios y nueve testículos. Las gónadas son órganos pares, que variaron en peso, tamaño y forma según aumentó su grado de madurez, las pequeñas eran alargadas y flácidas, mientras que las maduras tenían aspecto globoso, compactas, con abundante irrigación sanguínea. En los ovarios se observaron ovocitos poliedros. Macroscópicamente, los testículos se presentaron en desarrollo y las hembras presentaron seis ovarios en desarrollo, cuatro desarrollados y cuatro maduros. E. acanthistius es una especie protógina monándrica; ontogenéticamente todos los machos se clasificaron como completos y todas las hembras como maduras, estas últimas presentaron estadios microscópicos maduro inactivo, maduro inactivo avanzado y maduro activo. También se identificaron cinco fases del ciclo ovocitario: cromatino nucleolar, perinucleolar, vesículas vitelinas, glóbulos vitelinos y núcleos migratorios; y tres formas de reabsorción ovocitaria: ovocitos previtelogénicos fragmentados, atresia y cuerpos amarillos, las tres presentes en las hembras y sólo cuerpos amarillos en los machos.&nbsp

Effect of a dietary intervention based on the mediterranean diet on the quality of life of patients recovered from depression: analysis of the PREDIDEP randomized trial

Introduction: There is substantial evidence supporting that improving diet quality leads to improved healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL). Our major aim was to assess the effectiveness of a Mediterranean diet–based nutritional intervention to improve HRQoL in the context of a secondary prevention trial of depression. Secondarily to assess its effectiveness among adults aged 60 or more years. Methods: The PREDIDEP study is a 2-year multicentre, randomized, single-blinded nutritional trial. At baseline and at 1-year and 2-year follow-up, SF-36 health survey questionnaire was collected to evaluate participants' HRQoL (total and specific range for each of the 8 dimensions: 0 to 100 points). Mixed effect linear models were used to assess changes in HRQoL according to adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03081065. Results: After 2 years of intervention, the Mediterranean Diet intervention group compared to control group (without nutritional intervention, only usual clinical care) showed an improvement in some dimensions of HRQoL such as Mental Health (7.22; 95 % CI = 2.22–12.22) (between-group difference: 6.79; 95 % CI − 0.14–13.73, p = 0.055); Vitality (9.51; 95 % CI = 4.00–15.03) (between-group difference: 9.00; 95 % CI 1.75–16.25, p = 0.020); Mental Summary Component (2.83; 95 % CI = 0.55–5.11) (between-group difference: 1.17; 95 % CI = − 1.96–4.30, p = 0.462); and General Health (10.70; 95 % CI = 5.58–15.81) (between-group difference: 6.20; 95 % CI = − 0.89–13.28, p = 0.086). Similar results were observed for participants aged 60 or more years. Conclusion: The intervention based on Mediterranean diet in patients with previous depression seems to be effective in improving HRQoL, especially the mental dimensions. This effect is also observed among participants aged 60 or more years.This study was externally funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Carlos III National Health Institute-ISCIII), PI16/01274

Nitrate stable isotopes and major ions in snow and ice samples from four Svalbard sites

Increasing reactive nitrogen (N-r) deposition in the Arctic may adversely impact N-limited ecosystems. To investigate atmospheric transport of N-r to Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic, snow and firn samples were collected from glaciers and analysed to define spatial and temporal variations (1 10 years) in major ion concentrations and the stable isotope composition (delta N-15 and delta O-18) of nitrate (NO3-) across the archipelago. The delta N-15(NO3-) and delta O-18(NO3-) averaged -4 parts per thousand and 67 parts per thousand in seasonal snow (2010-11) and -9 parts per thousand and 74 parts per thousand in firn accumulated over the decade 2001-2011. East-west zonal gradients were observed across the archipelago for some major ions (non-sea salt sulphate and magnesium) and also for delta N-15(NO3-) and delta O-18(NO3-) in snow, which suggests a different origin for air masses arriving in different sectors of Svalbard. We propose that snowfall associated with long-distance air mass transport over the Arctic Ocean inherits relatively low delta N-15(NO3-) due to in-transport N isotope fractionation. In contrast, faster air mass transport from the north-west Atlantic or northern Europe results in snowfall with higher delta N-15(NO3-) because in-transport fractionation of N is then time-limited

Morbilidad infecciosa asociada a la operación cesárea

Introduction: Cesarean section is performed nowadays with increased frequency; however, this type of delivery is associated with infectious complications in up to 15% of the cases. Objective: To characterize the infectious morbidity associated with cesarean section at the Mariana Grajales Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital from 2008 to 2010. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was carried out with cesarean patients that presented infectious complications during this period. The sample was formed by 94 patients with post-cesarean sepsis, as the study group. The control group was formed with 94 non-septic patients who underwent cesarean section. Information was collected through a form; the data were taken from medical records and the record book of cesarean sections. The data were processed by a statistical program to make frequency tables in order to allow the analysis of variables. Results: During the study period, 6 033 caesarean sections were performed; 94 cases had infection for a rate of 1.55%. The average age was 31.7±4.2 years. Cesarean section was performed as emergency in 71.2% of women. The multiple vaginal examinations and the rupture of the membranes for more than 24 hours were significant factors associated with puerperal infection. The risk of infection was two times higher in patients intervened due to the prior cesarean section and cephalopelvic disproportion. Surgical wound infection (53.2%) and endometritis (32%) were the most frequent locations. Staphylococcus aureus (34%) and Escherichia coli (17%) were the most frequent isolates. Conclusions: Despite the increased amount of cesarean delivery, the post-cesarean infection rates showed a downward and stable trend. However, there are still preventable and avoidable factors on which we must continue working to make cesarean section as safe as possible for mothers.Introducción: La operación cesárea se realiza actualmente con una frecuencia cada vez mayor; sin embargo, el nacimiento por esta vía está asociado a complicaciones infecciosas hasta en el 15% de los casos. Objetivo: Caracterizar la morbilidad materna infecciosa asociada a la operación cesárea en el Hospital Universitario Gineco-Obstétrico “Mariana Grajales” en los años 2008-2010. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de tipo caso-control, con las pacientes cesareadas con complicaciones infecciosas durante los años de estudio. La muestra estuvo representada por las 94 pacientes con sepsis poscesárea que constituyeron el grupo estudio y un grupo control conformado por 94 féminas cesareadas no sépticas. La información fue recogida mediante formulario y los datos fueron extraídos de los expedientes clínicos y el libro de registro de cesáreas. Los datos se procesaron por un sistema de programa estadístico para elaborar tablas de frecuencia que facilitaron el análisis de variables. Resultados: En el período de estudio se realizaron 6033 cesáreas; 94 casos presentaron infección, para un índice de 1.55%; la edad promedio fue de 31.7±4.2 años; la cesárea se realizó como urgencia en el 71.2% de las mujeres; los tactos vaginales múltiples y la rotura de las membranas de más de 24 horas constituyeron factores de importancia relacionadas con la infección puerperal; en las intervenidas por cesárea previa y desproporción cefalopélvica fue dos veces más frecuente el riesgo de infección; la infección de la herida quirúrgica (53.2%) y la endometritis (32%) fueron las localizaciones más frecuentes y el staphylococus aureus (34%) y la escherichia coli (17%) fueron los gérmenes aislados más frecuentes. Conclusiones: A pesar del incremento del número de cesáreas, los índices de infección poscesáreas se comportaron con una tendencia baja y estable; pero existen aun factores prevenibles y evitables sobre los que debemos trabajar para que la cesárea sea una operación segura para las madres

Revista del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas

Alimentación del meloncillo Herpestes ichneumon y de la gineta Genetta genetta en la Reserva Biológica de Doñana, S.O. de la Península Ibérica.Determinación de la edad en Rana perezi Seoane, 1885. Aplicación al análisis del crecimiento somático de poblaciones.Influencias ambientales en la variación del tamaño, forma y peso de los huevos de la collalba rubia (Oenanthe hispanica L.)Características de un coro de sapos corredores (Bufo calamita) en el sureste de España.Estrategias alimentarias del ciervo (Cervus elaphus L.) en Montes de ToledoDistribución de los quirópteros de la provincia de Orense (Noroeste de España).Ecología trófica del lince ibérico en Doñana durante un periodo secoDesarrollo larvario de la rana común (Rana perezi) (anura: ranidae) en charcas temporales del noroeste de la Península Ibérica.Régimen alimenticio del mirlo común (Turdus merula) en el sureste de la Península Ibérica durante el periodo otoño-invierno.Reproducción del gorrión molinero (Passer montanus) en las Islas Canarias.Relación entre la cobertura vegetal y la distribución de nidos en las colonias de pagaza piconegraPeer reviewe

PAM50 proliferation score as a predictor of weekly paclitaxel benefit in breast cancer

To identify a group of patients who might benefit from the addition of weekly paclitaxel to conventional anthracycline-containing chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy of node-positive operable breast cancer. The predictive value of PAM50 subtypes and the 11-gene proliferation score contained within the PAM50 assay were evaluated in 820 patients from the GEICAM/9906 randomized phase III trial comparing adjuvant FEC to FEC followed by weekly paclitaxel (FEC-P). Multivariable Cox regression analyses of the secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS) were performed to determine the significance of the interaction between treatment and the (1) PAM50 subtypes, (2) PAM50 proliferation score, and (3) clinical and pathological variables. Similar OS analyses were performed in 222 patients treated with weekly paclitaxel versus paclitaxel every 3 weeks in the CALGB/9342 and 9840 metastatic clinical trials. In GEICAM/9906, with a median follow up of 8.7 years, OS of the FEC-P arm was significantly superior compared to the FEC arm (unadjusted HR = 0.693, p = 0.013). A benefit from paclitaxel was only observed in the group of patients with a low PAM50 proliferation score (unadjusted HR = 0.23, p < 0.001; and interaction test, p = 0.006). No significant interactions between treatment and the PAM50 subtypes or the various clinical–pathological variables, including Ki-67 and histologic grade, were identified. Finally, similar OS results were obtained in the CALGB data set, although the interaction test did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.109). The PAM50 proliferation score identifies a subset of patients with a low proliferation status that may derive a larger benefit from weekly paclitaxel. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10549-013-2416-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Alterations in PGC1[alfa] expression levels are involved in colorectal cancer risk: a qualitative systematic review

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global public health problem and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been suspected to be involved in this type of tumorigenesis, as supported by an accumulating body of research evidence. However, little is known about how mitochondrial alterations contribute to tumorigenesis. Mitochondrial biogenesis is a fundamental cellular process required to maintain functional mitochondria and as an adaptive mechanism in response to changing energy requirements. Mitochondrial biogenesis is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-? (PPARGC1A or PGC1?). In this paper, we report a systematic review to summarize current evidence on the role of PGC1? in the initiation and progression of CRC. The aim is to provide a basis for more comprehensive research. Methods: The literature search, data extraction and quality assessment were performed according to the document Guidance on the Conduct of Narrative Synthesis in Systematic Reviews and the PRISMA declaration. Results: The studies included in this review aimed to evaluate whether increased or decreased PGC1? expression affects the development of CRC. Each article proposes a possible molecular mechanism of action and we create two concept maps. Conclusion: Our systematic review indicates that altered expression of PGC1? modifies CRC risk. Most studies showed that overexpression of this gene increases CRC risk, while some studies indicated that lower than normal expression levels could increase CRC risk. Thus, various authors propose PGC1? as a good candidate molecular target for cancer therapy. Reducing expression of this gene could help to reduce risk or progression of CRC

The Effect of Tear Supplementation on Ocular Surface Sensations during the Interblink Interval in Patients with Dry Eye.

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics of ocular surface sensations and corneal sensitivity during the interblink interval before and after tear supplementation in dry eye patients. METHODS: Twenty subjects (41.88+/-14.37 years) with dry eye symptoms were included in the dry eye group. Fourteen subjects (39.13+/-11.27 years) without any clinical signs and/or symptoms of dry eye were included in the control group. Tear film dynamics was assessed by non-invasive tear film breakup time (NI-BUT) in parallel with continuous recordings of ocular sensations during forced blinking. Corneal sensitivity to selective stimulation of corneal mechano-, cold and chemical receptors was assessed using a gas esthesiometer. All the measurements were made before and 5 min after saline and hydroxypropyl-guar (HP-guar) drops. RESULTS: In dry eye patients the intensity of irritation increased rapidly after the last blink during forced blinking, while in controls there was no alteration in the intensity during the first 10 sec followed by an exponential increase. Irritation scores were significantly higher in dry eye patients throughout the entire interblink interval compared to controls (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Ocular surface irritation responses due to tear film drying are considerably increased in dry eye patients compared to normal subjects. Although tear supplementation improves the protective tear film layer, and thus reduce unpleasant sensory responses, the rapid rise in discomfort is still maintained and might be responsible for the remaining complaints of dry eye patients despite the treatment