Tissue Localization and Extracellular Matrix Degradation by PI, PII and PIII Snake Venom Metalloproteinases: Clues on the Mechanisms of Venom-Induced Hemorrhage

20 páginas, 4 figuras, 3 tablas y 7 tablas en material suplementario.Snake venom hemorrhagic metalloproteinases (SVMPs) of the PI, PII and PIII classes were compared in terms of tissue localization and their ability to hydrolyze basement membrane components in vivo, as well as by a proteomics analysis of exudates collected in tissue injected with these enzymes. Immunohistochemical analyses of co-localization of these SVMPs with type IV collagen revealed that PII and PIII enzymes co-localized with type IV collagen in capillaries, arterioles and post-capillary venules to a higher extent than PI SVMP, which showed a more widespread distribution in the tissue. The patterns of hydrolysis by these three SVMPs of laminin, type VI collagen and nidogen in vivo greatly differ, whereas the three enzymes showed a similar pattern of degradation of type IV collagen, supporting the concept that hydrolysis of this component is critical for the destabilization of microvessel structure leading to hemorrhage. Proteomic analysis of wound exudate revealed similarities and differences between the action of the three SVMPs. Higher extent of proteolysis was observed for the PI enzyme regarding several extracellular matrix components and fibrinogen, whereas exudates from mice injected with PII and PIII SVMPs had higher amounts of some intracellular proteins. Our results provide novel clues for understanding the mechanisms by which SVMPs induce damage to the microvasculature and generate hemorrhage.This work was performed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD degree for Cristina Herrera at Universidad de Costa Rica.Peer reviewe

Análisis e influencia de los sistemas de referencia en la cinemática del hombro

The shoulder is one of the most complex systems in the human body. To know how its work is essential to understand the biomechanics of the body. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of Local Coordinate Systems in the kinematic analysis of GlenoHumeral joint. The motion tracking was performed using passive sensors attached to pins. Trabecular pins were placed on the shoulder and scapula. The data processing was performed using the free open software pyFormex. The joint displacements were determined by two different variants of Coordinate Systems, being detected a difference from 2 to12 degrees

Problemas relacionados con el alcohol: perfil del varón de riesgo.

Estudio de población general realizado mediante una encuesta transversal sobre un universo de 1.365 varones. Su objetivo es dibujar un perfil personal de alto riesgo de padecer problemas relacionados con el alcohol. Un 9% de los entrevistados refiere haber sufrido al menos tres problemas relacionados con el alcohol en el año anterior al estudio. Los consumidores habituales excesivos presentan mayor probabilidad de sufrir tres problemas relacionados con el alcohol. Se confirma la figura del joven, soltero, de medio semiurbano, y perteneciente a la clase social baja como de riesgo especial para sufrir tres o más problemas relacionados con el alcohol, independientemente de su consumo etílico

Problemas relacionados con el alcohol: perfil del varón de riesgo.

Estudio de población general realizado mediante una encuesta transversal sobre un universo de 1.365 varones. Su objetivo es dibujar un perfil personal de alto riesgo de padecer problemas relacionados con el alcohol. Un 9% de los entrevistados refiere haber sufrido al menos tres problemas relacionados con el alcohol en el año anterior al estudio. Los consumidores habituales excesivos presentan mayor probabilidad de sufrir tres problemas relacionados con el alcohol. Se confirma la figura del joven, soltero, de medio semiurbano, y perteneciente a la clase social baja como de riesgo especial para sufrir tres o más problemas relacionados con el alcohol, independientemente de su consumo etílico

EXPERIENCIAS, PERCEPCIONES Y NECESIDADES EN LA UCI: REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA DE ESTUDIOS CUALITATIVOS.

Introduction: The intensity of the experience that represents going through an Intensive Care Unit is undeniable. A focus of phenomenological type using qualitative methodology can provide us with a relevant view. The objective of our study is to gather the experiences and patient families and nurses needs in the ICU. Methodology: Qualitative systematic revision meta-study. Presentation of 21 studies. Results: The following categories have been used: Patient experiences, patient needs, stress and confrontation strategies; family experiences, family needs; related nurse-family; nurses regarding the experiences of the patient family; nurses experiences; nurses image. Conclusion: The patient-families demand information, an open visit system, personalized attention, human treatment… Nurses demand a wider training in social abilities. The sanitary administration should also consider the family like an attention nucleus in the ICU, providing resources for it.Introducción. La intensidad de la experiencia que supone pasar por una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos es innegable. Un enfoque de tipo fenomenológico empleando la metodología cualitativa nos puede proporcionar una acertada visión de la misma. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es recopilar las vivencias, necesidades de los pacientes-familias y enfermeras de estas unidades. Metodología. Metaestudio tipo revisión sistemática cualitativa. 21 estudios incluidos. Resultados. Se han agrupado en las categorías: experiencias del paciente, necesidades del paciente, estrés y estrategias de afrontamiento; vivencias de la familia, necesidades de la familia; relaciones enfermera-familia; las enfermeras respecto a las vivencias del paciente-familia; vivencias de las enfermeras; imagen de las enfermeras. Conclusión. Los pacientes-familias demandan información, un sistema abierto de visitas, atención personalizada, humanización… Las enfermeras demandamos una formación más amplia en habilidades sociales. La gestión sanitaria debe considerar también a la familia como núcleo de atención en estas unidades, proporcionando recursos para ello

Envenomations by Bothrops and Crotalus Snakes Induce the Release of Mitochondrial Alarmins

Skeletal muscle necrosis is a common manifestation of viperid snakebite envenomations. Venoms from snakes of the genus Bothrops, such as that of B. asper, induce muscle tissue damage at the site of venom injection, provoking severe local pathology which often results in permanent sequelae. In contrast, the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, induces a clinical picture of systemic myotoxicity, i.e., rhabdomyolysis, together with neurotoxicity. It is known that molecules released from damaged muscle might act as ‘danger’ signals. These are known as ‘alarmins’, and contribute to the inflammatory reaction by activating the innate immune system. Here we show that the venoms of B. asper and C. d. terrificus release the mitochondrial markers mtDNA (from the matrix) and cytochrome c (Cyt c) from the intermembrane space, from ex vivo mouse tibialis anterior muscles. Cyt c was released to a similar extent by the two venoms whereas B. asper venom induced the release of higher amounts of mtDNA, thus reflecting hitherto some differences in their pathological action on muscle mitochondria. At variance, injection of these venoms in mice resulted in a different time-course of mtDNA release, with B. asper venom inducing an early onset increment in plasma levels and C. d. terrificus venom provoking a delayed release. We suggest that the release of mitochondrial ‘alarmins’ might contribute to the local and systemic inflammatory events characteristic of snakebite envenomations

Sublittoral soft bottom communities and diversity of Mejillones Bay in northern Chile (Humboldt Current upwelling system)

The macrozoobenthos of Mejillones Bay (23°S; Humboldt Current) was quantitatively investigated over a 7-year period from austral summer 1995/1996 to winter 2002. About 78 van Veen grab samples taken at six stations (5, 10, 20 m depth) provided the basis for the analysis of the distribution of 60 species and 28 families of benthic invertebrates, as well as of their abundance and biomass. Mean abundance (2,119 individuals m-2) was in the same order compared to a previous investigation; mean biomass (966 g formalin wet mass m-2), however, exceeded prior estimations mainly due to the dominance of the bivalve Aulacomya ater. About 43% of the taxa inhabited the complete depth range. Mean taxonomic Shannon diversity (H', Log e) was 1.54 ± 0.58 with a maximum at 20 m (1.95 ± 0.33); evenness increased with depth. The fauna was numerically dominated by carnivorous gastropods, polychaetes and crustaceans (48%). About 15% of the species were suspensivorous, 13% sedimentivorous, 11% detritivorous, 7% omnivorous and 6% herbivorous. Cluster analyses showed a significant difference between the shallow and the deeper stations. Gammarid amphipods and the polychaete family Nephtyidae characterized the 5-mzone, the molluscs Aulacomya ater, Mitrella unifasciata and gammarids the intermediate zone, while the gastropod Nassarius gayi and the polychaete family Nereidae were most prominent at the deeper stations. The communities of the three depth zones did not appear to be limited by hypoxia during non-El Niño conditions. Therefore, no typical change in community structure occurred during El Niño 1997–1998, in contrast to what was observed for deeper faunal assemblages and hypoxic bays elsewhere in the coastal Humboldt Current system