Promoter Genotyping and mRNA Expression – Based Analysis of the PTGDR Gene in Allergy

[EN]Background: Prostaglandin D2 receptors are acquiring a relevant role as potential therapeutic targets in allergy. PTGDR has been described as a candidate gene in allergic disease, although functional studies on this gene are lacking. Objective: The objective of this case-control study was to investigate the potential role of PTGDR in allergy. Methods: The study population comprised 195 allergic patients and 112 healthy controls. The PTGDR promoter polymorphisms –1289G>A, –1122T>C, –881C>T, –834C>T, –613C>T, –549T>C, –441C>T, –197T>C, and-95G>T were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. PTGDR expression levels were analyzed using quantitative PCR and normalized to GAPDH and TBP mRNA levels. All procedures were performed following the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiment guidelines. Results: [EN]PTGDR expression levels were significantly higher in allergic patients than in controls (PA and –1122T>C were found in allergic patients (P=.009). Conclusions: The results indicate that PTGDR overexpression is associated with allergy. The polymorphisms –1289G>A and –1122T>C partly explain the variation in expression we observed. PTGDR expression could have a potential role as a biomarker and pharmacogenetic factor in allergy

Isolation of entomopathogenic nematodes and control of Phyllophaga vetula Horn in Oaxaca, Mexico

This study aimed to isolate native entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca and to determine their potential for control of white grub (Phyllophaga vetula Horn). Fifty-five (55) soil samples were collected in 13 communities in the period August to October 2008 and 29.1% of these were found positive for EPN. Five isolates were selected for their apparent pathogenicity to third instar Galleria mellonella; two of the genus Steinernema and three Heterorhabditis. After evaluating these five isolates for control of white grubs, the Heterorhabditidae EPN presented the lowest values for both lethal dosages and lethal times. Using  polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures, the species Heterorhabditis mexicana, Steinernema  carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae were identified. We concluded that H. mexicana was the most effective isolate for control of P. vetula larvae.Key words: Entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema, Heterorhabditis, bioassays, lethal dosages

Atopy Can Be an Interfering Factor in Genetic Association Studies of ß-Lactam Allergy

[EN] Genetic and environmental factors are involved in immediate hypersensitivity reactions to ß-lactam antibiotics. Several genes have been associated with immediate hypersensitivity reactions to ß-lactams, including those encoding cytokines and receptors involved in the synthesis of IgE (FCER1), as well as signal transduction proteins and products released by mast cells. Nevertheless, analysis of publications reporting on genetic association studies in patients allergic to ß-lactams reveals that most were performed in 3 main populations and, in most cases, by the same groups of investigators, who progressively increased the population sample in successive studies. Most of the publications reported a series of concerns, namely, the diagnosis was not always based on skin or challenge tests, tolerance to ß-lactams in controls was not proved, and atopy was not taken into account

Predicting the onset and persistence of episodes of depression in primary health care. The predictD-Spain study: Methodology

Background: The effects of putative risk factors on the onset and/or persistence of depression remain unclear. We aim to develop comprehensive models to predict the onset and persistence of episodes of depression in primary care. Here we explain the general methodology of the predictD-Spain study and evaluate the reliability of the questionnaires used. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study. A systematic random sample of general practice attendees aged 18 to 75 has been recruited in seven Spanish provinces. Depression is being measured with the CIDI at baseline, and at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. A set of individual, environmental, genetic, professional and organizational risk factors are to be assessed at each follow-up point. In a separate reliability study, a proportional random sample of 401 participants completed the test-retest (251 researcher-administered and 150 self-administered) between October 2005 and February 2006. We have also checked 118,398 items for data entry from a random sample of 480 patients stratified by province. Results: All items and questionnaires had good test-retest reliability for both methods of administration, except for the use of recreational drugs over the previous six months. Cronbach's alphas were good and their factorial analyses coherent for the three scales evaluated (social support from family and friends, dissatisfaction with paid work, and dissatisfaction with unpaid work). There were 191 (0.16%) data entry errors. Conclusion: The items and questionnaires were reliable and data quality control was excellent. When we eventually obtain our risk index for the onset and persistence of depression, we will be able to determine the individual risk of each patient evaluated in primary health car

Mixed integer programming model for optimizing the layout of an ICU vehicle

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This paper presents a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model for designing the layout of the Intensive Care Units' (ICUs) patient care space. In particular, this MIP model was developed for optimizing the layout for materials to be used in interventions. This work was developed within the framework of a joint project between the Madrid Technical Unverstity and the Medical Emergency Services of the Madrid Regional Government (SUMMA 112).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The first task was to identify the relevant information to define the characteristics of the new vehicles and, in particular, to obtain a satisfactory interior layout to locate all the necessary materials. This information was gathered from health workers related to ICUs. With that information an optimization model was developed in order to obtain a solution. From the MIP model, a first solution was obtained, consisting of a grid to locate the different materials needed for the ICUs. The outcome from the MIP model was discussed with health workers to tune the solution, and after slightly altering that solution to meet some requirements that had not been included in the mathematical model, the eventual solution was approved by the persons responsible for specifying the characteristics of the new vehicles. According to the opinion stated by the SUMMA 112's medical group responsible for improving the ambulances (the so-called "coaching group"), the outcome was highly satisfactory. Indeed, the final design served as a basis to draw up the requirements of a public tender.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>As a result from solving the Optimization model, a grid was obtained to locate the different necessary materials for the ICUs. This grid had to be slightly altered to meet some requirements that had not been included in the mathematical model. The results were discussed with the persons responsible for specifying the characteristics of the new vehicles.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The outcome was highly satisfactory. Indeed, the final design served as a basis to draw up the requirements of a public tender. The authors advocate this approach to address similar problems within the field of Health Services to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of the processes involved. Problems such as those in operation rooms or emergency rooms, where the availability of a large amount of material is critical are eligible to be dealt with in a simmilar manner.</p

EL TRASTORNO LÍMITE DE PERSONALIDAD: LA FILOSOFÍA DIALÉCTICA COMO BASE DE LA INTERACCIÓN ENFERMERO PACIENTE

Borderline personality disorder was defined in the nineteenth century as the boundary between psychosis and neurosis. It has three major clinical components: a shaky sense of self, a high level of impulsivity and high affective instability. Due in part to the lack of knowledge of the underlying dynamics, working with patients with BPD is often difficult for nursing staff. The present study aims to propose guidelines that encourage interactive psychotherapy in the care of patients with this disorder. To this objective we conducted a bibliographic search in Nursing and other health science databases (Cochrane, Tripdatabase, Medline, CINAHL and care), using Mesh descriptors: "Borderline personality disorder" AND "therapy" and &ldquo;Borderline Personality" AND "nursing cares", indexed from 01/01/2000, finally selecting a total of 17 studies for their relevance and relationship to the subject under study. Based on the results, we suggest the use of dialectical philosophy, the basis of dialectical-behavioral therapy developed by Marsha Linehan, a tool that will lead to a better nurse-patient relationship, greater adherence to treatment and greater efficiency in managing time and resources.&nbsp;El trastorno l&iacute;mite de personalidad fue definido ya en el siglo XIX, como l&iacute;mite entre la psicosis y la neurosis. Presenta tres componentes cl&iacute;nicos principales: un inestable sentido del yo, un alto nivel de impulsividad y una elevada inestabilidad afectiva . Debido en parte, a la falta de conocimiento de la din&aacute;mica subyacente, el trabajo con pacientes con TLP resulta a menudo dif&iacute;cil para el personal de Enfermer&iacute;a.El presente estudio tiene por objeto proponer orientaciones psicoterap&eacute;uticas que favorezcan la interacci&oacute;n en el cuidado de pacientes con este trastorno. Para este fin se lleva a cabo una b&uacute;squeda bibliogr&aacute;fica en las principales basos de datos de Enfermer&iacute;a y del resto de ciencias de la salud (Cochrane, Tripdatabase, Medline, CINAHL y CUIDEN), empleando los descriptores Mesh: &ldquo;Borderline personality disorder&rdquo; AND &ldquo;therapy&rdquo; y&ldquo;Borderline personality&rdquo; AND &ldquo;nursing cares&rdquo;, indexados a partir del 01/01/2000, seleccionando finalmente un total de 17 estudios por su relevancia y relaci&oacute;n con el tema.Atendiendo a los resultados obtenidos, proponemos el empleo de la filosof&iacute;a dial&eacute;ctica, base de la terapia dial&eacute;ctico-comportamental desarrollada por Marsha Linehan, como herramienta que va a conducir a una mejor relaci&oacute;n enfermero-paciente, una mayor adherencia al tratamiento y una mayor eficiencia en la gesti&oacute;n de tiempo y recursos

Wanted dead or alive : high diversity of macroinvertebrates associated with living and ’dead’ Posidonia oceanica matte

The Mediterranean endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica forms beds characterised by a dense leaf canopy and a thick root-rhizome ‘matte’. Death of P. oceanica shoots leads to exposure of the underlying matte, which can persist for many years, and is termed ‘dead’ matte. Traditionally, dead matte has been regarded as a degraded habitat. To test whether this assumption was true, the motile macroinvertebrates of adjacent living (with shoots) and dead (without shoots) matte of P. oceanica were sampled in four different plots located at the same depth (5–6 m) in Mellieha Bay, Malta (central Mediterranean). The total number of species and abundance were significantly higher (ANOVA; P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively) in the dead matte than in living P. oceanica matte, despite the presence of the foliar canopy in the latter. Multivariate analysis (MDS) clearly showed two main groups of assemblages, corresponding to the two matte types. The amphipods Leptocheirus guttatus and Maera grossimana, and the polychaete Nereis rava contributed most to the dissimilarity between the two different matte types. Several unique properties of the dead matte contributing to the unexpected higher number of species and abundance of motile macroinvertebrates associated with this habitat are discussed. The findings have important implications for the conservation of bare P. oceanica matte, which has been generally viewed as a habitat of low ecological value.peer-reviewe

The effects of intermittent hypoxia training on hematological and aerobic performance in triathletes

The aim of the present research was to analyze modifications on hematological and aerobic performance parameters after a 7-week intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) program. Eighteen male trained triathletes were divided in two groups: an intermittent hypoxia training group (IHTG: n: 9; 26.0 ± 6.7 years; 173.3 ± 5.9 cm; 66.4 ± 5.9 kg; VO2max: 59.5 ± 5.0 ml/kg/min) that conducted a normoxic training plus an IHT and a control group (CG: n: 9; 29.3 ± 6.8 years; 174.9 ± 4.6 cm; 59.7 ± 6.8 kg; VO2max: 58.9 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min) that performed only a normoxic training. Training process was standardized across the two groups. The IHT program consisted of two 60-min sessions per week at intensities over the anaerobic threshold and atmospheric conditions between 14.5 and 15% FiO2. Before and after the 7-week training, aerobic performance in an incremental running test and hematological parameters were analyzed. After this training program, the IHTG showed higher hemoglobin and erythrocytes (p < 0.05) values than in the CG. In terms of physiological and performance variables, between the two groups no changes were found. The addition of an IHT program to normoxic training caused an improvement in hematological parameters but aerobic performance and physiological variables compared to similar training under normoxic conditions did not increase

Living biointerfaces based on non-pathogenic bacteria to direct cell differentiation

Genetically modified Lactococcus lactis, non-pathogenic bacteria expressing the FNIII7-10 fibronectin fragment as a protein membrane have been used to create a living biointerface between synthetic materials and mammalian cells. This FNIII7-10 fragment comprises the RGD and PHSRN sequences of fibronectin to bind α5β1 integrins and triggers signalling for cell adhesion, spreading and differentiation. We used L. lactis strain to colonize material surfaces and produce stable biofilms presenting the FNIII7-10 fragment readily available to cells. Biofilm density is easily tunable and remains stable for several days. Murine C2C12 myoblasts seeded over mature biofilms undergo bipolar alignment and form differentiated myotubes, a process triggered by the FNIII7-10 fragment. This biointerface based on living bacteria can be further modified to express any desired biochemical signal, establishing a new paradigm in biomaterial surface functionalisation for biomedical applications