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lncRNAs are noncoding transcripts with tissue and cancer specificity. Particularly, in breast cancer, lncRNAs exhibit subtype-specific expression; they are particularly upregulated in luminal tumors. However, no gene signature-based laboratory tests have been developed for luminal breast cancer identification or the differential diagnosis of luminal tumors, since no luminal A- or B-specific genes have been identified. Particularly, luminal B patients are of clinical interest, since they have the most variable response to neoadjuvant treatment; thus, it is necessary to develop diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for these patients to optimize treatment decision-making and improve treatment quality. In this study, we analyzed the lncRNA expression profiles of breast cancer cell lines and patient tumor samples from RNA-Seq data to identify an lncRNA signature specific for luminal phenotypes. We identified an lncRNA signature consisting of LINC01016, GATA3-AS1, MAPT-IT1, and DSCAM-AS1 that exhibits luminal subtype-specific expression; among these lncRNAs, GATA3-AS1 is associated with the presence of residual disease (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05), which is related to neoadjuvant chemotherapy resistance in luminal B breast cancer patients. Furthermore, analysis of GATA3-AS1 expression using RNA in situ hybridization (RNA ISH) demonstrated that this lncRNA is detectable in histological slides. Similar to estrogen receptors and Ki67, both commonly detected biomarkers, GATA3-AS1 proves to be a suitable predictive biomarker for clinical application in breast cancer laboratory tests.

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Although mangrove forests are great carbon sinks, they also release carbon dioxide (CO2) from soil, plants, and water through respiration. Many studies have focused on CO2 effluxes only from soils, but the role of biogenic structures such as pneumatophore roots has been poorly studied. Hence, CO2 effluxes from pneumatophores were quantified at sediment-air (non-flooded sediment) and water-air (flooded sediment) interfaces along a salinity gradient in three mangrove types (fringe, scrub, and basin) dominated by Avicennia germinans during the dry and rainy seasons in Yucatan, Mexico. Pneumatophore abundance explained up to 91% of CO2 effluxes for scrub, 87% for fringe, and 83% for basin mangrove forests at the water-air interface. Overall, CO2 effluxes were inversely correlated with temperature and salinity. The highest CO2 effluxes were in the fringe and the lowest were in the scrub mangrove forests. Flooding decreased CO2 effluxes from the dry to the rainy season in all mangrove forests. These results highlight the contribution of pneumatophores to mangrove respiration, and the need to include them in our current carbon budgets and models, but considering different exchange interfaces, seasons, and mangrove ecotypes.

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Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome is a genetic condition that increases the risk of breast cancer by 80% and that of ovarian cancer by 40%. The most common pathogenic variants (PVs) causing HBOC occur in the BRCA1 gene, with more than 3850 reported mutations in the gene sequence. The prevalence of specific PVs in BRCA1 has increased across populations due to the effect of founder mutations. Therefore, when a founder mutation is identified, it becomes key to improving cancer risk characterization and effective screening protocols. The only founder mutation described in the Mexican population is the deletion of exons 9 to 12 of BRCA1 (BRCA1Δ9-12), and its description focuses on the gene sequence, but no transcription profiles have been generated for individuals who carry this gene. In this study, we describe the transcription profiles of cancer patients and healthy individuals who were heterozygous for PV BRCA1Δ9-12 by analyzing the differential expression of both alleles compared with the homozygous BRCA1 control group using RT-qPCR, and we describe the isoforms produced by the BRCA1 wild-type and BRCA1Δ9-12 alleles using nanopore long-sequencing. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, our results showed a similar transcript expression of the wild-type allele between the healthy heterozygous group and the homozygous BRCA1 control group. An association between the recurrence and increased expression of both alleles in HBOC patients was also observed. An analysis of the sequences indicated four wild-type isoforms with diagnostic potential for discerning individuals who carry the PV BRCA1Δ9-12 and identifying which of them has developed cancer.

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The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread rapidly despite implementing strategies to reduce its transmission. The disease caused by this virus has been associated with a diverse range of symptoms, including common neurological manifestations such as dysgeusia, anosmia, and myalgias. Additionally, numerous cases of severe neurological complications associated with this disease have been reported, including encephalitis, stroke, seizures, and Guillain-Barré syndrome, among others. Given the high prevalence of neurological manifestations in this disease, the objective of this review is to analyze the mechanisms by which this virus can affect the nervous system, from its direct invasion to aberrant activation of the immune system and other mechanisms involved in the symptoms, including neuropsychiatric manifestations, to gain a better understanding of the disease and thus facilitate the search for effective therapeutic strategies.

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Surely, Vittorio Erspamer, discoverer of Enteramine in 1935, and Irvine Page, Maurice M. Rapport and Arda Green, discoverers of Serotonin in 1948, never imagined the biological importance that this fundamental molecule has in the living beings of our planet; from its physiological, passing through endocrine, neural, developmental and reproductive functions and even its role in evolution. For this reason, our workgroup is commemorating these researchers and celebrating their great discovery, which deeply influenced science and medicine, in the present perspective article. As a consequence of their seminal work, and the work of many other researchers in the field of serotonin over the following years, now we stand in front of the practical concept of "Serotoninomics," which we think will contribute to find out precise answers regarding basic, clinical, and translational research related to serotonin, just as the emerging medical and "omics" sciences have done before.

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Given their tumor-specific and stage-specific gene expression, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have demonstrated to be potential molecular biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. Particularly, the lncRNAs DSCAM-AS1 and GATA3-AS1 serve as examples of this because of their high subtype-specific expression profile in luminal B-like breast cancer. This makes them candidates to use as molecular biomarkers in clinical practice. However, lncRNA studies in breast cancer are limited in sample size and are restricted to the determination of their biological function, which represents an obstacle for its inclusion as molecular biomarkers of clinical utility. Nevertheless, due to their expression specificity among diseases, such as cancer, and their stability in body fluids, lncRNAs are promising molecular biomarkers that could improve the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of molecular techniques used in clinical diagnosis. The development of lncRNA-based diagnostics and lncRNA-based therapeutics will be useful in routine medical practice to improve patient clinical management and quality of life.

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Objetivo: Describir los métodos anticonceptivos reportados por las usuarias de servicios de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo (IVE), antes y posterior a la consulta, y explorar la asociación entre las características sociodemográficas y los antecedentes ginecológicos con la elección de anticonceptivos de alta eficacia posterior a la IVE, con gestaciones menores de 15 semanas, en el departamento de Antioquia, Colombia, en la institución Profamilia, entre el 2015 y el 2020. Metodología: Estudio de corte transversal. Se analizaron los 13 067 registros de consultas de IVE realizadas en Profamilia de la regional Antioquia, del 2015 al 2020. Las variables cualitativas se midieron con frecuencias y porcentajes, y las cuantitativas, con la media y la desviación estándar. Se implementaron modelos de regresión logística para establecer la asociación de las variables independientes con la variable de interés. Resultados: La consulta de IVE contribuyó al incremento del uso de métodos anticonceptivos de alta eficacia. Antes de la IVE, el 53 % de las mujeres no usaban ningún método. Posterior a la interrupción, el 97 % empezó a utilizar métodos de alta eficacia. Además del uso de métodos poco eficaces o el uso de preservativo, obtuvieron una posibilidad 13 veces más alta de elegir un método de alta eficacia. Conclusiones: La educación en métodos anticonceptivos posterior a una IVE es fundamental para promover el uso de opciones muy efectivas, con el fin de disminuir la aparición de nuevos embarazos no deseados que puedan llevar a una IVE recurrente.

Objective: To describe the contraceptive methods reported by users of voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) services, before and after consultation, and to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and gynecological history with choosing highly effective contraceptive methods after VTP, in gestations shorter than 15 weeks, in the department of Antioquia, Colombia, at the Profamilia institution, from 2015 to 2020. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study. We analyzed 13 067 records of VTP consultations performed in Profamilia in Antioquia from 2015 to 2020. Qualitative variables were measured with frequencies and percentages, and quantitative variables with the mean and standard deviation. Logistic regression models were implemented to establish the association of the independent variables with the variable of interest. Results: VTP consultation contributed to increased use of highly effective contraceptive methods. Before VTP, 53% of women were not using any method. After the termination, 97% started using highly effective methods. Likewise, those using low efficacy methods or condoms were 13 times more likely to choose a highly effective method. Conclusions: Post-VTP contraceptive education is essential for promoting the use of highly effective methods to reduce the occurrence of new unwanted pregnancies that may lead to repeated VTP

Objetivo: Descrever os métodos anticoncepcionais referidos pelas usuárias de serviços de interrupção voluntária da gravidez (IVG), antes e depois da consulta, e estudar a associação entre as características sociodemográficas e os antecedentes ginecológicos com a eleição de anticoncepcionais de alta eficiência depois da IVG, com gestações menores de 15 semanas, no departamento de Antioquia, Colômbia, na instituição Profamilia, entre 2015 e 2020. Metodologia: Estudo de corte transversal. Analisaram-se os 13067 registros de consultas de IVG realizadas em Profamilia na sede Antioquia, de 2015 a 2020. As variáveis qualitativas mediram-se com frequências e porcentagens, e as quantitativas com a média e o desvio padrão. Implementaram-se modelos de regressão logística para estabelecer a associação das variáveis independentes com a variável de interesse. Resultados: A consulta de IVG contribuiu ao incremento do uso de métodos anticoncepcionais de alta eficiência. Antes da IVG, o 53% das mulheres não usavam nenhum método. Depois da interrupção, o 97% começou a usar métodos de alta eficiência. Além do uso de métodos pouco eficientes ou o uso da camisinha, obtiveram uma possibilidade 13 vezes maior de escolher um método de alta eficiência. Conclusões: A educação em métodos anticoncepcionais posterior a uma IVG é fundamental para promover o uso de opções muito efetivas, com o fim de diminuir a aparição de novas gravidezes não desejadas que podem levar a uma IVG recorrente.

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SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus family member that appeared in China in December 2019 and caused the disease called COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic in 2020 by the World Health Organization. In recent months, great efforts have been made in the field of basic and clinical research to understand the biology and infection processes of SARS-CoV-2. In particular, transcriptome analysis has contributed to generating new knowledge of the viral sequences and intracellular signaling pathways that regulate the infection and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, generating new information about its biology. Furthermore, transcriptomics approaches including spatial transcriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics and direct RNA sequencing have been used for clinical applications in monitoring, detection, diagnosis, and treatment to generate new clinical predictive models for SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, RNA-based therapeutics and their relationship with SARS-CoV-2 have emerged as promising strategies to battle the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with the assistance of novel approaches such as CRISPR-CAS, ASOs, and siRNA systems. Lastly, we discuss the importance of precision public health in the management of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and establish that the fusion of transcriptomics, RNA-based therapeutics, and precision public health will allow a linkage for developing health systems that facilitate the acquisition of relevant clinical strategies for rapid decision making to assist in the management and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2-infected population to combat this global public health problem.

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Resumen Introducción: la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es la principal causa de nefropatía terminal en el mundo. Se sabe que en Colombia esta enfermedad tiene una prevalencia del 7-9 %, pero para algunos municipios no hay datos sobre el número de personan que padecen DM2 y enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), ni sobre los factores de riesgo relacionados con su desarrollo. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo para desarrollar ERC en una población de pacientes con DM2 que consultaron a un programa de riesgo cardiovascular de una institución de salud de Armenia, Colombia, durante el año 2017. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal realizado en una muestra de 232 pacientes. Se describieron las variables con medidas de tendencia central e intervalos de confianza del 95 %, se realizó análisis de varianza y pruebas Chi cuadrado para las variables numéricas y categóricas, respectivamente; se aplicaron los modelos de regresión múltiple y regresión logística, y se consideró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa con un valor de p<0,05. Resultados: la prevalencia de DM2 fue del 34,14 % y la de ERC varió entre 22,41 % y 38,79 %, según la ecuación utilizada. El 69,83 % de la población se encontró en normoalbuminuria; el 25 %, en microalbuminuria, y el 5,17 °%, en macroalbuminuria. Los factores de riesgo identificados para ERC fueron edad (Cockcroft-Gault y CKD-EPI p<0,001; MDRD p=0,012), perímetro abdominal (Cockcroft-Gault p<0,001; MDRD p=0,028; CKD-EPI p=0,011), nivel de creatinina (Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD, CKD-EPI p<0,001) y sedentarismo (Cockcroft-Gault p=0,046). Las ecuaciones más adecuadas para identificar tempranamente la ERC en la población estudiada fueron CKD-EPI (R2=85,74 %) y Cockcroft-Gault (R2=85,43 %), con un valor de pronóstico de 95,68 % y 93,96 %, respectivamente. Conclusión: la prevalencia de ERC, que osciló entre 22,41 % y 38,79 %, dependió de la ecuación utilizada. Los factores de riesgo para desarrollar ERC fueron edad, nivel de creatinina, perímetro abdominal y sedentarismo. Se propone que para esta población las ecuaciones Cockcroft-Gault y CKD-EPI son las más adecuadas para identificar la ERC.

Abstract Introduction: In Colombia, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is 7-9%, this being the main cause of end-stage renal disease in the world4. In the municipality of Armenia, the prevalence of the population suffering from DM2 with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the risk factors related to its development are unknown. Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a population with type 2 diabetes, consultants to a cardiovascular risk program of an IPS of Armenia, Colombia, during the year 2017. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with 232 patients. The variables were described by measures of central tendency and 95 % confidence intervals, ANOVA and Chi square tests were performed for the numerical and categorical variables respectively, multiple regression and logistic regression, with a value of P <0.05. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 34.14 % and CKD varies between 22.41-38.79 % according to the equation used. 69.83 % are in normoalbuminuria, 25 % in microalbuminuria and 5.17 % in macroalbuminuria. The risk factors identified for CKD were: age (Cockcroft-Gault and CKD-EPI p <0.001; MDRD p = 0.012), abdominal perimeter (Cockcroft-gault p <0.001; MDRD p = 0.028; CKD-EPI p = 0.011), creatinine level (Cockcroft-gault, MDRD, CKD-EPI p <0.001) and sedentary lifestyle (Cockcroft-gault p = 0.046). The most adequate equations for early identification of CKD in this population are CKD-EPI (R2 = 85.74 %) and Cockcroft-gault (R2 = 85.43 %), with a prognostic value of 95.68 % and 93, 96 % respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD varies between 22.41 % and 38.79 %, depending on the equation used. The risk factors for developing CKD are age, creatinine level, abdominal perimeter and sedentary lifestyle. It is proposed that for this population the Cockcroft-Gault and CKD-EPI equations are the most adequate to identify CKD.

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MicroRNAs are small noncoding transcripts that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression via base-pairing complementarity. Their role in cancer can be related to tumor suppression or oncogenic function. Moreover, they have been linked to processes recognized as hallmarks of cancer, such as apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and proliferation. Particularly, one of the first oncomiRs found upregulated in a variety of cancers, such as gliomas, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, was microRNA-21 (miR-21). Some of its target genes associated with cancer are PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog), PDCD4 (programmed cell death protein 4), RECK (reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs), and STAT3 (signal transducer activator of transcription 3). As a result, miR-21 has been proposed as a plausible diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target for several types of cancer. Currently, research and clinical trials to inhibit miR-21 through anti-miR-21 oligonucleotides and ADM-21 are being conducted. As all of the evidence suggests, miR-21 is involved in carcinogenic processes; therefore, inhibiting it could have effects on more than one type of cancer. However, whether miR-21 can be used as a tissue-specific biomarker should be analyzed with caution. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to outline the available information and recent advances regarding miR-21 as a potential biomarker in the clinical setting and as a therapeutic target in cancer to highlight its importance in the era of precision medicine.

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Introducción: la prevalencia de obesidad en el mundo es creciente y específicamente la obesidad en niños se ha convertido en un problema de salud pública que preocupa a varios países. La evidencia ha señalado al uso de antibióticos en la infancia como un factor relacionado con la presencia de obesidad infantil. Objetivo: Analizar sistemáticamente la evidencia reciente acerca de la relación entre el uso temprano de antibióticos en la infancia y la presencia de obesidad infantil. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de Pubmed, Ovid, EBSCO, Lilacs, JAMA pediatrics de estudios observacionales en los últimos diez años que abordaran la relación entre el uso de antibióticos antes de los 24 meses de edad y la obesidad infantil. Resultados: Luego de realizar el tamizaje de los artículos, se seleccionaron 9 para la síntesis cualitativa. Con dos excepciones, los estudios analizados muestran una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el uso temprano de antibióticos y la obesidad o sobrepeso infantil, medido como peso para la edad o mediante el índice de masa corporal y aún con el ajuste por las potenciales variables de confusión, esta asociación permanece siendo estadísticamente significativa, debido a algunos de los diseños epidemiológicos, no se puede verificar la relación de antecedencia temporal de la exposición.

Introduction: Prevalence of obesity in the world is increasing and specifically obesity in children has become a public health problem concerning several countries. Evidence has pointed to the use of antibiotics in childhood as a factor related to the presence of childhood obesity. Objective: To analyse evidence about the relationship between the early use of antibiotics in childhood and childhood obesity. Methods: A literature search was carried out on scientific databases, such as Pubmed, Ovid, EBSCO, Lilacs, JAMA pediatrics of observacional studies published in the last ten years assessing the relationship between the use of antibiotics before 24 months of age and pediatric obesity. Results: Nine of the articles were selected for the qualitative synthesis. With two exceptions, the analyzed studies show a statistically significant relationship between the early use of antibiotics and childhood obesity or overweight, measured as weight for age or through the body mass index and even with the adjustment for potential confounding variables, this association remains statistically significant, due to some of the epidemiological designs, the relationship of temporal antecedence of the exposure can not be verified.

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Re-emerging diseases outbreaks are being reported in Venezuela since 2012/13, following ongoing political and economic crisis. Healthcare system collapse has led to an increasing incidence and mortality from communicable diseases. Increasing movement of people between Venezuela and the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) creates a need for increased awareness of the infectious disease risks and requirements for appropriate investigation and treatment of individuals arriving from Venezuela; overall risk for EU/EEA citizens is low.

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Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal known as one of the most toxic elements on the planet. The importance of Hg on living organisms resides on its biomagnification ability. Artisanal gold extraction activities release substantial amounts of this metal, polluting the ecosystems. To assess the impact of gold mining in Las Orquideas National Natural Park (Colombia), total Hg (T-Hg) levels were evaluated from 37 bird and 8 small rodent species collected at two sites within the boundaries of the Natural Park (Abriaqui and Frontino municipalities) that have experienced some gold-extraction history. The mean concentration of T-Hg in bird feathers from both sites was 0.84 ± 0.05 µg/g fw. Differences between species were found according to diet. Total Hg levels were greater on insectivorous (1.00 ± 0.08 µg/g fw), followed by nectarivorous (0.73 ± 0.07 µg/g fw) and frugivorus (0.57 ± 0.09 µg/g fw) species. These Hg levels were greater than those found in feathers from a control sample belonging to the species Penelope perspicax (0.53 ± 0.03 µg/g fw), a frugivorous species living at the Otun Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, a forest without known gold mining. Mercury concentrations in the livers of small rodents were greater in specimens from Frontino (0.15 ± 0.01 µg/g fw) than those from Abriaqui (0.11 ± 0.01 µg/g fw), but levels were not different between species. These results indicate that Hg in birds depends mainly on their diet, but geographical location may affect Hg concentration in rodents. Moreover, Hg sources in natural parks of Colombia may not rely solely on gold mining, atmospheric deposition, among others factors, could be influencing its accumulation in biota.

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Colombia is the country with the highest bird diversity in the world. Despite active research in ornithology, compelling morphological information of most bird species is still sparse. However, morphological information is the baseline to understand how species respond to environmental variation and how ecosystems respond to species loss. As part of a national initiative, the Instituto Alexander von Humboldt in collaboration with 12 Colombian institutions and seven biological collections, measured up to 15 morphological traits of 9,892 individuals corresponding to 606 species: 3,492 from individuals captured in field and 6,400 from museum specimens. Species measured are mainly distributed in high Andean forest, páramo, and wetland ecosystems. Seven ornithological collections in Colombia and 18 páramo complexes throughout Colombia were visited from 2013 to 2015. The morphological traits involved measurements from bill (total and exposed culmen, bill width and depth), wing (length, area, wingspan, and the distance between longest primary and longest secondary), tail (length and shape), tarsus (length), hallux (length and claw hallux), and mass. The number of measured specimens per species was variable, ranging from 1 to 321 individuals with a median of four individuals per species. Overall, this database gathered morphological information for >30% of Colombian bird diversity. No copyright, proprietary, or cost restrictions apply; the data should be cited appropriately when used.

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Alcohol use disorders are modulated by genetic factors, but the identification of specific genes and their concomitant biological changes that are associated with a higher risk for these disorders has proven difficult. Alterations in the sensitivity to the motivational effects of ethanol may be one way by which genes modulate the initiation and escalation of ethanol intake. Rats and mice have been selectively bred for high and low ethanol consumption during adulthood. However, selective breeding programs for ethanol intake have not focused on adolescence. This phase of development is associated with the initiation and escalation of ethanol intake and characterized by an increase in the sensitivity to ethanol's appetitive effects and a decrease in the sensitivity to ethanol's aversive effects compared with adulthood. The present study performed short-term behavioral selection to select rat lines that diverge in the expression of ethanol drinking during adolescence. A progenitor nucleus of Wistar rats (F0) and filial generation 1 (F1), F2, and F3 adolescent rats were derived from parents that were selected for high (STDRHI) and low (STDRLO) ethanol consumption during adolescence and were tested for ethanol intake and responsivity to ethanol's motivational effects. STDRHI rats exhibited significantly greater ethanol intake and preference than STDRLO rats. Compared with STDRLO rats, STDRHI F2 and F3 rats exhibited a blunted response to ethanol in the conditioned taste aversion test. F2 and F3 STDRHI rats but not STDRLO rats exhibited ethanol-induced motor stimulation. STDRHI rats exhibited avoidance of the white compartment of the light-dark box, a reduction of locomotion, and a reduction of saccharin consumption, suggesting an anxiety-prone phenotype. The results suggest that the genetic risk for enhanced ethanol intake during adolescence is associated with lower sensitivity to the aversive effects of ethanol, heightened reactivity to ethanol's stimulating effects, and enhanced innate anxiety.

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Dispersion and runoff of mine tailings have serious implications for human and ecosystem health in the surroundings of mines. Water, soils and plants were sampled in transects perpendicular to the Santiago stream in Zimapan, Hidalgo, which receives runoff sediments from two acidic and one alkaline mine tailing. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) were measured in water, soils (rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere) and plants. Using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd and Pb in rhizosphere soil, the bioconcentration and translocation factors were calculated. Ruderal annuals formed the principal element of the herbaceous vegetation. Accumulation was the most frequent strategy to deal with high concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Pb. The order of concentration in plant tissue was Zn>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cd. Most plants contained concentrations of PTE considered as phytotoxic and behaved as metal tolerant species. Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum accumulated particularly high concentrations of Cu. Parietaria pensylvanica and Commelina diffusa, common tropical weeds, behaved as Zn hyperaccumulators and should be studied further.

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La acatisia aguda es un trastorno del movimiento bastante molesto, caracterizado por sensación subjetiva y signos objetivos de inquietud motora, que se presenta frecuentemente como efecto adverso de los neurolépticos; un tratamiento oportuno es necesario para garantizar una buena adherencia al manejo con antipsicóticos y prevenir recaídas. Se describe el estado actual de los tratamientos disponibles para la acatisia aguda inducida por neurolépticos, valorando efectividad y tolerabilidad. Se realizó una búsqueda electrónica en Pubmed, Science Alert, Springer link, SciELO, Ovid y Elsevier con criterios de selección específicos, obteniendo 87 estudios, de los cuales se escogieron 51 teniendo en cuenta relevancia clínica, nivel de evidencia y actualidad. En este artículo se describen los resultados de la búsqueda. Las benzodiacepinas, los betabloqueadores lipofílicos de acción central y los anticolinérgicos son los fármacos más estudiados para el tratamiento de este trastorno del movimiento; los dos primeros han mostrado superioridad, sin embargo, se necesita aún bastante investigación al respecto.

Acute Akathisia is a movement disorder rather annoying; characterized by subjective feelings and objective signs of restlessness, which often presents as a side effect of neuroleptics, early treatment is necessary to ensure good adherence to treatment with antipsychotics and prevent relapses. To describe the state of the art of available treatments for neuroleptic-induced acute akathisia, taking into account effectiveness and tolerability. An electronic search in Pubmed, Science Alert, Springer link, SciELO, Ovid and Elsevier with specific eligibility criteria, obtaining 87 studies, of which were chosen 51 of them manually, according to their clinical relevance, topicality and level of evidence. In this paper, we describe the results of the search. The benzodiazepines, centrally acting lipophilic beta-blockers and anticholinergics, are the most studied drugs to treat this movement disorder, the first two have shown superiority; however, considerable research is still needed in this regard.

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Anamnesis: an adult horse that showed hind limb hyperflexion was examined. Clinical and laboratory findings: at locomotion examination bilateral hyperflexion was observed; the right hind limb was more severely affected than the left. Electromyographic and histopathological examination revealed neural denervation and muscular atrophy supporting the idiopathic stringhalt diagnosis. Treatment approach: a lateral digital extensor tenectomy and partial myectomy was practiced in both hind limbs, accompanied by medical treatment and implementation of a mild exercise plan. The effectiveness of surgery is still controversial in these cases; however, this patient evidenced slow improvement after surgery and exercise seemed to be instrumental in the recovery of his normal locomotion. Conclusion: to our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinical case compatible with idiopathic stringhalt in Colombian Creole horses, but further studies are necessary to clarify the etiology and pathogenesis of stringhalt in Colombia.

Anamnesis: se examinó un caballo adulto que mostraba hiperflexión de ambos miembros posteriores. Hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio: al examen locomotor se observó hiperflexión de ambos miembros posteriores pero el miembro posterior derecho parecía estar más afectado. El examen histopatológico y la electromiografía revelaron denervación neural y atrofia muscular soportando el diagnóstico de arpeo idiopático. Abordaje terapéutico: se practicó tenectomía y miectomía parcial del extensor digital lateral en ambos miembros posteriores, acompañada de tratamiento médico con la implementación de un plan de ejercicio ligero. La eficacia de la cirugía es controversial aún, sin embargo, en este caso, una lenta recuperación fue evidente y el ejercicio pareció ser un factor clave. Conclusión: el presente caso clínico es para nuestro conocimiento el primero compatible con arpeo idiopático en el Caballo Criollo Colombiano, pero se deben realizar más estudios para clarificar la etiología y patogenia del arpeo en Colombia.

Anamnese: foi examinado um cavalo adulto que mostrava hiperflexão dos dois membros posteriores. Achados Clínicos e de laboratorio: o exame foi observado hiperflexão de ambos os membros posteriores, estando mais afectado o membro posterior direito. O exame histopatológico e eletromiografia revelou denervação neural e atrofia muscular levando ao diagnóstico de harpejamento idiopático. Abordagem terapêutica: foi realizada tenectomia e miectomia parcial do músculo extensor digital lateral em ambos os membros posteriores, acompanhada de tratamento médico com a implementação de um plano de exercícios leves. A eficácia da cirurgia é ainda controversa, no entanto, neste caso foi evidente uma recuperação lenta e o exercício pareceu ser um fator fundamental. Conclusão: este relato de caso é, a nosso conhecimento, o primeiro compatível com harpejamento idiopático, mas devem ser realizados mais estudos para esclarecer a etiologia e patogenia do harpejamento no Cavalo Crioulo Colombiano.

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We investigated if seeds of Agave lechuguilla from contaminated sites with heavy metals were more tolerant to Cd ions than seeds from noncontaminated sites. Seeds from a highly contaminated site (Villa de la Paz) and from a noncontaminated site (Villa de Zaragoza) were evaluated. We tested the effect of Cd concentrations on several ecophysiological, morphological, genetical, and anatomical responses. Seed viability, seed germination, seedling biomass, and radicle length were higher for the non-polluted site than for the contaminated one. The leaves of seedlings from the contaminated place had more cadmium and showed peaks attributed to chemical functional groups such as amines, amides, carboxyl, and alkenes that tended to disappear due to increasing the concentration of cadmium than those from Villa de Zaragoza. Malformed cells in the parenchyma surrounding the vascular bundles were found in seedlings grown with Cd from both sites. The leaves from the contaminated place showed a higher metallothioneins expression in seedlings from the control group than that of seedlings at different Cd concentrations. Most of our results fitted into the hypothesis that plants from metal-contaminated places do not tolerate more pollution, because of the accumulative effect that cadmium might have on them.

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Introducción: La enterocolitis necrotizante (ECN) es, de todas las afecciones quirúrgicas del período neonatal, la de mayor mortalidad, siendo la causa más frecuente de alteración del tracto gastrointestinal severa en unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales y una emergencia médico-quirúrgica en la cual el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno pueden disminuir la necesidad de cirugía y la letalidad. Objetivo: Describir las características de los pacientes con enterocolitis necrotizante atendidos durante el ano 2006 en una unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal de un hospital nivel III de la ciudad de Cali. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo piloto retrospectivo donde se incluyeron 32 historias clínicas de neonatos con ECN quienes llegaron a Cuidados Intensivos de Recién Nacidos (CIRENA) del Hospital Universitario del Valle (HUV) con este diagnóstico o desarrollaron la enfermedad durante su estancia en la unidad. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis descriptivo utilizando el paquete estadístico Epi-Info. Resultados: En el ano 2006 ingresaron a CIRENA del HUV 1555 neonatos, de los cuales 32 (2%) desarrollaron enterocolitis necrotizante, porcentaje que es similar al registrado en otros países; la mitad tenía un peso menor a 1500 gramos y solo 3 gestantes tuvieron adecuado control prenatal. Fueron diagnosticados con ECN, 17 (53.1%) de sexo femenino y 15 (46.9%) de sexo masculino. Conclusión: A pesar de que la mayoría de casos de ECN se presentan en ninos prematuros y/o de muy bajo peso al nacer, se encontró en este estudio un número importante de casos en recién nacidos a término tanto por edad gestacional como por peso que desarrollaron ECN temprana. Existe una relación visible entre el bajo peso al nacer, la prematurez y el desarrollo de ECN, sobre todo en los grados más avanzados de esta enfermedad, en los que la tendencia es el desarrollo de la fase tardía.

Introduction: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is, over all newborn surgical afflictions, the most deathly, representing the main GI problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and a medical/surgical emergency in which early diagnosis and opportune treatment may diminish surgical needs and mortality. Objective: To describe the features of patients with NEC attended at a third-level hospital NICU in the city of Cali in 2006. Method and materials: We conducted a pilot descriptive retrospective study that included 32 clinical records of newborns in the NICU (named CIRENA) from the Hospital Universitario del Valle (HUV) with NEC diagnosis. Finally, we made a descriptive analysis of the data by using the Epi-Info statistics program. Results: In 2006, 1555 newborns were admitted to HUV-CIRENA and 32 (2%) of them were diagnosed with NEC, a percentage that is similar to that of other countries; half of which weighed less than 1500 grams and only three pregnant women had adequate prenatal care, 17(53.1%) of these newborns were female and 15(46.9%) were male. Conclusions: Although the majority of NEC cases occurs in premature and/or very low weight children, it is outstanding the number of full-term newborns, either on gestational age and weight, that developed early NEC. There is a visible relationship among low birth weight, prematurity, and the development of NEC, especially in the higher degrees of the disease, where the tendency is the presentation of late NEC.