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Background: Gut microbiota and its by‐products are increasingly recognized as having a decisive role in cardiovascular diseases. The aim is to study the relationship between gut microbiota and early vascular ageing (EVA). Methods: A cross‐sectional study was developed in Salamanca (Spain) in which 180 subjects aged 45–74 years were recruited. EVA was defined by the presence of at least one of the following: carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV), cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) or brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba‐PWV) above the 90th percentile of the reference population. All other cases were considered normal vascular ageing (NVA). Measurements: cf‐PWV was measured by SphygmoCor® System; CAVI and ba‐PWV were determined by Vasera 2000® device. Gut microbiome composition in faecal samples was determined by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing. Results: Mean age was 64.4 ± 6.9 in EVA group and 60.4 ± 7.6 years in NVA (p <.01). Women in EVA group were 41% and 53% in NVA. There were no differences in the overall composition of gut microbiota between the two groups when evaluating Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio, alfa diversity (Shannon Index) and beta diversity (Bray‐Curtis). Bilophila, Faecalibacterium sp.UBA1819 and Phocea, are increased in EVA group. While Cedecea, Lactococcus, Pseudomonas, Succiniclasticum and Dielma exist in lower abundance. In logistic regression analysis, Bilophila (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.12–2.6, p =.013) remained significant. Conclusions: In the studied Spanish population, early vascular ageing is positively associated with gut microbiota abundance of the genus Bilophila. No relationship was found between phyla abundance and measures of diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant neighbors in arid environments can ameliorate abiotic stress by reducing insolation, but they also attract herbivores and pathogens, especially when neighbors are close relatives that share similar antagonists. Plants' metabolic profiles provide a chemical fingerprint of the physiological processes behind plant responses to different environmental stresses. For example, abscisic acid and proline, mainly involved in stomatal closure and osmotic adjustment, can induce plant responses to abiotic stress, while jasmonic acid and salicylic acid primarily regulate plant defense to herbivory or pathogens. Neighbor plants can generate contrasting ecological contexts, modulating plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. We hypothesize that plant metabolic profile is modulated by its neighbors in a vegetation patch, expecting a higher investment in metabolites related to biotic-stress tolerance (i.e., herbivory or pathogens) when growing associated with other plants, especially to phylogenetically close relatives, compared to plants growing alone. We show that plants from five species growing with neighbors invest more in biotic-stress tolerance while their conspecifics, growing alone, invest more in abiotic-stress tolerance. This tendency in plants' metabolic profiles was not affected by the phylogenetic diversity of their neighborhood. Linking physiological snapshots with community processes can contribute to elucidating metabolic profiles derived from plant-plant interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic variants in the AP4B1 gene lead to a rare form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) known as SPG47. We report on a patient with a clinical suspicion of complicated HSP of the lower limbs with intellectual disability, as well as a novel homozygous noncanonical splice site variant in the AP4B1 gene, in which the effect on splicing was validated by RNA analysis. We sequenced 152 genes associated with HSP using Next‐Generation Sequencing (NGS). We isolated total RNA from peripheral blood and generated cDNA using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). A region of AP4B1 mRNA was amplified by PCR and the fragments obtained were purified from the agarose gel and sequenced. We found a homozygous variant of uncertain significance in the AP4B1 gene NM_006594.4: c.1511‐6C>G in the proband. Two different AP4B1 mRNA fragments were obtained in the patient and his carrier parents. The shorter fragment was the predominant fragment in the patient and revealed a deletion with skipping of the AP4B1 exon 10. The patient's longer fragment corresponded to an insertion of the last five nucleotides of AP4B1 intron 9. We confirmed that this variant affects the normal splicing of RNA, sustaining the molecular diagnosis of SPG47 in the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the relationship between physical fitness and physical activity (PA) with specific abdominal fat depots and their potential implications for cardiometabolic risk and insulin resistance (IR) in children with overweight/obesity. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 children with overweight/obesity (10.7 ± 1.1 year, 54% girls) participated in the study. Abdominal visceral (VAT), subcutaneous (ASAT), and intermuscular abdominal adipose tissue (IMAAT) were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. The cardiometabolic risk (MetS) score and the insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR) were calculated. Health‐related physical fitness components (treadmill test, and 20 m shuttle run, handgrip, standing broad jump and 4 × 10 m tests) were evaluated, and PA was measured (accelerometry). Children were categorized as fit or unfit for each specific fitness test, and as active or inactive. Results: Higher VAT, ASAT, and IMAAT were associated with higher MetS score and HOMA‐IR (all p < 0.02). A better performance in all fitness tests and total and vigorous PA were strongly associated with lower VAT (all p < 0.04), ASAT (all p < 0.005), and IMAAT (all p < 0.005). Fit or active children had lower VAT, ASAT, and IMAAT (all p < 0.03) than their unfit or inactive counterparts. Conclusion: These results reinforce the importance of having adequate fitness and PA levels to reduce abdominal fat accumulation in children. Given that VAT, ASAT, and IMAAT are associated with higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, the improvement of physical fitness by the promotion of PA should be goals of lifestyle interventions for improving health in children with overweight/obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the highlights of green chemistry is the development of techniques and procedures with low environmental impact. In the last years, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have become an important alternative to conventional organic solvents. For a period ionic liquids have provoked remarkable interest, but they have been displaced by DES because they show easier preparation methods, lower prices, many of them are biodegradable and compatible with biological systems. In addition, they show adjustable physicochemical properties, high thermal stability, low volatility and are compatible with water. In this paper is reviewed the state of the art of the use of DES paying special attention to the role of reaction media in organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There is scarce evidence of anatomical risk factors that might affect long‐term post‐prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) in patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). This systematic review aims to identify anatomical measurements in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that might be associated with increased risk of urinary incontinence (UI) 1 year after RALP. Methods: A comprehensive search on Pubmed and Scopus databases up to November 2020 was performed. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria and were finally selected. Results: The selected studies included 1146 patients. Seven articles focused on membranous urethral length (MUL); all of them related MUL to long‐term PPI in univariate analysis and five of them in multivariate analysis. Four studies presented MUL difference to measure the magnitude of the effect. Average MUL (mm) was 15.9 (SD, 2.6), 16.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.9–18.9), 12.1 (95% CI 9.7–14.9) and 14.5 in continent patients and 13.9 (SD, 2.9), 10 (95% CI: 8.7–12.1), 10.3 (95% CI: 8.7–12.4) and 9.3 in incontinent patients, with statistically significant differences in all cases. Five studies presented the odds ratio as a result; although there was substantial heterogeneity in the methods used to obtain it, there was consistency in finding an inverse association between MUL and PPI. Other measurements including prostatic‐urethral angle, membranous urethral thickness, intraprostatic urethral length and intravesical prostatic protrusion have been reported in few studies, and no association with long‐term PPI was found. Levator ani muscle thickness was related to long‐term PPI in one article. Conclusion: Greater MUL on preoperative MRI is associated with lower risk of UI 1 year after RALP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) represents the rarest form of psoriasis, which may be potentially fatal. In the last decade, (likely) pathogenic variants in the IL36RN, CARD14 and AP1S3 genes have been associated with monogenic GPP forms. Despite these advances, the genetic basis of most patients with GPP remains unidentified. Treatment of GPP patients is often difficult, with no consensus about the best available options to date. We report herein an infant with severe GPP in whom the disease started at the age of 2 months. Genetic investigations identified a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the IL36RN gene associated with a heterozygous variant of uncertain significance in the CARD14 gene. After previous treatment failures with acitretin, cyclosporin and anakinra, treatment with the interleukin‐17 antagonist secukinumab resulted in a dramatic and prompt positive response that persisted at 12‐month follow up. According to our experience, we believe secukinumab can be an effective and safe treatment for pediatric patients with GPP even before 1 year of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish consumption is the major source of mercury to humans. Fetuses and children are the most sensitive groups of populations to the effects of mercury. Consequently, fish consumption by pregnant women, children, and women of childbearing age is of concern because of the effects of mercury exposure on human health. To assess mercury exposure in a population in northwest Mexico, the allowed daily consumption of fish (which indicates the maximum daily amount of fish that can be consumed without causing adverse noncarcinogenic effects) was calculated for the general population (GP) and fishing‐related population (FRP). The studied groups for both sectors of the population were children A (3–10 years old), children B (11–15 years old), women of childbearing age (16–40 years old), and the rest of the population (men ≥16 years old, and women ≥41 years old). Mercury content in canned and frozen tuna, smoked marlin, tilapia, Pacific sierra, dolphinfish, and bullseye puffer ranged from 0.01 to 0.23 μg/g wet weight; none of the values were above the limit set by Mexico. Regarding mercury concentrations and rates of fish consumption, the GP consumes 1.7–2.7 times the allowed daily consumption, and the FRP consumes 1.6–3.9 that limit. The risk analysis showed the children A and B groups from the GP and adults of FRP to be the highest percentage of the population at risk (approximately 35%). These results highlight the need for adequate strategies that consider mercury exposure as part of public health policies associated with fish consumption in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A white man in his 50s with past medical history of hypercholesterolemia presented with a 3-week history of waxing and waning asymptomatic lesions on his face, trunk, and upper extremities. Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is an indolent primary cutaneous CD30 SP + sp lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. Systemic involvement is frequent.[5] The immunohistochemical demonstration of TCR gamma expression can aid in differentiating C / TL.[5] ATLL differs histologically and immunophenotypically, besides its association with HTLV-1.[1] In some patients, the presence of multiple lesions and a self-healing and recurrent course can point to the diagnosis of LyP.[5] Nevertheless, because some patients with LyPE will present a single lesion at a given time, it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish from primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and borderline lesions with which LyPE shares features; therefore, a close follow-up in these patients is recommended. [Extracted from the article]

Capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM‐AVM) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in RASA1 and EPHB4. Capillary stains in CM‐AVM are compatible with Schöbinger's phase I AVMs. Vascular laser has been classically contraindicated for the treatment of AVMs, as there is a fear of accelerating their progression. In this study, we have treated capillary stains in five CM‐AVM patients with pulsed dye laser, with improvement and without worsening or recurrence of the lesions after 1 year of clinical and ultrasound follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic contact dermatitis, case report, honokiol, patch test, sensitization, vulva, Magnolia officinalis, magnolol Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; case report; honokiol; Magnolia officinalis; magnolol; patch test; sensitization; vulva EN allergic contact dermatitis case report honokiol Magnolia officinalis magnolol patch test sensitization vulva 96 97 2 06/14/22 20220701 NES 220701 Magnolol and honokiol are the main components of I Magnolia officinalis i bark extract (MOBE), which is used in cosmetic formulations because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.1 We herein report a case of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) of the vulva caused by MOBE contained in a vaginal gel indicated to re-epithelize vaginal and cervical lesions. [Extracted from the article]

White spot disease is one of the most serious problems in the shrimp-farming industry in Mexico. An assessment of risk of an outbreak of the disease could be useful for farmers making decisions concerning early harvest to minimize economic losses. A group of researchers identified the most important risk factors, classified in four broad categories: management variables at the regional level, environmental variables at the regional level, management variables at the farm and population variables at the farm. For each variable, categories were defined and a risk score assigned. To validate these scores, a survey was carried out with 65 stakeholders. A semi-quantitative risk assessment model was proposed and implemented as a questionnaire containing 21 risk variables with weighted scores. The most important risk factors were the period of fallowing within farm's region and health quality of larvae. Also important were estimated level of viral load and virus detection in wild hosts in the surrounding area, pond water temperature, length of fallowing period of pond, vector control at water intake and stocking density. The overall estimated risk was calculated as the sum of all scores with a further adjustment, according to maximum and minimum total scores. Three risk levels for white spot disease outbreak at ponds are based on estimated risk: low (≤0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4) and high (≥0.4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, maximal expression of the nitrous oxide reductase gene ( nosZ) requires oxygen limitation and the presence of a nitrogen oxide. The putative transcription antiterminator NasT is a positive regulator of nosZ; but in the absence of nitrate, NasT is counteracted by the nitrate sensor NasS. Here, we examined the NasT-mediated mechanism of nosRZDFYLX gene cluster expression. We mapped two transcription start sites of nosR and identified two potential hairpins, H1 and H2, within the 5′-leader of nosR transcripts. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that NasT specifically bound the nosR-leader RNA and deletion of H1 abolished such binding. Under aerobic nitrate-deficient conditions, deletion of H1 or H2 increased the level of nosRZD transcripts. Under denitrifying conditions (anaerobiosis with nitrate supply), the level of nosRZD transcripts was severely impaired in the nasT mutant; in the nasT background, deletions of either hairpin led to increased level of nosRZD transcripts. In contrast to nosRZD coding region, nosR-leader transcript level was not affected by nasS or nasT mutations under aerobic or denitrifying conditions respectively. These results suggest that the two-hairpin RNA structure acts for transcription termination upstream of nosR and the binding of NasT to H1 facilitates read-through transcription to induce nos expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in a letter to the editor in response to our recent review: "Anatomical predictors of long-term urinary incontinence after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A systematic review".1 We also thank the authors of the letter for providing further insights into the subject of our review and for their great interest in analyzing our publication. Very few articles include magnetic resonance imaging before and after radical prostatectomy because it is still a developing technique for the evaluation of post-prostatectomy incontinence. Reply to "Anatomical predictors of long-term urinary incontinence after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A systematic review". [Extracted from the article]

Additionally, impetigo characteristically has golden yellow crusts, and herpes simplex infection is usually more painful. An 11-year-old Caucasian boy presented with a slightly pruritic rash involving his ears and face that appeared 1 day after playing soccer outdoors. In case of doubt, ancillary testing such as cultures or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be helpful. [Extracted from the article]

Furthermore, histologic examination may show neutrophils but not a lichenoid lymphocytic infiltrate.4 Violaceous papules with Wickham's striae would be typically seen in lichen planus.4 Secondary syphilis may manifest as a maculopapular rash with acral involvement, but a positive serologic test would yield the diagnosis. Palmoplantar involvement is known to occur but rarely reported,1,2 occasionally as plantar hyperkeratosis mimicking palmoplantar psoriasis, but in most cases acral papules mimicking secondary syphilis.1-4 Diagnosis is made by correct clinicopathological correlation. Differential diagnosis of PLC is extensive and includes psoriasis, lichen planus, drug and viral exanthemas (to which COVID-19 has recently been added), lymphomatoid papulosis, and characteristically secondary syphilis, especially when there is volar involvement.1,2,5 Psoriasis may exhibit distinctive desquamative guttate papules but also nail dystrophy, which is not seen in PLC. [Extracted from the article]

Although the concept of 'food addiction' (FA) has raised growing interest because of evidence for similarities between substance dependence and excessive food intake, there is a lack of studies that explore this construct among the wide spectrum of eating disorders (EDs). Besides providing validation scores of a Spanish version of the Yale FA Scale (YFAS-S), this study examined the prevalence of 'FA' among ED subtypes compared with healthy-eating controls (HCs) and the association between 'FA' scores, eating symptomatology and general psychopathology. A sample of 125 adult women with ED, diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 criteria, and 82 healthy-eating women participated in the study. All participants were assessed with the YFAS-S, the ED Inventory-2 and the Symptom Checklist-Revised. Results showed that the internal structure of the one-dimensional solution for the YFAS-S was very good ( α = 0.95). The YFAS-S has a good discriminative capacity to differentiate between ED and controls (specificity = 97.6% and sensitivity (Se) = 72.8%; area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.90) and a good Se to screen for specific ED subtypes. YFAS-S scores were associated with higher levels of negative affect and depression, higher general psychopathology, more severe eating pathology and greater body mass index. When comparing the prevalence of 'FA' between ED subtypes, the lowest prevalence of 'FA', measured with the YFAS-S, was for the anorexia nervosa (AN) restrictive subtype with 50%, and the highest was for the AN binge-purging subtype (85.7%), followed by bulimia nervosa (81.5%) and binge eating disorder (76.9%). In conclusion, higher YFAS-S scores are associated with bingeing ED-subtype patients and with more eating severity and psychopathology. Although the 'FA' construct is able to differentiate between ED and HC, it needs to be further explored. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soybean endosymbiont B radyrhizobium japonicum is able to scavenge the greenhouse gas N2 O through the N2 O reductase ( Nos). In previous research, N2 O emission from soybean rhizosphere was mitigated by B . japonicum Nos++ strains (mutants with increased Nos activity). Here, we report the mechanism underlying the Nos++ phenotype. Comparative analysis of Nos++ mutant genomes showed that mutation of bll4572 resulted in Nos++ phenotype. bll4572 encodes NasS, the nitrate ( NO3−)-sensor of the two-component NasST regulatory system. Transcriptional analyses of nos Z (encoding Nos) and other genes from the denitrification process in nas S and nas ST mutants showed that, in the absence of NO3−, nasS mutation induces nos Z and nap (periplasmic nitrate reductase) via nas T. NO3− addition dissociated the NasS- NasT complex in vitro, suggesting the release of the activator NasT. Disruption of nas T led to a marked decrease in nos Z and nap transcription in cells incubated in the presence of NO3−. Thus, although NasST is known to regulate the NO3−-mediated response of NO3− assimilation genes in bacteria, our results show that NasST regulates the NO3−-mediated response of nos Z and nap E genes, from the dissimilatory denitrification pathway, in B . japonicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-density graphite electrodes have been covalently modified with gold nanoparticles and used as scaffold for the oriented immobilization of Myrothecium verrucaria bilirubin oxidase. The developed nanobioelectrodes have been tested as a biocathode in a human-serum surrogate buffer that mimics physiological conditions. The nanostructured bioelectrode offered a −140 µA cm−2 current density under serum-mimic conditions at 0.2 V, and was operational during at least 6 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage conditions can affect the stability of extra virgin olive oil, with adverse results on quality. The aim of this study is to examine changes in the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of the oil resulting from prolonged storage at different temperatures and depending on the type of container. The influence on the quality of the oil was also considered, based on the analysis of quality parameters, the total phenol contents, changes in minority compounds, the variation of the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values (TEAC) and sensory features. At both room temperature (RT) and refrigerated temperature, all container types had the same surface area of exposure to light and air. All the oils stored showed losses in both qualitative properties and minor components, as well as antioxidant capacity and sensory features. This was especially true for oils stored in polyethylene terephthalate and glass, but less so for those stored in Tetra-Brik®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin, one of the most important neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, is synthesized by the amino acid, tryptophan. Given that this essential amino acid is consumed in the diet, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of orally administered L-tryptophan (125 mg/kg) on circadian variations in the levels of serotonin in brain and plasma. We used male Wistar rats of 14 ± 2 weeks of age (n = 240), maintained under conditions of a 12-hr light:dark cycle, and food and water ad libitum. Tryptophan administration was by gavage in a daily single dose at 7 p.m. for 7 days. The serotonin levels were measured by ELISA every hour at night (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.) and every 4 hr during daytime (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). The results show that in both the tryptophan-treated and untreated groups the highest values appeared during the beginning of the darkness with a peak at 9, 10 and 11 p.m. in controls, and at 9 p.m. in the tryptophan-treated group. After tryptophan administration, the levels of serotonin were significantly higher in the plasma and all the brain regions analysed than in the control group. This increase of serotonin levels was greater in the pineal gland than in other brain regions, and the least in plasma. In conclusion, oral administration of tryptophan during 7 days enhances serotonin levels over a 24-hr period, and produces an advance in the peak of serotonin in both plasma and different brain regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study based on allele frequencies of STR markers of the genetic structure of the Tepehua in relation to other neighboring Mesoamerican populations. It states that the Tepehua are settled throughout the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico and they compose a group in demographic decline. The results of this study identified a connection between the Tepehuas and Huastecos due to their previous history.

Spontaneous hair repigmentation of white or grey hair is a rare phenomenon seldom associated with scalp melanoma that has been mainly described in female patients beyond the 7th decade of life.[1] We present a case of a 56-year-old Caucasian man that attended to the dermatology department after his wife noticed a patch of dark hair on his scalp vertex that had developed over the past year. Physical examination revealed pigmented brown and black hairs grouped around the vertex area of the scalp, whilst the remaining hair was white (Fig.). Under dermoscopy, light to dark-brown ill-defined macules could be seen in the same areas with heavily pigmented hair shafts in between white hair (Fig. a) and irregular brown reticle with follicular occlusion after hair shaving (Fig. b). [Extracted from the article]

However, during the last months we have seen several cases of actinic keratosis neglecta in patients denying the use of sunscreens but using a specific toning shampoo for blonde and white hair. Furthermore, the recognition of Acid Violet in patients with actinic keratosis neglecta is important to advise the patient to remove the product properly as it may cause sensitization and development of allergic contact dermatitis. [Extracted from the article]

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently occurring skin neoplasm. These findings supported the diagnosis of a nodular basal cell carcinoma of the palm. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions We assessed the opinions of physicians caring for people with HIV (PWH) from the multicentre Spanish CoRIS cohort regarding the assessment of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).We designed an online self‐administered questionnaire comprising 27 structured questions across four domains: (i) sociodemographic and clinical data; (ii) usefulness of measuring HRQoL; (iii) information, training and resource needed; and (iv) whether and how HRQoL should be measured. Physicians completed the questionnaire between April and June 2023.Of 131 physicians surveyed [53.8% men, median age 52 years (interquartile range: 42–60)], 90.9% and 88.6% agreed that measuring HRQoL is useful for both PWH and medical decision‐making, respectively. However, 67.2% needed training on what HRQoL is and how to measure it, 79.4% required information on validated tools, and 80.9% felt that clinical guidelines are needed. Overall, 90.1% of physicians agreed that HRQoL should be measured among PWH. Most physicians (82.8%) supported using specific scales for PWH, with 74.1% recommending annual measurement, 49.1% suggesting that nurses from HIV units conduct the assessments, and 43.1% favouring personal interviews during medical visits. At the time of the survey, 55.3% of physicians did not measure HRQoL in any patients due to time or resource constraints (75.8%).Despite the recognized importance of HRQoL measurement in PWH, Spanish physicians encounter barriers such as time constraints and limited resources. Developing clear guidelines, using tailored scales, and integrating digital tools along with multidisciplinary support could enhance routine HRQoL assessments and improve patient‐centred care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of cannabinoids on ketogenesis in primary cultures of rat astrocytes were studied. ▵9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of marijuana, produced a malonyl-CoA-independent stimulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) and ketogenesis from [14C]palmitate. The THC-induced stimulation of ketogenesis was mimicked by the synthetic cannabinoid HU-210 and was prevented by pertussis toxin and the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716. Experiments performed with different cellular modulators indicated that the THC-induced stimulation of ketogenesis was independent of cyclic AMP, Ca2+, protein kinase C, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The possible involvement of ceramide in the activation of ketogenesis by cannabinoids was subsequently studied. THC produced a CB1 receptor-dependent stimulation of sphingomyelin breakdown that was concomitant to an elevation of intracellular ceramide levels. Addition of exogenous sphingomyelinase to the astrocyte culture medium led to a MAPK-independent activation of ketogenesis that was quantitatively similar and not additive to that exerted by THC. Furthermore, ceramide activated CPT-I in astrocyte mitochondria. Results thus indicate that cannabinoids stimulate ketogenesis in astrocytes by a mechanism that may rely on CB1 receptor activation, sphingomyelin hydrolysis, and ceramide-mediated activation of CPT-I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

POPULATION: Amerindian populations: Huastecos ( n=97), Otomies de la Sierra ( n=41), Otomies del Valle ( n=40), and Tepehuas ( n=13). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the genetic diversity of STR loci in Chol Indians from northeast of Chiapas, Mexico. Efforts of the researchers to obtain accurate allele frequencies data and other genetic parameters of forensic interest on the Amerindian ethnic groups from the country; Analysis of allele frequencies for STR loci in a Mexican population; Significance of the study on forensic science.