Uso y abuso de agentes anabolizantes en la actualidad

Common abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is no longer confined to high performance athletes, as it has spread among the general population. Epidemiological data about the abuse of these substances show that it is a common practice in young populations. Its use is based on the desire to increase muscle mass and strength, as well as improving physical performance. The ease of acquisition of this type of substances has developed a “sophisticated” knowledge of steroid pharmacology based on subjective and anecdotal analysis with no adverse event information, which translates into a public health crisis. Unfortunately, athletes seem to be more influenced by these experiences than by their physician's advice.The abuse of AAS by the athlete and non-athlete population and its adverse events ought to be evaluated in order to improve routine clinical practice on this regard.     

How to tackle complications in radial procedures: Tip and tricks

Transradial interventions (TRI) are becoming increasingly popular because of accumulating recent evidence suggesting improved survival and reduced morbidity. Complications, though rare, do occur, especially for operators on their learning curve. The complications are best prevented by utilization of proper technique. Forearm hematoma are preventable and easy to treat, but a delay in detecting and managing them can lead to disastrous consequences compartment syndrome being the most dreaded one. This review deals with tips and tricks to prevent as also treat the common and rare complications.     

Muscle and bone,two interconnected tissues

As bones are levers for skeletal muscle to exert forces, both are complementary and essential for locomotion and individual autonomy. In the past decades, the idea of a bone–muscle unit has emerged. Numerous studies have confirmed this hypothesis from in utero to aging works. Space flight, bed rest as well as osteoporosis and sarcopenia experimentations have allowed to accumulate considerable evidence. Mechanical loading is a key mechanism linking both tissues with a central promoting role of physical activity. Moreover, the skeletal muscle secretome accounts various molecules that affect bone including insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-15, myostatin, osteoglycin (OGN), FAM5C, Tmem119 and osteoactivin. Even though studies on the potential effects of bone on muscle metabolism are sparse, few osteokines have been identified. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and Wnt3a, which are secreted by osteocytes, osteocalcin (OCN) and IGF-1, which are produced by osteoblasts and sclerostin which is secreted by both cell types, might impact skeletal muscle cells. Cartilage and adipose tissue are also likely to participate to this control loop and should not be set aside. Indeed, chondrocytes are known to secrete Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and adipocytes produce leptin, adiponectin and IL-6, which potentially modulate bone and muscle metabolisms. The understanding of this system will enable to define new levers to prevent/treat sarcopenia and osteoporosis at the same time. These strategies might include nutritional interventions and physical exercise.     

CHD2基因突变相关癫痫临床表型谱研究（附18例报告）

目的　研究CHD2基因突变相关癫痫的临床表型特点。方法　收集2014年1月至2019年3月在北京大学第一医院就诊的18例CHD2基因突变癫痫患儿，总结其临床表型特点。结果　18例患儿癫痫发作中位起病年龄为26.5月龄。病程中出现的发作类型包括全面强直阵挛发作11例，肌阵挛发作7例，局灶性发作5例，失张力发作4例，不典型失神4例，肌阵挛-失张力发作3例，痉挛发作2例。16例患儿发作间期脑电图监测到异常放电，8例监测到临床发作，2例脑电图正常。15例患儿有不同程度的运动、智力发育落后，7例有孤独症样表现。癫痫综合征诊断符合癫痫伴肌阵挛-失张力发作2例，Lennox-Gastaut综合征2例，热性惊厥附加症2例，婴儿痉挛症1例。末次随访年龄为3岁5月龄至18岁，其中10例发作控制半年以上，丙戊酸和左乙拉西坦是治疗CHD2基因突变相关癫痫的有效药物。结论　CHD2基因突变相关癫痫发作类型多样，GTCS和肌阵挛发作常见；多数患儿存在发育落后；半数以上患儿癫痫发作可控制。     

Age-Related Ultrasound Changes in Muscle Quantity and Quality in Women

This study investigated the age-related changes in muscle quantity and quality in the trunk and limbs of women. A total of 128 females were divided into four age groups: young, middle-aged, young-old and old-old. Muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) of the biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis were measured using B-mode ultrasonography. The EIs of the biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris and transversus abdominis were significantly higher in the middle-aged group than in the young group; however, there were no significant differences in MT. Compared with the young group, all other groups had significant changes in both MT and EI of the rectus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique muscles. Thus, qualitative changes in muscle may occur earlier than quantitative changes, and loss of muscle mass may occur earlier in the superficial abdominal muscles than in the other muscles.     

Electrical impedance myography: A critical review and outlook

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) technology is finding application in neuromuscular disease research as a tool to assess muscle health. Correlations between EIM outcomes, functional, imaging and histological data have been established in a variety of neuromuscular disorders; however, an analytical discussion of EIM is lacking. This review presents an explanation for clinicians and others who are applying EIM and interpreting impedance outcomes. The background of EIM is presented, including the relation between EIM, volume conduction properties, tissue structure, electrode configuration and conductor volume. Also discussed are technical considerations to guide the reader to critically evaluate EIM and understand its limitations and strengths.