Heterogeneity in the plasma levels of two acute-phase proteins in mice from inbred strains infected withTrypanosoma cruzi

We analyzed the variations observed in the plasma levels of both alpha-macroglobulins (AM) and serum amyloid P (SAP) in mice from three different inbred strains (C3H, Balb/C and C57black/6) acutely infected withTrypanosoma cruzi. SAP levels increased in C57black/6 and Balb/C mice but not C3H mice. AM levels increased in all C3H mice but not in C57black/6 mice and rose slightly in only 43% of the Balb/C mice. AM and SAP levels are differently modulated in patterns that may be strain-determined.     

Hyaluronan-related limited concentration by the immature kidney

The limited renal concentration performance by the immature kidney traditionally is thought to be attributed to blunted renal response to arginine vasopressin (AVP) and medullary hypotonicity. The diminished AVP-dependent osmotic water permeability of the collecting duct is the result of decreased AVP binding and adenylate cyclase activation, and low expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) mRNA and low levels of AQP2 protein. Moreover, the immature kidney fails to establish deep cortico-papillary osmotic gradient because of structural immaturity, limited solute transport and increased medullary blood flow. Based on indirect clinical and experimental evidences this article puts forward a hypothesis that during perinatal period the abundant hyaluronan (HA) content in the renomedullary interstitium has a primary role in antagonizing water reabsorption and limiting concentration performance. Hydration-related alterations in renal HA appears to be mediated by antidiuretic hormone.The concept of HA-mediated renal water transport may imply that interfering selectively with renal HA metabolism may provide a new therapeutic approach to promote diuresis or antidiuresis, respectively, according to the elevation or reduction in renomedullary HA.     

CD4 and CD8 act as co-receptors during thymic selection of the T cell repertoire

The selection of T cell receptor specificities must logically not only involve the alpha beta-TCR but, also the CD4 and CD8 molecules, as antigen recognition by the alpha beta-TCR on mature T cells is facilitated by the CD4 and CD8 co-receptors. In this review, the studies that provided key advances in our understanding of the possible role of CD4 and CD8 in T cell development will be discussed.     

Computed tomographic scans in ECT-patients

Although the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is acknowledged by most, concern has repeatedly been expressed that the treatment may have some lasting effects on the brain. To study potential morphological changes, 22 patients with a history of ECT were submitted to a detailed clinical evaluation and a brain CT scan examination. Age- and sex-matched control subjects comprised a group of comparable patients, none of whom had received ECT, and a second control group of healthy volunteers. Patients had larger ventricle/brain ratios and cortical "atrophy" scores than normal controls, but no association was found between these radiological measures and a previous history of ECT. Hence, the present data are consistent with recent reports that affective disorders may be associated with enlarged brain ventricles, although the clinical significance of such findings remains unclear. In line with previous investigations age correlated significantly with cortical "atrophy" scores and ventricle/brain ratios for all subjects. Statistical tests of correlations between duration of illness, previous psychotropic drug exposure and CT scan appearances were mainly inconclusive.     

Catastrophic household expenditure associated with out-of-pocket payments for dental healthcare in Spain

The European Journal of Health Economics - To estimate the prevalence of catastrophic health expenditure due to dental healthcare (CHED) in Spain, quantify its intensity and examine the related...     

Gel tópico de amitriptilina al 2% y ketamina al 0,5% para el tratamiento de la eritromelalgia: reporte de un caso con respuesta positiva al dolor

Erythromelalgia (EM) is a rare autosomal dominant neuropathy characterized by the combination of severe burning pain and erythematous warm extremities. Chronic pain control is most often unsuccessful and a completely effective therapy is yet to be identified. Recent studies have reported significant improvements in pain management using a combination of amitriptyline and ketamine in a topical formulation. We describe a 1-year follow-up pain control success case of a male patient with EM, proposed for topical use of a 2% Amitriptyline and 0.5% Ketamine gel.     

Pheromones and Same-Sex Sexual Behavior

Archives of Sexual Behavior -     

Involvement in self-care and psychological well-being of Spanish family caregivers of relatives with dementia

The provision of continuous care to a dependent person can lead to a lack of self-care by the caregiver themselves with corresponding low levels of well-being. This well-being has been analysed mostly from within the perspective of the hedonic tradition, with the development of personal growth often being overlooked. This study aims to increase the understanding of the connection between this type of psychological well-being and involvement in self-care activities, and to be a starting point for the determination of categories that may serve in the screening of potential participants in social-health interventions where it is being promoted. Taking the hypothesis of a probable positive connection between psychological well-being and involvement in self-care, an observational study was carried out on 45 caregivers of relatives with dementia. In those caregivers showing greater dedication to self-care, a higher score was obtained on the well-being scales connected to personal significance and positive emotions and experiences. These findings were further reinforced by the identification of other positive connections, the involvement in self-care and the six dimensions of wellness contemplated by Ryff. It is possible to envisage the existence of a virtuous circle in respect of the caregiver, whereby a greater involvement in self-care is related to a higher psychological well-being, which in turn is related to greater self-care, and so on.