Pharmacokinetics, efficacy prediction indexes, and residue depletion of ribavirin in Atlantic salmon's (Salmo salar) muscle after oral administration in feed

Ribavirin is an antiviral used in human medicine, but it has not been authorized for use in veterinary medicine although it is effective against infectious salmon anemia (ISA) virus, between others. In this study, we present a pharmacokinetic profile of ribavirin in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), efficacy prediction indexes, and the measure of its withdrawal time. To determine the pharmacokinetic profile, fishes were orally administered with a single ribavirin dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw, and then, plasma concentrations were measured at different times. From the time-vs.-concentration curve, Cmax = 413.57 ng/mL, Tmax  = 6.96 h, AUC = 21394.01 μg·h/mL, t1/2  = 81.61 h, and K10  = 0.0421/h were obtained. Ribavirin reached adequate concentrations during the pharmacokinetic study, with prediction indexes of Cmax /IC50  = 20.7, AUC/IC50  = 1069.7, and T>IC50  = 71 h, where IC is the inhibitory concentration 50%. For ribavirin depletion study, fishes were orally administered with a dairy dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw during 10 days. Concentrations were measured on edible tissue on different days post-treatment. A linear regression of the time vs. concentration was conducted, obtaining a withdrawal time of 1966 °C days. Results obtained reveal that the dose of 1.6 mg/kg bw orally administered is effective for ISA virus, originating a reasonable withdrawal period within the productive schedules of Atlantic salmon.

Efficacy and safety of switching to abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC) plus rilpivirine (RPV) in virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients on HAART

We analysed the efficacy and safety of switching from a regimen based on nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) or integrase inhibitors (INI) to ABC/3TC + RPV in virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients. This multicentre, retrospective study comprised asymptomatic HIV-infected patients who switched from 2 NRTI + NNRTI or 2 NRTI + INI to ABC/3TC + RPV between February 2013 and December 2013; all had undetectable HIV viral load prior to switching. Efficacy and safety, and changes in lipids and cardiovascular risk (CVR) were analysed at 48 weeks. Of 85 patients (74.1 % men, mean age 49.5 years), 83 (97.6 %) switched from a regimen based on NNRTI (EFV 74, RPV 5, ETV 2, NVP 2), and 45 (53 %) switched from TDF/FTC to ABC/3TC. The main reasons for switching were toxicity (58.8 %) and convenience (29.4 %). At 48 weeks, 78 (91.8 %) patients continued taking the same regimen; efficacy was 88 % by intention to treat, and 96 % by per protocol. Two patients were lost to follow-up and five ceased the new regimen (4 due to adverse effects and 1 virologic failure). Mean CD4 cell counts increased (744 vs. 885 cells/μL; p = 0.0001), and there were mean decreases in fasting total cholesterol (-15.9 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) and LDL-cholesterol (-11.0 mg/dL; p < 0.004), with no changes in HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, and CVR. ABC/3TC + RPV is effective and safe in virologically-suppressed patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Forty-eight weeks after switching the lipid profile improved with decreases in total and LDL cholesterol.

Evidence for dose-additive effects of a type II pyrethroid mixture. In vitro assessment

Despite the widespread use of pyrethroid insecticides that led to common exposure in the population, few studies have been conducted to quantitatively assess dose-additive effects of pyrethroids using a funcional measure involved in the common toxic mode of action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potency and efficacy of 6 Type II pyretroids (α-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, λ-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, cyphenothrin and esfenvalerate) to evoke induction of both nitric oxide and lipid peroxides levels measured as malondialdehyde in three in vitro models (SH-SY5Y, HepG2 and Caco-2 human cells) as well as to test the hypothesis of dose additivity for mixtures of these same 6 pyrethroids. Concentration-responses for 6 pyrethroids were determined as well as the response to mixtures of all 6 pyrethroids. Additivity was tested assuming a dose-additive model. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line was the most sensitive in vitro model. The rank order of potency for cell SH-SY5Y viability MTT assay was deltamethrin>cyphenothrin>λ-cyhalothrin>cyfluthrin>esfenvalerate>α-cypermethrin. When 6 pyrethroids were present in the mixture at an equitoxic mixing ratio, the action on nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) production was consistent with a dose-additive model. The results of the present study are consistent with previous reports of additivity of pyrethroids in vivo e in vitro.

Computational model of collagen turnover in carotid arteries during hypertension

It is well known that biological tissues adapt their properties because of different mechanical and chemical stimuli. The goal of this work is to study the collagen turnover in the arterial tissue of hypertensive patients through a coupled computational mechano-chemical model. Although it has been widely studied experimentally, computational models dealing with the mechano-chemical approach are not. The present approach can be extended easily to study other aspects of bone remodeling or collagen degradation in heart diseases. The model can be divided into three different stages. First, we study the smooth muscle cell synthesis of different biological substances due to over-stretching during hypertension. Next, we study the mass-transport of these substances along the arterial wall. The last step is to compute the turnover of collagen based on the amount of these substances in the arterial wall which interact with each other to modify the turnover rate of collagen. We simulate this process in a finite element model of a real human carotid artery. The final results show the well-known stiffening of the arterial wall due to the increase in the collagen content.

Chlamydia trachomatis genovars causing urogenital infections in Santiago, Chile

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common sexually transmitted infection in Chile, but little is known about the genovar distribution in genital infections. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the distribution of C. trachomatis genovars in such cases.

METHODS

A total of 522 urogenital specimens, 403 from women and 119 from men, were analyzed for C. trachomatis by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting of the ompA gene. Positive specimens were genotyped by DNA sequencing of the amplicons.

RESULTS

Sixty-two (11.9%) specimens were positive. Of these, 43 (69.4%) were collected from men and 19 (30.6%) from women (p < 0.0001). Eight genovars were identified in men and seven in women. Genovar E was the most common in both men and women, followed by genovar Da in men, and F in women. Together these three genovars accounted for 84% of infections. Genovar D was the third most common genovar (n = 4). Genovar G was detected in two samples, and sequences of genovars Ba, H, and Ja were each found in single samples. One sample (1.6%) contained mixed sequences. No association was found between gender and specific genovars. Fifty-six (92%) sequences were identical to those reported for the respective reference genovars and the other two have been described in several regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings add to the results of most studies, which indicate that genovars E, F, and D/Da are the most frequent. No association was found between gender and specific genovars. Despite the heterogeneous population of genovars, most ompA sequences were conserved.

[Rupture of a superior mesenteric artery aneurysm in pediatric age: case report and literature review]

INTRODUCTION

Splanchnic artery aneurysms are rare in children. High mortality from rupture justifies its treatment, with various therapeutic options among which stand out surgery and recently, endovascular treatment.

CASE REPORT

A 11 year old girl presented with abdominal pain and sudden drop in hematocrit. The urgent abdominal CT angiography showed a saccular aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) at 4 cm from the ostium with dissection and active bleeding. A selective angiography was performed which confirmed the dissection. A self-expanding stent was placed in the main trunk of the SMA and a transcatheter coil and onyx embolization of the aneurysm was performed. The control angiogram showed no evidence of residual perfusion of the false lumen and demonstrated proper vascularization of the distal jejunum-ileal branches. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and dipyridamole was begun. After 24 months of follow-up the patient is asymptomatic.

COMMENTS

Endovascular treatment of a SMA aneurysm is effective in the pediatric patient, even in emergency situations.

Relationship between severity of adult community-acquired pneumonia and impairment of the antioxidant defense system

Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance has been reported in some infectious diseases, including community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim was to assess the antioxidant status in adults with CAP and its relationship with clinical severity at admission. Fifty-nine patients with CAP were enrolled and categorized at admission by the FINE score, from July 2010 to October 2012. In the same period 61 controls were enrolled. Plasma samples were obtained at admission for determination of the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation (8-isoprostane). Erythrocyte reduced (GSH)/oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activity were assessed. Antioxidant status in adults with CAP represented by FRAP and the GSH/GSSG ratio were 16.8% (p=0.03) and 39.7% (p=0.04) lower than control values, respectively. In addition, FRAP values showed a positive correlation with GSH/GSSG ratio (r=0.852; p<0.02; n=59). The CAP group showed greater lipid peroxidation in both plasma and erythrocytes. The FINE score correlated negatively with FRAP (r= -0.718; p<0.05; n=59) and positively with MDA and F2 isoprostane levels (r=0.673; p<0.05; n=59; r=0.892; p<0.01; n=59, respectively). Antioxidant status alterations correlated with clinical severity. The FRAP assay and lipid peroxidation biomarkers may provide a useful parameter for estimating the severity and the clinical outcome of patients with CAP.

Autoantibodies against TIF-1-γ and CADM-140 in Spanish patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM): clinical significance and diagnostic utility

BACKGROUND

Patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) appear to be at risk for developing cancer and interstitial lung diseases, but population data to confirm this hypothesis are limited. Moreover, CADM presents cutaneous and histological findings that may overlap with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between myositis-specific autoantibodies, myositis-associated autoantibodies and CADM in Spanish patients. In addition, to study the usefulness of these autoantibodies in the differential diagnosis between CADM and SCLE.

METHODS

Serum samples were tested for myositis-specific autoantibodies and myositis-associated autoantibodies through immunoprecipitation and other standardized methods.

RESULTS

Anti-CADM-p140 and anti-p155 antibodies were the only myositis-specific autoantibodies found and were associated with interstitial lung diseases and cancer respectively. No myositis-associated autoantibodies were found in CADM. Moreover, clinical subsets and proportions seemed to differ from Asian cohorts, where anti-CADM-p140 is considered a CADM hallmark antibody and a risk factor for the development of interstitial lung disease. Interestingly, anti-SSA was highly associated with SCLE, whereas no myositis-specific autoantibodies were found in this entity.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Association between CADM and myositis-specific autoantibodies and differences between CADM and SCLE were tested on a relatively small cohort of patients.

CONCLUSION

There is an association between cancer-associated myositis and interstitial lung diseases and their hallmark autoantibodies in our cohort. In addition, the combined determination of myositis-specific autoantibodies and SSA autoantibodies may help to accurately discriminate SCLE from CADM.

Ancillary personnel in Spanish and Latin-American hospitals faced with living related kidney donation

INTRODUCTION

Ancillary hospital personnel represent an important body of opinion because as they work in a hospital their opinion has more credibility for the general public as a result of their activity in hospitals. However, in most cases they do not have any health care training which means that their attitude could be based on a lack of knowledge or unfounded fears.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation (LKD) among ancillary personnel in Spanish and Latin-American hospitals and to analyze the variables that might influence such attitude.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

from «International Collaborative Donor Project» a random sample was taken among ancillary personnel in Spain, Mexico and Cuba hospitals. Attitude towards LKD was evaluated using a validated, anonymously filled and self-administered survey.

RESULTS

951 professionals were surveyed (Spain: 277, Mexico: 632, Cuba: 42). 89% (n=850) are in favor of related kidney donation, lowering to 31% (n=289) in non-related donation. Of the rest, 8% (n=78) are not in favor and the 3% (n=23) are unsure. By country, Cubans (98%) and Mexicans (91%) are more in favour than Spanish (84%) (P=.001). The following variables are related to favourable attitude towards LKD: female sex (P=.017), university degree (P=.010), work in health services (P=.035), labour stability (P=.016), personal experience in donation and transplantation (P=.001), positive attitude toward cadaveric donation (P<.001), belief that he or she might need a transplant in the future (P<.001), positive attitude towards living liver donation (P<.001), a willingness to receive a donated living liver if needed (P<.001), having discussed the subject of organ donation and transplantation within the family (P<.001), partner's positive attitude towards the subject (P<.001), participation in voluntary type pro-social activities (P=.002) and not being concerned about possible mutilation after donation (P<.001) CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward living related kidney donation is favourable among ancillary personnel in Spanish and Latin-Americans hospitals. Because living donation is a better source of organs than cadaveric ones, this favourable predisposition can be used as promoting agent of living donation in order to develop it in Spanish-speaking countries.

Xylazine intoxication in humans and its importance as an emerging adulterant in abused drugs: A comprehensive review of the literature

Xylazine is not a controlled substance; it is marketed as a veterinary drug and used as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant. In humans, it could cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and even death. There have been publications of 43 cases of xylazine intoxication in humans, in which 21 (49%) were non-fatal scenarios and 22 (51%) resulted in fatalities. Most of the non-fatal cases required medical intervention. Over recent years xylazine has emerged as an adulterant in recreational drugs, such as heroin or speedball (a cocaine and heroin mixture). From the 43 reported cases, 17 (40%) were associated with the use of xylazine as an adulterant of drugs of abuse. Its chronic use is reported to be associated with physical deterioration and skin ulceration. Literature shows some similar pharmacologic effects between xylazine and heroin in humans. These similar pharmacologic effects may create synergistic toxic effects in humans. Therefore, fatalities among drug users may increase due to the use of xylazine as an adulterant. Xylazine alone has proven harmful to humans and even more when it is combined with drugs of abuse. A comprehensive review of the literature of non-fatal and fatal xylazine intoxication cases including those in which the substance was used as adulterant is presented, in order to increase the awareness in the forensic community, law enforcement, and public health agencies.

A structural approach including the behavior of collagen cross-links to model patient-specific human carotid arteries

In this work the mechanical response of the carotid arterial wall is studied. Some limitations of previous models of the arterial wall are overcomed and variability of the fitting problem is reduced. We review some experimental data from the literature and provide a constitutive model to characterize such data. A strain energy function is introduced including the behavior of cross-links between the main collagen fibers. With this function we are able to fit experimental data including information about the microstructure that previous models were not able to do. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model a patient-specific carotid artery geometry is reconstructed and simulated in a finite element framework, providing a microstructural description of the arterial wall. Our results qualitatively and quantitatively describe the experimental findings given in the literature fitting macroscopic mechanical tests and improving the features of previously developed models.

Two amplicon sequencing strategies revealed different facets of the prokaryotic community associated with the anaerobic treatment of vinasses from ethanol distilleries

The prokaryotic consortium from a pilot-scale UASB reactor fed with vinasses from ethanol distilleries was evaluated by means of amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Two different sets of primers targeted to overlapping regions of the V4-16S region were used to gain a broad picture of such community and to perform a comparative analysis. From the two datasets obtained, prevalent phyla were Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia and Thermotogae. Interestingly, one set of primers captured variability in both the bacterial and archaeal portions of the community, whilst the other one revealed a more diverse community structure, but only in the Bacteria domain. Although a certain level of agreement between the two strategies was observed, sharp differences indicate that different facets of the community were disclosed by each approach.

High accumulation of PCDD, PCDF, and PCB congeners in marine mammals from Brazil: a serious PCB problem

Blubber samples from three delphinid species (false killer whale, Guiana and rough-toothed dolphin), as well as liver samples from franciscana dolphins were analyzed for dioxins and related compounds (DRCs). Samples were collected from 35 cetaceans stranded or incidentally captured in a highly industrialized and urbanized area (Southeast and Southern Brazilian regions). Dioxin-like PCBs accounted for over 83% of the total TEQ for all cetaceans. Non-ortho coplanar PCBs, for franciscanas (82%), and mono-ortho PCBs (up to 80%), for delphinids, constituted the groups of highest contribution to total TEQ. Regarding franciscana dolphins, significant negative correlations were found between total length (TL) and three variables, ΣTEQ-DRCs, ΣTEQ-PCDF and ΣTEQ non-ortho PCB. An increasing efficiency of the detoxifying activity with the growth of the animal may be a plausible explanation for these findings. This hypothesis is reinforced by the significant negative correlation found between TL and PCB126/PCB169 concentration ratio. DRC concentrations (ng/g lipids) varied from 36 to 3006, for franciscana dolphins, as well as from 356 to 30,776, for delphinids. The sum of dioxin-like and indicator PCBs varied from 34,662 to 279,407 ng/g lipids, for Guiana dolphins from Rio de Janeiro state, which are among the highest PCB concentrations ever reported for cetaceans. The high concentrations found in our study raise concern not only on the conservation of Brazilian coastal cetaceans, but also on the possibility of human health problem due to consumption of fish from Brazilian estuaries.

Acute and repeated dose (28 days) oral safety studies of ALIBIRD in rats

ALIBIRD, a test substance composed of oligosaccharides derived from lactulose, a hydrolysate of a whey protein concentrate, and a supercritical extract of rosemary (1:0.5:0.05), was prepared in the laboratory and evaluated for its safety as a multifunctional food additive. In oral toxicity studies (acute and 28 days repeated dose) using Wistar rats, ALIBIRD was administered in a single oral gavage dose of 2,000 mg/kg of body weight and resulted in no adverse events or mortality; a daily dose of 2,000 mg/kg of body weight for 28 days by gavage also resulted in no adverse effects or mortality. No abnormal clinical signs, behavioral changes, body weight changes, or changes in food and water consumption occurred in either study. There were no changes in hematological and serum chemistry values, organ weights, or gross or histological characteristics. Based on test results, it is concluded that ALIBIRD is well tolerated in rats at an acute and subchronic (28 days) dose of 2,000 mg/kg of body weight.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their methoxylated and hydroxylated analogs in Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) plasma from Lake Ontario

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) and hydroxylated PBDEs (OH-PBDEs) were detected and quantified in Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) from Lake Ontario. Samples were collected in 2006 from three different locations near the city of Toronto: Frenchman's Bay, Toronto Island, and Tommy Thompson Park. A total of 117 plasma samples were pooled into 19 samples, separating males and females by site of capture. Pooled samples were analyzed for 36 PBDEs, 20 MeO-PBDEs and 20 OH-PBDEs, but only six PBDEs, five MeO- and eight OH-compounds were confirmed against standards currently available. These peaks were quantified as "identified" peaks, while peaks matching ion ratios but not matching the retention time of the available standards were quantified as "unidentified" peaks. Both "identified" and "unidentified" concentrations were combined to obtain a total concentration. No significant variations were obtained for total PBDE concentrations, ranging from 3.33 to 9.02 ng g(-1)wet weight. However, OH- and MeO-PBDE totals ranged over 1 order of magnitude among the samples (not detected - 3.57 ng g(-1)wet weight for OH-PBDEs and not detected -0.10 ng/g wet weight for MeO-PBDE). The results of this study suggested that these compounds are ubiquitous in biota. Source estimation of MeO- and OH-PBDEs in freshwater fish were discussed. Considering that up to date no freshwater sources for MeO- or OH-PBDEs have been reported, concentrations found should be mainly related to bioaccumulation from anthropogenic sources, although other sources could not be dismissed.

Dechlorane-related compounds in franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) from southeastern and southern coast of Brazil

Concentrations of Dechlorane (Dec) 603 (0.75 ng/g lipid weight (lw); mean) and Dec 602 (0.38 ng/g lw; mean) were quantified in more than 95% of the franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei) dolphin samples, whereas the frequency of detection decreased to 75% for Dechlorane Plus (DP) (1.53 ng/g lw, mean). The presence of Chlordene Plus (CP) was also observed (0.13 ng/g lw, mean) in half of the samples. On the contrary, Dec 604, decachloropentacyclooctadecadiene (aCl(10)DP), and undecachloropentacyclooctadecadiene (aCl(11)DP) concentrations were below the limit of quantifications in all cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article reporting the presence of Dec 603, Dec 602, and CP in mammals. For comparative purposes, levels of Mirex, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) are also reported. Considering geographic distribution evaluation together with the strong positive correlations found between DP and PBDEs (r(s) = 0.63; p < 0.01), highly anthropogenic areas were identified as potential sources of these chemicals in this dolphin species. However, local sources for Dec 602, 603, Mirex, CP, and DBDPE were not found indicating that in this case historical use and/or atmospheric transport and deposition may play an important role in their fate.

[Description of the first three notified outbreaks of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in Spanish prisons]

AIM

This study describes three reported outbreaks of influenza H1N1 2009 in Spanish prisons between july and september 2009.

METHODS

An outbreak was defined as the appearance of three or more cases with influenza symptoms and with an epidemiological link in the same module of a prison. The outbreaks were reported using a specific questionnaire. The analysis, which used variables of gender, age, date of notification, duration of outbreak, risk factors and clinical features are presented as absolute numbers, percentages and attack rates, while study of the diffusion of the illness is expressed as epidemic curves.

RESULTS

Three outbreaks were reported at the prisons of Alcala-Meco (85 affected males), Pamplona (18 affected males) and Jaen (12 affected females) with an overall attack rate that ranged from 7.1% to 17.9%. Duration of the outbreaks was between 8 and 35 days, and the average duration of the illness itself was 3 days. Only 4 inmates were admitted who were later given discharges for recovery. The men were younger (p<0.001). The epidemiological curves of the outbreaks did not show any clear propagation patterns.

DISCUSSION

The attack rates are highly variable although they are lower than other community outbreaks. Symptoms were slight and lethality was zero. The women's age was significantly greater that that of the men, although it is practically the same amongst the prison population. Low morbidity was very probably the cause of the reduction in consultations of the persons affected and the consequent underestimation of the rates.

Viscoelastic properties of the passive mechanical behavior of the porcine carotid artery: influence of proximal and distal positions

The viscoelastic properties of porcine carotid tissue are investigated in this work. Experimental uniaxial stress relaxation tests along the longitudinal and circumferential directions of the vessel were performed for carotid strips extracted from 10 vessels. Directional and local differences--distal versus proximal position--in the tissue behavior were investigated. The experimental tests reveal a highly anisotropic, non-linear viscoelastic response and local dependence of the samples. The carotid artery shows anisotropic relaxation behavior for both proximal and distal samples. The highest stress relaxation was found in the circumferential tensile test for the highest applied strain at the distal position. For the circumferential direction, the relaxation stress was higher than in the longitudinal being at its highest in the distal position. These facts show that the stress relaxation is higher in the distal than in the proximal position. However, there are no differences between both positions in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a constitutive law that takes into account the fundamental features, including non-linear viscoelasticity, of the arterial tissue is proposed. The present results are correlated with the purely elastic response and the microstructural analysis of the tissue by means of histological quantification presented in a previous study.

Multivariate analysis to determine the factors affecting the attitudes toward organ donation of healthcare assistants in Spanish and Mexican healthcare centers

BACKGROUND

Healthcare assistants are an important group of workers who can influence public opinion. Their attitudes toward organ donation may influence public awareness of healthcare matters; negative attitudes toward donation and transplantation could have a negative impact on public attitudes. Our objective was analyze the attitudes of healthcare assistants, in Spanish and Mexican healthcare centers toward organ donation and determine factors affecting them using a multivariate analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

As part of the "International Collaborative Donor Project," 32 primary care centers and 4 hospitals were selected in Spain and 5 hospitals in Mexico. A randomized sample of healthcare assistants was stratified according to healthcare services. Attitudes were evaluated using a validated questionnaire of the psychosocial aspects of donation, which was self-completed anonymously by the respondent. Statistical analysis used the chi-square test, Student t test, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 532 respondents, 66% in favored donation and 34% were against it or undecided. Upon multivariate analysis, the following variables had the most weight: 1) country of origin (Mexicans were more in favor than Spanish; odds ratio [OR]) = 1.964; P = .014); 2) a partner with a favorable attitude (OR = 2.597; P = .013); 3) not being concerned about possible bodily mutilation after donation (OR = 2.631; P = .006); 4) preference for options apart from burial for handling the body after death (OR = 4.694; P < .001) and 5) accepting an autopsy if one was needed (OR = 3.584; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The attitudes of healthcare assistants toward organ donation varied considerably according to the respondent's country of origin. The psycho-social profile of a person with a positive attitude to donation was similar to that described within the general public.

MicroRNA signatures in B-cell lymphomas

Accurate lymphoma diagnosis, prognosis and therapy still require additional markers. We explore the potential relevance of microRNA (miRNA) expression in a large series that included all major B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) types. The data generated were also used to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) samples. A series of 147 NHL samples and 15 controls were hybridized on a human miRNA one-color platform containing probes for 470 human miRNAs. Each lymphoma type was compared against the entire set of NHLs. BL was also directly compared with DLBCL, and 43 preselected miRNAs were analyzed in a new series of routinely processed samples of 28 BLs and 43 DLBCLs using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A signature of 128 miRNAs enabled the characterization of lymphoma neoplasms, reflecting the lymphoma type, cell of origin and/or discrete oncogene alterations. Comparative analysis of BL and DLBCL yielded 19 differentially expressed miRNAs, which were confirmed in a second confirmation series of 71 paraffin-embedded samples. The set of differentially expressed miRNAs found here expands the range of potential diagnostic markers for lymphoma diagnosis, especially when differential diagnosis of BL and DLBCL is required.