Functional regeneration of the murine neuromuscular synapse relies on long-lasting morphological adaptations.

Background: In a broad variety of species, muscle contraction is controlled at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the peripheral synapse composed of a motor nerve terminal, a muscle specialization, and non-myelinating terminal Schwann cells. While peripheral nerve damage leads to successful NMJ reinnervation in animal models, muscle fiber reinnervation in human patients is largely inefficient. Interestingly, some hallmarks of NMJ denervation and early reinnervation in murine species, such as fragmentation and poly-innervation, are also phenotypes of aged NMJs or even of unaltered conditions in other species, including humans.

Migrant and refugee populations: a public health and policy perspective on a continuing global crisis.

The 2015-2017 global migratory crisis saw unprecedented numbers of people on the move and tremendous diversity in terms of age, gender and medical requirements. This article focuses on key emerging public health issues around migrant populations and their interactions with host populations. Basic needs and rights of migrants and refugees are not always respected in regard to article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 23 of the Refugee Convention.

Genomic studies of nitrogen-fixing rhizobial strains from Phaseolus vulgaris seeds and nodules.

Background: Rhizobia are soil bacteria that establish symbiotic relationships with legumes and fix nitrogen in root nodules. We recently reported that several nitrogen-fixing rhizobial strains, belonging to Rhizobium phaseoli, R. trifolii, R.

Personal air sampling and risks of inhalation exposure during atrazine application in Honduras.

Purpose: To assess occupational inhalation exposure to the herbicide atrazine during pesticide application in a developing country.

Methods: Personal air samples were collected during atrazine application using a personal sampling pump equipped with an OSHA Versatile Sampler (OVS-2) sorbent tube. Samples were collected from 24 pesticide applicators in Honduras.

[Study of adverse events in private healthcare. Confidence project for patient safety].

Objectives: To investigate and identify priority areas and issues of patient safety and analyse which patient and health care characteristics are related to Adverse Events (AE).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study to identify AE reviewing medical records of in-patients. Information was obtained from all patients attended between 15 and 30 November 2009 in eight facilities committed to the project.

Mutational analysis of the LDL receptor and APOB genes in Mexican individuals with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia.

The goal of this project was to identify families with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH) to facilitate early detection and treatment and to provide genetic counselling as well as to approximate the mutational diversity of ADH in Mexico. Mutational analysis of the LDLR and APOB genes in 62 index cases with a clinical and/or biochemical diagnosis of ADH was performed. Twenty-five mutations (24 LDLR, 1 APOB) were identified in 38 index cases.

Widespread nevus spilus associated with torsion dystonia: a case report.

Usually speckled lentiginous nevus or nevus spilus is a small solitary lesion consisting of a light tan patch with numerous dark brown macules or papules (or both) within it. It is occasionally associated with complex birth defects such as phacomatosis pigmentovascularis, phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica, or speckled lentiginous nevus syndrome. Uncommon presentations include large segmental lesions that may or may not be systematized and can sometimes be associated with other anomalies.

Using ankle-brachial index to detect peripheral arterial disease: prevalence and associated risk factors in a random population sample.

Background And Aim: The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is being used increasingly to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PAD and associated risk factors in a Spanish random population sample of age > or =40.

Methods And Results: PAD is defined as an ABI<0.