Calcitriol Treatment Decreases Cell Migration, Viability and ß-Catenin Signaling in Oral Dysplasia.

Nearly 90% of oral cancers are characterized as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), representing the sixth most common type of cancer. OSCC usually evolves from oral potentially malignant disorders that, in some cases, are histologically consistent with a oral dysplasia. The levels of 1α,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3; calcitriol), the active form of vitamin D3, have been shown to be decreased in patients with oral dysplasia and OSCC. Moreover, treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 has been proven beneficial in OSCC by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, a signaling route that promotes cell migration, proliferation, and viability. However, whether this inhibition mechanism occurs in oral dysplasia is unknown. To approach this question, we used dysplastic oral keratinocyte cultures and oral explants (ex vivo model of oral dysplasia) treated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 48 h. Following treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3, both in vitro and ex vivo models of oral dysplasia showed decreased levels of nuclear ß-catenin by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Consistently, reduced protein and mRNA levels of the Wnt/ß-catenin target gene survivin were observed after treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3. Moreover, 1,25-(OH)2D3 promoted membranous localization of E-cadherin and nuclear localization of vitamin D receptor (VDR). Functionally, DOK cells treated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 displayed diminished cell migration and viability in vitro.

A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program and Follow-up Assessment for Acute Intermittent Porphyria.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an infrequent metabolic disease that can cause severe disability or death without timely treatment. A porphyric attack occurs when genetic factors combine with trigger factors, and diagnosis may be delayed owing to nonspecific symptoms. Recovery from AIP can be nearly or fully complete with proper treatment, which includes intravenous hematin administration, the control of trigger factors, and a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The aim of this case report was to describe the clinical evolution of a 43-year-old woman with AIP and a polyneuropathy. The patient was treated through a comprehensive rehabilitation program, with outcomes evaluated by the Functional Independence Measure and the Berg scales during rehabilitation and postdischarge follow-up. After completing the comprehensive rehabilitation program, the patient achieved a satisfactory level of functional independence, allowing for social and work reintegration. We conclude that an early and multidisciplinary approach is essential for regaining optimal functionality after AIP.

[Prevalence and characterisation of the newborn suffering craniofacial anomalies at the Instituto Materno Infantil in Bogotá]. / Prevalencia y Caracterización de los Recién Nacidos con Anomalías Craneofaciales en el Instituto Materno Infantil de Bogotá

OBJECTIVES: Determining the frequency and characteristics of newborn suffering craniofacial abnormalities who were attending the Instituto Materno Infantil (IMI) in Bogotá. METHODS: Data was gathered regarding the newborn suffering such alterations who attended IMI from March 1st 2000 to August 15th 2001. The variables analysed were: being born in or having been remitted to the IMI, social strata, origin, general and specific risk factors, gender, correlation between weight and gestational age, clinical and aetiological diagnosis of the anomaly, karyotype and condition on leaving IMI. RESULTS: There was 2.7% prevalence for congenital defects and 0.6% for craniofacial abnormalities. 69% of the 52 patients had specific risk factors, 38% had been preterm, 33% had suffered retarded intra-uterine growth, 65% had cleft palates, 55.8% multiple abnormalities and 46% syndromes. Aetiological diagnosis was established in 38%; 12% had chromosomopathy. Eighteen children (35%) died, death being attributed to their defect in 13 of them, six by chromosomopathy. This study revealed the use of karyotype in making an aetiological diagnosis and determining prognosis. Mortality for the group suffering craniofacial abnormalities was threefold that of other hospitalised neonatal patients. Significant statistical association was shown between mortality and preterm condition, retarded growth, chromosomopathy and a diagnosis of multiple defects and/or syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity, retarded growth, multiple defects, syndrome diagnosis and chromosomopathy revealed a mortality risk profile.

Prevalencia y caracterización de los recién nacidos con anomalías craneofaciales en el Instituto Materno Infantil de Bogotá / Prevalence and characterisation of the newborn suffering craniofacial anomalies at the Instituto Materno Infantil in Bogotá

Objetivos Determinar la frecuencia y caracterizar los neonatos nacidos con anomalías craneofaciales atendidos en el Instituto Materno Infantil (IMI). Métodos Se recolectaron los datos de nacidos o remitidos al IMI, estrato, procedencia, factores de riesgo general y específico, género, edad gestacional, correlación peso y edad gestacional, diagnóstico de la anomalía, cariotipo y condición al egreso de los neonatos con anomalías craneofaciales atendidos entre 1 de Marzo de 2000 y 15 de Agosto de 2001. Resultados La prevalencia de anomalía congénita fue 2,7 por ciento y de anomalía craneofacial 0,6 por ciento. De 52 pacientes, 69 por ciento tenía factores de riesgo específico, 38 por ciento era prematuro y 33 por ciento tenía retardo del crecimiento intrauterino; 65 por ciento correspondió a hendiduras, 55,8 por ciento a anomalía múltiple y 46 por ciento a síndromes. Se estableció diagnóstico etiológico en 38 por ciento de los casos; 12 por ciento tenía cromosomopatía. Fallecieron 18 niños (35 por ciento) y en 13 la muerte se atribuyó a la anomalía, 6 de éstos tenían cromosomopatía. Se evidenció la utilidad del cariotipo para hacer diagnóstico etiológico y establecer pronóstico. Los neonatos con anomalías craneofaciales tuvieron 3 veces más riesgo de morir que el resto de neonatos hospitalizados. Se demostró asociación estadísticamente significativa de la mortalidad con prematurez, retardo de crecimiento, cromosomopatía y diagnósticos de anomalía múltiple y síndrome. Conclusiones Prematurez, retardo de crecimiento, anomalía múltiple, diagnóstico de síndrome y cromosomopatía evidencian un perfil de riesgo para mortalidad.

Objectives Determining the frequency and characteristics of newborn suffering craniofacial abnormalities who were attending the Instituto Materno Infantil (IMI) in Bogotá. Methods Data was gathered regarding the newborn suffering such alterations who attended IMI from March 1 st 2000 to August 15 th 2001. The variables analysed were: being born in or having been remitted to the IMI, social strata, origin, general and specific risk factors, gender, correlation between weight and gestational age, clinical and aetiological diagnosis of the anomaly, karyotype and condition on leaving IMI. Results There was 2,7 percent prevalence for congenital defects and 0,6 percent for craniofacial abnormalities. 69 percent of the 52 patients had specific risk factors, 38 percent had been preterm, 33 percent had suffered retarded intra-uterine growth, 65 percent had cleft palates, 55,8 percent multiple abnormalities and 46 percent syndromes. Aetiological diagnosis was established in 38 percent; 12 percent had chromosomopathy. Eighteen children (35 percent) died, death being attributed to their defect in 13 of them, six by chromosomopathy. This study revealed the use of karyotype in making an aetiological diagnosis and determining prognosis. Mortality for the group suffering craniofacial abnormalities was threefold that of other hospitalised neonatal patients. Significant statistical association was shown between mortality and preterm condition, retarded growth, chromosomopathy and a diagnosis of multiple defects and/or syndromes. Conclusions Prematurity, retarded growth, multiple defects, syndrome diagnosis and chromosomopathy revealed a mortality risk profile.

Parámetros de estética facial y gradiente sociogenético en niños chilenos / Facial esthetics and sociogenetic gradient parameters in chilean children

Objetivo: determinar valores antropométricos de estética facial de niños de 5 y 8 años de edad, concaracterísticas físicas y oclusales normales, pertenecientes a diferentes grupos sociogenéticos deSantiago de Chile, debido a que es un país con marcada mezcla indígena, y compararlos entre sísegún sexo y estrato para cada grupo etáreo y con los valores norteamericanos utilizados internacionalmentepublicados por Farkas. Metodos: se realizó un análisis facial basado en Arnett y Farkas,utilizando fotografía digital apoyada por examen clínico, en cuatro muestras, clasificadas según denticióny estrato. Resultados: no existen diferencias entre sexo ni estrato en Chile, ni tampoco cuando estasson comparadas con las medidas norteamericanas. Conclusiones: las mediciones antropométricasfaciales determinadas para los distintos grupos sociogenéticos en Santiago Chile no difieren entre sini con las publicadas por Farkas, por lo que estas pueden ser utilizadas en la clínica en Santiago conpoblaciones étnicamente mixtas.

Purpose: to compare anthropometric measurements of facial esthetics in 5 and 8 years old children,with normal physical and occlusal characteristics, belonging to different sociogenetic groups fromSantiago de Chile (mixed ethnic population); and with north American Caucasian parameters publishedby Farkas. Methods: a facial analysis based on Arnett and Farkas was carried out, using digitalphotography supported by a clinical examination, in four samples, according to the dentition andsociogenetic stratum. Results: the results show no differences in Chile according to sex and stratum,neither with Caucasian measurements. Conclusion: the anthropometric measurements of facialaesthetics in sociogenetic groups from Santiago are not different with Farkas Caucasian measurementsand can be used for clinical purposes in mixed ethnically Chilean populations.

Historias reproductivas: maternidad, anticoncepción y aborto: estudio de mil mujeres residentes en Bogotá / Reproductive histories: maternity, contraception, and abortion: study of thousand women who live in Bogota

Esta investigación busca comprender cómo las mujeres construyen su realidad social a partir de la trama de significados simbólicos y las condiciones materiales en las que se conforma su historia reproductiva. El enfoque se basa en dos componentes complementarios: a) información cuantitativa de mil biografías y b) el análisis cualitativo de cincuenta relatos de vida sobre los significados simbólicos y las representaciones sociales que están en estrecha conexión con los eventos de la trayectoría reproductiva. Con los datos de las biografías, además de la caracterización sociodemográfica y la definición de perfiles sociales de mujeres según el estrato social y la etapa vital, se estiman medidas de fecundidad retrospectiva, espaciamiento de los embarazos y nacidos vivos, e indicadores de anticoncepción y aborto