Wide Excision in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Does it Modify the Course of Disease?

There is a lack of studies assessing whether wide excision surgery in hidradenitis suppurativa affected areas is useful for the global control of the hidradenitis suppurativa. We aimed to find whether surgery results were a better global control on the disease activity in both, the area where the surgery is performed and distant areas. We evaluated the disease course of 17 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa who underwent wide excision of complex fistula tracts between October 2018 and January 2022 at the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid. We found that wide excision of complex fistulas produces an overall positive effect on the inflammatory activity in hidradenitis suppurativa that may be important to achieve an adequate control of the disease.

Phase and amplitude reconstruction in single-pixel transmission microscopy: a comparison of Hadamard, cosine, and noiselet bases.

Hadamard, cosine, and noiselet bases are implemented into a digital holographic microscope based on single-pixel imaging with the capability to retrieve images of complex objects. The object is illuminated with coherent light modulated with different patterns deployed in a digital micromirror device, and the resulting fields are captured by single-pixel detection. For amplitude images, the experimental results of the three bases are evaluated with the peak SNR criteria. It is shown that the cosine basis recovers amplitude distributions with the best quality. Regarding phase images, the recovered ones compare well with those obtained with a CMOS camera.

Silver Nanoparticles Enhance Thermoluminescence and Photoluminescence Response in Li2B4O7 Glass Doped with Dy3+ and Yb3.

Lithium borate glass matrices doped with Dy3+ and Yb3+, containing silver nanoparticles in different concentrations are synthesized and characterized in this work. The Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy confirms formation of silver nanoparticles in the samples. Absorption spectra of the samples show the presence of a broadband spectrum associated due to the surface plasmon effect of the silver nanoparticles. A strong surface plasmon band bellow 400 nm appears after the annealing process, due to the formation of silver nanoparticles with radius of 5-15 nm. The transition peaks of Dy3+ are also observed at 386, 446, 798, 917, 1088, 1265 and 1669 nm. Additionally, a large peak at 976 nm belonging to the absorption band corresponding to the Yb3+ is observed. Emission spectra under 406 nm pumping show two prominent bands at 506 and 590 nm belonging to the Dy3+ transitions 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2, respectively. The fluorescence in the 480 nm and 525 nm spectral ranges enhanced with the silver nanoparticles contained in the samples. Is the first time, the luminescence studies of the lithium borate matrix doped with Dy3+ and Yb3+ containing silver nanoparticles is done. The basic parameters defining the lasing-amplifying potential of the glass matrices as a function of silver nanoparticles concentration are calculated. The Thermoluminescence response to UV irradiation also exhibits significant enhancement with the increment of silver nanoparticles in the samples.

A spatial ecology study in a high-diversity host community to understand blood-feeding behaviour in Phlebotomus sandfly vectors of Leishmania.

Molecular studies indicate that Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) blood feed on many vertebrate species, of which only a few are proven parasite reservoirs. Investigating sandfly vector feeding preferences is therefore important and requires taking into account the availability and accessibility of host species. In terms of the latter, it is necessary to consider the metabolic cost to the insect of reaching the host and moving on to a suitable breeding site. The present study used statistical modelling to compare the feeding patterns of Phlebotomus perniciosus (n = 150), Phlebotomus papatasi (n = 35) and Phlebotomus ariasi (n = 7) on each of an average of 30 host species in a wildlife park in Murcia, Spain. Sandfly feeding movement costs were estimated as a function of the distance and altitude gradients saved by the insect, assuming that they displayed 'site fidelity'. Most (87%) engorged females were caught <100 m from the host on which they had fed. Although the percentage of bloodmeals was highest on fallow deer (Dama dama) (30%) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (26%), the predicted feeding probability after considering movement cost was highest for red deer and common eland (Taurotragus oryx), and positively associated with host census. These results suggest that, under similar circumstances, sandflies prefer to feed on some host species more than on others.

Real-time reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy of GaAs homoepitaxy.

Reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) is a highly sensitive optical probe for the real-time study of the epitaxial growth of zincblende semiconductors. Here we report on (1) non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired in real time during the homoepitaxial growth of GaAs, and (2) RAS spectra for GaAs surfaces under equilibrium with several arsenic overpressures. We show that in both cases RAS spectra can be decomposed into two basic components, each with a characteristic line shape. We further show that both dynamic and equilibrium RAS spectra are described by the same pair of basic components. We conclude that the time evolution of non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired during the epitaxial growth can be described in terms of RAS spectra for equilibrium surfaces. The results reported here should be useful for the interpretation of the physics underlying the rapid time evolution of dynamic RAS spectra during the first monolayer growth. Thus, we show that RAS constitutes a valuable tool for the study of epitaxial growth mechanisms.

Composition and abundance of anopheline species according to habitat diversity in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the abundance and geographic distribution of the main malaria vectors, which are influenced by habitat characteristics and ecological factors that directly impact adult density and the dynamics of malaria transmission in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of larvae were collected from 19 states in Mexico. Each larval habitat was characterized in situ determining the following parameters: water depth, turbidity, percentage of vegetation cover, amount of detritus, presence of algae, light intensity, type of vegetation, amount of predators, habitat stability, altitude, and hydrologic type. RESULTS: A total of 21 687 larvae corresponding to 13 anopheline species were obtained from 149 aquatic habitats. The most abundant species were Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (52.91%), An. albimanus (39.14%) and An. franciscanus (5.29%). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a negative association between An. pseudopunctipennis and water turbidity (ß=-1.342; Wald=6.122; p=0.013) and the amount of detritus (ß=-2.206; Wald=3.642; p=0.050). While in An. albimanus, there was a significant positive association with water turbidity (ß=1.344; Wald=4.256; p=0.039), a negative correlation was found with the altitude (ß=-3.445; Wald=5.407; p =0.020). The highest mosquito species diversity index was found in Chiapas (Fisher's α=1.20) and the lowest diversity in Chihuahua (Fisher's α=0.26). The greatest richness was found in streams (n=11). CONCLUSIONS: The two most abundant species were: An. albimanus and An. pseudopunctipennis. Detailed knowledge of the distribution and characteristics of their larval habitats will be useful for the effective implementation of control strategies in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la abundancia y la distribución geográfica de los principales vectores de la malaria, las cuales están influenciadas por las características del hábitat y los factores ecológicos que afectan directamente la densidad de los adultos y la dinámica de la transmisión de la malaria en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se obtuvieron muestras de larvas de 19 estados de México. Cada hábitat larvario se caracterizó in situ determinando los siguientes parámetros: profundidad del agua, turbidez, porcentaje de cobertura vegetal, cantidad de detritus, presencia de algas, intensidad de luz, tipo de vegetación, cantidad de depredadores, estabilidad del hábitat, altitud y tipo hidrológico. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron un total de 21 687 larvas pertenecientes a 13 especies de anofelinos, de 149 hábitats acuáticos. Las tres especies más abundantes fueron Anopheles pseudopunctipennis (52.91%), An. albimanus (39.14%) y An. franciscanus (5.29%). El análisis de regresión logística múltiple mostró una asociación negativa para An. pseudopunctipennis y la turbidez del agua (ß=-1.342; Wald= 6.122; p=0.013) y la cantidad de detritus (ß=-2.206; Wald= 3.642; p=0.050). Para An. albimanus se encontró una asociación positiva significativa con la turbidez del agua (ß=1.344; Wald= 4.256; p=0.039) y una correlación negativa con la altitud (ß=-3.445; Wald=5.407; p=0.020). El índice de diversidad más alto se encontró en Chiapas (α de Fisher=1.20) y la diversidad más baja en Chihuahua (α de Fisher=0.26). La mayor riqueza se encontró en los arroyos (n=11). CONCLUSIONES: Las dos especies más abundantes fueron An. albimanus y An. pseudopunctipennis. El conocimiento detallado de la distribución y características de sus hábitats larvales será útil para la implementación efectiva de las estrategias de control en México.

Determination of insecticides' lethal concentrations and metabolic enzyme levels in Triatoma dimidiata.

OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of the use of WHO impregnated paper and biochemical assays to determine lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) and insecticide metabolic enzyme levels of Triatoma dimidiata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LC50 and LC99 were calculated with WHO papers impregnated at different concentrations of malathion, propoxur and deltamethrin; the percentage of insensitive acetylcholinesterase (iAChE); and the levels of esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and monooxygenases in laboratory nymphs of the first stage (5 to 7 days), were undertaken using the WHO biochemical assays. RESULTS: Respectively the LC50 and LC99 µg/cm2 obtained for malathion were 43.83 and 114.38, propoxur 4.71 and 19.29, and deltamethrin 5.80 and 40.46. A 30% of the population had an iAChE, and only a few individuals had high P450 and ß-eterase levels. CONCLUSIONS: Impregnated papers and biochemical tests developed by WHO for other insects, proved to be feasible methods in monitoring insecticide resistance and metabolic enzymes involved in T. dimidiata.

OBJETIVO: La factibilidad de usar los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS para determinar concentraciones letales (CL50 y CL99) y niveles enzimáticos en la resistencia a insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se calcularon la CL50 y CL99 con papeles impregnados según la OMS a diferentes concentraciones de malatión, propoxur y deltametrina; el porcentaje de acetilcolinesterasa insensible (iAChE); y los niveles de esterasas, glutatión S-transferasas, y monooxigenasas en ninfas de laboratorio del estadio I (5-7 días) se determinaron usando los ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron las CL50 y CL99 µg / cm2 respectivamente para malatión 43.83 y 114.38, propoxur 4.71 y 19.29, y deltametrina 5.80 y 40.46. Un 30% de las chinches tuvo iAChE, y sólo pocos individuos tuvieron niveles superiores de P450 y ß-eterasas. CONCLUSIONES: Los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos que describe la OMS para otros insectos demostraron ser métodos factibles para monitorear la resistencia a insecticidas y las enzimas metabólicas involucradas en T. dimidiata.

Effect of mifepristone on the transcriptomic signature of endometrial receptivity.

STUDY QUESTION: How does a single dose of mifepristone on Day 2 after the LH peak (LH + 2) affect the endometrial receptivity transcriptome as assessed by the receptive signature established by the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA)? SUMMARY ANSWER: A single dose of mifepristone on day LH + 2 renders the endometrium non-receptive by altering the transcriptome associated with endometrial receptivity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor modulator that has been shown to alter endometrial receptivity. The ERA is a computational predictor that utilizes gene expression data of 248 genes from next generation sequencing to identify endometrial receptivity status. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Endometrial biopsies were collected on day LH + 7 from controls (n = 11) and from women treated with mifepristone (n = 7). For further comparative analysis, samples were also obtained from women in the proliferative phase (n = 7). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Mifepristone treatment consisted of 200 mg administered on day LH + 2. Endometrial biopsies were treated for RNA isolation and cDNA conversion and sequencing. Endometrial receptivity status was assessed by the ERA computational predictor. Differential gene expression between groups was also assessed. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used for network analysis. Validation of gene expression results was done by qPCR. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Control samples were all staged around 'receptive' as would be clinically expected for LH + 7. Treatment samples were all staged as non-receptive (all but one was classified as 'proliferative' and the last as 'pre-receptive'). Differential gene expression analysis yielded 60 differentially expressed genes between the control and treatment groups. Bioinformatic pathway analysis for differential expression showed inactivation of the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors, consistent with mifepristone action. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The primary limitations are the relative small number of subjects and the use of a limited gene panel. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This study sheds further light on the endometrial receptivity altering effects of mifepristone and on progesterone action. It further shows the capacity of the ERA to identify pharmacologically induced non-receptive endometrium, which expands its possible use clinically and in research. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): C.v.G. and N.R.B. have no conflicts of interest. P.G.L. reports honorarium from University of HK/Shenzhen, other from NIF, India, outside the submitted work. K.G.D. reports consultancy for Bayer AG, Exelgyn, HRA-Pharma, Gedeon Richter, MSD, Mithra, Exeltis and Natural cycles, payment for lectures from Bayer AG, NSD, Ferring, HRA-Pharma, Exelgyn and Exeltis and clinical trials for Bayer AG, MSD, Exeltis, Mithra, HRA-Pharma and Sun Pharma. C.S. has a patent gene expression profile (ERA) issued to Igenomix and is scientific director of Igenomix S.L. M.R., R.N. and J.M.V. are employees of Igenomix S.L. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Origin and composition of cell-free DNA in spent medium from human embryo culture during preimplantation development.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the origin and composition of cell-free DNA in human embryo spent culture media? SUMMARY ANSWER: Cell-free DNA from human embryo spent culture media represents a mix of maternal and embryonic DNA, and the mixture can be more complex for mosaic embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In 2016, ~300 000 human embryos were chromosomally and/or genetically analyzed using preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) or monogenic disorders (PGT-M) before transfer into the uterus. While progress in genetic techniques has enabled analysis of the full karyotype in a single cell with high sensitivity and specificity, these approaches still require an embryo biopsy. Thus, non-invasive techniques are sought as an alternative. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was based on a total of 113 human embryos undergoing trophectoderm biopsy as part of PGT-A analysis. For each embryo, the spent culture media used between Day 3 and Day 5 of development were collected for cell-free DNA analysis. In addition to the 113 spent culture media samples, 28 media drops without embryo contact were cultured in parallel under the same conditions to use as controls. In total, 141 media samples were collected and divided into two groups: one for direct DNA quantification (53 spent culture media and 17 controls), the other for whole-genome amplification (60 spent culture media and 11 controls) and subsequent quantification. Some samples with amplified DNA (N = 56) were used for aneuploidy testing by next-generation sequencing; of those, 35 samples underwent single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sequencing to detect maternal contamination. Finally, from the 35 spent culture media analyzed by SNP sequencing, 12 whole blastocysts were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the level of mosaicism in each embryo, as a possible origin for discordance between sample types. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Trophectoderm biopsies and culture media samples (20 µl) underwent whole-genome amplification, then libraries were generated and sequenced for an aneuploidy study. For SNP sequencing, triads including trophectoderm DNA, cell-free DNA, and follicular fluid DNA were analyzed. In total, 124 SNPs were included with 90 SNPs distributed among all autosomes and 34 SNPs located on chromosome Y. Finally, 12 whole blastocysts were fixed and individual cells were analyzed by FISH using telomeric/centromeric probes for the affected chromosomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We found a higher quantity of cell-free DNA in spent culture media co-cultured with embryos versus control media samples (P ≤ 0.001). The presence of cell-free DNA in the spent culture media enabled a chromosomal diagnosis, although results differed from those of trophectoderm biopsy analysis in most cases (67%). Discordant results were mainly attributable to a high percentage of maternal DNA in the spent culture media, with a median percentage of embryonic DNA estimated at 8%. Finally, from the discordant cases, 91.7% of whole blastocysts analyzed by FISH were mosaic and 75% of the analyzed chromosomes were concordant with the trophectoderm DNA diagnosis instead of the cell-free DNA result. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study was limited by the sample size and the number of cells analyzed by FISH. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This is the first study to combine chromosomal analysis of cell-free DNA, SNP sequencing to identify maternal contamination, and whole-blastocyst analysis for detecting mosaicism. Our results provide a better understanding of the origin of cell-free DNA in spent culture media, offering an important step toward developing future non-invasive karyotyping that must rely on the specific identification of DNA released from human embryos. STUDY FUNDING/ COMPETING INTEREST: This work was funded by Igenomix S.L. There are no competing interests.

Oxidative modifications of foetal LDL-c and HDL-c lipoproteins in preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative modifications have been observed in lipids and proteins in lipoproteins isolated from women with preeclampsia. Thus, newborns could also be susceptible to this damage directly through their mothers. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative profile of LDL-c and HDL-c lipoproteins isolated from the umbilical cord from newborns born to women with preeclampsia. METHODS: Thirty newborns born to women with preeclampsia and thirty newborns born to women with healthy pregnancies were included. Lipid-damage biomarkers, including conjugated dienes, lipohydroperoxides and malondialdehyde, were measured. The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, formation of dityrosines, and carbonylation of proteins were assessed as indicators of protein damage. The protective activity of paraoxonase-I on HDL-c particles was evaluated. The total antioxidant capacity and lipid profiles were quantified in plasma. Data were analysed using Student's t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the preeclampsia group had an increase in the percentage of lipid damage in both lipoproteins. There was an increase of 23.3 and 19.9% for conjugated dienes, 82.4 and 21.1% for lipohydroperoxides, and 103.8 and 51.5% for malondialdehyde in LDL-c and HDL-c, respectively. However, these infants did not show evident damage in protein oxidation. The activity of the enzyme paraoxonase-I was decreased by 36.2%; by contrast, the total antioxidant capacity was increased by 40% (protein) and 28.8% (non-protein). CONCLUSIONS: The oxidative modifications that occur in HDL-c and LDL-c isolated from newborns from women with preeclampsia are mainly caused by lipoperoxidation processes related to evident paraoxonase-I inactivation. The absence of protein damage is likely linked to an increase in total antioxidant capacity. Therefore, antioxidant support could be helpful in reducing oxidative stress in mother/newborn dyads.

Familial seborrhoeic keratosis associated with multiple 'pure reticulated acanthomas' and infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: A variety of genodermatoses with multiple cutaneous tumours and germline genetic alterations, such as PTCH1 mutations, have been described. Other cutaneous syndromes have been associated with somatic gene mutations, such as FGFR3 in familial seborrhoeic keratosis. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features of multiple cutaneous lesions, mostly infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas (ICBCCs) and pure reticulated acanthomas, present in a family affected by familial seborrhoeic keratosis. In addition, we tested for possible germline alterations in FGFR3 and PTCH1. METHODS: Ten members of one family were clinically examined and 92 skin biopsy specimens were evaluated. Blood samples from six individuals were analysed for FGFR3 and PTCH1 germline alterations. We reviewed the literature concerning genetic FGFR3 alterations in seborrhoeic keratosis. RESULTS: Individuals of all generations affected by familial seborrhoeic keratosis also presented other skin tumours that corresponded histologically to reticulated acanthomas without apocrine or sebaceous differentiation, as well as ICBCCs. In addition, two novel germline variants, p.Pro449Ser (c.1345C>T) in FGFR3 and p.Pro725Ser (c.2173C>T) in exon 14 of PTCH1 were identified in five participants. CONCLUSIONS: We characterize for the first time the clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features of multiple reticulated acanthomas without apocrine or sebaceous differentiation, for which we propose the term 'pure reticulated acanthoma', and ICBCCs associated with familial seborrhoeic keratosis. We identified FGFR3 and PTCH1 germline polymorphisms whose influence in the development of reticulated acanthomas is unknown.

Omp31 plays an important role on outer membrane properties and intracellular survival of Brucella melitensis in murine macrophages and HeLa cells.

Brucellosis is an infectious disease that affects practically all species of mammals, including human, and is a major zoonosis worldwide. Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular pathogens that have the ability to survive and multiply in phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells such as trophoblast and epithelial cells. Among the six recognized species of the genus Brucella, Brucella melitensis is the main etiological agent involved in goat brucellosis and is also the most pathogenic for human. It causes significant losses in livestock production as a result of abortions, metritis, infertility, and birth of weak animals. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are exposed on the bacterial surface and are in contact with cells and effectors of the host immune response, whereby they could be important virulence factors of Brucella species. To evaluate this hypothesis, the gene encoding for the major outer membrane protein Omp31 was amplified, cloned into pUC18 plasmid, and inactivated by inserting a kanamycin cassette, rendering pLVM31 plasmid which was transformed into B. melitensis wild-type strain to obtain LVM31 mutant strain. The Outer membrane (OM) properties of the mutant strain were compared with B. melitensis Bm133 wild-type and B. melitensis Rev1 vaccine strains, in assessing its susceptibility to polymyxin B, sodium deoxycholate, and nonimmune serum. The mutant strain was assessed in vitro with survival assays in murine macrophages J774.A1 and HeLa cells. Our results demonstrate that LVM31 mutant is more susceptible to polymyxin B, sodium deoxycholate, and nonimmune serum than control strains; moreover, Omp31 mutation caused a decrease in the internalization and a significant decrease in the intracellular survival compared with the reference strains in both cell lines. These results allow us to conclude that Omp31 is important for maintaining OM integrity, but also it is necessary for bacterial internalization, establishment and development of an optimal replication niche, and essential for survival and intracellular multiplication.

Photodynamics of Zr-based MOFs: effect of explosive nitroaromatics.

The present work describes the spectroscopic and photodynamics of two different Zr mixed-linkers MOFs (Zr-NDC/Tz and Zr-NDC/CN) and their interaction with nitroaromatics. Both MOFs exhibit comparable spectroscopic behaviours, with a broad emission band mainly due to the naphthalene excimers within their three-dimensional structure. Flash photolysis experiments show a slow radiative electron-hole (e--h+) recombination, reflected as a large negative absorption band. The interaction with the selected nitroaromatic compounds produces a static fluorescence quenching of Zr-NDC/Tz. Interestingly, the addition of trinitrophenol (TNP) induces the formation of a charge-transfer complex, helped by intermolecular H-bonds formation, as shown by the steady-state and ps-time-resolved emission experiments. Remarkably, the (e--h+) recombination is strongly affected due to the inhibition of the ligand-to-cluster charge transfer process within the MOF. The quenching constants for the nitroaromatics lacking -OH groups are in the order of 102 M-1, while it is two orders of magnitude higher for the TNP (1.8 × 104 M-1). Both MOFs are highly selective toward TNP. We also demonstrate the possibility to recycle these MOFs without significant loses in their ability to detect TNP. Our findings give the clues to understand the fluorescence quenching mechanism of new Zr-based MOFs in presence of explosive-like molecules, opening the way to improve these nanomaterials as highly selective sensor of nitroaromatics.

Oxidative profiles of LDL and HDL isolated from women with preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress causes biochemical changes in lipids and proteins; these changes can induce damage to the vascular endothelium and create maternal complications that are characteristic of preeclampsia. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative profile of lipoproteins isolated from women with preeclampsia. METHODS: Thirty women diagnosed with preeclampsia and thirty women without preeclampsia were included in the study. Lipid-damage biomarkers, including conjugated dienes, lipohydroperoxides and malondialdehyde, were measured. The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, the formation of dityrosines, and the carbonylation of proteins were assessed as indicators of protein damage. The protective activity of HDL-c was evaluated by the paraoxonase-I activity present on the HDL-c particles. Serum lipid profiles were also quantified in both groups. Data were analysed using Student's t test and the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated in PE women evident oxidative changes in the lipids and proteins in HDL-c and LDL-c particles and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme PON-I decreased 59.9%. HDL-c exhibited self-defence, as demonstrated by the negative correlation between paraoxonase-I activity and the formation of lipohydroperoxides in HDL-c (r = -0.3755, p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: LDL-c and HDL-c isolated from women with preeclampsia show oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. We propose an oxidative profile based on the oxidation levels indicated by each of the markers used. We also found that paraoxonase-I is inactivated in the presence of lipohydroperoxides. Antioxidant support might be helpful to reduce oxidative stress in patients with preeclampsia. Further investigations are necessary to define the association between antioxidant activities and preeclampsia.

Paradoxical psoriasiform reactions to anti-TNFα drugs are associated with genetic polymorphisms in patients with psoriasis.

Paradoxical psoriasiform reactions to anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) agents have been described. We aimed to study the association between these reactions and polymorphisms in genes previously associated with psoriasis or other autoimmune diseases. A total of 161 patients with plaque-type psoriasis treated with anti-TNFα drugs were genotyped for 173 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the Illumina Veracode genotyping platform. Among the 161 patients, 25 patients developed a paradoxical psoriasiform reaction consisting of a change in morphology, mostly to guttate psoriasis (88%). These lesions developed 9.20±13.52 months after initiating treatment, mainly with etanercept (72%). Psoriasis type and a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response to treatment were not associated with lesions. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that five SNPs (rs11209026 in IL23R, rs10782001 in FBXL19, rs3087243 in CTLA4, rs651630 in SLC12A8 and rs1800453 in TAP1) were associated with paradoxical reactions. This is the first study to show an association between genetic polymorphisms and paradoxical reactions in patients with psoriasis treated with anti-TNFα drugs.The Pharmacogenomics Journal advance online publication, 21 July 2015; doi:10.1038/tpj.2015.53.

Optimization of Artificial Propagation in Piracanjuba Fish Brycon orbignyanus Using Cryopreserved Semen.

BACKGROUND: Cryopreserved semen could facilitate procedures during the artificial reproduction in fish. Factors affecting cryopreservation efficiency are important to define efficient protocols. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the application of cryoprotectants on the quality of piracanjuba fish semen, the sperm concentration required for oocyte fertilization and spermatic activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated two intracellular cryoprotectant solutions (DMSO and methanol) and two extracellular cryoprotectant solutions (egg yolk and lactose) to cryopreserved piracanjuba semen. Sperm motility rate, motility duration and spermatic alterations were assessed. CONCLUSION: The protocol for piracanjuba semen cryopreservation can use solutions including either DMSO or methanol as intracellular cryoprotectant and egg yolk or lactose as extracellular cryoprotectants.

Assessment of Interexaminer Agreement in the Detection of Condyle Morphology and positioning with Two Methods: Radiographic and Tomographic.

AIM: This study aims at evaluating the interexaminer agreement between radiographic and tomographic methods to determine condyle morphological variations and positioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 100 individuals aged 13 to 30 years, from the patient files of University of North Paraná. The assessment of condyles morphology and positioning was performed in images of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and reconstructed panoramic images from the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, by using the Dolphin three-dimensional (3D) program. The condyle morphology was categorized as flat, convex, and angular as well as its positioning classified into anterior, posterior, and concentric. Three calibrated examiners performed this subjective evaluation. After that, another examiner performed an objective assessment of the condyles positioning using tomographic sagittal scans of the condyles, applying the same 3D program. This objective evaluation of the condyle position, considered the gold standard (GS), was achieved by using a formula based on the measurement values of the joint spaces, anterior and posterior. The kappa test was used to assess the interexaminer agreement in determining the condyles morphology and positioning, as well as between the condyle positioning results determined by the examiners and the GS. RESULTS: The results showed poor agreement among examiners and between the subjective and objective condyle positioning evaluation. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the panoramic radiography (PR), either digitalized or reconstructed from CBCT scans, is not suitable for determining variations in condyle morphology and position. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Whenever it is necessary to evaluate the mandibular condyle during the orthodontic screening, the orthodontist should consider another image modality better than the PR.