Urine Extracellular Vesicles Size Subsets as Lupus Nephritis Biomarkers.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that often leads to kidney injury, known as lupus nephritis (LN). Although renal biopsy is the primary way to diagnose LN, it is invasive and not practical for regular monitoring. As an alternative, several groups have proposed urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) as potential biomarkers for LN, as recent studies have shown their significance in reflecting kidney-related diseases. As a result, we developed a flow cytometry approach that allowed us to determine that LN patients exhibited a significantly higher total uEV concentration compared to SLE patients without kidney involvement. Additionally, an analysis of different-sized uEV subsets revealed that microvesicles ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 µm showed the most promise for distinguishing LN. These findings indicate that evaluating uEV concentration and size distribution could be a valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool for LN, pending further validation in more comprehensive studies.

Curcumin Stimulates the Overexpression of Virulence Factors in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium: In Vitro and Animal Model Studies.

Salmonella spp. is one of the most common food poisoning pathogens and the main cause of diarrheal diseases in humans in developing countries. The increased Salmonella resistance to antimicrobials has led to the search for new alternatives, including natural compounds such as curcumin, which has already demonstrated a bactericidal effect; however, in Gram-negatives, there is much controversy about this effect, as it is highly variable. In this study, we aimed to verify the antibacterial activity of curcumin against the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium growth rate, virulence, and pathogenicity. The strain was exposed to 110, 220 or 330 µg/mL curcumin, and by complementary methods (spectrophotometric, pour plate and MTT assays), we determined its antibacterial activity. To elucidate whether curcumin regulates the expression of virulence genes, Salmonella invA, fliC and siiE genes were investigated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, to explore the effect of curcumin on the pathogenesis process in vivo, a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model was employed. No antibacterial activity was observed, even at higher concentrations of curcumin. All concentrations of curcumin caused overgrowth (35−69%) and increased the pathogenicity of the bacterial strain through the overexpression of virulence factors. The latter coincided with a significant reduction in both the lifespan and survival time of C. elegans when fed with curcumin-treated bacteria. Our data provide relevant information that may support the selective antibacterial effects of curcumin to reconsider the indiscriminate use of this phytochemical, especially in outbreaks of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.

Tetraspanin 33 (TSPAN33) regulates endocytosis and migration of human B lymphocytes by affecting the tension of the plasma membrane.

B lymphocytes are a leukocyte subset capable of developing several functions apart from differentiating into antibody-secreting cells. These processes are triggered by external activation signals that induce changes in the plasma membrane properties, regulated by the formation of different lipid-bilayer subdomains that are associated with the underlying cytoskeleton through different linker molecules, thus allowing the functional specialization of regions within the membrane. Among these, there are tetraspanin-enriched domains. Tetraspanins constitute a superfamily of transmembrane proteins that establish lateral associations with other molecules, determining its activity and localization. In this study, we identified TSPAN33 as an active player during B-lymphocyte cytoskeleton and plasma membrane-related phenomena, including protrusion formation, adhesion, phagocytosis, and cell motility. By using an overexpression model of TSPAN33 in human Raji cells, we detected a specific distribution of this protein that includes membrane microvilli, the Golgi apparatus, and extracellular vesicles. Additionally, we identified diminished phagocytic ability and altered cell adhesion properties due to the aberrant expression of integrins. Accordingly, these cells presented an enhanced migratory phenotype, as shown by its augmented chemotaxis and invasion rates. When we evaluated the mechanic response of cells during fibronectin-induced spreading, we found that TSPAN33 expression inhibited changes in roughness and membrane tension. Contrariwise, TSPAN33 knockdown cells displayed opposite phenotypes to those observed in the overexpression model. Altogether, our data indicate that TSPAN33 represents a regulatory element of the adhesion and migration of B lymphocytes, suggesting a novel implication of this tetraspanin in the control of the mechanical properties of their plasma membrane.

Innate-like B cell subsets during immune responses: Beyond antibody production.

B lymphocytes are recognized for their crucial role in the adaptive immunity since they represent the only leukocyte lineage capable of differentiating into Ab-secreting cells. However, it has been demonstrated that these lymphocytes can exert several Ab-independent functions, including engulfing and processing Ags for presentation to T cells, secreting soluble mediators, providing co-stimulatory signals, and even participating in lymphoid tissues development. Beyond that, several reports claiming the existence of multiple B cell subsets contributing directly to innate immune responses have appeared. These "innate-like" B lymphocytes, whose phenotype, development pathways, tissue distribution, and functions are in most cases notoriously different from those of conventional B cells, are crucial to early protective responses against pathogens by exerting "crossover" defensive strategies that blur the established boundaries of innate and adaptive branches of immunity. Examples of these mechanisms include the rapid secretion of the polyspecific natural Abs, increased susceptibility to innate receptors-mediated activation, cytokine secretion, downstream priming of other innate cells, usage of specific variable immunoglobulin gene-segments, and other features. As these new insights emerge, it is becoming preponderant to redefine the functionality of B cells beyond their classical adaptive-immune tasks.

Hernioplastias con tensión versus hernioplastias sin tensión: resultados a corto plazo / Tension herniorrhaphy versus free tension herniorrhaphy: short terms outcomes

Se presentan los resultados a corto plazo de la comparación de las hernioplastias a tensión, que generalmente se realizan en la mayoría de los hospitales de nuestro país, con las modernas hernioplastias protéticas en cuanto a dolor postoperatorio, calidad de vida e incorporación al trabajo. El estudio involucró a 68 pacientes que se trataron con técnicas con tensión (Bassini, McVay, Shouldice y Goderich) y 73 pacientes con técnicas sin tensión (Lichtenstein, Stoppa, Gilbert, Tapón y parche). El 96.4 por ciento de todos los pacientes correspondieron al sexo masculino resultando una relación de 28:1. El dolor postoperatorio en aquellos que se trataron con técnicas de prótesis fue menor que en los pacientes tratados con técnicas de suturas, siendo estadísticamente significativa esta diferencia (p<.05) en los días tres al 10 del postoperatorio. El 14 por ciento de los pacientes del grupo II se había incorporado al trabajo a los 14 días, el 70 por ciento a los 21 y el 100 por cientpo a los 25 días; en contraste con el grupo I cuyos valores fueron de 10, 50 y 80 por ciento en los mismos periodos de tiempo evaluados, observándose diferencias significativas a favor del grupo II en los días 21 y 25. En conclusión, las técnicas de hernioplastia con prótesis producen menos dolor postoperatorio, mayor calidad de vida y más rápida incorporación al trabajo cuando se comparan con las técnicas de suturas que habitualmente se utilizan en nuestro país

The short term results of the comparison of hernioplasties with tension , which are generally performed in most of our hospitals with modern prosthetic hernioplasties as to postoperative pain, quality of life and resuming to work are presented. The study involved 68 patients who were treated with tension techniques (Bassini, McVay, Shouldice and Goderich), and 73 patients with tension-free techniques such as (Lichtentain, Stoppa, Gilbert; plug and patch) . As high as (96,4) % of all the patients were male, with a relation of 28:1. The postoperative pain in those treated with techniques based on prostheses was lower than in those patients treated with suture techniques , such difference being statistically significant (p < 05) on day three to day 10 postoperatively. Fourteen % of the patients of group II had resumed days off work at 14 days, (70%) at 21 and (100%) at 25 days; in contrast with group 1 whose values were (10%), (50%), (80%) in the same evaluated time periods , significant differences were observed in favor of group II at days 21 and 25. We conclude that hernioplasty techniques with prostheses produce lower pain postoperatively, better quality of life and faster resuming to work when they are compared with the sutures techniques which are habitually used in our country.

Elementos básicos de salud infantil en mujeres cuidadoras de niños / Basic elements of child health in women taking care of children

Se realizó estudio descriptivo prospectivo en mujeres cuidadoras de niños en el área de salud de Cabezas, provincia Matanzas, en el período octubre 2002 - marzo 2003, con el objetivo de valorar aspectos vinculados a la cultura sanitaria en relación con la salud infantil. Se aplicó una encuesta para evaluar el cuidado de la enfermedad diarreica aguda, la enfermedad respiratoria aguda, la conducta ante cuadros febriles, uso de antibióticos y otros temas. Se apreció que sólo el 30,86 por ciento de las cuidadoras obtuvo una valoración adecuada respecto al tratamiento de estas afecciones y problemas. En la atención a la enfermedad diarreica aguda y la enfermedad respiratoria aguda se encontró un mayor nivel de conocimientos con respecto a los otros temas. La identificación de síntomas y signos de alarma ante la fiebre, la aplicación de medidas higiénicas para la prevención de la sepsis urinaria en las hembras, la ingestión de agua hervida y la atención adecuada de la fiebre, fueron las temáticas con menor dominio

Valor de la presión intrabdominal en el paciente quirúrgico grave / Meaning of intraabdominal pressure in critically ill surgical patients

Con el objetivo de conocer la relación entre la presión intraabdominal (PIA) y la mortalidad en el paciente quirúrgico grave, se realizaron mediciones seriadas de la PIA, a través de catéter vesical, en 92 pacientes seleccionados al azar de los 176 admitidos en nuestra Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en un periodo de dos años. La puntuación media APACHE II al ingreso fue de 20 + 4.52. Los pacientes con hemoperitoneo posoperatorio, empaquetamiento abdominal, abscesos intraabdominales y edema visceral posresucitación, presentaron las mayores cifras de PIA. El coeficiente de correlacón de Pearson fue de + 0.96. Presentó complicacones intraabdominales, 89.6 por ciento de los fallecidos. Las principales causas de muerte fueron: el Síndrome de Disfunción Orgánica Múltiple (SDOM) y el choque distributivo. Se concluye que la PIA debe monitorizarse en el paciente quirúrgico grave. Esta técnica permite realizar el diagnóstico del Síndrome del Compartimiento Abdominal y de complicaciones intraabdominales que obligan a relaparotomizar al paciente.

Nuevos conceptos en cirugía: Síndrome del compartimiento abdominal

Se aborda el problema del aumento de la presión intraabdominal en pacientes quirúrgicos, se explican los métodos utilizados para la medición de dicha presión y se analizan las consecuencias clínicas y fisiopatológicas de la hipertensión intraabdominal, así como su tratamiento.

The problem of the increase of intraabdominal pressure in surgical patients is approached. The methods used for measuring such pressure are explained and the clinical and physiopathological consequences of intraabdominal hypertension, as well as its treatment are analyzed.