Effect of Pepper Variety on the Susceptibility of Pepper Weevil Parasitoids.

Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a key pest of cultivated peppers (Capsicum species) in tropical and subtropical America. Here we evaluated the effect of five pepper varieties on the susceptibility of A. eugenii to the parasitoids Bracon sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Eupelmus cushmani (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), and Jaliscoa hunteri Crawford (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Potential parasitism was estimated by comparative analysis of parasitoid ovipositor size and the depth to which host larvae develop inside the fruit. Highest potential parasitism rates were achieved by Bracon sp. and E. cushmani on árbol and habanero peppers (84-99%) while the lowest rates were achieved by J. hunteri on serrano, bell, and jalapeño (7-18%). To validate potential parasitism rates, the actual parasitism rate by Bracon sp. and J. hunteri on three varieties of peppers was assessed. Actual parasitism rates of A. eugenii larvae in árbol were similar for Bracon sp. and J. hunteri (33%), while on bell and jalapeño Bracon sp. achieved 24% and 13% parasitism and J. hunteri achieved 14% and 8%, respectively. In most cases, actual parasitism was lower than estimated potential parasitism, although the latter had a notable predictive power (predicted R2 = 0.84). Results showed that the host was more vulnerable on small-fruited varieties because larvae were closer to the pericarp and could be reached by parasitoid ovipositors; likewise, in varieties with little placenta and seed, some larvae fed in the pericarp, where they were more vulnerable.

Insights into the Mechanism of Human Deiodinase 1.

The three isoenzymes of iodothyronine deiodinases (DIO1-3) are membrane-anchored homo-dimeric selenoproteins which share the thioredoxin-fold structure. Several questions regarding their catalytic mechanisms still remain open. Here, we addressed the roles of several cysteines which are conserved among deiodinase isoenzymes and asked whether they may contribute to dimerization and reduction of the oxidized enzyme with physiological reductants. We also asked whether amino acids previously identified in DIO3 play the same role in DIO1. Human DIO1 and 2 were recombinantly expressed in insect cells with selenocysteine replaced with cysteine (DIO1U126C) or in COS7 cells as selenoprotein. Enzyme activities were studied by radioactive deiodination assays with physiological reducing agents and recombinant proteins were characterized by mass spectrometry. Mutation of Cys124 in DIO1 prevented reduction by glutathione, while 20 mM dithiothreitol still regenerated the enzyme. Protein thiol reductants, thioredoxin and glutaredoxin, did not reduce DIO1U126C. Mass spectrometry demonstrated the formation of an intracellular disulfide between the side-chains of Cys124 and Cys(Sec)126. We conclude that the proximal Cys124 forms a selenenyl-sulfide with the catalytic Sec126 during catalysis, which is the substrate of the physiological reductant glutathione. Mutagenesis studies support the idea of a proton-relay pathway from solvent to substrate that is shared between DIO1 and DIO3.

Clinical characterization of brief psychotic disorders triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter observational study.

This study aimed to characterize the clinical profile of patients with brief psychotic disorders (BPD) triggered by the psychosocial distress derived from the COVID-19 crisis. A multicenter study was conducted from March 14 to May 14, 2020 (the peak weeks of the pandemic in Europe). All consecutive patients presenting non-affective psychotic episodes with a duration of untreated psychosis of less than 1 month and whose onset was related to the COVID-19 crisis were recruited, but only those patients meeting Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria for "BPD with marked stressors" (DSM-5 code: 298.8) during follow-up were finally included. Patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline and summarized with descriptive statistics. During the study period, 57 individuals with short-lived psychotic episodes related to the emotional stress of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified, of whom 33 met DSM-5 criteria for "BPD with marked stressors". The mean age was 42.33 ± 14.04 years, the gender distribution was almost the same, and the majority were rated as having good premorbid adjustment. About a quarter of the patients exhibited suicidal symptoms and almost half presented first-rank schizophrenia symptoms. None of them were COVID-19 positive, but in more than half of the cases, the topic of their psychotic features was COVID-19-related. The coronavirus pandemic is triggering a significant number of BPD cases. Their risk of suicidal behavior, their high relapse rate, and their low temporal stability make it necessary to closely monitor these patients over time.

Socio-Emotional Variables Linked to the Consumption of Drugs amongst University Students of Social Sciences: A Pilot Study.

This descriptive and transversal study, carried out on an intentional sample of 211 subjects who were split in terms of their consumption of psychoactive substances over the last month and who were aged between 18 and 28 (M = 21.36, and SD = 1.90), aimed to explore the emotional intelligence, perceived socio-family support and academic performance of university students vis-à-vis their consumption of drugs and to examine the link between them. The goal was to define university student consumer profile through a regression model using the multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (EMAS) and the Trait Meta Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) as instruments, together with academic performance and gender. The results report alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis consumption rates that are above the levels indicated by the Spanish household survey on alcohol and drugs in Spain (EDADES 2019) for the 15-34-year-old age range in Castilla y León. A certain link was observed between the consumption of substances and academic performance, although no differences were seen in academic performance in terms of consumer type. There was also no clear link observed between emotional intelligence and academic performance or between social support and academic performance. The predictive contribution of the variables included in the regression model was low (9%), which would advocate completing the model with other predictive variables until more appropriate predictability conditions can be found.

Do preoperative anxiety and depression influence the outcome of knee arthroplasty? / ¿Influye la ansiedad y depresión preoperatorias en los resultados de la artroplastia de rodilla?

BACKGROUND: The association of depression and chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis is a complex and difficult phenomenon to understand. In fact, establishing the order of appearance of these entities might result in an arduous task. OBJECTIVE: In addition to analyzing the relationship between preoperative anxiety and depression according to the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), we will assess the evolution of anxiety and depression symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study of 260 patients with a mean age of 70.8 years. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year post-surgery completing the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for the assessment of anxiety and depression, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for quality of life. RESULTS: The mean scores of preoperative depression and anxiety decreased postoperatively from 6.55/7.63 to 4.96/5.96, respectively, a reduction that was statistically significant (P<.001). The differences between the preoperative scores and the 1-year scores of the different groups classified by HADS for both anxiety and depression were statistically significant (P˂.001). The differences in VAS scores (P=.02) showed a significant improvement in patients with preoperative anxiety, in contrast to depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS: TKA has proved to significantly decrease the preoperative levels of anxiety and depression. In patients with preoperative anxiety, the decrease in pain levels measured by the VAS was greater after TKA. Preoperative anxiety and depression did not influence the functional results of the TKA measured by the KSS.

Desbridamiento artroscópico de osteomielitis de rodilla por Fusobacterium Nucleatum en niño de 4 años. Reporte de caso con 8 años de seguimiento / Arthroscopic debridement in knee osteomyelitis by Fusobacterium Nucleatum in a 4 years-old child

La infección osteoarticular por microorganismos anaerobios es infrecuente, siendo la infección por fusobacterium nucleatum en niños muy rara. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 4 años que consulta por dolor, limitación funcional, y signos inflamatorios locales en la rodilla derecha de 1 mes de evolución, con ausencia de fiebre y sin antecedente traumático previo. Las pruebas de imagen objetivan una lesión lítica en cóndilo femoral externo con una colección en el espacio articular. Con el diagnóstico de osteomielitis en cóndilo femoral externo y artritis séptica de rodilla, se realizaron dos artroscopias consecutivas para desbridamiento articular y curetaje de la lesión. Se instauró terapia antibiótica intravenosa empírica y posteriormente específica tras el aislamiento de fusobacterium nucleatum. Fue necesario la identificación microbiológica mediante PCR universal 16S r ARN, ante la negatividad repetida de los cultivos.Tras 8 años de seguimiento el niño no presenta signos de infección local, las imágenes radiológicas del defecto osteocondral han mejorado y a la exploración muestra una correcta movilidad realizando una vida normal, incluso actividad deportiva. Tipo de Trabajo: Reporte de Caso. Nivel Evidencia: V

Osteoarticular infection by anaerobic microorganisms is infrequent in children, specially caused by Fusobacterium Nucleatum.A 4-year-old male patient that consults for pain, functional limitation and local inflammatory signs on the right knee, without fever for a 1-month, and no history of trauma. The radiological images showed a lytic lesion in the external femoral condyle with a collection in the joint space. After the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in external femoral condyle and septic arthritis of the knee, two consecutive arthroscopies were carried out for joint debridement and curettage of the lesion.Previously the isolation of fusobacterium nucleatum an empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy was instituted. Microbiological identification by 16S rRNA universal PCR was necessary in view of the repeated negativity of the cultures. Once the diagnosis is carried out, a more specific antibiotic treatment could be administered. After 8 years of follow-up, the child showed no signs of local infection, the radiological images of the osteochondral defect had improved. On physical examination the child presented a correct mobility leading a normal life and even doing sport. Type of Study: Case report. Level of Evidence: V

Smart Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Device for Body Composition Estimation.

The purpose of this work is to describe a first approach to a smart bioimpedance spectroscopy device for its application to the estimation of body composition. The proposed device is capable of carrying out bioimpedance measurements in multiple configurable frequencies, processing the data to obtain the modulus and the bioimpedance phase in each of the frequencies, and transmitting the processed information wirelessly. Another novelty of this work is a new algorithm for the identification of Cole model parameters, which is the basis of body composition estimation through bioimpedance spectroscopy analysis. Against other proposals, the main advantages of the proposed method are its robustness against parasitic effects by employing an extended version of Cole model with phase delay and three dispersions, its simplicity and low computational load. The results obtained in a validation study with respiratory patients show the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed technology for bioimpedance measurements. The precision and validity of the algorithm was also proven in a validation study with peritoneal dialysis patients. The proposed method was the most accurate compared with other existing algorithms. Moreover, in those cases affected by parasitic effects the proposed algorithm provided better approximations to the bioimpedance values than a reference device.

Homo sapiens, Chimpanzees and the Enigma of Language.

OBJECTIVES: The present study explores the hypothesis that the anatomical bone structures of the oral cavity have probably evolved under the influence of language function. The possible changes have been evaluated by comparing two close species essentially differentiated from each other by spoken language. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty dry skulls and 20 mandibles of modern Caucasians were compared with 12 dry skulls and 12 mandibles of chimpanzees, with the analysis of 37 variables and the definition of new anatomical parameters. RESULTS: A number of highly significant differences were found between humans and chimpanzees. The human temporomandibular joint is comparatively less flat and has a more limited excursive movement range, with structural elements that seem to be lighter. A significant difference is noted in mandibular alveolar vergency and in the internal slope of the mandibular symphysis where the oral cavity's morphology is modified, thereby increasing the free space for tongue movements in humans. The chin, which is unique to the human species, is quantified through the external slope of the mandibular symphysis with a lesser angle in humans. DISCUSSION: It is obvious that there are differences between humans and chimpanzees in the bone morphology of the oral cavity structures. This has been confirmed with the analysis of new variables. Together with other factors (bipedalism, habits, and genetics) speech in humans must have played an important role in the aforementioned differences between humans and chimpanzees. The number of mandibular movements involved in speech is far greater than those used in chewing, which must have conditioned the evolution of the oral structures implicated in the development of language. On average, humans weigh 70 kg and chimpanzees 44 kg. However, the majority of the variables studied in skulls and mandibles are greater in chimpanzees, which suggests that the evolution of the oral zone in humans has suffered a reduction in size with changes in shape. The refinement of the supralaryngeal vocal tract in the human species must have co-evolved with speech fairly recently. The human skull has temporomandibular joints that are comparatively less flat with a more limited movement. There is a greater lingual space and there is also a chin that suggests a muscular stimulant. This leads to the conclusion that, at least in part, speech is behind all these changes, although it is difficult to establish a cause-effect relationship.

Hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica familiar: Descripción de un caso / Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia: A case report

La presencia de hipercalcemia mantenida obliga a realizar pruebas complementarias para determinar su origen. Es benigna y, generalmente, no requiere tratamiento. La secuenciación del gen CaSR confirma el diagnóstico y evita tratamientos innecesarios. Se presenta a un niño de 12 años, asintomático, con hipercalcemia persistente entre 11,4 y 12,2 mg/dl. El padre y dos hermanos tenían hipercalcemia asintomática. El análisis de laboratorio mostró valores de magnesio, fósforo y vitamina D normales y de hormona paratiroidea llamativamente normal para el valor de la hipercalcemia. Indice de calcio/creatinina urinario: 0,11 mg/mg; y calciuria de 24 h: 1,8 mg/kg/día. Ecografía abdominal, paratiroides, radiografías de huesos largos y densitometría ósea, normales. El estudio genético mostró mutación en exón 6 (c.1651A>G) del gen CaSR (en heterocigosis), confirmada en el padre y los hermanos.

The finding of persistent hypercalcemia suggests doing other medical tests to find the cause. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is usually benign and it requires no treatment. It is important to do CASR gene sequencing to avoid unnecessary treatments. We report a 12-year-old child, asymptomatic, with calcemia between 11.4 and 12.2 mg/dl. His father and two brothers presented asymptomatic hypercalcemia. The blood test with magnesium, phosphorus, 25(OH)Vit D was normal, remarkable normal parathyroid hormone for the level of hypercalcemia. Urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was 0,11 mg/dl and 24-hour urinary calcium was 1,8 mg/kg per day. Abdominal and parathyroid ecography, long bone radiographs and densitometry were normal. Genetic study showed a mutation, c.1651A>G, in exon 6 of the calciumsensing receptor gene, confirmed in father and brothers, too.

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia: A case report. / Hipercalcemia hipocalciúrica familiar: Descripción de un caso.

The finding of persistent hypercalcemia suggests doing other medical tests to find the cause. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is usually benign and it requires no treatment. It is important to do CASR gene sequencing to avoid unnecessary treatments. We report a 12-year-old child, asymptomatic, with calcemia between 11.4 and 12.2 mg/dl. His father and two brothers presented asymptomatic hypercalcemia. The blood test with magnesium, phosphorus, 25(OH)Vit D was normal, remarkable normal parathyroid hormone for the level of hypercalcemia. Urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was 0,11 mg/dl and 24-hour urinary calcium was 1,8 mg/kg per day. Abdominal and parathyroid ecography, long bone radiographs and densitometry were normal. Genetic study showed a mutation, c.1651A>G, in exon 6 of the calciumsensing receptor gene, confirmed in father and brothers, too.

La presencia de hipercalcemia mantenida obliga a realizar pruebas complementarias para determinar su origen. Es benigna y, generalmente, no requiere tratamiento. La secuenciación del gen CaSR confirma el diagnóstico y evita tratamientos innecesarios. Se presenta a un niño de 12 años, asintomático, con hipercalcemia persistente entre 11,4 y 12,2 mg/dl. El padre y dos hermanos tenían hipercalcemia asintomática. El análisis de laboratorio mostró valores de magnesio, fósforo y vitamina D normales y de hormona paratiroidea llamativamente normal para el valor de la hipercalcemia. Indice de calcio/creatinina urinario: 0,11 mg/mg; y calciuria de 24 h: 1,8 mg/kg/día. Ecografía abdominal, paratiroides, radiografías de huesos largos y densitometría ósea, normales. El estudio genético mostró mutación en exón 6 (c.1651A>G) del gen CaSR (en heterocigosis), confirmada en el padre y los hermanos.

Microbial Diversity in Commercial Bee Pollen from Europe, Chile, and Mexico, Based on 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Metagenome Sequencing.

Bee pollen is a highly nutritive natural foodstuff. Because of its use as a comestible, the association of bacteria with bee pollen is commercially and biologically important. We report here the bacterial diversity of seven bee pollen samples (five from Europe, one from Chile, and one from Mexico) based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon metagenome sequencing.

Structural aspects of thyroid hormone binding to proteins and competitive interactions with natural and synthetic compounds.

Thyroid hormones and their metabolites constitute a vast class of related iodothyronine compounds that contribute to the regulation of metabolic activity and cell differentiation. They are in turn transported, transformed and recognized as signaling molecules through binding to a variety of proteins from a wide range of evolutionary unrelated protein families, which renders these proteins and their iodothyronine binding sites an example for extensive convergent evolution. In this review, we will briefly summarize what is known about iodothyronine binding sites in proteins, the modes of protein/iodothyronine interaction, and the ligand conformations. We will then discuss physiological and synthetic compounds, including popular drugs and food components, that can interfere with iodothyronine binding and recognition by these proteins. The discussion also includes compounds persisting in the environment and acting as endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Widespread exploitation of the honeybee by early Neolithic farmers.

The pressures on honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations, resulting from threats by modern pesticides, parasites, predators and diseases, have raised awareness of the economic importance and critical role this insect plays in agricultural societies across the globe. However, the association of humans with A. mellifera predates post-industrial-revolution agriculture, as evidenced by the widespread presence of ancient Egyptian bee iconography dating to the Old Kingdom (approximately 2400 BC). There are also indications of Stone Age people harvesting bee products; for example, honey hunting is interpreted from rock art in a prehistoric Holocene context and a beeswax find in a pre-agriculturalist site. However, when and where the regular association of A. mellifera with agriculturalists emerged is unknown. One of the major products of A. mellifera is beeswax, which is composed of a complex suite of lipids including n-alkanes, n-alkanoic acids and fatty acyl wax esters. The composition is highly constant as it is determined genetically through the insect's biochemistry. Thus, the chemical 'fingerprint' of beeswax provides a reliable basis for detecting this commodity in organic residues preserved at archaeological sites, which we now use to trace the exploitation by humans of A. mellifera temporally and spatially. Here we present secure identifications of beeswax in lipid residues preserved in pottery vessels of Neolithic Old World farmers. The geographical range of bee product exploitation is traced in Neolithic Europe, the Near East and North Africa, providing the palaeoecological range of honeybees during prehistory. Temporally, we demonstrate that bee products were exploited continuously, and probably extensively in some regions, at least from the seventh millennium cal BC, likely fulfilling a variety of technological and cultural functions. The close association of A. mellifera with Neolithic farming communities dates to the early onset of agriculture and may provide evidence for the beginnings of a domestication process.

Where does human plague still persist in Latin America?

BACKGROUND: Plague is an epidemic-prone disease with a potential impact on public health, international trade, and tourism. It may emerge and re-emerge after decades of epidemiological silence. Today, in Latin America, human cases and foci are present in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. AIMS: The objective of this study is to identify where cases of human plague still persist in Latin America and map areas that may be at risk for emergence or re-emergence. This analysis will provide evidence-based information for countries to prioritize areas for intervention. METHODS: Evidence of the presence of plague was demonstrated using existing official information from WHO, PAHO, and Ministries of Health. A geo-referenced database was created to map the historical presence of plague by country between the first registered case in 1899 and 2012. Areas where plague still persists were mapped at the second level of the political/administrative divisions (counties). Selected demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental variables were described. RESULTS: Plague was found to be present for one or more years in 14 out of 25 countries in Latin America (1899-2012). Foci persisted in six countries, two of which have no report of current cases. There is evidence that human cases of plague still persist in 18 counties. Demographic and poverty patterns were observed in 11/18 counties. Four types of biomes are most commonly found. 12/18 have an average altitude higher than 1,300 meters above sea level. DISCUSSION: Even though human plague cases are very localized, the risk is present, and unexpected outbreaks could occur. Countries need to make the final push to eliminate plague as a public health problem for the Americas. A further disaggregated risk evaluation is recommended, including identification of foci and possible interactions among areas where plague could emerge or re-emerge. A closer geographical approach and environmental characterization are suggested.

Effects of exposure to food images on physiological reactivity and emotional responses in women with bulimia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two exposure procedures on habituation of emotional responses to food stimuli: (a) exposure to external cues (food images) without eating forbidden food (CE) and (b) exposure to external cues eating forbidden food (with purge prevention). The influence of craving-trait and mood state on the habituation process is also studied. METHOD: Emotional modulation of the defense startle reflex was assessed in 26 women at risk of bulimia nervosa. After four exposure trials, changes in the following variables were measured: (a) food craving-state; (b) physiological measures: hearth rate (HR) and skin conductance response (SCR); (c) motivational patterns towards food (defense startle response); and (d) valence, arousal and dominance of the emotional response to food images. RESULTS: After treatment, subjects tended to show non-significant lower SCR and heart orientation responses (vs. defense responses); defense startle response was also significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure procedure, the induced emotional state and the number of exposure trials are analyzed.

Comparison of the efficiency of the bumble bees Bombus impatiens and Bombus ephippiatus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) as pollinators of tomato in greenhouses.

Experiments were conducted in a commercial tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae) greenhouse to compare the relative foraging effort and efficiency of two bumble bee species: Bombus impatiens Cresson, a species from northeastern North America, commercially reared and used for pollination in Mexico; and B. ephippiatus Say, a native species of Mexico and central America. B. ephippiatus was as efficient in pollination of tomatoes as B. impatiens, as indicated by all variables of fruit quality: fruit weight, number of seed per fruit, and maximum fruit diameter. The two species had similar levels of hourly and daily foraging activity. They had the same response to temperature fluctuation. Pollination rates by both species were similar and close to 100% throughout the sample period. However, B. impatiens showed greater foraging activity during the first half of the 27-d sample period, whereas B. ephipiatus had greater relative activity during the last half. This study establish that B. ephippiatus is as efficient as B. impatiens as a pollinator of tomatoes in greenhouses and thus a candidate as a managed pollinator. However, standard reliable methods for mass rearing of B. ephippiatus are not yet available. Such methods are necessary to ensure healthy colonies and optimum pollination for producers and will reduce the pressure for the unregulated collection of queens in the field and the subsequent reduction of populations of this species.

[Assessment of emotional reactivity to food images in bulimia nervosa]. / Evaluación de la reactividad emocional ante imágenes de comida en bulimia nerviosa.

The aim of the study was to assess the influence on reactivity to food images of the following variables: craving-trait, positive or negative mood state, and food restriction. Emotional modulation of the defense startle reflex (RMS) was assessed in 26 women at risk of suffering from bulimia nervosa; they were assigned one of to two groups: high craving-trait and low craving-trait. Before the test, positive or negative mood and restriction vs. non-restriction states were induced in each of the groups. Skin conductance response (SCR) and electromyogram activity from the orbiculari oculi region were recorded after the auditory stimuli; questionnaires such as Food Craving Trait Questionnaire (FCQ-T) and the Self-assessment Manikin (SAM) were used. Results showed that negative affect produced a negative valence of food images, more arousal, and more loss of control, as well as higher SCRs. Subjects with low FCQ-T levels reduced their RMS to food images as a consequence of experiencing positive emotions; when emotions were negative, their RMS increased.

Acute renal failure when exenatide is co-administered with diuretics and angiotensin II blockers.

Case (description) the patient is a 20 years old male smoker, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in 2006. Due to the inadequate response to the previously established treatment, the pharmacotherapy was modified by introducing exenatide (up to 10 µg, twice daily) instead of insulin glargine, but maintaining the treatment with the diuretic and angiotensin II receptor antagonist drugs. Two months later, the patient exhibited a very important intolerance to exenatide (continuous nausea, vomiting, and dehydration), finally leading to ischemic acute renal failure. When the angiotensin II receptor antagonist and exenatide were suspended, a very rapid recovery of renal function was observed. Conclusion ischemic acute renal failure is supposed to be the consequence of the extracellular volume contraction caused by exenatide (the result of continuous nausea and vomiting). This adverse effect could be caused by the co-administration of diuretics and angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Morphometric analysis of the dorsum linguae in patients with Oral Lichen Planus.

OBJECTIVE: Morphometric study of the dorsum linguae in patients with Oral Lichen Planus (OLP). MATERIAL AND METHOD: In 236 patients with a clinicopathologic diagnosis of OLP, 111 were found to have involvement of the dorsum linguae. For the purposes of the study, 41 of these cases were used, due to the availability of photographic records fulfilling quality conditions according to objective criteria. The experimental variable was defined as the proportion of affected dorsum linguae measured and calculated using the MIP4(R) computer software. RESULTS: In 236 patients with OLP, the mucosa of the dorsum linguae was affected in 47.6% of the cases (total 111). The proportion of affected area was studied in 41 of these cases, 8 men (19.5%) and 33 women (80.5%). In 73% of these cases, the affected area was less than 50% of the total surface of the dorsum linguae. There were no statistically significant differences (p=0.495) in relation to age and proportion of lingual surface affected. On the other hand, significant statistical differences were found between the period of disease evolution and area of lingual involvement (p=0.044). CONCLUSION: Lingual involvement is frequent in patients with OLP, and manifests as de-papillate areas to the left and right of the median sulcus of tongue (occasionally linked by an isthmus) and having a certain " butterfly wing" symmetry.