Generation of a novel three-dimensional scaffold-based model of the bovine endometrium.

Bovine in vitro endometrial models that resemble tissue function in vivo are needed to study infertility, long-term uterine alterations induced by pathogens and impact of endocrine disruptor chemicals on reproductive function and other reproductive system complications that cause high economic losses in livestock species. The present study aimed to generate an innovative, reproducible, and functional 3D scaffold-based model of the bovine endometrium structurally robust for long term-culture. We developed a multicellular model containing both endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. Epithelial cells organized to form a luminal-like epithelial layer on the surface of the scaffold. Stromal cells produced their own extracellular matrix forming a stable subepithelial compartment that physiologically resembles the normal endometrium. Both cell types released prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α following a treatment with oxytocin and arachidonic acid. Additionally signal pathways mediating oxytocin and arachidonic acid stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis were analyzed by real time PCR (RT-PCR). Oxytocin receptor (OXTR), prostaglandin E2 receptor 2 (EP2), prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4), prostaglandin F receptor (PTGFR), prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES), PGF-synthase (PGFS) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) expression was detected in both control and treatment groups, however, only significant changes in abundance of OXTR mRNA transcripts were found. The results obtained by this study are a step forward in bovine in vitro culture technology. This 3D scaffold-based model provides a platform to study regulatory mechanisms involved in endometrial physiology and can set the basis for a broader tool for designing and testing novel therapeutic strategies for recurrent uterine pathologies.

Estimating personal solar ultraviolet radiation exposure through time spent outdoors, ambient levels and modelling approaches.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on validation of surrogates applied to evaluate the personal exposure levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in epidemiological studies is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the validity of three approaches, including (i) ambient UVR levels, (ii) time spent outdoors and (iii) a modelling approach integrating the aforementioned parameters, to estimate personal UVR exposure over a period of 6 months among indoor and outdoor workers and in different seasons (summer/winter). METHODS: This validation study was part of the European Commission-funded ICEPURE project and was performed between July 2010 and January 2011 in a convenience sample of indoor and outdoor workers in Catalunya, Spain. We developed linear regression models to quantify the variation in the objectively measured personal UVR exposure that could be explained, separately, by the ambient UVR, time spent outdoors and modelled UVR levels. RESULTS: Our 39 participants - mostly male and with a median age of 35 years - presented a median daily objectively measured UVR of 0·37 standard erythemal doses. The UVR dose was statistically significantly higher in summer and for outdoor workers. The modelled personal UVR exposure and self-reported time spent outdoors could reasonably predict the variation in the objectively measured personal UVR levels (R2 range 0·75-0·79), whereas ambient UVR was a poor predictor (R2 = 0·21). No notable differences were found between seasons or occupation. CONCLUSIONS: Time outdoors and our modelling approach were reliable predictors and of value to be applied in epidemiological studies of the health effects of current exposure to UVR.

Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the postoperative effect of a topic gel containing chlorhexidine, chitosan, allantoine and dexpanthenol versus a placebo for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A gel combining 0.2% chlorhexdine, 0.5% chitosan, 5% dexpanthenol, 0.15% allantoin and 0.01% sodium saccharin was selected for this split mouth randomized controlled and double-blind trial including 36 patients with bilaterally and symmetrically impacted lower third molars. The teeth (n=72) were randomly divided into two groups before surgical removal: control group (CG; in which a placebo was given) and experimental group (EG). Swelling, trismus, postoperative pain, wound healing and complications were measured and recorded in order to evaluate differences between the placebo and experimental product. RESULTS: Five patients suffered from an alveolitis in the CG (13.9%), and none in the study group (0%), but no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.063). From day 0 to day 7, trismus and swelling were significantly less pronounced in the EG, and wound healing was considered 'good' in 22.2% for the CG and 97.2% for the EG (p<0.001). Mean VAS scores during the seven postoperative days were statistically lower in the study (2.56±1,19) compared to the placebo group (3.25±1.6) (p=0.002). The mean consumption of analgesic pills during the first 92 hours was also statistically lower in the EG (0.26±0.51) in comparison to the CG (0.56±0.67) (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The use of an experimental gel containing chlorhexidine, chitosan, allantoine and dexpanthenol seems to significantly reduce postoperative pain, trismus and signs of inflammation. Future studies should further evaluate, if the gel is effective in dry socket preventing after third molar removal.

Fusobacterium nucleatum persistence and risk of recurrence after preoperative treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence has identified Fusobacterium as an important pathogenic gut bacterium associated with colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, only limited data exist about the role of this bacterium in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). In this study, we quantified Fusobacterium nucleatum in untreated and post-neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) samples from LARC patients and investigated its association with therapy response and survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 254 samples from 143 patients with rectal adenocarcinomas were analyzed for the presence and abundance of F. nucleatum using RNA in situ hybridization and digital image analysis. Assay accuracy was determined using infected cell lines and tumor samples with available quantitative PCR data. We studied the impact of F. nucleatum load on pathologic complete response and relapse-free survival. Treatment-induced changes were evaluated in paired pre- and post-nCRT samples (n = 71). Finally, tumor microenvironment changes during nCRT were assessed in paired samples (n = 45) by immune contexture analysis. RESULTS: F. nucleatum tissue levels by RNA in situ hybridization strongly correlated with quantitative PCR (r = 0.804, P < 0.001). F. nucleatum abundance was higher in untreated [median, 7.4; 95% confidence interval (3.7-16.2)] compared with treated [median, 1.6; 95% confidence interval (1.3-2.4)] tumors (P <0.001) with 58% (73/126) and 26% (22/85) positive tumors, respectively (P < 0.001). Baseline F. nucleatum levels were not associated with pathologic complete response. F. nucleatum positivity after nCRT, but not baseline status, significantly increased risk of relapse [hazard ratio = 7.5, 95% confidence interval (3.0-19.0); P < 0.001]. Tumors that turned F. nucleatum-negative after nCRT had a strong increase in CD8+ T cells post-nCRT (P < 0.001), while those that persisted F. nucleatum-positive after nCRT lacked CD8+ T cells induction in post-nCRT samples compared with baseline (P = 0.69). CONCLUSION: F. nucleatum persistence post-nCRT is associated with high relapse rates in LARC, potentially linked to suppression of immune cytotoxicity.

The IL-2RG R328X nonsense mutation allows partial STAT-5 phosphorylation and defines a critical region involved in the leaky-SCID phenotype.

In addition to their detection in typical X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, hypomorphic mutations in the interleukin (IL)-2 receptor common gamma chain gene (IL2RG) have been described in patients with atypical clinical and immunological phenotypes. In this leaky clinical phenotype the diagnosis is often delayed, limiting prompt therapy in these patients. Here, we report the biochemical and functional characterization of a nonsense mutation in exon 8 (p.R328X) of IL2RG in two siblings: a 4-year-old boy with lethal Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoma and his asymptomatic 8-month-old brother with a Tlow B+ natural killer (NK)+ immunophenotype, dysgammaglobulinemia, abnormal lymphocyte proliferation and reduced levels of T cell receptor excision circles. After confirming normal IL-2RG expression (CD132) on T lymphocytes, signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-5) phosphorylation was examined to evaluate the functionality of the common gamma chain (γc ), which showed partially preserved function. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to assess the interaction capacity of the R328X mutant with Janus kinase (JAK)3, concluding that R328X impairs JAK3 binding to γc . Here, we describe how the R328X mutation in IL-2RG may allow partial phosphorylation of STAT-5 through a JAK3-independent pathway. We identified a region of three amino acids in the γc intracellular domain that may be critical for receptor stabilization and allow this alternative signaling. Identification of the functional consequences of pathogenic IL2RG variants at the cellular level is important to enable clearer understanding of partial defects leading to leaky phenotypes.

Analysis of the order-implantation relationship for musculoskeletal tissue transplantation. / Análisis de la relación solicitud-implante de injerto para trasplante osteomuscular.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze orders requested from a musculoskeletal tissue bank and to evaluate the percentage of tissue implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-five orders for musculoskeletal tissue were analyzed over the course of a year. EXCLUSIONS: 5 duplications and 5 orders for which there was no availability to cover the need. We analyzed the number of surgeries in which the graft was finally used. RESULTS: Of a total of 255 orders, the graft was used in 178 (70%), and the graft was not used in 77 (30%). Of the 178 used, there was a partial refund in 23 (10%). Of the 77 orders not used, surgery was performed in 32 (13%) without the use of bank tissue, while surgery was discontinued in the remaining 45 (17%). DISCUSSION: A non-utilization rate of 30% was identified, of which 17% was from surgery that was not performed and 13% from surgery that was performed, but the tissue was returned to the tissue bank, because it was not required. In a further 10% there was partial return of the tissue. Based on this analysis, we consider that it is important to have direct confirmation of the surgery to avoid sending tissue for discontinued surgeries, since in addition to the economic impact, the bank must ensure adequate temperature maintenance during transportation and storage in the transplantation centre, to avoid discarding said tissue if it is returned.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in scalded Jalapeño pepper industrial byproduct (Capsicum annuum).

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were evaluated from industrial Jalapeño pepper byproducts and simulated non processed byproducts from two Mexican states (Chihuahua and Sinaloa) to determine their value added potential as commercial food ingredients. Aqueous 80% ethanol produced about 13% of dry extract of polar compounds. Total phenolic content increased and capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin decreased on scalding samples (80 °C, 2 min) without affecting ascorbic acid. The major phenolic compounds, rutin, epicatechin and catechin comprised 90% of the total compounds detected by HPLC of each Jalapeño pepper byproducts. ORAC analysis showed that the origin and scalding process affected the antioxidant activity which correlated strongly with capsaicin content. Although scalding decreased capsaicinoids (up to 42%), phenolic content by (up to 16%), and the antioxidant activity (variable). Jalapeño pepper byproduct is a good source of compounds with antioxidant activity, and still an attractive ingredient to develop useful innovative products with potential food/non-food applications simultaneously reducing food loss and waste.

Pembrolizumab for advanced melanoma: experience from the Spanish Expanded Access Program.

BACKGROUND: The programmed death (PD-1) inhibitor pembrolizumab has been recently approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma. We evaluated the clinical activity of pembrolizumab in melanoma patients treated under the Spanish Expanded Access Program. METHODS: Advanced melanoma patients who failed to previous treatment lines were treated with pembrolizumab 2 mg/kg every three weeks. Patients with brain metastases were not excluded if they were asymptomatic. Data were retrospectively collected from 21 centers in the Spanish Melanoma Group. RESULTS: Sixty-seven advanced melanoma patients were analyzed. Most patients were stage M1c (73.1%), had high LDH levels (55.2%) and had ECOG PS 1 or higher (59.7%). For cutaneous melanoma patients, median overall survival was 14.0 months; the 18-month overall survival rate was 47.1%. Overall response rate was 27%, including three patients with complete responses (6.5%). Median response duration was not reached, with 83.3% of responses ongoing (3.5 m+ to 20.4 m+). From ten patients included with brain metastases, four (40%) had an objective response, two (20%) of them achieved a complete response. Significant prognostic factors for overall survival were LDH level, ECOG PS and objective response. There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Although this was a heavily pretreated cohort, pembrolizumab activity at the approved dose and schedule was confirmed in the clinical setting with long-term responders, also including patients with brain metastases.

[Current aspects of prostate cancer screening]. / Aspectos actuales sobre el cribado en el cáncer de próstata.

Screening programs for prostate cancer based on the determination of serum prostate specific antigen has led to overdiagnosis, and consequently overtreatment. A percentage of men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a tumour that will not progress, or do so slowly (overdiagnosis or pseudo-disease). This overdiagnosis rate ranges from 17-50%. Mass screening is defined as the systematic examination of asymptomatic men. Early detection or opportunistic screening involves the pursuit of individual cases being initiated by the doctor or the patient. In the case of a patient who requests a prostate specific antigen from their general practitioner, a number of issues on overdiagnosis, over-treatment and possible damage from the biopsy, should be explained to him. With data from randomised studies on prostate specific antigen and prostate cancer screening, population screening is not recommended by any urological society.

Safety of vemurafenib in patients with BRAF V600 mutated metastatic melanoma: the Spanish experience.

OBJECTIVES: Vemurafenib tolerability was assessed in a large, open-label, multicentre study in patients with BRAF V600 mutated advanced melanoma. We investigated safety, tolerability and efficacy of vemurafenib in Spanish patients participating in that study. METHODS: Patients with previously treated or treatment-naive, unresectable stage IIIC or stage IV, BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma received vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent or death. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: 301 Spanish patients were included, 70 % with M1c disease, 22 % with brain metastases and 51 % with prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease. Most frequent adverse events included fatigue (48 %), arthralgia (45 %), rash (41 %), photosensitivity (34 %) and skin neoplasms (21 %). Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 156 patients (52 %), including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (including keratoacanthoma; 16 %), fatigue (6 %) and arthralgia (5 %). The ORR was 28 % (95 % CI 23-34 %). Responses occurred in patients with brain metastases (18 %), elevated baseline lactate dehydrogenase (19 %) and poor performance status (15 %), and elderly patients (22 %). Median PFS was 5.8 (95 % CI 5.0-6.4) months; median OS was 10.5 (95 % CI 9.5-13.5) months. CONCLUSION: Our results for Spanish patients in the vemurafenib safety study indicate similar efficacy and a comparable safety profile in Spanish patients with no new safety signals compared with the overall population. Clinical benefit was demonstrated in poor-prognosis patients and in those with favourable baseline characteristics, suggesting that poor-prognosis patients may also benefit from vemurafenib treatment.

Expressions of E2 and E7-HPV16 proteins in pre-malignant and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix.

Continuous production of the E7 protein from different types of high risk human papilloma virus (HPV) is required for progression of malignancy. We developed antibodies against HPV type 16 E7 and E2 proteins to evaluate their utility as markers for diagnosis during early stages of cervical cancer. Forty biopsies from uterine cervices were diagnosed as low grade intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), squamous carcinoma (SC), in situ adenocarcinoma (ISA) and invasive adenocarcinoma (AC), all of which were infected with HPV 16. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expressions of E7 and E2 (both from HPV 16) and p16. P16 was expressed in eight of 12 LSILs, in all HSILs, in 16 of 18 SC and in all ACs. E2 was expressed in six of 12 LSILs. E7 was positive in eight of 12 LSILs and in all HSIL and carcinomas. The expressions of E2 and E7 of HPV16 related to p16 expression confirmed the value of the viral oncogenic proteins as complementary to histology and support the carcinogenic model of the uterine cervix, because HPVDNA integration into cellular DNA implies the destruction of the gene encoding E2, which suppresses the expression of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins. E2 from HPV16 could be marker for LSILs, while E7 could be a marker for progression of LSILs to HSILs in patients infected by HPV16, because viral typing has little positive predictive value.

Myocardial MiR-30 downregulation triggered by doxorubicin drives alterations in ß-adrenergic signaling and enhances apoptosis.

The use of anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX) has improved outcome in cancer patients, yet associated risks of cardiomyopathy have limited their clinical application. DOX-associated cardiotoxicity is frequently irreversible and typically progresses to heart failure (HF) but our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying this and essential for development of cardioprotective strategies remains largely obscure. As microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play potent regulatory roles in both cardiovascular disease and cancer, we investigated miRNA changes in DOX-induced HF and the alteration of cellular processes downstream. Myocardial miRNA profiling was performed after DOX-induced injury, either via acute application to isolated cardiomyocytes or via chronic exposure in vivo, and compared with miRNA profiles from remodeled hearts following myocardial infarction. The miR-30 family was downregulated in all three models. We describe here that miR-30 act regulating the ß-adrenergic pathway, where preferential ß1- and ß2-adrenoceptor (ß1AR and ß2AR) direct inhibition is combined with Giα-2 targeting for fine-tuning. Importantly, we show that miR-30 also target the pro-apoptotic gene BNIP3L/NIX. In aggregate, we demonstrate that high miR-30 levels are protective against DOX toxicity and correlate this in turn with lower reactive oxygen species generation. In addition, we identify GATA-6 as a mediator of DOX-associated reductions in miR-30 expression. In conclusion, we describe that DOX causes acute and sustained miR-30 downregulation in cardiomyocytes via GATA-6. miR-30 overexpression protects cardiac cells from DOX-induced apoptosis, and its maintenance represents a potential cardioprotective and anti-tumorigenic strategy for anthracyclines.

Cellular remodelling by apoptosis during porcine placentation.

The mechanisms that regulate the apoptosis are essential to the normal development and maintenance of homoeostasis and play an important role in placental development in mammals. During porcine pregnancy, there must be a proper cellular remodelling to achieve a normal gestational development. Knowledge of pig physiology during pregnancy will explore options to increase the productivity of this species of high economical value. The purpose of this work was to study the cell morphology and apoptosis of porcine placentas from early, mid and late pregnancy. For that purpose, high-resolution light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were performed to the study of cell morphology. TUNEL, the apoptosis index (IAp) and the expression of c-FLIP through immunohistochemistry technique were used to the study of apoptosis. High-resolution light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of placental cells with ultrastructural apoptotic features. Apoptotic nuclei were detected by TUNEL in different placental structures and phagocytes containing apoptotic bodies. The IAp in villi was 9.34% at early, 0.82% at mid and 23.85% at late pregnancy. Statistically significant differences were found between periods (p < 0.05). In previous studies, we determined a differential induction of the apoptotic routes in the placental villi in agreement with the gestational period. A co-expression of receptors and mitochondrial proteins in placental connective tissue was detected, but the immunolocalization of c-FLIP would indicate an endogenous inhibition of the extrinsic pathway. In conclusion, in swine there exists differential activation of inducing apoptotic pathways in different placental structures according to the gestational period.

Inter-observer variance with the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) following the 2008 WHO classification.

Morphology is the basis of the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The WHO classification offers prognostic information and helps with the treatment decisions. However, morphological changes are subject to potential inter-observer variance. The aim of our study was to explore the reliability of the 2008 WHO classification of MDS, reviewing 100 samples previously diagnosed with MDS using the 2001 WHO criteria. Specimens were collected from 10 hospitals and were evaluated by 10 morphologists, working in five pairs. Each observer evaluated 20 samples, and each sample was analyzed independently by two morphologists. The second observer was blinded to the clinical and laboratory data, except for the peripheral blood (PB) counts. Nineteen cases were considered as unclassified MDS (MDS-U) by the 2001 WHO classification, but only three remained as MDS-U by the 2008 WHO proposal. Discordance was observed in 26 of the 95 samples considered suitable (27 %). Although there were a high number of observers taking part, the rate of discordance was quite similar among the five pairs. The inter-observer concordance was very good regarding refractory anemia with excess blasts type 1 (RAEB-1) (10 of 12 cases, 84 %), RAEB-2 (nine of 10 cases, 90 %), and also good regarding refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (37 of 50 cases, 74 %). However, the categories with unilineage dysplasia were not reproducible in most of the cases. The rate of concordance with refractory cytopenia with unilineage dysplasia was 40 % (two of five cases) and 25 % with RA with ring sideroblasts (two of eight). Our results show that the 2008 WHO classification gives a more accurate stratification of MDS but also illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing MDS with unilineage dysplasia.

Conocimientos y comportamientos sobre factores de riesgo de cáncer de mama en un grupo de mujeres / Knowledge and behaviors on breast cancer risk factors among a group of women

Introducción: En México cada 2 horas muere una mujer por cáncer de mama (CaMa), enfermería debe asumir un rol protagónico en promover la salud de la mama. Objetivo: Explorar la relación que existe entre conocimientos y comportamientos sobre factores de riesgo y detección oportuna del cáncer de mama en un grupo de mujeres. Material y métodos: Estudio piloto observacional, descriptivo y transversal, incluyó 52 mujeres mayores de 25 años de una institución educativa. Las variables fueron: factores de riesgo para CaMa, antecedentes personales, conductas protectoras o de riesgo, conocimientos y screening, Resultados: con una K Richardson 0.73. La media de edad 38±8, las mujeres de 47-57 años tienen menor nivel de escolaridad (Z= - 2.87, p=0.004), y menos conocimientos (Anova p=0.02). Las mujeres que no reportaron datos de enfermedad crónica tienen un promedio mayor de conductas de riesgo (3±1) que aquellas que si lo presentan (2±1, t= 2.944, gl=50, p < 0.005). Discusión: Los resultados concuerdan con lo reportado en la literatura, los conocimientos son deficientes y no se relacionan con conductas saludables ni garantizan que las mujeres realicen detección oportuna. Conclusiones:En el espacio universitario se deben implementar estrategias que incrementen los conocimientos y la detección oportuna de CaMa.

Introduction: In Mexico, every two hours a woman dies of breast cancer (BrCa); thus Nursing should assume a principal roll in the promotion of women's health. Objective: explore the relationship between knowledge and behavior related to risk factors and BrCa early detection. Materials and methods: basic, descriptive, and observational study pilot, which included 52 women older than 25 working in an education institution. The variables were BrCa risk factors, personal background, protecting or risk conducts, knowledge and screening. Results: K Richardson was .73. Average age was 38 +- 8. Women between 47-57 reported a lower level of education (Z = -2.87, p = .004), and less knowledge (ANOVA p = .02). Women who did not report chronic illness data reported greater average number of risk conducts (3+-1) than those who did (2+-1, t = 2.944, gl = 50, p < .005). Discussion: our results are consistent with those of the literature: when knowledge is insufficient women do not behave healthy and do not perform early detection practices. Conclusion: it is necessary to implement strategies to enhance knowledge and frequency of BrCa early detection practices.

Aortoenteric fistula after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment with the original Gore Excluder endoprosthesis and Cook aortouniiliac converter for endotension.

We report a case of aortoenteric fistula (AEF) that occurred four years after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with the original Gore Excluder endoprosthesis despite uncomplicated stent graft placement without endoleaks or migration on postoperative imaging studies; the patient was reoperated with a Cook aortouniiliac converter for endotension three months before the diagnosis of AEF. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature of an AEF after EVAR with the Excluder stent graft. Our case demonstrates that EVAR is not a guarantee against the development of AEF, and we suggest that all the patients with the first generation Excluder device should be closely followed-up; if sac enlargement is detected, early conversion to open repair or reinforcement of the entire old endograft should be considered.

[Multidisciplinary management of an anaplastic sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid in a 40-year-old woman]. / Abordaje multidisciplinar de un carcinoma sebáceo anaplásico palpebral en una paciente de 40 años.

CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old woman was referred to our department due to an apparent indolent anterior blepharitis with an indurated node in her right upper eyelid, which had persisted for months. It was believed to be a chalazion associated with an ipsilateral swollen pre-aurical lymph node, which had not responded to conventional treatment. The extemporaneous biopsy was reported as sebaceous carcinoma. Complete exeresis was performed on that eyelid and it was reconstructed with a palate mucosa graft and a glabelar flap. A radical neck dissection was performed later, in order to remove the lymph nodes that appeared necrotic in several lymphatic areas. A biopsy was also performed on the lower eyelid, which was reported as positive for carcinomatous infiltration, and therefore it was treated with Curie-therapy. DISCUSSION: The precocity in diagnosing sebaceous carcinomas of the eyelids is the main prognostic factor. The reconstruction in cases with need of complete eyelid exeresis is feasible by means of a palate mucosa graft. In our case, both the anaplastic character and the high aggressiveness of the neoplasm were a therapeutic challenge.

Abundance, distribution and size structure of Diadema antillarum (Echinodermata: Diadematidae) in South Eastern Cuban coral reefs

The 1983-1984 mass mortality event of Diadema antillarum affected more than 93% of the total Caribbean population. Although there are no records about the status of Diadema populations before and after die-off on Cuban reefs, anecdotal information suggests that populations were struck. We analyzed spatial variation in the abundance and size structure of D. antillarum in 22 reefs sites in Jardines de la Reina, from June 2004 to September 2005. Counts of Diadema were performed in five 30x2m transects at each sampling site and sampling time, and test diameters were measured in September 2005 at the same fore reefs. Abundances were higher at reef crests (mean densities 0.08-2.18 ind./m²), while reef slope populations reached a maximum site level of 0.13 ind./m² at only one site and showed values up to three orders of magnitude lower than those from reef crests. Highest abundance occurred at the west margin of major channels between keys where larval recruitment seems to be favored by local oceanographic features and facilitated by the abundance of Echinometra lucunter. The size frequency distribution of D. antillarum indicates that recruitment began to be noticeable three years before September 2005, suggesting these populations were depleted in the past and they are recovering now. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (2): 663-676. Epub 2010 June 02.

La mortalidad de Diadema antillarum en 1983-1984 afectó más del 93% de la población del Caribe. Aunque no existen datos publicados sobre el estado de sus poblaciones en arrecifes cubanos antes y después de la mortalidad, se conoce anecdóticamente que fueron afectadas. En el presente trabajo se analizan las variaciones espaciales de la abundancia y estructura de tallas de D. antillarum en 22 arrecifes frontales en Jardines de la Reina, para lo cual se realizaron cinco recorridos de 30x2m en cada sitio entre Junio de 2004 y Septiembre de 2005. Las densidades de Diadema fueron mayores en las crestas arrecifales (0.08-2.18 ind./m²) mientras que en las pendientes fueron hasta tres órdenes de magnitud menor y la densidad máxima fue 0.13 ind./m². Las crestas con mayor abundancia de Diadema están ubicadas en los márgenes de las grandes pasas existentes entre cayos donde el reclutamiento parece estar favorecido por las condiciones oceanográficas locales y facilitado por la abundancia de Echinometra lucunter. La distribución de frecuencia de tallas de Diadema sugiere que el reclutamiento comenzó a ser notable aproximadamente tres años antes del muestreo, indicando que en el pasado sus poblaciones estuvieron afectadas y ahora están recuperándose.

Microcontroller-driven fluid-injection system for atomic force microscopy.

We present a programmable microcontroller-driven injection system for the exchange of imaging medium during atomic force microscopy. Using this low-noise system, high-resolution imaging can be performed during this process of injection without disturbance. This latter circumstance was exemplified by the online imaging of conformational changes in DNA molecules during the injection of anticancer drug into the fluid chamber.