Ethnicity-Based Variations in Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling in Glioblastoma Gene Expression: A Study of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Population.

Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer, has a higher incidence in non-Hispanics when compared to the US Hispanic population. Using data from RT-PCR analysis of 21 GBM tissue from Hispanic patients in Puerto Rico, we identified significant correlations in the gene expression of focal adhesion kinase and proline-rich tyrosine kinase (PTK2 and PTK2B) with NGFR (nerve growth factor receptor), PDGFRB (platelet-derived growth factor receptor B), EGFR (epithelial growth factor receptor), and CXCR1 (C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1). This study further explores these correlations found in gene expression while accounting for sex and ethnicity. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlations with an r value > ±0.7 were subsequently contrasted with mRNA expression data acquired from cBioPortal for 323 GBM specimens. Significant correlations in Puerto Rican male patients were found between PTK2 and PTK2B, NGFR, PDGFRB, EGFR, and CXCR1, which did not arise in non-Hispanic male patient data. The data for Puerto Rican female patients showed correlations in PTK2 with PTK2B, NGFR, PDGFRB, and EGFR, all of which did not appear in the data for non-Hispanic female patients. The data acquired from cBioPortal for non-Puerto Rican Hispanic patients supported the correlations found in the Puerto Rican population for both sexes. Our findings reveal distinct correlations in gene expression patterns, particularly involving PTK2, PTK2B, NGFR, PDGFRB, and EGFR among Puerto Rican Hispanic patients when compared to non-Hispanic counterparts.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors: Whole-Genome Sequencing to Assist Management and Prognosis.

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) harbor unique genetic mutations which may play a role in prognostication and management. To this end, we present the largest cohort of IMSCTs with genetic characterization in the literature from our multi-site institutional registry. A total of 93 IMSCT patient records were reviewed from the years 1999 to 2020. Out of these, 61 complied with all inclusion criteria, 14 of these patients had undergone genetic studies with 8 undergoing whole-genomic sequencing. Univariate analyses were used to assess any factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) using the Cox proportional hazards model. Firth's penalized likelihood approach was used to account for the low event rates. Fisher's exact test was performed to compare whole-genome analyses and specific gene mutations with progression. PFS (months) was given as a hazard ratio. Only the absence of copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was shown to be significant (0.05, p = 0.008). Additionally, higher risk of recurrence/progression was associated with LOH (p = 0.0179). Our results suggest LOH as a genetic predictor of shorter progression-free survival, particularly within ependymoma and glioblastoma tumor types. Further genomic research with larger multi-institutional datasets should focus on these mutations as possible prognostic factors.

A coarse-grained approach to model the dynamics of the actomyosin cortex.

BACKGROUND: The dynamics of the actomyosin machinery is at the core of many important biological processes. Several relevant cellular responses such as the rhythmic compression of the cell cortex are governed, at a mesoscopic level, by the nonlinear interaction between actin monomers, actin crosslinkers, and myosin motors. Coarse-grained models are an optimal tool to study actomyosin systems, since they can include processes that occur at long time and space scales, while maintaining the most relevant features of the molecular interactions. RESULTS: Here, we present a coarse-grained model of a two-dimensional actomyosin cortex, adjacent to a three-dimensional cytoplasm. Our simplified model incorporates only well-characterized interactions between actin monomers, actin crosslinkers and myosin, and it is able to reproduce many of the most important aspects of actin filament and actomyosin network formation, such as dynamics of polymerization and depolymerization, treadmilling, network formation, and the autonomous oscillatory dynamics of actomyosin. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the present model can be used to study the in vivo response of actomyosin networks to changes in key parameters of the system, such as alterations in the attachment of actin filaments to the cell cortex.

Injury in CrossFit®: A Systematic Review of Epidemiology and Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To review the characteristics of the injuries among CrossFit® practitioners, including prevalence and incidence, nature, location, and risk factors. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception through August 2020, and English-language articles reporting on CrossFit®-related injuries were included. Data including sample (sex, age, and demographics) and injuries' characteristics (prevalence, incidence rate, nature, location, percentage of injuries requiring surgery and risk factors) were extracted. RESULTS: Overall, twenty-five studies involving a total of 12,079 CrossFit® practitioners met the inclusion criteria. The mean prevalence of injuries among the included studies was 35.3%, with an incidence rate varying between 0.2 and 18.9 per 1000 hours of training. The most injured areas were shoulder (26%), spine (24%), and knee (18%). Among the studies that reported the injuries requiring surgery, the mean percentage was 8.7%. Regarding the risk factors associated with injuries, older age, male sex, a greater body mass index, the existence of previous injuries, the lack of coach supervision, the experience on CrossFit® and the participation in competitions were reported by the studies. CONCLUSIONS: CrossFit® training has an injury incidence rate similar to weightlifting and powerlifting. Findings from the studies suggest that the most affected areas are shoulder, spine, and knee. The limited quality of the studies prevents us from drawing solid conclusions about injury risk factors.

Microglial Cytokines Induce Invasiveness and Proliferation of Human Glioblastoma through Pyk2 and FAK Activation.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumor in adults. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that microglia create a microenvironment favoring glioma invasion and proliferation. Our previous studies and literature reports indicated the involvement of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) in glioma cell proliferation and invasion, stimulated by tumor-infiltrating microglia. However, the specific microglia-released factors that modulate Pyk2 and FAK signaling in glioma cells are unknown. In this study, 20 human glioblastoma specimens were evaluated with the use of RT-PCR and western blotting. A Pierson correlation test demonstrated a correlation (0.6-1.0) between the gene expression levels for platelet-derived growth factor ß(PDGFß), stromal-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), IL-6, IL-8, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in tumor-purified microglia and levels of p-Pyk2 (Y579/Y580) and p-FAK(Y925) in glioma cells. siRNA knockdown against Pyk2 or FAK in three primary glioblastoma cell lines, developed from the investigated specimens, in combination with the cytokine receptor inhibitors gefitinib (1 µM), DMPQ (200 nM), and burixafor (1 µM) identified EGF, PDGFß, and SDF-1α as key extracellular factors in the Pyk2- and FAK-dependent activation of invadopodia formation and the migration of glioma cells. EGF and IL-6 were identified as regulators of the Pyk2- and FAK-dependent activation of cell viability and mitosis.

Aspectos éticos de la toma y el uso de la fotografía en la práctica pediátrica / Ethical aspects of taking and using photographs in pediatric medical practice

Desde los inicios de la medicina, la reproducción de imágenes de pacientes, ya sea con fines didácticos o de compartir experiencias, fue considerada una práctica habitual en el quehacer médico. La aparición de la fotografía facilitó y generalizó enormemente esta práctica dentro de los equipos de salud. Las imágenes de los pacientes requieren el mismo consentimiento y garantías de confidencialidad que otras partes del registro médico. Se remarca la importancia del consentimiento informado. Se considera la responsabilidad legal de estos actos.

From the beginning of medicine, the reproduction of patients' images, initially as drawings, either for didactic purposes or to share experiences, were common in medical practice. Photography greatly facilitated and generalized this practice within health teams. The images of the affected patients need the same consents and guarantees of confidentiality as any other parts of the medical record, so the importance of obtaining informed consent is highlighted. Beyond ethical aspects, professionals have to take into account the legal responsibility involved in carrying out this act.

Effects of chitosan and oligochitosan on development and mitochondrial function of Rhizopus stolonifer.

The antifungal activities of chitosan and oligochitosan have been used to control postharvest decay of the fruits. The effect of chitosan and oligochitosan on mycelium growth, spore germination, and mitochondrial function of Rhizopus stolonifer was evaluated in order to establish a connection between fungus development and the main organelle in charge to provide energy to the cell. The mycelium growth of R. stolonifer was significantly reduced on minimum media amended with chitosan or oligochitosan. The highest antifungal indexes were obtained on media containing chitosan or oligochitosan at 2.0 mg ml(-1). Microscopic observation showed that chitosan and oligochitosan affected the spore germination and hyphae morphology. Both polymers increased oxygen consumption of R. stolonifer. Respiratory activity was restored with NADH in permeabilized treated and untreated cells, and was inhibited with rotenone and flavones. Complex III and IV were inhibited by antimycin A and cyanide, respectively, in treated and untreated cells. Chitosan and oligochitosan increased NADH dehydrogenase activity in isolated mitochondria. However, there were not changes in the cytochrome c oxidase and ATPase activities by effect of these polymers. These results suggest that both chitosan and oligochitosan affect the development of R. stolonifer and might be implicated in the mitochondrial dysfunction.

[Impact of exercise on the body composition and aerobic capacity of elderly with obesity through three models of intervention]. / Repercusion del ejercicio fisico en la composicion corporal y la capacidad aerobica de adultos mayores con obesidad mediante tres modelos de intervencion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of aerobic exercise on body composition and aerobic capacity of a sample of older, sedentary adults with obesity rates by three different models of intervention (recommendation, prescription at home and monitoring). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 76 older adults with a mean age 67.1+/-1.2 years, sedentary, with a BMI> 30 kg/ m2 were randomized in to four groups: Control (CON) recommendation (REC), prescription home (PRES) and monitoring in a sports center (MON). The same program of aerobic exercise for groups of home and sports center for 24 weeks, 3 days a week was developed. It was determined before and after the intervention BMI, Waist- Hip-index (ICC), the% fat ( Σ folds) and aerobic capacity (T6M) throughout the sample. RESULTS: MON and PRES groups showed significant improvements in the ICC, Σ folds and T 6M variables, not the case in BMI. However the MON group presented significant differences from group PRES between-group analysis (p <0.001). The recommendation did not get positive effects. CONCLUSION: Monitoring is the most effective exercise programs in adults with obesity methodology. However the exercise prescription at home since early intervention is an important approach for people with physical and/ or psychological reasons such as obesity cannot access the sports centers to participate in activities led by a monitor. Unknowns of aerobic exercise are cleared in the home that are of great impact for social policies regarding the health of the elderly population.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia del ejercicio aerobico en la composicion corporal y la capacidad aerobica de una muestra de adultos mayores, sedentarios y con indices de obesidad, mediante tres modelos diferentes de intervencion (recomendacion, prescripcion en el hogar y monitorizacion). Material y método: Participaron 76 adultos mayores con una edad media 67.1 +/- 1.2 anos, sedentarios, con un IMC > 30 kg/m2 que se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos: Control (CON) recomendacion (REC), prescripcion en el hogar (PRES) y monitorizacion en un centro deportivo (MON). Se desarrollo un mismo programa de ejercicio fisico aerobico para los grupos de hogar y centro deportivo durante 24 semanas, 3 dias a la semana. Se determino antes y despues de la intervencion el IMC, el Indice-Cadera-Cintura (ICC), el % graso (Pligues) y la capacidad aerobica (T 6M) en toda la muestra. Resultados: Los grupos MON y PRES mostraron mejoras significativas en las variables ICC, Pliegues y T 6M, no siendo asi en el IMC. Sin embargo el grupo MON presento diferencias significativas respecto al grupo PRES en el analisis entre-grupos (p.

Actividad antifúngica del quitosano y aceites esenciales sobre Rhizopus stolonifer -Ehrenb: Fr Vuill, agente causal de la pudrición blanda del tomate / Antifungal activity of chitosan and essential oils on Rhizopus stolonifer Ehrenb: Fr Vuill causal agent of soft rot of tomato

Rhizopus stolonifer es el agente causal de la pudrición blanda, enfermedad poscosecha que ocasiona pérdidas económicas importantes. Se han empleado fungicidas sintéticos como el dicloran para controlar a este microorganismo, sin embargo, se ha demostrado que los fungicidas representan un riesgo para el ambiente y la salud humana. Actualmente se buscan alternativas naturales para el control de las pudriciones poscosecha. Se evaluó in vitro e in situ el efecto antifúngico del quitosano y de los aceites esenciales de canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), clavo (Syzygium aromaticum) y tomillo (Thymus vulgaris) y dicloran sobre Rhizopus stolonifer. Los tratamientos más efectivos para inhibir in vitro a Rhizopus stolonifer fueron obtenidos con quitosano a 10 mg mL-1, con los tres aceites esenciales probados a la concentración de 0,3 mg mL-1, las mezclas de quitosano a 10 mg mL-1 con los aceites a 0,3 mg mL-1 y el dicloran a 1 mg mL-1. Los experimentos in situ mostraron que el tratamiento individual con quitosano fue el mejor para reducir el porcentaje de infección de los frutos de tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum) inoculados con Rhizopus stolonifer y que la mezcla de quitosano con aceites esenciales no mejora la actividad antifúngica. El quitosano y el dicloran fueron los mejores tratamientos para reducir la pérdida de peso de los frutos. Los tratamientos individuales con quitosano representan una alternativa natural para controlar la pudrición blanda en frutos de tomate.

Rhizopus stolonifer is the causal agent of soft rot, postharvest disease that causes important economic losses. Synthetic fungicides such as dichloran have been used to control this microorganism; however, it has been shown that fungicides represent a risk for the environment and human health. Actually, natural alternatives are looked for the control of postharvest rotting. In vitro and in situ experiments the antifungal effect of chitosan, essential oils of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and dichloran on Rhizopus stolonifer were evaluated. The most effective treatments for in vitro inhibition of Rhizopus stolonifer were obtained by quitosano to 10 mg mL-1, with the three essential oils proved to the concentration of 0.3 mg mL-1, the mixtures chitosan to 10 mg mL-1 with the oils at 0.3 mg mL-1 and dichloran at 1 mg mL-1. In situ experiments showed that the individual treatment with chitosan was the best to reduce the infection percentage of the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruits inoculated with Rhizopus stolonifer and chitosan mixture with essential oils did not improve its antifungal activity. Chitosan and dichloran were the best treatments to reduce the weight loss of the fruits. Individual treatments with chitosan represent a natural alternative for the control of soft rot on tomato fruits.

Perspectivas del uso de bacterias rizosféricas en el control de Pyricularia grisea (Cooke Sacc) en el cultivo del arroz (Oryza sativa L) / Prospect of the use of bacteria in the control Pyricularia grisea (Cooke Sacc) on rice (Oriza sativa L)

El arroz es fuente de alimento para una gran parte de la población mundial, con alto promedio de consumo anual. En este cultivo las enfermedades de origen microbiano constituyen uno de los factores que inciden en la obtención de bajos rendimientos y calidad de los granos. La piriculariosis o añublo del arroz, causada por Pyricularia grisea, es la enfermedad más importante en este cultivo en América Latina, ya que puede provocar hasta el 100% de reducción de los rendimientos. Como parte de la estrategia de agricultura sostenible, se trata de controlar estos patógenos y lograr altos rendimientos del cultivo mediante una combinación adecuada de fertilizantes químicos y productos biológicos. En este sentido, la aplicación de inoculantes bacterianos constituidos por bacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (Plant Growth- Promoting Bacteria, PGPB, por sus siglas en inglés) ha constituido una alternativa ecológica que favorece la conservación del medioambiente y el ecosistema. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo abordar el estado actual y las perspectivas de uso de bacterias rizosféricas en el control de Pyricularia grisea en el cultivo del arroz, tratando algunos temas relevantes, como son las principales enfermedades que afectan al cultivo, los géneros de PGPB más utilizados para el control de las mismas y sus principales mecanismos de acción.

Rice is an important food supply for a large part of the world population and its consumption rates are very high. Microbial diseases are one of the main causes that provoke low yields and low-quality spotted grains. Although fungi, bacteria and viruses are mostly the responsible for these losses, fungal diseases strike more frequently. Among fungi, Pyricularia grisea, the blast fungus is responsible for up to 100% of reduction in yields, being the blast the most important rice disease in Latin America. To control this pathogen, a strategy of sustainable agriculture might be developed, combining accurately chemical and biological products. PGPB based bioproducts have been considered as an eco-friendly alternative, which favours environment preservation. This work was aimed to approach the current status and outlook of the use of rhizobacteria in the biocontrol of Pyricularia grisea on rice. Main diseases attacking rice, most beneficial PGPB and its mechanisms of action will be discussed too in this review.

Efecto del quitosano en el desarrollo in vitro de rhizopus stolonifer ehrenb: fr) vuill en dos medios de cultivo / Effect of chitosan on the in vitro developtment of rhizopus stolonifer (ehrenb: fr) vuill on two culture medium

En este trabajo se evaluó el efecto antifúngico del quitosano (0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0 mg mL-1) en el desarrollo in vitro (crecimiento micelial, formación de cuerpos fructíferos, esporulación, germinación y liberación de proteínas) de Rhizopus stolonifer en dos medios de cultivo (papa dextrosa agar y medio mínimo). Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el quitosano inhibió el crecimiento micelial de R. stolonifer en ambos medios de cultivo. El mayor índice antifúngico se observó en el medio papa dextrosa agar. El quitosano no afectó la formación de los cuerpos fructíferos de R. stolonifer en los medios estudiados. La esporulación y la germinación de las esporas se afectaron en ambos medios de cultivo por efecto de quitosano, siendo más notable en el medio medio mínimo. Se demostró la liberación de proteínas por efecto del quitosano en medio mínimo y caldo papa dextrosa. En general, en este estudio se evidenció el efecto antifúngico del quitosano en el desarrollo in vitro de Rhizopus stolonifer con independencia del medio de cultivo empleado. Sin embargo, en medio medio mínimo podrían observarse mejor los efectos antifúngicos del quitosano.

In this work the antifungal effect of chitosan (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg mL-1) on the in vitro development (mycelial growth, fruit bodies formation, sporulation, germination and proteins release) of Rhizopus stolonifer on two culture medium (Potato Dextrose Agar and Minimal medium) was evaluated. The obtained results demonstrated that chitosan inhibited the mycelial growth of R. stolonifer in both culture medium. The highest antifungal effect was observed on potato dextrose agar medium. Chitosan was not affected the fruit bodies formation of R. stolonifer on the studied medium. Sporulation and spore germination were affected in both culture mediun by effect of chitosan, it was more noticeable in minimal medium. It was demonstrated proteins release by effect of chitosan in minimal medium and potato dextrose broth medium. In general, in this study it was showed the antifungal effect of chitosan on in vitro development of Rhizopus stolonifer regardless of the culture medium used. However, in minimal medium could be observed best the antifungal effects of chitosan.

Sodium chloride regulates Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 in different tumor cell lines.

Perturbations of the extracellular ionic content by different hypo- or hyperosmolar stimuli initiate stress responses to maintain cell viability that include activation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) in cell lines derived from kidney epithelium. When hyperosmolar conditions induced by different salts occurred in the extracellular environment of tumor-derived cell lines, they activated the Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 by increasing its phosphorylation steady-state on Thr202/Tyr204 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. It was found that Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 activation is a consequence of selective phosphorylation by mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase. Changes in cell shape or in tubulin or actin cytoskeletal structure were not found, although cell growth arrest was observed as well as induction of apoptosis and modified cell migration ability that were dependent upon Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 activation evidencing a critical role for the Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 in mediating survival of cells in hyperosmotic conditions.

Hypertonicity activates GSK3beta in tumor cells.

Responses to perturbations in the composition of the extracellular environment are crucial to maintain cell and tissue homeostasis. In hypertonic conditions cell lines derived from kidney epithelium initiate a variety of stress responses to maintain cell viability that include activation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK). We previously showed that NaCl also regulates MAPK in different tumor cell lines and we now show that when hypertonic conditions induced with NaCl and other osmolytes were used to stimulate several tumor cell lines, Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) was rapidly dephosphorylated at serine 9 and its kinase activity was increased. This response was both time- and dose-dependent, it was independent of the Akt signaling pathway and did not increase steady state levels of phosphorylation of beta-catenin, although the data suggested that activated GSK3beta could regulate the activity of ERK1/2.

Encuesta sobre bioetica en un hospital de pediatria: bases para futuras estrategias / Survey on bioethics in a pediatric hospital: basis for new strategies

La ética médica (EM) forma parte de la medicina desde sus comienzos pero recién en las últimas décadas se la reconoce como disciplina independiente. Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo a médicos del Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez para determinar: a) el conocimiento de conceptos básicos de EM entre sus miembros, b) la inserción y función del comité de bioética (CB) en dicha institución. Se repartieron 150 encuestas, se recuperaron 90 (60%). Los conceptos teóricos de EM (definiciones de bioética, paciente terminal, autonomía, justicia, beneficencia, y consentimiento informado) fueron respondidos correctamente por el 75.2%. Conocía la existencia del CB el 97.8%. Lo había consultado alguna vez el 61.1%. De aquellos que consultaron, la recomendación sugerida por el CB para resolver el dilema ético presentado fue: totalmente útil, para el 23.6%, parcialmente útil para el 45.5%, y no útil para el 27.3%. Nunca había consultado al CB el 37.8%, del cual el 64.7% refería no haber tenido dilema, el 11.7% consideraba no útil ôa prioriö la posible respuesta del CB, el 11.7% no justificó la causa, el 2.9% no distinguió los dilemas y a otro 2.9% no se le ocurrió consultar. La mayoría de los que respondieron tenía información adecuada sobre conceptos básicos de EM. Tanto el índice de consultas al CB como la valoración de sus dictámenes como total o parcialmente útiles (69.1%) avalan la acción del mismo. Es llamativo que el principal argumento por el cual no se consultó al CB fue el no tener dilemas éticos. Tanto el CB en el HNRG como las universidades deberían intensificar la docencia en EM, fundamentalmente en los aspectos prácticos, que facilitaría a los integrantes del equipo de salud detectar dilemas éticos.

Corea y lupus erimatoso sistémico / Chorea and systemic lupus erythyematosus

Paciente de 15 años y 10 meses con diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico(LES)que 5 años antes presentó un cuadro de corea interpretado como una corea de Sydenham(CS)La presencia de estos hechos en un mismo paciente con un intervalo libre de varios años nos llevaron a buscar la probable conexión entre los mismos,como se describe en la literatura.las coreas adquiridas más frecuentes en pediatría son:la corea de Sydenham y la corea lúpica.Hacemos una revisión de ellas,de sus características clínicas,sus dificulatades diagnósticas y sugerimos conductas,destacando algunos elementos de laboratorio }