Tumor-derived hypoxic small extracellular vesicles promote endothelial cell migration and tube formation via ALS2/Rab5/ß-catenin signaling.

Tumor hypoxia has been associated with cancer progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis via modifications in the release and cargo composition of extracellular vesicles secreted by tumor cells. Indeed, hypoxic extracellular vesicles are known to trigger a variety of angiogenic responses via different mechanisms. We recently showed that hypoxia promotes endosomal signaling in tumor cells via HIF-1α-dependent induction of the guanine exchange factor ALS2, which activates Rab5, leading to downstream events involved in cell migration and invasion. Since Rab5-dependent signaling is required for endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis, we explored the possibility that hypoxia promotes the release of small extracellular vesicles containing ALS2, which in turn activate Rab5 in recipient endothelial cells leading to pro-angiogenic properties. In doing so, we found that hypoxia promoted ALS2 expression and incorporation as cargo within small extracellular vesicles, leading to subsequent transfer to recipient endothelial cells and promoting cell migration, tube formation, and downstream Rab5 activation. Consequently, ALS2-containing small extracellular vesicles increased early endosome size and number in recipient endothelial cells, which was followed by subsequent sequestration of components of the ß-catenin destruction complex within endosomal compartments, leading to stabilization and nuclear localization of ß-catenin. These events converged in the expression of ß-catenin target genes involved in angiogenesis. Knockdown of ALS2 in donor tumor cells precluded its incorporation into small extracellular vesicles, preventing Rab5-downstream events and endothelial cell responses, which depended on Rab5 activity and guanine exchange factor activity of ALS2. These findings indicate that vesicular ALS2, secreted in hypoxia, promotes endothelial cell events leading to angiogenesis. Finally, these events might explain how tumor angiogenesis proceeds in hypoxic conditions.

Inhibition of PORCN Blocks Wnt Signaling to Attenuate Progression of Oral Carcinogenesis.

PURPOSE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is commonly preceded by potentially malignant lesions, referred to as oral dysplasia. We recently reported that oral dysplasia is associated with aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, due to overexpression of Wnt ligands in a Porcupine (PORCN)-dependent manner. Pharmacologic inhibition of PORCN precludes Wnt secretion and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach to treat established cancers. Nevertheless, there are no studies that explore the effects of PORCN inhibition at the different stages of oral carcinogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We performed a model of tobacco-induced oral cancer in vitro, where dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOK) were transformed into oral carcinoma cells (DOK-TC), and assessed the effects of inhibiting PORCN with the C59 inhibitor. Similarly, an in vivo model of oral carcinogenesis and ex vivo samples derived from patients diagnosed with oral dysplasia and OSCC were treated with C59. RESULTS: Both in vitro and ex vivo oral carcinogenesis approaches revealed decreased levels of nuclear ß-catenin and Wnt3a, as observed by immunofluorescence and IHC analyses. Consistently, reduced protein and mRNA levels of survivin were observed after treatment with C59. Functionally, treatment with C59 in vitro resulted in diminished cell migration, viability, and invasion. Finally, by using an in vivo model of oral carcinogenesis, we found that treatment with C59 prevented the development of OSCC by reducing the size and number of oral tumor lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The inhibition of Wnt ligand secretion with C59 represents a feasible treatment to prevent the progression of early oral lesions toward OSCC.

Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling in Oral Carcinogenesis.

Oral carcinogenesis is a complex and multifactorial process that involves cumulative genetic and molecular alterations, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation, impaired DNA repair and defective cell death. At the early stages, the onset of potentially malignant lesions in the oral mucosa, or oral dysplasia, is associated with higher rates of malignant progression towards carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Efforts have been made to get insights about signaling pathways that are deregulated in oral dysplasia, as these could be translated into novel markers and might represent promising therapeutic targets. In this context, recent evidence underscored the relevance of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in oral dysplasia, as this pathway is progressively "switched on" through the different grades of dysplasia (mild, moderate and severe dysplasia), with the consequent nuclear translocation of ß-catenin and expression of target genes associated with the maintenance of representative traits of oral dysplasia, namely cell proliferation and viability. Intriguingly, recent studies provide an unanticipated connection between active ß-catenin signaling and deregulated endosome trafficking in oral dysplasia, highlighting the relevance of endocytic components in oral carcinogenesis. This review summarizes evidence about the role of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and the underlying mechanisms that account for its aberrant activation in oral carcinogenesis.

Localization of the mental foramen through digital panoramic radiographs in a Chilean population / Localización del foramen mental a través de radiografías panorámicas digitales en una población chilena

SUMMARY: The purpose of the current research was to describe the location of mental foramen (MF) through digital panoramic radiographs in a Chilean population sample. A cross sectional study was carried out in which 500 radiographs taken at a university clinic in Temuco, Chile, were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were applied and the radiographs were analyzed by two previously calibrated examiners. The antero-posterior and supero-inferior positions of the MF were established in relation to longitudinal axes of premolars and the height of their apices, respectively. The distances from the center of the MF to the inferior margin of the mandible, the midline and the height of the dental apices were measured. In total, 163 radiographs were analyzed (93 female, 70 male). On both left and right sides, the MF was most commonly found between the longitudinal axes of premolars (58.49 % and 65.43 %) and below of the apices (94.34 % and 95.68 %), with no significant differences for sex and age. On the right side the mean distance to the inferior margin of the mandible (D1) was 11.87±1.46 mm; to the midline (D2) it was 24.46±2.99 mm and to the height of the apices (D3) it was 5.03±8.44 mm. On the left side the same distances were 11.98±1.62 mm, 25.85±2.87 mm and 4.09±2.21 mm respectively. In conclusions, the distances measured from the MF to anatomical landmarks are smaller in women, however significant differences were only found for D1 (right and left sides) and D3 (left side). D2 was the only distance found to diminish with age (left side).

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la localización del foramen mental (FM) a través de radiografías panorámicas digitales en una población chilena. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en el cual se analizaron 500 radiografías tomadas en una clínica universitaria de la ciudad de Temuco. Se aplicaron criterios de exclusión y las radiografías incluidas fueron analizadas por dos examinadores previamente calibrados. La posición antero-posterior y supero-inferior del FM se estableció de acuerdo a los ejes longitudinales de los premolares y la altura de sus ápices respectivamente. También se midió la distancia desde el centro del FM hasta el borde inferior de la mandíbula, hasta la línea media y hasta la altura de los ápices dentarios. En total, 163 radiografías fueron analizadas (93 mujeres, 70 hombres). Tanto para el lado derecho como izquierdo, la ubicación más frecuente del FM fue entre los ejes longitudinales de los premolares (58,49 % y 65,43 %) y debajo de los ápices (94,34 % y 96,68 %), sin diferencias significativas por sexo y edad. En el lado derecho la distancia promedio desde el FM hasta el borde inferior de la mandíbula (o D1) fue 11,87±1,46 mm; a la línea media (o D2) fue 24,46±2,99 mm y a la altura de los ápices fue de 5,03±8,44 mm. En el lado izquierdo el promedio de las mismas distancias fueron 11,98±1,62 mm, 25,85±2,87 mm y 4,09±2,21 mm respectivamente. En conclusión, las distancias medidas desde el centro del FM hacia referencias anatómicas son menores en mujeres, sin embargo solo se encontraron diferencias significativas para D1 (en el lado derecho e izquierdo) y D3 (en el lado izquierdo). D2 fue la única distancia encontrada que disminuye con la edad (lado izquierdo).

Análisis de terminología clínico odontológica y su traducción al mapudungun / Analysis of clinical dental terminology and its translation to mapudungun

El uso de la medicina occidental tiene un papel preponderante en la búsqueda de comunicación eficaz con el pueblo mapuche, que se hace efectiva mediante la creación de centros de salud intercultural, sin embargo las brechas lingüísticas siguen siendo una gran problemática comunicacional. Los diccionarios bilingües mapudungun-castellano ofrecen información limitada respecto a los términos necesarios para un correcto diagnóstico odontológico. Lo mismo ocurre con traducciones para algunos conceptos que involucran síntomas y signos clínicos de las enfermedades orales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar si los términos más utilizados en odontología tienen traducción al mapudungun. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y de corte transversal. Con la ayuda de 10 odontólogos de la red odontológica asistencial de la ciudad de Temuco, se elaboró un listado de 132 términos frecuentemente utilizados en la atención odontológica, se analizó su significado con ayuda de diccionarios mapudungun-castellano y posteriormente con ayuda de una especialista en lengua mapuche. Se determinó que un 28,78 % de los términos tienen significado en la lengua mapuche; un 14,39 % no tienen traducción pero pueden comprenderse desde la lengua; mientras que un 56,81 % no tienen traducción ni pueden comprenderse desde la lengua mapudungun. Un importante número de términos usados en odontología no tienen traducción en mapudungun; y aunque entre el pueblo mapuche la concepción acerca de la salud oral pareciera tener mucha importancia, aun son escasos los términos clínicos que se pueden explicar en base a conceptos mapuches preexistentes. Surge por tanto, la necesidad de generar vías de comunicación certera entre paciente y dentista con la creación de nuevas palabras y conceptos en mapudungun, para obtener herramientas que ayuden a comprender la percepción de los conceptos de salud y enfermedad en el contexto de la cosmovisión del paciente mapuche y contribuir al mejoramiento de la atención odontológica.

Western medicine use has an important role in the research of quality communication with the Mapuche ethnicity, which has been effective through the creation and implementation of Intercultural health clinics. However, language gaps are still a great communication problem. Bilingual Mapudungun-Castilian dictionaries give limited information regarding the necessary terms for a correct diagnosis in dentistry. The same issue is true for translation terms for some concepts with regard to the symptoms and signs of oral pathologies. The objective of this research was to determine whether the terms used in dentistry have a Mapudungun translation. A qualitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed. With the help of 10 dentists in public health practice in Temuco, we developed a list of 132 terms frequently used in dental practice. Its significance was discussed with the help of Mapudungun-Castilian dictionary and specialists in the Mapuche language. It was determined that 28.78 % of the terms have a Mapuche language translation; 14.39 % have no translation but can be understood from the Mapudungun language; while 56.81 % have no translation and can`t be understood from the Mapudungun language. For the statistical analysis, Pearson Chi square non-parametric test was used in order to determine significant differences between the proportions of the studied terms from the groups (p=0,000). A significant number of terms commonly used in dentistry don´t have Mapudungun translation, even though among the Mapuche people the concept of oral health appears to be very important. There are still few clinical terms that can be explained on the basis of pre-existing Mapuche concepts. It is necessary to generate accurate forms of communication between the patient and the dentist, along with the creation of new words and concepts in Mapudungun, and therefore tools that might help to understand the perception of concepts of health and disease in the Mapuche worldview context to improve dental care.

The Receptor for Activated C Kinase in Plant Signaling: Tale of a Promiscuous Little Molecule.

Two decades after the first report of the plant homolog of the Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) in cultured tobacco BY2 cells, a significant advancement has been made in the elucidation of its cellular and molecular role. The protein is now implicated in many biological functions including protein translation, multiple hormonal responses, developmental processes, pathogen infection resistance, environmental stress responses, and miRNA production. Such multiple functional roles are consistent with the scaffolding nature of the plant RACK1 protein. A significant advance was achieved when the ß-propeller structure of the Arabidopsis RACK1A isoform was elucidated, thus revealing that its conserved seven WD repeats also assembled into this typical topology. From its crystal structure, it became apparent that it shares the structural platform for the interaction with ligands identified in other systems such as mammals. Although RACK1 proteins maintain conserved Protein Kinase C binding sites, the lack of a bona fide PKC adds complexity and enigma to the nature of the ligand partners with which RACK1 interacts in plants. Nevertheless, ligands recently identified using the split-ubiquitin based and conventional yeast two-hybrid assays, have revealed that plant RACK1 is involved in several processes that include defense response, drought and salt stress, ribosomal function, cell wall biogenesis, and photosynthesis. The information acquired indicates that, in spite of the high degree of conservation of its structure, the functions of the plant RACK1 homolog appear to be distinct and diverse from those in yeast, mammals, insects, etc. In this review, we take a critical look at the novel information regarding the many functions in which plant RACK1 has been reported to participate, with a special emphasis on the information on its currently identified and missing ligand partners.

Caracterización morfométrica del reborde anterior de la maxila mediante tomografía computarizada cone-beam / Morphometric characterization of anterior maxillary alveolar ridge by cone-beam computed tomography

Las imágenes obtenidas por Tomografía Computarizada Cone-Beam (TCCB) permiten determinar las relaciones de estructuras anatómicas tridimensionalmente y superar limitaciones de la radiografía convencional. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características morfométricas de la zona anterior del maxilar y su relación con los dientes canino y premolares mediante exámenes de TCCB. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre 50 imágenes de TCCB siguiendo una sistemática de observación tridimensional se ubicaron puntos anatómicos entre dientes y paredes del seno maxilar, y se trazaron tangentes para su medición. Se calculo la Media y DE para cada parámetro, y la normalidad de la distribución se comprobó mediante la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Los datos fueron comparados con la prueba ANOVA, con una valor p < 0,05 como significativo. El análisis de la relación entre los dientes y la pared anterior del seno maxilar, mostró que en un 80% de los casos se relacionó con el canino y 20% con el primer premolar. La menor altura entre el reborde alveolar y la pared inferior del seno maxilar se observó a nivel del segundo premolar con 13,54±0,30 mm en el lado derecho y 14,65± 0,30 mm en el izquierdo. Se registraron diferencias significativas en relación a las mediciones morfométricas y la variable rango etáreo. Los datos obtenidos en este estudio complementan las características morfométricas de la zona anterior del maxilar, lo que permite ejecutar tratamientos de implantes bajo una base morfológica científica y minimizando al máximo los riesgos de fracaso o daño a las estructuras anatómicas relacionadas.

The images obtained by Cone -Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) allow the determination of three-dimensional relationships of anatomical structures and overcome limitations of conventional radiography. The aim of this study was to describe the morphometric characteristics of the anterior maxilla and its relation to canine and premolars by CBCT exams. A descriptive study on 50 CBCT images was made, following a systematic observation of three-dimensional anatomical points between teeth and maxillary sinus walls, they were located and plotted tangent for measurement. The Mean and SD was calculated for each parameter, and the normality of distribution was tested by Kolmogorov -Smirnov test. Data were compared by ANOVA test, with a p value <0.05 as significant. The analysis of the relationship between the teeth and the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus, showed that in 80% of cases are associated with the canine and in 20% to first molar. The lower height between the alveolar ridge and the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus was observed at the second premolar with 13.54±0.30 mm on the right side and 14.65±0.30 mm on the left. Significant differences were recorded in relation to morphometric measurements and age range variable. The data obtained in this study complement the morphometric characteristics of the anterior maxilla, allowing implant treatments in a scientific morphological basis and minimizing the level of risk of failure or damage to the anatomical structures related.

Changes in RACK1 expression induce defects in nodulation and development in Phaseolus vulgaris.

RACK1 is a scaffold protein with the ability to interact in a regulated manner with a diverse number of ligands from distinct signal-transduction pathways. This assessment allowed us to infer that it may be involved in different processes such as nodulation. In a recent study we showed by silencing, that PvRACK1 has a pivotal role in cell expansion and in symbiosome and bacteroid integrity during nodule development in Phaseolus vulgaris. On the other hand, we have also observed that its over-expression provokes a dramatic phenotype in: (a) seedlings that have been exposed to heat, in which systemic necrosis is induced; and (b) in Agrobacterium rhizogenes-transformed roots, where nodulation is strongly inhibited and nodules show early senescent symptoms. These findings indicate that PvRACK1 may be an integrator of diverse signal-transduction pathways in processes as varied as nodulation, cell expansion, heat stress responses, and systemic activation of necrosis. 

Relación entre índice facial superior e índice nasal en cráneos Chilenos adultos / Relation between superior facial index and nasal index in Chilean adult crania

La cara es el sello principal de la identidad, lo que nos define como individuos en los contactos interpersonales. Las características métricas aportadas por la craneometría nos permiten caracterizar cráneos y caras por medio de los índices. Se realizó un estudio craneométrico en 32 cráneos de individuos adultos de ambos sexos. En ellos se midieron diámetros faciales y se determinaron sus índices según Bidegain & Carvalho de Mello. La altura facial superior (n-pr) promedio fue de 66,20mm (DE +/- 5,26), con límite máximo de 76,68mm y mínimo de 51,22mm. El ancho facial máximo (zy-zy) promedio fue de 127,05mm (DE +/- 6,85), con límite máximo 139,08mm y mínimo de 112,77mm. El ancho nasal (al-al) promedio fue de 23,99 mm (DE +/-2,81), con límite máximo de un 35,13mm y mínimo de 18,97 mm. La altura nasal (n-ns) promedio fue de 50,97 mm (DE +/- 3,58), con límite máximo de 55,96 mm y mínimo de 39,58mm. El Índice Facial Superior promedio fue de 52,20 (DE +/- 4,54), con límite máximo de 62,29 y mínimo de 43,92 determinando la tendencia meseno en cráneos de género masculino y femenino. El Índice Nasal promedio fue de 47,30 (DE +/- 6,28) con límite máximo de 67,14 y mínimo de 36,23 determinando características leptorrinas tanto en cráneos masculinos como femeninos. Los datos obtenidos permitirán a los profesionales del área salud contar con nuevos antecedentes para estudios antropométricos y antropológicos.

The face is the main symbol of identity which defines us as individuals as well as in the process of interpersonal contacts. Metric characteristics contributed by craniometry allow us to characterize crania and faces by means of indexes. A craniometric study was carried out in 32 crania of adult subjects of both sexes. Facial diameters were measured using indexes according to Bidegain & Carvalho de Mello. Facial height average (n-pr) was 66.20 mm (SD +/- 5.26) with maximum boundary of 76.68 mm and minimum of 51.22 mm. Facial maximum width on average (zy ­ zy) was 127.05 mm. (SD +/- 6.85), with maximum boundary of 139.08 mm and minimum of 112.7 mm. Average Nasal width was 23.99 mm (SD +/- 2.81), with maximum boundary of 35.13 mm and minimum of 18.97mm. Nasal height average (n-ns) was 50.97 mm (SD +/- 3.58) with maximum boundary of 55.96 mm and minimum of 39.58 mm. Facial Superior Index on average was of 52.20 (SD +/- 4.54) with maximum boundary of 62.29 mm and minimum of 43.92 determining the mesorrhine tendency in male and female crania. Nasal average index was 47.30 (SD +/- 6.28) with maximum boundary of 67.14 and minimum of 36.23 thereby determining leptorrhine characteristics in male as well as female crania. The information obtained will afford health care professionals access to new data for anthropometric and anthropological studies.

Metamizol sódico versus fentanilo más metamizol sódico en el tratamiento del dolor agudo post cesárea / Metamizole sodium versus fentanyl plus metamizole sodium in acute pain treatment after cesarean

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del Fentanilo vía Intracutanea (IC) asociado con Metamizol sódico Vs Metamizol sódico solo usados para el tratamiento del dolor agudo post- cesárea. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico, a 100 pacientes se aplicó una sola dosis de 60û90 microgramo G de Fentanilo intradérmico + 2 gr de Metamizol sódico en perfusión endovenosa lenta. Al grupo control de 100 pacientes se aplicó solo 2 gr de Metamizol sódico en perfusión endovenosa lenta, tres dosis en 24 horas. Se valora los efectos por observación directa, Escala verbal análoga, Escala de efecto secundario, Escala de sedación y otros que evalúan calidad de analgesia. Se realizó un análisis de coeficiente de Correlación Pearson, Spearman. Resultados: Al correlacionar Dosis y Duración de efecto se encontró P< 0.01. Con Fentanilo + Metamizol hubo alivio duradero del dolor entre 6 û8 horas en el 41.5% de pacientes en comparación al grupo Metamizol en el que 45.5% de pacientes tuvo alivio del dolor de 2 a 4 horas de duración. Con Fentanilo IC + Metamizol se encontró un grado de sedación ligera en el 38 % de pacientes en comparación a Metamizol con el que no la tuvieron. El grupo Fentanilo IC + Metamizol, no presento reacciones adversas mayores. Conclusión: El uso de la combinación Fentanilo IC + Metamizol sódico es una mejor elección para el control del dolor agudo post cesárea.

Objective: To evaluate intracutaneo (CI) Fentanyl associated with Metamizole sodium efficacy vs. Metamizole sodium alone in acute pain treatment post-caesarean section. Material and methods: A transversal-analytical study was made, 100 patients received a single dose of 60 - 90 micrograme g fentanyl CI+ 2 g Metamizole sodium in slow intravenous infusion. 100-patient control group underwent only 2 g Metamizole sodium in slow intravenous infusion, three doses in 24 hours. Effects were assessed by direct observation, verbal analog scale, side effect scale, sedation scale and others which evaluate the quality of analgesia. Analysis of items was based on simple frequencies, mean, standard deviation and correlation analysis with Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: At Dose and duration of effect correlation was found P <0.01. Fentanyl + Metamizole long lasting relief of pain was between 6 -8 hours in 41.5% of patientÆs compared to the group Metamizole alone, in which 45.5% of patients had pain relief from 2 to 4 hours. Fentanyl CI + Metamizole showed a slight degree of sedation in 38% of patients compared to Metamizole alone that did not have any. Fentanyl CI + Metamizole sodium group showed no major adverse reactions. Conclusions: The use of Fentanyl CI + Metamizole sodium combination is a better choice in acute pain control post-caesarean section.

Uso de profilaxis antibiótica en implantes dentales: revisión de la literatura / Use of prophylactic antibiotics in dental implants: literature review

Hoy en día la implantología se ha convertido en una excelente alternativa frente a la pérdida o ausencia de piezas dentarias. Todo procedimiento quirúrgico invasivo prevé una bacteremia en la cual un número limitado de especies bacterianas resultan comúnmente implicadas en infecciones post operatorias. Por esta razón, parece imperante definir protocolos a seguir en cuanto al uso correcto de profilaxis antibiótica, ya que, actualmente, mucho de lo que se decide realizar, no se basa en la evidencia científica, sino en las declaraciones anecdóticas de cada uno de los profesionales que las realizan.

Today implantology has become an excellent alternative to the loss or absence of teeth. Any invasive surgical procedure provides a bacteremia in a limited number of bacterial species are commonly involved in post-operative infections. For this reason, it seems to follow prevailing define protocols regarding the proper use of prophylactic antibiotics, currently, much of what is decided, not based on scientific evidence, but anecdotal statements from each of the professionals who perform them.

Germination behavior, biochemical features and sequence analysis of the RACK1/arcA homolog from Phaseolus vulgaris.

Partial peptide sequence of a 36 kDa protein from common bean embryo axes showed 100% identity with a reported beta-subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein from soybean. Analysis of the full sequence showed 96.6% identity with the reported soybean G(beta)-subunit, 86% with RACK1B and C from Arabidopsis and 66% with human and mouse RACK1, at the amino acid level. In addition, it showed 85.5, 85 and 83% identities with arcA from Solanum lycopersicum, Arabidopsis (RACK1A) and Nicotiana tabacum, respectively. The amino acid sequence displayed seven WD40 domains and two sites for activated protein kinase C binding. The protein showed a constant expression level but the mRNA had a maximum at 32 h post-imbibition. Western immunoblotting showed the protein in vegetative plant tissues, and in both microsomal and soluble fractions from embryo axes. Synthetic auxin treatment during germination delayed the peak of RACK1 mRNA expression to 48 h but did not affect the protein expression level while the polar auxin transport inhibitor, naphtylphtalamic acid had no effect on either mRNA or protein expression levels. Southern blot and genomic DNA amplification revealed a small gene family with at least one member without introns in the genome. Thus, the RACK1/arcA homolog from common bean has the following features: (1) it is highly conserved; (2) it is both soluble and insoluble within the embryo axis; (3) it is encoded by a small gene family; (4) its mRNA has a peak of expression at the time point of germination stop and (5) its expression is only slightly affected by auxin but unaffected by an auxin transport blocker.

Contribución al estudio de la prevalencia de la bacteriuria asintomática en gestantes / Contribution to the study of prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant females

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de bacteriuria asintomática en gestantes: Diseño. Estudio prospectivo, longitudinal, aleatorio simple, de una muestra de 123 gestantes sin síntomas de infección de las vías urinarias y atendidas en los Consultorios Externos de Obstetricia del HNERM. Fue considerada bacteriuria asintomática cuando la gestante presentó dos urocultivos positivos del mismo microorganismo. Resultados: La prevalencia de bacteriuria asintomática fue 15,4 por ciento, notándose una tendencia sin significancia estadística de ser más frecuente en la gestante de mayor edad, en la multigesta con antecedente de infección de aparato urinario, de nivel socioeconómico muy bajo-bajo y con menor edad gestacional. La Escherichia coli fue encontrada en 94,7 por ciento de los urocultivos positivos. Palabras clave: Bacteriuria sintomática, infección de las vías urinarias en la gestante, Escherichia coli.