Low anterior resection with transanal transection and single-stapled anastomosis: technical aspects and initial results.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer (RC) is a surgical challenge due to its technical complexity. The double-stapled (DS) technique, a standard for colorectal anastomosis, has been associated with notable drawbacks, including a high incidence of anastomotic leak (AL). Low anterior resection with transanal transection and single-stapled (TTSS) anastomosis has emerged to mitigate those drawbacks. METHODS: Observational study in which it described the technical aspects and results of the initial group of patients with medium-low RC undergoing elective laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) and TTSS. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in the series. Favourable postoperative outcomes with a median length of stay of 5 days and an AL incidence of 9.1%. Importantly, all patients achieved complete mesorectal excision with tumour-free margins, and no mortalities were reported. CONCLUSION: TTSS emerges as a promising alternative for patients with middle and lower rectal tumours, offering potential benefits in terms of morbidity reduction and oncological integrity compared with other techniques.

Is it healthy urban agriculture? Human exposure to potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from Andalusia, Spain.

Different vegetable species and topsoils were collected from different urban gardens of Seville, Cordoba, and Huelva (South Spain) and from two small towns in a mining area (Riotinto), together with topsoil close to the plants. The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn) was evaluated in edible plant parts and in the soils. The same species were also purchased from Seville local markets and from a peri-urban area (domestic garden in a rural area) and also analyzed. Plant/soil pollution relation was studied and human health risk was assessed by different parameters. Soils of urban gardens from the mining area were more contaminated with As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in comparison with other locations, and generally, soils from cities showed higher values of As, Pb, and Zn than the peri-urban ones. The mean concentration of almost all potentially toxic elements was higher in leafy than in fruiting and bulbous species. Arsenic, Cd, and Pb concentrations were below health-based guidance values in all vegetables except Cd in one sample in the peri-urban area. In general, PTEs concentration in vegetables from city urban gardens did not exceed the one found in market vegetables for almost all studied elements, except in lettuce for almost elements. The hazard quotient (HQ) values were lower than the unit for all PTEs in plant species from the studied gardens, as well as the hazard index (HI), indicating that consumption of these vegetables can be considered safe and without risk to human health. Also, cancer risk values for As were below the established limits in all vegetables from the studied urban gardens, including those from the As-contaminated soils in the mining area.

Programa de intervención educativa para disminuir los riesgos asociados al tabaquismo

El tabaquismo constituye un problema de salud de gran magnitud a nivel mundial, y en Cuba muestra una tendencia al aumento de su incidencia, sobre todo, en las edades de la adolescencia. Se realizó un estudio de intervención en el Consultorio Médico No. 1 del Policlínico Universitario "René Vallejo Ortiz", del municipio Manzanillo, en el período comprendido de enero a julio del 2023, con el objetivo de evaluar el resultado de la aplicación de un programa de intervención educativa para disminuir los riesgos asociados al tabaquismo. El universo estuvo conformado por los 114 pacientes fumadores del área, seleccionada una muestra de 50 pacientes por muestreo aleatorio simple. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, nivel educacional, edad de inicio del tabaquismo, enfermedades asociadas al hábito de fumar, nivel de conocimiento. En el estudio predominó el sexo masculino en las edades de 45 a 59 años, con nivel educacional secundaria terminada, se identificó la adolescencia como edad en la que comenzaron a fumar. La patología predominante asociada al tabaquismo fue la Hipertensión arterial. Con la aplicación del Programa educativo, se incrementó el nivel de conocimiento acerca de los riesgos del hábito de fumar y como disminuir los mismos, la mayoría de los pacientes se motivó hacia la deshabituación tabáquica, demostrándose el impacto positivo de la investigación en la comunidad estudiada.

Smoking constitutes a health problem of great magnitude worldwide, and in Cuba it shows a tendency to increase its incidence, especially in adolescence. An intervention study was carried out in the Medical Office No. 1 of the René Vallejo Ortiz University Polyclinic, in the municipality of Manzanillo, from January to July 2023, with the objective of evaluating the results of the application of an educational intervention program to reduce the risks associated with smoking. The universe consisted of 114 smoking patients in the area, with a sample of 50 patients selected by simple random sampling. The following variables were studied: age, sex, educational level, age of smoking onset, pathologies associated with smoking, level of knowledge. In the study, the predominant age group was male, between 45 and 59 years old, with secondary education level completed; adolescence was identified as the age at which they started smoking. The predominant pathology associated with smoking was arterial hypertension. With the application of the educational program, the level of knowledge about the risks of smoking and how to reduce them increased, most of the patients were motivated to quit smoking, demonstrating the positive impact of the research in the community studied.

O tabagismo é um problema de saúde de grande magnitude em todo o mundo, e em Cuba há uma tendência de aumentar sua incidência, especialmente na adolescência. Foi realizado um estudo de intervenção no Consultório Médico nº 1 da Policlínica Universitária "René Vallejo Ortiz", no município de Manzanillo, no período de janeiro a julho de 2023, com o objetivo de avaliar o resultado da aplicação de um programa de intervenção educativa para reduzir os riscos associados ao tabagismo. O universo foi composto por 114 pacientes fumantes na área, e uma amostra de 50 pacientes foi selecionada por amostragem aleatória simples. As seguintes variáveis foram estudadas: idade, sexo, escolaridade, idade de início do tabagismo, doenças associadas ao tabagismo e nível de conhecimento. No estudo, predominou o sexo masculino, com idade entre 45 e 59 anos, com ensino médio completo, e a adolescência foi identificada como a idade em que começaram a fumar. A patologia predominantemente associada ao tabagismo foi a hipertensão arterial. Com a aplicação do programa educativo, o nível de conhecimento sobre os riscos do tabagismo e como reduzi-los aumentou, a maioria dos pacientes foi motivada a parar de fumar, demonstrando o impacto positivo da pesquisa na comunidade estudada.

Morfometría en placentas procedentes de embarazos gemelares

Introducción: La disfunción de la placenta puede originar complicaciones fetales, restricción del crecimiento intrauterino y complicaciones maternas, como la preeclampsia. Objetivo: Identificar el patrón morfométrico de las placentas gemelares y su relación con la corionicidad, el peso del recién nacido y las malformaciones plancentarias. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en una muestra de 16 gestantes con embarazo gemelar, 25 placentas y los 32 recién nacidos. Se estudiaron las variables malformaciones placentarias, tipo de placenta, presencia de calcificaciones, peso del recién nacido, peso de la placenta, volumen placentario, diámetro placentario y espesor placentario; se determinó la asociación del peso del recién nacido, con el tipo de placenta y la presencia de calcificaciones, las malformaciones placentarias, así como espesor, diámetro, volumen y peso, con el tipo de placenta. Resultados: Hubo mayor frecuencia de recién nacidos de placentas monocoriónicas (60 %) sin que la asociación fuera estadísticamente significativa; las malformaciones placentarias se relacionaron de forma significativa con el tipo de placenta, así como el peso del recién nacido y la presencia de calcificaciones placentarias, y el espesor, diámetro, volumen y peso de la placenta, con el tipo de plancenta (p< 0,01). Conclusiones: Son más frecuentes las placentas dicoriónicas y estas tienen menos malformaciones; existe relación entre el bajo peso del recién nacido y la presencia de calcificaciones placentarias, así como entre el espesor, diámetro, volumen y peso de la placenta, con el tipo de placenta.

Introduction: Placental dysfunction can originate fetal complications, intrauterine growth restriction and maternal complications, such as preeclampsia. Objective: To identify the morphometric pattern of twin placentas and its relationship with chorionicity, newborn weight and placental malformations. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 16 pregnant women with twin pregnancy, 25 placentas and 32 newborns. The variables placental malformations, type of placenta, presence of calcifications, newborn weight, placental weight, placental volume, placental diameter and placental thickness were studied; the association of newborn weight with the type of placenta and the presence of calcifications, placental malformations, as well as thickness, diameter, volume and weight, with the type of placenta was determined. Results: There was a higher frequency of newborns with monochorionic placentas (60%) without the association being statistically significant; placental malformations were significantly related to placenta type, as well as newborn weight and the presence of placental calcifications, and placental thickness, diameter, volume and weight, with placenta type (p< 0.01). Conclusions: Dichorionic placentas are more frequent and these have fewer malformations; there is a relationship between low newborn weight and the presence of placental calcifications, as well as between placental thickness, diameter, volume and weight, with the type of placenta.

Objetos de aprendizaje para el estudio de la Ontogenia Humana. Argumentación teórica

RESUMEN Introducción: con la apertura a las Tecnologías de la Informática y las Comunicaciones en el país y principalmente en el sistema educacional se han desarrollado estrategias para mejorar la calidad de las clases en las aulas cubanas. Los objetos de aprendizaje constituyen actualmente una poderosa herramienta de apoyo a la docencia por lo que es necesario profundizar en su estudio desde la perspectiva pedagógica. Con el objetivo de argumentar sobre los referentes teóricos de los objetos de aprendizaje para el estudio de la Ontogenia Humana se realizó esta revisión bibliográfica. Desarrollo: la asignatura Ontogenia Humana y SOMA es nueva dentro del plan de estudio, por ello está en pleno desarrollo la creación de medios para el aprendizaje, que se sustenten en la didáctica especial como elemento de la creatividad pedagógica de los profesores, siendo necesario argumentar los referentes teóricos de los objetos de aprendizaje, su evolución en el proceso enseñanza - aprendizaje en las Ciencias Médicas. Caracterización, ventajas y desventajas. Conclusiones: los objetos de aprendizaje brindan la posibilidad a los estudiantes de interactuar y dinamizar los procesos, potenciando las actividades educativas, lo que resulta de gran utilidad para fortalecer los contenidos de Ontogenia Humana.

ABSTRACT Introduction: with the opening to Information Technology and Communications in the country and mainly in the educational system, strategies have been developed to improve the quality of classes in Cuban classrooms. Learning objects are currently a powerful tool to support teaching, so it is necessary to deepen their study from a pedagogical perspective. With the aim of arguing about the theoretical references of learning objects for the study of Human Ontogeny, this bibliographic review was carried out. Development: the subject Human Ontogeny and SOMA is new within the study plan, for this reason the creation of means for learning is in full development, which are based on special didactics as an element of the pedagogical creativity of teachers, being necessary to argue the theoretical references of learning objects, their evolution in the teaching-learning process in Medical Sciences. Characterization, advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions: the learning objects provided the possibility for students to interact and streamline the processes, enhancing educational activities, which is very useful to strengthen the contents of Human Ontogeny.

RESUMO Introdução: com a abertura à Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicações no país e principalmente no sistema educacional, foram desenvolvidas estratégias para melhorar a qualidade das aulas nas salas de aula cubanas. Os objetos de aprendizagem são atualmente uma poderosa ferramenta de apoio ao ensino, pelo que é necessário aprofundar o seu estudo numa perspetiva pedagógica. Como objetivo de discutir os referenciais teóricos dos objetos de aprendizagem para o estudo da Ontogenia Humana, foi realizada esta revisão bibliográfica. Desenvolvimento: a disciplina Ontogenia Humana e SOMA é nova dentro do plano de estudos, por isso a criação de meios de aprendizagem está em pleno desenvolvimento, os quais se baseiam na didática especial como elemento da criatividade pedagógica dos professores, sendo necessário discutir a referenciais teóricos dos objetos de aprendizagem, suaevolução no processo de ensino-aprendizagem em Ciências Médicas. Caracterização, vantagens e desvantagens. Conclusões: os objetos de aprendizagem possibilitaram aos alunos interagir e agilizar os processos, potencializando as atividades educativas, o que é muito útil para fortalecer os conteúdos de Ontogenia Humana.

Bases informacionales para el estudio morfométrico de placentas en embarazos gemelares

RESUMEN Introducción: En Cuba existen muy pocos estudios morfofuncionales de placentas procedentes de embarazos gemelares que permitan establecer un patrón morfométrico general. Implementar estas bases informacionales contribuiría a perfeccionar las acciones del Programa Nacional de Salud Sexual y Reproductiva en el país. Objetivo: Sistematizar información sobre estudios morfométricos en placentas gemelares para construir la base epistémica de la caracterización del patrón morfométrico de las placentas gemelares y su relación con la corionicidad, la función de este órgano y el grado de bienestar fetal y neonatal. Método: Se aplicó una estrategia de búsqueda en el período enero de 2020 hasta abril de 2021, en bases de datos internacionales (Medline, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, Google Académico) para la revisión bibliográfica, mediante la utilización del método de análisis y crítica de las fuentes desde el procedimiento de análisis de contenido. Se empleó un algoritmo para la toma de decisiones en torno a la pertinencia, actualidad novedad y aportes. Resultados: Se hallaron 16 fuentes bibliográficas sobre el tema de investigación, entre ellas: solo una tesis (6,25 %) y 4 textos editados (25 %). Predominaron los artículos científicos (68,75 %) de los últimos cinco años (93,75 %). Todas las fuentes contribuyeron a la construcción de los referentes teóricos. Conclusiones: El estudio morfométrico de la placenta en embarazos gemelares es un área insuficientemente desarrollada en el conocimiento de las ciencias básicas biomédicas, dada la escasa producción bibliográfica sobre el tema.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Cuba there are very few morphofunctional studies of placentas from twin pregnancies that allow establishing a general morphometric pattern. Implementing these informational databases would help to improve the actions of the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Program in the country. Objective: To systematize information on morphometric studies in twin placentas to build the epistemic basis for the characterization of the morphometric pattern of twin placentas and its relationship with chorionicity, the function of this organ and the degree of fetal and neonatal well-being. Method: A search strategy was applied in the period January 2020 to April 2021, in international databases (Medline, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, Google Scholar) for the bibliographic review, using the analysis and criticism method. of the sources from the content analysis procedure. An algorithm was used to make decisions about relevance, news, news and contributions. Results: 16 bibliographic sources were found on the research topic, among them: only one thesis (6.25%) and 4 edited texts (25.0%). Scientific articles (68.75%) from the last five years (93.75%) predominated. All the sources contributed to the construction of the theoretical referents. Conclusions: The morphometric study of the placenta in twin pregnancies is an insufficiently developed area in the knowledge of basic biomedical sciences, given the scarce bibliographic production on the subject.

RESUMO Introdução: Em Cuba existem poucos estudos morfofuncionais de placentas de gestações gemelares que permitam estabelecer um padrão morfométrico geral. A implementação desses bancos de dados informativos ajudaria a melhorar as ações do Programa Nacional de Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva no país. Objetivo: Sistematizar informações sobre estudos morfométricos em placentas gêmeas para construir a base epistêmica para a caracterização do padrão morfométrico de placentas gêmeas e sua relação com a corionicidade, a função desse órgão e o grau de bem-estar fetal e neonatal. Método: Foi aplicada uma estratégia de busca no período de janeiro de 2020 a abril de 2021, em bases de dados internacionais (Medline, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, Google Scholar) para a revisão bibliográfica, utilizando o método de análise e crítica das fontes da análise de conteúdo procedimento. Um algoritmo foi usado para tomar decisões sobre relevância, notícias, notícias e contribuições. Resultados: Foram encontradas 16 fontes bibliográficas sobre o tema da pesquisa, entre elas: apenas uma tese (6,25%) e 4 textos editados (25,0%). Predominaram artigos científicos (68,75%) dos últimos cinco anos (93,75%). Todas as fontes contribuíram para a construção dos referentes teóricos. Conclusões: O estudo morfométrico da placenta em gestações gemelares é uma área pouco desenvolvida no conhecimento das ciências biomédicas básicas, dada a escassa produção bibliográfica sobre o assunto.

Importancia social del estudio morfométrico en placentas procedentes de embarazos gemelares / Social importance of the morphometric study in placentas from twin pregnancies / Importância social do estudo morfométrico em placentas de gestações gemelares

RESUMEN Se fundamenta la necesidad de la investigación científica para el estudio morfométrico en placentas procedentes de embarazos gemelares, como aproximación a la correlación entre el patrón morfométrico, la corionicidad y el bienestar fetal y neonatal, en tanto criterios básico/clínicos a tomar en cuenta para perfeccionar las acciones del programa nacional de salud sexual y reproductiva en Cuba. Se destaca la importancia social de un diseño de investigación en este campo, al constatar las carencias epistémicas desde una búsqueda sistematizada de información bibliográfica sobre el tema.

ABSTRACT The need for scientific research for the morphometric study in placentas from twin pregnancies is founded, as an approximation to the correlation between the morphometric pattern, chorionicity and fetal and neonatal well-being, as basic / clinical criteria to be taken into account to improve the actions of the national sexual and reproductive health program in Cuba. The social importance of a research design in this field is highlighted, when verifying the epistemic deficiencies from a systematized search of bibliographic information on the subject.

RESUMO Fundamenta-se a necessidade de pesquisas científicas para o estudo morfométrico em placentas de gestações gemelares, como uma aproximação da correlação entre o padrão morfométrico, corionicidade e bem-estar fetal e neonatal, como critérios básicos / clínicos a serem levados em consideração para melhorar a ações do programa nacional de saúde sexual e reprodutiva em Cuba. Ressalta-se a importância social de um desenho de pesquisa nessa área, ao verificar as deficiências epistêmicas a partir de uma busca sistematizada de informações bibliográficas sobre o assunto.

Methods for conducting international Delphi surveys to optimise global participation in core outcome set development: a case study in gastric cancer informed by a comprehensive literature review.

BACKGROUND: Core outcome sets (COS) should be relevant to key stakeholders and widely applicable and usable. Ideally, they are developed for international use to allow optimal data synthesis from trials. Electronic Delphi surveys are commonly used to facilitate global participation; however, this has limitations. It is common for these surveys to be conducted in a single language potentially excluding those not fluent in that tongue. The aim of this study is to summarise current approaches for optimising international participation in Delphi studies and make recommendations for future practice. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of current approaches to translating Delphi surveys for COS development was undertaken. A standardised methodology adapted from international guidance derived from 12 major sets of translation guidelines in the field of outcome reporting was developed. As a case study, this was applied to a COS project for surgical trials in gastric cancer to translate a Delphi survey into 7 target languages from regions active in gastric cancer research. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-two abstracts were screened and four studies addressing COS development in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, vascular malformations and polypharmacy were eligible for inclusion. There was wide variation in methodological approaches to translation, including the number of forward translations, the inclusion of back translation, the employment of cognitive debriefing and how discrepancies and disagreements were handled. Important considerations were identified during the development of the gastric cancer survey including establishing translation groups, timelines, understanding financial implications, strategies to maximise recruitment and regulatory approvals. The methodological approach to translating the Delphi surveys was easily reproducible by local collaborators and resulted in an additional 637 participants to the 315 recruited to complete the source language survey. Ninety-nine per cent of patients and 97% of healthcare professionals from non-English-speaking regions used translated surveys. CONCLUSION: Consideration of the issues described will improve planning by other COS developers and can be used to widen international participation from both patients and healthcare professionals.

Polisindactilia preaxil. Presentación de caso / Preaxile polysyndactyly. Case presentation / Polissindactilia do preáxil. Apresentação do caso

RESUMEN La polisindactilia es un defecto congénito que tiene lugar en las manos o en los pies, o en ambos al mismo tiempo y que consiste en la existencia de múltiples dedos supernumerarios además de la fusión de tejido blando y/o óseo entre dedos adyacentes, generando la ausencia total o parcial del espacio entre dos dedos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 35 años de edad. No presenta ningún antecedente patológico personal de interés, ni alergias medicamentosas conocidas. Presenta una sindactilia compleja en el dedo pulgar de la mano derecha, con polidactilia preaxil, acompañado de disminución de la movilidad en las articulaciones de este dedo. Esta paciente voluntariamente y con consentimiento informado forma parte del proyecto de investigación "Defectos congénitos del esqueleto apendicular de la institución." Este defecto afecta el 1.2% de los recién nacidos y el 10 % de esta aparición ocurre en las extremidades superiores, siendo la duplicación del pulgar la polidactilia más común de la mano. La polisindactilia es una entidad con muy poca frecuencia, es más común en la población blanca y asiática, en esta entidad es importante el tratamiento temprano para evitar deformidades en el dedo afectado, Idealmente se debe realizar la cirugía entre los 10 y 12 meses de edad.

ABSTRACT Polysyndactyly is a congenital defect that occurs in the hands or feet, or both at the same time and that consists of the existence of multiple supernumerary fingers in addition to the fusion of soft tissue and / or bone between adjacent fingers, generating the total or partial absence of the space between two fingers. The case of a 35-year-old female patient is presented. He does not present any personal pathological history of interest, or known drug allergies. It presents a complex syndactyly in the thumb of the right hand, with preaxial polydactyly, accompanied by decreased mobility in the joints of this finger. This patient voluntarily and with informed consent is part of the research project "Congenital defects of the appendicular skeleton of the institution." This defect affects 1.2% of newborns and 10% of this appearance occurs in the upper extremities, being the duplication of the thumb the most common polydactyly of the hand. Polysyndactyly is an entity with very little frequency, it is more common in the white and Asian population, in this entity early treatment is important to avoid deformities in the affected finger, Ideally, surgery should be performed between 10 and 12 months of age.

RESUMO A polissindactilia é um defeito congênito que ocorre nas mãos ou nos pés, ou ambos ao mesmo tempo e que consiste na existência de múltiplos dedos supranumerários além da fusão de tecidos moles e / ou osso entre os dedos adjacentes, gerando o total ou parcial ausência de espaço entre dois dedos. É apresentado o caso de uma paciente de 35 anos de idade. Ele não apresenta nenhuma história patológica pessoal de interesse ou alergia a medicamentos conhecida. Apresenta sindactilia complexa no polegar da mão direita, com polidactilia pré-axial, acompanhada de diminuição da mobilidade nas articulações deste dedo. Este paciente voluntariamente e com consentimento informado faz parte do projeto de pesquisa "Defeitos congênitos do esqueleto apendicular da instituição". Esse defeito atinge 1,2% dos recém-nascidos e 10% desse aparecimento ocorre nas extremidades superiores, sendo a duplicação do polegar a polidactilia da mão mais comum. A polissindactilia é uma entidade com muito pouca frequência, é mais comum na população branca e asiática, nesta entidade o tratamento precoce é importante para evitar deformidades no dedo afetado. Idealmente, a cirurgia deve ser realizada entre 10 e 12 meses de idade.

Efficacy and safety of lurbinectedin and doxorubicin in relapsed small cell lung cancer. Results from an expansion cohort of a phase I study.

Background A phase I study found remarkable activity and manageable toxicity for doxorubicin (bolus) plus lurbinectedin (1-h intravenous [i.v.] infusion) on Day 1 every three weeks (q3wk) as second-line therapy in relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC). An expansion cohort further evaluated this combination. Patients and methods Twenty-eight patients with relapsed SCLC after no more than one line of cytotoxic-containing chemotherapy were treated: 18 (64%) with sensitive disease (chemotherapy-free interval [CTFI] ≥90 days) and ten (36%) with resistant disease (CTFI <90 days; including six with refractory disease [CTFI ≤30 days]). Results Ten patients showed confirmed response (overall response rate [ORR] = 36%); median progression-free survival (PFS) = 3.3 months; median overall survival (OS) = 7.9 months. ORR was 50% in sensitive disease (median PFS = 5.7 months; median OS = 11.5 months) and 10% in resistant disease (median PFS = 1.3 months; median OS = 4.6 months). The main toxicity was transient and reversible myelosuppression. Treatment-related non-hematological events (fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, alopecia) were mostly mild or moderate. Conclusion Doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 and lurbinectedin 2.0 mg/m2 on Day 1 q3wk has shown noteworthy activity in relapsed SCLC and a manageable safety profile. The combination is being evaluated as second-line therapy for SCLC in an ongoing, randomized phase III trial. Clinical trial registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov code: NCT01970540. Date of registration: 22 October, 2013.

TRPM8 Channel Promotes the Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Various families of ion channels have been characterized in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including some members of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels family. TRP channels are involved in critical cellular processes as differentiation and cell proliferation. Here, we analyzed the expression of TRPM8 channel in human bone marrow MSCs (hBM-MSCs), and its relation with osteogenic differentiation. Patch-clamp recordings showed that hBM-MSCs expressed outwardly rectifying currents which were increased by exposure to 500 µM menthol and were partially inhibited by 10 µM of BCTC, a TRPM8 channels antagonist. Additionally, we have found the expression of TRPM8 by RT-PCR and western blot. We also explored the TRPM8 localization in hBM-MSCs by immunofluorescence using confocal microscopy. Remarkably, hBM-MSCs treatment with 100 µM of menthol or 10 µM of icilin, TRPM8 agonists, increases osteogenic differentiation. Conversely, 20 µM of BCTC, induced a decrease of osteogenic differentiation. These results suggest that TRPM8 channels are functionally active in hBM-MSCs and have a role in cell differentiation.

Digitizing rhinoplasty: a web application with three-dimensional preoperative evaluation to assist rhinoplasty surgeons with surgical planning.

PURPOSE: Rhinoplasty is one of the most common and challenging plastic surgery procedures. The results of the operation have a significant impact on the facial appearance. The planning is critical for successful rhinoplasty surgery. In this paper, we present a web application designed for preoperative rhinoplasty surgery planning. METHODS: The application uses the three-dimensional (3D) model of a patient's face and facilitates marking of an extensive number of facial features and auto-calculation of facial measurements to develop a numerical plan of the surgery. The web application includes definitions, illustrations, and formulas to describe the features and measurements. In addition to the existing measurements, the user can calculate the distance between any two points, the angle between any three points, and the ratio of any two distances. We conducted a survey among experienced rhinoplasty surgeons to get feedback about the web application and to understand their attitude toward utilizing 3D models for preoperative planning. RESULTS: The web application can be accessed and used through any web browser at digitized-rhinoplasty.com. The web application was utilized in our tests and also by the survey participants. The users successfully marked the facial features on the 3D models and reviewed the auto-calculated measurements. The survey results show that the experienced surgeons who tried the web application found it useful for preoperative planning and they also think that utilizing 3D models is beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: The web application introduced in this paper helps analyzing the patient's face in details utilizing 3D models and provides numeric outputs to be used in the rhinoplasty operation planning. The experienced rhinoplasty surgeons that participated to our survey agree that the web app would be a beneficial tool for rhinoplasty surgeons. We aim to further improve the web application with more functionality to help surgeons for preoperative planning of rhinoplasty.

Coloboma del iris, presentación de caso / Iris coloboma, case presentation / Iris coloboma, apresentação do caso

RESUMEN Introducción: el coloboma es un defecto congénito del sector inferior del iris o bien, una escotadura en el margen pupilar que otorga a la pupila un aspecto de cerradura. Presentación del caso: se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 53 años de edad con diagnóstico clínico de coloboma del iris en el cuadrante inferotemporal izquierdo. Discusión: el coloboma del iris, es hasta la actualidad una condición rara con una incidencia de 2.4-8.0/10,000 nacidos vivos. La mayoría de las causa de este tipo de coloboma es desconocida, y ocasionalmente puede producirse debido cirugía del ojo, traumatismo del ojo, afecciones hereditarias, algunos se deben a un defecto genético específico y un pequeño número de pacientes con coloboma tiene otros problemas hereditarios del desarrollo. Conclusiones: el coloboma del iris es una entidad poco frecuente, de diagnóstico casual, que suele ser asintomática; es importante al hacer el diagnóstico, realizar un examen físico bien detallado en el paciente para descartar síndromes asociados a esta malformación congénita.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the coloboma is a birth defect of the lower sector of the iris or a neckline in the pupil margin that gives the pupil a locking appearance. Case presentation: the case of a 53-year-old male patient with clinical diagnosis of iris coloboma in the left infernotemporal quadrant is presented. Discussion: the coloboma of the iris, is to present a rare condition with an incidence of 2.4-8.0/10,000 live births. Most of the causes of this type of coloboma are unknown, and can occasionally occur due to eye surgery, eye trauma, hereditary conditions, some are due to a specific genetic defect and a small number of patients with coloboma have other hereditary developmental problems. Conclusions: iris coloboma is a rare, casually diagnosed entity that is usually asymptomatic; it is important when making the diagnosis, performing a thorough physical exam on the patient to rule out syndromes associated with this congenital malformation.

RESUMO Introdução: o coloboma é um defeito de nascimento do setor inferior da íris ou um decote na margem da pupila que dá ao aluno uma aparência de bloqueio. Apresentação do caso: É apresentado o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino de 53 anos com diagnóstico clínico de iris coloboma no quadrante infernotemporal esquerdo. Discussão: o coloboma da íris, é apresentar uma condição rara com incidência de 2,4-8.0/10.000 nascidos vivos. A maioria das causas desse tipo de coloboma são desconhecidas, e podem o correr ocasionalmente devido a cirurgia ocular, trauma ocular, condições hereditárias, algumas são devido a um defeito genético específico e um pequeno número de pacientes com coloboma tem outros problemas hereditários de desenvolvimento. Conclusões: iris coloboma é uma entidade rara, casualmente diagnosticada que geralmente é assintomática; é importante ao fazer o diagnóstico, realizar um exame físico minucioso no paciente para descartar síndromes associadas a essa malformação congênita.

Cuerno Cutáneo vs Carcinoma epidermoide. Presentación de caso / Cutaneous horn vs epidermoid carcinoma. Case presentation / Buzina cutânea vs carcinoma epidermóide. Apresentação do caso

RESUMEN El cuerno cutáneo es una neoformación cónica, exofítica y queratósica, designado así por la similitud morfológica con el cuerno de un animal. Se trata de una manifestación cutánea más que de un diagnóstico patológico real, aunque tiene en asociación a una amplia variedad de enfermedades subyacentes benignas, premalignas y malignas. Su diagnóstico inicial es clínico, sin embargo para descartar malignidad como patología de base siempre es necesario su exéresis quirúrgica y estudio histopatológico. El tratamiento consiste en la resección completa de la lesión, seguido de un estudio histopatológico para precisar el diagnóstico. El carcinoma sebáceo, neoplasia maligna derivada del epitelio anexial de las glándulas sebáceas, se ha descrito como una etiología poco frecuente de cuerno cutáneo. Su diagnóstico es difícil, ya que carece de elementos clínicos característicos y su histología puede ser similar al carcinoma espinocelular o basocelular, pero importante ya que constituye una neoplasia agresiva, con riesgo de recurrencia local y metástasis. A continuación, presentamos el caso de un adolescente de 14 años con diagnóstico clínico de cuerno cutáneo en ángulo ocular izquierdo y diagnóstico histopatológico de cuerno cutáneo.

ABSTRACT The cutaneous horn is a conical neoplasm, exophytic and keratotic, so designated by the morphological similarity to the horn of an animal. It is a cutaneous manifestation rather than a real pathological diagnosis, although it has in association with a wide variety of underlying benign, premalignant and malignant diseases. Its initial diagnosis is clinical, however to rule out malignancy as a basic pathology it is always necessary to perform its surgical exeresis and histopathological study. The treatment consists in the complete resection of the lesion, followed by a histopathological study to determine the diagnosis. Sebaceous carcinoma, a malignant neoplasm derived from the adnexal epithelium of sebaceous glands, has been described as a rare etiology of cutaneous horn. Its diagnosis is difficult, since it lacks characteristic clinical elements and its histology may be similar to squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma, but important as it constitutes an aggressive neoplasia, with risk of local recurrence and metastasis. Next, we present the case of a 14-year-old adolescent with clinical diagnosis of cutaneous horn in the left ocular angle and histopathological diagnosis of cutaneous horn.

RESUMO O corno cutâneo é um neoplasma cônico, exofítico e ceratótico, assim designado pela semelhança morfológica ao corno de um animal. É uma manifestação cutânea, e não um diagnóstico patológico real, embora esteja associada a uma ampla variedade de doenças benignas subjacentes, pré-malignas e malignas. Seu diagnóstico inicial é clínico, no entanto, para descartar a malignidade como patologia básica, é sempre necessário realizar a exérese cirúrgica e o estudo histopatológico. O tratamento consiste na ressecção completa da lesão, seguida de estudo histopatológico para determinação do diagnóstico. O carcinoma sebáceo, neoplasia maligna derivada do epitélio anexial das glândulas sebáceas, tem sido descrito como uma etiologia rara do corno cutâneo. Seu diagnóstico é difícil, porque carece de elementos clínicos e histológicos característicos pode ser semelhante ao carcinoma de células escamosas ou basal, mas importante porque é uma neoplasia agressiva com risco de recorrência local e metástases. A seguir, apresentamos o caso de um adolescente de 14 anos com diagnóstico clínico de corno cutâneo no ângulo ocular esquerdo e diagnóstico histopatológico de corno cutâneo.

Generation of Organotypic Multicellular Spheres by Magnetic Levitation: Model for the Study of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Microenvironment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The characteristics of human hematopoietic stem cells are conditioned by the microenvironment of the bone marrow, where they interact with other cell populations, such as mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells; however, the study of this microenvironment is complex. The objective of this work was to develop a 3D culture system by magnetic levitation that imitates the microenvironment of human HSC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical cord blood-hematopoietic stem cells and a non-tumoral endothelial cell line (CC2811, LonzaⓇ) were used to develop organotypic multicellular spheres by the magnetic levitation method. We obtained viable structures with an average sphericity index greater than 0.6, an average volume of 0.5 mm3 and a percentage of aggregation greater than 70%. Histological studies of the organotypic multicellular spheres used hematoxylin and eosin stains, and an evaluation of vimentin expression by means of immunohistochemistry demonstrated an organized internal structure without picnotic cells and a high expression of vimentin. The functional capacity of human hematopoietic stem cells after organotypic multicellular spheres culture was evaluated by multipotency tests, and it was demonstrated that 3D structures without exogenous Flt3L are autonomous in the maintenance of multipotency of human hematopoietic stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: We developed organotypic multicellular spheres from normal human cells that mimic the microenvironment of the human hematopoietic stem cells. These structures are the prototype for the development of complex organoids that allow the further study of the biology of normal human stem cells and their potential in regenerative medicine.

Laparoscopic Toupet Fundoplication After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Patient with Severe GERD.

BACKGROUND: Up to 22% of the patients, after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) can complain about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, there is little evidence about the most effective treatment of this situation. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This video shows a laparoscopic reintervention after a LRYGB in a 42-year-old woman presenting with untreatable GERD. GERD was treated with maximum doses of PPIs with no effect on the symptoms; the patient had a 24-h pH and impedance manometry that showed an acid and non-acid reflux, and for that reason, we decided to perform a laparoscopic fundoplication. First, very dense adhesions of the greater omentum and the stomach to the parietal peritoneum and the left lobe of the liver are dissected. The gastric remnant is dissected from the pouch, and as the adhesions are very hard, we use a linear stapler device to definitely separate remnant from the pouch, then, short gastric vessels are taken down, to allow mobilization to the medial side of the patient, being careful to preserve the dorsal gastric artery branch of the splenic artery. A Toupet fundoplication is performed with the gastric remnant, and a crural repair is performed with Ethibond stitches reinforced with a polypropylene mesh. RESULTS: After 1 year from the surgery, the patient is asymptomatic, with a normal pH metry and barium swallow. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic fundoplication [1] after a LRYGB is one feasible surgical option intervention, but it must be performed with experienced hands and in a hospital with bariatric/esophagogastric surgery unit, in those patients with severe GERD after LRYGB and with no response to medical treatment.

Implantación embrionaria. Algunos aspectos moleculares en la receptividad endometrial. Revisión Bibliográfica / Embryonic implantation. Some molecular aspects in endometrial receptivity. Bibliographic review

RESUMEN La implantación embrionaria es un proceso que tiene lugar durante un breve periodo de tiempo donde el tejido endometrial alcanza un estado receptivo y donde se expresan moléculas que son necesarias para el proceso de implantación y posterior invasión del blastocisto. Este periodo se conoce como ventana de implantación y tiene lugar alrededor del día 20-21 del ciclo menstrual. El endometrio receptivo ha sido ampliamente estudiado desde el punto de vista histológico y molecular, y se conocen gran número de marcadores que forman parte de la firma molecular del endometrio receptivo, lo cual ha servido para desarrollar herramientas moleculares genómicas para el diagnóstico de la receptividad endometrial con utilidad clínica. Sin embargo, hasta ahora no se ha tenido en cuenta que la capacidad receptiva del endometrio tiene un componente inmunológico importante que facilita la entrada del tejido embrionario en el tejido materno. El objetivo de esta revisión es destacar ciertos grupos de biomarcadores identificados con un papel fundamental en el mecanismo de implantación.

ABSTRACT Embryo implantation is a process that takes place during a short period of time where the endometrial tissue reaches a receptive state and where molecules are expressed that are necessary for the implantation process and subsequent invasion of the blastocyst. This period is known as the window of implantation and takes place around day 20-21 of the menstrual cycle. The receptive endometrium has been widely studied from the histological and molecular point of view, and a large number of markers are known that are part of the molecular signature of the receptive endometrium, which has served to develop molecular genomic tools for the diagnosis of endometrial receptivity. with clinical utility. However, until now it has not been taken into account that the receptive capacity of the endometrium has an important immunological component that facilitates the entry of embryonic tissue into the maternal tissue. The objective of this review is to highlight certain groups of biomarkers identified with a fundamental role in the implementation mechanism.

A Nucleotide-Dependent Conformational Switch Controls the Polymerization of Human IMP Dehydrogenases to Modulate their Catalytic Activity.

Inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the de novo GTP biosynthetic pathway and plays essential roles in cell proliferation. As a clinical target, IMPDH has been studied for decades, but it has only been within the last years that we are starting to understand the complexity of the mechanisms of its physiological regulation. Here, we report structural and functional insights into how adenine and guanine nucleotides control a conformational switch that modulates the assembly of the two human IMPDH enzymes into cytoophidia and allosterically regulates their catalytic activity. In vitro reconstituted micron-length cytoophidia-like structures show catalytic activity comparable to unassembled IMPDH but, in turn, are more resistant to GTP/GDP allosteric inhibition. Therefore, IMPDH cytoophidia formation facilitates the accumulation of high levels of guanine nucleotides when the cell requires it. Finally, we demonstrate that most of the IMPDH retinopathy-associated mutations abrogate GTP/GDP-induced allosteric inhibition and alter cytoophidia dynamics.

ATLANTIS: a Phase III study of lurbinectedin/doxorubicin versus topotecan or cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine in patients with small-cell lung cancer who have failed one prior platinum-containing line.

Lurbinectedin is an inhibitor of active transcription of protein-coding genes, causing DNA-break accumulation, apoptosis and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Early-phase clinical trials indicate promising activity of lurbinectedin in small-cell lung cancer. Here, we describe the rationale and design of ATLANTIS (NCT02566993), an open-label, randomized, multicenter Phase III study to compare the efficacy of lurbinectedin and doxorubicin combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy, investigator's choice of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine or topotecan, in patients with small-cell lung cancer that has progressed following one line of platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio. The primary end point is overall survival and key secondary end points include progression-free survival, best tumor response and duration of response, each assessed by independent review committee.

Impact of donor characteristics on the quality of bone marrow as a source of mesenchymal stromal cells.

In recent years, the therapeutic use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) has generated a valuable number of scientific studies that delve into their biological characteristics and their potential in regenerative medicine; however, the impact of the clinical characteristics of tissue donors, from which these cells are isolated, on their potential in applied clinical research is not yet clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the clinical characteristics of bone marrow donors on the quality of this tissue as a source of MSC for therapeutic use. Human MSC were isolated, characterized and cultured (according to ISCT criteria) from bone marrow samples from volunteer donors (n = 70) attending the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (Bogota, Colombia) for surgery of prosthetic hip replacement that agreed to participate voluntarily in the study. Donor data such as age, gender, weight, smoker and type of anesthesia used during the surgical procedure were recorded, and the impact of these characteristics on the volume of tissue collection, mononuclear cell count and confluence time of cells with fibroblastoid morphology was evaluated. Correlation coefficients between quantitative variables were calculated with Spearman's correlation test, and the association between qualitative and quantitative variables was evaluated with biserial correlation coefficient. A significant correlation was observed between the age of the donors and the time necessary to obtain confluent cells in vitro (r = 0.2489, P = 0.0377); similarly, the correlation between the volume of bone marrow collected and the number of mononuclear cells obtained was significant (r = 0.7101, P = 0.0001). Although a negative correlation tendency was observed between the mononuclear cell count and the confluence time, this was not significant (r = -0.2041, P = 0.0950). No significant associations were observed between gender, smoking status or type of anesthesia and the expansion characteristics of human mesenchymal stromal cells. Bone marrow donor age and the tissue collection volume impact the time of obtaining MSC in vitro and the mononuclear cell count with which the culture starts. These conditions must be considered when the bone marrow is selected as the tissue for obtaining MSC.