A Ferrofluid with Surface Modified Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia and High ROS Production.

A ferrofluid with 1,2-Benzenediol-coated iron oxide nanoparticles was synthesized and physicochemically analyzed. This colloidal system was prepared following the typical co-precipitation method, and superparamagnetic nanoparticles of 13.5 nm average diameter, 34 emu/g of magnetic saturation, and 285 K of blocking temperature were obtained. Additionally, the zeta potential showed a suitable colloidal stability for cancer therapy assays and the magneto-calorimetric trails determined a high power absorption density. In addition, the oxidative capability of the ferrofluid was corroborated by performing the Fenton reaction with methylene blue (MB) dissolved in water, where the ferrofluid was suitable for producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and surprisingly a strong degradation of MB was also observed when it was combined with H2O2. The intracellular ROS production was qualitatively corroborated using the HT-29 human cell line, by detecting the fluorescent rise induced in 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. In other experiments, cell metabolic activity was measured, and no toxicity was observed, even with concentrations of up to 4 mg/mL of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). When the cells were treated with magnetic hyperthermia, 80% of cells were dead at 43 °C using 3 mg/mL of MNPs and applying a magnetic field of 530 kHz with 20 kA/m amplitude.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients diagnosed with HIV without prior antiretroviral treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent respiratory problem in the world. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have a higher prevalence of smoking and recurrent lung infections and are at higher risk of COPD. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of COPD in HIV-diagnosed patients referred to an infectious diseases hospital. METHOD: Individuals with HIV infection without previous or ongoing antiretroviral treatment, with chronic respiratory symptoms, with or without a history of exposure for the development of COPD were included. Pre- and post-bronchodilation spirometry, high-resolution computed tomography, viral load determination and CD4 count were carried out. Spirometry measurements were compared with Wilcoxon's test. RESULTS: Sixty-six HIV-diagnosed patients, with a mean age of 31.5 years were included; 64 were males and two females. The prevalence of COPD was 7.6 %. The group with obstruction had a lower CD4 count (27.3 versus 225.9) and higher viral load (165,000 versus 57,722), in comparison with the group without obstruction. A positive correlation was observed between lower viral load and higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio. CONCLUSION: HIV-positive patients with a lower CD4 count and a higher viral load show a decrease in spirometry values.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es el problema respiratorio de mayor prevalencia en el mundo. Los pacientes con infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) tienen mayor prevalencia de tabaquismo e infecciones pulmonares recurrentes y mayor riesgo de EPOC. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de la EPOC en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH referidos a un hospital de infectología. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron individuos con infección por VIH sin tratamiento antirretroviral previo o actual, con sintomatología respiratoria crónica, con o sin antecedentes de exposición para desarrollar EPOC. Se realizó espirometría pre y posbroncodilatación, tomografía computarizada de alta resolución, determinación de carga viral y conteo de CD4. Las mediciones espirométricas se compararon con prueba de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 66 pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH, con edad de 31.5 años; 64 hombres y dos mujeres. La prevalencia de EPOC fue de 7.6 %. El grupo con obstrucción presentó menor conteo de CD4 (27.3 versus 225.9) y mayor carga viral (165 000 versus 57 722), en comparación con el grupo sin obstrucción. Se observó correlación positiva entre menor carga viral y mayor relación de volumen espiratorio forzado al primer segundo/capacidad vital forzada. CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes VIH-positivos con menor conteo de CD4 y mayor carga viral presentan disminución de los valores espirométricos.

[First Mexican Consensus of Vaccination in Adults]. / 1º Consenso Mexicano de Vacunación en el Adulto.

For years our efforts have been focused on vaccination during childhood. Today we know that this is not enough to ensure health in the rest of the life. Childhood is as important as any other stage and, therefore, vaccination must be permanent and differentiated, according to our age, throughout life. Introducing a life course perspective in vaccination programs, with emphasis on adult vaccination, particularly in older adults, offers us the opportunity to review the performance of health programs, actions, and services in the field of immunization, as well as strengthening health promotion actions. In this context, the first Mexican Consensus on Adult Vaccination was carried out in a joint effort of the National Institute of Geriatrics, bringing together a group of specialists who worked on three central objectives: establishing vaccination guidelines throughout the life course, with emphasis on new vaccines; defining priority groups according to their risk factors; and contributing to the effort to promote healthy aging.

[Results of the First Mexican Consensus of Vaccination in the Adult]. / Resultados del Primer Consenso Mexicano de Vacunación en el Adulto.

For years our efforts have been focused on vaccination during childhood. Today we know that this is not enough to ensure health in the rest of the life. Childhood is as important as any other stage and, therefore, vaccination must be permanent and differentiated, according to our age, throughout life. Introducing a life course perspective in vaccination programs, with emphasis on adult vaccination, particularly in older adults, offers us the opportunity to review the performance of health programs, actions, and services in the field of immunization, as well as strengthening health promotion actions. In this context, the first Mexican Consensus on Adult Vaccination was carried out in a joint effort of the National Institute of Geriatrics, bringing together a group of specialists who worked on three central objectives: establishing vaccination guidelines throughout the life course, with emphasis on new vaccines; defining priority groups according to their risk factors; and contributing to the effort to promote healthy aging.

The Fluorescent Cell Line SW620-GFP Is a Valuable Model to Monitor Magnetic Hyperthermia.

In this work, the cell line SW620-GFP has been used in a complete magnetic hyperthermia assay, from the preparation of the ferrofluid with folate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles to in vivo experiments. The physical and chemical characterization of the nanoparticles evidenced their superparamagnetic behaviour, an average diameter of 12 ± 4 nm, a 2 nm coat thickness, and a high-power loss density. The main innovation of the work is the exclusive capability of viable SW620-GFP cells to emit fluorescence, enabling fast analysis of both, cell viability in vitro with an epifluorescence microscope and tumour size and shape in vivo in a non-invasive manner using the iBox technology. Moreover, with this imaging technique, it was possible to demonstrate the successful tumour size reduction in mice applying magnetic hyperthermia three times a week over 3 weeks.

Synergistic Strategies in Prostate Cancer Therapy: Electrochemotherapy and Electromagnetic Hyperthermia.

Prostate cancer is a significant global health problem, being the second most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of death in men worldwide. Standard chemotherapy, though effective, often lacks selectivity for tumor cells, resulting in dose-limiting side effects. To address this, innovative biomedical approaches such as electrochemotherapy and electromagnetic hyperthermia have emerged. Electrochemotherapy improves drug delivery by facilitating electroporation, thereby increasing intracellular concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents. This approach reduces dosages and associated adverse effects. Meanwhile, electromagnetic hyperthermia raises the temperature of tumor cells, enhancing their sensitivity to chemotherapy. While previous research has demonstrated the inhibitory effects of magnetic hyperthermia on prostate cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, and its synergy with chemotherapy has shown enhanced tumor remission, limited studies have focused on electrochemotherapy alone or in combination with hyperthermia in prostate cancer models. This study aims to assess the synergistic effects of electromagnetic hyperthermia, with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and electrochemotherapy, with electroporation and the chemotherapeutic drugs bleomycin and cisplatin, on the prostate cancer-derived cell line DU-145/GFP and prostate-derived cell line RWPE-1. Results indicate enhanced cytotoxicity with both treatments (bleomycin and cisplatin) by adding electroporation, demonstrating a particularly pronounced effect with bleomycin. Combining electroporation with hyperthermia significantly augments cytotoxicity. Moreover, electroporation effectively reduced the time of exposure to electromagnetic hyperthermia while magnifying its cytotoxic effects. Future research in in vivo trials may reveal additional insights into the combined effects of these therapies.

Probable Primary Cutaneous CD8+ Aggressive Epidermotropic Cytotoxic T-cell Lymphoma: A Case Report of a Diagnostic Challenge.

Primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma is a rare variety of cutaneous lymphoma. This subtype has an aggressive and quickly progressive clinical course with a survival time of 32 months from the commencement of skin lesions. This article describes a probable case of primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma in a 63-year-old female, which manifested as diffuse non-pruritic erythematous plaques and nodules. The diagnosis of this possible entity was aided by the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, while immunohistochemistry for T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta could not be done.

Dry but Not Humid Thermal Processing of Aloe vera Gel Promotes Cytotoxicity on Human Intestinal Cells HT-29.

Aloe vera products, both in food and cosmetics, are becoming increasingly popular due to their claimed beneficial effects, which are mainly attributed to the active compound acemannan. Usually, these end products are based on powdered starting materials. High temperatures during the drying process to obtain the starting materials have several advantages, like shortening the drying time, eliminating toxic aloin and reducing bacterial contamination. Nevertheless, there are two major drawbacks: first, at temperatures of 80 °C or higher, structural changes in acemannan, especially its deacetylation (>46%), are triggered, which does not happen at lower temperatures (14% at 60 °C); secondly, a toxic principle is formed at higher temperatures, resulting in a higher cytotoxicity. Thus, two temperature-dependent but opposing effects cause with a median cytotoxic concentration of CC50 = 0.4× a peak of cytotoxicity at 80 °C; at 60 °C this cytotoxic substance is not formed and at 100 °C aloin is more readily eliminated, resulting in a CC50 = 1.1× and CC50 = 1.4×, respectively. The cytotoxic substance generated by dry heat at 80 °C is not a modified polysaccharide because its polysaccharide-enriched alcohol-insoluble fraction is with CC50 = 0.9× less cytotoxic. Moreover, this substance is polar enough to be washed away with ethanol. Additionally, when Aloe gel is heated at 80 °C under humid conditions (pasteurization), the cytotoxicity does not increase (CC50 = 1.6×). Finally, to produce powdered starting materials from Aloe gel, it is recommended to use temperatures of around 60 °C in order to preserve the acemannan structure (and thus biological activity) and the low cytotoxicity.

Understanding Necrosol pedogenetical processes in post-Roman burials developed on dunes sands.

In Archaeology much emphasis is dedicated to bone preservation, but less attention is paid to the burial soil (i.e., Necrosol), despite its crucial role in governing the geochemical environment. The interaction between human remains and sediments starts after inhumation, leading to bidirectional physico-chemical changes. To approach these complex, bidirectional processes, we sampled at high resolution (n = 46) two post-Roman wooden coffin burials (one single and another double), and the coeval paleosol (n = 20; nearby pedo-sedimentary sequence). The samples were analysed for physical (grain size, colour) and chemical (pH; LOI; elemental composition: FTIR-ATR, XRF, C, N) properties. Principal component analysis enabled to identify five main pedogenetical processes: decalcification, melanization, acidification, neoformation of secondary minerals (i.e., clays) and enrichment in phosphorus. Melanization, acidification and phosphorous enrichment seem to be convergent processes in Necrosols-irrespective of the parent material. Decalcification may be restricted to carbonate containing soil/sediments. Despite not mentioned in previous research, clay formation might also be an overall process. Compared to the local, coeval paleosol, pedogenesis in the studied burial soils was low (double burial) to moderate (single burial). Our results also emphasize the need to study the finer soil fractions, as they provide clues both on soil formation and bone diagenesis.

A Ferrofluid with High Specific Absorption Rate Prepared in a Single Step Using a Biopolymer.

An exhaustive characterization of the physicochemical properties of gum arabic (GA)-coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles was conducted in this work. These nanoparticles were obtained via the in-situ coprecipitation method (a fast single-step method) in two GA:Fe ratios, 10:1 and 20:1, respectively. Several experimental techniques were applied in the characterization process, all of them described below. Using Transmission Electron Microcopy images, they were shown to have spherical-like morphology with 11 nm diameter. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectra confirmed the attachment of the GA on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), providing good colloidal stability from pH 7 to 8. The thickness of the coatings (1.7 nm and 1.1 nm) was determined using thermogravimetric measurements. A high specific absorption rate and superparamagnetic properties were determined using alternant and static magnetic fields, respectively. The GA-coated MNPs were non-cytotoxic, according to tests on HT-29 human intestine cells. Additionally, HT-29 cells were exposed to magnetic fluid hyperthermia at 530 kHz, and the induction of cell death by the magnetic field, due to the heating of GA-coated MNP, was observed.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to identify patients with sleep apnea in Mexican population: Mexican questionnaire to identify sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a questionnaire to identify patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Mexican population. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study to develop and validate an instrument in Spanish language, consistent in an 18-item questionnaire. We enrolled patients seen from July 2008 to August 2009. We evaluated the internal consistency with the Kuder Richardson coefficient, a value greater than 0.70 was considered a good index correlation. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive factor was obtained with standard methods by comparison with polysomnographic results. Validity of Mexican questionnaire at baseline and follow-up was assessed using Pearson correlations coefficient. RESULTS: We enrolled 100 patients. The initial pool comprised 25 items, four items were considered confusing and they were omitted; then, a preliminary questionnaire comprising 21 items was obtained, and three items were removed by presenting a response rate lesser than 90%, yielding a total of 18 items for the final questionnaire. This evaluation was performed stratifying in groups related to severity of illness. Snoring was the question with the greatest sensitivity to detect OSA; and obesity class I was the criteria with greatest specificity to detect OSA. CONCLUSION: The screening tool proposed in this study has the advantages of being quick, inexpensive, easy to apply and reproducible, and the result has reliability with acceptable sensitivity; this is a symptom-based questionnaire with good predictive ability and it will avoid unnecessary sleep studies in the subjects who are not at high risk for having OSA.

Approaching mercury distribution in burial environment using PLS-R modelling.

Mercury environmental cycle and toxicology have been widely researched. Given the long history of mercury pollution, researching mercury trends in the past can help to understand its behaviour in the present. Archaeological skeletons have been found to be useful sources of information regarding mercury loads in the past. In our study we applied a soil multi-sampling approach in two burials dated to the 5th to 6th centuries AD. PLRS modelling was used to elucidate the factors controlling mercury distribution. The model explains 72% of mercury variance and suggests that mercury accumulation in the burial soils is the result of complex interactions. The decomposition of the bodies not only was the primary source of mercury to the soil but also responsible for the pedogenetic transformation of the sediments and the formation of soil components with the ability to retain mercury. The amount of soft tissues and bone mass also resulted in differences between burials, indicating that the skeletons were a primary/secondary source of mercury to the soil (i.e. temporary sink). Within burial variability seems to depend on the proximity of the soil to the thoracic area, where the main mercury target organs were located. We also conclude that, in coarse textured soils, as the ones studied in this investigation, the finer fraction (i.e. silt + clay) should be analysed, as it is the most reactive and the one with the higher potential to provide information on metal cycling and incipient soil processes. Finally, our study stresses the need to characterise the burial soil environment in order to fully understand the role of the interactions between soil and skeleton in mercury cycling in burial contexts.

Green Metallic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: Evaluation Models and Cancer Applications.

Metal-based nanoparticles are widely used to deliver bioactive molecules and drugs to improve cancer therapy. Several research works have highlighted the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles by green chemistry, using biological entities to minimize the use of solvents and control their physicochemical and biological properties. Recent advances in evaluating the anticancer effect of green biogenic Au and Ag nanoparticles are mainly focused on the use of conventional 2D cell culture and in vivo murine models that allow determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration, a critical parameter to move forward clinical trials. However, the interaction between nanoparticles and the tumor microenvironment is not yet fully understood. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more human-like evaluation models or to improve the existing ones for a better understanding of the molecular bases of cancer. This review provides recent advances in biosynthesized Au and Ag nanoparticles for seven of the most common and relevant cancers and their biological assessment. In addition, it provides a general idea of the in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models used for the anticancer evaluation of green biogenic metal-based nanoparticles.

Clinical practice patterns in multiple sclerosis management: Mexican consensus recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis affects more than 2 million people. Clinical decisions are performed under evidence-based medicine. The appearance of new disease-modifying therapies and changes in diagnostic criteria complicates the decision-making process in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the criteria for radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by Mexican neurologists in a real-world setting. METHODS: A two-round modified Delphi method (RAND/UCLA) was applied. RESULTS: In RIS, LP, spinal cord MRI and VEP should be included in diagnostic testing; DMT initiation is not necessary. A follow-up MRI within 3 months are recommended. In CIS, corticosteroid therapy should be initiated at first relapse; both simple and Gd-enhanced MRI is mandatory. LP, selective blood tests, and NMO-IgG/AQP4 antibodies should be performed as complementary. IFN beta or GA were the most suitable DMTs for treating high-risk CIS. Patients with RRMS should begin with DMT at diagnosis, include a follow-up MRI if a patient had 2 relapses within 6 months. GA and oral DMTs are the most eligible DMTs for mild RRMS. Monoclonal antibodies-based therapy is chosen when disability is present. Radiological criteria for switching DMT included >1 Gd+ lesion and >2 new T2 lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Although many coincidences, there are still many hollows in the medical attention of MS in Mexico. This consensus recommendation could be helpful to implement better evidence-based recommendations and guidelines in a real-world setting.

[A H1N1 influenza infection in pregnant patients]. / Infección por virus influenza A H1N1 en pacientes embarazadas.

BACKGROUND: Despite the severity of infection with influenza virus, little has been reported about its presence in pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: To communicate our experience on influenza virus H1N1 in pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 16 hospitalized patients with diagnosis of pregnancy and probable or confirmed case of infection with H1N1 influenza virus. SUSPECTED CASE: Sudden onset of respiratory infectious process, in 2009, in Mexico City. All cases underwent the fast detection test and subsequently confirmation by PCR test. Discharge criteria: clinical improvement, PaO(2) above 60 mm Hg and absence of bilateral consolidation on chest radiographs. Severity criteria: type I respiratory failure (PaO(2) < 50 mm Hg) who required mechanical ventilatory support, radiographic pattern compatible with multisegmental pneumonia and PaO(2)/FiO(2) < 200 mm Hg. RESULTS: The pregnant patient mortality was 4.25%. The average age was 25.8 years, with 24.13 weeks of gestation with 5.6 days average of hospital stay. The main co-morbidity was obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The fatal cases were those with longer time of evolution and late diagnosis.

Sterilized chitosan-based composite hydrogels: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity.

Gelatin/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels were fabricated at different polymer ratios using the freeze-drying and sterilized by steam sterilization. The thermal stability, chemical structure, morphology, surface area, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of hydrogels were evaluated by simultaneous thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, confocal microscopy, adsorption/desorption of nitrogen, rheometry, and 3-4,[5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide cell viability assay (MTT assay), respectively. The samples showed a decomposition onset temperature below 253.3 ± 4.8°C, a semicrystalline nature, and a highly porous structure. Hydrogels reached the maximum water uptake in phosphate-buffered saline after 80 min, showing values from nine to twelve times their dry mass. Also, hydrogels exhibiting a solid-like behavior ranging from 2,567 ± 467 to 48,705 ± 2,453 Pa at 0.1 rad/s (low frequency). The sterilized hydrogels showed low cytotoxicity (cell viability > 70%) to the HT29-MTX-E12 cell line. Sterilized hydrogels by steam sterilization can be good candidates as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

Evaluation of the global longitudinal strain and segmental strain of the right ventricle with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography with elevation of the legs.

Introduction: Speckle-tracking echocardiography has shown its usefulness in the evaluation of the right ventricle (RV) in healthy subjects and in pulmonary hypertension. It is unknown whether this technique could be sensitive to assess healthy RV with increases in preload. Methods: Consecutive subjects were studied without evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. They underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography in General Electric Vivid 7® equipment. The "segmental longitudinal strain" (SLS) and "global longitudinal strain" (GLS) of the RV was determined at rest and with an increase in the preload through elevation the legs to 45°. Results: We analyzed 31 subjects, 16 men and 15 women, aged 16-53 years, in which were measured SLS and GLS. Basal of the RV free wall: -29.1 ± 3.3 versus -32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Mid of the RV free wall: -28.6 ± 6.4 versus -31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical of the free wall of the RV: -21.9 ± 6.5 versus -23.3 ± 6.1%, p = 0.118. Basal inferoseptum: -19.40 ± 3.2 versus -18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Mid inferoseptum: -19.3 ± 3.2 versus -19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septum: -17.1 ± 5.1 versus -17 ± 5.4%, p = 0.457. GLS of the RV: -23.06 ± 3.4 versus -24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. ICC: 0.773, 95% CI: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This method was sensitive to detect differences in the GLS and SLS basal and mid of the RV free wall.

Introducción y objetivos: La ecocardiografía speckle-tracking (EST) ha mostrado su utilidad en la evaluación del ventrículo derecho (VD) en sujetos sanos y en hipertensión pulmonar. Se desconoce si esta técnica es sensible para evaluar el VD en sujetos sanos con aumento en la precarga. Método: Se evaluaron sujetos consecutivos sin evidencia de enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se realizó EST con equipo General Electric Vivid 7®. La deformación longitudinal segmentaria (DLS) y la deformación longitudinal global (DLG) del VD se determinaron en reposo y con incremento en la precarga mediante la elevación de las piernas a 45°. Resultados: Analizamos 31 sujetos, 16 hombres y 15 mujeres. Edad: 16-53 años. Basal de la pared libre del VD: ­29.1 ± 3.3 vs. ­32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Medio de la pared libre del VD: ­28.6 ± 6.4 vs. ­31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical de la pared libre del VD: ­21.9 ± 6.5 vs. ­23.3 ± 6.1, p = 0.118. Basal septum inferior: ­19.40 ± 3.2 vs. ­18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Medio septum inferior: ­19.3 ± 3.2 vs. ­19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septal −17.1% ± 5.1 vs. −17 ± 5.4, p = 0.457. DLG del VD: ­23.06 ± 3.4 vs. ­24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. CCI: 0.773, IC 95%: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusiones: El método fue sensible para detectar diferencias en la DLG y DLS basal y media de la pared libre del VD.

Evaluation of the global longitudinal strain and segmental strain of the right ventricle with two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography with elevation of the legs.

Introduction: Speckle-tracking echocardiography has shown its usefulness in the evaluation of the right ventricle (RV) in healthy subjects and in pulmonary hypertension. It is unknown whether this technique could be sensitive to assess healthy RV with increases in preload. Methods: Consecutive subjects were studied without evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. They underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography in General Electric Vivid 7® equipment. The "segmental longitudinal strain" (SLS) and "global longitudinal strain" (GLS) of the RV was determined at rest and with an increase in the preload through elevation the legs to 45°. Results: We analyzed 31 subjects, 16 men and 15 women, aged 16-53 years, in which were measured SLS and GLS. Basal of the RV free wall: -29.1 ± 3.3 versus -32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Mid of the RV free wall: -28.6 ± 6.4 versus -31.5 ± 4.9 %, p = 0.001. Apical of the free wall of the RV: -21.9 ± 6.5 versus -23.3 ± 6.1 %, p = 0.118. Basal inferoseptum: -19.40 ± 3.2 versus -18.9 ± 3.0 %, p = 0.204. Mid inferoseptum: -19.3 ± 3.2 versus -19 ± 3.1 %, p = 0.249. Apical septum: -17.1 ± 5.1 versus -17 ± 5.4 %, p = 0.457. GLS of the RV: -23.06 ± 3.4 versus -24.5 ± 2.9 %, p = 0.002. ICC: 0.773, 95 % CI: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This method was sensitive to detect differences in the GLS and SLS basal and mid of the RV free wall.

Introducción: La ecocardiografía speckle-tracking (EST) ha mostrado su utilidad en la evaluación del ventrículo derecho (VD) en sujetos sanos y en hipertensión pulmonar. Se desconoce si esta técnica es sensible para evaluar el VD en sujetos sanos con aumento en la precarga. Método: Se evaluaron sujetos consecutivos sin evidencia de enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se realizó EST con equipo General Electric Vivid 7®. La deformación longitudinal segmentaria (DLS) y la deformación longitudinal global (DLG) del VD se determinaron en reposo y con incremento en la precarga mediante la elevación de las piernas a 45°. Resultados: Analizamos 31 sujetos, 16 hombres y 15 mujeres. Edad: 16-53 años. Basal de la pared libre del VD: ­29.1 ± 3.3 vs. ­32.7 ± 5.5%, p = 0.0002. Medio de la pared libre del VD: ­28.6 ± 6.4 vs. ­31.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.001. Apical de la pared libre del VD: ­21.9 ± 6.5 vs. ­23.3 ± 6.1, p = 0.118. Basal septum inferior: ­19.40 ± 3.2 vs. ­18.9 ± 3.0%, p = 0.204. Medio septum inferior: ­19.3 ± 3.2 vs. ­19 ± 3.1%, p = 0.249. Apical septal −17.1% ± 5.1 vs. −17 ± 5.4, p = 0.457. DLG del VD: ­23.06 ± 3.4 vs. ­24.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.002. CCI: 0.773, IC 95%: 0.534-0.890, p < 0.001. Conclusiones: El método fue sensible para detectar diferencias en la DLG y DLS basal y media de la pared libre del VD.

In Vitro Immunomodulatory Effect of Food Supplement from Aloe vera.

Food industries typically use Aloe vera as concentrated (100× to 200×) and dried powders in their final products. These powders are obtained by extrusion of Aloe inner leaf gel (ILG) or Aloe whole leaf (WLP); the juice is filtered through diatomaceous earth and activated carbon before spray drying at temperatures below 70 °C. In another process, Aloe inner leaf gel was dried at ~80 °C and mashed to a powder rich in high molecular weight fibres and soluble polysaccharides (ILF). In contrast to ILG and WLP, the ILF sample was cytotoxic for the human intestinal cell line Caco-2 (CC50 = 1 g/l), even at concentrations below the recommended dose for human consumption. At lower concentrations (250 mg/l) with LPS challenged macrophage-like THP-1 cells decreased by 40% the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, whereas the release of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1ß increased by 35% (compared to untreated but challenged macrophage-like THP-1 cells). Unexpectedly, under the same conditions, the less cytotoxic ILG and WLP, both samples with a lower fibre content, significantly increased (up to 2.4 times) the release of IL-10, while the concentration of IL-1ß remained unaltered and of TNFα decreased by 35%. Even more interesting is that a treatment of the ILF sample with activated carbon reduced its cytotoxicity and increased the IL-10 release (3.1 times). Based on these results, we suggest applying an activated carbon treatment on Aloe-starting products, which have high fibre content and have received high temperature treatment, in order to reduce their cytotoxicity and improve their immunomodulatory properties.

[Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. / Miocardiopatía hipertrófica obstructiva.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was first described more than a century ago; the characteristic finding is an inappropriate myocardial hypertrophy, occurring in the absence of an obvious cause. Determination of the exact site of the hypertrophy and of the obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract, in asymmetric septal hypertrophy, establishes which is the best treatment strategy. Forty-one-year-old man with a history of recurrent palpitations without any other symptomatology. The initial electrocardiogram (EKG) showed sinus rhythm with evidence of ventricular left hypertrophy and unspecific changes in ventricular repolarization. The transthoracic echocardiogram showed HCM and mitral regurgitation. The electrophysiological study, under treatment with amiodarone, did not induce ventricular arrhythmias. The 10-years evolution of the EKG showed changes of variable degrees associated with the hypertrophy and systolic overload of the left ventricle. The echocardiographic three-dimensional reconstruction in the long axis revealed the dynamic obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. In the hemodynamic study, the existence of a subaortic gradient confirmed the diagnosis and showed an increase of the gradient at the post-extrasystolic beat (Brockenbrough-Braunwald phenomenon). The echocardiographic three-dimensional reconstruction defines more accurately the exact site of the septal hypertrophy and its hemodynamic consequences.