De novo assembly, characterization and functional annotation of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) and common sole (Solea solea) transcriptomes: integration in a database and design of a microarray.

BACKGROUND: Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) and common sole (S. solea) are two economically and evolutionary important flatfish species both in fisheries and aquaculture. Although some genomic resources and tools were recently described in these species, further sequencing efforts are required to establish a complete transcriptome, and to identify new molecular markers. Moreover, the comparative analysis of transcriptomes will be useful to understand flatfish evolution. RESULTS: A comprehensive characterization of the transcriptome for each species was carried out using a large set of Illumina data (more than 1,800 millions reads for each sole species) and 454 reads (more than 5 millions reads only in S. senegalensis), providing coverages ranging from 1,384x to 2,543x. After a de novo assembly, 45,063 and 38,402 different transcripts were obtained, comprising 18,738 and 22,683 full-length cDNAs in S. senegalensis and S. solea, respectively. A reference transcriptome with the longest unique transcripts and putative non-redundant new transcripts was established for each species. A subset of 11,953 reference transcripts was qualified as highly reliable orthologs (>97% identity) between both species. A small subset of putative species-specific, lineage-specific and flatfish-specific transcripts were also identified. Furthermore, transcriptome data permitted the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms and simple-sequence repeats confirmed by FISH to be used in further genetic and expression studies. Moreover, evidences on the retention of crystallins crybb1, crybb1-like and crybb3 in the two species of soles are also presented. Transcriptome information was applied to the design of a microarray tool in S. senegalensis that was successfully tested and validated by qPCR. Finally, transcriptomic data were hosted and structured at SoleaDB. CONCLUSIONS: Transcriptomes and molecular markers identified in this study represent a valuable source for future genomic studies in these economically important species. Orthology analysis provided new clues regarding sole genome evolution indicating a divergent evolution of crystallins in flatfish. The design of a microarray and establishment of a reference transcriptome will be useful for large-scale gene expression studies. Moreover, the integration of transcriptomic data in the SoleaDB will facilitate the management of genomic information in these important species.

De novo assembly of maritime pine transcriptome: implications for forest breeding and biotechnology.

Maritime pine (Pinus pinasterAit.) is a widely distributed conifer species in Southwestern Europe and one of the most advanced models for conifer research. In the current work, comprehensive characterization of the maritime pine transcriptome was performed using a combination of two different next-generation sequencing platforms, 454 and Illumina. De novo assembly of the transcriptome provided a catalogue of 26 020 unique transcripts in maritime pine trees and a collection of 9641 full-length cDNAs. Quality of the transcriptome assembly was validated by RT-PCR amplification of selected transcripts for structural and regulatory genes. Transcription factors and enzyme-encoding transcripts were annotated. Furthermore, the available sequencing data permitted the identification of polymorphisms and the establishment of robust single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and simple-sequence repeat (SSR) databases for genotyping applications and integration of translational genomics in maritime pine breeding programmes. All our data are freely available at SustainpineDB, the P. pinaster expressional database. Results reported here on the maritime pine transcriptome represent a valuable resource for future basic and applied studies on this ecological and economically important pine species.

Control of cell adhesion and migration by podocalyxin. Implication of Rac1 and Cdc42.

Podocalyxin (PODXL) is a type I membrane sialomucin, originally described in the epithelial cells (podocytes) of kidney glomeruli. PODXL is also found in extra-renal tissues and in certain aggressive tumors, but its precise pathophysiological role is unknown. Expression of PODXL in CHO cells enhances their adhesive, migratory and cell-cell interactive properties in a selectin and integrin-dependent manner. We aimed at defining the PODXL domains responsible for those cell responses. For this purpose we have analyzed the cell adhesion/migration responses to deletion mutants of human PODXL, and the correlation with the activities of Rac1 and Cdc42 GTPases. The results obtained indicate that integrity of the PODXL ectodomain is essential for enhancing cell adhesion but not migration, while the integrity of the cytoplasmic domain is required for both adhesion and migration. Deletion of the carboxy-terminal DTHL domain (PODXL-ΔDTHL) limited only cell adhesion. The activities of Rac1 and Cdc42 GTPases parallel the PODXL-induced variations in cell adhesion and migration. Moreover, silencing the rac1 gene virtually abolished the effect of PODXL in enhancing cell adhesion.

Reducing the incidence of hematomas in cervicofacial rhytidectomy: new external quilting sutures and other ancillary procedures.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of many different strategies and techniques and notwithstanding recent advances such as fibrin glue and short scar operations, hematoma remains the most common complication in rhytidectomies. METHODS: This study analyzed 383 patients who underwent cervicofacial rhytidectomies between September 2006 and March 2012. The patients were distributed into three groups. RESULTS: Group 1 comprised patients who had classic face-lifts with epinephrine in the anesthetic solution used to infiltrate the face and neck. The incidence of hematomas in this group was 12 % (24 of 200 patients). Group 2 comprised patients who underwent face-lifts without epinephrine in the solution used to infiltrate the midface and neck. The incidence of hematomas in this group was reduced to 3.6 % (3 of 83 patients). Group 3 comprised the remaining 100 patients, who underwent rhytidectomies with internal and external quilting sutures used in conjunction with other ancillary procedures listed in this report. The incidence of hematomas in this group was reduced to 0 %. CONCLUSIONS: The most important single procedure that reduced hematoma cases to zero in cervicofacial rhytidectomies was the use of quilting sutures in conjunction with other procedures. Furthermore, the use of these sutures did not cause flap ischemia or necrosis, and there was no adverse impact on the quality of the facial rejuvenation.

The effects of group adaptation on task performance: An agent-based approach.

Organisations rely upon group formation to solve complex tasks, and groups often adapt to the demands of the task they face by changing their composition periodically. Previous research has often employed experimental, survey-based, and fieldwork methods to study the effects of group adaptation on task performance. This paper, by contrast, employs an agent-based approach to study these effects. There are three reasons why we do so. First, agent-based modelling and simulation allows to take into account further factors that might moderate the relationship between group adaptation and task performance, such as individual learning and task complexity. Second, such an approach allows to study large variations in the variables of interest, which contributes to the generalisation of our results. Finally, by employing an agent-based approach, we are able to study the longitudinal effects of group adaptation on task performance. Longitudinal analyses are often missing in prior related research. Our results indicate that reorganising well-performing groups might be beneficial, but only if individual learning is restricted. However, there are also cases in which group adaptation might unfold adverse effects. We provide extensive analyses that shed additional light on and help explain the ambiguous results of previous research.

An eHealth ecosystem for stepped and early psychosocial care in advanced lung cancer: Rationale and protocol for a randomized control trial.

Background: Receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer is an emotional event, not least because it is usually diagnosed at advanced stages with limited life expectancy. Although evidence-based educational, emotional, and social interventions exist, they reach few patients and usually when it is too late. Objective: This project will be carried out in a comprehensive center for cancer care and health research, aiming to study the efficacy, costs, and utility of an eHealth ecosystem to meet the psychosocial needs of patients with advanced lung cancer. Method: We will enroll 76 patients with advanced lung cancer into an eHealth ecosystem of stepped and personalized psychosocial care for 9 months. These patients will be compared with another 76 receiving usual care in a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. The following main outcomes will be measured every 3 months: emotional distress, spirituality, demoralization, quality of life, and medication adherence. Secondary outcomes will include symptomatology, health education, cost-utility analyses, usability and satisfaction with the platform, and time to detect emotional needs and provide care. Baseline differences between groups will be measured with the Student t-test or chi-square test, as appropriate. We will then compare the main outcomes between groups over time using multilevel linear models, report effect sizes (Hedges' g), and assess non-inferiority. The cost-utility of both interventions will be considered in terms of quality adjusted life years and quality of life given the costs of providing each treatment. Discussion: This randomized controlled trial should provide new evidence on the efficacy and cost-utility of an eHealth ecosystem to deliver personalized and timely psychosocial care to patients with advanced lung cancer. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID "NCT05497973".

Release of podocalyxin into the extracellular space. Role of metalloproteinases.

Podocalyxin (PODXL) is a type I membrane mucoprotein abundantly presented in the epithelial cells (podocytes) of kidney glomeruli where it plays an important role in maintaining the plasma filtration. PODXL is also expressed in other types of cells but its function is ignored. A recombinant soluble fragment of the PODXL ectodomain modifies the signaling of the membrane bound PODXL. Based on this antecedent, we aimed at investigating whether PODXL could be cleaved and released into the extracellular space as a soluble peptide. In this study, we used a fusion protein of human PODXL and green fluorescent protein expressed in CHO cells (CHO-PODXL-GFP) and a human tumor cell (Tera-1) inherently expressing PODXL. PODXL was detected by wide-field microscopy in the Golgi, the plasma membrane and in a vesicular form preferentially located at the leading edges of the cell and also progressing along the filopodium. We detected PODXL in the insoluble and soluble fractions of the extracellular medium of CHO-PODXL-GFP cells. Stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) enhanced the release of PODXL to the extracellular space whereas this effect was prevented either by inhibitors of PKC or specific inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases. It is concluded that intact PODXL is released to the extracellular space as a cargo of microvesicles and also as a soluble cleaved fragment of ectodomain.

Peritubular myoid cells from rat seminiferous tubules contain actin and myosin filaments distributed in two independent layers.

In the mammalian testis, peritubular myoid cells (PM cells) surround the seminiferous tubules (STs), express cytoskeletal markers of true smooth muscle cells, and participate in the contraction of the ST. It has been claimed that PM cells contain bundles of actin filaments distributed orthogonally in an intermingled mesh. Our hypothesis is that these actin filaments are not forming a random intermingled mesh, but are actually arranged in contractile filaments in independent layers. The aim of this study is to describe the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in PM cells from adult rat testes and its changes during endothelin-1-induced ST contraction. For this purpose, we isolated segments of ST corresponding to the stages IX-X of the spermatogenic cycle (ST segments), and analyzed the actin and myosin filament distribution by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. We found that PM cells have actin and myosin filaments interconnected in thick bundles (AF-MyF bundles). These AF-MyF bundles are distributed in two independent layers: an inner layer toward the seminiferous epithelium, and an outer layer toward the interstitium, with the bundles oriented perpendicularly and in parallel to the main ST axis, respectively. In endothelin-1 contracted ST segments, PM cells increased their thickness and reduced their length in both directions, parallel and perpendicular to the main ST axis. The AF-MyF bundles maintained the same organization in two layers, although both layers appeared significantly thicker. We believe that this is the first time this arrangement of AF-MyF bundles in two independent layers has been shown in smooth muscle cells, and that this organization would allow the cell to generate contractile force in two directions.

Distinct mechanism of action for antitumoral neutral cyclometalated Pt(II)-complexes bearing antifungal imidazolyl-based drugs.

Three neutral Pt(II) complexes containing 1-Methylimidazole and the antifungal imidazolyl drugs Clotrimazole and Bifonazole have been prepared. The general formula of the new derivatives is [Pt(κ2-(C^N)Cl(L)], where C^N stands for ppy = 2-phenylpyridinate, and L = 1-Methylimidazole (MeIm) for [Pt-MeIm]; L = Clotrimazole (CTZ) for [Pt-CTZ] and L = Bifonazole (BFZ) for [Pt-BFZ]). The complexes have been completely characterized in solution and the crystal structures of [Pt-BFZ] and [Pt-CTZ] have been resolved. Complexes [Pt-MeIm] and [Pt-BFZ] present higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin in SW480 (colon adenocarcinoma), A549 (lung adenocarcinoma) and A2780 (ovarian cancer) cell lines. [Pt-MeIm] shows the highest accumulation in A549 cells, in agreement with its inability to interact with serum albumin. By contrast, [Pt-CTZ] and [Pt-BFZ] interact with serum proteins, a fact that reduces their bioavailability. The strongest interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) is found for [Pt-BFZ], which is the least internalized inside the cells. All the complexes are able to covalently interact with DNA. The most cytotoxic complexes, [Pt-MeIm] and [Pt-BFZ] induce cellular accumulation in G0/G1 and apoptosis by a similar pathway, probably involving a reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation mechanism. [Pt-BFZ] turns out to be the most efficient complex regarding ROS generation and causes mitochondrial membrane depolarization, whereas [Pt-MeIm] induces the opposite effect, hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. On the contrary, the least cytotoxic complex, [Pt-CTZ] cannot block the cell cycle or generate ROS and the mechanism by which it induces apoptosis could be a different one.

EuroPineDB: a high-coverage web database for maritime pine transcriptome.

BACKGROUND: Pinus pinaster is an economically and ecologically important species that is becoming a woody gymnosperm model. Its enormous genome size makes whole-genome sequencing approaches are hard to apply. Therefore, the expressed portion of the genome has to be characterised and the results and annotations have to be stored in dedicated databases. DESCRIPTION: EuroPineDB is the largest sequence collection available for a single pine species, Pinus pinaster (maritime pine), since it comprises 951 641 raw sequence reads obtained from non-normalised cDNA libraries and high-throughput sequencing from adult (xylem, phloem, roots, stem, needles, cones, strobili) and embryonic (germinated embryos, buds, callus) maritime pine tissues. Using open-source tools, sequences were optimally pre-processed, assembled, and extensively annotated (GO, EC and KEGG terms, descriptions, SNPs, SSRs, ORFs and InterPro codes). As a result, a 10.5× P. pinaster genome was covered and assembled in 55 322 UniGenes. A total of 32 919 (59.5%) of P. pinaster UniGenes were annotated with at least one description, revealing at least 18 466 different genes. The complete database, which is designed to be scalable, maintainable, and expandable, is freely available at: http://www.scbi.uma.es/pindb/. It can be retrieved by gene libraries, pine species, annotations, UniGenes and microarrays (i.e., the sequences are distributed in two-colour microarrays; this is the only conifer database that provides this information) and will be periodically updated. Small assemblies can be viewed using a dedicated visualisation tool that connects them with SNPs. Any sequence or annotation set shown on-screen can be downloaded. Retrieval mechanisms for sequences and gene annotations are provided. CONCLUSIONS: The EuroPineDB with its integrated information can be used to reveal new knowledge, offers an easy-to-use collection of information to directly support experimental work (including microarray hybridisation), and provides deeper knowledge on the maritime pine transcriptome.

Ventricular enlargement associated with the panneural ablation of the podocalyxin gene.

Podocalyxin (Podxl) is a type I membrane mucin-protein of the CD34 family abundantly expressed in kidney epithelial cells (podocytes) where it plays a crucial functional role. Podxl is also expressed in tissues other than kidney, like in brain, but its function is ignored. To investigate the functional role of podocalyxin (Podxl) in brain we produced the specific brain-ablation of the Podxl gen in mice by crossing Podxl(floxed/floxed) mice, generated in our laboratory, to mice with pan-neural expression of recombinase Cre (Cre3). Podxl(-/-) mice show no apparent behavioral phenotype but their brains showed enlargement of ventricular volumes detected in vivo by MR imaging. The pattern of brain vasculature was of normal appearance but the thickness of the main carotid artery was significantly increased. Moreover, the histological analysis showed increased number of choroidal capillaries lining the ventricular spaces. These findings are analyzed in the light of the role likely played by podocalyxin in cell migration and cell-cell recognition during brain development and also on the consistent findings of increased ventricular spaces in human pathological disorders like schizophrenia.

Ultrasonic techniques to obtain dental pulp from impacted third molars.

BACKGROUND: In the dental clinic impacted teeth are frequent findings, especially upper and lower third molars, leading to their exodontia. Among surgical techniques piezosurgery is advantageous for delicate structures in the oral cavity. Extracted teeth, usually discarded, have been revalued as biological material, providing living tissues with possible applications in regenerative dentistry. The aim was to compare cross-section methods of upper included third molars by ultrasonic piezoelectric technique to obtain dental pulp, with diamond-coated tip (DT) against titanium nitride-coated tip (TN), according to the pulp tissue cell viability and the section surface characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients attending dental consultation were evaluated. Upper third molars (n= 24) were avulsed from 15 patients with exodontia indication, age 18-26 years old, who agreed to participate of the study. Third molars were cross-sectioned at amelocemental junction level with piezoelectric device using DT or TN inserts. Pulps were mechanic and enzymatically treated, and tissue viability determined by Trypan Blue test. Sectioned teeth were visualized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Ethical principles of biomedical research were respected; all patients gave their informed consent. RESULTS: Viability of pulp tissue was 84.71% not associated to sex (p= 0.141) nor to teeth position, upper right third molar or upper left third molar (p= 0.580). According to the insert used, pulp tissue viability was 85.21% with TN, similar to 84.00% with DT (p= 0.611). By SEM, cut performed by TN insert showed smooth and uniform surfaces, while DT insert surfaces were irregular, porous, with fissures. CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery applied to cross-section upper third molars with both types of inserts showed differences in the cut surfaces but similar effectiveness regarding preservation of pulp tissue with high viability, thus, they could be allocated for further cellular developments. Key words:Impacted teeth, third molars, piezosurgery, regenerative dentistry.

Enhancing survival, engraftment, and osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for bone regeneration therapies due to their plasticity and easiness of sourcing. MSC-based treatments are generally considered a safe procedure, however, the long-term results obtained up to now are far from satisfactory. The main causes of these therapeutic limitations are inefficient homing, engraftment, and osteogenic differentiation. Many studies have proposed modifications to improve MSC engraftment and osteogenic differentiation of the transplanted cells. Several strategies are aimed to improve cell resistance to the hostile microenvironment found in the recipient tissue and increase cell survival after transplantation. These strategies could range from a simple modification of the culture conditions, known as cell-preconditioning, to the genetic modification of the cells to avoid cellular senescence. Many efforts have also been done in order to enhance the osteogenic potential of the transplanted cells and induce bone formation, mainly by the use of bioactive or biomimetic scaffolds, although alternative approaches will also be discussed. This review aims to summarize several of the most recent approaches, providing an up-to-date view of the main developments in MSC-based regenerative techniques.

Variations in platelet protein associated with arterial thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperactivity of platelets has been associated with thrombotic episodes by molecular mechanisms not yet elucidated. The present work aimed at identifying whether the platelet protein content from patients who had suffered an arterial thrombosis episode differed from that of platelets obtained from normal healthy donors. METHODS: Differential platelet protein profiles were determined by 2-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis of total platelet lysates. Identification of differentially expressed proteins was carried out by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). RESULTS: We found a decreased platelet content of three protein spots in patients of arterial thrombosis: integrin linked kinase (ILK), fructose bisphosphate aldolase (aldolase) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) whereas the content of four other protein spots was increased: actin binding protein, coronine like (p57), non-muscle myosin heavy chain (NMMHC-A), pyruvate kinase M2 isoenzyme (PK) and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). The variations in ILK, GAPDH and PK were validated by Western blot analysis. The proteins showing a decreased platelet content in arterial thrombosis patients are associated with the cytoskeletal insoluble fraction and the detected increase in some proteins seems to be due to the generation of peptides caused by a limited proteolysis. Differences in the protein profiles of circulating platelets from arterial thrombosis were maintained months after the acute thrombotic event and disappear in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: The observed variations in some platelet proteins suggest the existence of a perturbation in the cytoskeletal organization and increased proteolysis, both indicative of a platelet pro-active state, persistent after the thrombotic event.

Toxicological and biochemical response to azinphos-methyl in Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) among orchards from the Argentinian Patagonia.

BACKGROUND: Azinphos-methyl is the main insecticide used to control codling moth on apple and pears in Northern Patagonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological and biochemical response of diapausing larvae of codling moth in orchards subjected to different insecticide selection pressure. RESULTS: Dose-mortality assays with azinphos-methyl in diapausing larvae of Cydia pomonella L. showed significant differences between the LD(95) from a population collected in one untreated orchard (2.52 microg moth(-1)) compared with that in a laboratory-susceptible population (0.33 microg moth(-1)). Toxicity to azinphos-methyl in field populations of diapausing larvae collected during 2003-2005 was evaluated by topical application of a discriminating dose (2.5 microg moth(-1)) that was obtained from larvae collected in the untreated orchard (field reference strain). Significantly lower mortality (37.71-84.21%) was observed in three out of eight field populations compared with that in the field reference strain. Most of the field populations showed higher esterase activity than that determined in both the laboratory susceptible and the field reference strains. Moreover, there was a high association between esterase activity and mortality (R(2)=0.64) among the field populations. On the other hand, a poor correlation was observed between glutathione S-transferase activity and mortality (R(2)=0.33) among larvae collected from different orchards. CONCLUSIONS: All the field populations evaluated exhibited some degree of azinphos-methyl tolerance in relation to the laboratory susceptible strain. Biochemical results demonstrated that esterases are at least one of the principal mechanisms involved in tolerance to this insecticide.

Aceites esenciales con actividad antibacteriana: posible aplicación y administración en odontología / Essential oils with antibacterial activity: possible uses and administration in the dental practice

Resumen Introducción la caries dental es una de las enfermedades de mayor prevalencia a escala mundial, cuyas consecuencias clínicas se encuentran relacionadas directamente con la calidad de vida de los individuos. Asimismo, la atención odontológica exige un elevado costo y muchas veces lejos del alcance de ciertas comunidades. Si bien esta enfermedad se produce por la confluencia de distintos factores, uno de ellos es el económico, por lo que se busca una opción medicinal de bajo costo, y el abordaje a su vez de otro factor, tal vez el más importante, que implica el desarrollo y multiplicación del microorganismo iniciador de esta enfermedad, que es Streptococcus mutans. Actualmente se conoce el consumo de medicinas de origen natural para el tratamiento de algunas enfermedades, entre ellas, la caries. El uso y mecanismo de acción de aceites esenciales que impidan el desarrollo de S. mutans en el biofilm dental está siendo investigado. El objetivo de este trabajo es actualizar los conocimientos sobre la acción biocida de aceites esenciales y sus posibles aplicaciones en odontología. Resultados. Los aceites esenciales provenientes de los cítricos como limón, mandarina, naranja, como así también de eucalipto y orégano, presentan actividad bacteriostática, y en algunos casos, bactericida frente a bacterias Gram + y Gram -. Conclusión de acuerdo con la información recopilada, el uso de estos aceites mediante la biotecnología sería beneficioso y contribuiría al manejo de la salud bucal sin alterar la microflora oral normal del ser humano.

Abstract Dental caries is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, whose clinical consequences are directly related to the quality of life of individuals. Likewise, dental care requires a high cost and is often beyond the reach of certain communities. Although this disease is produced by the confluence of different factors, one of them is the economic factor, which is why a low-cost medicinal alternative is sought, and the approach in turn of another factor, perhaps the most important, which implies the development and multiplication of the initiating microorganism of this disease that is Streptococcus mutans. Currently, the consumption of medicines of natural origin is known for the treatment of some diseases, including tooth decay. The use of essential oils that prevent the development of St. mutans in dental biofilm is being investigated and the objective of this work is to update the knowledge about its biocidal action and its applications in dentistry. The objective of this work is to update the knowledge on the biocidal action of essential oils and their possible applications in dentistry. Results The essential oils from citrus fruits such as lemon, mandarin, orange, as well as eucalyptus and oregano, show bacteriostatic activity, and in some cases, bactericidal against Gram + and Gram - bacteria. Conclusion according to the information collected, the use of these oils through biotechnology would be beneficial and would contribute to the management of oral health without altering the normal oral microflora of the human being.

Diabetes y enfermedad periodontal / Diabetes and periodontal disease

El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la relación entre el grado de enfermedad periodontal y el control metabólico de la glucemia en pacientes que padecen diabetes tipo 2. Es un estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Se seleccionaron 42 pacientes con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de ambos sexos, entre 25 y 75. Se realizó odontograma y se evaluó el grado de enfermedad periodontal para determinar el grado de compensación metabólica de los pacientes se tomaron muestras de sangre venosa y se midieron los valores de hemoglobina glicosilada. Un 23,55% de los pacientes no presentaron enfermedad periodontal y el resto se dividió en leve, moderada y severa presentándose la enfermedad leve en primer orden. Los pacientes con mayor grado de enfermedad periodontal presentaron mayor número de piezas dentarias perdidas (p 0,0334). La enfermedad periodontal se distribuye de la misma manera en ambos grupos de control glucémico (p=0,1211). En el grupo estudiado, el grado de enfermedad periodontal es independiente del control glucémico de los pacientes (AU)

The objective of this work was to establish the relationship between the degree of periodontal disease and the metabolic control of glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. 42 patients with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus of both sexes, between 25 and 75, were selected. An odontogram was performed and the degree of periodontal disease was evaluated; venous blood samples were taken and glycosylated hemoglobin values were measured to determine the degree of metabolic compensation of the patients. 23.55% of the patients did not present periodontal disease and the rest were divided into mild, moderate, and severe, with mild disease presenting in the first order. The patients with a higher degree of periodontal disease had a higher number of missing teeth (p 0.0334). Periodontal disease is distributed in the same way in both glycemic control groups (p = 0.1211). In the group studied, the degree of periodontal disease is independent of the glycemic control of the patients (AU)

Dehydroleucodine inhibits tumor growth in a preclinical melanoma model by inducing cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis.

Malignant melanoma represents the fastest growing public health risk of all cancer types worldwide. Several strategies and anti-cancer drugs have been used in an effort to improve treatments, but the development of resistance to anti-neoplastic drugs remains the major cause of chemotherapy failure in melanomas. Previously, we showed that the sesquiterpene lactone, dehydroleucodine (DhL), promotes the accumulation of DNA damage markers, such as H2AX and 53BP1, in human tumor cells. Also DhL was shown to trigger either cell senescence or apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in HeLa and MCF7 cells. Here, we evaluated the effects of DhL on B16F0 mouse melanoma cells in vitro and in a pre-clinical melanoma model. DhL inhibited the proliferation of B16F0 cells by inducing senescence or apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, DhL reduced the expression of the cell cycle proteins cyclin D1 and B1 and the inhibitor of apoptosis protein, survivin. In melanomas generated by subcutaneous injection of B16F0 cells into C57/BL6 mice, the treatment with 20 mg DhL /Kg/day in preventive, simultaneous and therapeutic protocols reduced tumor volumes by 70%, 60% and 50%, respectively. DhL treatments reduced the number of proliferating, while increasing the number of senescent and apoptotic tumor cells. To estimate the long-term effects of DhL, a mathematical model was applied to fit experimental data. Extrapolation beyond experimental time points revealed that DhL administration following preventive and therapeutic protocols is predicted to be more effective than simultaneous treatments with DhL in restricting tumor growth.

Effects of seasonal mineral oil applications on the pest and natural enemy complexes of apple.

This 3-yr study examined the use of two different apple, Malus domestica Borkhausen, pest management programs based on horticultural mineral oil. Whereas oil provided some additional control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), when targeting eggs of both generations (Oil/Direct Pest program, typically six applications per season), the additional benefit was difficult to detect when densities were high. With moderate densities, oil reduced the number of fruit infestations, but not stings (unsuccessful entries). There also were some measurable benefits to leafroller, Pandemis pyrusana Kearfott control. Oil was most useful, however, in suppression of secondary pests. White apple leafhopper, Typhlocyba pomaria McAtee, was the primary target of oil applications in the Oil/Indirect Pest program (typically three applications per season). However, leafhopper suppression in the Oil/Direct Pest program was generally greater because of the higher number of applications. Phytophagous tetranychid and eriophyid mites also were suppressed by more oil applications. Predatory mite populations were lower in both oil programs than in the check, but it is difficult to determine whether direct toxicity or reduction of prey was responsible for lower predator populations. There also was some evidence that oil suppressed woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum Hausman. The six-spray oil program largely prevented a woolly apple aphid outbreak that occurred in July and August 1998 in the check, although the three-spray program seemed to provide some suppression despite the nonspecific spray timing.

La T3 baja marcaría peor evolución en pacientes internados por insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada / Low T3 Would Indicate Adverse Outcomes for Inpatients with Decompensated Heart Failure

RESUMEN Introducción: El síndrome de T3 baja se asocia con niveles elevados de interleucinas y citoquinas circulantes, lo que refuerza la hipótesis de una estrecha relación entre el sistema neuroendocrino y ciertos mecanismos inflamatorios e inmunológicos, involucrados en la insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo: Evaluar la evolución de pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada según niveles de T3 al ingreso, y eventos durante la hospitalización y en el seguimiento. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, analítico de 524 pacientes internados por primera vez con diagnóstico de insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada. Se evaluó la mortalidad intrahospitalaria, y al seguimiento y readmisiones de acuerdo con niveles de T3 normal o disminuida al ingreso. Se excluyeron 91 pacientes con distiroidismo conocido, hipotiroidismo o hipertiroidismo, cirugía tiroidea previa, sepsis o síndrome coronario agudo. Se realizó un análisis de subgrupo de pacientes según recibieran crónicamente amiodarona y se evaluaron variables pronosticas. Resultados: De 433 pacientes analizados, el 40,0% presentaban bajos niveles de T3 (BT3). La edad, albúmina, TFG y edad mayor de 75 años, fueron predictores independientes de BT3. Si bien se observó un aumento en ambos grupos en la adecuación de tratamientos recomendados por las guías, el grupo de BT3 mostró significativamente tasas menores de estos con respecto a aquellos con T3 normal (BT3 vs. NT3: betabloqueantes 81,5% vs. 89,4%, p = 0,02; IECA/ARAII 78,5% vs. 87,9% p <0,001; antialdosterónicos 29,2% vs. 40,5% p = 0,019). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue mayor en BT3 (5,8% vs. 1,5%) sin diferencias en readmisiones o mortalidad en el seguimiento. Del subgrupo de pacientes sin amiodarona al ingreso (353), 37,8% tenían BT3. Se halló que los pacientes de este subgrupo presentaron diferencias significativas en cuanto a mortalidad intrahospitalaria y mortalidad en seguimiento (5,3% en BT3 vs. 0,9% NT3; p = 0,03 y 40,2% vs. 26,6%; p = 0,023), respectivamente. Conclusiones: Los pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada con T3 baja al ingreso representarían un subgrupo de pacientes con enfermedad más grave y peor pronóstico durante la internación.

ABSTRACT Background: Low T3 syndrome is associated with elevated circulating levels of cytokines and interleukins, reinforcing the hypothesis of a close relation between the neuroendocrine system and certain inflammatory and immunological mechanisms involved in heart failure. Objective: To assess the progress of patients admitted for decompensated heart failure according to T3 levels on admission, and events during hospitalization and follow-up. Materials and methods: It was a prospective, observational, analytical study of 524 patients hospitalized for the first time with a diagnosis of decompensated heart failure. In-hospital and follow-up mortality and readmissions were evaluated according to normal or low T3 levels on admission. Ninety-one patients with known dysthyroidism, hypo or hyperthyroidism, previous thyroid surgery, sepsis or acute coronary syndrome were excluded. A subgroup analysis of patients receiving chronic amiodarone therapy was conducted, and prognostic variables were evaluated. Results: Of the 433 patients analyzed, 40.0% had low T3 (LT3) levels. Age, albumin level, age >75 years, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were independent predictors of LT3. While adaptation of guideline-recommended treatments increased in both groups, treatment rates in the LT3 group were significantly lower than those in the normal T3 (NT3) group (LT3 vs. NT3: Betablockers 81.5% vs. 89.4%, p=0.02; ACEI/ARA II 78.5% vs. 87.9%, p=0.001; anti-aldosterone agents 29.2% vs. 40.5%; p=0.019). Hospital mortality was higher in the LT3 group (5.8 vs. 1.5%), with no difference in rehospitalizations or mortality rates at follow-up. Of the subgroup of patients without amiodarone on admission (353), 37.8% had LT3. Patients in this subgroup were found to have significant differences in follow-up and in-hospital mortality (5.3% in LT3 vs. 0.9% in NT3, p=0.03, and 40.2% vs. 26.6%, p=0.023) respectively. Conclusions: Decompensated heart failure patients with LT3 on admission would represent a subgroup with more severe disease and worse prognosis during hospitalization.