Structurally Uncommon Secondary Metabolites Derived from Endophytic Fungi.

Among microorganisms, endophytic fungi are the least studied, but they have attracted attention due to their high biological diversity and ability to produce novel and bioactive secondary metabolites to protect their host plant against biotic and abiotic stress. These compounds belong to different structural classes, such as alkaloids, peptides, terpenoids, polyketides, and steroids, which could present significant biological activities that are useful for pharmacological or medical applications. Recent reviews on endophytic fungi have mainly focused on the production of novel bioactive compounds. Here, we focus on compounds produced by endophytic fungi, reported with uncommon bioactive structures, establishing the neighbor net and diversity of endophytic fungi. The review includes compounds published from January 2015 to December 2020 that were catalogued as unprecedented, rare, uncommon, or possessing novel structural skeletons from more than 39 different genera, with Aspergillus and Penicillium being the most mentioned. They were reported as displaying cytotoxic, antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory activity. The solid culture, using rice as a carbon source, was the most common medium utilized in the fermentation process when this type of compound was isolated.

Epidemiological Aspects of Maternal and Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Panama.

In Panama, epidemiological data on congenital toxoplasmosis are limited, making it difficult to understand the scope of clinical manifestations in the population and factors that may increase the risk of infection. This study provides insight into the epidemiological situation of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis in Panama and contributing information on the burden of this disease in Central America. Blood samples were collected from 2326 pregnant women and used for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. A high seroprevalence (44.41%) was observed for T. gondii infection in pregnant women from different regions of Panama, with an estimated incidence rate of congenital toxoplasmosis of 3.8 cases per 1000 live births. The main risk factors associated with T. gondii infection using bivariate statistical analysis were an elementary level education and maternal age range of 34-45 years. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that in some regions (San Miguelito, North and West regions), the number of positive cases correlated with the presence of pets, stray dogs and the consumption of poultry. In other regions (East and Metropolitan regions), the absence of pets was considered a protective factor associated with negative cases, while the presence of stray cats and the age range of 25-34 years did not represent any risk in these regions.

EXIT: Estado del arte y cómo lo hacemos

Resumen El protocolo EXIT (tratamiento ex-útero intraparto) es una técnica que permite establecer una vía aérea segura y estable, en un feto con obstrucción de esta o riesgo al momento del parto. Se basa en mantener la circulación uteroplacentaria con anestesia neonatal, logrando una hipotonía uterina controlada. Todo otorrinolaringólogo que se desempeñe en un hospital que cuente con un servicio de obstetricia de alta complejidad puede ser requerido en este tipo de casos y debe tener un protocolo establecido de cómo proceder. En nuestro medio se trata de un procedimiento poco frecuente que obliga a la revisión de la técnica. No existe un protocolo único en la literatura internacional, pero sí principios fundamentales. Se presenta caso clínico de un embarazo, en que se identifica una masa cervical fetal, realizándose el protocolo EXIT. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura, se describen los principios de esta técnica, así como también nuestro enfrentamiento y lecciones aprendidas.

Abstract The EXIT protocol (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) is a technique that allows establishing a safe and stable airway in a fetus with airway obstruction, or at risk of it, at the time of delivery. It is based on maintaining uteroplacental circulation with neonatal anesthesia, achieving controlled uterine hypotonia. Any otolaryngologist working in a hospital that has a highly complex gynecology and obstetric service may be required in this type of case and must have an established protocol of how to proceed. In our setting, it is an infrequent procedure, so it requires a revision of the surgical technique. There is no established protocol in the literature, but there are fundamental principles. We describe a clinical case of a pregnancy where a fetal cervical mass was identified, and an EXIT protocol was performed. A review of the literature is presented, the principles of this technique are described, as well as our procedure and lessons learned.

Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii and Risk Factors Associated with the Infection in Stray Dogs and Cats of Panama.

Stray animals such as dogs and cats have an important role in maintaining the transmission cycles and dissemination of Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of T. gondii in stray dogs and cats in six different regions of Panama and determine risk factors associated with the dynamics of infection in each of the studied regions. Data were obtained using serological tests for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results of this study revealed an overall infection frequency of 23.73%. The infection frequencies found in dog and cat populations were 25.70% and 21.93% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. Risk factor correlations suggested different infection dynamics depending on the region analyzed. The San Miguelito, North and West regions were more associated with positive cases in dogs with an age range greater than 13 months. Conversely, the Metro, Central and East regions were more associated with negative cases in cats with age ranging between 0 and 5 months. Infection of the parasite in stray animals can be influenced by intrinsic characteristics of each region, which can potentiate different risk factors associated with the different routes of transmission.

High sensitivity and reproducibility of in-house ELISAs using different genotypes of Trypanosoma cruzi.

The adequate choice of Trypanosoma cruzi strains as antigen source for the diagnosis of Chagas disease is still controversial due to differences in terms of accuracy reported between different diagnostic tests. In this study was determined if the genetic variability between different genotypes of T. cruzi (TcI, TcII and TcIV) affect the final diagnosis of Chagas disease. The sensitivity and specificity index of in-house ELISA tests prepared with different T. cruzi strains were evaluated with chagasic and non-chagasic control sera and using the TESA-blot as a reference test. The results of this study revealed that the sensitivity index did not vary, with percentages of 100% for all strains in both tests. However, the specificity index for ELISA tests showed differences between 92% and 98%, but were reduced to 78%-89% when Leishmania-positive sera were included. All ELISAs and TESA-blot prepared with different antigens and the recombinant Wiener test were challenged in an endemic community for Chagas disease in Panama. Both ELISAs and TESA-blot recognized the same positive sera, corroborating the sensitivity indexes (100%) found with the control sera. The TESA-blot maintained the specificity index of 100% and did not display false positives. However, the recombinant Wiener test decreased its sensitivity to 81.25%.

Conocimiento, prácticas de prevención y bioseguridad sobre Brucelosis en trabajadores de hatos lecheros de Caaguazú-Paraguay / Knowledge, prevention and biosecurity practices about Brucellosis of workers exposed to risk of dairy data of Caaguazú-Paraguay

Introducción: La Brucelosis es una zoonosis común y en muchos países es un problema sanitario prevalente. En Paraguay no se ha encontrado evidencia de los conocimientos que tienen los trabajadores de hatos lecheros y las prácticas preventivas que utilizan. Objetivo: Evaluar el conocimiento, las prácticas de prevención y de bioseguridad sobre Brucelosis de los trabajadores expuestos a riesgo en hatos lecheros del departamento de Caaguazú, Paraguay. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, en una muestra representativa de establecimientos ganaderos del Departamento de Caaguazú. De mayo a junio de 2017 se entrevistó a 720 trabajadores de 360 hatos lecheros, utilizando un cuestionario estructurado, con preguntas cerradas. Se obtuvo información de los conocimientos, prácticas de prevención y bioseguridad sobre Brucelosis. Resultados: La mediana de edad de los trabajadores fue 34 años, 70% eran hombres. El 11,7% era analfabeto y 62,1% solo culminó la primaria. El 90% se desempeñaba como tambero/ordeñador. El 64% manifestó que no conocía la enfermedad, 73,6% ignoraba la forma en que se adquiere la enfermedad, 71,5% nunca recibió información acerca de la Brucelosis. El 73,3% no tenía conocimientos de las prácticas preventivas. Todos consumían subproductos lácteos sin pasteurizar, principalmente queso paraguay Conclusión: Existe desconocimiento de la enfermedad y la forma de transmisión. Las prácticas de riesgo son frecuentes. Es necesario implementar programas de educación y concienciación sobre la Brucelosis. Palabras clave: Brucelosis; conocimientos; prácticas de prevención; medidas de bioseguridad; humanos.

Background: Brucellosis is a common zoonosis and in many countries it is a prevalent health problem. In Paraguay, no evidence has been found of the knowledge that dairy herd workers have and the preventive practices they use. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, prevention and biosecurity practices on Brucellosis of workers exposed to risk in dairy herds of Caaguazú. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of livestock establishments in the Department of Caaguazú. From May to June 2017, 720 workers from 360 dairy farms were interviewed, using a structured questionnaire with closed questions. Information on the knowledge, prevention and biosecurity practices on brucellosis was obtained. Result: The median age of the workers was 34 years, 70% were men. 11.7% were illiterate and 62.1% only completed the primary. 90% worked as a tambero/milker. Sixty-four percent said they did not know about the disease, 73.6% did not know how the disease was acquired, 71.5% never received information about brucellosis. 73.3% had no knowledge of preventive practices. All consumed unpasteurized dairy byproducts, mainly Paraguayan cheese. Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge of the disease and the way of transmission. Risk practices are frequent. It is necessary to implement education and awareness programs on brucellosis. Keywords: Brucellosis; knowledge; prevention practices; biosecurity;survey; human.

Políticas y Programas que reducen los gastos catastróficos de salud en países de bajos y medianos ingresos / Policies and programs that reduce catastrophic health expenditures in low and middle income countries

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las políticas y programas que han logrado reducir el gasto catastrófico de salud, en los países de bajos y medianos ingresos. Métodos: Revisión sistemática de publicaciones entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2017 mediante una estrategia de búsqueda secuencial con palabras claves y selección mediante criterios de inclusión PICO. Incluimos estudios experimentales, casi experimentales y otros diseños de comparación controlados. Resultados: Identificamos 5.668 publicaciones que evalúan gastos catastróficos, de los cuales 4.678 se relacionaban con distintas intervenciones sanitarias frecuentes que actúan sobre el modelo de financiamiento, 860 utilizaron metodologías rigurosas y 443 correspondían a países de bajos y medianos ingresos. Revisamos títulos y resúmenes y preseleccionamos 44 publicaciones que fueron revisadas exhaustivamente. Incluimos 8 publicaciones para el análisis: 3 realizadas en China, 2 en India, 1 en Lao, 1 en Indonesia y 1 en México. En la evaluación de impacto, 4 no demostraron variaciones estadísticamente significativas. Otros 4 demostraron reducción del gasto catastrófico, mediante distintos modelos de seguros de gestión pública. Conclusiones: Es posible ampliar la protección financiera de la población y evitar gastos catastróficos ante enfermedades, bajo ciertas condiciones y mediante intervenciones específicas como esquemas de aseguramiento público. El acervo de evidencias rigurosas en escaso y se necesitan más estudios sobre otros modelos de intervenciones. Palabras claves: protección financiera en salud, financiamiento de salud, gasto de bolsillo de salud, gasto catastrófico de salud, cobertura universal de salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: Identify the policies and programs that have managed to reduce catastrophic health spending in low and middle-income countries. Methods: A systematic review of publications between January 2013 and December 2017 through a strategy of sequential search with keywords and selection using PICO inclusion criteria. We included experimental, quasi-experimental and other controlled comparison designs. Results: We identified 5,668 publications that assess catastrophic expenditures, of which 4,678 were related to different frequent health interventions that act on the financing model, 860 used rigorous methodologies and 443 corresponded to low and middle-income countries. We reviewed titles and abstracts, and 44 publications were pre-selected and extensively revised. We included 8 publications for the analysis: 3 carried out in China, 2 in India, 1 in Lao, 1 in Indonesia and 1 in Mexico. In the impact evaluation, 4 did not show statistically significant variations. Another 4 showed a reduction in catastrophic spending, through different models of public management insurance. Conclusions: It is possible to expand the financial protection of the population and avoid catastrophic expenses in the face of diseases, under certain conditions and through specific interventions such as public insurance schemes. The collection of rigorous evidence in scarce and more studies are needed on other models of interventions. Key words: financial protection in health, health financing, out of pocket payments, catastrophic health expenditure, universal health coverage.

Absceso retroperitoneal secundario a espondilodiscitis tuberculosa simulando una hernia inguinal incarcerada.

Tuberculosis is the commonest cause of spinal infection worldwide (9-46%). Tuberculosis spondylodiscitis causes multifocal thoracic and lumbar spinal disease, and big paraspinal and psoas abscesses. It is more frequent in people under 40 who had previous tuberculosis infection and from countries where the illness is endemic. Clinic is non-specific and sub-acute. We report the clinical case of a 29-year-old patient who suffered from pericardic tuberculosis in her childhood and who presents a bilateral retroperitoneal abscess due to tuberculosis spondylodiscitis. Her clinical debut began with left inguinal pain and an irreducible mass at this level that simulated an incarcerated inguinal hernia, which is why surgery was indicated. Due to discrepancies between intraoperative findings and the initial diagnosis, the diagnosis and treatment strategy were changed. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize the challenge that the diagnosis of this pathology represents, due to low incidence in our environment and poor clinical features, which results in late diagnosis and late management.

Embarazadas con lupus eritematoso sistémico en el hospital Clínico Regional de Concepción, Chile / Pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus in the Regional Clinical Hospital of Concepcion, Chile

Antecedentes: El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) afecta principalmente a mujeres en edad fértil. El embarazo en estas pacientes puede asociarse con múltiples complicaciones. Objetivo: Caracterizar a las embarazadas con LES durante 10 años en el Hospital Clínico Regional de Concepción. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo que consistió en la revisión de fichas clínicas. Se analizaron las variables: edad, años de enfermedad desde el diagnóstico, historia obstétrica, presencia de reactivaciones, anticuerpos maternos y complicaciones materno-fetales. Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio hubo 49 embarazos en 21 pacientes con LES. El 12,2 por ciento terminó en aborto, un 2 por ciento en óbitos, y un total de 43 nacidos vivos. La edad promedio de las pacientes al momento del diagnóstico de LES fue 24,5 años. El 67 por ciento fueron diagnosticadas antes de su primer embarazo. En el total de pacientes el 85,7 por ciento presentaron ANA positivo, 57,1 por ciento antiDNA positivo, 52,4 por ciento aRo positivo y 33,3 por ciento aLa positivo. En los caso de abortos, aRo y aLa se encontraban positivos en 66,7 por ciento. Las anticardiolipinas se encontraban alteradas en 33,3 por ciento de los abortos. Durante el embarazo el 32,6 por ciento tenía LES activo y 34,7 por ciento en el postparto. El 53,5 por ciento de los recién nacidos no tuvieron complicaciones. La complicación más frecuente fue la prematuridad con 55 por ciento. La mortalidad perinatal de la serie fue de 46,5/1000 nacidos vivos (2/43). No hubo muertes maternas. Conclusión: Es importante la educación respecto al embarazo en pacientes con LES. Debemos resaltar en promover que estas pacientes planifiquen el embarazo en periodo de inactividad, y con controles frecuentes para pesquisar precozmente cualquier complicación.

Background: The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects mainly fertile age women. Pregnancy in these patients can associate with multiple complications. Aims: To characterize the pregnant women with SLE during 10 years in the Hospital Clínico Regional de Concepción, Chile. Methods: We made a retrospective descriptive study which consisted in clinical files revision. The following variables were analyzed: age, years with disease since diagnose, obstetric history, history of reactivation, maternal antibodies and mother-fetus complications. Results: During the time of study there were 49 pregnancies on 21 patients with SLE; 12.2 percent ended in abortion, 2 percent in late fetal death giving a total of 43 living newborn. The average age of these patients at the moment of diagnose of LES was 24.5 years old; 67 percent were diagnosed before their first pregnancy. From the total of patients, 85.7 percent presented positive ANA, 57.1 percent positive antiDNA, positive aRo in 52.4 percent and positive aLa in 33.3 percent. In case of abortions, aRo and aLa were positive in 66.7 percent. Anticardiolipins were altered in 33.3 percent of abortions. During pregnancy 32.6 percent had active SLE, and 34.7 percent post-partum. Among the newborn, 53.5 percent did not have any complications. The most frequent complication was prematurity with a 55 percent. The perinatal mortality was 46.5/1000 lives births (2/43). There were no maternal deaths. Conclusion: It is important to educate about pregnancy in SLE patients. We must emphasize to promote in those patients a planned pregnancy in inactive period and with frequent controls for early diagnose of any complication.

Frecuencia de colonización por Estreptococo grupo B en embarazadas de 35 a 37 semanas en el Hospital Materno-Infantil San Pablo / Frequency of group B Streptococcus colonization in 35 to 37 weeks pregnant women in the San Pablo Maternal-Child Hospital

La colonización del Estreptococo grupo B en la embarazada está relacionada a patologías perinatales, constituyéndose en una causa muy importante de morbi-mortalidad neonatal. De manera a reducir dicha morbi-mortalidad, el Centro de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades Infecciosas de Estados Unidos desarrolló una estrategia que consiste en realizar el cultivo de muestra tanto vaginal como ano-rectal de todas las mujeres entre 35 y 37 semanas de gestación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia de colonización por Estreptococo β hemolítico grupo B en mujeres gestantes entre las 35-37 semanas de embarazo que concurrieron al Hospital Materno-Infantil San Pablo, Centro de Salud Nº 5, desde abril del 2010 a agosto del 2011. Se realizó un estudio con diseño observacional descriptivo de corte transverso. Las muestras fueron tomadas mediante hisopado de introito vaginal y ano-rectal, colocadas en medio de transporte Stuart y remitidas al Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud para el cultivo en agar sangre, previo enriquecimiento en caldo Todd Hewitt. La identificación bacteriana se realizó mediante pruebas bioquímicas convencionales y la confirmación mediante aglutinación con látex. La frecuencia de colonización obtenida fue relativamente alta, de 23,6%. Los resultados de este estudio permiten dimensionar la problemática en nuestro país y evidenciar la necesidad de la implementación de un programa a nivel nacional para la detección del Estreptococo grupo B de forma rutinaria en las embarazadas. De esta manera, se podrá disminuir la morbi-mortalidad perinatal y materna con la administración oportuna del tratamiento profiláctico.

Evolución de Pacientes sometidos a Cirugía Vascular Periférica y rol del Cateterismo Cardiaco en la Nefropatía inducida por contraste / Outcomes of patients submitted to peripheral vascular surgery and influence of coronary angiography in renal complications

La evaluación del riesgo cardiovascular en cirugía no cardíaca presenta implicancias diversas. La nefropatía inducida por contraste (NIC) es una complicación derivada de procedimientos de intervencionismo coronario percutáneo. Esta investigación presenta como objetivos establecer el rol de la coronariografía como causante de la nefropatía por contraste, y evaluar la evolución peroperatoria y a los 6 meses de una cirugía vascular. Entre junio y diciembre de 2011 se incluyeron para el presente estudio, 30 pacientes candidatos a cirugía vascular periférica internados en el Hospital Central del Instituto de Previsión Social de Asunción, Paraguay. De ellos, 18 fueron derivados para la realización de eco-stress con dobutamina (EED) y otros estudiados por cinecoronariografía (CCG), 3 realizaron el cross over a CCG por presentar bajo umbral isquémico a la EED. Del grupo EED (n=18), 61% fueron sometidos a cirugía vascular; 50% by pass, 11% angioplastia. La evolución fue favorable en 82%. Todos los pacientes sometidos a CCG presentaban algún tipo de coronariopatía. 47% (n=15) han sido revascularizados previamente antes de ser conducidos a la cirugía vascular. El 60% (n=15) presentaban función renal normal. A los 6 meses 73% (n=15) mantuvieron los valores. Ninguno fue a diálisis y 33% (n=15) fue a cirugía vascular. La mortalidad quirúrgica fue del 20%. Del planteo inicial de cirugía vascular 41% (n=30) llegó a ser concretado. La EED debería considerarse una opción válida, sin embargo, conviene aclarar que en publicaciones actuales se sostiene el ingreso de pacientes a cirugías vasculares periféricas sin necesidad de la misma. Se concluye que la cinecoronariografía no fue determinante del empeoramiento de las cifras del perfil renal y la EED es útil para estratificar a los pacientes de alto riesgo. Palabras clave: cirugía, eco stress dobutamina, cinecoronariografía, nefropatía.

Evaluation of the cardiovascular risk in non-cardiac surgery has multiple consequences. Nephrotoxicity by IV contrast is a complication from de percutaneous coronary catheterism procedure. This study has as objectives establishing the role of the coronary catheterism as a cause of contrast nephrotoxicity and determines de peri-operative evolution of these patients and at 6 months after the vascular surgery. Between June and December of 2011, 30 patients admitted to the Hospital Central del Instituto de Previsión Social of Asunción, Paraguay and who were candidates for peripheral vascular surgery were included. From this cohort, 18 patients were send for echo-stress with dobutamine, and others were studied by cinecoronariography (CCG), 3 were crossed over to cinecoronariography because of low isquemic threshold on echo-stress with dobutamine (EED). From the EED group (n=18), 61% went to vascular surgery, 50% bypass surgery, 11% angioplasty, the outcome were favorable in 82%. All the patients that went through cinecoronariography (CCG) showed some kind of coronary problem. 47% (n=15) has been re-vascularized previously, before vascular surgery. 60% (n=15) have a normal renal function. At the 6 months mark, 73% (n=15) still have normal values for renal function, none of these patients went to dyalisis and 33% (n=15) went for vascular surgery. Surgical mortality was of 20%, from the initial planning of vascular surgery, 41% (n=30) actually went for this procedure. The echo-stress with dobutamine (EED) should be consider as a valid option, but we need to clarify that in current publications it is not sustained the need for this procedure in patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery. We concluded that the cinecoronariography (CCG) was not cause contrast nephrotoxicity and the echo-stress with dobutamine (EED) is helpful to classify high risks patients. Key words: surgery, cinecoronariography eco stress, echo-stress with dobutamine, nephrotoxicity.

Psoas abscess due to Pasteurella multocida.

Psoas abscess is a pus collection within the muscle compartment. It is a very uncommon entity. It can be primary as a result of haematogenous spread or secondary as a consequence of a direct extension of an infectious focus. Diagnosis is usually delayed because nonspecific clinical presentation. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism cultured in this type of abscess. We describe a secondary psoas abscess in an elderly female patient. The patient presented with fever, right groin pain and malaise. Following laboratory, radiological and microbiological analyses the patient was diagnosed as having a psoas abscess due to Pasteurella multocida, which is a Gram negative bacteria, part of the normal oral flora of many animals and can causes human infections after animal scratches or bites. More rarely is to find this organism causing psoas abscesses. Because of insidious clinical presentation, the diagnosis of psoas abscess is a challenge and a high index of suspicion is required. We emphasize the importance of bacteriological confirmation of microorganism involved to choose the correct antibiotics. Percutaneous drainage is the treatment of choice. Open surgical drainage should be reserved if percutaneous drainage fails.

[Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor associated to nasopharyngeal condillomatosis]. / Tumor de Buschke-Lowenstein asociado a condilomatosis nasofaríngea.

Giant Acuminata Condyloma or Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor (BLT) is a rare disease characterized typically by its perineal location, local aggressiveness and its cauliflower-like aspect. BLT is associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. Because malignant transformation of BLT is high, radical local excision and histopathological examination are needed. We report a 26-year-old male, seropositive for HIV with giant verrucous lesions in the inguinal, perineal, suprapubic and genital area. Rectosismoidoscopy revealed anal canal involvement. Oropharyngeal papillomatosis was also found. Wide local excision was performed, including inguinoperineal and oropharyngeal lesions. Pathology studies show papillomatosis with koilocytes and no evidence of malignant transformation.

Role of telomere length in subtelomeric gene expression and its possible relation to cellular senescence.

Transcriptional silencing of subtelomeric genes is associated with telomere length, which is correlated with age. Long and short telomeres in young and old people, respectively, coincide with gene repression and activation in each case. In addition, differential location of genes with respect to telomeres causes telomere position effect. There is very little evidence of the manner in which age-related telomere length affects the expression of specific human subtelomeric genes. We analyzed the relationship between telomere length and gene expression levels in fibroblasts derived from human donors at ages ranging from 0-70 years. We studied three groups of genes located between 100 and 150 kb, 200 and 250 kb, and > 300 kb away from telomeres. We found that the chromatin modifier-encoding genes Eu-HMTase1, ZMYND11, and RASA3 were overexpressed in adults. Our results suggest that short telomere length-related overexpression of chromatin modifiers could underlie transcriptional changes contributing to cellular senescence.

In vitro leukemic cell differentiation and WT1 gene expression.

Cell differentiation and four WT1 isoforms were assessed in CD34(+) cells from patients with acute myelogenous leukemia in presence or absence of recombinant human GM-CSF and G-CSF, on days 0, 10 and 20 of culture. We found that WT1 isoforms expression was consistently higher in AML-derived CD34+ cell-enriched cell fractions, as compared to their normal counterparts, and interestingly, in both cases, cells had differentiation towards the myeloid lineage with WT1 expression different patterns. This data suggest that WT1 expression seems to be modulated by the presence of cytokines, especially on day 20 of culture.

Memory immune response generated in Cercopithecus aethiops against meningococcal polysaccharide serogroup C conjugate vaccine.

The chemical conjugation of bacterial polysaccharide to carrier proteins has proved to be an efficient tool to improve the immunological response against these bacterial antigens. In this study, we characterized the antibody response generated in a non-human primate model against the meningococcal capsular polysaccharide serogroup C (CCPS) conjugated to the P64k protein. Similar to licensed vaccines the CCPS conjugate is able to generate a good memory immune response with antibody titers threefold higher than the free CCPS. Three different ELISA protocols were used to measure the antibody response and the importance of the coating antigen was demonstrated. The ELISA using the derivatized CCPS showed the best results and had a high correlation with the bactericidal activity. The antibodies elicited showed a high protective capacity when assayed in the infant rat protection model.

Displasia mesenquimática placentaria / Placental mesenchymal dysplasia

Reportamos el primer caso en Chile de displasia mesenquimática placentaria que coexistió con un feto sano y cuyo curso clínico demostró un exitoso resultado perinatal. Se revisa la literatura y se definen las claves del diagnóstico diferencial.

Resección histeroscópica del septo uterino en mujeres infértiles / Hysteroscopic resection of the uterine septum in infertile women

Análisis retrospectivo de 11 pacientes con útero septado sintomático que fueron tratadas con metroplastía histeroscópica en un período de 10 años. Estas pacientes presentaban un total de 16 embarazos, con 14 abortos de primer trimestre y 2 partos pretérmino inmaduros con neomortinatos, sin niños vivos. El propósito de este estudio fue mostrar la eficacia de la histeroscopia quirúrgica en resolver esta patología y mejorar el pronóstico reproductivo. Se intervinieron 7 pacientes con septo parcial y 4 con septo completo. En 8 casos hubo resección del tabique con resectoscopio y en 3 con tijera histeroscópica flexible. Se obtuvo embarazo de término en 6 pacientes (55 por ciento) con recién nacidos normales. De las 5 pacientes que no embarazaron, 3 tenían infertilidad por factor tuboperitoneal extenso, una sin relación de pareja y otra sin controles. Se demuestra la utilidad de la resección histeroscópica del útero septado en cuanto al menor tiempo de hospitalización, la baja morbilidad y los buenos resultados reproductivos.