Factores de riesgo asociados a anomalías congénitas renales y de vías urinarias / Risk factors associated with congenital renal and urinary tract anomalies

Introducción: Las anomalías congénitas renales y de las vías urinarias constituyen la principal causa de enfermedad renal crónica en la edad pediátrica. Su etiología es multifactorial. Intervienen factores maternos, genéticos y ambientales. En Cuba, las afecciones congénitas del riñón y las vías urinarias constituyen una latente preocupación y aunque se ha incrementado el diagnóstico prenatal de las mismas, el número de pacientes diagnosticados es alto. Objetivo: Contribuir al conocimiento de la comunidad científica en relación con los factores de riesgo asociados a las anomalías del desarrollo renal. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura médica disponible en las bases de datos Ebsco, SciELO, Scopus, Pubmed, revistas de nefrología pediátrica, pediatría, genética y teratología; y en la red social académica: Researchgate. Se accedió, durante los últimos cinco años, a varios artículos publicados en español y en inglés. Se utilizaron los descriptores Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, hydronephrosis, risk factors, prenatal diagnosis, congenital abnormalities. Conclusiones: La presencia de la diabetes, desde la etapa preconcepcional y durante las primeras semanas del embarazo, la obesidad, las dietas maternas bajas en proteínas, y las alteraciones de la fertilidad, se asocian a las anomalías del desarrollo renal. Existen factores de riesgo específicos para determinados tipos de defectos congénitos renales y de las vías urinarias. No se considera, que el consumo del ácido fólico tenga un papel protector sobre las alteraciones de la embriogénesis renal, por lo que se recomienda ser cauteloso con la dosis que se administra a las embarazadas.

Introduction: congenital renal and urinary tract anomalies are the main cause of chronic kidney disease in children. Its etiology is multifactorial. Maternal, genetic and environmental factors are involved. In Cuba, congenital renal and urinary tract affections constitute a latent concern, and although their prenatal diagnoses have increased, the number of diagnosed patients is high. Objective: to contribute to the knowledge of the scientific community in relation to the risk factors associated with renal developmental anomalies. Methods: a systematic review of the available medical literature was carried out in Ebsco, SciELO, Scopus and Pubmed databases, in pediatric nephrology, pediatrics, genetics, and teratology journals as well as in the academic social network: Researchgate. Several articles published in Spanish and English languages were accessed during the last five years. The used descriptors were congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, hydronephrosis, risk factors, prenatal diagnosis and congenital abnormalities. Conclusions: the presence of diabetes, from the preconceptional stage and during the first weeks of pregnancy, obesity, maternal diets low in protein, and fertility disorders, are associated with renal developmental anomalies. There are specific risk factors for certain types of kidney and urinary tract birth defects. It is not considered that the consumption of folic acid has a protective role on the alterations of renal embryogenesis, so it is recommended to be cautious with the dose administered to pregnant women.

Glucose Sensor Using Sol-Gel Coating Layer Deposited on PMMA Optical Fiber: An Enzyme Activity Measurement System.

In the present work, a biocatalytic glucose optical sensor produced by immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOD) as a recognition molecule over a PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) optical fiber is introduced. An enzymatic encapsulation process was carried out using the sol-gel method, depositing a TEOS-based coating by immersion at the end of an optical fiber; the biosensor was characterized using different glucose levels. Finally, the best way to encapsulate the enzyme and prevent it from degrading is to perform the process at room temperature, and later implement the deposition of the coating on the fiber. The drying process was optimal below 8 °C.

Brain Vascular Health in ALS Is Mediated through Motor Cortex Microvascular Integrity.

Brain vascular health appears to be critical for preventing the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and slowing its progression. ALS patients often demonstrate cardiovascular risk factors and commonly suffer from cerebrovascular disease, with evidence of pathological alterations in their small cerebral blood vessels. Impaired vascular brain health has detrimental effects on motor neurons: vascular endothelial growth factor levels are lowered in ALS, which can compromise endothelial cell formation and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Increased turnover of neurovascular unit cells precedes their senescence, which, together with pericyte alterations, further fosters the failure of toxic metabolite removal. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis of impaired brain vascular health in ALS and how novel magnetic resonance imaging techniques can aid its detection. In particular, we discuss vascular patterns of blood supply to the motor cortex with the number of branches from the anterior and middle cerebral arteries acting as a novel marker of resistance and resilience against downstream effects of vascular risk and events in ALS. We outline how certain interventions adapted to patient needs and capabilities have the potential to mechanistically target the brain microvasculature towards favorable motor cortex blood supply patterns. Through this strategy, we aim to guide novel approaches to ALS management and a better understanding of ALS pathophysiology.

Hyperbaric oxygenation applied before or after mild or hard stress: effects on the redox state in the muscle tissue.

The mechanism is unclear for the reported protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning against oxidative stress in tissues, and the distinct effects of hyperbaric oxygen applied after stress. The trained mice were divided into three groups: the control, hyperbaric oxygenation preconditioning, and hyperbaric oxygenation applied after mild (fasting) or hard (prolonged exercise) stress. After preconditioning, we observed a decrease in basal levels of nitric oxide, tetrahydrobiopterin, and catalase despite the drastic increase in inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases. Moreover, the basal levels of glutathione, related enzymes, and nitrosative stress only increased in the preconditioning group. The control and preconditioning groups showed a similar mild stress response of the endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthases. At the same time, the activity of all nitric oxide synthase, glutathione (GSH) in muscle, declined in the experimental groups but increased in control during hard stress. The results suggested that hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning provoked uncoupling of nitric oxide synthases and the elevated levels of GSH in muscle during this study, while hyperbaric oxygen applied after stress showed a lower level of GSH but higher recovery post-exercise levels in the majority of antioxidant enzymes. We discuss the possible mechanisms of the redox response and the role of the nitric oxide in this process.

Intermittent Soft-Tissue Tumor Enlargement in Episodic Angioedema With Eosinophilia Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Episodic hypereosinophilia and angioedema syndrome, also known as Gleich syndrome, is a rare entity characterized by recurrent episodes of eosinophilia, angioedema, urticaria, fever and weight gain with spontaneous resolution. It is classified as an idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. Unlike other hypereosinophilic syndromes, it has a low risk for internal organ damage. We report the case of a 42-year-old male with a 28-year history of recurrent erythematous wheals and plaques and persistent hypereosinophilia. Physical examination revealed a well-defined subcutaneous nodule on his right lower limb that increased in size with each episode of angioedema. Histopathology evidenced a lipoma with intense eosinophil infiltration within the mature adipose tissue, while the specimen of the wheal revealed scarce perivascular and interstitial eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate. Diagnosis of episodic angioedema with eosinophilia syndrome was made based on clinical and laboratory findings.

Activity patterns and interactions of rodents in an assemblage composed by native species and the introduced black rat: implications for pathogen transmission.

Background: The degree of temporal overlap between sympatric wild hosts species and their behavioral interactions can be highly relevant to the transmission of pathogens. However, this topic has been scantly addressed. Furthermore, temporal overlap and interactions within an assemblage of wild rodents composed of native and introduced species have been rarely discussed worldwide. We assessed the nocturnal activity patterns and interactions between rodent taxa of an assemblage consisting of native species (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Abrothrix hirta, and Abrothrix olivaceus) and the introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) in a temperate forest from southern Chile. All rodent species in this study are known hosts for various zoonotic pathogens. Results: We found a high nocturnal temporal overlap within the rodent assemblage. However, pairwise comparisons of temporal activity patterns indicated significant differences among all taxa. Rattus rattus showed aggressive behaviors against all native rodents more frequently than against their conspecifics. As for native rodents, agonistic behaviors were the most common interactions between individuals of the same taxon and between individuals of different taxa (O. longicaudatus vs Abrothrix spp.). Conclusions: Our findings reveal several interactions among rodent taxa that may have implications for pathogens such as hantaviruses, Leptospira spp., and vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, their transmission may be facilitated by the temporal overlap observed between rodent taxa. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40850-022-00152-7.

Optimum growth and quality of the edible ice plant under saline conditions.

BACKGROUND: Ice plant is a halophyte, known for its antioxidant activity and for being a highly functional food. It is capable of increasing its contents of health-promoting compounds when subjected to certain stresses such as salinity. The objective of this work was to determine the plant's best growing conditions to achieve both an optimal production of bioactive metabolites and high crop yield. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum were grown under semi-controlled conditions and four saline treatments were applied at: 0, 100, 200 and 300 mmol L-1 sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively. RESULTS: The 100 mmol L-1 NaCl treatment induced a slight increase in shoot dry weight (DW) and enhanced the leaf area. At higher salinity levels, however, the shoot biomass decreased. The concentration of starch and total proteins declined as the concentration of salt increased, while the total soluble sugars (TSS) content was lower in 100 and 300 mmol L-1 NaCl treatments. Proline increased in conditions over 100 mmol L-1 NaCl. Furthermore, plants grown with 300 mmol L-1 of NaCl presented the highest values of glutathione, ascorbic acid and vitamin C. Antioxidant enzymes activity and total phenolics increased with the severity of the salinity. CONCLUSION: Ice plant accumulates high levels of health-promoting compounds when grown with 300 mmol L-1 NaCl. A high concentration of beneficial compounds, however, is detrimental to the plant's growth. Moreover, 100 mmol L-1 NaCl treatment not only improved the concentration of bioactive and antioxidant compounds but also preserved the crop yield. It could thus be interesting to promote the cultivation of this high nutritional value plant in environments of moderate salinity. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis as the First Presentation of a C-Terminal NFKB2 Pathogenic Variant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Although most cases of coccidioidomycosis are subclinical or self-limited respiratory disease, 1% lead to extrathoracic dissemination and become fatal, especially in patients with an associated immunodeficiency. Up to 30%-50% of patients with defects in cell-mediated immunity, those with AIDS and recipients of solid-organ transplants, may develop disseminated coccidioidomycosis (DC). Within the primary immunodeficiencies, an uncommon group is caused by C-terminal NFKB2 pathogenic variants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a literature search of core databases. Written informed consent for the study and for publication was obtained. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-year-old Mexican girl, eldest of 3 sisters, no relevant family history, and a history of recurrent upper respiratory infections and alopecia totalis was admitted with DC involving pulmonary, soft tissue, skin, bone and joint compromise. The immunodeficiency assessment showed low IgM and NK cells. We found an NFKB2 de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation of c.2611C>T (p.Gln871*). She was treated with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole with surgical debridement. The clinical phenotype of this primary immunodeficiency is characterized by antibody deficiency and associated broncho-pulmonary predisposition to infection, but moreover also opportunistic infections and autoimmunity, most recognizable alopecia and adrenocorticotropic hormone-deficiency. After 1 year of her discharge, she continues under surveillance with antifungal therapy with itraconazole and replacement intravenous immunoglobulin until today. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report of DC in a patient with an NFKB2 pathogenic variant and it illustrates the importance of screening for primary immunodeficiencies in patients with disseminated fungal infections.

Enfoque médico social de la enfermedad renal crónica en Pediatría / Medical and social approach to chronic kidney disease in Paediatrics

RESUMEN Introducción: las malformaciones congénitas renales y de las vías urinarias constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de anomalías secundarias a un proceso anormal en el desarrollo embrionario del sistema renal. Objetivo: profundizar en los aspectos relacionados con el diagnóstico precoz de las malformaciones congénitas renales y de vías urinarias, como causa frecuente de la enfermedad renal crónica oculta en la edad pediátrica, desde una perspectiva integral y personalizada, sobre la base de un enfoque médico social. Métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática sobre el tema en las bases de datos: EBSCO, SciELO, Scopus, PubMed, y en revistas de Nefrología pediátrica, de Pediatría, de Genética y de Teratología. Los artículos fueron publicados en idioma español o inglés. Se realizó un análisis de contenido directo para lograr la actualización teórica del tema con un enfoque médico social. Conclusiones: el desarrollo de la Nefrología pediátrica constituye una línea de trabajo del MINSAP. Sus principios son: la intersectorialidad, la prevención y la participación de especialidades afines (de manera que se alcancen resultados asistenciales, docentes e investigativos que determinen mayor calidad en el diagnóstico precoz de las malformaciones congénitas renales y de vías urinarias). Dicha afección es causa frecuente de la enfermedad renal crónica oculta en la edad pediátrica, desde una perspectiva integral y personalizada, sobre la base de un enfoque médico social.

ABSTRACT Introduction: congenital renal and urinary tract malformations constitute a heterogeneous group of anomalies secondary to an abnormal embryonic development of the renal system. Objective: to study in depth the aspects related to the early diagnosis of congenital renal and urinary tract malformations, as a frequent cause of occult chronic kidney disease in the paediatric age group, from an integral and personalized perspective, based on a medical and social approach. Methods: a systematic review on the subject was carried out in the following databases: EBSCO, SciELO, Scopus, PubMed, and in journals of Paediatric Nephrology, Paediatrics, Genetics and Teratology. The articles were published in Spanish or English languages. A direct content analysis was performed to achieve the theoretical update of the topic with a medical and social approach. Conclusions: the development of Paediatric Nephrology constitutes a line of work of MINSAP. Its principles are intersectoriality, prevention and participation of related specialities (in order to achieve care, teaching and research results that determine greater quality in the early diagnosis of congenital renal and urinary tract malformations). This condition is a frequent cause of occult chronic kidney disease in the paediatric age group, from an integral and personalized perspective, based on a medical and social approach.

Long-Tailed Pygmy Rice Rats Modify Their Behavioural Response and Faecal Corticosterone Metabolites in Response to Culpeo Fox but Not to Lesser Grison.

Even though behavioural and physiological reactions to predation risk exhibited by prey species have received considerable attention in scientific journals, there are still many questions still unsolved. Our aim was to broaden the knowledge on one specific question: do long-tailed pygmy rice rats adapt their behavioural and physiological antipredator strategies depending on the predator species? For this question, we live-trapped in a temperate forest in Southern Chile long-tailed pygmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus), which were exposed to three predator odour phases (Phase 0: preliminary, no predator cues; Phase 1: one plot with culpeo fox faeces (Lycalopex culpaeus), one plot with lesser grison (Galictis cuja) faeces and one plot acting as a control with no odour; Phase 2: post treatment, no predator cues). We measured the behavioural response by the capture ratio. To assess the physiological stress response, we collected fresh faecal samples to quantify faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM). Our results showed that O. longicaudatus increased both the capture ratio and FCM levels in the presence of culpeo cues. Culpeo foxes have higher densities in the study area than G. cuja and exhibit a higher activity pattern overlap with O. longicaudatus. Moreover, it has been also been reported in other regions that L. culpaeus consumption of O. longicaudatus is more frequent compared to G. cuja diet. The increase in capturability could be because traps can be regarded as a shelter in high-risk settings, but it can also be explained by the predator inspection behaviour. The increase in FCM concentrations during culpeo treatment can be linked to the adaptive mobilisation of energy to execute antipredator responses to increase survival chances.

Percepción del adulto joven sobre la sexualidad del adulto mayor / Young adult's perception of the sexuality of the older adult

El término sexualidad hace referencia al grupo de convenciones, roles y conductas asociadas a la cultura y que suponen expresiones del deseo sexual, emociones disímiles, relación de poder, mediadas por el sistema de creencias, valores, actitudes, sentimientos y otros puntos referentes a la postura en la sociedad, por ejemplo la raza, grupo étnico y condición social(1). La percepción de las personas sobre la sexualidad del adulto mayor, ha creado un efecto de tipo emocional y conductual gracias a mitos, prejuicios, ideologías y actitudes que pueden ocasionar un inadecuado ejercicio de la sexualidad en dicha edad. Objetivo: Este trabajo fue determinar el nivel de prejuicio de adultos jóvenes de 18 a 35 años, respecto a la sexualidad durante la vejez. Material y Métodos: Se utilizó un diseño transversal-descriptivo, ya que la investigación se realizó en un período de tiempo específico y las variables no fueron modificadas, sino observadas. Se aplicó un muestreo no probabilístico por disposición de 100 adultos jóvenes de 18 a 35 años de edad en el estado de Hidalgo, México. El instrumento utilizado fue el ‘’Cuestionario de actitudes hacia la sexualidad en la vejez (CASV2020)’’, aplicado de manera presencial y con una duración de entre 5 a 10 minutos por participante. El cuestionario categorizaba en estereotipos las variables. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de los participantes. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados en un paquete estadístico SPSS V.21, calculándose medidas de frecuencia y tendencia central. Resultados: La población estudiada consistió en un 28% al género masculino y un 72% al género femenino, al categorizar los datos obtenidos, se logró obtener que 6 ítems se encontraron en un nivel bajo de estereotipo, mientras que 4 ítems correspondieron a un nivel medio y 3 ítems a un nivel muy alto de estereotipo...(AU)

The term sexuality refers to the group of conventions, roles and behaviors associated with culture and that involve expressions of sexual desire, dissimilar emotions, power relationship, mediated by the belief system, values, attitudes, feelings and other points of reference. to position in society, such as race, ethnic group and social status(1). The perception of people about the sexuality of the elderly has created an emotional and behavioral effect thanks to myths, prejudices, ideologies and attitudes that can cause an inappropriate exercise of sexuality at that age. Objective: This work was to determine the level of prejudice of young adults between 18 and 35 years old, regarding sexuality during old age. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional-descriptive design was used, since the research was carried out in a specific period of time and the variables were not modified, but observed. A non-probability sampling was applied by disposition of 100 young adults between 18 and 35 years of age in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The instrument used was the '' Questionnaire of attitudes towards sexuality in old age (CASV2020)'', applied in person and with a duration of between 5 to 10 minutes per participant. The questionnaire categorized the variables into stereotypes. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. The data obtained were analyzed in a statistical package SPSS V.21, calculating measures of frequency and central tendency. Results: The studied population consisted of 28% male and 72% female, when categorizing the data obtained, it was possible to obtain that 6 items were found at a low level of stereotype, while 4 items corresponded to a level medium and 3 items at a very high level of stereotype. Conclusion: When questioning about the sexuality of the elderly, the participants answered in the central values, that is, neutral, which means that the sample studied presented a low level of prejudice towards the sexuality of the elderly.(AU)

Cannabidiol-mediated RISK PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways decreasing reperfusion myocardial damage.

Myocardial ischemia continues to be the first cause of morbimortality in the world; the definitive treatment is reperfusion; however, this action causes additional damage to ischemic myocardial tissue; this forces to seek therapies of cardioprotection to reduce this additional damage. There are many cardioprotective agents; within these, cannabinoids have shown to have beneficial effects, mainly cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non psychoactive cannabinoid. To evaluate the effect in experimental models of CBD in myocardial ischemia reperfusion in rats, twelve-week-old male rats have been used. The animals were divides in 3 groups: control(C), ischemia reperfusion (IR) and CBD pretreatment (1/day/5mg/kg /10days). Langendorff organ isolate studies were performed, and the area of infarction was assessed with triphenyl tetrazolium, in addition to molecular analysis of AT1 and AT2 receptors and Akt and Erk proteins and their phosphorylated forms related to RISK pathways. It was observed that there is an improvement with the use of CBD increasing inotropism and cardiac lusitropism, improving considerably the cardiovascular functionality. These could be related to the reduction of the area of infarction and activation of the AT2 receptor and the RISK pathway with absence of activation of the AT2 receptor (these could relate the reduction of the infarct area and the restoration of cardiovascular function with the activation of the AT2 receptor and the RISK pathway with the absence of activation of the AT2 receptor). The use of cannabinoids was shown to have beneficial effects when used as a treatment for myocardial reperfusion damage.

Estudio de cinco años del reflujo vesicoureteral / A five-year study of vesicoureteral reflux

RESUMEN El reflujo vesicoureteral es una causa frecuente de daño renal crónico y necesidad de tratamiento sustitutivo renal. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal en pacientes con diagnóstico de reflujo vesicoureteral, que fueron atendidos en consulta de Nefrología pediátrica durante un período de cinco años, con el objetivo de identificar: las manifestaciones clínicas iniciales, los factores asociados y las alteraciones en estudios de imagen. El síntoma inicial fundamental fue la recurrencia de infecciones urinarias febriles (82,3 %). Se encontraron varios factores de riesgo asociados: el antecedente familiar de malformaciones renales (57,32 %), la diabetes materna (38,45 %), el hábito de fumar (24,67 %) y la anemia (18,20 %). Se observaron alteraciones sonográficas (60 %); predominaron el reflujo vesicoureteral grado 3 y la presencia de cicatrices renales. Las alteraciones sonográficas son frecuentes en estos pacientes, si bien su normalidad no lo descarta. La nefropatía cicatrizal se asocia al reflujo vesicoureteral, sobre todo asociado a infecciones urinarias febriles.

ABSTRACT Vesicoureteral reflux is a frequent cause of chronic kidney damage and the need for renal replacement therapy. A longitudinal descriptive study was carried out in patients who were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux and seen in the Pediatric Nephrology consultation for a period of five years, with the aim of identifying early clinical manifestations, associated factors and alterations in imaging studies. Recurrence of febrile urinary tract infections was the main initial symptom (82.3%). Several associated risk factors such as family history of kidney malformations (57.32%), maternal diabetes (38.45%), smoking habit (24.67%) and anemia (18.20%) were found. Sonographic alterations (60%) were observed; presence of grade III vesicoureteral reflux and renal scarring predominated. Sonographic alterations are frequent in these patients, although its normality does not rule it out. Scarring nephropathy is associated with vesicoureteral reflux, especially with febrile urinary tract infections.

Factores asociados a malformaciones congénitas renales y de vías urinarias / Factors associated to renal and urinary tract ´s congenital malformations

Introducción: Las malformaciones congénitas del riñón y del tracto urinario representan entre 20 y 30 por ciento de todas las malformaciones reconocidas en humanos. Objetivo: Identificar los antecedentes patológicos familiares y las enfermedades durante el embarazo asociados a la aparición de defectos congénitos renales. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo transversal realizado en 672 niños nacidos entre julio de 2014 y junio de 2015 en Santa Clara, con ultrasonido prenatal normal. A todos los niños durante la consulta médica se les hizo examen físico detallado y previo consentimiento informado del familiar acompañante, se aplicó a estos una encuesta y se registraron variables epidemiológicas, antecedentes familiares de enfermedades renales, morbilidad de la madre durante el embarazo y se realizó un ultrasonido renal para identificar las alteraciones sonográficas sugerentes de algún tipo de anomalías del desarrollo renal. Resultados: En 40 (5,95 por ciento) pacientes se detectó alteración sonográfica. El 27,50 por ciento eran hijos de madres que presentaron alguna enfermedad durante el embarazo. La glucemia elevada afectó 10 por ciento de las madres de los niños con anomalías del desarrollo renal, seguida del bajo peso materno (7,5 por ciento). El hecho de presentar antecedente patológico familiar de enfermedad renal aportó un riesgo de 1,88 y en las de tipo obstructivo el riesgo fue de 5,08. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones sonográficas sugestivas de malformación congénita renal son más frecuentes en los lactantes cuyas madres presentaron concentraciones elevadas de glucosa y bajo peso durante el embarazo. Los niños con antecedentes familiares de malformación renal tienen mayor riesgo de presentar una anomalía del desarrollo renal(AU)

Introduction: Kidney and urinary tract´s malformations represent among 20 and 30 percent of all malformations known in humans. Objective: To identify during pregnancy family pathological history and diseases associated to the onset of renal congenital malformations. Methods: Prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out to 672 children with normal prenatal ultrasound whom were born from July, 2014 to June 2015 in Santa Clara province. All children during the medical consultation had a detailed physical examination and previous informed concent; it was applied also a survey and the epidemiologic variables, family history of renal diseases, morbility of the mother during pregnancy were recorded, and it was made a renal ultrasound to identify sonographic alterations suggesting any kind of anomaly in the renal development. Results: In 40 patients (5,95 percent), it was detected any sonographic alteration. 27,50 percent were children of mothers that presented any disease during pregnancy. High glycemia affected the 10 percent of mothers of children with anomalies in the renal development, followed by low maternal weight (7,5 percent). The fact of presenting a family pathological history of renal disease implied a risk of 1,88 percent and the risk was of 5,08 percent in the obstructive kind of diseases. Conlusions: Sonographic alterations suggesting renal congenital malformations are more frequent in newborns whose mothers had high concentrations of glycemia and low weight during pregnancy. Children with family history of renal malformations have higher risk of presenting an anomaly of the renal development(AU)

Protective Role of Glutathione and Nitric Oxide Production in the Pathogenesis of Pterygium.

OBJECTIVE: In the pathogenesis of pterygium, the protective role of glutathione and nitric oxide production is unclear. These are important factors for homeostasis in the redox state of cells. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of these and related parameters in pterygium tissue. Patients and Methods. The study sample consisted of 120 patients diagnosed with primary or recurrent pterygium. Five groups of tissue samples were examined: control, primary pterygium, recurrent pterygium, and two groups of primary pterygium given a one-month NAC presurgery treatment (topical or systemic). The levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO), 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT), reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in tissue homogenates. RESULTS: Compared with the control, decreased levels of eNOS, NO, and 3-nitrotyrosine as well as the degree of oxidation of GSH (GSSG%) were observed in primary and recurrent pterygium. 3-Nitrotyrosine and GSSG% were reduced in the other pterygium groups. GSH and CAT were enhanced in recurrent pterygium and systemic-treated primary pterygium but were unchanged for topical-treated primary pterygium. There was a strong positive correlation of eNOS with NO and 3NT, GSSG% with NO and 3NT, and GSH with GSSG and CAT. Women showed a higher level of GSH and catalase in primary pterygium, whereas a lower level of GSH and a higher level of NO in recurrent pterygium. CONCLUSION: The results are congruent with the following proposed sequence of events leading to a protective response of the organism during the pathogenesis of primary pterygium: a decreased level of eNOS provokes a decline in the level of NO in pterygium tissue, which then leads to reduced S-nitrosylation of GSH or other thiols and possibly to the modulation of the intracellular level of GSH through synthesis and/or mobilization from other tissues.

Ultrasonido renal en los primeros seis meses de vida / Renal ultrasound in the first six months of life

Introducción: Las malformaciones congénitas renales y de las vías urinarias, constituyen la causa más frecuente de la enfermedad renal crónica en niños menores de 5 años. La ultrasonografía renal, se contempla en la actualidad, en el estudio inicial ante la sospecha de enfermedad renal crónica secundaria a malformaciones congénitas renales y de vías urinarias. Objetivo: Identificar los hallazgos sonográficos sugestivos de anomalías renales en los primeros seis meses de vida. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en niños nacidos entre julio de 2014 y junio de 2015 en el municipio de Santa Clara, con ultrasonido renal prenatal normal. A los 672 niños estudiados, previo consentimiento informado, se les realizó ultrasonido renal en algún momento dentro de los seis primeros meses de vida, lo que permitió identificar a los niños con alteraciones sonográficas sugerentes de algún tipo de anomalías del desarrollo renal. Se continuaron los estudios, según protocolos establecidos, para definir el tipo de malformación congénita renal y de vías urinarias. Resultados: El 5,95 por ciento (40 pacientes) presentaron alguna alteración sonográfica. La hidronefrosis se identificó en el 27,50 por ciento. La ectopia renal y la asimetría renal estuvieron presentes en el 15,00 por ciento de los pacientes. El 10,00 por ciento presentó agenesia renal. El 22, 5 por ciento de los pacientes con hidronefrosis tenían reflujo vesicoureteral. Conclusiones: La hidronefrosis constituye una alteración sonográfica frecuente en pacientes con malformaciones congénitas renales, sobre todo del tipo de reflujo vesicoureteral. Dentro de las alteraciones de tamaño, posición y forma, la ectopia renal constituye la anomalía del desarrollo renal más frecuente(AU)

Introduction: Renal congenital and urinary tract´s malformations represent the most frequent cause of chronical kidney disease in children under five years old. The renal ultrasound it is nowadays included in the initial study while suspecting chronical kidney disease as a consequence of renal congenital and urinary tract´s malformations. Objective: To identify sonographic findings that suggest renal anomalies in the first six months of life. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in children that were born from July, 2014 to June, 2015 in Santa Clara municipality having a normal prenatal renal ultrasound. The 672 children studied with previous informed consent had a renal ultrasound in the first six months of life which allowed to identify the children with sonographic alterations suggestive to any kind of renal development´s anomalies. The studies were conducted under the established protocols to define the kind of renal congenital and urinary tract´s malformation. Results: 5.5 percent (40 patients) presented any kind of sonographic alteration. Hydronephrosis was identified in 27.50 percent of the patients. Renal ectopy and renal asymmetry were present in the 15.00 percent of the patients. 10.00 percent presented renal agenesis. 22.5 percent of the patients with hydronephrosis had vesicoureteral reflux. Conclusions: Hydronephrosis represents a frequent sonographic alteration in patients with congenital renal malformations, mostly the vesicoureteral reflux type. Among the size, position and shape alterations, renal ectopy is the most frequent renal development´s anomaly(AU)

Three-Dimensional Shape Modeling and Analysis of Brain Structures.

Statistical shape analysis of brain structures has been used to investigate the association between their structural changes and pathological processes. We have developed a software package for accurate and robust shape modeling and group-wise analysis. Here, we introduce an pipeline for the shape analysis, from individual 3D shape modeling to quantitative group shape analysis. We also describe the pre-processing and segmentation steps using open software packages. This practical guide would help researchers save time and effort in 3D shape analysis on brain structures.