[Anogenital lesions produced by Human Papillomavirus. Prevalence study in children and adolescent not vaccinated]. / Lesiones anogenitales por Virus Papiloma Humano. Estudio de prevalencia en niños, niñas y adolescentes no vacunados.

In Chilean children and adolescents, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection prevalence is unknown. In 2014, the HPV vaccine was incorporated into the National Immunization Program for girls, and since 2019 for boys. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, genotypes, and characteristics of HPV infection in children and adolescents with anogenital lesions not vaccinated against HPV. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Children and adolescents with anogenital lesions who consulted at the Luis Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were studied. The reason for consultation, age, sex, family history of HPV lesions, history of sexual abuse, and consensual sexual activity were recorded. HPV was detected by PCR and typification by reverse hybridization of the L1 gene. The samples were analyzed in the Oncogenic Virus Section of the Institute of Public Health. RESULTS: 110 patients were studied; 44.5% were children. HPV was detected in 34 cases (30.9% [CI95% 22.4- 40.4]), 22 (44.9%) were children and 12 (19.7%) adolescents. Eleven (91.7%) adolescents had a history of sexual con tact (p < 0.005); 4 (18.2%) children disclosed sexual abuse. HPV was found in 25% of patients with genital lesions and 50% with perianal lesions (p < 0.015). The most frequent genotypes were 59, 58, 16, 18, 6, and 11. Only low-risk genotypes were detected in children and high-risk genotypes were detected in 11/12 (91.7%) of HPV (+) adolescents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HPV infection was 30%. In adolescents, the infection was related to sexual contact and high-risk HPV. In children, it was associated with low-risk genotypes. Perianal lesions are more frequently associated with HPV infec tion than genital lesions in children and adolescents. The visual inspection does not allow to specify the etiology of the genital lesions, so it is necessary to perform a PCR test for HPV.

Effect of Inclusion of Arthrospira maxima Microalgae in Laying Hen Diets on Production Parameters and Egg Characteristics

The animal feed industry is continuously researching new feed additives to substitute other materials, reduce costs, or add value to the final product. The microalgae Arthrospira maxima, cultivated using wastewater as a nutritional source, was evaluated as a feed additive by including 2, 4, and 6% in isocaloric and isoprotein diets for laying hens. Five replicates per treatment with 5 hens per cage were used during an experimental period of 28 days. Productive behavior and egg characteristics (quality, fatty acid profile, cholesterol level) were evaluated. The inclusion of microalgae up to 4% in diets for 52-week-old laying hens did not affect productive performance (egg production, egg weight, egg mass, FCR, shell thickness, and Haugh units). No effects were observed on the cholesterol level or the concentration of fatty acids in the eggs, but more information is needed to determine if the microalgae drying or storage process can generate variations of these results. The inclusion of 6% microalgae produced an acceptable egg yolk color for the local market. The results indicate that this material can be used as a protein source up to an inclusion of 4% in the diet, and hens may need an adaptation period to maintain production at the 6% inclusion level.(AU)

Effects of convective drying assisted by ultrasound and osmotic solution on polyphenol, antioxidant and microstructure of murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz) fruit.

The effects of pretreatment with ultrasound and an osmotic solution combined with hot air convection drying on the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity and microstructural of murtilla skin fruit were evaluated. The effects of ultrasound frequency (0 and 130 kHz), osmotic solution concentration (0 and 70 °Brix) and time (60 or 120 min) on the TPC and the antioxidant activities as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays were evaluated. The TPC and DPPH antioxidant activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when ultrasound was applied at 0 °Brix for 60 min. Higher FRAP activity was obtained upon treatment with ultrasound and an osmotic solution for 60 min. The ORAC values did not significantly differ based on the pretreatment methods but decreased when an osmotic solution was applied for 120 min without ultrasound. When ultrasound and the osmotic solution were applied, the skin cells of the dried murtilla fruit became more distorted, resulting in larger spaces between them and causing loss of shape. Although the application of pretreatment procedures before murtilla fruit drying did not positively affect the TPC, DPPH or ORAC individually, the application of a Global Standardized Response based on the followed by a mathematical model adjustment indicated that a 70 °Brix osmotic solution applied for 60 min was the best treatment for preparing murtilla fruit aiming a high antioxidant activity in dried product.

Diagnóstico y manejo de Himen Imperforado en una lactante menor / Diagnosis and management of Imperforated Hymen in an infant

INTRODUCCIÓN: El himen imperforado es la malformación congénita más frecuente del tracto genital femenino. La mayoría de los casos no se pesquisan en la infancia, debido a un examen genital insuficiente. Su diagnóstico y resolución deben ser precoces y definitivas para evitar complicaciones posteriores. OBJETIVO: Presentar el caso de una lactante portadora de himen imperforado, y actualizar la información sobre las técnicas de examen genital para detectar esta patología en forma precoz y su tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Lactante de 3 meses, consultó por aumento de volumen protruyente en la zona del introito. En el examen físico se realizó maniobra de valsalva que dio salida a una masa homogénea, nacarada de superficie lisa, entre los labios mayores, sugerente himen imperforado. Se complementó el estudio con ultrasonido ginecológico, el que demostró la presencia de hidrocolpos, descartando otras anomalías. Se realizó una himenotomía, que dio salida a abundante material seroso, sin mal olor, y luego se completó la himenectomía mediante la resección de la membrana himeneal. En control al 4to mes posterior a la intervención se constató un himen ampliamente permeable. CONCLUSIÓN: Los equipos de atención neonatal, requieren capacitación acerca de la técnica correcta del examen genital externo de la recién nacida y lactante. La himenectomía es la técnica que permite resolver definitiva mente el cuadro evitando complicaciones.

INTRODUCTION: Imperforated hymen is the most frequent congenital malformation of the female genital tract. Most cases are not investigated in childhood, due to an insufficient genital examination. Its diagnosis and resolution must be early and definitive to avoid subsequent complications. OBJECTIVE: A clinical case of an infant with imperforated himen is presented. To update on genital examination technique necessary to detect this pathology in the newborn and infants, and the proper treatment. CLINICAL CASE: 3-months-old infant that consulted due to an increase in bulging volume in the introitus area. In the physical examination, the Valsalva's maneuver was performed allowed the ex pulsion of a homogeneous pearly mass with a smooth surface, between the labia majora, suggesting imperforate hymen. The study was complemented with gynecological ultrasound, which demons trated the presence of hydrocolpos, ruling out other anomalies. A hymenotomy was performed, which allowed for the evacuation of abundant serous material, with no bad smell, and then the hymenectomy was completed by resection of the hymenal membrane. In follow-up monitoring 4 months after the intervention, a widely permeable hymen was found. CONCLUSION: Neonatal care teams require training on the correct technique of external genital examination of the newborn and infant. Hymenectomy is the technique that allows definitely resolving the condition, avoiding complications.

Multidisciplinary consensus statement on the clinical management of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most aggressive tumors with an increasing incidence rate and reduced survival. Although surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment for PC, only 15-20% of patients are resectable at diagnosis. To select the most appropriate treatment and thus improve outcomes, the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for each patient with PC should be discussed within a multidisciplinary expert team. Clinical decision-making should be evidence-based, considering the staging of the tumor, the performance status and preferences of the patient. The aim of this guideline is to provide practical and evidence-based recommendations for the management of PC.

[Diagnosis and management of Imperforated Hymen in an infant]. / Diagnóstico y manejo de Himen Imperforado en una lactante menor.

INTRODUCTION: Imperforated hymen is the most frequent congenital malformation of the female genital tract. Most cases are not investigated in childhood, due to an insufficient genital examination. Its diagnosis and resolution must be early and definitive to avoid subsequent complications. OBJECTIVE: A clinical case of an infant with imperforated himen is presented. To update on genital examination technique necessary to detect this pathology in the newborn and infants, and the proper treatment. CLINICAL CASE: 3-months-old infant that consulted due to an increase in bulging volume in the introitus area. In the physical examination, the Valsalva's maneuver was performed allowed the ex pulsion of a homogeneous pearly mass with a smooth surface, between the labia majora, suggesting imperforate hymen. The study was complemented with gynecological ultrasound, which demons trated the presence of hydrocolpos, ruling out other anomalies. A hymenotomy was performed, which allowed for the evacuation of abundant serous material, with no bad smell, and then the hymenectomy was completed by resection of the hymenal membrane. In follow-up monitoring 4 months after the intervention, a widely permeable hymen was found. CONCLUSION: Neonatal care teams require training on the correct technique of external genital examination of the newborn and infant. Hymenectomy is the technique that allows definitely resolving the condition, avoiding complications.

Mycobacterium marinum: reporte de un caso / Mycobacterium marinum: a case report

El Mycobacterium marinum es un tipo de micobacteria no tuberculosa (NTM). La infección por esta bacteria es frecuente en peces de agua dulce o salada y muy raramente, suele causar infecciones en la población humana. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 60 años, que consulta por placa ulcerosa en dorso de mano izquierda. El estudio histopatológico de biopsia informa: hiperplasia epitelial con un denso infiltrado en dermis y escasos granulomas con células gigantes. Se solicitan distintas pruebas, siendo únicamente positiva el PCR para Mycobacterium marinum, por lo que se procede a instaurar regimen antimicrobiano con evolución favorable. El contagio por esta bacteria, se produce por inoculación directa del microorganismo, a través de heridas o erosiones cutáneas o por mordeduras de peces contaminados. Las formas de presentación clínica varían, siendo la más común la presencia de pápulas o nódulos solitarios en dedos o manos. También se puede manifestar en forma de linfangitis proximal o esporotricoide, extensión a órganos profundos y patrón esporotricoide facial. El diagnóstico requiere un alto índice de sospecha, debido a que la frecuencia de esta afección es muy baja, siendo de 0.04 a 0.27 por cada 100.000 habitantes. La biopsia de tejido proporciona el diagnóstico en solo la mitad de los casos. El cultivo confirma el diagnóstico, pero se reportan como positivos en 70 a 80% de los casos. Técnicas de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos, como la reacción en cadena polimerasa (PCR) son otros métodos para el diagnóstico, su mayor ventaja es la rapidez de sus resultados en comparación con el cultivo. Existen muchas modalidades terapéuticas: el tratamiento tópico, la administración sistémica de antimicrobianos, la cirugía, la termoterapia local y la terapia combinada. Sin embargo, los pacientes infectados con M. marinum por lo común, son tratados con antimicrobianos en monoterapia o combinados.

Introduction: Mycobacterium marinum is a type of non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). Infection by this bacterium is frequent in freshwater or saltwater fish and very rarely causes infection in human population. Case report: we present the case of a 60-year-old male patient, who consulted for an ulcerative plaque on the back of his left hand. The histopathological study of biopsy reports: epithelial hyperplasia with a dense infiltrate in dermis and few granulomas with giant cells. Different tests were requested, PCR the only one positive for Mycobacterium marinum, which is why we proceeded to establish an antimicrobial regimen with favorable evolution. Discussion: infection by this bacterium is produced by direct inoculation of the microorganism through wounds or skin erosions or by contaminated fish bites. The forms of clinical presentation vary, being the most common the presence of solitary papules or nodules on fingers or hands. It can also manifest in the form of proximal or sporotrichoid lymphangitis, extension to deep organs, and facial sporotrichoid pattern. Diagnosis requires high index of suspicion, since the frequency of this condition is very low, from 0.04 to 0.27 per 100.000 habitants. Tissue biopsy provides the diagnosis in only half of the cases. Culture confirms the diagnosis, but they are reported as positive in 70 to 80% of cases. Nucleic acid amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are other methods for diagnosis; its greatest advantage is the speed of its results compared to culture. There are many therapeutic modalities: topical treatment, systemic administration of antimicrobials, surgery, local thermotherapy and combination therapy. However, patients infected with M. marinum are usually treated with antimicrobials alone or in combination.

Synergistic arsenic(v) and lead(ii) retention on synthetic jarosite. I. Simultaneous structural incorporation behaviour and mechanism.

Jarosite [KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6] minerals are effective scavengers of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and are abundant, for example, in acid rock/mine drainage scenarios. The retention process is highly relevant for environmental attenuation of heavy metals and metalloids since these are usually highly soluble and thus mobile under acidic conditions. We investigated both macroscopically and at the molecular scale the extent and the effects of concomitant incorporation of As(v) and Pb(ii) into synthetic jarosite at different As/Pb starting molar ratios, using XRD-Rietveld, SEM, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and wet chemistry. The amount of arsenate substituted in the jarosite structure was larger when Pb(ii) was also incorporated, the former filling up to approximately 33% of the tetrahedral sites normally occupied by SO42-, as compared to 21% when Pb(ii) was absent. Similarly, the amount of Pb(ii) incorporated in the structure was larger when As(v) was also taken up. The jarosite unit cell volume increased as higher amounts of As(v) incorporated into its structure, but simultaneous Pb(ii) incorporation seemed to limit this increase due to its smaller size as compared to K+. The extent to which As and Pb can accommodate in the jarosite structure was found to be limited by concentration maxima under the imposed synthesis conditions. At As/Pb ratios up to 1, Pb-As-jarosites were the only crystalline products. Above this ratio, a mixture of Pb-As-jarosite, anglesite (PbSO4) and poorly-crystalline ferric arsenate (AFA) phases was observed. At the highest As/Pb ratio investigated of 1.80 Pb-As-jarosite was no longer formed. Infrared spectroscopy analysis was applied for the first time here to substituted jarosites with both cations and anions, showing spectral changes in the solids as the As/Pb ratio increased: a characteristic As-O doublet at ∼810 and ∼855 cm-1 was observed upon Pb incorporation, showing an indirect effect of Pb(ii) on the As-O bonds in the jarosite structure. Thus, structural incorporation of Pb plays a pivotal role in the unit cell environment of jarosite to balance the distortion caused by AsO4-for-SO4 substitution. The retention processes found in this work have important environmental implications and impacts: through the synergistic incorporation encountered, remediation enhancement of cationic pollutants such as Pb(ii) is possible in a concomitant fashion with As(v) attenuation in acidic mining and metallurgical environments.

The triglyceride and glucose index is useful for recognising insulin resistance in children.

AIM: Although recognising insulin resistance (IR) in children is particularly important, the gold standard test used to diagnose it, the euglyceamic glucose clamp, is costly, invasive and is not routinely available in our clinical settings in Mexico. This study evaluated whether the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index would provide a useful alternative. METHODS: A total of 2779 school children aged seven to 17 years, from Durango, Mexico, were enrolled during 2015-2016. The gold standard euglyceamic-hyperinsulinemic clamp test was performed in a randomly selected subsample of 125 children, and diagnostic concordance between the TyG index and the homoeostasis model assessment of IR was evaluated in all of the 2779 enrolled children. RESULTS: The best cut-off values for recognising IR using the TyG index were 4.65 for prepubertal girls and boys, 4.75 for pubertal girls and 4.70 for pubertal boys. Concordance between the TyG index and the homoeostasis model assessment of IR was 0.910 and 0.902 for the prepubertal girls and boys, 0.932 for the pubertal girls and 0.925 for the pubertal boys. CONCLUSION: The TyG index was useful for recognising IR in both prepubertal and pubertal children and could provide a feasible alternative to the costly and invasive gold standard test for IR in resource-limited settings.

Effects of storage time on the motility, mortality and calcium levels of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar spermatozoa.

This study estimates spermatozoa mortality, morphology, motility and intracellular calcium levels in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar milt after prolonged storage. Milt samples were preserved at 4° C for 25 days and then evaluated for mortality. Motility remained high for the first 3 days and the mortality was low during the first 5 days of storage. A decrease of >50% in calcium content was observed after 5 days of storage. When spermatozoa were activated, calcium levels increased >200% in relative fluorescence units (RFU); this rate of increase was lost when the samples were stored for extended periods of time and was only partially manifested in a zero calcium solution. The results suggest that in vitro storage of S. salar spermatozoa at 4° C for a period of 3 days preserves motility and limits mortality to levels similar to those of fresh spermatozoa. This method also maintains intracellular calcium storage critical for spermatozoa performance.

Identification of a Hemagglutinin from Gallibacterium anatis.

Gallibacterium anatis has the ability to hemagglutinate rabbit erythrocytes; however, no bacterial component has yet been associated with this function. In the present work, a protein of approximately 65 kDa with hemagglutinating activity for glutaraldehyde-fixed chicken erythrocytes was purified by ion interchange chromatography from G. anatis F149(T) secreted proteins. The protein was recognized by a rabbit polyclonal serum against a hemagglutinin from Avibacterium paragallinarum. The 65 kDa purified protein presented identity with a G. anatis filamentous hemagglutinin by mass spectrometric analysis. As well, the bacterial surface of G. anatis was labeled by immune gold assays using a polyclonal serum against the 65-kDa protein. A similar protein was recognized in four other G. anatis strains by immunoblots using the same antiserum. The protein binds sheep or pig biotinylated fibrinogen, suggesting an interaction with basement membrane eukaryotic cells components, and the protein is present in G. anatis biofilms. Overall, the results suggest that the 65 kDa hemagglutinin is a common antigen and a potential virulence factor in G. anatis.

Epidemiological surveillance in dairy farms in the Pastaza province of Ecuador. / Vigilancia epidemiológica en predios lecheros de la provincia de Pastaza, Ecuador.

A survey was carried out on dairy cattle farms in Pastaza province to analyse the degree of compliance with epidemiological surveillance activities (based on the main technical aspects in Ecuador's Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practices) and to assess the reduction of the risk of introducing disease into dairy cattle. Visits were made to 70 dairy and dual-purpose beef/dairy farms, where the survey was conducted to evaluate technical aspects relating to epidemiological surveillance and the risk of introducing disease. In only one of the nine areas of application covered in the guide was compliance with technical requirements greater than 70%: milking and milk handling (78.59%). In the following areas, a compliance rate of 40-65% was achieved: records and traceability; siting of livestock farms and infrastructure, facilities and equipment; use and quality of water and animal feed; and management of veterinary products and agricultural pesticides. In the remaining areas, the compliance rate was less than 20%. On average, there was only 27.96% compliance with the technical elements evaluated. The results show that current guidelines for good dairy farming practices can be used to evaluate basic aspects of epidemiological surveillance and of the reduction of the risk of introducing disease into dairy farms. They also reveal shortcomings in these aspects in the Amazonian province of Pastaza, which need to be addressed appropriately to reduce their negative impact on animal health.

Les auteurs décrivent une étude réalisée dans les exploitations bovines laitières de la province de Pastaza (Équateur) afin de déterminer le niveau de conformité des activités de surveillance épidémiologique et d'atténuation du risque d'introduction de diverses maladies animales. L'enquête portait sur les principales exigences techniques décrites dans le Guide de bonnes pratiques d'élevage en production laitière. À cette fin, 70 exploitations bovines laitières ou mixtes ont été inspectées pour évaluer leurs performances en termes de surveillance épidémiologique et d'atténuation du risque d'introduction de maladies. Parmi les neuf domaines opérationnels décrits dans le Guide, seules la traite et la gestion du lait étaient conformes à plus de 70 % des exigences techniques (78,59 %). Pour les domaines suivants, la conformité portait sur 40 % à 65 % des exigences techniques : enregistrement et traçabilité ; agencement des élevages et des infrastructures, installations et équipements ; utilisation et qualité de l'eau et des aliments donnés aux animaux ; gestion des produits à usage vétérinaire et des insecticides à usage agricole. Les autres opérations étaient conformes à moins de 20 % des exigences techniques. En moyenne, 27,96 % seulement des exigences techniques évaluées étaient respectées. Les résultats de l'étude démontrent que les guides de bonnes pratiques d'élevage en production laitière peuvent servir de base pour évaluer les principaux aspects de la surveillance épidémiologique et des mesures d'atténuation des risques d'introduction de maladies dans les cheptels laitiers ; d'autre part, l'étude a révélé des défaillances concernant ces aspects dans la province amazonienne de Pastaza, auxquelles il conviendra de prêter l'attention nécessaire afin de limiter leur impact négatif sur la santé animale.

Con el objetivo de realizar un análisis del grado de cumplimiento de las actividades de vigilancia epidemiológica y la reducción de riesgo de entrada de enfermedades en los predios productores de leche bovina de la provincia Pastaza, tomando como base los principales aspectos técnicos contemplados en la Guía de Buenas Prácticas Pecuarias de Producción de Leche, se visitaron 70 predios lecheros y de doble propósito, en los que se realizó una encuesta que incluía aspectos relacionados con la vigilancia epidemiológica y el riesgo de introducción de enfermedades. De las nueve áreas establecidas en la guía, solo cumple más del 70% de los aspectos técnicos el área de ordeño y manejo de la leche (78,59%). Cumplen entre el 40% y el 65% las siguientes áreas: documentos y trazabilidad; ubicación de las explotaciones pecuarias e infraestructura, instalaciones y equipos; uso y calidad del agua y de la alimentación animal; y manejo de productos de uso veterinario y plaguicidas de uso agrícola; el resto cumplen menos de un 20%. De media, se cumple solo el 27,96% de los elementos técnicos evaluados. Los resultados demuestran que, a partir de las guías establecidas para las buenas prácticas pecuarias de producción de leche, se pueden evaluar los aspectos básicos de vigilancia epidemiológica y de reducción de riesgos de introducción de enfermedades en los predios lecheros, y que en la provincia amazónica de Pastaza existen deficiencias en estos aspectos, a los cuales es necesario brindar la atención adecuada para reducir el impacto negativo que ejercen en la sanidad animal.

Role of SPECT-CT in breast cancer sentinel node biopsy when internal mammary chain drainage is observed.

INTRODUCTION: SPECT-CT in the detection of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) of breast cancer offers known advantages over conventional planar lymphoscintigraphy. Sometimes, it shows atypical findings like mediastinal lymphatic drainage. We have evaluated these atypical findings showed by SPECT-CT performed in patients with migration to the internal mammary chain (IMC) and their roles in the management of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the 56 lymphoscintigraphies (planar and SPECT-CT) of 56 women (average age: 55 years) diagnosed with breast cancer with IMC migration observed in the planar images. We compared the two techniques, obtaining the number of depicted nodes, atypical locations, their exact anatomical location and their role in the management of the patient. RESULTS: Planar images showed a total number of 81 IMC nodes. SPECT-CT showed 74 nodes in the IMC territory and 14 mediastinal lymphatic nodes in 6 patients. Out of the 81 IMC nodes reported by planar images, seven corresponded to mediastinal nodes. Planar and hybrid images showed 110 and 130 axillary nodes, respectively. SPECT-CT showed additional findings in five patients: three infraclavicular and two supraclavicular nodes that were exactly located. One intramammary node was discarded by the SPECT-CT as a focal skin contamination. CONCLUSION: Mediastinal nodes are unexpected, but not uncommon findings that are important in the planning of SLN biopsy. SPECT-CT found more nodes than planar images, being able to separate mediastinal and IMC nodes, helping to exactly depict the SLN and its relations with anatomical structures.

BORIS and CTCF are overexpressed in squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer.

We investigated the expression of Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. To analyze BORIS and CTCF expression, an endocervical cytobrush sample was taken for total RNA isolation. CTCF and BORIS mRNA was quantified from total RNA using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A total of 71 samples were collected and classified according to the Bethesda Classification of squamous intraepithelial lesions. BORIS expression was observed in 9 (12.7%) samples; of these, 5.3, 5.9, 14.8, and 37.5% in the groups that were cytology negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), and invasive cervical carcinoma, respectively. The expression level of BORIS was significantly higher in the group with invasive cervical carcinoma as compared with the groups negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, LSIL, and HSIL (P < 0.0005). CTCF mRNA was expressed in all samples. CTCF expression was significantly higher in carcinoma groups compared with LSIL, HSIL, and negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy groups. We found that BORIS and CTCF expressions in the LSIL and invasive cervical carcinoma groups were higher than expression in cytological normal samples. Additional studies should be conducted to examine the function of transcription factors during different stages of the transformation of cervical cancer cells.

Oral magnesium supplementation improves glycaemic status in subjects with prediabetes and hypomagnesaemia: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.

AIM: This study evaluated the efficacy of oral magnesium supplementation in the reduction of plasma glucose levels in adults with prediabetes and hypomagnesaemia. METHODS: A total of 116 men and non-pregnant women, aged 30 to 65 years with hypomagnesaemia and newly diagnosed with prediabetes, were enrolled into a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to receive either 30 mL of MgCl2 5% solution (equivalent to 382 mg of magnesium) or an inert placebo solution once daily for four months. The primary trial endpoint was the efficacy of magnesium supplementation in reducing plasma glucose levels. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant statistical differences in terms of anthropometric and biochemical variables between individuals in the supplement and placebo groups. At the end of follow-up, fasting (86.9 ± 7.9 and 98.3 ± 4.6 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.004) and post-load glucose (124.7 ± 33.4 and 136.7 ± 23.9 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.03) levels, HOMA-IR indices (2.85 ± 1.0 and 4.1 ± 2.7, respectively; P = 0.04) and triglycerides (166.4 ± 90.6 and 227.0 ± 89.7, respectively; P = 0.009) were significantly decreased, whereas HDL cholesterol (45.6 ± 10.9 and 46.8 ± 9.2 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.04) and serum magnesium (1.96 ± 0.27 and 1.60 ± 0.26 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.005) levels were significantly increased in those taking MgCl2 compared with the controls. A total of 34 (29.4%) people improved their glucose status (50.8% and 7.0% in the magnesium and placebo groups, respectively; P < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Our results show that magnesium supplementation reduces plasma glucose levels, and improves the glycaemic status of adults with prediabetes and hypomagnesaemia.

Role of Angiotensin II type 1 receptor on renal NAD(P)H oxidase, oxidative stress and inflammation in nitric oxide inhibition induced-hypertension.

AIMS: Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), renal oxidative stress and inflammation are constantly present in experimental hypertension. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition with N(w)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) has previously been reported to produce hypertension, increased expression of Angiotensin II (Ang II) and renal dysfunction. The use of Losartan, an Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist has proven to be effective reducing hypertension and renal damage; however, the mechanism by which AT1R blockade reduced kidney injury and normalizes blood pressure in this experimental model is still complete unknown. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that AT1R activation promotes renal NAD(P)H oxidase up-regulation, oxidative stress and cytokine production during L-NAME induced-hypertension. MAIN METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed in three groups: L-NAME, receiving 70 mg/100ml of L-NAME, L-NAME+Los, receiving 70 mg/100ml of L-NAME and 40 mg/kg/day of Losartan; and Controls, receiving water instead of L-NAME or L-NAME and Losartan. KEY FINDINGS: After two weeks, L-NAME induced high blood pressure, renal overexpression of AT1R, NAD(P)H oxidase sub-units gp91, p22 and p47, increased levels of oxidative stress, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17). Also, we found increased renal accumulation of lymphocytes and macrophages. Losartan treatment abolished the renal expression of gp91, p22, p47, oxidative stress and reduced NF-κB activation and IL-6 expression. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that NO induced-hypertension is associated with up-regulation of NADPH oxidase, oxidative stress production and overexpression of key inflammatory mediators. These events are associated with up-regulation of AT1R, as evidenced by their reversal with AT1R blocker treatment.

Beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplementation impairs peripheral insulin sensitivity in healthy sedentary Wistar rats.

AIM: Investigate, in healthy sedentary rats, the potential mechanisms involved on the effects of beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation upon the glycaemic homeostasis, by evaluating the insulin sensitivity in liver, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue. METHODS: Rats were supplemented with either beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (320 mg kg(-1)  BW) or saline by gavage for 4 weeks. After the experimental period, the animals were subjected to the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration measurements. The soleus skeletal muscle, liver and white adipose tissue were removed for molecular (western blotting and RT-PCR) and histological analysis. RESULTS: The beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplemented rats presented: (i) higher ratio between the area under the curve (AUC) of insulinaemia and glycaemia during glucose tolerance test; (ii) impairment of insulin sensitivity on liver and soleus skeletal muscle after insulin overload; (iii) reduction of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4) total and plasma membrane content on soleus; (iv) increased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) mRNA and protein expression on white adipose tissue and plasma NEFA levels and (v) reduction of fibre cross-sectional area of soleus muscle. CONCLUSION: The data altogether indicate that beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplementation impairs insulin sensitivity in healthy sedentary rats, which, in the long-term, could lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.