Edaphic properties as pieces of evidence of tailings deposit on soils.

Mine tailings are one of the primary contaminant sources of heavy metals and metalloids in the soil. Besides increasing the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), tailings may modify the edaphic conditions and decrease the buffer capacity of impacted soils. The influence of tailings may reach distances far from the impoundments depending on the transport path and the specific transport mean: air, rain (runoff and infiltration), or acid mine drainage. In this study, soil samples from various horizons were collected in trial pits along a transect, at different distances from sulfide tailings. Soil analysis included texture, organic matter, alkalinity, porous space, carbonates, pH, electrical conductivity, real density, apparent density, total sulfur, main mineralogy, and total concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn. Graphical and statistical interpretation of the results showed that real density and porous space are the leading indicators of the tailings dispersion and accumulation and that pH is not a significant parameter (all values were above the neutrality) due to the limestone abundance in the area. However, Zn and Cd concentrations had an inverse relation with pH. Differences in the concentrations of PTEs between the superficial and deep layers that increased toward the tailings were also observed. Gypsum was only present in the closest samples to the tailings and may also be an indicator of tailings' influence on soils. This study allowed us to identify general edaphic parameters as a first and quick means to determine the tailings contamination of soils.

Quality and Performance of Papanicolaou Test using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP12-A2 Guidelines: A Single-Center Study in Peru.

Context: Quality assurance in cervical cytology is based on the cyto-histological correlation that is performed in several countries even without standardized protocols. Aims: To evaluate the quality of the Pap smear with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP12-A2 guideline in a Peruvian hospital. Settings and Design: This prospective study was carried out at tertiary care national hospital. Methods and Material: The 156 cyto-histological results were collected and coded according to the Bethesda 2014 and FIGO system. The evaluation with the CLSI EP12-A2 guide allowed estimating the performance and quality of the test. Statistical Analysis Used: We performed a descriptive analysis of the cytological and histological data and correlation with the weight Kappa test. From the calculation of the likelihood ratios, the post-test probability was estimated using Bayes' theorem. Results: In cytology, 57 (36.5%) were undetermined abnormalities, 34 (21.8%) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), and 42 (26.9%) high-grade SIL. Of the total biopsies, 56 (36.9%) were cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1, 23 (14.7%) were both CIN grade 2 and 3. We determined sensitivity, specificity, a positive and negative predictive value of 94%, 74.6%, 58%, and 97.1%, respectively. We determined a moderate cyto-histological agreement (κ = 0.57). Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (40%), and cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (42.1%) that showed higher overdiagnosis results. Conclusions: The quality and performance of the Papanicolaou test show high sensitivity and moderate specificity. The concordance found was moderate and the proportion of underdiagnosis was higher in abnormalities of undetermined significance.

Methyl benzoate and cinnamate analogs as modulators of DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Phenolic acids represent a large collection of phytochemical molecules present in the plant kingdom; they have an important role as epigenetic regulators, particularly as inhibitors of DNA methylation. In the present study, 14 methyl benzoate and cinnamate analogs were synthesized (11-24). Their cytotoxic activity on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep3B) and immortalized human hepatocyte cells was then evaluated. In addition, its effect on the inhibition of global DNA methylation in Hep3B was also determined. Our results showed that the cinnamic derivatives 11-14 and 20-22 were more potent than the free caffeic acid (IC50 109.7-364.2 µM), being methyl 3,4-dihydroxycinammate (12) the most active with an IC50  = 109.7 ± 0.8 µM. Furthermore, 11-14, 20-23 compounds decreased overall DNA methylation levels by 63% to 97%. The analogs methyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (11), methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamate (14), methyl 4-methoxycinnamate (21), and methyl 3,4-dimethoxycinnamate (22) showed relevant activities of both cytotoxicity and global DNA methylation inhibition. The molecular docking of 21 and 14 suggested that they partly bind to the SAH-binding pocket of DNA methyltransferase 1. These results emphasize the importance of natural products and their analogs as potential sources of DNA methylation modulating agents.

Expression analysis of progesterone­regulated miRNAs in cells derived from human glioblastoma.

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most frequent and malignant type of brain tumor. It has been reported that progesterone (P4) regulates the progression of GBMs by modifying the expression of genes that promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion; however, it is not fully understood how these processes are regulated. It is possible that P4 mediates some of these effects through changes in the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile in GBM cells. The present study investigated the effects of P4 on miRNAs expression profile in U­251MG cells derived from a human GBM. U­251MG cells were treated for 6 h with P4, RU486 (an antagonist of the intracellular progesterone receptor), the combined treatment (P4+RU486) and cyclodextrin (vehicle) and then a miRNA microarray analysis conducted. The expression analysis revealed a set of 190 miRNAs with differential expression in the treatments of P4, RU486 and P4+RU486 in respect to the vehicle and P4 in respect to P4+RU486, of which only 16 were exclusively regulated by P4. The possible mRNA targets of the miRNAs regulated by P4 could participate in the regulation of proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell migration of GBMs. The present study provided insight for understanding epigenetic modifications regulated by sex hormones involved in GBM progression, and for identifying potential therapeutic strategies for these brain tumors.

Effect of linagliptin on glucose metabolism and pancreatic beta cell function in patients with persistent prediabetes after metformin and lifestyle.

The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding linagliptin to metformin and lifestyle on glucose levels and pancreatic ß-cell function in patients with persistent impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) after 12 months of metformin and lifestyle. A single center parallel double-blind randomized clinical trial with 6 months of follow-up was performed in patients with persistent IGT after 12 months of treatment with metformin and lifestyle; patients were randomized to continue with metformin 850 mg twice daily (M group, n = 12) or linagliptin/metformin 2.5/850 mg twice daily (LM group, n = 19). Anthropometric measurements were obtained by standard methods and by bioelectrical impedance; glucose was measured by dry chemistry, insulin by chemiluminescence, and pancreatic ß-cell function was calculated with the disposition index using glucose and insulin values during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and adjusting by insulin sensitivity. The main outcomes were glucose levels during OGTT and pancreatic ß-cell function. Patients in the LM group had a reduction in weight (-1.7 ± 0.6, p < 0.05) and body mass index (BMI, -0.67 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). Glucose levels significantly improved in LM group with a greater reduction in the area under the glucose curve during OGTT (AUCGluc0_120min) as compared to the M group (-4425 ± 871 vs -1116 ± 1104 mg/dl/120 min, p < 0.001). Pancreatic ß-cell function measured with the disposition index, improved only in LM group (2.3 ± 0.23 vs 1.7 ± 0.27, p 0.001); these improvements persisted after controlling for OGTT glucose levels. The differences in pancreatic ß-cell function persisted also after pairing groups for basal AUCGluc0_120min. The addition of linagliptin to patients with persistent IGT after 12 months of treatment with metformin and lifestyle, improved glucose levels during OGTT and pancreatic ß-cell function after 6 months of treatment.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov with the ID number NCT04088461.

Dihydrotestosterone Induces Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines.

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most frequent and aggressive human brain tumors due to their high capacity to migrate, invade healthy brain tissue, and resist anticancer therapies. It has been reported that testosterone (T) levels are higher in patients with GBM than in healthy controls. It has also been dem{}onstrated that T induces proliferation, migration, and invasion of human GBM cell lines. T is mainly metabolized to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5α-reductase (5αR), but the role of this metabolite in GBM cells is unknown. METHODS: The expression of 5αR isoenzymes and AR in biopsies of GBMs was determined by the analysis of TCGA. U87 and U251 GBM cell lines were grown in supplemented DMEM. For evaluating the expression of AR in U251 and U87 cells, a RT-qPCR was performed. The cells were treated with T, DHT, finasteride (FIN), dutasteride (D), and the combined treatments, FIN+T and D+T or vehicle. After treatments, the viability was quantified by the trypan blue exclusion assay, the proliferation was evaluated by BrdU incorporation, and migration and invasion were analyzed by the scratch-wound and the transwell assays, respectively. RESULTS: In a set of glioma biopsies from TCGA, we observed that SRD5A2 (5αR2) expression was higher in GBM and in low-grade gliomas than in normal brain tissue. We observed that DHT and T increased proliferation, migration, and invasion of human GBM cell lines: U87 and U251. F and D, drugs that inhibit 5αR activity, blocked the effects of T on GBM cells. DISCUSSION: These data suggest that T induces human GBM progression through its conversion into DHT. These results can be related to the chemical structure of DHT, which increases its affinity for AR and decreases five times the rate of dissociation compared to T. Also, it is possible that DHT mediates the effects of T on cell human GBM cells motility by changing the expression of genes involved in tumor infiltration.

Oral health in adolescents with disabilities from centro de educación especial San Miguel, Guarambaré, Paraguay / Salud bucal en adolescentes con discapacidad del centro de educación especial San Miguel, de Guarambaré, Paraguay

ABSTRACT: Introduction: oral health in patients with disabilities represents a great challenge in dentistry, as motor, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional limitations influence oral hygiene, leading to the development of certain diseases in this population. The aim of the present study was to analyze the oral health conditions of school children with disabilities aged 12 to 18 years attending Centro de Educación Especial San Miguel, in the city of Guarambaré, in 2013. Methods: this was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A survey was applied to 20 schoolchildren who met the inclusion criteria. Oral health was assessed using the DMFT index, as well as the dental plaque, tartar, gingival indices and occlusal anomalies. Results: the DMFT index was 5.5 (SD = 4.38), dental plaque index was 1.15, tartar was 0.53 and gingival index was 0.68. There was malocclusion in 50% of cases, of which 35% were class II and 15% class III. Conclusions: the school children participating in this study do not enjoy good health conditions because of the high rate of tooth decay, high percentages of dental plaque, and a large percentage of preventive and restorative needs.

RESUMEN: Introducción: la salud bucal en pacientes con discapacidad representa un gran desafío en la odontología, pues las limitaciones motoras, sensoriales, cognitivas, conductuales y emocionales inciden en la higiene oral, lo cual lleva al desarrollo de ciertas enfermedades en esta población. El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en analizar el estado de salud bucal de escolares de 12 a 18 años con discapacidad, que asistieron al Centro de Educación Especial San Miguel, de la ciudad de Guarambaré, en el año 2013. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se realizó un censo en el que participaron 20 escolares que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. La salud bucal se evaluó mediante los índices CPO-D, placa dental, sarro, gingival y anomalías de oclusión. Resultados: el índice CPO-D fue de 5,5 (DE = 4,38), el índice de placa dental fue de 1,15, el de sarro fue de 0,53 y el gingival de 0,68. Se presentó maloclusión en el 50%, de los cuales 35% correspondieron a la clase II y el 15% a la clase III. Conclusiones: no existen condiciones aceptables de salud bucal en los escolares de este estudio debido al elevado índice de caries, a los altos porcentajes de placa dental, y a un gran porcentaje de necesidades preventivas y restauradoras.

Nivel de conocimiento sobre prevención de caries dental en universitarios / Dental caries prevention related knowledge among students

Introdución: El conocimiento adecuado de aspectos sobre prevención de caries dental, puede resultar fundamental para mantener un estado de salud bucal óptimo. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimiento sobre prevención de caries dental en estudiantes de carreras distintas a Odontología de la Universidad del Pacífico, matriculados en el año 2015. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, donde participaron 131 estudiantes, que completaron una encuesta con 10 preguntas cerradas sobre mecanismos de prevención de la caries dental. Resultados: Pertenecían al sexo femenino 63.4%; procedían de Asunción 58,8%, el promedio de edad fue de 20 años. Solo el 8,4% respondió que bacterias que dañan los dientes aparecen en el niño desde que se transmite, considerando sólo un 25,1% a la caries dental transmisible. El 41,2% contestó que es tan importante la técnica de cepillado como la marca del cepillo. Sólo el 19,1% cree que se debe realizar limpieza bucal desde el nacimiento, mientras que el 56,5% desde que erupciona el primer diente. Así también, solo un 35,1% consideró que los dientes deciduos cariados deben ser tratados para conservar el espacio de los permanentes. El nivel de conocimientos fue insuficiente (1-2 aciertos) en 8,4%; aceptable (3-4 aciertos) en 43,5%; (5-6 aciertos) en 41,2%; (7-8 aciertos) en 6,9% y ninguno obtuvo excelente. Conclusiones: Menos de la mitad presentó conocimiento muy bueno sobre prevención de la caries dental, lo que indicaría que en la población de estudio se necesita promocionar estrategias para conseguir una buena salud bucodental.

Introduction: Adequate knowledge of dental caries prevention may be critical to maintain optimal oral health status. objective: to determine the dental caries prevention related knowledge among Universidad del Pacífico students, in different faculties than Dentistry, enrolled in the year 2015. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 131 undergraduate students, who completed a survey of 10 closed questions on caries prevention mechanisms. Results: 63.4% were female; 58.8% came from Asunción city, the average age was 20. Only 8.4% said bacteria that damage the teeth appear in the child right from the moment bacteria reach child's mouth and only 25.2% considered dental caries as transmissible. 41.2% consider brushing techniques and brush brand as very important. Only 19.1% believed that dental cleaning should be performed at birth, while 56.5% since the first tooth erupts. Likewise, only 35.1% considered temporary teeth decayed must be treated to keep space for future permanent teeth. Knowledge level was insufficient (1-2 hits) at 8.4%; acceptable (3-4 hits) in 43.5%; good (5-6 hits) in 41.2%; very good (7-8 hits) on 6.9% and none got excellent. Conclusions: Less than half the students have good knowledge about dental caries prevention, which would indicate that the study population needed strategies to reach good oral health habits.

Evaluación de la salud oral en nativos de la comunidad Maká / Assessment of oral health in a Native community Maká

RESUMEN Introducción: los nativos se ven afectados en su estado de salud en razón de sus diferencias culturales, separación social y política, entre otras causas. En Paraguay, la comunidad Maká es predominante en la región urbana. Objetivos: describir el estado de salud bucal de una comunidad Maká. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal realizado en nativos Maká de 20 a 35 años de edad de la ciudad de Mariano Roque Alonso, en el año 2012. Resultados: se evaluó el estado bucal de 98 adultos jóvenes. El índice CPO-D fue de 18,8. El Indice gingival denotó alta prevalencia de inflamación (92,9%). El Índice periodontal mostró 59,2% de afectados por cálculos, sangrado o bolsas. El Índice de O´Leary reportó 100% en 75% de los evaluados. No se observó alto riesgo al evaluar la dieta cariogénica. Conclusiones: el índice CPO-D fue 18,8. El índice gingival fue 92,9%, el periodontal 59,2% y el de O´Leary 100%.

ABSTRACT Introduction: natives are affected in their health because of their cultural, social and political separation, betweenother causes. In Paraguay, the Maká community is predominant in the urban region. Objectives: To describe the oral health status of a Maká community. Material and Methods: Transversal study conducted in native Maká 20 to 35 years old of the city of Mariano Roque Alonso, in 2012. Results: The oral condition of 98 young adults was assessed. The DMFT index was 18.8. The gingival index denoted high prevalence of inflammation (92.9%). Community Periodontal Index showed 59.2% affected by calculus, bleeding or bags. O'Leary index reported 100% in 75% of those tested. No increased risk was observed to assess diet. Conclusions: The DMFT index was 18.8. The gingival index was 92.9%, the periodontal was 59.2% and the O'Leary was 100%.

Análisis de los factores de riesgo de la hipertensión arterial en Colima, México / Analysis of risk factors for hypertension in Colima, Mexico

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la posible asociación de la edad, el sexo, el sobrepeso, los antecedentes familiares de hipertensión arterial (HTA), el alcoholismo y el sedentarismo con la HTA en la población adulta de la ciudad de Colima, México. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal analítico de base poblacional. Se aplicó una encuesta estructurada a 280 adultos mayores de 30 años que residían en la ciudad mexicana de Colima en 2001 y 2002. Las variables estudiadas fueron el sexo, la edad, el peso, la talla, los antecedentes familiares de HTA, la práctica de ejercicio físico, el tabaquismo y el consumo de alcohol. La presión arterial (PA) se midió por el método auscultatorio. Las mediciones limítrofes o dudosas se repitieron cuatro o cinco días después. Se consideró que había HTA cuando la PA sistólica era >140 mm Hg y la presión arterial diastólica era > 90 mm Hg, o la persona estaba bajo tratamiento antihipertensivo. Se calcularon las razones de posibilidades (odds ratios, RP) de las variables estudiadas y sus intervalos de confianza de 95 por ciento (IC95 por ciento). La asociación entre las variables y la HTA se estimó mediante regresión logística y la interacción mediante el coeficiente de productos de interacción. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia bruta de HTA fue de 28,6 por ciento. La prevalencia fue mayor en hombres que en mujeres (42,1 por ciento frente a 19,2 por ciento, respectivamente; RP = 3,04; IC95 por ciento: 1,8 a 5,2) y en personas mayores de 49 años que en personas de 30 a 49 años (36,8 por ciento frente a 21,9 por ciento, respectivamente; RP = 2,07; IC95 por ciento: 1,22 a 3,50). Los antecedentes familiares de HTA y el sobrepeso mostraron asociación con la HTA, mientras que la práctica de ejercicio físico tuvo un efecto protector (RP = 0,45; 0,23 a 0,86). Se encontró interacción entre la HTA y la edad (> 50 años), los antecedentes familiares de HTA, el sobrepeso y la práctica de ejercicio físico, particularmente en mujeres. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de HTA en Colima es muy semejante a la encontrada a nivel nacional en México. Su fuerte asociación con el sexo masculino, independientemente de las otras variables, resalta la necesidad de promover campañas preventivas más enfocadas en los hombres.

Objective. To evaluate the possible association that age, sex, excess weight, family history of hypertension, alcoholism, and sedentary lifestyle have with hypertension in the adult population of the city of Colima, Mexico. Methods. This was a population-based analytic cross-sectional study. A structured survey was used with 280 adults older than 30 years of age who were living in the city of Colima in 2001 and 2002. The variables studied were sex, age, weight, height, family history of hypertension, engaging in physical exercise, smoking, and consuming alcohol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with the auscultatory method. Borderline ordoubtful measurements were checked again four or five days later. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg, or as the person being under antihypertensive treatment. The odds ratios (ORs) of the variables studied were calculated, along with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The association between the variables and hypertension was estimated through logistic regression, and their interaction through the coefficient of the interaction products. Results. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.6%. The prevalence was higher in men than in women (42.1% vs. 19.2%; OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.8 to 5.2) and in people older than 49 years than in people 30 to 49 years old (36.8% vs. 21.9%; OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.22 to 3.50). A family history of hypertension and excess weight were associated with hypertension, while physical exercise had a protective effect (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.86). There was interaction between hypertension and age ≥ 50 years, a family history of hypertension, overweight, and physical exercise, especially among women. Conclusions. The prevalence of hypertension in Colima is very similar to that for Mexico as a whole. The strong association that hypertension had with male gender, regardless of the other variables, emphasizes the need for promoting prevention campaigns that focus more on men

[Analysis of risk factors for hypertension in Colima, Mexico]. / Análisis de los factores de riesgo de la hipertensión arterial en Colima, México.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible association that age, sex, excess weight, family history of hypertension, alcoholism, and sedentary lifestyle have with hypertension in the adult population of the city of Colima, Mexico. METHODS: This was a population-based analytic cross-sectional study. A structured survey was used with 280 adults older than 30 years of age who were living in the city of Colima in 2001 and 2002. The variables studied were sex, age, weight, height, family history of hypertension, engaging in physical exercise, smoking, and consuming alcohol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with the auscultatory method. Borderline or doubtful measurements were checked again four or five days later. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP > or = 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure > or = 90 mm Hg, or as the person being under antihypertensive treatment. The odds ratios (ORs) of the variables studied were calculated, along with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The association between the variables and hypertension was estimated through logistic regression, and their interaction through the coefficient of the interaction products. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 28.6%. The prevalence was higher in men than in women (42.1% vs. 19.2%; OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.8 to 5.2) and in people older than 49 years than in people 30 to 49 years old (36.8% vs. 21.9%; OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.22 to 3.50). A family history of hypertension and excess weight were associated with hypertension, while physical exercise had a protective effect (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.86). There was interaction between hypertension and age > or = 50 years, a family history of hypertension, overweight, and physical exercise, especially among women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension in Colima is very similar to that for Mexico as a whole. The strong association that hypertension had with male gender, regardless of the other variables, emphasizes the need for promoting prevention campaigns that focus more on men.

Epignatus: reporte de un caso / Epignathus: report of a case

Se reporta una paciente que mostraba una entidad tumoral congénita extremadamente rara del complejo bucofacial, derivada de restos de tejido embrionario. El epignatus se define como un monstruo doble, en el cual el feto parásito o parte de él, se encuentra inserto en la mandíbula del autósito, aunque pueden ser también pólipos, quistes pilosos, quistes dermoides o teratomas. Esta malformación puede tener un gran tamaño e interferir la alimentación y/o la respiración. Se presenta una paciente con esta entidad, en la cual la disección necrópsica puso en evidencia la irresecabilidad de la tumoración, de haberse podido realizar la intervención quirúrgica

Fibroma cemento osificante: presentación de un caso / Cemento-ossifying fibroma: report of a case

El fibroma cemento osificante es una neoplasia de hueso que ha causado notables controversias, de acuerdo con la terminología y criterios diagnósticos. En este momento, representa una entidad definida que puede ser separada de las displasias fibrosas del hueso y de otras lesiones osteofibrosas que no son verdaderas neoplasias. En nuestro paciente lo más llamativo es la edad en que se presenta esta entidad, que es característica de adultos jóvenes o de mediana edad y con pocos signos clínicos. Presentamos un paciente de 6 años, masculino, negro con antecedentes de salud anterior, que presenta a su examen físico inicial, como único signo, el aumento de volumen anterior de la mandibula. Al estudio radiográfico se constata gran imagen radiolúcida con desplazamiento de dientes y expansión de las corticales óseas, pero respetando las mismas. Al realizarle la extirpación se confirma el diagnóstico por estudio histopatológico