Initial evaluation of USP apparatus 4 for measuring dissolution profile of man-made vitreous fibers.

We report the successful evaluation of a US Pharmacopeia Apparatus 4 (USP-4) system in measuring the dissolution profiles of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF)1. Glass and stone wool fibers with different (high- and low-) solubility profiles were tested in closed-loop configuration using a sodium/potassium phosphate buffer solution or an acetate buffer, respectively. Results confirm a need to operate in diluted conditions to avoid silicon saturation in the simulant solution and suppression of fiber dissolution. A clear fiber-to-fiber differentiation with good cell-to-cell reproducibility was achieved. These findings support the continued development of a USP-4 protocol for MMVF in vitro acellular testing.

Application of High Hydrostatic Pressure in fresh purple smoothie: Microbial inactivation kinetic modelling and qualitative studies.

The inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes during High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) treatments was studied in a purple smoothie based of fresh fruit and vegetables. Pressure intensity studied was 300, 350, 400 and 450 MPa. Untreated samples were used as control. Furthermore, the effects on quality attributes (sensory, total soluble solids content, colour, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C and total phenolics content) were also monitored. Microbial inactivation was modelled as a function of the HHP intensity using the Geeraerd model. Shoulder and tail effects were observed only for the 300 MPa pressure assayed, supporting a multiple hit kinetic inactivation of critical factors. Increasing the HHP intensity resulted in a faster inactivation with tailing. A strong positive correlation was observed between the pressure level and the inactivation rate (k). Hence, a linear model was used to describe the relationship between both variables. Nevertheless, further data are required to confirm this secondary model. Quality was mostly unaffected by the HHP treatments, except for the vitamin C content, which reported reductions of 26 and 21% after 300 and 350 MPa, respectively. In conclusion, HHP can be a viable technology for processing fruit and vegetable-based smoothies to preserve quality and safety. A pressure of 400 MPa is advisable to ensure an efficient microbial inactivation with the best sensory and nutritional quality retention.

Laparoscopic Colposacropexy Mesh Excision Secondary to Severe Spondylodiscitis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe laparoscopic mesh excision for severe spondylodiscitis secondary to colposacropexy mesh infection and demonstrate its feasibility. DESIGN: Step-by-step description of the surgical procedure using an educational video. SETTING: Spondylodiscitis is an uncommon and severe complication after sacrocolpopexy [1], with only 34 cases published to date [2]. Symptoms usually appear weeks after surgery, the most common being back pain irradiating toward the lower extremities and fever [3,4]. Treatment consists of intravenous antibiotic therapy for a minimum of 6 weeks, and approximately 70% require a surgical treatment [2] including mesh removal and debridement of the necrotic material [5]. INTERVENTIONS: A 55-year-old woman received an intervention for colposacropexy 2 months before owing to severe hysterocele and cystocele and consulted for fever and intense lumbar pain. She was diagnosed as having L5 to S1 spondylodiscitis secondary to colposacropexy mesh infection. She received endovenous antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks and underwent a laparoscopic mesh excision to facilitate resolution of infection. Laparoscopic approach with a standard 4-port placement configuration was used, enabling the identification of the colposacropexy mesh. Surgical strategy initially consisted of dissection of the promontory, vesicovaginal, and pararectal spaces, having previously identified the main anatomic landmarks to preserve them. Suspension of the promontory peritoneum and the bladder to the abdominal wall enabled a better exposure of the surgical field, facilitating the dissection and excision of the mesh. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 4 days later. CONCLUSION: Owing to minimal morbidity and good results, laparoscopic mesh excision should be considered an effective treatment for spondylodiscitis secondary to mesh infection.

Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) versus Training in Affect Recognition (TAR) in patients with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Training in Affect Recognition (TAR) is a "targeted" and computer-aided program that has been shown to effectively attenuate facial affect recognition deficits and improve social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is a group "broad-based" intervention, that has also been shown to improve emotion recognition, theory of mind (ToM), and social functioning. To date, no study has compared the efficacy of two different social cognitive interventions. OBJECTIVES: We aim to compare the efficacy of TAR and SCIT on schizophrenia patients' performance on facial affect recognition, theory of mind, attributional style and social functioning before, after treatment, and three months thereafter. METHODS: One hundred outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were randomly assigned to the TAR or SCIT condition and completed pre- (T0) and posttreatment (T1) assessments and a 3-month follow up (T2) of emotion recognition (ER-40), theory of mind (Hinting Task), attributional style (AIHQ) and social functioning (PSP). RESULTS: The entire sample, receiving TAR or SCIT, showed improvements in theory of mind, attributional style, clinical symptoms and social functioning. This effect was maintained at three-months. The TAR intervention was more efficacious than the SCIT program in improving the recognition of facial emotions (ER-40). The TAR intervention also demonstrated a lower drop-out rate than the SCIT intervention. CONCLUSIONS: There were improvements in social cognition, symptomatology and functioning of patients in the entire sample, receiving SCIT or TAR. Both TAR and SCIT appear as valuable treatments for people with schizophrenia and social cognitive deficits.

Tamoxifen-independent recombination of reporter genes limits lineage tracing and mosaic analysis using CreERT2 lines.

The CreERT2/loxP system is widely used to induce conditional gene deletion in mice. One of the main advantages of the system is that Cre-mediated recombination can be controlled in time through Tamoxifen administration. This has allowed researchers to study the function of embryonic lethal genes at later developmental timepoints. In addition, CreERT2 mouse lines are commonly used in combination with reporter genes for lineage tracing and mosaic analysis. In order for these experiments to be reliable, it is crucial that the cell labeling approach only marks the desired cell population and their progeny, as unfaithful expression of reporter genes in other cell types or even unintended labeling of the correct cell population at an undesired time point could lead to wrong conclusions. Here we report that all CreERT2 mouse lines that we have studied exhibit a certain degree of Tamoxifen-independent, basal, Cre activity. Using Ai14 and Ai3, two commonly used fluorescent reporter genes, we show that those basal Cre activity levels are sufficient to label a significant amount of cells in a variety of tissues during embryogenesis, postnatal development and adulthood. This unintended labelling of cells imposes a serious problem for lineage tracing and mosaic analysis experiments. Importantly, however, we find that reporter constructs differ greatly in their susceptibility to basal CreERT2 activity. While Ai14 and Ai3 easily recombine under basal CreERT2 activity levels, mTmG and R26R-EYFP rarely become activated under these conditions and are therefore better suited for cell tracking experiments.

Colossal barocaloric effects near room temperature in plastic crystals of neopentylglycol.

There is currently great interest in replacing the harmful volatile hydrofluorocarbon fluids used in refrigeration and air-conditioning with solid materials that display magnetocaloric, electrocaloric or mechanocaloric effects. However, the field-driven thermal changes in all of these caloric materials fall short with respect to their fluid counterparts. Here we show that plastic crystals of neopentylglycol (CH3)2C(CH2OH)2 display extremely large pressure-driven thermal changes near room temperature due to molecular reconfiguration, that these changes outperform those observed in any type of caloric material, and that these changes are comparable with those exploited commercially in hydrofluorocarbons. Our discovery of colossal barocaloric effects in a plastic crystal should bring barocaloric materials to the forefront of research and development in order to achieve safe environmentally friendly cooling without compromising performance.

Outcomes of Hartmann's procedure and subsequent intestinal restoration. Which patients are most likely to undergo reversal?

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to describe characteristics and outcomes of Hartmann's procedure (HP) and subsequent intestinal restoration. METHODS: Retrospective study including all patients who underwent HP over a period of 16 consecutive years. We propose a classification and regression tree for a more accurate view of the relationship between the variables related to intestinal restoration and their weighting in the decision to reverse HP. RESULTS: 533 patients were included. Overall morbidity rate of HP was 53.5% and mortality 21.0%. Overall morbidity of the intestinal continuity reconstruction was 47.3% and mortality 0.9%. Patients with a benign disease, aged under 69 years and with low comorbidity, had an 84.4% probability of undergoing intestinal reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: HP is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Restoration of intestinal continuity involves minor, but frequent, morbidity and a low mortality rate. Age and comorbidities can decrease, and even override, the decision to reverse HP.

Reversal of Hartmann's procedure: a single-centre experience of 533 consecutive cases.

AIM: Hartmann's procedure (HP) is common. However, restoration of intestinal continuity is not so frequent. The aim of this study was to determine predictive factors which might influence outcomes following the reversal of HP. METHOD: All consecutive patients who underwent elective and emergency HP in a single institution between January 1999 and December 2014 were included. Data concerning patient, disease and treatment features were collected. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to determine prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 533 consecutive patients underwent HP over the 16-year period. Factors that were associated with a higher probability of reversal were age (< 69 years), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (I or II), indication for HP (likelihood of anastomotic leakage) and length of rectal stump reaching or exceeding the sacral promontory. A reduced probability of intestinal reconstruction was associated with anal incontinence, Stage IV cancer, postoperative transfusion or elective surgery. CONCLUSION: Age, ASA grade, the indication for HP, the length of rectal stump, anal incontinence, tumour stage, postoperative transfusion and elective surgery determine the probability of reversal.

ODZ1 allows glioblastoma to sustain invasiveness through a Myc-dependent transcriptional upregulation of RhoA.

Long-term survival remains low for most patients with glioblastoma (GBM), which reveals the need for markers of disease outcome and novel therapeutic targets. We describe that ODZ1 (also known as TENM1), a type II transmembrane protein involved in fetal brain development, plays a crucial role in the invasion of GBM cells. Differentiation of glioblastoma stem-like cells drives the nuclear translocation of an intracellular fragment of ODZ1 through proteolytic cleavage by signal peptide peptidase-like 2a. The intracellular fragment of ODZ1 promotes cytoskeletal remodelling of GBM cells and invasion of the surrounding environment both in vitro and in vivo. Absence of ODZ1 by gene deletion or downregulation of ODZ1 by small interfering RNAs drastically reduces the invasive capacity of GBM cells. This activity is mediated by an ODZ1-triggered transcriptional pathway, through the E-box binding Myc protein, that promotes the expression and activation of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and subsequent activation of Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK). Overexpression of ODZ1 in GBM cells reduced survival of xenografted mice. Consistently, analysis of 122 GBM tumour samples revealed that the number of ODZ1-positive cells inversely correlated with overall and progression-free survival. Our findings establish a novel marker of invading GBM cells and consequently a potential marker of disease progression and a therapeutic target in GBM.

Alteraciones de la alineación vertebral / Changes in spinal alignment

Las desalineaciones de la columna vertebral constituyen un motivo de consulta muy frecuente en atención primaria y servicios especializados. Las etiologías son diversas e influyen múltiples factores: en la adolescencia, la desalineación más frecuente es la escoliosis, de causa idiopática (80%) y normalmente asintomática. En la edad adulta, la causa más frecuente es la degenerativa. Es importante conocer la historia natural y detectar posibles factores predictivos de progresión. El correcto diagnóstico de las deformidades vertebrales requiere de estudios radiológicos concretos. El grado de deformidad determina el tipo de tratamiento. El objetivo es prevenir la progresión de la deformidad, recuperar la flexibilidad y el balance del cuerpo (AU)

Spinal misalignments are a common reason for consultation at primary care centers and specialized departments. Misalignment has diverse causes and is influenced by multiple factors: in adolescence, the most frequent misalignment is scoliosis, which is idiopathic in 80% of cases and normally asymptomatic. In adults, the most common cause is degenerative. It is important to know the natural history and to detect factors that might predict progression. The correct diagnosis of spinal deformities requires specific imaging studies. The degree of deformity determines the type of treatment. The aim is to prevent progression of the deformity and to recover the flexibility and balance of the body (AU)

Changes in spinal alignment. / Alteraciones de la alineación vertebral.

Spinal misalignments are a common reason for consultation at primary care centers and specialized departments. Misalignment has diverse causes and is influenced by multiple factors: in adolescence, the most frequent misalignment is scoliosis, which is idiopathic in 80% of cases and normally asymptomatic. In adults, the most common cause is degenerative. It is important to know the natural history and to detect factors that might predict progression. The correct diagnosis of spinal deformities requires specific imaging studies. The degree of deformity determines the type of treatment. The aim is to prevent progression of the deformity and to recover the flexibility and balance of the body.

One-step global parameter estimation of kinetic inactivation parameters for Bacillus sporothermodurans spores under static and dynamic thermal processes.

Bacillus sporothermodurans produces highly heat-resistant endospores, that can survive under ultra-high temperature. High heat-resistant sporeforming bacteria are one of the main causes for spoilage and safety of low-acid foods. They can be used as indicators or surrogates to establish the minimum requirements for heat processes, but it is necessary to understand their thermal inactivation kinetics. The aim of the present work was to study the inactivation kinetics under both static and dynamic conditions in a vegetable soup. Ordinary least squares one-step regression and sequential procedures were applied for estimating these parameters. Results showed that multiple dynamic heating profiles, when analyzed simultaneously, can be used to accurately estimate the kinetic parameters while significantly reducing estimation errors and data collection.

Expression of semaphorin 3A, semaphorin 7A and their receptors in multiple sclerosis lesions.

BACKGROUND: Studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) and in experimental models point to a critical role of semaphorin (sema)3A and sema7A in MS pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to characterise the expression of sema3A, sema7A, and their receptors in MS lesions. METHODS: We included 44 demyelinating lesions from MS patients, 12 lesions with acute cerebral infarct, 11 lesions with progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy and 10 non-neurological control patients. MS lesions were classified according to inflammatory activity and all samples were immunostained for sema3A, sema7A, neuropilin 1 (Np-1), α1-integrin, and ß1-integrin. RESULTS: In MS-damaged white matter sema3A and Np-1 were both detected in microglia/macrophages, whereas reactive astrocytes expressed only sema3A. Otherwise, sema7A, α1-integrin and ß1-integrin were observed in reactive astrocytes, and microglia/macrophages only expressed ß1-integrin. The expression of sema3A, sema7A and their receptors is more relevant in MS than in other demyelinating diseases. Sema3A and sema7A expression correlated with the inflammatory activity of the MS lesions, suggesting their involvement in the immunological process that takes place in MS. CONCLUSIONS: The expression pattern of sema3A, sema7A and their receptors in MS lesions suggests that both molecules contribute to create a negative environment for tissue regeneration, influencing the ability to regenerate the damaged tissue.

Uso de antipiréticos en urgencias pediátricas / Use of antipyretics in paediatric emergencies

No disponible

[Clinico-pathological and molecular aspects of diagnostic and prognostic value in gliomas]. / Aspectos clinicopatologicos y moleculares de valor diagnostico y pronostico en gliomas.

INTRODUCTION: Diffuse infiltrative gliomas, the most common primary brain tumours, account for almost 80% of malignant brain tumours. 60-70% of gliomas are astrocytic and over 80% of these tumours is considered high grade malignancy (grade III and IV) according to current World Health Organization classification. Infiltrating gliomas include diffuse astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas. AIM: To review the clinical and histological features of cerebral gliomas, and molecular alterations that add relevant information for novel approaches in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. DEVELOPMENT: The current gold standard diagnosis of these tumours relies on histopathological classification, which provides a grading of malignancy as a predictor of biological behaviour. However emerging molecular abnormalities have been discovered in the last years and these molecular changes are playing an increasingly prominent role as predictive biomarkers or in the development of diagnostic and prognostic. Now the neuropathologist is in crossroads between pathology and molecular biology and he plays a significant role in implementation of treatments and/or clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: The study of proteomics and molecular biomarkers should complement the histopathological analysis and sometimes allows to determine direct or indirect predictive factors as well as the study of affected pathways which may become selective therapeutic targets.

The ITINERIS scale on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities: development, pilot studies and application at a country level in South America.

BACKGROUND: The ITINERIS scale on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities (ISRPID) was developed to measure the extent to which people with intellectual disabilities (ID) exercise their rights. METHOD: The ISRPID was produced through a virtual Delphi group with 37 professionals and relatives of people with ID from four continents and was refined in small pilot groups with persons with ID in Argentina. It has 30 items and can be self-administered or completed by a proxy. Versions in three languages (English, Spanish and Portuguese) are available. Following its development, the ISRPID was applied in Chile to 705 persons with ID and to a control group of 524 college students without ID. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that family relationships, community participation, living arrangements and level of disability affect the experience of rights among people with ID. Importantly, with structured supports, people with ID appear able to exercise their rights to a level comparable to that of their peers without ID. CONCLUSIONS: With further development, the ISRPID may be an appropriate scale to monitor the exercise of rights contained in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at an individual or group level.

Brain contusions induce a strong local overexpression of MMP-9. Results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Brain contusions are inflammatory evolutive lesions that induce intracranial pressure increase and edema, contributing to neurological outcome. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 can degrade the majority of the extracellular matrix components, and are implicated in blood-brain barrier disruption and edema formation. The aim of this study was to investigate MMP-2 and MMP-9 profiles in human brain contusions using zymography. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 20 traumatic brain injury patients where contusion brain tissue was resected. Brain tissues from lobectomies were used as controls. Brain homogenates were analysed by gelatin zymography and in situ zimography was performed to confirm results, on one control and one brain contusion tissue sample. FINDINGS: MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were higher in brain contusions when compared to controls. MMP-9 was high during the first 24 hours and at 48 to 96 hours, whereas MMP-2 was slightly high at 24 to 96 hours. In situ zymography confirmed gelatin zymography results. A relation between outcome and MMP-9 levels was found; MMP-9 levels were higher in patients with worst outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate strong time-dependent gelatinase expression primarily from MMP-9, suggesting that the inflammatory response induced by focal lesions should be considered as a new therapeutic target.

[A study of the progression of the incidental prostate cancer depending on the kind of treatment performed]. / Estudio de la progresión del cáncer de próstata incidental según el tipo de tratamiento aplicado.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer is a common neoplasm, with a significant burden of mortality. Since it's diagnosed at old ages and usually growths slowly, agresive treatment of localised cancer of prostate could be of little benefit. The study of the evolution of incidental prostate cancer diagnosed 20 years ago could give directions for present decision-making. METHODS: We performed a time survival analysis of patients diagnosed of incidental prostate cancer between 1980 and 2000, and followed them until april 2005. We analysed overall and disease-specific mortality, related to the kind of treatment and some anatomopathological characteristics. RESULTS: We included 80 cases. Treatment was hormonotherapy in 34 cases, surgery in 4, radiotherapy in 3 and watchful waiting in 39. Overall average survival was 8.87 years. Disease-specific survival in low risk group (Gleason lower than 6) was 16 years, and in high risk group (Gleason higher than 7) was 6 years. No differences were found between hormonotherapy and watchful waiting. CONCLUSIONS: While in low risk patients watchful waiting represents an acceptable aproaching, it could not be adequate in high risk cases. Hormonotherapy showed no benefit in incidental prostate cancer.