Association between COMMD1 gene polymorphism rs11125908 and rheumatoid arthritis in the Cuban population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of the rs11125908 polymorphism in the COMMD1 gene in the Cuban population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this case-control study, 161 RA patients and 150 control subjects were genotyped for rs11125908 by the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction method. DNA sequencing was used to verify the assignation of the polymorphism. The odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval were calculated by logistic regression to determine the associations between genotypes and RA using the SNPStats software. RESULTS: An association of the single nucleotide polymorphism with the disease was found in the overdominant model (p=0.025; OR=1.91) for the AG genotype. Our analyses revealed an association between rs11125908 and the subgroup of patients with swollen joints < median under the codominant model for AG (p=0.034; OR=2.30) and GG genotype (p=0.034; OR=0.82) and with the overdominant model (p=0.01; OR=2.38). The subgroup of patients with an age of onset lower than the mean and AG genotype showed an association in the overdominant model (p=0.027; OR=2.27). Disease activity score 28 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and disease duration variables were not associated with the rs11125908 polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: rs11125908 was associated with RA and with the number of swollen joints and age of onset subgroup analyses. We provide concepts for treatments for RA, based on pharmacological management of COMMD1 expression.

Mammary gland secretion pH and electrolytes in prepartum Mangalarga Marchador mares / [Concentrações de pH e eletrólitos na secreção da glândula mamária de éguas Mangalarga Marchador no período pré-parto]

The objective of this study was to determine pH and the concentrations of Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Chloride (Cl-), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Calcium (Ca2+) in the mammary gland secretion in pre-foaling Mangalarga Marchador (MM) mares to determine the best method to predict parturition in the breed. Forty-two pregnant MM mares were evaluated once daily from 310 days of gestation until parturition. Mammary gland secretion pH, measured by pH meter and pH paper strip, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Cl- levels significantly changed during the last 10 days prior to parturition (p<0.05). The lowest pH mean value (pH meter=6.67±0.42; pH strip=6.23±0.53) and significantly higher mean concentrations of Ca2+ (12.6±5.8mmol/L) and Mg2+ (10.93±3.66mmol/L) were obtained 24 hours prior to foaling (p<0.0001). Chloride levels reduced significantly 8 days prior to parturition (p<0.0001) but remained unchanged until the due date. Mammary gland pH secretion, measured by pH meter and pH paper strip, was effective to predict parturition. Quantitative pH values obtained with the pH meter had a greater accuracy in comparison to pH paper strips, but a strong correlation was found between both methods. Calcium and magnesium were the only electrolytes that changed in concentration immediately prior to parturition and are better indicators of when not to expect foaling.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o pH e as concentrações de cálcio (Ca2+), magnésio (Mg2+), cloro (Cl-), sódio (Na+) e potássio (K+) na secreção da glândula mamária de éguas Mangalarga Marchador (MM) no período pré-parto, a fim de determinar o melhor método para predizer proximidade do parto na raça. Quarenta e duas éguas MM foram avaliadas diariamente a partir dos 310 dias de gestação até o parto. O pH, aferido pelo pHmetro e por fitas reagentes, e os eletrólitos Ca2+, Mg2+ e Cl- apresentaram diferenças significativas em suas concentrações nos últimos 10 dias pré-parto (P<0,05). A diminuição significativa dos valores médios de pH (pHmetro= 6,67±0,42; fitas reagentes= 6,23±0,53) e o aumento significativo nas concentrações médias de Ca2+ (12,6±5,8mmol/L) e Mg2+ (10,93±3,66mmol/L) foram observados 24 horas pré-parto (P<0,0001). As concentrações de cloro diminuíram significativamente oito dias antes do parto (P<0,0001), porém continuaram sem alteração até o momento da parição. O pH da secreção foi eficaz para predizer o momento do parto. Valores quantitativos obtidos por meio do pHmetro apresentaram maior acurácia em comparação às fitas de pH, porém obteve-se forte correlação entre os dois métodos. Cálcio e magnésio foram os únicos eletrólitos que apresentaram alterações significativas no pré-parto imediato e são indicadores mais precisos de quando não esperar o parto.

Hypovitaminosis D, oral potentially malignant disorders, and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and potentially malignant oral disorders (OPMDs) could be associated with low levels of vitamin D. This systematic review aimed to determine the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D with OPMDs and OSCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review was conducted according to Cochrane guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42020207382) on literature retrieved from the PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The antecedents extracted were study design, methodology, sample (country, number of patients, age, and sex), oral manifestations (type of lesion, location, prevalence, and follow-up), serum vitamin D levels or use of vitamin D supplements, results, and conclusions. RESULTS: Twelve articles were selected. Some of the most relevant findings were alterations in vitamin D could favor the progress of OPMDs to OSCC. Higher levels of vitamin D can increase levels of anti-inflammatory mediators, CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD3+ T lymphocytes in intratumoral tissue. The normalization of vitamin D levels in patients with OSCC can increased cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, favoring antitumor immune response. Vitamin D supplemented can lower adverse effects associated with chemotherapy like mucositis and pain. Tobacco can increase risk of developing OSCC altering vitamin D levels. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D could increase risk of developing OSCC from OPMDs, thus altering the immune response and it is associated with a lower survival rate in patients with OSCC, a greater recurrence of tumors in patients who underwent surgical treatment, and an increase in adverse reactions to chemotherapy. The use of vitamin D supplements can be a complement to primary therapy to prevent the recurrence of lesions and reduce adverse events associated with treatment.

Queratoquistes odontogénicos maxilares en paciente con síndrome de Gorlin. Descripción de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Maxillary odontogenic keratocysts in a Gorlin síndrome patient: Case report and literatura review

Los queratoquistes maxilares son frecuentes en pacientes con síndrome de Gorlin. Su tratamiento es debatido por su alta tendencia a la recidiva. En los últimos años la cirugía endoscópica nasosinusal ha adquirido importancia en el manejo de esta patología. Exponemos en caso de un varón de 16 años afecto de este síndrome con queratoquistes maxilares donde se realiza un abordaje combinado, endonasal y transoral.

Maxillary keratocysts are frequent in Gorlin Syndrome patients. Its treatment is discussed due to the high tendency to recurrence. In the last years the sinonasal endoscopic surgery has become an important tool in the management of this pathology. We report a 16 years old boy with Gorlin Syndrome and maxillary keratocysts treated with a trans-nasal endoscopic and intra-oral combined approach.

Pathogens Detection in the Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)).

Aethina tumida Murray is currently a worldwide emergent pest of Apis mellifera L. hives. Although the damaging effect on the colony stores and brood is well known, the possible role of these beetles as a disease carrier is not clear. This is the first report of DNA presence of the trypanosome honeybee parasite Lotmaria passim and Crithidia bombi, and the Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) in A. tumida. Further studies will be needed to determine if A. tumida is indeed a mechanical or biological vector of these pathogens.

Pancreatic Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Survival in Puerto Rico, 2001-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an epidemiologic profile of pancreatic cancer (PC) in Puerto Rico (PR) with data gathered from 2001 to 2015. METHODS: Using data from the PR Central Cancer Registry we estimated incidence and mortality rates and trends of PC in PR, and performed survival analyses. We also compared the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of PC in people in PR with those of Hispanics, non-Hispanic whites, and non Hispanic blacks in the United States (US). RESULTS: From 2011 to 2015, 7.8 per 100,000 persons were diagnosed with PC in PR; higher rates were observed in men than in women (9.2 vs. 6.7 per 100,000, respectively) and in persons 65 years old and older (42.7 per 100,000 persons). For the same period, 6.7 per 100,000 persons died from PC; men and persons 65 years and older had higher mortality rates. Incidence and mortality trends of PC in PR increased from 2001-2015 (annual percent change [APC] = 3.8% and 1.9%, respectively (p<0.05). Lower risk of being diagnosed with and dying from PC was seen in PR than in members of several racial/ethnic groups in the US. The median survival time for PC cases diagnosed in PR during the period of 2008 to 2012 was 5.3 months. CONCLUSION: We observed increasing mortality rates and low survival in PC patients in PR. Research on access and response to treatment is needed to elucidate the reasons for the observed results and have a positive impact on PC burden and survival.

New horizons in breast cancer: the promise of immunotherapy.

Immunology and immunotherapy of cancer is an expanding field in oncology, with recent great achievements obtained through the new successful approaches implemented to circumvent immune evasion, which is undoubtedly considered a novel hallmark of cancer. Translational research in this topic has revealed targets that can be modulated in the clinical setting with new compounds and strategies. Like most of the tumors, breast cancer is considered a complex and heterogeneous disease in which host immune responses have been also recently demonstrated of critical relevance. T infiltrating lymphocyte measurement is suggested as a powerful new tool necessary to predict early breast cancer evolution, especially for the her2-positive and triple-negative subtypes. Other biomarkers in tissue and peripheral blood are under intense scrutiny to ascertain their eventual role as prognostic and/or predictive factors. This background has fueled the interest in developing clinical research strategies to test activity of modern immunotherapy in breast cancer, which constitutes the main focus of this review.

Frecuencia de hígado graso no alcohólico diagnosticado por ecografía abdominal en pacientes obesos / Frequency of fatty liver nonalcoholic diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound in patients obese

El hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA) es una complicación asociada a la obesidad, debido a la acumulación excesiva de grasa en el hígado. Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de hígado graso no alcohólico diagnosticado por ecografía abdominal en pacientes que asisten a la Unidad del Manejo Integral del Paciente Obeso del Hospital de Clínicas, FCM ­ UNA, se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo que incluyó a 188 pacientes, de los cuales 146 fueron mujeres y 42 hombres, la edad media en los pacientes con diagnóstico de HGNA fue de 41,3±11,4 años con un rango de edad de 20 a 65 años. Los resultados señalan la frecuencia de HGNA con el 56,9% (n=107) por ecografía abdominal, siendo 39,9% (n=75) mujeres y 17% (n=32) hombres, mientras que 43,1% (n=81) presentó hígado de aspecto normal. El 43,9% (n=47) de los pacientes con HGNA exhibió obesidad grado III. Al comparar la circunferencia abdominal en los 107 pacientes con HGNA se obtuvo una media de 139,1±97,8 cm. Con respecto al grado de esteatosis el 43,1% (n=81) mostró grado 0, 31,9% (n=60) grado 1, 20,7% (n=39) grado 2 y 4,3% (n=8) grado 3. Se observaron en los datos de laboratorio elevación de las transaminasas GPT 35,5% (n=38), 25,2% (n=27) en la GOT y 24,3% (n=26) FA, se notó aumento en los valores de las bilirrubinas directa e indirecta, 65,4% (n=70) BD y 69,2% (n=74) BI, por otra parte el 47,7% (n=51) enseñó CT elevado, 49% (n=45,7) HDL disminuido, 36,4% (n=39) LDL elevado y 29% (n=31) con triglicéridos elevados. Se halló que el 69,1% (n=74) de los pacientes con HGNA tienen HTA. Al realizar la comparación de las variables mencionadas entre los pacientes con y sin HGNA, arrojó que las transaminasas GPT, GOT y triglicéridos estuvieron en niveles más altos en los pacientes con HGNA. Se evidenció que la obesidad es un factor determinante para el desarrollo de HGNA, la caracterización del perfil hepático y lipídico, asimismo la presión arterial constituyen puntos fundamentales para asociar el aumento de estos con la presencia de HGNA.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complication associated with obesity, due to excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. In order to determine the frequency of NAFLD diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound in patients attending the unit Comprehensive Patient Management Obese the Hospital of Clinics, FCM - UNA, a retrospective observational study involving performed in 188 patients, of which 146 were women and 42 men, average age in patients with NAFLD diagnosis was 41,3±11,4 years with an age range of 20 - 65 years. The results indicate the frequency of NAFLD with 56,9% (n=107) for abdominal ultrasound, being 39,9% (n=75) women and 17% (n=32) were men, while 43,1% (n=81) presented liver normal. 43.9% (n=47) of patients with NAFLD showed grade III obesity. By comparing the abdominal circumference in 107 patients with NAFLD an average of 139,1±97,8 cm was obtained. With respect to the degree of steatosis 43,1% (n=81) showed grade 0, 31,9% (n=60) grade 1, 20,7% (n=39) grade 2 and 4,3% (n=8) grade 3 were observed in laboratory data GPT transaminases elevation of 35,5% (n=38), 25.2% (n=27) in the GOT and 24,3% (n=26) FA, increased values of direct and indirect bilirubin, 65,4% (n = 70) BD and 69.2% (n=74) BI was noted, moreover 47,7% (n=51) CT taught high, 49% (n=45,7) decreased HDL, 36,4% (n=39) high LDL and 29% (n=31) with elevated triglycerides. It was found that 69,1% (n=74) of patients with NAFLD have hypertension. When comparing the variables mentioned among patients with and without NAFLD, he threw the GPT, GOT transaminases and triglycerides were at higher levels in patients with NAFLD. It was evident that obesity is a determining factor NAFLD development, characterization of liver and lipid profile, blood pressure also are key points to associate these increased with the presence of NAFLD.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): SEAP-SEOM consensus on pathologic and molecular diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the digestive tract, with an incidence of 1.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year. A group of experts from the Spanish Society of Pathology and the Spanish Society of Oncology met to discuss a brief update on GISTs and agree on aspects relating to the pathological and molecular diagnosis of these tumors. GISTs are generally solitary, well-circumscribed lesions of variable size (<10 mm-35 cm) that may present with intra- or extra-luminal parietal growth or a mixed-type (hourglass) growth pattern. Histologically, they are unencapsulated neoplasms displaying expansive growth and spindle-shaped (70%), epithelioid (20%), or mixed cellularity (10%). Mitotic activity is generally moderate or low and should be evaluated only in areas with high cellularity or higher mitotic frequency. The great majority of GISTs harbour mutually exclusive activating mutations in genes coding for the type III receptor tyrosine kinases KIT and PDGFRA; less commonly, GISTs have also been reported to display mutations elsewhere, including BRAF and NF1 and SDH-complex genes. The method most widely used to detect KIT and PDGFRA mutations is amplification of the exons involved by polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing (Sanger method) of these amplification products. Molecular analyses should always specify the type of analysis performed, the region or mutations evaluated, and the sensitivity of the detection method employed.

Epidemiology of Pancreatic Cancer in Puerto Rico (1987-2010): Incidence, Mortality and Survival.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic cancer is an uncommon type of cancer worldwide. Nonetheless, even with early diagnosis, mortality rates are high. This study aims to perform an epidemiologic profile of pancreatic cancer in Puerto Rico (PR) from 1987-2010. METHODS: Using data from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry, age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer in PR were compared with Hispanics, non-Hispanic Whites, and non-Hispanic Blacks in the United States of America (USA). Incidence and mortality trends of pancreatic cancer were estimated, and survival analyses were also performed. RESULTS: In 2005-2010, 5.8 per 100,000 persons were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in PR and mortality rates were similar. Pancreatic cancer was more frequent in men (6.5 per 100,000 men) than women (5.2 per 100,000 women), and in persons older than 65 years (32.0 per 100,000 persons). Moreover, the median survival for the people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in PR during 2006-2007 was 4 months and at the end of the third year after diagnosis, only 13% of the patients survived. Incidence trends of pancreatic cancer showed an increase for men (APC=13.0%, p<0.05) from 2006 to 2010, but not for women (APC=-0.4, p>0.05). However, mortality trends showed a slight decrease for men (APC=-1.0%, p<0.05), but not for women (APC=1.4, p>0.05) in the period of 1987 to 2010. Meanwhile, Puerto Ricans in comparison to other racial/ethnic groups living in the USA showed a lower risk for being diagnosed and of dying from pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the need for additional research in pancreatic cancer, in order to have an impact in disease survival in PR.

Características de los tratamientos biológicos en enfermedades reumáticas en Argentina: quinto informe del registro BIOBADASAR / Features of rheumatic diseases biological treatments in Argentina: BIOBADASAR fifth report

Introducción: El proyecto BIOBADASAR (Registro argentino deeventos adversos con tratamientos biológicos en reumatología)comenzó en agosto de 2010, para recabar información a largo plazosobre los eventos adversos en tratamientos biológicos en pacientescon enfermedades reumáticas en la práctica clínica cotidiana enArgentina.Pacientes y método: Se registraron datos de cada paciente,tratamientos y acontecimientos adversos relevantes o importantes.Los pacientes debían tener enfermedad diagnosticada y tratadacon un agente biológico. Cada caso se comparó con un control:un paciente con tratamiento no biológico con característicasdemográficas similares. Se analizaron los datos con análisis de lavarianza, con test de t de Student, Mann Whitney, test chi2, o testexacto de Fisher. El análisis de supervivencia de los tratamientoshasta su discontinuación o interrupción se realizó con el método deKaplan-Meier y test log-rank...

Background: BIOBADASAR (Argentine Registry of Adverse Eventsin Biological Treatments in Rheumatology) was started in August2010 to obtain long-term information of patients with rheumatic diseases,treatments and adverse events in everyday clinical practice.Patients and methods: Data on patients’ demographics,treatments and adverse events were collected. Patients had a diagnosisof a rheumatic disease and were treated with biological agent.To compare information, a control group was included, consisting ofpatients treated with similar demographic characteristics but treatedwith a non-biological agent. Data were analysed with Anova,Student´s t, Mann Whitney, chi2, Fisher´s exact tests, as appropriate.Survival analysis of treatments was performed with Kaplan-Meiercurves and log-rank test...

T-lymphocyte phenotype and function triggered by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is serotype-dependent.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Based on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigenicity, different Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes have been described. Serotype b strains have demonstrated a stronger capacity to trigger cytokine production on dendritic cells (DCs). As DCs regulate the development of T-lymphocyte lineages, the objective of this investigation was to study the response of T lymphocytes after being stimulated with autologous DCs primed with different bacterial strains belonging to the most prevalent serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans in humans: a-c. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human DCs were primed with increasing multiplicity of infection (10(-1) -10(2) ) or the purified LPS (10-50 ng/mL) of A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes a-c and then used to stimulate autologous naïve CD4(+) T lymphocytes. The T-helper (Th) type 1, Th2, Th17 and T-regulatory transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORC2 and Foxp3, which are the master-switch genes implied in their specific differentiation, as well as T-cell phenotype-specific cytokine patterns were quantified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, the intracellular expression of T-bet/interferon-γ, GATA-3/interleukin-4, RORC2/interleukin-17A and Foxp3/transforming growth factor-ß1 was analysed by double staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS: All the A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes led to T-lymphocyte activation; however, when T lymphocytes were stimulated with DCs primed with the A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b strain or their purified LPS, higher levels of Th1- and Th17-associated transcription factors and cytokines were detected compared with similar experiments with the other serotypes. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans has a higher capacity of trigger Th1 and Th17 phenotype and function and it was demonstrated that their LPS is a more potent immunogen compared with the other serotypes.

In vitro antibacterial activity of meclofenamate metal complexes with Cd(II), Pb(II), Co(II), and Cu(II). Crystal structures of [Cd(C14H10NO2Cl2)2∙(CH3OH)]n and [Cu(C14H10NO2Cl2)2(C5H5N)2].

The synthesis and characterization of five metal complexes derived from sodium meclofenamate (1) are reported: [Cd(C14H10NO2Cl2)2∙(CH3OH)]n∙nCH3OH (6), [Pb(C14H10NO2Cl2)2]n (7), [Co(C14H10NO2Cl2)]n (8), [Cu(C14H10NO2Cl2)]n (9), and [Cu(C14H10NO2Cl2)2(C5H5N)2] (10) (C14H10NO2Cl2=meclofenamate; C5H5N=pyridine). The characterization of the compounds was based on FTIR and UV-visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and, in the case of complexes 6 and 10, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. For compound 6, the structural analysis revealed a 1-D polymeric chain structure, in which pentagonal planar [Cd(RCOO)2(CH3OH)] units were linked through bridging carboxylate functions of the meclofenamate ligands. The overall coordination environment of the Cd(II) ions was seven-coordinate, since each carboxylate group exhibited a µ3-bridging coordination mode. On the other hand, for complex 10 a discrete mononuclear structure was observed, in which the six-coordinate copper(II) metal atoms were coordinated by two pyridine molecules and the carboxylate functions of two meclofenamate entities, in an anisobidentate coordination mode. The antibacterial activity of compounds 6-9 against four strains of Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria was examined, finding that only complex 6 was active. Additionally, it was found that the Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes 8 and 9 showed peroxidase activity.

Variabilidad de la síntesis de citoquinas por células dendríticas humanas estimuladas con los distintos serotipos de Aggregatibacter actinomycetecomitans / Variability in the cytokine synthesis by human dendritic cells in response to different Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes

Objetivo: Sobre la base de la antigenicidad del polisacárido O del LPS, en A. actinomycetemcomitans se describen distintos serotipos bacterianos y entre ellos se ha especulado una patogenicidad e inmunogenicidad diferente. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las diferencias en la síntesis de citoquinas producidas por células dendríticas cuando son estimuladas con los distintos serotipos de A. actinomycetemcomitans. Metodología: Células dendríticas diferenciadas a partir de monocitos circulantes periféricos humanos fueron estimuladas a MOIs=10-1-10-2 con los serotipos a, b y c de A. Actinomycetemcomitans. Mediante PCR y ELISA se evaluaron los niveles de expresión y secreción de citoquinas. Resultados: En las células dendríticas, la producción de citoquinas fue diferente ante los distintos serotipos de A. actinomycetemcomitans, con mayores niveles de secreción de IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, IFN-gamma y TNF-alfa cuando el microorganismo estimulante fue la cepa ATCC® 43718™ (serotipo b). Conclusión: El serotipo b de A. actinomycetemcomitans posee un mayor potencial inmuno-estimulador de células dendríticas comparado con los otros serotipos bacterianos y potencialmente contribuiría a inducir un patrón de respuesta inmune tipo Th1 y/o Th17 durante las periodontitis.

Objective: A. actinomycetemcomitans expresses a number of virulence factors that contribute to direct tissue damage and, based on the antigenicity of LPS O-polysaccharide, distinct serotypes have been described. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of cytokine expression and secretion on dendritic cells stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes a, b and c. Methods: Using different multiplicity of infections of the serotypes a, b, and c of A. actinomycetemcomitans, the mRNA expression and secretion levels for cytokines IL-1beta, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-23, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma were determined in stimulated dendritic cells using PCR and ELISA. Results: A dose-dependent increase in the secretion levels for IL-1beta, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-23, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma was elicited on dendritic cells following stimulation with each of the serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b (ATCC® 43718™) induced higher levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, IFN-gamma y TNF-alpha compared with the other strains. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that the distinct A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS O-polysaccharide serotypes induce both quantitative and qualitative differences in the dendritic cell response. Furthermore, the observed dendritic cell response to A. actinomycetemcomitans b serotype was characteristic of a Th1 and Th17 pattern of cytokine expression.

[Comparative study on animal model of acute Achilles tendon rupture with surgical treatment using platelet-rich plasma]. / Estudio comparativo en modelo animal con ruptura aguda de tendón calcáneo con tratamiento quirúrgico aplicando plasma rico en plaquetas.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional and histologicalal course of two animal model groups with acute Achilles tendon tears using platelet rich plasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An open clinical trial was conducted with dogs donated by the animal facility of the Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP, for its acronym in Spanish). Dogs were divided into 2 groups: a control group and a problem group. Intentional surgical Achilles tendon tear was performed to them. The Krackow technique was used to repair the tendon and the control group received platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a clot; the other group did not receive PRP. The dogs were seen at 4 weeks to check functionality using the Farell and Schwarz scale to assess the degree of limping. They were sacrificed at week 5; the tendons were removed and sent to the histopathology lab. RESULTS: Functionality results according to the Farell and Schwarz scale showed grades I and II in the problem group, and grades IV and V in the control group. Histologically, the problem group showed moderate vascular proliferation and abundant fibroblastic proliferation. The control group had mild to moderate vascular proliferation and moderate fibroblastic proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: PRP improves tendon healing and this has repercussions on functional recovery.

Desarrollo alejado de niños nacidos prematuros / Long-term development in children born premature

El riesgo de alteraciones en el neurodesarrollo es elevado en prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer, más si se asocia a riesgo ambiental. Su monitoreo interdisciplinario a largo plazo permite disminuir su vulnerabilidad, detectar handicaps, vehiculizar su resolución y/o tratamiento y mejorar su evolución. Se presenta un estudio descriptivo, analítico y transversal que se refiere al desarrollo psicomotor de niños de 3 años controlados en el Programa de Seguimiento de la Maternidad “Ramón Sardá”. Se relaciona el Puntaje Total de Desarrollo del Test de Desarrollo Psicomotor Infantil de 2 a 5 años (TEPSI, Haeussler M. et al.) con morbilidad temprana y factores socioculturales. La muestra incluyó a 56 niños nacidos durante 2000-2001 a la edad promedio de 3 años. Se analizaron datos de morbilidad perinatal (peso de nacimiento, edad gestacional, patologías severas) y socioculturales (edad y educación materna, crianza sola, estabilidad laboral y nivel socio-económico). Se excluyeron niños con síndromes genéticos o infecciones intrauterinas. Resultados: en el 76 por ciento (43/56) del TEPSI (>=40), 87,5 por ciento. (49/56) en Coordinación, 73 por ciento (41/56) en Lenguaje y 68 por ciento (38/56) en Motora los puntajes fueron normales. Hubo asociación significativa entre DBP o ROP y bajo score en el TEPSI. Conclusiones: Algunas patologías severas casi exclusivas de prematuros, más frecuentes a menor edad gestacional y no resueltas al alta neonatal, comprometen el desarrollo y se relacionan significativamente con Puntaje TEPSI en riesgo/retraso (<40) y probables problemas durante la escolaridad que requieren programas de intervención adecuados.

The risk of neurodevelopment deficiencies is high in very low birth weight premature infants, especially if they are environmentally challenged. These children require a multidisciplinary approach to detect their vulnerability and disabilities, as well as for better diagnosis and treatment, and in the long run to improve their development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between the psychomotor development, birth morbidity (birth weight, gestational age and severe diseases) and socio-cultural factors (mother' s age, mother' s level of education, single mother, working income, uncovered basic needs). This descriptive cross sectional study included 56, 2 to 5 year old preterm children who were born in 2000-2001 and were participating in a follow up program at this hospital (HMIRS). Children with genetics syndromes and intrauterine infections were excluded. The psychomotor test used was Test de Desarrollo Psicomotor Infantil de 2 a 5 años (TEPSI, Haeussler M. y cols.). Results: 76 per cent of the children obtained a normal TEPSI score (>=40). The score was normal for coordination, speech and motor are as in 87.5 per cent, 73 per cent, and 68 per cent respectively. There was a significant association between DBP or ROP and a low TEPSI score. Conclusions: Certain pathologies are unique to premature children. The lower the gestational age the greater their prevalence. These affect the children development and are significantly associated to TEPSI lower scores, and may predict learning problems in the long run. Therefore, an adequate and early intervention is required.

Sequencing batch reactor as a post-treatment of anaerobically treated dairy effluent.

Wastewater from dairy industries, characterized by its high COD content and relative high COD/TKN ratio, requires post-treatment after anaerobic treatment to complete the removal of organic matter and nutrients. Due to its simplicity, robustness and low maintenance costs, sequencing batch reactors (SBR) result in an attractive system, especially in case of small dairy industries in order to comply with the emission standards. The goal of this work was to determine the operational parameters, optimize the performance, and study the stability of the microbial population of a SBR system for the post-treatment of an anaerobic pond effluent. High and stable removal of COD and TKN was achieved in the reactor, which can easily be set up in dairy industries. An active nitrifying population was selected during reactor operation and maintained relatively stable, while the heterotrophic (total and denitrifying) communities were more unstable and susceptible to changes in the operating conditions.