Middle-age abolishes cardioprotection conferred by thioredoxin-1 in mice.

Thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) has cardioprotective effects on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, although its role in ischemic postconditioning (PostC) in middle-aged mice is not understood. This study aimed to evaluate if combining two cardioprotective strategies, such as Trx1 overexpression and PostC, could exert a synergistic effect in reducing infarct size in middle-aged mice. Young or middle-aged wild-type mice (Wt), transgenic mice overexpressing Trx1, and dominant negative (DN-Trx1) mutant of Trx1 mice were used. Mice hearts were subjected to I/R or PostC protocol. Infarct size, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, protein nitration, Trx1 activity, mitochondrial function, and Trx1, pAkt and pGSK3ß expression were measured. PostC could not reduce infarct size even in the presence of Trx1 overexpression in middle-aged mice. This finding was accompanied by a lack of Akt and GSK3ß phosphorylation, and Trx1 expression (in Wt group). Trx1 activity was diminished and H2O2 production and protein nitration were increased in middle-age. The respiratory control rate dropped after I/R in Wt-Young and PostC restored this value, but not in middle-aged groups. Our results showed that Trx1 plays a key role in the PostC protection mechanism in young but not middle-aged mice, even in the presence of Trx1 overexpression.

Espiradenoma écrino en muslo de mujer: reporte de un caso

Introducción: El espiradenoma ecrino es un tumor anexial benigno raro que surge de las glándulas sudoríparas écrinas. Comúnmente se presenta como un nódulo de crecimiento lento en la parte superior del tronco y la región de la cabeza y el cuello, principalmente en el rango de edad de 15 a 35 años, sin predominio de género. Por lo general, se presentan como pequeños nódulos solitarios que pueden crecer varios centímetros, a menudo muy dolorosos. El diagnóstico de esta entidad es de suma importancia ya que puede albergar un componente maligno con desenlaces catastróficos, ya que pueden pasar desapercibidos por su gran parecido con lesiones benignas. Caso Clínico: Aquí presentamos el caso de una mujer 41 años que presentó una lesión cutánea de crecimiento similar a un papiloma en la cara externa de tercio superior del muslo, con el diagnóstico de espiradenoma écrino posterior a la extirpación.

Introduction: Eccrine spiradenoma is a rare, benign adnexal tumor arising from the eccrine sweat glands. It commonly presents as a slow-growing nodule on the upper trunk, and head and neck region, mostly in the age bracket of 15 - 35 years, with no gender preference. Typically, they present as small solitary nodules that can grow to several centimeters, often they are strikingly painful. The diagnosis of this entity is extremely important as it can harbour a malignant component with catastrophic outcomes wich may be missed due to its strong resemblance to benign lesions. Case Report: We present the case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with a papilloma-like growth on the upper lateral aspect of the thigh which was diagnosed as eccrine spiradenoma upon excision.

Associations of the COVID-19 pandemic with social well-being indicators in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Public health measures for COVID-19 containment have implied economic and social life disruptions, which have been particularly deleterious in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to high rates of informal employment, overcrowding, and barriers to accessing health services, amongst others social determinants. Mexico, a LMIC, is a country with a high COVID-19 mortality in which there has been a very limited governmental response to help mitigate such COVID-related disruptions. This study analyzes the association of the first wave of the COVID-19 crisis in Mexico with four well-being indicators: income, employment, anxiety, and food security. METHODS: It uses pooled cross-sectional data (n = 5453) of five monthly nationally representative surveys collected between April and August 2020. Probit models are estimated to assess the association of the pandemic with job loss and anxiety; a multinomial logistic regression is estimated for food security, and an ordinary least squares regression assesses the association between the pandemic and changes in household's income. RESULTS: Females were significantly associated with worse outcomes for the 4 well-being measures with an average reduction of 2.3% in household income compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, an increased probability (6.4 pp) of being in a household that had lost jobs, decreased probability of food security (6.9 pp), and an increased risk of anxiety symptoms (8.5 pp). In addition, those with lower SES and household with children also reported worse outcomes for employment, income and food security. The month variable was also statistically significant in these models suggesting that as more months of the pandemic elapsed the effects persisted. CONCLUSION: The currents study documents how the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with different well-being indicators in a LMIC. It suggests the urgent need to take actions to support vulnerable groups, particularly women, households with children and those in the lowest SES. If policy actions are not taken, the pandemic will increase social and gender disparities, and will jeopardize childhood development.

Correlation between proximal serrated polyp detection and clinically significant serrated polyps: inter-endoscopist variability.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the most important quality indicator for the prevention of colorectal cancer but serrated polyps are also precursor lesions of the disease. The aim of our study was to compare the detection rate of proximal serrated polyps (PSPs) and that of clinically significant serrated polyps (CSSPs) between endoscopists and analyze the relation of those parameters to the ADR. METHODS: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients that underwent colonoscopy at the Policlínico Peruano Japonés within the time frame of July 2015 and August 2016. The ADR and PSP and CSSP detection rates between endoscopists were compared through multivariate logistic regression and the association between those parameters was calculated through the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The study included 15 endoscopists and 1,378 colonoscopies. The PSP detection rate ranged from 1.8-17% between endoscopists and had an almost perfect correlation with the CSSP detection rate (p = 0.922), as well as strongly correlating with the ADR (p = 0.769). CONCLUSIONS: There was great variability in the PSP detection rate between endoscopists. It also had an almost perfect correlation with the CSSP detection rate and strongly correlated with the ADR. Those results suggest a high CSSP miss rate at endoscopy and a low PSP detection rate.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma treatment in Chile: Experience and results 2013-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the success rate of salvage intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC), defined as the percentage of eyes that achieved tumoral remission and avoided enucleation. The second objective was the clinical characterization, catheterization results, and associated local and systemic complications. METHODS: Retrospective, interventional case series of 29 patients (35 eyes) with persistent or recurrent retinoblastoma. RESULTS: A total of 73 salvage IAC procedures with topotecan and melphalan were carried out. Success rate was 77% at a mean follow-up of 41.4 months. All patients with only one remaining eye avoided enucleation (10 cases). Catheterization was successful in 98.6% of cases. The types of catheterizations were as follows: 71.2% supraselective ophthalmic artery, 12.3% occlusion pump assisted supraselective ophthalmic artery, 16.4% selective external carotid with retrograde flow. 14% of patients suffered local adverse effects: 1 (2.8%) transitory ptosis, 1 (2.8%) transitory oculomotor nerve palsy, 2 (5.7%) aseptic cellulitis and 1 (2.8%) periorbitary pigmentation. 4.1% (3 cases) suffered neutropenia due to medullar chemosuppression. There were no cases of severe anemia or thrombocytopenia. There were no cerebral ischemic events or mortality associated to the procedure. CONCLUSION: IAC with melphalan and topotecan is a safe and effective treatment option for persistent or recurrent retinoblastoma, able to reduce enucleation rates.

Estimulación cerebral profunda en el núcleo accumbens en pacientes con depresión resistente al tratamiento: reporte de casos / Nucleus accumbens deep brain stimulation in patients with treatment-resistant depression: report of four cases

INTRODUCCIÓN: La estimulación cerebral profunda (DBS) se ha propuesto como una alternativa terapéutica para el manejo de la depresión resistente al tratamiento (DRT). Sin embargo, existen múltiples blancos para neuroestimulación y se desconoce el punto neuroanatómico óptimo en esta patología. Como parte del circuito de recompensa, el núcleo accumbens (NAc) ha sido estudiado en modelos de depresión y anhedonia. El objetivo de este artículo fue describir la experiencia clínica de la implantación de electrodos bilaterales de DBS en el NAc. REPORTE DE CASOS: Se describe la experiencia en cuatro mujeres entre los 17 a 41 años con DRT. Los casos presentaban antecedente de múltiples hospitalizaciones e intentos de suicidio serios, a pesar de haber sido tratadas previamente con terapia farmacológica, psicoterapia y TECAR (Terapia electroconvulsiva con anestesia y relajación). A los 6 meses del inicio del DBS, se observó una mejoría de los síntomas depresivos en la escala de Hamilton y un incremento en la escala de funcionalidad global. La anhedonia y la abulia persistieron luego de la cirugía, aunque con menor intensidad. CONCLUSIÓN: La DBS del NAc puede ser una estrategia efectiva en el tratamiento de pacientes con DRT, impactando en la funcionalidad y en la disminución del riesgo suicida.

INTRODUCTION: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been proposed as a therapeutic alternative for Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients. However, there are multiple targets for neurostimulation and the optimal neuroanatomical landmark for this pathology is unknown. Nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a crucial part of the reward circuit and has been studied extensively in models of depression and anhedonia. The objective of this study was to describe our clinical experience with DBS of the NAc patients with TRD. CASE SERIES: It described the experience in four females between 17 and 41 years of age. All cases presented with a history of multiple hospitalizations and serious suicide attempts, despite having been treated with optimal pharmacological regimes, psychotherapy and ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy). Six months after the initiation of DBS, an improvement in the Hamilton Depression Scale and in the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale was observed. Anhedonia and abulia persisted after the surgery, although less severe. CONCLUSION: DBS of NAc seems to offer favorable surgical outcomes in patients with TRD, impacting functionality and suicidal risk.

Supervivencia de pacientes con metástasis cervical de primario desconocido en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología. 2007-2012

Resumen Introducción: Las metástasis cervicales con primario oculto representan el 5% de los tumores de cabeza y cuello. Su diagnóstico y tratamiento han sufrido modificaciones con los años según las diferentes investigaciones, con vistas a mayores tasas de supervivencia. Objetivo: Determinar la supervivencia global y según diferentes variables. Material y Método: Investigación retrospectiva, descriptiva y longitudinal de 96 pacientes diagnosticados en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología (INOR) en el periodo 2007-2012, manteniéndose el seguimiento hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2017. Resultados: De los pacientes estudiados, 65 eran hombres (67,7%) y 31 mujeres (32,3%), para una razón de 2,1:1, con una media de edad de 61,4 años. El tabaquismo estuvo presente en el 64,6% de la población. El nivel ganglionar más afectado fue el II y 41 pacientes (42,7%) presentaron una enfermedad N1 al diagnóstico. En 42 pacientes (43,8%) estuvo presente el grado histológico poco diferenciado. Al 70,9% se les practicó cirugía con adyuvancia o sin ella y el 86,5% tuvo respuesta completa. El tumor primario apareció en el 13,5% de los casos, más frecuente en amígdala. La supervivencia global a los 5 años fue del 74% y resultaron variables determinantes de supervivencia el estado ganglionar y la extensión extraganglionar. Los resultados coinciden con la literatura revisada. Conclusión: La supervivencia global a los 5 años de los pacientes con metástasis cervical de primario oculto es elevada, tiene tendencia a mejorar con el paso de los años y está determinada por el estado ganglionar y la extensión extracapsular de forma inversamente proporcional.

Abstract Introduction: Cervical metastases with occult primary represent 5% of head and neck tumors. Its diagnosis and treatment have been modified over the years according to different investigations, with a view to higher survival rates. Aim: To determine the overall survival and according to different variables. Material and Method: A retrospective, descriptive and longitudinal investigation of 96 patients diagnosed at INOR in the period 2007-2012 was carried out, with follow-up until December 31, 2017. Results: Of the patients studied, 65 were men (67.7%) and 31 women (32.3%), for a ratio of 2.1: 1, with a mean age of 61.4 years. Smoking was present in the 64.6% of the population. The most affected lymph node level was level II and 42 patients (43.8%) presented N1 disease at diagnosis. Poorly differentiated histological grade was present in 42 patients (43.8%). 70.9% underwent surgery with or without adjuvant surgery and 86.5% had a complete response. The primary tumor appeared in 13.5% of cases, more frequent in the amygdala. Overall survival at 5 years was 74%, and survival variables were lymph node status and extranodal extension. The results coincide with the reviewed literature. Conclusion: The overall 5-year survival of patients with occult primary cervical metastasis is high, tends to improve over the years, and is determined by lymph node status and extracapsular extension in an inversely proportional manner.

Correlation between proximal serrated polyp detection and clinically significant serrated polyps: inter-endoscopist variability. / Correlación entre la detección de pólipos serratos proximales y pólipos serratos clínicamente significativos: variabilidad interendoscopista.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the most important quality indicator for the prevention of colorectal cancer but serrated polyps are also precursor lesions of the disease. The aim of our study was to compare the detection rate of proximal serrated polyps (PSPs) and that of clinically significant serrated polyps (CSSPs) between endoscopists and analyze the relation of those parameters to the ADR. METHODS: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients that underwent colonoscopy at the Policlínico Peruano Japonés within the time frame of July 2015 and August 2016. The ADR and PSP and CSSP detection rates between endoscopists were compared through multivariate logistic regression and the association between those parameters was calculated through the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The study included 15 endoscopists and 1,378 colonoscopies. The PSP detection rate ranged from 1.8-17% between endoscopists and had an almost perfect correlation with the CSSP detection rate (p = 0.922), as well as strongly correlating with the ADR (p = 0.769). CONCLUSIONS: There was great variability in the PSP detection rate between endoscopists. It also had an almost perfect correlation with the CSSP detection rate and strongly correlated with the ADR. Those results suggest a high CSSP miss rate at endoscopy and a low PSP detection rate.

Psoriasis severa en paciente con infeccion latente por tuberculosis (ltbi). estrategia terapeutica / Severe psoriasis in a patient with latent tuberculosis infection (ltbi). therapeutic strategy

RESUMEN La psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria sistémica crónica, de base genética y mediada inmunológicamente. En esta oportunidad, se reporta un caso en paciente mujer de 66 años con diagnóstico de psoriasis en placa moderada a severa sin respuesta clínica favorable a diversos tratamientos tópicos y sistémicos, cursando de manera concomitante con infección latente por tuberculosis (LTBI). Se decide como estrategia terapéutica tratamiento sistémico con biológico (Secukinumab). Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de la correcta evaluación respecto a la posibilidad de Tuberculosis (TBC) debido a que representa un desafío mundial actual en la prescripción de biológicos.

ABSTRACT Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease, genetically based and immunologically mediated. This time, a case is reported in a 66-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis with no favorable clinical response to various topical and systemic treatments, concurrently presenting with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Biological systemic treatment (Secukinumab) was decided as a therapeutic strategy. Taking into account the importance of the correct evaluation regarding the possibility of Tuberculosis (TBC) because it represents a current global challenge in prescribing biologicals.

Anatomy of the Great Posterior Radiculomedullary Artery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although considerable variability exists as to the overall caliber of radiculomedullary arteries, dominant radiculomedullary arteries such as the artery of Adamkiewicz exist. The existence of a great posterior radiculomedullary artery has attracted little attention and has been a matter of debate. The aim of this anatomic study was to determine the presence or absence of the great posterior radiculomedullary artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed microsurgical dissection on formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric human spinal cords. The artery of Adamkiewicz in the spinal cord specimens (n = 50) was injected with colored latex until the small-caliber arterial vessels were filled and the great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified. The course, diameter, and location of great posterior radiculomedullary artery were documented. RESULTS: A great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified in 36 (72%) spinal cord specimens. In 11 (22%) specimens, bilateral great posterior radiculomedullary arteries were present. In 13 cases (26%), a unilateral left-sided great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified. In 11 cases (22%), a unilateral right-sided great posterior radiculomedullary artery was identified. In 1 specimen (2%), 3 right-sided great posterior radiculomedullary arteries were noted. The average size of the great posterior radiculomedullary arteries was 0.44 mm (range, 0.120-0.678 mm on the left and 0.260-0.635 mm on the right). CONCLUSIONS: A great posterior radiculomedullary artery is present in most (72%) individuals. The authors describe the microsurgical anatomy of the great posterior radiculomedullary artery with emphasis on its morphometric parameters as well as its implications for spinal cord blood supply. Variations of the arterial supply to the dorsal cord are of great importance due to their implications for ischemic events, endovascular procedures, and surgical approaches.

Clasificación de los desenlaces en los ensayos clínicos / Classification of the outcomes in clinical trials / Classificação dos desenlaces nos ensaios clínicos

El ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado (ECA) es un experimento planificado, controlado y prospectivo, en el que una o más intervenciones son asignadas a participantes humanos, con el fin de evaluar los efectos sobre los resultados relacionados con la salud, como la eficacia y seguridad de tratamientos, procedimientos o ayudas diagnósticas para diferentes enfermedades. En los ECA se pueden medir diferentes desenlaces, ya sean clínicos, relacionados con el paciente o económicos. Un desenlace es un evento clínico, médico, quirúrgico o de cualquier índole, que busca medir la efectividad y seguridad del tratamiento o intervención que se desea evaluar en un ensayo clínico. La elección de uno o más dependerá de la naturaleza del estudio y de la pregunta que se desea responder. Así mismo, el uso de una amplia gama de ellos tiende a ser más informativo que la medida de uno solo, por lo que es importante reconocer cada uno de estos, para definir su correcta implementación en el ámbito de la investigación. Este estudio tiene como objetivo principal describir los diferentes tipos de desenlaces, los cuales se clasifican en nueve categorías: 1. Eficacia y seguridad; 2. Primario, coprimario, secundario y terciario; 3. Simple y compuesto; 4. Positivo y negativo; 5. Clínicamente significativo y subrogado; 6. Objetivo y subjetivo; 7. Medidas únicas, repetidas y conteos (sucesos); 8. Dicotómico y continuo; y 9. Tiempo fijo y tiempo calendario.

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a planned and controlled experiment. It is also a prospective study in which one or more interventions are assigned to human participants in order to assess the effects on health outcomes, such as the efficacy and safety of treatments and interventions for different diseases. Different outcomes, whether clinical, patient-related or economic, can be measured in RCTs. An outcome is a clinical, medical, surgical or any other event that seeks to measure the effectiveness and safety of the treatment or intervention to be evaluated in an RCT. The choice of one or more outcomes depends on the nature of the study and the question to be answered. Likewise, the use of a wide range of outcomes tends to be more informative than the measure of one alone. Therefore, it is important to recognize each of these to define their correct implementation in the field of clinical research. This study aims to describe the different types of outcomes, which are classified into nine categories: 1. Efficacy and safety; 2. Primary, coprimary, secondary and tertiary; 3. Simple and compound; 4. Positive and negative; 5. Clinically significant and subrogated; 6. Objective and subjective; 7. Single, repeated measures and counts (events); 8. Dichotomous and continuous; and 9. Fixed time and calendar time.

O ensaio clínico controlado aleatorizado (ECA) é um experimento planificado, controlado e prospectivo, no qual uma ou mais intervenções são designadas a participantes humanos, com o fim de avaliar os efeitos sobre os resultados relacionados com a saúde, como a eficácia e segurança de tratamentos, procedimentos ou ajudas diagnósticas para diferentes doenças. Nos ECA se podem medir diferentes desenlaces, já sejam clínicos, relacionados com o paciente ou económicos. Um desenlace é um evento clínico, médico, cirúrgico ou de qualquer índole, que busca medir a efetividade e segurança do tratamento ou intervenção que se deseja avaliar num ensaio clínico. A eleição de um ou mais dependerá da natureza do estudo e da pergunta que se deseja responder. Assim mesmo, o uso de una ampla gama deles tende a ser mais informativo que a medida de um só, por isso é importante reconhecer cada um destes, para definir sua correta implementação no âmbito da investigação. Este estudo tem como objetivo principal descrever os diferentes tipos de desenlaces, os quais se classificam em nove categorias: 1. Eficácia e segurança; 2. Primário, co-primário, secundário e terciário; 3. Simples e composto; 4. Positivo e negativo; 5. Clinicamente significativo e sub-rogado; 6. Objetivo e subjetivo; 7. Medidas únicas, repetidas e contagens (acontecimentos); 8. Dicotómico e contínuo; y 9. Tempo fixo e tempo calendário.

Dry eye is matched by increased intrasubject variability in tear osmolarity as confirmed by machine learning approach. / El ojo seco está relacionado con un aumento intrasujeto de la variabilidad de osmolaridad lagrimal confirmado por tecnología de aprendizaje de máquinas.

OBJECTIVE: Because of high variability, tear film osmolarity measures have been questioned in dry eye assessment. Understanding the origin of such variability would aid data interpretation. This study aims to evaluate osmolarity variability in a clinical setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty dry eyes and 20 control patients were evaluated. Three consecutive osmolarity measurements per eye at 5min intervals were obtained. Variability was represented by the difference between both extreme readings per eye. Machine learning techniques were used to quantify discrimination capacity of tear osmolarity for dry eye. RESULTS: Mean osmolarities in the control and dry eye groups were 295.1±7.3mOsm/L and 300.6±11.2mOsm/L, respectively (P=.004). Osmolarity variabilities were 7.5±3.6mOsm/L and 16.7±11.9mOsm/L, for the control and dry eye groups, respectively (P<.001). Based on osmolarity, a logistic classifier showed an 85% classification accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: In the clinical setting, both mean osmolarity and osmolarity variability in the dry eye group were significantly higher than in the control group. Machine learning techniques showed good classification accuracy. It is concluded that higher variability of tear osmolarity is a dry eye feature.

Fabrication and in vitro behavior of dual-function chitosan/silver nanocomposites for potential wound dressing applications.

We report the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of dual-function chitosan-silver nanoparticles (CTS-AgNPs) films with potential applications as wound dressings. We attempted to formulate nanocomposite films with appropriate AgNPs concentrations to simultaneously display antibacterial activity and suitability for cell culture. Nanocomposites were obtained by CTS-mediated in situ chemical reduction of AgNO3. Circular-shape AgNPs (sizes ca. 7-50 nm) well distributed within the CTS matrices were obtained in concentrations from 0.018 to 0.573 wt%. Efficacy (bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties) of CTS-AgNPs films to decrease planktonic and biofilm bacterial growth was AgNPs concentration- and bacteria strain-dependent. Films showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa and Gram-positive S. aureus. Antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis was moderated. Films suitability for cell culture was characterized using primary human fibroblasts (HF). HF displayed cell viability higher than 90% and the characteristic fusiform morphology of adhered fibroblast upon culture on films with AgNPs concentration ≤ 0.036 wt%. HF cultured on these films also showed positive expression of tropoelastin, procollagen type I and Ki-67, characteristic proteins of extracellular matrix and proliferative cells, respectively. In vitro assays demonstrated that cytocompatibility/antibacterial properties decreased/increased as silver concentration increased, suggesting that CTS-AgNPS nanocomposite films with ≈0.04-0.20 wt% might be considered as potential temporary dual-function wound dressings.

Influencia de las zonas cocleares muertas sobre la autopercepción de las habilidades auditivas en adultos con hipoacusia sensorioneural bilateral / Influence of cochlear dead regions on self-perception hearing abilities in adults with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

RESUMEN Introducción: Las zonas cocleares muertas son áreas de la membrana basilar donde las células ciliadas y/o fibras del nervio auditivo no son funcionales, lo que puede alterar el análisis temporal de una señal acústica. Los efectos funcionales que podrían generar aún no son claros, y establecerlos a través del uso de cuestionarios de autopercepción, proporcionaría información de utilidad para el manejo audiológico de los pacientes. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la presencia de zonas cocleares muertas y la autopercepción de las habilidades auditivas en adultos con hipoacusia sensorioneural bilateral. Material y método: Se evaluaron 20 sujetos con hipoacusia bilateral simétrica, entre 51 y 75 años, sin antecedentes de uso de audífonos. Las zonas cocleares muertas fueron evaluadas mediante la prueba TEN en 1, 2, 3 y 4 kHz; y la autopercepción de habilidades auditivas fue medida en los participantes a través del cuestionario de doce preguntas, IROS12. Resultados: La presencia de zonas cocleares muertas se observó en 10 pacientes. No existiendo una diferencia significativa entre grupos, sin embargo, se observaron puntuaciones más bajas de IROS12 en sujetos con zonas cocleares muertas. Conclusiones: La percepción de dificultades auditivas de individuos que presentan una hipoacusia sensorioneural bilateral simétrica moderada, con presencia de zonas cocleares muertas, no difiere significativamente de aquellos individuos que no presentan zonas cocleares muertas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cochlear dead regions are areas of the basilar membrane where the hair cells and/or auditory nerve fibers are not functional, which can alter the temporal analysis of an acoustic signal. The functional effects that could generate still are not entirely clear, and set through the use of self-perception questionnaires, provide useful information for audiological management of patients. Aim: To investigate the relationship between the presence of cochlear dead regions and the self-reported of listening difficulties of adults with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Material and Method: Twenty adults with symmetric bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, aged 51 to 75 years were tested, without previous story of use of hearing aids. Cochlear dead regions were tested using the TEN test at 1, 2, 3 and 4 kHz. The questionnaire of twelve questions, IROS12, was applied to the participants. Results: Cochlear dead regions were present in 10 participants. No significant differences were observed between groups, however lower IROS12 scores were observed in those who had present of dead regions. Conclusion: The perception of hearing difficulties in individuals with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with cochlear dead regions did not differ significantly from those individuals without cochlear dead regions.

Plant-based chimeric HPV-virus-like particles bearing amyloid-ß epitopes elicit antibodies able to recognize amyloid plaques in APP-tg mouse and Alzheimer's disease brains.

The main amyloid-beta (Aß) variants detected in the human brain are full-length Aß1-40 and Aß1-42 peptides; however, a significant proportion of AD brain Aß consists also of N-terminal truncated/modified species. The majority of the previous immunotherapeutic strategies targeted the N-terminal immunodominant epitope of the full-length Aß; however, most of the pathological N-truncated forms of Aß lack this critical B cell epitope. Recently, virus-like particles (VLPs), self-assembled structures with highly ordered repetitive patterns on their surface and capable of inducing robust immune responses, were applied as a promising platform for various antigen expressions. In this study, we expressed in plants two chimeric HPV16 L1 capsid proteins obtained by introduction of the ß-amyloid 11-28 epitope (Aß 11-28) into the h4 helix or into the coil regions of the L1 protein. The Aß 11-28 epitope was chosen because it is present in the full-length Aß 1-42 as well as in the truncated/modified amyloid peptide species. After expression, we assembled the chimerical L1/Aß 11-28 into a VLP in which the Aß 11-28 epitope is exposed at very high density (360 times) on the surface of the VLP. The chimeric VLPs elicited in mice Aß-specific antibodies binding to ß-amyloid plaques in APP-tg mouse and AD brains. Our study is the first to demonstrate a successful production in plants and immunogenic properties in mice of chimeric HPV16 L1 VLPs bearing Aß epitope that may be of potential relevance for the development of multivalent vaccines for a multifactorial disease such as AD.

Diabetes or hypertension as risk indicators for missing teeth experience: An exploratory study in a sample of Mexican adults.

BACKGROUND: To determine an exploratory estimation of the strength of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension diagnoses as risk indicators for missing teeth in a sample of Mexican adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study of sixty adult patients in a health center in Mexico included as dependent variable, the number of missing teeth (and having a functional dentition) and as independent variables, diagnoses for diabetes or hypertension, age, sex, maximum level of schooling, and tobacco use. Of the 60 participants, 20 were diagnosed with T2DM, 13 with hypertension, and 27 were otherwise diagnosed as healthy in their most recent medical checkup. A negative binomial regression (NBR) model was generated. RESULTS: Mean age was 50.7 ± 16.2 and 50.0% were women. Mean number of missing teeth was 4.98 ± 4.17. In the multivariate NBR model, we observed that individuals with T2DM had higher risk of more missing teeth (incidence rate ratios [IRRs] = 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.09-4.69), followed by those with hypertension (IRRs = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.77-3.90). In addition, participants with current tobacco use were significantly more likely to have suffered tooth loss (P < 0.05) than those who were never smokers or former smokers, just like older participants (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: T2DM and hypertension are independently associated with higher experience of missing teeth in an open adult population in Mexico. Future studies with a more sophisticated epidemiological design and encompassing a more detailed landscape of chronic diseases, type and length of use of long-term medications, and patterns of dental care use are needed to better delineate these associations.

[The influence of pedagogic and discipline training on the teaching quality of university professors]. / ¿Se relaciona la capacitación docente con las prácticas pedagógicas en académicos de carreras de la salud de Chile?

BACKGROUND: University teachers prioritize acquiring knowledge about their disciplines over pedagogic training. However, the latter is becoming increasingly important in the present teaching scenario. AIM: To relate pedagogic practices with pedagogic training of teachers from health care careers of public and private universities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pedagogic practice and training activities participation questionnaires were answered by 296 teachers of undergraduate students from Chilean public and private universities. RESULTS: There was a direct correlation between discipline training and all pedagogic practice factors. However, pedagogic training correlated with all the factors with the exception of teacher centered learning. Teachers with a master degree had higher scores in factors related to teaching planning and process assessment. Having a doctor degree had no impact on these factors. A multiple regression analysis showed that both discipline and pedagogic training and having a master degree were associated with pedagogic practices of teachers. CONCLUSIONS: Both pedagogic and discipline training influence the quality of teaching provided by undergraduate teachers.

¿Se relaciona la capacitación docente con las prácticas pedagógicas en académicos de carreras de la salud de Chile? / The influence of pedagogic and discipline training on the teaching quality of university professors

Background: University teachers prioritize acquiring knowledge about their disciplines over pedagogic training. However, the latter is becoming increasingly important in the present teaching scenario. Aim: To relate pedagogic practices with pedagogic training of teachers from health care careers of public and private universities. Material and Methods: Pedagogic practice and training activities participation questionnaires were answered by 296 teachers of undergraduate students from Chilean public and private universities. Results: There was a direct correlation between discipline training and all pedagogic practice factors. However, pedagogic training correlated with all the factors with the exception of teacher centered learning. Teachers with a master degree had higher scores in factors related to teaching planning and process assessment. Having a doctor degree had no impact on these factors. A multiple regression analysis showed that both discipline and pedagogic training and having a master degree were associated with pedagogic practices of teachers. Conclusions: Both pedagogic and discipline training influence the quality of teaching provided by undergraduate teachers.

Carcinoma de los ductos colectores de bellini: presentación de un caso clínico y revisión del diagnóstico diferencial / Collecting (bellini) duct carcinoma: a case presentation

Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare and very aggressive variant of renal cell carcinoma. Objectives: To describe the radiological findings of a CDC case and to determine its differential diagnosis. Basic procedures: Review the published works regarding this tumor and compare the radiological findings of our case with those of other described cases. Most important findings: CDCs are well-defined tumors with a high hemorrhagic component, limited internal enhancement and nodal metastases. In the differential diagnosis, if the lesion presents an exophytic growth it should include papillary carcinoma, mainly the sarcomatoid variant and the complex benign lesions (complex cysts or hydatids). However, if the lesion combines an infiltrating pattern, other lesions such as medullary carcinoma or lymphoma will be taken into account. Main conclusions: In the presence of solid-cystic hypovascular lesions and regional lymphadenopathy, CDC must be included in the differential diagnosis.

El carcinoma de las células colectoras de Bellini (CCB), es una variante rara y muy agresiva del carcinoma de células renales. Objetivos: Describir los hallazgos radiológicos de un caso de CCB y determinar su diagnóstico diferencial. Procedimientos básicos: Revisión de los trabajos publicados sobre este tumor y comparar los hallazgos radiológicos de nuestro caso con los de otros casos descritos. Hallazgos más importantes: Los CCB son tumores bien delimitados con alto componente hemorrágico, escaso realce interno y metástasis ganglionares. En el diagnóstico diferencial si la lesión presenta un crecimiento exofítico debería incluirse el carcinoma papilar, fundamentalmente la variante sarcomatoide y las lesiones benignas complejas (quistes complejos o hidatídicos). En cambio, si la lesión asocia un patrón infiltrante se tendrán en cuenta otras lesiones como el carcinoma medular o el linfoma. Conclusiones principales: En presencia de lesiones sólido-quísticas hipovasculares y adenopatías regionales debe incluirse el CCB en el diagnóstico diferencial.