Neoadjuvant Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab in Combination with Standard Chemotherapy for HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Real-World Practice in Cuba.

PURPOSE: Dual HER2 blockade chemotherapy is the standard of care for localized HER2+ breast cancer (BC). However, despite the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy, relapses occurring in around 10% of patients highlight the need to improve its clinical approach. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness/safety of neoadjuvant therapy with subcutaneous (SC) trastuzumab- pertuzumab chemotherapy (real world) to extend the evidence, which comes mainly from clinical trials (selected population; intravenous [IV] trastuzumab). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal, observational study in a Cuban hospital. POPULATION: women aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed HER2+ early-stage BC (2017-2021) eligible for neoadjuvant treatment (IV pertuzumab, SC trastuzumab, taxane-based chemotherapy). The aim was to determine the pathological complete response (pCR) rate to this scheme, its safety, and the impact of patient's characteristics on the outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty-seven women were included: n=29 (DPT [docetaxel-IV pertuzumab- SC trastuzumab 600 mg; 4 cycles]); n=58 (ddAC-DPT [dose-dense anthracycline-based scheme+DPT]; 8 cycles). The median age was 57 years (range 30-83), ECOG 0: 97%. Time from diagnosis to treatment (median) was 28 days. The overall pCR rate was 62.1% (55.2%, DPT; 66.5%, ddAC-DPT; p =0.351); HR+, 47.7% vs. HR-, 76.7% (p=0.006). There were no statistically significant differences based on nodal status, stage, or Ki-67 levels. Overall, 94.2% of patients experienced ≥1 adverse event related to treatment, all of them grade 1-3 and more common with ddAC-DPT. The main cause of treatment delays (n=19; ddAC-DPT, 16; DPT, 3) was treatment-related toxicities. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant trastuzumab (SC) and pertuzumab plus chemotherapy for HER2+ early-stage BC showed benefits in a real-life setting, with an acceptable safety profile.

Association of bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine herpesvirus 1, and Neospora caninum with late embryonic losses in highly supplemented grazing dairy cows.

The objectives of this study were: 1- to evaluate the association of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (BoHV-1), and Neospora caninum (N. caninum) with the risk for Late Embryonic Loss (LEL) in grazing dairy cows, 2- to evaluate blood progesterone concentration at the time of LEL occurrence, and 3- to describe a novel ultrasound-guided technique for conceptus sampling. We run a prospective cohort study involving 92 cows (46 LEL and 46 NLEL). An LEL cow was that having an embryo with no heartbeat, detached membranes, or floating structures, including embryo remnants detected at pregnancy check by ultrasonography (US) 28-42 days post-AI, whereas an NLEL cow was that with embryo heartbeats detectable by US at pregnancy check 28-42 d post-IA. We took two blood samples from every cow at pregnancy check by US (the day of LEL detection) and 28 d later to perform serological diagnosis of BVDV, BoHV-1, and N. caninum; and to measure blood progesterone concentration at pregnancy check (28-42 d post-AI). We also sampled the conceptus from all the LEL cows. We performed PCR to detect BVDV, BoHV-1, and N. caninum in sampled conceptuses from LEL cows. Finally, we evaluated the associations of risk factors (serological titers, seroconversion, and progesterone) with LEL odds with logistic models. The risk for LEL was associated with serological titers to BVDV (P = 0.03) and tended to be associated with seroconversion to BVDV, given that 19.6% (9/46) in LEL and 6.5% (3/46) in NLEL cows seroconverted to BVDV (P = 0.09). In addition, BVDV was detected in conceptuses from LEL cows that seroconverted to BVDV but not in LEL cows that did not seroconvert. Conversely, the risk for LEL was not associated with the titers or seroconversion to BoHV-1 and N. caninum. BoHV-1 and N. caninum were not identified in any of the conceptuses. Finally, blood progesterone concentration was similar in LEL and NLEL cows, and it was not associated with the risk for LEL (P = 0.54). In conclusion, BVDV infection is a risk factor for LEL in dairy cows.

Convolutional Neural Networks for Long Time Dissipative Quantum Dynamics.

Exact numerical simulations of dynamics of open quantum systems often require immense computational resources. We demonstrate that a deep artificial neural network composed of convolutional layers is a powerful tool for predicting long-time dynamics of open quantum systems provided the preceding short-time evolution of a system is known. The neural network model developed in this work simulates long-time dynamics efficiently and accurately across different dynamical regimes from weakly damped coherent motion to incoherent relaxation. The model was trained on a data set relevant to photosynthetic excitation energy transfer and can be deployed to study long-lasting quantum coherence phenomena observed in light-harvesting complexes. Furthermore, our model performs well for the initial conditions different than those used in the training. Our approach reduces the required computational resources for long-time simulations and holds the promise for becoming a valuable tool in the study of open quantum systems.

Dataset for gait analysis and assessment of fall risk for older adults.

This article presents a five-part dataset for human gait analysis in a healthy older adult population (37 women and seven men; age 69.98 ± 8.57 years, body mass index 27.71 ± 4.57). Part 1 compromises demographic data for the 44 participants, along with the results of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) motor function test and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We used the MMSE to ensure the participants could understand the experimental protocol instructions. Part 2 presents the anthropometric measurements of the participants. Part 3 shows the results for each item of the Gait component of the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA-G). Part 4 contains five files per participant, storing motion-capture data for the lower limb in the Coordinate 3D (C3D) format. These files were generated using a Vicon motion analysis system, consisting of 24 reflective markers and seven cameras (Vantage V5) sampled at 100 Hz. Part 5 contains 26 gait parameters for each C3D file obtained using Nexus 2.9.3. The dataset is available in a Mendeley repository (Reserved DOI: 10.17632/xgw6bg3g8h.1).

Identification and sub-cellular localization of a NAD transporter in Leishmania braziliensis (LbNDT1).

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is one of the central molecules involved in energy homeostasis, cellular signaling and antioxidative defense systems. Consequently, its biosynthetic pathways and transport systems are of vital importance. The nicotinamide/nicotinate mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of NAD, is distributed in all domains of life and exhibits various isoforms in free-living organisms in contrast with intracellular parasites, which displays a single enzyme. In Leishmania braziliensis a unique cytosolic NMNAT has been reported to date and the mechanisms through which adequate levels of NAD are maintained among the different sub-cellular compartments of this parasite are unknown. Experimental evidences have related the transport of NAD to the Nucleotide Transporters (NTTs) family, whose members are located in the cytoplasmic membrane of parasitic life organisms. Additionally, the Mitochondrial Carrier Family (MCF), a group of proteins located in the membrane of internal organelles such as the mitochondria of free life organisms, has been implicated in NAD transport. Applying bioinformatics tools, the main characteristics of the MCF were found in a transporter candidate that we have designated as Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Transporter 1 of L. braziliensis (LbNDT1). The expression of LbNDT1 was tested both in axenic amastigotes and promastigotes of L. braziliensis, through immunodetection using polyclonal avian antibodies produced in this study. N-glycosylation of LbNDT1 was observed in both stages. Additionally, a possible partial mitochondrial distribution for LbNDT1 in amastigotes and a possible glycosomal location in promastigotes are proposed. Finally, the capability of LbNDT1 to transport NAD was confirmed by complementation assays in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our results demonstrate the existence of LbNDT1 in L. braziliensis becoming the first NAD transporter identified in protozoan parasites to date.

Electronic system for step width estimation using programmable system-on-chip technology and time of flight cameras.

This paper proposes a low-cost portable electronic system for estimating step width during the human gait cycle. This device, intended to support the Walking Stance item of the fall risk assessment test Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), contains three electronic boards, comprising two sensing nodes and a concentrator. Each sensing node contains a force sensitive resistor (FSR) and time-of-flight camera (TOF). Each FSR is placed inside the subject's shoe, while each TOF camera is located at the back of their foot. The FSR detects contact between heel and ground, and the TOF measures the distance to a barrier located on the right side of the walking path. Step width is calculated as the difference between the TOF measurements. After the walk is complete, the information obtained by the FSRs and TOFs is sent via a 433 MHz wireless communication to the concentrator board, which is connected to the USB port of a personal computer (PC). The proposed step width measurement system was validated with an infrared based motion capture (Vicon Corp.), giving an error equal to 11.4%  ±  5.5%.

Removal and Extraction of Carboxylic Acids and Non-ionic Compounds with Simple Hydroxides and Layered Double Hydroxides.

Carboxylic acids are an important natural component as a final product or intermediates for syntheses. They are produced in plants, animals and also as products from biotechnological processes. This review presents the use of single hydroxide particles and layered double hydroxides as alternative adsorbents to remove carboxylic acids from liquid media. The proposal to use hydroxide particles is based on its affinity to adsorb or intercalate carboxylic acids. Besides, the change in properties of the adsorbate-sorbate product evinces that this intermediate can be used as a vehicle to transport and release carboxylic acids. Additional examples will also be presented to prove that layered hydroxides are capable of removing non-ionic compounds from wine, milk and tomato. The use of layered compounds to remove active ingredients could reduce the number of separations steps, costs and reduce or eliminate solvents, thus encouraging the design of industrial processes of separation using hydroxides particles.

Late embryonic losses in supplemented grazing lactating dairy cows: Risk factors and reproductive performance.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for late embryonic loss (LEL) in supplemented grazing dairy cows. Additional objectives were to assess the incidence of LEL and its association with the reproductive performance of cows. A data set containing productive, reproductive, and health records of 13,551 lactations was used. A retrospective case-control study involving 631 cows with LEL (cases) and 2,524 controls (4 controls per case within each study year) was run. A case of LEL was defined when the embryo had no heartbeat or there was evidence of detached membranes or floating structures including embryo remnants by ultrasonography (US) at 28 to 42 d post-artificial insemination (AI), whereas a non-case was defined as a cow diagnosed with positive pregnancy by US 28 to 42 d post-AI and reconfirmed as pregnant 90 ± 7 d post-AI. Four controls per case were randomly selected from the non-cases with a temporal matching criterion (±3 d around the date of the fecundating AI of the case). Multivariable logistic models were offered with the following predictors: year of LEL (2011 through 2015), season of LEL (summer vs. fall vs. winter vs. spring), parity (1 vs. 2 vs. ≥3), uterine disease (UD), non-uterine disease (NUD), body condition score at parturition, body condition score at 28 to 42 d post-AI (BCS-LEL), days in milk (DIM), and daily milk yield (MY). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and a tendency was set at P ≤ 0.10. We found that 4.7, 22, and 23% of cows had LEL, UD, and NUD, respectively. Cases tended to have higher daily MY than controls (32.5 vs. 31.8 kg); also, cases had much longer calving to pregnancy interval (226 vs. 118 d), lower hazard of pregnancy [hazard ratio = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.35-0.43], and higher odds for non-pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) = 2.89, 95% CI = 2.37-3.54] than controls. We found that the odds for LEL increased with parity number (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.99-3.08 for parity ≥3) and with BCS-LEL <2.50 (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.33-2.47). Conversely, the odds for LEL decreased with BCS-LEL >3.00 (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53-0.91). The odds for LEL increased with UD (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.01-1.49), NUD (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01-1.54), DIM (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.05), and daily MY (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.04-1.25) in univariable models only. Finally, the odds for LEL were not associated with year, season, DIM, and body condition score at parturition. In conclusion, LEL is associated with extended calving to pregnancy interval, and among its risk factors are parity number and BCS-LEL.

Innovative assembly strategy contributes to understanding the evolution and conservation genetics of the endangered Solenodon paradoxus from the island of Hispaniola.

Solenodons are insectivores that live in Hispaniola and Cuba. They form an isolated branch in the tree of placental mammals that are highly divergent from other eulipothyplan insectivores The history, unique biology, and adaptations of these enigmatic venomous species could be illuminated by the availability of genome data. However, a whole genome assembly for solenodons has not been previously performed, partially due to the difficulty in obtaining samples from the field. Island isolation and reduced numbers have likely resulted in high homozygosity within the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus). Thus, we tested the performance of several assembly strategies on the genome of this genetically impoverished species. The string graph-based assembly strategy seemed a better choice compared to the conventional de Bruijn graph approach due to the high levels of homozygosity, which is often a hallmark of endemic or endangered species. A consensus reference genome was assembled from sequences of 5 individuals from the southern subspecies (S. p. woodi). In addition, we obtained an additional sequence from 1 sample of the northern subspecies (S. p. paradoxus). The resulting genome assemblies were compared to each other and annotated for genes, with an emphasis on venom genes, repeats, variable microsatellite loci, and other genomic variants. Phylogenetic positioning and selection signatures were inferred based on 4,416 single-copy orthologs from 10 other mammals. We estimated that solenodons diverged from other extant mammals 73.6 million years ago. Patterns of single-nucleotide polymorphism variation allowed us to infer population demography, which supported a subspecies split within the Hispaniolan solenodon at least 300 thousand years ago.

Lokomat therapy in Colombia: Current state and cognitive aspects.

Neurological disorders frequently affect walking function which is one of the most fundamental skills to improve quality of life and autonomy, and Lokomat has been a key piece for gait's rehabilitation. In this study, a diagnosis about the development of the Robot-assisted therapy rehabilitation with Lokomat in Colombia is made. The study was performed by collecting some anthropometric and demographic data of the patients that use Lokomat, followed by a survey of cognitive aspects. With the purpose to compare the current state of the robotic therapies it was found that in Colombia the benefits of this treatment have not being fully exploited. Regarding the cognitive aspects, most of the patients that use Lokomat as a rehabilitation therapy feel comfortable (47%), very safe (68%) and have a perpective of significant results with the therapy (68%). However, when compared the number of patients in therapy with Lokomat with the number of the population that has gait disabilities, it is found that few Colombians have access to this type of therapy.

Investigación básica experimental para la definición de los parámetros críticos en el proceso de obtención de soluciones concentradas de propóleos (SCP) / Experimental basic research to define critical parameters in the process of obtaining concentrated solutions of propolis (CSP)

Introducción: los procesos de obtención de SCP han sido desarrollados por diferentes investigadores tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. Objetivo: definir los parámetros críticos del proceso de obtención de SCP, para incrementar el rendimiento y la calidad de este producto y sus derivados. Métodos: se utilizó el método de purificación de Pichansky, con algunas modificaciones en las siguientes variables: relación masa/volumen, concentración del etanol y el tiempo de agitación. Los materiales utilizados están avalados por el Sistema de Gestión de Calidad del Centro. Resultados: las variantes #2 y #4 del proceso de extracción, utilizadas a escala de laboratorio, son las de mejores resultados, ya que se obtuvo un rango de porcentaje sólidos totales entre un 12,4 y 14,3 %, con un rendimiento entre un 48,5 y 83,0 %; siendo seleccionada la variante #4 para elaborar los lotes experimentales a escala de reactor. Conclusiones: las variables estudiadas: tiempo de agitación, concentración de etanol y relación masa/volumen, así como el porcentaje de los sólidos totales, el porcentaje del rendimiento y las propiedades organolépticas, respondieron positivamente en las variantes #2 y #4, las cuales permitieron cumplir con los objetivos propuestos en esta investigación, y pueden emplearse en la elaboración de los lotes productivos dependiendo de la concentración de las soluciones alcohólicas de propóleos que se quieran producir.

Introduction: SCP's processes of obtaining Propolis have been developed by different investigators so much nationally like international. Objective: To define SCP's critical parameters of the process of obtaining, to increment the performance and the quality of this product and his by-products. Methods: Pichansky's method of purification, with some modifications was utilized to the variables following: Relation mass/volume, concentration of ethanol and the time of agitation. The utilized materials are guaranteed for the Quality Management System of the Center. Results: The variants #2 and #4 of the process of extraction, utilized to scale of laboratory, gave better results, obtaining percentage's range solid totals between 12.4 and 14.3 %, with a performance between 48.5 and 83.0 %. Variant #4 was selected in order to make the experimental lots at reactor scale. Conclusions: the studied variables: Time agitation, concentration of ethanol and the relation mass/volume, as well as the percentage of the solid totals, the percentage of the performance and organoleptic properties, of variants #2 and #4, allowed carrying out the objectives proposed in this investigation. These variables responded positively in the variants and can be used in the elaboration of the productive lots considering the concentration of alcoholic propolis' solutions required.

Derivación submandibular para garantizar la vía respiratoria en la traumatologia facial / Submandibular bypass to secure the airway in facial trauma

Introducción: uno de los recursos más efectivos en traumatismos maxilofaciales es el empleo de la traqueostomía, esta se conoce desde hace más de doscientos años. Pocas intervenciones quirúrgicas han salvado tantas vidas como la traqueostomía pues esta, permite garantizar una vía respiratoria segura para el paciente, pero como todo proceder quirúrgico no está exenta de complicaciones. La derivación endotraqueal submandibular se presenta como una alternativa viable en los casos que se requiera una traqueostomía temporal, esta consiste en el paso del tubo endotraqueal de la boca para el exterior a través de una incisión en la región submandibular. Se denomina fractura panfacial cuando las lesiones comprometen los tercios superiores, medio e inferior da la cara y que resulta en una perturbación grave de la arquitectura facial. Objetivos: dar a conocer siete casos realizados desde el 2006 hasta la actualidad, cuatro en el Hospital General Docente "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado" de Pinar del Rio, Cuba, y tres en la Clínica Multiperfil de Luanda, Angola. Métodos: se exponen la técnica descrita por Altemir y detallada por Guevara Mantilla y cols en sus cuatro fases. Los pacientes fueron llevados al quirófano de forma urgente y electiva mediante coordinación con el Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación. Se realizó, primero la derivación submandibular y seguidamente el proceder programado para cada paciente. Conclusiones: el proceder permite un adecuado control de la vía respiratoria y constituye una alternativa segura y eficaz en pacientes con traumas complejos del tercio medio facial. No se han encontraron complicaciones ni durante ni en el posoperatorio.

Introduction: tracheostomy is one of the most effective resources in the treatment of facial trauma. This technique has been used for more than two hundred years. Few surgical interventions have saved as many lives as tracheostomy, since it makes it possible to secure a safe airway for the patient. However, as with all surgical procedures, tracheostomy may also have complications. Submandibular endotracheal bypass is a viable alternative when temporary tracheostomy is required. It consists in the passage of an endotracheal tube from the mouth outwards through an incision in the submandibular region. It is called panfacial fracture when the lesions compromise the upper, middle and lower thirds of the face, resulting in serious disturbance of the facial architecture. Objectives: present seven cases treated from 2006 to the present: four at Abel Santamaría Cuadrado General Teaching Hospital in Pinar del Río, Cuba, and three at the Multiprofile Clinic of Luanda, Angola. Methods: a presentation is provided of the four stages of the technique described by Altemir and detailed by Guevara Mantilla and cols. Patients were carried to the operating room for emergency and elective surgery prior coordination with the Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Service. Submandibular bypass was performed first, followed by the procedure scheduled for each patient. Conclusions: the procedure allows appropriate control of the airway and constitutes a safe, effective alternative for patients with complex trauma of the facial middle third. No complications were found during surgery or in the postoperative period.

Autotrasplante de células madre adultas en defecto óseo de rama mandibular por quiste dentígero / Autotransplantation of adult stem cells in an osseous defect of the mandibular branch per dentigerous cyst

Propósitos del estudio: indagar en la formación ósea de cavidades quísticas de los maxilares a partir de células madres adultas. Método: se realiza la presentación de un paciente que presentaba un quiste dentígero en rama mandibular izquierda y que había provocado gran destrucción ósea, lo cual se comprobó al examen físico y estudios complementarios, tomografía axial compuarizada (TAC) e imágenes gráficas (Fotos). Se decide colocar las células madres adultas, previa valoración y preparación del paciente con el servicio de hematología y medicina transfusional. Se describe la conducta médico-quirúrgica realizada y su diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Se presenta de forma gráfica la evolución clínico radiológico del paciente, inmediato, a los tres meses y a los dos años de evolución. Resultados: quedó identificado que las células madres adultas inducen la regeneración ósea en las cavidades quísticas de los maxilares. Se discutió la evolución del paciente según la literatura consultada. Conclusiones: Se puede expresar que lo identificado en este caso confirma el uso de células madres adultas en la regeneración ósea de cavidades quísticas de los maxilares, además de abrir nuevas perspectivas en el tratamiento de otras afecciones del territorio maxilofacial como fracturas, artrosis de la ATM, defectos por lesiones oncológicas, por lo que se justifica la realización de proyectos investigativos que apoyen la utilización de esta nueva terapéutica.

Purpose of the study: to investigate about the osseous formation of cystic cavities of the maxillaries from adult stem cells. Method: a patient presenting a dentigerous cyst in the left mandibular branch that provoked a large osseous destruction, which was confirmed by means physical examination, complementary studies, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) and graphic images (photographs). Adult stem cells were placed, in view of a prior assessment and preparation of the patient in hematology service and transfusion medicine. Medical-surgical approach and pathological diagnosis were described, presenting in graphics the clinical and radiological improvement almost immediately, at three months and at two years. Results: it was identified that adult stem cells induce osseous regeneration in the cystic cavities of maxillaries. The evolution of the patient was discussed according to the medical literature reviewed. Conclusion: the use of adult stem cells to treat the osseous regeneration of cystic cavities of the maxillaries was confirmed in this case, and new perspectives of treatment for other maxillofacial illnesses can be opened, as for fractures, osteoarthritis of the Temporal Mandibular Articulation and defects provoked by cancer lesions, etc. Research projects sustaining the use of this new therapy are necessary.

La depresión: un enfoque cognitivo / Depression: a cognitive approach

A través del presente artículo, se pretende desarrollar y explicar desde una perspectiva de la teoría cognitiva (procesamiento de la información),a la depresión, como un trastorno emocional más frecuente en la población mundial. Así mismo, se presta atención a los síntomas y signos de éste, y se realiza un análisis de la depresión, a través de su clasificación actual y las teorías cognitivas que la explican.

This article pretends to develop and to explain, from a perspective of the cognitive theory (information processing), the depression, as one more frequent emotional upheaval in the world-wide population. Also, attention to the symptoms and signs of this problem is given. Furthermore, an analysis of the depression, through its present classification and the cognitive theories that explain it, is made.

Factores de virulencia en cepas de Aeromonas aisladas de pacientes con enfermedad diarreica aguda en Cuba / Virulence factors in Aeromonas strains isolated from patients with acute diarrheas in Cuba

Objetivo: se realizó un estudio en cepas de Aeromonas aisladas de pacientes con enfermedad diarreica aguda en Cuba, para conocer la expresión fenotípica de la citotoxina y la enterotoxina como factores de virulencia. Métodos: se investigaron 46 cepas (A. hydrophila, A. veronii biovar sobria, A. caviae, A. veronii biovar veronii y Aeromonas spp.), aisladas de heces de pacientes con enfermedad diarreica aguda, en el período comprendido entre 2005 y 2006. Todas las cepas tenían identificado su patrón de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. Se comprobó la expresión fenotípica de la citotoxina y la enterotoxina en la línea celular Vero. Resultados: el estudio demostró que 91,31 por ciento de las cepas mostraron actividad citotóxica y 43,48 por ciento actividad enterotóxica. De las cepas multirresistentes, 93,75 por ciento presentó al menos un factor de virulencia estudiado. Conclusiones: los resultados demostraron que los 2 factores de virulencia investigados estuvieron presentes en las cepas estudiadas, contribuyendo así a los múltiples esfuerzos que se realizan para conocer los mecanismos de enteropatogenicidad de este género bacteriano.

Objective: A study was carried out in Aeromonas strains isolated from patients with acute diarrheas in Cuba to find out the phenotypical expression of the cytotoxin and the enterotoxin as virulence factors. Methods: Forty six strains of the genus Aeromonas (A. hydrophila, A. veronii bv sobria, A. caviae, A. veronii bv veronii and Aeromonas spp.) isolated from stool specimens taken form patients with acute diarrheal disease were studied from 2005 to 2006. All the strains had their pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern identified. The phenotypic expression of the cytotoxin and the enterotoxin in the Vero cell line was checked. Results: It was demonstrated that 91,31 percent of the strains showed cytotoxic activity and 43,48 percent of them enterotoxic activity. Regarding multiresistant strains, 93,75 percent presented with at least one of the studied virulence factors. Conclusions: these results proved that the two researched virulence factors did exist in the studied strains, thus contributing to the many efforts that are being made to learn about the mechanisms of enteropathogenicity of this bacterial genus.

Functional characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2969c membrane protein.

Identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis membrane proteins involved in binding to and invasion of host cells is important in designing subunit-based anti-tuberculosis vaccines. The Rv2969c gene sequence was identified by PCR in M. tuberculosis complex strains, being transcribed in M. tuberculosis H37Rv, M. tuberculosis H37Ra, and M. bovis BCG. Rabbits immunized with synthetic peptides from highly specific conserved regions of this protein produced antibodies recognizing 27 and 29 kDa bands in M. tuberculosis lysate, which is consistent with the molecular weight of the Rv2969c gene product in M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed the protein was localized on the bacillus surface. Four and three specific high activity binding peptides (HABPs) to the A549 alveolar epithelial and U937 monocyte cell lines were found, respectively. Two of the HABPs found inhibited M. tuberculosis invasion of A549 cells, suggesting that these peptides might be good candidates to be included in a multiepitopic, subunit-based anti-tuberculosis vaccine.

Eficacia del tratamiento conservador en las fracturas mandibulares / Effectiveness of the conservative procedure in mandibular fractures

Se realizó un estudio en 30 pacientes con fractura mandibular, que fueron atendidos en el servicio de cirugía máxilofacial del Hospital Universitario "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado", en el periodo comprendido desde el 1ro de noviembre del 2002 hasta el 28 de febrero del 2006, con el objetivo de demostrar la eficacia del tratamiento conservador en las fracturas mandibulares según los resultados obtenidos con la reducción de la fractura, fijación y oclusión dentaria. Se plantean y analizan los resultados obtenidos, encontrando una mayor incidencia de estas fracturas de 25 a 34 años de edad, siendo las fracturas con desplazamiento y factor dentario favorable las de mayor incidencia y existiendo en el 100 % de los pacientes, al realizar el tratamiento conservador una reducción anatómica, adecuada fijación y buena oclusión.

A study of 30 patients suffering from mandibular fracture attended at the Oral Surgery Office was carried out at "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado" General hospital during November 1, 2002 to February 28, 2006. It was aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of the findings obtained with the reduction of the fracture, fixation and dental occlusion. Findings were analyzed showing a higher incidence in 25 -34 year-old subjects, having the dislocated fractures and the dental factor a higher incidence. In 100% of cases it was observed an anatomic reduction and a proper fixation as well as a good occlusion when the conservative procedure was done.

Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 6 (MSP-6) derived peptides bind erythrocytes and partially inhibit parasite invasion.

This work shows that Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-6 (MSP-6) peptides specifically bind to membrane surface receptor on human erythrocytes. Three high activity binding peptides (HABPs) were found: peptides 31175 (41MYNNDKILSKNEVDTNIESN60) and 31178 (101YDIQATYQFPSTSGGNNVIP120) in the amino terminal region and 31191 (361EIDSTINNLVQEMIHLFSNNY380) at the carboxy terminal. Their binding to erythrocytes was saturable. HABPs 31191 and 31178 recognized 56 and 26 kDa receptors on erythrocyte membrane and inhibited in vitro Plasmodium falciparum merozoite invasion of erythrocytes by between 27% and 46% at 200 microg ml(-1) concentration, suggesting that these MSP-6 protein peptides play a possible role in the invasion process.

Plasmodium falciparum TryThrA antigen synthetic peptides block in vitro merozoite invasion to erythrocytes.

Tryptophan-threonine-rich antigen (TryThrA) is a Plasmodium falciparum homologue of Plasmodium yoelii-infected erythrocyte membrane pypAg-1 antigen. pypAg-1 binds to the surface of uninfected mouse erythrocytes and has been used successfully in vaccine studies. The two antigens are characterized by an unusual tryptophan-rich domain, suggesting similar biological properties. Using synthetic peptides spanning the TryThrA sequence and human erythrocyte we have done binding assays to identify possible TryThrA functional regions. We describe four peptides outside the tryptophan-rich domain having high activity binding to normal human erythrocytes. The peptides termed HABPs (high activity binding peptides) are 30884 ((61)LKEKKKKVLEFFENLVLNKKY(80)) located at the N-terminal and 30901 ((401)RKSLEQQFGDNMDKMNKLKKY(420)), 30902 ((421)KKILKFFPLFNYKSDLESIM(440)) and 30913 ((641)DLESTAEQKAEKKGGKAKAKY(660)) located at the C-terminal. Studies with polyclonal goat antiserum against synthetic peptides chosen to represent the whole length of the protein showed that TryThrA has fluorescence pattern similar to PypAg-1 of P. yoelii. All HABPs inhibited merozoite in vitro invasion, suggesting that TryThrA protein may be participating in merozoite-erythrocyte interaction during invasion.

Identifying putative Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2004c protein sequences that bind specifically to U937 macrophages and A549 epithelial cells.

Virulence and immunity are still poorly understood in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The H37Rv M. tuberculosis laboratory strain genome has been completely sequenced, and this along with proteomic technology represent powerful tools contributing toward studying the biology of target cell interaction with a facultative bacillus and designing new strategies for controlling tuberculosis. Rv2004c is a putative M. tuberculosis protein that could have specific mycobacterial functions. This study has revealed that the encoding gene is present in all mycobacterium species belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. Rv2004c gene transcription was observed in all of this complex's strains except Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium microti. Rv2004c protein expression was confirmed by using antibodies able to recognize a 54-kDa molecule by immunoblotting, and its location was detected on the M. tuberculosis surface by transmission electron microscopy, suggesting that it is a mycobacterial surface protein. Binding assays led to recognizing high activity binding peptides (HABP); five HABPs specifically bound to U937 cells, and six specifically bound to A549 cells. HABP circular dichroism suggested that they had an alpha-helical structure. HABP-target cell interaction was determined to be specific and saturable; some of them also displayed greater affinity for A549 cells than U937 cells. The critical amino acids directly involved in their interaction with U937 cells were also determined. Two probable receptor molecules were found on U937 cells and five on A549 for the two HABPs analyzed. These observations have important biological significance for studying bacillus-target cell interactions and implications for developing strategies for controlling this disease.