Análisis radiográfico comparativo de tratamientos endodónticos: su posible aporte en la identificación forense / Comparative radiographic analysis of endodontic treatments: its possible contribution to forensic identification

Introducción: La identificación por cotejo de regis-tros odontológicos representa una metodología científicamente consolidada. La estrategia más co-mún reside en la comparación de odontogramas impresos o digitalizados, aunque se ha cuestionado cierta subjetividad al asentar dicha información. Los recursos imagenológicos constituyen una evidencia más confiable y objetiva, reduciendo el sesgo iden-tificatorio. La obtención de radiografías post mor-tem (PM) reproduciendo en lo posible las técnicas que han generado las imágenes ante mortem (AM) recuperadas, otorga una eficaz modalidad compa-rativa, aumentando su valor probatorio. Materiales y Métodos: Se efectuó la comparación entre radio-grafías panorámicas y periapicales tomadas a 10 pacientes atendidos en un consultorio particular de la ciudad de Quilmes, Provincia de Buenos Aires, don-de se visualizaban tratamientos de endodoncia. Los registros de ambas técnicas de imágenes se realiza-ron sobre los mismos sujetos entre los años 2010 y 2022. Se cotejaron 11 radiografías periapicales y 10 panorámicas, procediéndose a la digitalización de la totalidad de la muestra. Se clasificaron las imágenes de cada persona conforme a la fecha de obtención de las mismas. A las más antiguas se las catalogó con el color verde, representando el material AM, mien-tras que las más recientes se marcaron en color rojo, constituyendo la información PM. Resultados: Teniendo en cuenta los criterios estipulados por la Junta Americana de Odontología Forense (ABFO) se identificaron positivamente 7 casos estudiados, 2 fueron catalogados como identificación posible, en tanto que 1 se clasificó como insuficiente. No se re-gistraron exclusiones. Conclusión: Los tratamientos endodónticos podrían suministrar información pon-derable en procesos de identificación humana en virtud de la escasa probabilidad de sufrir alteracio-nes morfológicas y estructurales por su estratégica localización intradentaria, otorgando posibilidades concretas de establecer la identidad categórica de sujetos desconocidos (AU)

Introduction: Identification by comparison of dental records represents a scientifically consolidated methodology. The most common strategy lies in the comparison of printed or digitised odontograms, although certain subjectivity has been questioned when recording said information. Imaging resources constitute more reliable and objective evidence, reducing identification bias. Obtaining post-mortem (PM) radiographs reproducing the techniques that have generated the recovered ante-mortem (AM) images, provides an effective comparative modality, increasing its evidentiary value. Materials and Methods: A comparison was made between panoramic and periapical radiographs taken to 10 patients treated in a private office in the city of Quilmes, Province of Buenos Aires, where endodontic treatments were visualized. The records of both imaging techniques were carried out on the same subjects between 2010 and 2022. 11 periapical and 10 panoramic radiographs were collected, and the entire sample was digitized. The images of each person were classified according to the date they were obtained. The oldest ones were cataloged with the color green, representing the AM material, while the most recent ones were marked in red, constituting the PM information. Results: Taking into account the criteria stipulated by the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO), 7 cases studied were positively identified, 2 were classified as possible identification, while 1 was classified as insufficient. No exclusions were recorded. Conclusion: Endodontic treatments could provide valuable information in human identification processes due to the low probability of suffering morphological and structural alterations due to their strategic intradental location, providing concrete possibilities of establishing the categorical identity of unknown subjects (AU)

Mathematical modeling for operative improvement of the decoloration of Acid Red 27 by a novel microbial consortium of Trametes versicolor and Pseudomonas putida: A multivariate sensitivity analysis.

In this work, it is presented a first approach of a mathematical and kinetic analysis for improving the decoloration and further degradation process of an azo dye named acid red 27 (AR27), by means of a novel microbial consortium formed by the fungus Trametes versicolor and the bacterium Pseudomonas putida. A multivariate analysis was carried out by simulating scenarios with different operating conditions and developing a specific mathematical model based on kinetic equations describing all stages of the biological process, from microbial growth and substrate consuming to decoloration and degradation of intermediate compounds. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed by using a factorial design and the Response Surface Method (RSM), for determining individual and interactive effects of variables like, initial glucose concentration, initial dye concentration and the moment in time for bacterial inoculation, on response variables assessed in terms of the minimum time for: full decoloration of AR27 (R1 = 2.375 days); maximum production of aromatic metabolites (R2 = 1.575 days); and full depletion of aromatic metabolites (R3 = 12.9 days). Using RSM the following conditions improved the biological process, being: an initial glucose concentration of 20 g l-1, an initial AR27 concentration of 0.2 g l-1 and an inoculation moment in time of P. putida at day 1. The mathematical model is a feasible tool for describing AR27 decoloration and its further degradation by the microbial consortium of T. versicolor and P. putida, this model will also work as a mathematical basis for designing novel bio-reaction systems than can operate with the same principle of the described consortium.

EXPRESSION OF CHEMOKINE (C-C MOTIF) RECEPTOR 7 IN PROSTATE CANCER TISSUE OF YOUNG PATIENTS AND IN METASTATIC CANCER CELLS.

BACKGROUND: Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 7 (CCR7) is a chemokine receptor involved in the carcinogenesis of several types of tumors due to its promoting action in epithelial-mesenchymal transition events, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. However, its role in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. AIM: To evaluate CCR7 expression by immunohistochemistry in prostate tumors from young patients and to determine the possible relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 23 young PCa (≤ 55 years old) patients and evaluated the transcriptomic expression in the TCGA database. RESULTS: Expression of CCR7 was observed in 15 cases (65%). The tissue samples from younger patients (≤ 50 years) were mostly positive in 72.7% (8/11) of cases. High grade GS (≥ 3) tumors were CCR7-positive in 71% cases. The malignant cells present in lymph nodes were CCR7 positive in 100% cases. The bioinformatic analysis showed a high CCR7 expression associated with the presence of metastasis (FC = 2.6, p = 0.03) in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) PCa cohort (PRAD). CONCLUSION: We showed that CCR7 expression in tumors from young patients is associated with the early onset of the disease and could also be related to lymph node metastasis.

Dosimetric analysis of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots exposed to a gamma radiation for a low-dose applications.

In this study, graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C3N4QDs) were synthesized using different solvents, characterized, and then exposed to a gamma-ray source (137Cs) at irradiation doses of 0.1, 1.48, 2.05 and 3.25 Gy. The intensities of the emission bands progressively were attenuated as the received dose of gamma radiation increased. The changes were quantified with the help of a non-linear fit model. The material showed promising use as a dosimeter for low-dose radiation applications.

Transcriptome analysis reveals key defense-related genes upon SA induction in Cocos nucifera L.

BACKGROUND: Salicylic acid (SA) is an important regulator of genes involved in plant defense and pathogen-triggered systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Coconut is an important crop affected by several pathogens. Reported evidence suggests SA involvement in defense responses, including SAR in coconut. OBJECTIVE: To identified differentially expressed genes in leaf and root tissues of coconut plantlets, as a result of SA, that might be involved in coconut defense responses. METHODS: Comparative transcriptomic analysis by RNA-Seq of leaf and root tissues from in vitro coconut plantlets unexposed and exposed to SA 2.5 mM for 48 h. And in silico validation of gene expression by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: We identified 4615 and 3940 differentially expressed unigenes (DEUs) in leaf and root tissues respectively. Our GO analysis showed functional categories related to the induction of defense responses, such as "systemic acquired resistance" and highly enriched hormone categories, such as abscisic acid. The most abundant KEGG pathway in our results was "Biosynthesis of antibiotics". Our findings support that exogenous application of SA to plantlets induced the activation of PRs, RGAs, ICS2, NLTP2, PER4, TRXM and some WRKYs mediated by NPR1-dependent pathways. Also, we found DEUs, such as BZR1, HSL1, and WHY2 that support that SA could regulate defense-related genes through NPR1-independent pathways. CONCLUSION: The present study of massive data analysis carried out on coconut plantlets exposed to SA, generates valuable information that increases our understanding of defense molecular mechanisms in coconut and open new venues for research for the improvement of management of coconut diseases.

[Neurological complications associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in adult patients. A study of a case series]. / Complicaciones neurológicas asociadas al tratamiento con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) en pacientes adultos. Estudio de una serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: ECMO is an advanced technique of ventilatory and circulatory support. However, it can be associated with neurological complications. The proposal is to describe the clinical characteristics and neurological complications profile in patients under ECMO support. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To descriptive a case series study. A descriptive and retrospective analysis and a bivariate analysis were performed in order to compare the main clinical variables of interest. RESULTS: 136 adults undergoing ECMO with an average age of 51 years (17-78) were evaluated. Neurological complications were observed in 51 patients (37.5%), corresponding to stroke 22 (16.17%), hypoxic encephalopathy 13 (9.5 %), cerebral hemorrhage (HIC) in 12 (8.8%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (HSA) in 4 patients (2.9%). Seven (13.7%) of patients with neurological complications had seizures. Neurological complications occurred in 23.53% in venovenous ECMO and in 76.47% with veno-arterial ECMO (p = 0.86). The overall mortality was 51.47% (70/136) for all patients in ECMO and 64.7% (33/51) for the population with neurological complications. The mortality in stroke was 54.5% (12/22), 91.6% (11/12) in HIC and 100% (4) in HSA (p = 0.03). Mortality was higher in veno-arterial ECMO (77.14%) versus venous-venous ECMO (22.86% of total), (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: ECMO is a useful therapeutic tool in cases of high clinical severity. In our study, we identified a high rate of neurological complications that contribute to associated morbidity and mortality. Early neuroimaging studies in these cases could allow early detection of these complications.

TITLE: Complicaciones neurológicas asociadas al tratamiento con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) en pacientes adultos. Estudio de una serie de casos.Introducción. La ECMO es una técnica avanzada de soporte ventilatorio y circulatorio. Sin embargo, puede asociarse a complicaciones neurológicas. Se propone describir las características clínicas y el perfil de las complicaciones neurológicas en pacientes sometidos a ECMO. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de una serie de casos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y un análisis bivariado con la finalidad de comparar las principales variables clínicas de interés. Resultados. Se evaluó a 136 adultos sometidos a ECMO con edad promedio de 51 años (17-78). Las complicaciones neurológicas se presentaron en 51 pacientes (37,5%), de los cuales correspondieron a ictus 22 (16,17%); a encefalopatía hipóxica, 13 (9,5%); a hemorragia intracerebral (HIC), 12 (8,8%), y a hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA), cuatro (2,9%). Siete (13,7%) de los pacientes con complicaciones neurológicas presentaron crisis epilépticas. Las complicaciones neurológicas se presentaron en 12 pacientes (23,53%) con la ECMO venovenosa y en 39 (76,47%) con la ECMO venoarterial (p = 0,86). La mortalidad global fue del 51,47% (70/136 pacientes) y del 64,7% (33/51) para la población con complicaciones neurológicas. La mortalidad en el ictus fue del 54,5% (12/22), del 91,6% (11/12) en la HIC y del 100% (4/4) en la HSA (p = 0,03). La mortalidad en la ECMO venoarterial fue del 77,14%, frente al 22,86% de la de la ECMO venovenosa (p = 0,015). Conclusiones. La ECMO es una herramienta terapéutica útil en casos de elevada gravedad clínica. En nuestro estudio, identificamos una elevada tasa de complicaciones neurológicas que contribuyen a la morbimortalidad asociada. La realización temprana de estudios de neuroimagen en estos casos podría permitir una detección temprana de estas complicaciones.

Correlaciones entre el test de velocidad en 4 metros y el test de caminata en 6 min en enfermos respiratorios crónicos / Correlations between the 4 meter speed test and the 6-minute walking test in chronic respiratory patients

Resumen La prueba de velocidad de marcha en 4 metros (T4M) es considerada sustituto de la caminata en 6 min (TC6M) en EPOC. Sin embargo, no ha sido bien investigada en otras enfermedades respiratorias. Durante un año estudiamos pacientes que concurrieron a nuestra Unidad para realizar el TC6M midiendo la velocidad alcanzada en 4 metros, 2 h previo a realizar el TC6M. De 162 pacientes 99 eran mujeres. La edad media fue de 65 años, peso de 73 kg, talla de 158 cm, IMC 29,4 kg/m2. 36% tenían fibrosis pulmonar idiopática, 17% EPOC, GOLD IV,11% EPOC, GOLD III, 12% apnea de sueño y 12% otras enfermedades. No hubo diferencia para los distintos diagnósticos en ambos tests. La distancia media en TC6Mfue 368,5 m la velocidad: 1,01 m/s en T4M.Hubo una correlación positiva significativa entre ambos test: alto rendimiento en T4M es equivalente a un alto rendimiento en el TC6M. Hubo correlación negativa con la edad y positiva con la estatura. Al año de seguimiento 16 pacientes habían fallecido, siendo estos los que habían obtenido los más bajos rendimientos en ambos tests (T4M: 0,69 m/s y 248,1 m en TC6M) La posibilidad de sobrevida cayó a 20% en aquellos individuos que alcanzaron una velocidad inferior a 0,69 m/s. Es posible sustituir el TC6M por el T4M en pacientes con diferentes patologías respiratoria, podemos predecir la muerte por cualquier causa si un sujeto camina a una velocidad ≤ 0,69 m/s, T4M es barato y fácil de realizar en atención primaria, sirviendo como evaluación de riesgo para referir a un centro más complejo.

4-Meter Gait Speed Test (4MGST) a frailty test, is considered a surrogate for the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in COPD. However, it has not been investigated in other respiratory conditions. Over a year, we studied patients attending our Unit for evaluation with 6MWT, measuring the speed they achieved walking 4 m, 2 h before performing 6MWT. 162 patients (99 women) were studied; series' mean values were: age 65 years-old; body weight, 73 kg; height, 158 cm and BMI, 29.4 kg/m2. 36% of them had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 17% GOLD IV COPD, 11% GOLD III COPD, 12% pulmonary arterial hypertension, 12% obstructive apnea-hypopnea syndrome, and 12% other conditions. ANOVA showed no difference between diagnostic categories for both test. Average score in 6MWT was 368.5 m and 1.01 m/s in 4MGST. Pearson correlation coefficient revealed significant positive correlation between results of both tests: high score in 4MGST is equivalent to high score in 6MWT. There was negative correlation with age and positive correlation with height. At one year follow-up, 16 patients had died. They obtained significantly lower scores in both tests (4MGST: 0.69 m/s and 6MWT: 248.1 m) Survival chance fell to 20% for patients walking slower than 0.69 m/s. It is possible to replace TC6M with T4M in patients with different respiratory pathologies, we can predict death for any cause if a subject walked at ≤ speed at 0.69 m/s. T4M is cheap and easy to perform in primary care, serving as a risk assessment to refer to a more complex center.

miR-19b-3p and miR-20a-5p are associated with the levels of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Monocytes play a key role in pathophysiology of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), nevertheless it is unclear if microRNA expression is associated with particular APS features. Identify whether miR-19b-3p and miR-20a-5p expression in monocytes are associated with hallmarks of the APS. Fifty-seven APS patients and 18 healthy controls were studied. Expression of miR-19b-3p and miR-20a-5p was measured in monocytes by RT-qPCR. Both miR-19b-3p (AUC = 0.835, 95% CI 0.733-0.938; P < 0.001) and miR-20a-5p (AUC = 0.857, 0.757-0.957; P < 0.001) discriminated APS patients from healthy individuals. A cut-off point of 1.98 for miR-19-3p and 2.18 for miR-20a-5p showed that APS patients with low microRNA expression had higher levels of IgM and IgG anticardiolipin antibodies than patients with high microRNA expression. In addition, APS patients with low microRNA expression had higher IgG anti-ß2 glycoprotein I antibody levels than their counterparts with high microRNA expression. Finally, miR-19b-3p and miR-20a-5p expression levels were significantly higher in APS patients using oral anticoagulants. Monocyte expression of miR-19b-3p and miR-20a-5p is low in APS, and patients with the lowest microRNA expression presented the highest levels of antiphospholipid antibodies.

The electronic nose as a rule-out test for tuberculosis in an indigenous population.

INTRODUCTION: To end the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, efficient diagnostic tools are needed. In a previous calibration study, a portable 'point of care' electronic nose device (AeonoseTM ) proved to be a promising tool in a hospital setting. We evaluated this technology to detect TB in an indigenous population in Paraguay. METHODS: A total of 131 participants were enrolled. eNose results were compared with anamnesis, physical examinations, chest radiography and mycobacterial cultures in individuals with signs and symptoms compatible with TB. The eNose analysis was performed in two stages: first, the training with a combination of a previous study population plus 47 participants from the new cohort (total n = 153), and second, the 'blind prediction' of 84 participants. RESULTS: 21% of all participants (n = 131) showed symptoms and/or chest radiography abnormalities suspicious of TB. No sputum samples resulted culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Only one patient had a positive smell print analysis. In the training model, the specificity was 92% (95% confidence interval (CI): 85%-96%) and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 95%. In the blind prediction model, the specificity and the NPV were 99% (95% CI: 93%-99%) and 100%, respectively. Although the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the eNose could not be assessed in this cohort due to the small sample size, no active TB cases were found during a one year of follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The eNose showed promising specificity and negative predictive value and might therefore be developed as a rule-out test for TB in vulnerable populations.

Evaluation of saliva as a complementary technique to the diagnosis of COVID-19: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Infectious disease coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it mainly affects the upper respiratory tract. The gold standard for its diagnosis is real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) performed on a nasopharyngeal swab. In contrast, testing saliva has significant advantages as a diagnostic method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched for articles evaluating saliva as a diagnostic method for COVID-19 on the PUBMED/MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE, and SCIELO platforms. We initially found 233 articles and 20 were selected for inclusion following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol: 18 cross-sectional studies and 2 case reports, including 8 from America, 8 from Asia, and 4 from Europe. The studies evaluated the presence of viral RNA, IgG, IgM, and IgA in samples of unstimulated saliva from adults with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The vast majority of the studies performed RT-qPCR on the saliva samples and compared the results with the gold standard (a nasopharyngeal swab of the same patient). RESULTS: Saliva samples analyzed by RT-qPCR, reverse transcription isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), spectroscopy, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) offer high sensitivity to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of the disease and among asymptomatic patients as compared to nasopharyngeal swab RT-qPCR. In addition, the self-collection of saliva offers the possibility of receiving telemedicine instructions to carry out the test, reducing the risk of contagion. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of COVID-19 through saliva is sensitive, non-invasive, and is of low risk for the healthcare professionals. However, further studies are recommended to validate its clinical use.

Estimación de costos unitarios directos de atención curativa de dengue en Ecuador 2020 / Estimate of direct unit costs of curative Dengue care in Ecuador 2020

El dengue es una enfermedad viral aguda transmitida a través de la picadura del mosquito (artrópodo) Aedes aegypti infectado con cualquiera de los serotipos de virus dengue. Son virus envueltos, de 40 a 50 nm de diámetro, con cápside icosaédrica y genoma de ácido ribonucleico (ARN) monocatenario, no segmentado, de polaridad positiva perteneciente al género flavivirus de la familia Flaviviridae. El análisis filogenético de las distintas cepas del virus dengue indica que la diseminación global ha dado lugar a distintos genotipos dentro de cada serotipo. En el quinquenio 2015-2020, en Ecuador, se notificaron en toda la región 76.085 casos de dengue. La atención unitaria hospitalaria para el tratamiento del dengue de las unidades de atención sanitaria hospitalarias (A, B, C), generaron un costo total promedio de 498,04 $ con una desviación estándar de ± 40,36, en el Ecuador para el año 2020. Cabe considerar, por otra parte, que el costo unitario directo promedio en ($) de la atención sanitaria en las entidades hospitalarias estudiadas en la presente investigación, generanron un gasto total para el tratamiento hospitalario de 9.585.114,02. Al mismo tiempo en los 2.135 pacientes diagnosticados con dengue que presentaron signos de alarma y requirieron cuatro días de hospitalización, señalando un gasto total para el tratamiento de 1.471.385,06. Por su parte los 51 pacientes que fueron diagnosticados con dengue grave, generaron un costo unitario total en las unidades hospitalarias de 134.152,54. Los resultados son conservadores, porque algunos componentes importantes no se incluyeron en los costos relacionados con el dengue.En ausencia de vacunación, y siendo los programas de control del vector la estrategia básica para mitigar la propagación del dengue, esta enfermedad seguirá produciendo una carga económica y social considerable en el Ecuador, lo que se refleja en el costo total de la enfermedad(AU)

Dengue is an acute viral disease transmitted through the bite of the mosquito (arthropod) Aedes aegypti infected with any of the dengue virus serotypes. They are enveloped viruses, 40 to 50 nm in diameter, with an icosahedral capsid and a single-stranded, non-segmented ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome of positive polarity belonging to the genus Flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family. Phylogenetic analysis of the different dengue virus strains indicates that global spread has given rise to different genotypes within each serotype. In the five-year period 2015-2020, in Ecuador, 76,085 cases of dengue were reported throughout the region. The hospital unit care for the treatment of dengue in the hospital health care units (A, B, C), generated an average total cost of $ 498.04 with a standard deviation of ± 40.36, in Ecuador for the year 2020. It should be considered, on the other hand, that the average direct unit cost in ($) of health care in the hospital entities studied in the present investigation, generated a total cost for hospital treatment of 9,585,114.02. At the same time, in the 2,135 patients diagnosed with dengue who presented alarm signs and required four days of hospitalization, indicating a total cost for treatment of 1,471,385.06. On the other hand, the 51 patients who were diagnosed with severe dengue, generated a total unit cost in the hospital units of 134,152.54. The results are conservative, because some important components were not included in the costs related to dengue. In the absence of vaccination, and with vector control programs the basic strategy to mitigate the spread of dengue, this disease will continue to produce an economic burden and considerable social in Ecuador, which is reflected in the total cost of the disease(AU)

Transgenic Citrange troyer rootstocks overexpressing antimicrobial potato Snakin-1 show reduced citrus canker disease symptoms.

Citrus canker is a major disease caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri. Snakin-1 is an antimicrobial peptide, which was previously shown to be effective against different bacterial and fungal diseases in potato, wheat and lettuce when expressed in transgenic plants. We generated transgenic Citrange Troyer citrus rootstocks constitutively expressing this peptide and 5 different transgenic lines were challenged against virulent X. citri isolates. Challenge assays conducted in vitro using detached leaves and in planta by infiltration revealed a significant reduction of the number and size of canker lesions in some of the transgenic lines.

Treatment Outcomes of Endovascular Embolization Only in Patients with Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: A Subgroup Analysis of ARUBA (A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular embolization only has been advocated for treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations in recent trials. Our aim was to evaluate the results of embolization only in a cohort of patients who were enrolled in the A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA) study at 39 clinical sites in 9 countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the rates and severity of stroke and death in patients who underwent embolization only. Events were identified through in-person neurologic follow-up visits performed at 6-month intervals during the first 2 years and annually, with telephone contact every 6 months thereafter. All event-related data were reviewed by independent adjudicators. RESULTS: Among 30 patients who had embolization planned, 26 underwent embolization only. A total of 13 stroke events were reported in the follow-up period among 26 subjects (ischemic, hemorrhagic, or both in 4, 7, and 2 subjects, respectively). The adverse event occurred after the first embolization in 11 of 13 patients. One patient had a major motor deficit, and 2 patients developed major visual field deficits. One event was fatal. The modified Rankin Scale score was 0-2 at last follow-up in 11 of the 12 stroke survivors. Estimated stroke-free survival was 46% at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although the rates of stroke and/or death were high in patients treated with embolization only in ARUBA, the rates of favorable outcomes following stroke were high during follow-up.

Deforestation in Colombian protected areas increased during post-conflict periods.

Protected areas (PAs) are a foundational and essential strategy for reducing biodiversity loss. However, many PAs around the world exist on paper only; thus, while logging and habitat conversion may be banned in these areas, illegal activities often continue to cause alarming habitat destruction. In such cases, the presence of armed conflict may ultimately prevent incursions to a greater extent than the absence of conflict. Although there are several reports of habitat destruction following cessation of conflict, there has never been a systematic and quantitative "before-and-after-conflict" analysis of a large sample of PAs and surrounding areas. Here we report the results of such a study in Colombia, using an open-access global forest change dataset. By analysing 39 PAs over three years before and after Colombia's peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), we found a dramatic and highly significant increase in the deforestation rate for the majority of these areas and their buffer zones. We discuss the reasons behind such findings from the Colombian case, and debate some general conservation lessons applicable to other countries undergoing post-conflict transitions.

Transgenic Sweet Orange expressing hairpin CP-mRNA in the interstock confers tolerance to citrus psorosis virus in the non-transgenic scion.

The lack of naturally occurring resistance to citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) necessitates a transgenic approach for the development of CPsV-resistant citrus. To evaluate the feasibility of conferring resistance to a non-transgenic scion, we have assembled citrus plants by grafting combining a non-transgenic Sweet Orange as scion, CPsV-resistant transgenic Sweet Orange lines expressing intron-hairpin (ihp) RNA derived from the viral coat protein (ihpCP) as interstock, and a non-transgenic citrus as rootstock. We demonstrated that ihpCP-transcripts translocate through the graft from interstock to scion, triggering the silencing of coat protein mRNA target. Two independent CPsV challenge assays showed that expression of ihpCP in the interstock provides resistance against CPsV in the interstock, and different levels of protection in the non-tg scion, depending of the virus delivery site. These results indicated that grafting is a promising biotechnological alternative to protect woody plants against virus infections in vegetative propagated plants.

Effect of Chronic Consumption of Sweeteners on Microbiota and Immunity in the Small Intestine of Young Mice.

The consumption of sweeteners has increased as a measure to reduce the consumption of calories and thus combat obesity and diabetes. Sweeteners are found in a large number of products, so chronic consumption has been little explored. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of chronic sweetener consumption on the microbiota and immunity of the small intestine in young mice. We used 72 CD1 mice of 21 days old, divided into 3 groups: (i) No treatment, (ii) Group A (6 weeks of treatment), and (iii) Group B (12 weeks of treatment). Groups A and B were divided into 4 subgroups: Control (CL), Sucrose (Suc), Splenda® (Spl), and Svetia® (Sv). The following were determined: anthropometric parameters, percentage of lymphocytes of Peyer's patches and lamina propria, IL-6, IL-17, leptin, resistin, C-peptide, and TNF-α. From feces, the microbiota of the small intestine was identified. The BMI was not modified; the mice preferred the consumption of Splenda® and Svetia®. The percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes in Peyer's patches was increased. In the lamina propria, Svetia® increased the percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes, but Splenda® decreases it. The Splenda® and Svetia® subgroups elevate leptin, C-peptide, IL-6, and IL-17, with reduction of resistin. The predominant genus in all groups was Bacillus. The chronic consumption of sweeteners increases the population of lymphocytes in the mucosa of the small intestine. Maybe, Bacillus have the ability to adapt to sweeteners regardless of the origin or nutritional contribution of the same.

Prognostic factors and survival in Ewing's sarcoma treated by limb salvage surgery.

PURPOSE: Survival in Ewing's sarcoma (ES) has increased with the use of chemotherapy. Surgical techniques such as limb salvage (LS) have been developed. Survival and adverse events have been widely studied in general series of ES, but there are few specific series of ES cases treated by LS, despite this being the most commonly used (surgical) approach. The aim of this study was to determine survival and prognostic factors in ES patients undergoing LS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed all ES patients treated between January 1984 and May 2008 and selected all those treated by systemic multimodal therapy and LS. We assessed the influence of patient characteristics, tumour parameters and therapeutic results in event-free survival (EFS). RESULTS: Ninety patients were included. Fifty of them were treated by systemic multimodal therapy and locally by LS. ean age was 20 years. Overall survival (OS) was 68.8% and EFS was 60.6% at years. In the univariate analysis, pelvic location, age and response to chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis. After multivariate analysis, poor response to treatment, pelvis location and age between 12 and 17 years were found to be independent prognostic factors. Dissemination at diagnosis was not a prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: OS and EFS in ES treated by LS were similar to findings in previous ES studies. factors are no different, except for the presence of metastasis at diagnosis.

Mapeo del proceso clínico de pacientes con ideación suicida activa que consultan en el centro de salud familiar "San Alberto Hurtado" en Chile / Mapping of the clinical process of patients with active suicidal ideation who consult at the primary health care facility "San Alberto Hurtado" in Chile

Introducción: el suicidio es un fenómeno complejo y prevalente. En Chile, los centros de atención primaria pesquisan pacientes consideación suicida activa y los derivan a centros terciarios, pero el proceso es complejo y poco fluido. El objetivo de este trabajo fue mapear el proceso clínico que siguen los pacientes con ideación suicida activa derivados desde el centro de salud familiar Áncora San Alberto Hurtado en Santiago, Chile. Métodos: se realizaron reuniones con los principales protagonistas y se recolectaron protocolos de manejo. Se graficaron los procesos clínicos según la edad del paciente, identificando nudos, brechas y quiebres. Resultados: los pacientes menores de 15 años son derivados al servicio de urgencia pediátrica en el Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río, donde son evaluados por un psiquiatra infanto-juvenil, quien determina si son dados de alta para continuar seguimiento en el nivel secundario o son hospitalizados. Los pacientes mayores de 15 años son referidos al servicio de urgencia psiquiátrica del Complejo Asistencial Barros Luco Trudeau para ser evaluados por un psiquiatra, quien evalúa si requieren seguimiento a nivel secundario u hospitalización. En este último caso, son derivados nuevamente al Hospital Sótero del Río. Se identificaron nudos, brechas y quiebres que dificultan la atención y seguimiento de los pacientes. Conclusión: existen condiciones que afectan el proceso clínico de pacientes con ideación suicida activa derivados desde un centro de atención primaria, y es fundamental reparar las dificultades identificadas para ofrecer a la población una atención en salud mental eficiente.(AU)

Introduction: suicide is a complex and prevalent phenomenon. In Chile, primary health care centers detect most cases of patients with active suicidal ideation and refer them to hospitals, however, this process is complex and not very fluid. The objective was to map the clinical process of patients with active suicidal ideation referred from a primary care center in Santiago, Chile. Methods: we held multiple meetings with the principal persons in charge, and collected management protocols. We mapped the clinical process according to patient age, identifying knots, breaches, and breaks. Results: Patients 14 years or younger attend the pediatric emergency service in Dr. Sótero del Río Welfare Complex, where they receive an assessment by a child and adolescent psychiatrist who determines whether they are hospitalized or discharged to continue to follow up at the secondary level. Patients 15 years or older attend the psychiatric emergencyservice in Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau, where they undergo a psychiatric evaluation which determines whether they are hospitalized or require to follow up at the outpatient setting. If, however, the patient needs to be hospitalized, he/she must return to Hospital Sóterodel Río. Multiple knots, breaches, and breaks were identified, that make health care and follow up of these patients difficult. Conclusion:multiple determinants affect the clinical process of patients with active suicidal ideation referred from a primary health care center. The difficulties identified must be repaired in order to offer the population efficient mental health care.(AU)

Zika y casos de microcefalia en el estado Zulia: aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos del brote, año 2016 / Zika and cases of microcephaly in the state of Zulia: clinical and epidemiological aspects of the sprout, year 2016

El Zika es una enfermedad emergente en Venezuela y en el estado Zulia, evoluciona generalmente de manera benigna y puede producir complicaciones como síndrome Guillain Barré y microcefalia en recién nacidos. Se plantea describir los aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos del brote de Zika y los casos de microcefalia. La investigación es descriptiva, transversal, realizada de mayo 2016 a marzo 2017. La población fue de 1.155 casos sospechosos, la muestra 228 pacientes, resultando 108 positivos por PCR en tiempo real. El mayor número de casos se presentó en la edad de 17 a 33 años (59,3%), predomina el sexo femenino (81,5%), en los municipios Maracaibo y San Francisco (75%). En relación a la sintomatología, la frecuencia fue erupción (84,3%), cefalea y fiebre (76,9%), menos común la artralgia (65,7%) y mialgias (47,2%). Durante el brote, se presentaron dos muertes del sexo masculino, representando el 1,9%; 146 casos con el síndrome de Guillain Barré y 7 casos con microcefalia correspondiente al sexo masculino (85%), con una edad gestacional del recién nacido de 37,4 semanas y sobrevida de 85%. La principal recomendación, debe estar orientada al control del vector transmisor de la enfermedad y hacer el diagnóstico de los casos sospechosos para su confirmación.

Zika is an emerging disease in Venezuela and in the state of Zulia, it generally evolves in a benign manner and can produce complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly in newborns. Itis proposed to describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the Zika outbreak and the cases of microcephaly. The research is descriptive, cross-sectional, conducted from May 2016 to March 2017. The population consisted of 1,155 suspected cases, with a sample of 228 patients, resulting in 108 positive PCR in real time. The largest number of cases occurred at the age of 17 to 33 years (59.3%), with a predominance of females (81.5%), in the municipalities of Maracaibo and San Francisco (75%). In relation to the symptomatology, the frequent are rash (84.3%), headache and fever (76.9%), while arthralgia (65.7%) and myalgia (47.2%) are less common. During the outbreak, there were two deaths of the male sex, representing 1.9%; 146 cases with Guillain-Barré syndrome and 7 cases with microcephaly, corresponding to the male sex (85%), with a newborn gestational age of 37.4 weeks and 85% survival. The main recommendation should be directed to the control of the transmitting vector of the disease and to make the diagnosis of the suspicious cases for their confirmation.

Effect of Supplementation with n-3 Fatty Acids Extracted from Microalgae on Inflammation Biomarkers from Two Different Strains of Mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is considered a chronic noncommunicable disease in which inflammation plays a main role in the progression of the disease and it is known that n-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most recent approaches is the study of the fatty acids of microalgae as a substitute for fish oil and a source rich in fatty acids EPA and DHA. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of supplementation with n-3 fatty acids extracted from microalgae on the inflammatory markers from two different strains of mice. METHODS: Mice of two strains, db/db and CD1, were supplemented with n-3 fatty acids extracted from microalgae in lyophilized form and added to food; the experiment was carried out from week 8 to 16 of life. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentage of TCD4+ cells producing Th1 and Th2 cytokines. RESULTS: Supplementation with microalgae fatty acids decreased the percentage of TCD4+ cells producing IFN-γ and TNF-α and increased the ones producing IL-17A and IL-12 in both strains; on the other hand, supplementation decreased percentage of TCD4+ cells producing IL-4 and increased the ones producing TGF-ß. CONCLUSIONS: Microalgae n-3 fatty acids could be a useful tool in the treatment of diabetes as well as in the prevention of the appearance of health complications caused by inflammatory states.