Optimizing ATTAIN implementation in a federally qualified health center guided by the FRAME-IS.

Implementation strategies are methods or techniques used to adopt, implement, and sustain evidence-based practices (EBPs). Implementation strategies are dynamic and may require adaptation to fit implementation contexts, especially in low-resource settings, which are most likely to serve racially and ethnically diverse patients. The framework for reporting adaptations and modifications to evidence-based implementation strategies (FRAME-IS) was used to document adaptations to implementation strategies to inform an optimization pilot of Access to Tailored Autism Integrated Care (ATTAIN; an integrated care model for children with autism and co-occurring mental health needs) in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) near the United States/Mexico border. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 36 primary care providers who participated in the initial ATTAIN feasibility pilot to inform adaptations. Adaptations were mapped to the FRAME-IS through an iterative template analysis to inform an optimization pilot at a FQHC 1-year from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four implementation strategies (training and workflow reminders, provider/clinic champions, periodic reflections, and technical assistance) were employed during the feasibility pilot and were adapted for the optimization pilot to fit the needs of the FQHC and service delivery changes prompted by the pandemic. Findings demonstrate the utility of using the FRAME-IS to systematically inform EBP optimization in a FQHC providing care to underserved communities. Findings will inform future research studies implementing integrated mental health models in low-resourced primary care settings. Implementation outcomes and provider perceptions of ATTAIN at the FQHC are also reported. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Ozonoterapia y cáncer: mito o realidad / Ozone Therapy and Cancer: Myth or Reality

Introducción: El uso clínico de la ozonoterapia se incrementa cada día. Abarca disímiles especialidades médicas como la oncología. En Cuba las investigaciones que evalúan el empleo de la ozonoterapia en pacientes con cáncer son escasas, se precisan estudios científicos que demuestren su eficacia clínica. Objetivo: Explicar los mecanismos farmacológicos y bioquímicos de la ozonoterapia y su uso en el cáncer como terapia complementaria. Métodos: Se consultaron bases de datos disponibles a través de la red de Infomed. Se utilizaron como palabras clave: cáncer, ozonoterapia y estrés oxidativo. Se seleccionaron artículos originales y de revisión sistemáticos de los últimos diez años que evaluaron la utilización de la ozonoterapia en el tratamiento del cáncer. Resultados: El cáncer es per se una enfermedad inductora de estrés oxidativo. La ozonoterapia respalda su utilización como una terapia adyuvante mediante el preacondicionamiento oxidativo que estimula los sistemas antioxidantes de la célula contra la acción de los radicales libres. Así, se logra neutralizar la acción nociva del estrés oxidativo. El ozono incrementa la eficacia de la radio - quimioterapia y ayuda a reducir los efectos secundarios de estos tratamientos al activar los sistemas antioxidantes de la célula. La ozonoterapia se caracteriza por la simplicidad de su aplicación, bajos costos, alta efectividad y prácticamente ausencia de efectos colaterales en comparación con otros tratamientos adyuvantes. Conclusiones: El uso de la ozonoterapia en oncología como una terapia adyuvante representó un recurso terapéutico de gran valor dado por su perfil de efectividad y seguridad. Su uso podría extenderse para disminuir los efectos secundarios y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: The clinical use of ozone therapy is increasing every day worldwide and it covers different medical specialties, including oncology. However, in Cuba, the investigations that evaluate the use of ozone therapy in cancer patients are scarce, so scientific studies are needed to demonstrate its clinical efficacy. Objective: To explain the pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms of ozone therapy and its use in cancer as a complementary therapy. Methods: Databases available through Infomed Network were consulted. Key words used were cancer, ozone therapy and oxidative stress. Original and systematic review articles from the last ten years that evaluated the use of ozone therapy in the treatment of cancer were selected. Results: Cancer is, as such, a disease that induces oxidative stress. Ozone therapy supports its use as an adjuvant therapy through oxidative pre-conditioning that stimulates the cell's antioxidant systems against the action of free radicals. Thus, it is possible to neutralize the harmful action of oxidative stress. Ozone increases the efficacy of radio-chemotherapy and helps reducing the side effects of these treatments by activating the cell's antioxidant systems. Ozone therapy is characterized by the simplicity of its application, low costs, high effectiveness and with practically no side effects, compared to other adjuvant treatments. Conclusions: The use of ozone therapy in oncology as an adjuvant therapy represented a therapeutic resource of great value given its effectiveness and safety profile. Its use could be extended to improve tissue oxygenation and thus enhance the efficacy of radiochemotherapy, reducing side effects and improving the patients's quality of life(AU)

Bi-nasal sectors of ganglion cells complex and visual evoked potential amplitudes as biomarkers in pituitary macroadenoma management.

The study aimed to evaluate the retinal ganglion cell structure using optical coherence tomography and the visual pathway function employing visual evoked potentials in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with pituitary macroadenoma. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and longitudinal study (3 and 12 months follow-up) was conducted on forty-two patients. Thirty-five age-matched healthy controls were used in the cross-sectional one. Full neuro-ophthalmological evaluation (structural and functional) was carried out including global and segmented retinal nerve fiber layer/ganglion cell complex analysis and amplitude and latency of P100 component in the electrophysiology. Statistical data analysis was conducted with R version 3.6.3 and Python version 3.8. Associations were evaluated using Spearman's correlations. Amplitude sensitivities were 0.999, and bi-nasal sectors of ganglion cell complex thickness specificities were 0.999. This structural parameter had the highest diagnostic value (area under curve = 0.923). Significant associations were found between bi-nasal sectors with amplitude at 12' (rho > 0.7, p < 0.01) and median deviation of the visual field (rho > 0.5, p < 0.01) at 3 months. Pre-surgical values of bi-nasal sectors and amplitude can predict post-surgically median deviation and amplitude (Oz, 12') at 3 months with r 2 > 0.5. Bi-nasal sectors of ganglion cell complex and visual evoked potentials P100 amplitude are efficient biomarkers of visual pathway damage for pituitary macroadenoma patients' management. Pre-surgical values of the bi-nasal sector and visual evoked potentials' amplitude could help to predict the restoration of parvocellular pathway traffic after decompression.

Predictores de mortalidad precoz en el mieloma múltiple de nuevo diagnóstico / Predictors of early mortality in the new diagnosis multiple myeloma

Introducción: El mieloma múltiple es una neoplasia maligna de células B caracterizada por una proliferación clonal incontrolada de células plasmáticas. Se define como mortalidad precoz en el mieloma múltiple de nuevo diagnóstico, al porcentaje de muerte que ocurre dentro de los primeros seis meses y afecta entre el 10 y 14 % de los casos. Los biomarcadores han evolucionado desde la caracterización del tumor hasta el reconocimiento de las aberraciones cromosómicas y moleculares que desempeñan un papel en la supervivencia. Objetivo: Describir los principales predictores identificados con relación a la mortalidad precoz y su función en la patogénesis de la enfermedad. Métodos: Se analizó la literatura científica publicada. Se utilizaron motores de búsqueda como Google Scholar, PubMed y ScienceDirect. Se consultaron un total de 80 artículos y se incluyeron 52, en su mayoría de los últimos cinco años. Análisis y síntesis de la información: Se evidenciaron mecanismos genéticos y epigenéticos que contribuyen de manera decisiva en la mortalidad precoz de pacientes con mieloma múltiple de nuevo diagnóstico. Conclusiones: El aumento del riesgo de mortalidad precoz en pacientes con mieloma múltiple de nuevo diagnóstico está asociado a factores clínicos y biológicos, por lo que existe la necesidad de estratificación de los pacientes para un manejo personalizado que impone el uso de datos clínicos y biológicos de una forma integrada.

Introduction: Multiple Myeloma is a malignant B-cell neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled clonal proliferation of plasma cells. Early mortality in newly diagnosed Multiple Mieloma is defined as the percentage of death that occurs six months or less after diagnosis and, it affects 10 to 14 % of the cases. Biomarkers have evolved from the characterization of tumor to the recognition of chromosomal and molecular aberrations that play a rol in survival. Objective: To describe the main predictors identified related to early mortality and their role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Methods: The scientific literature was analyzed using search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. Consulted articles were 80 and included articles were 52, mostly from the last five years. Analysis and information synthesis: Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that contribute decisively in the early mortality in new diagnosis Multiple Myeloma patients were evidenced. Conclusions: The increased risk of early mortality in patients with newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma is associated with clinical and biological factors and there is a need to stratify patients in terms of early mortality risk for personalized management, for which it is imposed the use of clinics and biological data in an integrative way.

Polimorfismos en genes de reparación del daño al material genético y cáncer de pulmón

RESUMEN Introducción: El cáncer de pulmón es uno de los principales problemas de salud en Cuba y el mundo. Las diferencias genéticas a causa de polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido, son factores importantes involucrados en la susceptibilidad genética a esta enfermedad. En Cuba son escasos los datos disponibles sobre los polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido y su posible influencia sobre la aparición y pronóstico del cáncer. Objetivo: Exponer la importancia del estudio de los polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido en genes de la reparación del daño al ADN en el cáncer de pulmón. Desarrollo: El tabaquismo es el principal factor de riesgo para desarrollar cáncer de pulmón, sin embargo, aproximadamente el 15 % de los fumadores desarrollará la enfermedad. Los polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido son factores involucrados en la predisposición genética a las enfermedades. La presencia de variantes polimórficas puede modificar la eficacia de los sistemas de reparación, favoreciendo la aparición de genotoxicidad y/o mutagénesis. También pueden modificar la respuesta a los tratamientos oncológicos y la supervivencia de los pacientes. Por consiguiente, además de ser marcadores de susceptibilidad, los polimorfismos se consideran marcadores de pronóstico individual de respuesta a la terapia. Este trabajo enfatiza la utilidad de su evaluación como biomarcadores clínicos y de susceptibilidad genética a enfermedades en la población cubana. Conclusiones: El estudio de polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido permitirá el abordaje personalizado de enfermedades oncológicas, lo cual podría contribuir a su detección temprana y a definir grupos de individuos con alto riesgo de padecer cáncer de pulmón.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lung cancer is one of the main health problems in Cuba and worldwide. Genetic differences due to single nucleotide polymorphisms are important factors involved in the genetic susceptibility to this disease. In Cuba, there are scarce data available on single nucleotide polymorphisms and their possible influence on the incidence and prognosis of cancer. Objective: To expose the importance of the study of single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA damage repair genes in lung cancer. Results: Smoking is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer, however, approximately 15 % of smokers will develop the disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms are important factors involved in genetic predisposition to diseases. The presence of polymorphic variants can modify the efficacy of repair systems, favoring the occurrence of genotoxicity and/or mutagenesis. They can also modify the response to oncological treatments and patient´s survival. Therefore, in addition to being susceptibility markers, polymorphisms are considered individual prognostic markers of response to therapy. This work emphasizes the usefulness of evaluating single nucleotide polymorphisms as clinical and susceptibility biomarkers in the Cuban population. Conclusions. The study of single nucleotide polymorphisms will allow a personalized approach to oncological diseases, which could contribute to define groups of individuals at high risk of getting lung cancer, therefore, early disease detection.

Endoscopic versus open surgery in patients with malignant sinonasal tumours and brain invasion. A case series study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, effectiveness and perioperative costs of endonasal endoscopic approach in brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumours patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case series bidirectional study; that included 30 brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumours patients treated by endonasal endoscopic approach (2015-2017) and 53 by open surgery (2010-2015). Propensity score matching was used to compensate the prognostic factors; in a sample of 50 patients (25 per group). Primary response variables was local control and 3-years overall survival. Perioperative cost variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A number of 50 patients were included after matching (25 in each therapeutic group). The age average was 55 years and male proportion was 62%. Squamous cell carcinoma and grade II lesions were the most represented in the sample. Endonasal endoscopic approach reduced surgical time in 1 h 20 min, transfusion needs in 5.5 fold and hospitalization in 19 days; in comparison with open technique. Oncologic control based on surgical free margins, local control, overall survival and progression free survival after three years was higher when the resection was performed endoscopically. Functional status was enhanced and complications diminished by using endoscopic approach. Saving was estimated in $7 355.18 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal endoscopic approach represents a safe, effective and economic procedure in selected patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion.

Endoscopic versus open surgery in patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion. A case series study. / Cirugía endoscópica vs. cirugía abierta en pacientes con neoplasias nasosinusales malignas con invasión cerebral. Estudio de serie de casos.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, effectiveness and perioperative costs of endonasal endoscopic approach in brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumors patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case series bidirectional study; that included 30 brain invasive malignant sinonsal tumors patients treated by endonasal endoscopic approach (2015-2017) and 53 by open surgery (2010-2015). Propensity score matching was used to compensate the prognostic factors; in a sample of 50 patients (25 per group). Primary response variables was local control and 3-years overall survival. Perioperative cost variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A number of 50 patients were included after matching (25 in each therapeutic group). The age average was 55 years and male proportion was 62%. Squamous cell carcinoma and grade II lesions were the most represented in the sample. Endonasal endoscopic approach reduced surgical time in 1 hour 20 minutes, transfusion needs in 5.5 fold and hospitalization in 19 days; in comparison with open technique. Oncologic control based on surgical free margins, local control, overall survival and progression free survival after three years was higher when the resection was performed endoscopically. Functional status was enhanced and complications diminished by using endoscopic approach. Saving was estimated in $7 355.18 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal endoscopic approach represents a safe, effective and economic procedure in selected patients with malignant sinonasal tumors and brain invasion.

Antenatal Diagnosis of De Novo Balanced Structural Chromosome Aberrations in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION The consequences of de novo balanced structural chromosome aberrations diagnosed antenatally are unpredictable, and, as a result, they introduce uncertainty into genetic counseling decisions. OBJECTIVE Describe de novo balanced structural aberrations present at antenatal diagnosis in samples from pregnant women in five Latin American countries and determine their effect on carrier individuals. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study based on analysis of 109,011 antenatal tests conducted from January 1981 to December 2016 in Cuba, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Colombia. Thirteen cytogenetic laboratories provided information that included the cases analyzed during the study period; number of de novo balanced structural aberrations diagnosed antenatally; number of diagnoses with de novo balanced structural aberrations that resulted in termination of pregnancy; detailed descriptions of the karyotypes of de novo balanced structural aberration carriers, and descriptions of the form of diagnosis, including types of samples used (amniotic fluid, chorionic villus or fetal blood). Each laboratory also provided pathology reports and genetic counseling at time of diagnosis. Postnatal followup for pregnancies carried to term continued for at least two years. RESULTS Of the 109,011 antenatal tests studied, 72 (0.07%) showed de novo balanced structural aberrations. These events primarily involved chromosomes 1, 2, 7, 14, 18, and 20. Of the 79 breakpoints identified, the most common were 5p15.3, 7q11.2, 7q22, and 14q24. We identified three breakpoints corresponding to 3.8% (3q13.1, 3q13.2, and 9p12) that were not reported in other studies of de novo balanced structural aberrations diagnosed antenatally in patients from other geographic regions or in studies of chromosomal fragile sites. Two of these breakpoints (3q13.1 and 3q13.2) were associated with high risk of phenotypic abnormalities. Information on antenatal or postnatal followup was available for 62 (86%) of de novo balanced structural aberration carriers; of the 44 carriers with postnatal followup, 10 had phenotypic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Three new de novo breakpoints were identified, presumably related to genetic admixture characteristics in Latin America. Since some diseases associated with de novo balanced structural aberrations detected antenatally have a late onset, followup for at least two years is recommended for carriers of these aberrations. The information in this study is useful in genetic counseling for pregnant women in Latin America.

Reparación por escisión de nucleótidos y estado redox en pacientes cubanos con hipersensibilidad a las radiaciones solares / Excision nucleotide repair and redox status in Cuban patients with hypersensitivity to solar radiation

Se estudiaron 25 pacientes, con predominio de las edades pediátricas. Linfocitos aislados de sangre periférica se irradiaron a 254 nm con 40 J/m2 para evaluar los mecanismos de reparación del ADN, mediante la variante alcalina del ensayo cometa. El daño del ADN se cuantificó después de irradiar las células, a los 0 minutos y a los 45 minutos de incubación a 37ºC en medio de cultivo y suero fetal. Se determinaron las concentraciones plasmáticas de malonildialdehído, productos avanzados de la oxidación de proteínas y tioles libres, referidos como glutatión reducido, así como la actividad enzimática intraeritrocitaria de la Cu/Zn superóxido dismutasa y la catalasa. Resultados: Los pacientes mostraron un incremento significativo de los niveles plasmáticos de malonildialdehído, los grupos tioles libres fueron más bajos, sin significación estadística. El resto de los marcadores del estado redox no difirieron de los controles. El daño inducido in vitro en el ADN con luz ultravioleta fue reconocido y escindido con una eficiencia similar a las de los controles. Conclusiones: Los pacientes estudiados con hipersensibilidad a las radiaciones solares presentaron un incremento de los procesos de peroxidación lipídica a nivel sistémico; mientras que la reparación por escisión de nucleótidos estuvo conservada frente al daño inducido con radiación ultravioleta, lo que permitió descartar que estos pacientes presentaran la forma clásica de Xeroderma Pigmentosum…(AU)

Citotoxicidad de extracto acuoso de corteza de Manguifera indica L (Vimang®) en Escherichia coli y linfocitos humanos / Cytotoxicity of the aqueous extract from the Manguifera indica L (Vimang®) in Escherichia coli and human lymphocytes

Vimang® es un producto de origen natural que se obtiene del árbol del mango (Manguifera indica L. familia Anacardiaceae). Este compuesto ha sido clasificado como antioxidante, inmunomodulador, etc. Por ello, resulta importante conocer su potencial citotóxico. OBJETIVOS: evaluar la citotoxicidad de un extracto acuoso del Vimang®. MÉTODOS: se emplearon los modelos procariótico (Escherichia coli, cepa PQ37) y eucariótico (eritrocitos humanos), se realizaron curvas de supervivencia celular con la cepa PQ37 (con activación metabólica y sin esta); así como se cuantificaron los niveles de la actividad fosfatasa alcalina (mediante la realización del SOS Chromotest). Posteriormente, se desarrolló el ensayo de inhibición de la actividad mitocondrial en eritrocitos. Las concentraciones de Vimang® estudiadas fueron: 50, 250, 500 y 1 000 mg de extracto liofilizado/mL. RESULTADOS: el ensayo procariótico indicó que, en ausencia de fracción S9, el Vimang® diminuye significativamente la viabilidad celular cuando se aplica a concentración igual o superior que 500 mg/mL. Sin embargo, la presencia de activación metabólica podría ocasionar una biotransformación de los componentes del Vimang® que conduce a la no citotoxicidad del producto en el rango de concentraciones analizado. El análisis de los niveles de fosfatasa alcalina cuantificados en presencia del Vimang®; sugirió que la citotoxicidad detectada en E. coli PQ37 no parece estar relacionada con la inhibición de la síntesis proteica. En el caso del ensayo eucariótico empleado y las concentraciones ensayadas, la supervivencia celular de los eritrocitos (en presencia de Vimang®)no disminuyó de forma significativa en relación con los controles correspondientes. CONCLUSIONES: el Vimang® es citotóxico para la cepa PQ37 de Escherichia coli...(AU)

Vimang® is a product of natural origin obtained from the mango tree (Manguifera indica L. Anacardiaceae family. This compound has been classified as antioxidant, immunomodulation agent, etc. Thus, it is important to know its cytotoxic potential. OBJECTIVES: to assess the cytotoxicity of a aqueous extract of Vimang®. METHODS: the prokaryotic (PQ37 strain-Escherichia coli and eukaryotic (human erutjrocytes) models and cellular survival curves with PQ37 strain (with and without metabolic activation) were made and the levels of alkaline phosphatase were quantified (by Chromotest SOS test). Later, a trial of mitochondria activity was developed in erythrocytes. The concentrations of study Vimang® were: 50, 250, 500 and 1 000 µg of lyophilized/mL extract. RESULTS: the prokaryotic trial indicated that, in absence of S9, Vimang® decrease significantly the cell viability when it is applied at a concentration similar o higher than 500 µg/mL. However, the presence of a metabolic activation could to cause a biotransformation of the Vimang's® components leading to the no-cytotoxicity of product within the study concentration rank. Analysis of alkaline phosphatase levels quantified in presence of Vimang® suggested that the cytotoxicity detected in PQ37 Escherichia coli apparently isn't related to protein synthesis inhibition. In the case of the eukaryotic trial used and the assayed concentrations, the cell survival of erythrocytes (in presence of Vimang® not decreased significantly in relation to the corresponding controls. CONCLUSIONS: Vimang® is cytotoxic for the PQ37 strain of E.coli when it is applied at a concentration similar or higher than 500 µg/mL. This effect is not observed in these cells neither when a metabolic activation is applied nor in the human erythrocytes for the conditions reported in present paper(AU)

Citotoxicidad de extracto acuoso de corteza de Manguifera indica L (Vimang®) en Escherichia coli y linfocitos humanos / Cytotoxicity of the aqueous extract from the Manguifera indica L (Vimang®) in Escherichia coli and human lymphocytes

Vimang® es un producto de origen natural que se obtiene del árbol del mango (Manguifera indica L. familia Anacardiaceae). Este compuesto ha sido clasificado como antioxidante, inmunomodulador, etc. Por ello, resulta importante conocer su potencial citotóxico. OBJETIVOS: evaluar la citotoxicidad de un extracto acuoso del Vimang®. MÉTODOS: se emplearon los modelos procariótico (Escherichia coli, cepa PQ37) y eucariótico (eritrocitos humanos), se realizaron curvas de supervivencia celular con la cepa PQ37 (con activación metabólica y sin esta); así como se cuantificaron los niveles de la actividad fosfatasa alcalina (mediante la realización del SOS Chromotest). Posteriormente, se desarrolló el ensayo de inhibición de la actividad mitocondrial en eritrocitos. Las concentraciones de Vimang® estudiadas fueron: 50, 250, 500 y 1 000 mg de extracto liofilizado/mL. RESULTADOS: el ensayo procariótico indicó que, en ausencia de fracción S9, el Vimang® diminuye significativamente la viabilidad celular cuando se aplica a concentración igual o superior que 500 mg/mL. Sin embargo, la presencia de activación metabólica podría ocasionar una biotransformación de los componentes del Vimang® que conduce a la no citotoxicidad del producto en el rango de concentraciones analizado. El análisis de los niveles de fosfatasa alcalina cuantificados en presencia del Vimang®; sugirió que la citotoxicidad detectada en E. coli PQ37 no parece estar relacionada con la inhibición de la síntesis proteica. En el caso del ensayo eucariótico empleado y las concentraciones ensayadas, la supervivencia celular de los eritrocitos (en presencia de Vimang®)no disminuyó de forma significativa en relación con los controles correspondientes. CONCLUSIONES: el Vimang® es citotóxico para la cepa PQ37 de Escherichia coli...

Vimang® is a product of natural origin obtained from the mango tree (Manguifera indica L. Anacardiaceae family. This compound has been classified as antioxidant, immunomodulation agent, etc. Thus, it is important to know its cytotoxic potential. OBJECTIVES: to assess the cytotoxicity of a aqueous extract of Vimang®. METHODS: the prokaryotic (PQ37 strain-Escherichia coli and eukaryotic (human erutjrocytes) models and cellular survival curves with PQ37 strain (with and without metabolic activation) were made and the levels of alkaline phosphatase were quantified (by Chromotest SOS test). Later, a trial of mitochondria activity was developed in erythrocytes. The concentrations of study Vimang® were: 50, 250, 500 and 1 000 µg of lyophilized/mL extract. RESULTS: the prokaryotic trial indicated that, in absence of S9, Vimang® decrease significantly the cell viability when it is applied at a concentration similar o higher than 500 µg/mL. However, the presence of a metabolic activation could to cause a biotransformation of the Vimang's® components leading to the no-cytotoxicity of product within the study concentration rank. Analysis of alkaline phosphatase levels quantified in presence of Vimang® suggested that the cytotoxicity detected in PQ37 Escherichia coli apparently isn't related to protein synthesis inhibition. In the case of the eukaryotic trial used and the assayed concentrations, the cell survival of erythrocytes (in presence of Vimang® not decreased significantly in relation to the corresponding controls. CONCLUSIONS: Vimang® is cytotoxic for the PQ37 strain of E.coli when it is applied at a concentration similar or higher than 500 µg/mL. This effect is not observed in these cells neither when a metabolic activation is applied nor in the human erythrocytes for the conditions reported in present paper

Descripción clínica y capacidad de reparación del ADN por escisión de nucleótidos en pacientes cubanos con Xeroderma Pigmentoso / Clinical description and DNA-repairing capacity through nucleotide excision in Cuban patients with Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Se realizó una descripción clínica y se evaluó la capacidad de reparación del ácido desoxirribonucleico en linfocitos tratados con radiación ultravioleta C, provenientes de pacientes con Xeroderma Pigmentoso. En específico, se abordó el estudio del mecanismo de reparación por escisión de nucleótidos, mediante la técnica del ensayo Cometa alcalino. La muestra de estudio quedó formada por 17 individuos. La capacidad de reparación resultó deficiente en la mayoría de los pacientes y su comportamiento mostró diferencias significativas entre los sujetos sanos y los enfermos. Los signos clínicos más frecuentes fueron: las efélides, las ampollas, el eritema tras la exposición solar, la sequedad de la piel y la atrofia. Se encontró asociación entre la reparación por escisión de nucleótidos deficiente y la presencia de ampollas posterior a la exposición solar de corta duración y la atrofia de la piel en las zonas expuestas…(AU)

Diversity of long-chain toxins in Tityus zulianus and Tityus discrepans venoms (Scorpiones, Buthidae): molecular, immunological, and mass spectral analyses.

In Venezuela, stings by Tityus zulianus scorpions produce cardiorespiratory arrest, whereas envenoming by Tityus discrepans involves gastrointestinal/pancreatic complications, suggesting structural and/or functional differences. We sought to compare their toxin repertoires through immunological, molecular, and mass spectral analyses. First, in vivo tests showed that neutralization of T. zulianus venom toxicity by the anti-T. discrepans antivenom was not complete. To compare T. discrepans and T. zulianus long-chain (sodium channel-active) toxins, their most toxic Sephadex G-50 fractions, TdII and TzII, were subjected to acid-urea PAGE, which showed differences in composition. Amplification of toxin-encoding mRNAs using a leader peptide-based oligonucleotide rendered cDNAs representing twelve T. discrepans and two T. zulianus distinct toxin transcripts, including only one shared component, indicating divergence between T. zulianus and T. discrepans 5' region-encoded, toxin signal peptides. A 3'-UTR polymorphism was also noticed among the transcripts encoding shared components Tz1 and Td4. MALDI-TOF MS profiling of TdII and TzII produced species-specific spectra, with seven of the individual masses matching those predicted by cDNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the unique T. zulianus transcript-encoded sequence, Tz2, is structurally related to Tityus serrulatus and Centruroides toxins. Together with previous reports, this work indicates that T. zulianus and T. discrepans toxin repertoires differ structurally and functionally.