Nanoparticles in melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is one of the most common causes of cancer and cancer deaths in young people. Until few years ago, scarce drugs have proven efficacy in metastatic setting. However, in the recent years, the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma has undergone the incorporation of effective treatment such as immunotherapy, the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the emergence of other cytostatic compounds, like the nanoparticles. This review aims to propose a standardization to classify the different types of nanoparticles, according to chemical aspects, and update the clinical research with nanoparticles and their use in melanoma field.

Expression of immune modulator cytokines in human fulminant amoebic colitis.

Human fulminant amoebic colitis (FAC) is characterized by ulceration and inflammation of the colon. The specific mixture of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may participate in either the host defense or in the pathogenesis of amoebic colitis. Therefore, we studied the expression of IL-8, IL-10, IL-4, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma in human FAC patients and controls through immunohistochemistry analysis. The number of cells expressing IL-8, IL-4 and IL-10 was significantly enhanced in all FAC samples compared to the control samples. However, the expression of TGF- beta in patients was low in the colonic mucosa and high in the lamina propria compared with the control. No expression of IFN-gamma was found in the controls or FAC samples. The production of IL-8 by intestinal epithelial cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of amoebic infection, because this cytokine attracts neutrophils, which lead to an inflammatory reaction that results in tissue damage. The predominant expression of the macrophage down-regulating cytokines, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-beta, or the Th2-type immune response could inhibit a cell-mediated immune response, which in turn would facilitate parasite invasion in these tissues.

Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica express a CD59-like molecule in human colon.

In vitro studies have proved the presence of epitopes of CD59 in the surface of trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica). However, it has not been proved if CD59 molecules are expressed in the surface during the trophozoites' tissue invasion. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the complement-regulatory protein CD59 is present on trophozoites of E. histolytica in human colon. Eleven specimens of amoebic colitis were studied by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy techniques with a monoclonal antibody against human CD59 molecule. Our results show that a CD59-like molecule is expressed in trophozoites of E. histolytica found in colonic amebic lesions. Also, a CD59-like molecule was detected by western blot analysis in whole lysate of E. histolytica as well as on the plasma membrane by immunocytochemistry. These results suggest that E. histolytica can use CD59-like protein against the lytic action of membrane attack complex.

Determination of ciprofloxacin, the major metabolite of enrofloxacin, in milk by isopotential fluorimetry.

A new method for the determination of ciprofloxacin, the major metabolite of enrofloxacin, for concentrations between 20 and 200 ng/mL by means of matrix isopotential synchronous fluorescence spectrometry and derivative techniques is proposed. This new method is useful for the determination of compounds in samples with unknown background fluorescence, such as ciprofloxacin in whey, without the need of tedious preseparation. The determination was performed in an ethanol/water medium (20% v/v) at pH 4.8, provided by adding a sodium acetate/acetic acid buffer solution. Since enrofloxacin is widely used as an antibacterial agent in veterinary medicine, the method was successfully applied to the determination of its main metabolite in milk. An exhaustive statistical analysis has been developed to all calibration graphs. This treatment includes robust regression such as least median of squares, which also detects outliers and leverage points. The overall least-squares regression has been applied to find the more exact straight line that fits the experimental data. The error propagation has been considered to calculate the detection limit and the repeatability of the method.

Impacto de un programa de comunciación en salud bucal para niños con restraso mental Iigero.

Con el propósito de evaluar el impacto de un programa de comunicación en salud bucal para niños con retraso mental ligero, se realizó un estudio de intervención educativa, en la escuela especial "Nguyen Van Troi" del municipio de Camagüey desde septiembre del 2003 a septiembre del 2005.La muestra estuvo conformada por 29 niños de seis a 10 años, sus padres y educadores, a los que previamente se les realizó el diagnóstico de salud bucal y educativo, A partir del mismo se diseñó el programa educativo acorde a la edad psicológica de los niños y teniendo en cuenta los términos de comunicación en salud.La intervención se realizó durante seis meses, en más del 80 % de los niños mejoró la información higiénico sanitario bucal y disminuyeron los factores de riesgo. Los padres y educadores opinaron que las actividades educativas fueron beneficiosas, con un impacto positivo para todo.(AU)

Immunohistochemical characterization of human fulminant amoebic colitis.

In cases of fulminant amoebic colitis we have determined the interactions between Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and immune cells in order to better understand the pathophysiology of amoebic colitis. Eleven specimens of amoebic colitis and five specimens of colon without amoebic lesions were studied. Trophozoites and immune cells were located by topographic stains, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Trophozoites were seen in both damaged and undamaged areas of the colonic mucosa. Specimens of fulminant amoebic colitis showed: (a) an increase in IgA+, IgG+ B cells and neutrophils; (b) a reduction in IgM+ B cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, eosinophils and mast cells; and (c) no change in the number of NK and CD4+ T cells. The cellular infiltrate in amoebic colitis may represent the combined effects of amoebic monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor and switching of IgM+ B cells to IgG+ and IgA+ plasma cells, induced by amoebic antigens. Tissue damage in the absence of trophozoites may result from ischaemia or host immune responses.

Human amoebic hepatic abscess: in situ interactions between trophozoites, macrophages, neutrophils and T cells.

Amoebic liver abscesses (ALA) are the most frequent and severe extraintestinal clinical presentations of amoebiasis. During the early establishment of amoebae in the liver parenchyma, as well as during the extension of the tissue necrosis, parasites interact with the parenchymal liver cells and, as a consequence of these interactions, hepatocytes can be destroyed and host immune cells can become activated. However, little is known about the nature of these interactions in the liver or about the factors involved in the local immune response. In this investigation we studied the localization of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, TCD4+, TCD8+ cells, CD68+ macrophages and CD15+ neutrophils in human ALA using immunohistochemical techniques. Trophozoites were found close to undamaged hepatocytes in both lysed and non-lysed areas with either sparse or abundant inflammatory infiltrate. CD8+ cells were more abundant than CD4+ T cells. CD 68+ macrophages and CD15+ neutrophils were also detected, suggesting that neutrophils, macrophages and T cells might be related to the local host immune mechanisms in ALA. We also found that E. histolytica possesses proteins recognized by antibodies raised against inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Cysts in the rat adenohypophysis: incidence and histology.

The incidence and histology of cysts in the adenohypophysis of adult male Wistar rats are reported. Of sixty pituitaries studied 13 of them (21.6%) presented a single cyst located in the pars distalis. The cysts varied in shape and size and were usually multilocular. Two of them were connected with the subdural space at the ventral surface of the adenohypophysis. Histology demonstrated that the cysts were filled with mucinous material and foamy macrophages and were lined by flat and cuboidal ciliated and nonciliated epithelial cells, goblet cells as well as several adenohypophysial endocrine cells such as somatotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs. The ciliated cells were the most numerous. Histologic and immunohistochemical studies of the uninvolved areas of the adenohypophysis showed no abnormalities and the weights and histology of the adenohypophyses and peripheral endocrine glands were within normal range, suggesting that the cysts did not impair the adenohypophysial endocrine activity. Although the morphogenesis of the cysts remained obscure, the histological and immunohistochemical findings support the hypothesis that during embryonic development, the future cysts coming from the pharyngeal epithelium is fused with the stomodeum before or during the formation of the Rathke's pouch.

Increase in the renal damage induced by paracetamol in rats exposed to ethanol translactationally.

Administration of ethanol (8%) or acetone (1%) to nursing dams in the drinking water, for 10 days, increased the nephrotoxicity of paracetamol (APAP) in the 14-day-old lactating offspring. The percentage of proximal tubular cells with evidence of necrotic damage in male rats was higher in those animals that received APAP (500 mg/kg, i.p.) and whose nursing rats were exposed to ethanol (25. 0 +/- 8.4%) or acetone (17.2 +/- 1.2%), than in the group treated with APAP alone (10.6 +/- 1.6%). The activity of urinary N-acetylglucuronidase was also significantly higher in the rats exposed translactationally to ethanol or acetone than in animals treated with the APAP alone. Nephrotoxicity showed a sexual dimorphic pattern with a higher toxicity in male than in female rats. The percentage of necrotic tubules in the male rats not exposed to inductor was 10.6 +/- 1.6%, and in female rats 5.0 +/- 1.4% (p < 0. 05). Animals exposed to ethanol or acetone and treated with APAP showed less weight gain than the group treated only with APAP. Our results suggest that renal toxicity is enhanced in the nursing animals that were exposed, via maternal milk, to ethanol or acetone (inductors of cytochrome P4502E1), than in the control animals. This circumstance may be relevant in alcoholic women while they are lactating.

[Hepatic fine needle aspiration biopsy. Experience in the study of hepatic masses at the Salvador Zubiran National Institute of Nutrition]. / Biopsia de hígado por aspiración con aguja fina. Experiencia del estudio de masas hepáticas en el Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán.

The results of 114 fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of the liver performed during six years (1987-1992) at the Departament of Pathology of the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán are presented. All were done by radiologists under ultrasonographic (three cases) or computerized tomographic guidance (111 cases). In order to determine the diagnostic accuracy, diagnoses made by FNAB were compared with those made by histological examination (coarse biopsies or surgical specimens) and/or by other diagnostic procedures including the clinical follow-up. Six cases were excluded because clinical information was not available. In 92 cases (85.2%) a correct diagnosis was made, in six (5.5%) the sample was inadequate and in 10 (9.3%) the diagnosis made by FNAB was incorrect. The diagnoses made were as follows: hepatocarcinoma 44, metastatic carcinoma 27, inflammatory lesions 12, regeneration 10, normal eight, unclassified carcinoma five, and lymphoma two. The sensitivity was 96.2, specificity 93.1, positive predictive value 97.4, negative predictive value 90.0, accuracy 95.3 and prevalence 73.1. There were three false negative and two false positive for carcinoma. These figures are similar to those found by other authors. No relevant complications were observed. It is concluded that FNAB of the liver is a safe, inexpensive and reliable method in the diagnoses of liver masses.

[Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: report of 7 cases at the Salvador +Zubirán National Institute of Nutrition, from 1980 to 1992]. / Síndrome de úlcera rectal solitaria: informe de 7 casos en el Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", de 1980 a 1992.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an unusual disorder which is seldom seen in our hospital. Considerable uncertainly remains concerning the cause, natural history, and management of this condition. During 1980-1992 period, 7 patients were seen at the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición and the diagnosis was established on histological, sigmoidoscopic and clinical grounds. Most of the patients suffered rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, straining at defecation, tenemus and rectal mucus discharge. Laboratory results were non specific. Eighty-five percent has macroscopic ulcerations and these were found within 5.2 cm of the anal margin and usually situated anteriorly. Neither medical nor local surgical treatment consistently achieved relief of symptoms or healing of the lesion.

Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study of a primary gastrinoma of the liver.

A primary hepatic gastrinoma found in a 13-year-old boy was studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and immunoelectron microscopy. Results were consistent with a neuroendocrine neoplasm with abundant gastrin-immunoreactive cells. Unlike all previously reported cases of primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors, which have been endocrinologically asymptomatic, the patient had a Zollinger-Ellison syndrome apparently cured by surgical resection of the tumor.

[Clinico-pathological diagnostic agreement among 429 autopsies from the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán]. / Concordancia diagnóstica clinico-patológica en 429 autopsias del Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán.

Comparison of clinical and autopsy findings of the cases studied between 1984 and 1988, were made at the Department of Pathology of the Instituto Nacional de la Nutricion Salvador Zubiran in Mexico City. The goal was to determine the accuracy of clinical diagnoses. The total number of cases was 429. A decreasing number of autopsies as a function of time was observed. Thus, in 1985, 34.65% of the deaths was autopsied, whereas in 1988, the number dropped to 21.16%, overall mean of 27.31%. In 229 autopsies (53.8%), 353 findings of clinical significance were found; of these, 86 were in the main diagnoses and 267 in the causes of death. There were 171 overdiagnoses with therapeutic implications, 38 in the main diagnoses and 133 in the causes of death. Overdiagnoses and underdiagnoses were most common in infectious diseases, followed by respiratory and digestive diseases, while endocrinologic and rheumatologic diseases had the highest diagnostic concordance. It was also found that the diagnostic accuracy did not improve with time of hospitalization. A brief analyses of the probable causes of the decrease in the number of autopsies is made. It is concluded that, in spite of the great advances in clinical and technological knowledge, the high frequency of disagreements between clinical and anatomical diagnoses, indicate that autopsy continues playing a key role in the quality control of medical practice. This justifies by itself the performance of necropsies.

[Intestinal endometriosis: a report of 3 cases]. / Endometriosis intestinal: reporte de tres casos.

Between 1978-1990 three patients were surgically treated with different kinds of intestinal endometriosis at the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán in Mexico City. The first patient had acute appendicitis without dysmenorrhea or pelvic endometriosis detected during laparotomy. The second patient had incomplete intestinal obstruction related to ileo-cecal involvement. She clinically had dysmenorrhea and were found multiple endometriosis implants during operation. After the ileocecal excision suppressive hormonal therapy was given, the patient developed side effects, then surgical resection of the uterus and ovaries were performed. The third patient was a 48-year-old woman who developed a progressive lower intestinal obstruction. She underwent a three-time operative procedure. Lower sigmoid resection was performed and no endometriosis implants or metastatic disease were found. Postoperative course was uneventful in all patients, no mucosal involvement or associated carcinoma was found. Surgical resection of the affected portions of the bowel was highly effective in each case.

[Neuropathy caused by metronidazole. Report of a case and review of the literature]. / Neuropatía por metronidazol. Informe de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

A case of sensory neuropathy secondary to prolonged administration of metronidazole (MT) and tinidazole (TNZ) is reported. The patient received in the 6 months prior to admission, enough cumulative MT and TNZ to explain the development of a secondary neuropathy as reported in the literature. The present case is particularly interesting due to the length of evolution (38 months) which is the most prolonged reported up to now. It is also the first MT and TNZ neuropathy case reported in Spanish.