Hypertensive Nephropathy: Unveiling the Possible Involvement of Hemichannels and Pannexons.

Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for developing chronic cardiovascular diseases, including hypertensive nephropathy. Within the glomerulus, hypertension causes damage and activation of mesangial cells (MCs), eliciting the production of large amounts of vasoactive and proinflammatory agents. Accordingly, the activation of AT1 receptors by the vasoactive molecule angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to the pathogenesis of renal damage, which is mediated mostly by the dysfunction of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signaling. Similarly, inflammation entails complex processes, where [Ca2+]i also play crucial roles. Deregulation of this second messenger increases cell damage and promotes fibrosis, reduces renal blood flow, and impairs the glomerular filtration barrier. In vertebrates, [Ca2+]i signaling depends, in part, on the activity of two families of large-pore channels: hemichannels and pannexons. Interestingly, the opening of these channels depends on [Ca2+]i signaling. In this review, we propose that the opening of channels formed by connexins and/or pannexins mediated by AngII induces the ATP release to the extracellular media, with the subsequent activation of purinergic receptors. This process could elicit Ca2+ overload and constitute a feed-forward mechanism, leading to kidney damage.

TNF-α Plus IL-1ß Induces Opposite Regulation of Cx43 Hemichannels and Gap Junctions in Mesangial Cells through a RhoA/ROCK-Dependent Pathway.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is expressed in kidney tissue where it forms hemichannels and gap junction channels. However, the possible functional relationship between these membrane channels and their role in damaged renal cells remains unknown. Here, analysis of ethidium uptake and thiobarbituric acid reactive species revealed that treatment with TNF-α plus IL-1ß increases Cx43 hemichannel activity and oxidative stress in MES-13 cells (a cell line derived from mesangial cells), and in primary mesangial cells. The latter was also accompanied by a reduction in gap junctional communication, whereas Western blotting assays showed a progressive increase in phosphorylated MYPT (a target of RhoA/ROCK) and Cx43 upon TNF-α/IL-1ß treatment. Additionally, inhibition of RhoA/ROCK strongly antagonized the TNF-α/IL-1ß-induced activation of Cx43 hemichannels and reduction in gap junctional coupling. We propose that activation of Cx43 hemichannels and inhibition of cell-cell coupling during pro-inflammatory conditions could contribute to oxidative stress and damage of mesangial cells via the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Understanding the role of anthropogenic emissions in glaciers retreat in the central Andes of Chile.

Glaciers in Chilean Central Andes have significatively retreated, at least, in the last 60 years. From 2004 to 2014, the largest retreat in the area (-0.15 km2 yr-1) was observed at Olivares Alpha Glacier (OAG). Previous glacier fluctuation studies proposed that two open-pit mines distant 7 km from the glacier could be the cause of its enhanced retreat. However, this had not been yet tested due to the lack of measured data. Here, we investigated the impact that major air pollutants emitted by local mining activities could have on the differences observed in OAG glacial retreat compared with a glacier of similar size and altitude with no nearby anthropogenic sources: Bello Glacier (BG), which has a reported lower retreat (-0.02 km2 yr-1). Results revealed a link between anthropogenic air pollutants and glacial retreat rates, meaning that glacial retreat is decoupled from climatic and glaciological factors. Considering that both glaciers are located in the same climatic setting, the anthropogenic air pollutants deposited onto the OAG surface appear to be forcing positive feedback in which the pollutants deposition best explain the differences in the glacier retreat. With the results of this study, it has been calculated that the impact of mining in OAG could be responsible for 82% of its total retreat since between 2004 and 2014, and only the remaining 18% would correspond to the impact of climate change.

Nose-Flap Devices Used for Two-Stage Weaning Produce Wounds in the Nostrils of Beef Calves: Case Report.

This case report aims to describe the occurrence of negative impacts of wearing nose-flap devices on beef calves subjected to the two-stage weaning method. Forty-one calves, twenty-one pure Nellore and twenty F1 Angus-Nellore, were weaned on average at 236 days of age. Commercial nose-flap devices were fitted in the nostrils of the calves (d0) to prevent suckling and removed five days later (d5). Individual body weights were assessed at d0 and d5, and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. At d5, during nose-flap device removal, it was noted that 26.8% of the calves lost the nose-flap device; however, all of them had wounds in their nostrils (no injuries in the nostrils had been observed on d0). To assess the severity of these injuries, an impairment score was assigned to each calf, ranging from 1 = no lesions to 5 = injured with purulent discharge. A logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the effect of sex and genetic group on nose-flap retention (kept or lost). The retention rate did not differ (p > 0.05) between sex and genetic groups. All calves showed at least open wounds of the nasal septum (score 2), including those that lost the nose-flaps before d5. Almost half of the calves showed weight loss during this period. We conclude that there is a considerable risk of the two-stage weaning method compromising the physical integrity of the nostrils of beef calves through the use of these devices, and due to this, it should not be referred to as a low-stress weaning practice for beef calves.

Fenofibrate (a PPAR-α Agonist) Administered During Ethanol Withdrawal Reverts Ethanol-Induced Astrogliosis and Restores the Levels of Glutamate Transporter in Ethanol-Administered Adolescent Rats.

High-ethanol intake induces a neuroinflammatory response, which has been proposed as responsible for the maintenance of chronic ethanol consumption. Neuroinflammation decreases glutamate transporter (GLT-1) expression, increasing levels of glutamate that trigger dopamine release at the corticolimbic reward areas, driving long-term drinking behavior. The activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) by fibrates inhibits neuroinflammation, in models other than ethanol consumption. However, the effect of fibrates on ethanol-induced neuroinflammation has not yet been studied. We previously reported that the administration of fenofibrate to ethanol-drinking rats decreased ethanol consumption. Here, we studied whether fenofibrate effects are related to a decrease in ethanol-induced neuroinflammation and to the normalization of the levels of GLT-1. Rats were administered ethanol on alternate days for 4 weeks (2 g/kg/day). After ethanol withdrawal, fenofibrate was administered for 14 days (50 mg/kg/day) and the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated NF-κB-inhibitory protein (pIκBα) and GLT-1, were quantified in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Ethanol treatment increased the levels of GFAP in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, indicating a clear astrocytic activation. Similarly, ethanol increased the levels of pIκBα in the three areas. The administration of fenofibrate decreased the expression of GFAP and pIκBα in the three areas. These results indicate that fenofibrate reverts both astrogliosis and NF-κB activation. Finally, ethanol decreased GLT-1 expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Fenofibrate normalized the levels of GLT-1 in both areas, suggesting that its effect in reducing ethanol consumption could be due to the normalization of glutamatergic tone.

Estudio de las biopsias de muertes maternas en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad en Santander, Colombia / Biopsies Study of Maternal Deaths in a High Complexity University Hospital in Santander, Colombia

Introducción: La incidencia de muerte materna es un ítem indispensable para la medición de la calidad y cobertura en salud. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos anatomopatológicos de 31 casos de muerte materna ocurridos en el área metropolitana de una ciudad intermedia de Colombia entre 2005-2018, así como establecer sus características sociodemográficas. Métodos: Se realiza estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de corte transversal basado en la revisión de 3 500 protocolos de autopsias efectuadas por el Departamento de Patología de la Universidad Industrial de Santander adscrito al Hospital Universitario de Santander, Colombia, entre enero 2005 y marzo 2018, se extractan aquellos en los cuales el diagnóstico relacionado sea de muerte materna y muerte materna tardía, tomando como referencia la definición dictada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados: El rango de edad estuvo comprendido entre 14 y 40 años, promedio 26,7 años y mediana de 26 años. En 9 casos (29 por ciento) se reportó un nivel educativo básico primario y en los restantes (71 por ciento), básico secundario. No existieron casos con estudios universitarios. El rango de edad gestacional estuvo entre 11 y 39 semanas (promedio 31,4 semanas), y 8 casos correspondieron a primigestas (25,8 por ciento) Existieron 29 casos de muerte materna temprana y dos de muerte materna tardía; se detectaron 10 casos con causas obstétricas directas y 21 causas indirectas, de los cuales, 14 fueron de origen infeccioso, siendo el dengue la causa más frecuente. Conclusiones: En nuestro medio, los procesos infecciosos no ginecobstétricos ocasionan la mayor cantidad de casos de muerte materna, siendo el dengue la principal de estas causas(AU)

Introduction: The incidence of maternal death is an essential item for assessing quality and coverage in health. Objective: To describe the histological findings of 31 cases of maternal death that occurred in the metropolitan area of an intermediate city of Colombia from 2005-2018, as well as to establish their sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out based on the review of 3 500-autopsy protocols carried out by the Department of Pathology of Santander Industrial University, which were assigned to Santander University Hospital in Colombia, between January 2005 and March 2018. We mined those in which the related diagnosis is maternal death and late maternal death, taking as reference the definition stablished by the World Health Organization. Results: The age ranged 14 to 40 years, average 26.7 years and media 26 years. Nine cases (29 percent), reported primary basic education level and the remaining (71 percent), reported secondary basic education. There were no cases reported to have university studies. The gestational age ranged 11 to 39 weeks (average 31.4 weeks), and eight cases corresponded to primigravida (25.8 percent). There were 29 cases of early maternal death and two of late maternal death; 10 cases were detected to have direct obstetric causes and 21 indirect causes, 14 out of which had infectious causes. dengue was the most frequent cause. Conclusions: In our environment, infectious non-gynecological processes cause the highest number of maternal deaths. Dengue is the main cause(AU)

Toxoplasmosis congénita, una mirada en la actualidad del tratamiento; revisión de la literatura / Congenital toxoplasmosis, a look at contemporary treatment; literature review / Toxoplasmose congênita, um olhar atual no tratamento; revisão de literatura

Introducción. La Toxoplasmosis congénita constituye una causa significativa de morbi-mortalidad neonatal en países de bajos ingresos como Colombia. Puede originar prematuridad, secuelas patológicas y pérdida fetal. El tamizaje en las gestantes y, a su vez, un tratamiento oportuno y adecuado disminuye la transmisión vertical y sus nefastas secuelas. El objetivo es presentar evidencia científica actualizada sobre el tratamiento farmacológico de la Toxoplasmosis Congénita. Metodología. Se realizó una búsqueda no sistemática en bases de datos: Pubmed, Medline, Clinical Key y Springer. Se incluyeron artículos originales y de revisión de tema publicados desde enero de 2014 hasta abril de 2019. División de los temas tratados. se abordan la fisiopatología y clínica, el abordaje diagnóstico, alternativas de prevención y tratamiento. Conclusiones. En la actualidad la terapia farmacológica es limitada, los esquemas de manejos se basan en espiramicina o la combinación de sulfadiazina/pirimetamina y ácido folínico; estas moléculas no son del todo bien toleradas y presentan un amplio espectro de reacciones adversas secundario a sus efectos tóxicos; resulta necesario la ejecución de estudios aleatorizados para evaluar su efectividad. Cómo citar: Rueda-Paez YS, Valbuena-Ruiz L, Quintero-Pimiento N, Pinilla-Plata A, Sayago-Silva J. Toxoplasmosis congénita, una mirada en la actualidad del tratamiento; revisión de la literatura. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):51-63. doi: 10.29375/01237047.2612

Introduction. Congenital Toxoplasmosis constitutes a significant cause of neonatal morbimortality in underdeveloped countries like Colombia. It can cause prematurity, pathological after-effects and fetal loss. Screening expectant mothers and in turn, a timely and adequate treatment, reduce vertical transmission and its devastating effects. The objective is to present up-to-date scientific evidence about the pharmacological treatment of Congenital Toxoplasmosis. Methodology. A non-systematic search of databases was conducted: Pubmed, Medline, Clinical Key and Springer. Original and topic review articles were included dating from January 2014 to April 2019. Division of topics covered. Physiopathology and clinical pathology, diagnostic approach, prevention and treatment alternatives were addressed. Conclusions. At this time, pharmacological therapy is limited, management schemes are based on spiramycin or a combination of sulfadiazine/pyrimethamine and folinic acid; these molecules are not very well tolerated and exhibit a wide spectrum of adverse reactions apart from their toxic effects, thus it is necessary to conduct randomized studies to evaluate its effectiveness. Cómo citar: Rueda-Paez YS, Valbuena-Ruiz L, Quintero-Pimiento N, Pinilla-Plata A, Sayago-Silva J. Toxoplasmosis congénita, una mirada en la actualidad del tratamiento; revisión de la literatura. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):51-63. doi: 10.29375/01237047.2612

Introdução. A toxoplasmose congênita é uma causa significativa de morbidade e mortalidade neonatal em países de baixa renda, como a Colômbia. Pode causar prematuridade, sequelas patológicas e perda fetal. A triagem em gestantes e, por sua vez, um tratamento oportuno e adequado diminui a transmissão vertical e suas consequências desastrosas. O objetivo é apresentar evidências científicas atualizadas sobre o tratamento farmacológico da Toxoplasmose Congênita. Metodologia. Foi realizada uma revisão não sistemática nas bases de dados: Pubmed, Medline, Clinical Key e Springer. Foram incluídos tanto artigos originais, quanto revisões de tópicos publicados de janeiro de 2014 até abril de 2019. Divisão dos tópicos discutidos. foram abordadas a fisiopatologia e a clínica, a abordagem diagnóstica, alternativas para prevenção e tratamento. Conclusões. Atualmente, a terapia farmacológica é limitada, os esquemas terapéuticos baseiam-se na espiramicina ou na combinação de sulfadiazina/pirimetamina e ácido folínico; estas moléculas não são totalmente toleradas e apresentam um amplo espectro de reações adversas secundárias aos seus efeitos tóxicos. É necessário realizar estudos randomizados para avaliar sua eficácia. Cómo citar: Rueda-Paez YS, Valbuena-Ruiz L, Quintero-Pimiento N, Pinilla-Plata A, Sayago-Silva J. Toxoplasmosis congénita, una mirada en la actualidad del tratamiento; revisión de la literatura. MedUNAB. 2019;22(1):51-63. doi: 10.29375/01237047.2612

Effect of Root Canal Sealers on Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Root Dentin Cemented after one Week or six Months.

Eugenol-based root canal sealers (RCS) have been widely used by clinicians; however, their effect on resinous materials is still questionable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of RCS at 1 week and 6 months' post obturation on the bond strength (BS) of glass fiber posts (GFP) to root dentin, using conventional and self-adhesive cementation systems (CS). The roots of 56 extracted human canines, were divided in eight groups (n=7) according to the combination of the following factors: RCS (with or without eugenol-Endofill and Sealer 26, respectively), storage period post obturation and prior GFP cementation (1 week and 6 months) and cementation systems (Variolink II - conventional resin cement or RelyX U200-self-adhesive resin cement). After one week, the specimens were transversely sectioned into six 1-mm-thick disks and were subjected to the push out BS test. The data were subjected to 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α=0.05). The BS were not affected by the RCS, neither the CS (P>0.05). Just the period post obturation showed statistically significant differences (P 0.05), where the GFP cemented 6 months after the endodontic treatment showed higher values than those cemented 1 week after it.

Tumor de células de sertoli esclerosante. Reporte de un caso / Sclerosing sertoli cell tumor. Case report

RESUMEN El tumor esclerosante de células de Sertoli del testículo es una entidad patológica infrecuente, con todo, que solo se han descrito 22 casos en la literatura científica. Son descritos como tumores unilaterales que en su mayoría se presentan entre la tercera y sexta década de vida, siendo carentes de malignidad, sin embargo, en ninguno de los casos reportados se han realizado seguimientos por periodos prolongados. Se presenta un caso clínico cuyo objetivo es socializar el primer caso de tumor esclerosante de células de Sertoli (SSCT), diagnosticado por el departamento de patología de la Universidad industrial de Santander, que se registra en Colombia. Después de tres años de seguimiento clínico el paciente no presenta recidiva, así como tampoco otras lesiones tumorales. Se considera la orquiectomia el tratamiento curativo.(AU)

SUMMARY Sclerosing tumor of Sertoli cells of the testis is an infrequent pathological entity, only 22 cases have been described in the scientific literature. They are described as unilateral tumors that mostly occur between the third and sixth decade of life, being devoid of malignancy, however, in none of the cases have been followed for prolonged periods. We present a clinical case whose objective is to socialize the first case of Sertoli cell sclerosing tumor (SSCT), diagnosed by the pathology department of the industrial university of Santander, which is registered in Colombia. After three years of clinical follow-up, the patient does not present recurrence, as well as other tumor lesions. Orchiectomy is considered the curative treatment.(AU)

Microabrasão associada ao clareamento dental no tratamento da hipoplasia de esmalte / Microabrasion associated with dental whitening treatment of enamel hypoplasia

A hipoplasia de esmalte é um defeito na matriz orgânica do esmalte que acomete significativamente os incisivos, compromete a estética do sorriso, alterando cor e textura, e nos casos mais severos, a forma dos dentes. A microabrasão do esmalte é utilizada no tratamento de manchamentos intrínsecos superficiais, apresentando diversos benefícios como resultado imediato, é um procedimento minimamente invasivo, não há recidivas, apresenta curto tempo de tratamento, fácil execução, baixo custo e não provoca danos à polpa e tecidos periodontais quando realizado corretamente. Associamos a técnica da microabrasão com ácido fosfórico 37% + pedra pomes ao clareamento dental caseiro com peróxido de carbamida 16% a fim de uniformizar a coloração dental, melhorando os resultados estéticos. O objetivo do tratamento da hipoplasia de esmalte é recuperar a harmonia do sorriso, a estética e a autoestima do paciente (AU).

Enamel hypoplasia is a defect in the formation of the enamel organic matrix that affects significantly the incisors, compromise the aesthetics of the smile by changing color and texture, and in severe cases, the shape of the teeth. The enamel microabrasion is used in the treatment of superficial intrinsic staining, showing various benefits such as immediate results. It is a minimally invasive procedure, with no relapse, that shows short duration of treatment, easy to perform, inexpensive and does not cause damage to pulp and periodontal tissues when performed correctly. We associate the microdermabrasion technique with 37% phosphoric acid + pumice stone to home bleaching with carbamide peroxide 16% in order to standardize the dental staining, thus improving aesthetic results. The goal of treatment of enamel hypoplasia is to recover the smile harmony, aesthetics and, self-esteem of the patient (AU).

Evaluation of human enamel permeability exposed to bleaching agents

Aim: To evaluate the human enamel permeability after different external bleaching techniques.Methods: The coronal portions of 20 maxillary human incisors were covered with an acidresistant varnish, except the labial surface, to prevent dye penetration of silver nitrate. Thespecimens were divided randomly into four groups (n=5) according to the bleaching treatments:Group 1 (G1) - without bleaching agent (control group), Group 2 (G2) - 35% hydrogen peroxide(HP) – one session of three 10-min applications, Group 3 (G3) - 35% HP – 2 sessions of three10-min applications, and Group 4 (G4) - 6% HP – 14 days (1h/day). G1 was exposed to artificialsaliva only and in the other groups the bleaching agents were applied following the manufacturers’recommendations. After bleaching, teeth were immersed in a 50% silver nitrate solution for 2 hand photodeveloped for 16 h. Then, three longitudinal slices of each tooth were photographedby an optical microscope (100x). The degree of dye penetration was analyzed in the middle thirdof the dental crowns using a 0 to 4 score system (0= no dye penetration, 1= less than half theenamel thickness, 2= half of the enamel thickness, 3= full extent of enamel without reaching thedentin, and 4= tracer agent reaching dentin). The data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α=0.05). Results: The median (1st/3rd interquartiles) ranges were: G1:0(0/0), G2: 2(2/3), G3: 3(3/3) and G4: 3(3/3). G2, G3 and G4 showed significantly higher dyepenetration compared with G1 (p=0.0017). Conclusions: The use of bleaching agents increaseddental enamel permeability, regardless of the bleaching technique.

Transformação de incisivos laterais conóides com resina composta: relato de caso / Transformation of conoid lateral incisors with resin composite: case report

A atual valorização da estética vai de encontro às discrepâncias de forma e tamanho dental comumente encontradas na clínica diária. Entre essas variações, os incisivos laterais conoides atingem 1,03% da população e podem refletir negativamente na saúde física e psicológica do indivíduo. Os resultados desse trabalho demonstram a possibilidade de resolução estética e funcional de forma simples e conservadora com o uso de resinas compostas

The current valuation of aesthetic aspects stumbles at discrepancies in tooth size and shape commonly found in everyday practice. Among these variations, conoid lateral incisors affect 1.03% of the population and may interfere negatively on the physical and psychological health of the individual. The results of the present study indicate the possibility of a simple and conservative solution with positive aesthetic and functional improvements using composite resins