Tellurite Promotes Stress Granules and Nuclear SG-Like Assembly in Response to Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage.

Tellurium oxyanion, tellurite (TeO 3 -2), is a highly toxic compound for many organisms. Its presence in the environment has increased over the past years due to industrial manufacturing processes and has been associated with adverse effects on human health. Although tellurite induces the phosphorylation of eIF2α, DNA damage and oxidative stress, the molecular mechanisms related to the cellular responses to tellurite-induced stress are poorly understood. In this work, we evaluated the ability of tellurite to induce phosphorylation of eIF2α, stress granules (SGs) assembly and their relationship with DNA damage in U2OS cells. We demonstrate that tellurite promotes the assembly of bona fide cytoplasmic SGs. Unexpectedly, tellurite also induces the assembly of nuclear SGs. Interestingly, we observed that the presence of tellurite-induced nuclear SGs correlates with γH2AX foci. However, although H2O2 also induce DNA damage, no nuclear SGs were observed. Our data show that tellurite promotes the assembly of cytoplasmic and nuclear SGs in response to oxidative stress and DNA damage, revealing a new aspect of cellular stress response mediated by the assembly of nuclear stress granules.

Escherichia coli HS and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Hinder Stress Granule Assembly.

Escherichia coli, one of the most abundant bacterial species in the human gut microbiota, has developed a mutualistic relationship with its host, regulating immunological responses. In contrast, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), one of the main etiologic agents of diarrheal morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five in developing countries, has developed mechanisms to reduce the immune-activator effect to carry out a successful infection. Following infection, the host cell initiates the shutting-off of protein synthesis and stress granule (SG) assembly. This is mostly mediated by the phosphorylation of translation initiator factor 2α (eIF2α). We therefore evaluated the ability of a non-pathogenic E. coli strain (E. coli HS) and an ETEC strain (ETEC 1766a) to induce stress granule assembly, even in response to exogenous stresses. In this work, we found that infection with E. coli HS or ETEC 1766a prevents SG assembly in Caco-2 cells treated with sodium arsenite (Ars) after infection. We also show that this effect occurs through an eIF2α phosphorylation (eIF2α-P)-dependent mechanism. Understanding how bacteria counters host stress responses will lay the groundwork for new therapeutic strategies to bolster host cell immune defenses against these pathogens.

Fnr and ArcA Regulate Lipid A Hydroxylation in Salmonella Enteritidis by Controlling lpxO Expression in Response to Oxygen Availability.

Lipid A is the bioactive component of lipopolysaccharide, and presents a dynamic structure that undergoes modifications in response to environmental signals. Many of these structural modifications influence Salmonella virulence. This is the case of lipid A hydroxylation, a modification catalyzed by the dioxygenase LpxO. Although it has been established that oxygen is required for lipid A hydroxylation acting as substrate of LpxO in Salmonella, an additional regulatory role for oxygen in lpxO expression has not been described. The existence of this regulation could be relevant considering that Salmonella faces low oxygen tension during infection. This condition leads to an adaptive response by changing the expression of numerous genes, and transcription factors Fnr and ArcA are major regulators of this process. In this work, we describe for the first time that lipid A hydroxylation and lpxO expression are modulated by oxygen availability in Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis). Biochemical and genetic analyses indicate that this process is regulated by Fnr and ArcA controlling the expression of lpxO. In addition, according to our results, this regulation occurs by direct binding of both transcription factors to specific elements present in the lpxO promoter region. Altogether, our observations revealed a novel role for oxygen acting as an environment signal controlling lipid A hydroxylation in S. Enteritidis.

Síndrome PHACES: comunicación de un caso con compromiso hepático e intestinal / PHACES syndrome: a report of a case with liver and intestinal involvement

El síndrome PHACES representa un espectro de anormalidades: malformaciones de la fosa posterior, hemangiomas segmentarios, anomalías vasculares, cardíacas, oculares y hendidura esternal o rafe supraumbilical, asociado también a hemangiomatosis extracutánea.Comunicamos el caso de una paciente de 4 meses de edad, con un hemangioma segmentario gigante en la hemicara izquierda, además de la presencia de una malformación de Dandy-Walker, malformación cardiovascular, hendidura esternal e hipotiroidismo.También tenía un hemangioma en el hígado y otras lesiones vasculares en el intestino.

PHACES syndrome represents a spectrum of anomalies such as posterior fossa malformations, segmental hemangiomas, vascular and cardiac abnormalities, eye abnormalities and sternal cleft or raphe supraumbilical, hemangiomatosis extracutánea. We present a 4 months of age female, who presented a segmental giant hemangioma in the left hemiface with Dandy-Walker malformation, cardiovascular malformation, sternal cleft and hypothyroidism, who also presented an hemangioma in the liver and other vascular lesions in the intestine.

The [Mo6Cl14]2- Cluster is Biologically Secure and Has Anti-Rotavirus Activity In Vitro.

The molybdenum cluster [Mo6Cl14]2- is a fluorescent component with potential for use in cell labelling and pharmacology. Biological safety and antiviral properties of the cluster are as yet unknown. Here, we show the effect of acute exposition of human cells and red blood cells to the molybdenum cluster and its interaction with proteins and antiviral activity in vitro. We measured cell viability of HepG2 and EA.hy926 cell lines exposed to increasing concentrations of the cluster (0.1 to 250 µM), by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Hemolysis and morphological alterations of red blood cells, obtained from healthy donors, exposed to the cluster (10 to 200 µM) at 37 °C were analyzed. Furthermore, quenching of tryptophan residues of albumin was performed. Finally, plaque formation by rotavirus SA11 in MA104 cells treated with the cluster (100 to 300 µM) were analyzed. We found that all doses of the cluster showed similar cell viability, hemolysis, and morphology values, compared to control. Quenching of tryptophan residues of albumin suggests a protein-cluster complex formation. Finally, the cluster showed antiviral activity at 300 µM. These results indicate that the cluster [Mo6Cl14]2- could be intravenously administered in animals at therapeutic doses for further in vivo studies and might be studied as an antiviral agent.

Vegetating Candidiasis: A Mimicker of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Keratitis Ichthyosis Deafness Syndrome.

Keratitis ichthyosis deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis with a high risk of cutaneous malignancy and infections. Infections can induce pseudocarcinomatous epidermal hyperplasia, leading to erroneous diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. We present a pediatric case of KID syndrome with vegetating plantar and acral candidiasis and highlight the importance of correct biopsy technique and clinicopathologic correlation in appropriate management.

O-antigen chain-length distribution in Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is regulated by oxygen availability.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) consists of three covalently linked domains: the lipid A, the core region and the O antigen (OAg), consisting of repeats of an oligosaccharide. Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) produces a LPS with two OAg preferred chain lengths: a long (L)-OAg controlled by WzzSE and a very long (VL)-OAg controlled by WzzfepE. In this work, we show that OAg produced by S. Enteritidis grown in E minimal medium also presented two preferred chain-lengths. However, a simultaneous and opposing change in the production of L-OAg and VL-OAg was observed in response to oxygen availability. Biochemical and genetics analyses indicate that this process is regulated by transcriptional factors Fnr and ArcA by means of controlling the transcription of genes encoding WzzSE and WzzfepE in response to oxygen availability. Thus, our results revealed a sophisticated regulatory mechanism involved in the adaptation of S. Enteritidis to one of the main environmental cues faced by this pathogen during infection.

Un caso de síndrome de Adams-Oliver con venas congénitas, dilatadas y persistentes en el cuero cabelludo / A case of Adams-Oliver syndrome with congenital and persistent dilated veins in the scalp

El síndrome de Adams-Oliver es un desorden congénito raro, caracterizado por la presencia de aplasia cutis congénita y defectos terminales transversos de los miembros. Comunicamos el caso de una niña de 4 años de edad con síndrome de Adams-Oliver que presenta venas congénitas, tortuosas y dilatadas en el cuero cabelludo, aplasia cutis congénita con defectos parciales del hueso craneal subyacente, calcificaciones intracraneales y anomalías leves de los pies.

Adams-Oliver syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by aplasia cutis congenita and terminal transverse limb defects. We report a case of a 4-year-old girl with Adams-Oliver syndrome with congenital dilated and tortuous scalp veins, aplasia cutis congenita with partial underlying skull defects, intracranial calcifications, and mild foot anomalies.

Escrofuloderma asociada a osteítis tuberculosa / Scrofuloderma associated with tuberculous osteitis

La escrofuloderma es una forma de tuberculosis cutánea que resulta de la extensión directa a la piel de un foco tuberculoso contiguo (linfático u óseo), con frecuente fistulización y evolución crónica, pudiendo ocurrir curación espontánea que deja cicatriz retráctil. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 7 años de edad, que presenta dos úlceras en la pared torácica izquierda con un aumento del volumen torácico del mismo lado de 7 meses de evolución; recibe tratamientos antibióticos múltiples y curaciones sin mejoría. En la radiografía de tórax se evidencia compromiso de pleura y arcos costales izquierdos, que es compatible con osteítis tuberculosa. Se realiza biopsia de piel, observándose granulomas tuberculoides con necrosis caseosa y coloración Ziehl Neelsen positiva para BAAR. Inicia tratamiento con tuberculostáticos obteniendo una mejoría clínica evidente. A las 8 semanas de iniciado el tratamiento, se obtiene cultivo positivo para Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The scrofuloderma is a form of cutaneous tuberculosis that results of the extension of a contiguous tuberculous focus (lymphatic or bone) to the skin, with frequent fistulization and chronic evolution; spontaneous healing may occur in some cases leaving a scar. We present the case of a 7 years old male patient who complained of two ulcers with deformation of the thoracic wall that started 7 months previous to the diagnosis. He received multiple antibiotic treatments without improvement. The chest radiograph showed left pleura and costal arches involvement. Skin biopsy showed the presence of tuberculoid granulomas with caseous necrosis, and Ziehl Neelsen staining was positive for BAAR. The patient received tuberculostatic treatment and had clinical improvement. After 8 weeks of treatment, the culture resulted positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Granuloma tricofítico de Majocchi: comunicación de un caso / Majocchi trichophytic Granuloma: case report

El granuloma tricofítico de Majocchi es una infección causada por hongos dermatofitos que invaden dermis profunda y tejido celular subcutáneo. Existen pocos reportes de esta entidad. Se han descripto diferentes características clínicas de acuerdo al estado inmune del paciente. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 8 años de edad con múltiples nódulos ligeramente dolorosos, en cuero cabelludo y cara, de 6 meses de evolución, que había sido tratada con corticoides tópicos y sistémicos. El estudio anatomopatológico evidenció abundantes estructuras micóticas con formación de granulomas en dermis profunda. Se estableció el diagnóstico de granuloma tricofítico de Majocchi y se inició terapia antimicótica con itraconazol, 5 mg/kg/día, con mejoría clínica parcial a la cuarta semana de tratamiento

Trichophytic Majocchi granuloma is an infection by dermatophytes which invade deep dermis and fat. There are few reports about this disease. Some clinical features have been described depending on immune state of patients. We present a case in an 8 years old girl with tenderness nodules in scalp and face of 6 months of evolution, who had been previously treated with topical and systemic steroids. Histological findings showed many fungal structures and a dermal granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate in deep dermis. Diagnosis of trichophytic Majocchi granuloma was done and initiated anti fungal therapy with itraconazole 5 mg/kg once a day with partial improvement at the fourth week of treatment

Experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico del prolapso rectal mediante sutura helicoidal y anoplastia: estancia hospitalaria breve / Rectal prolapse: surgical experience with helicoidal suture and anoplasty: short hospital stay

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to describe and analyze our experience with rectal prolapse treated by helicoidal suture and anoplasty at the Colorectal Service, Centro Médico Nacional, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, Veracruz, México. METHODS: An ambispective study from 1999 to 2006 was performed in patients with rectal prolapse by chart review and outpatient clinic visit. All patients underwent helicoidal suture and anoplasty. RESULTS: Thirty two patients underwent surgery (12 males and 20 females). The mean age was 61.3 +/- 20.88 years (range: 21-94 years). History of rectal prolapse was from 1 month to 48 years. The most common symptoms were anal mass sensation, fecal incontinence, mucous discharge, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation and pain. Nineteen patients had a significant prior medical history and past surgical history. In-hospital stay was <24 h in 62.5% of procedures. There were no surgical complications. Two recurrences were documented and 28 patients had a minimum 12-month follow-up. To date, we have not documented any counter-referrals regarding complications or recurrences from primary care physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Helicoidal suture and anoplasty is an effective technique in rectal prolapse patients that offers certain advantages such as shorter in-hospital, rapid postoperative recovery, less surgical time and low recurrence rate.

Estudio de casos de urticaria anular aguda en pacientes hospitalizados en el servicio de Dermatología del Instituto de Salud del Niño durante el período 2003 al 2004 / Acute annular urticaria case study in patients hospitalized in the service of Dermatology of the Institute of Health of the Child during the period 2003 to 2004

La urticaria aguda en niños es una entidad frecuente, sin embargo su incidencia no está bien establecida. Una variante es la urticaria anular aguda o gigante que ha sido caracterizada en varios trabajos. Objetivo: Caracterizar la urticaria anular aguda en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional no concurrente de serie de casos. Se revisaron historias clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados del servicio de Dermatología del Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima-Perú, con criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados:Se hallaron 27 niños con diagnóstico de urticaria anular aguda,las lesiones más frecuentes fueron las placas violáceas y manchas residuales. El área más afectada fue el tórax y dentro de los factores desencadenantes más importantes se encontró el uso de furazolidona en el 59% de los casos. Conclusiones: La urticaria anular aguda o gigante es una reacción de hipersensibilidad con características propias asociada en un alto porcentaje al uso de furazolidona (AU)

Acute urticaria in children is a frequent disorder; however its incidence has not been established. Annular acute urticaria or giant urticaria is a variant which has been reported in several surveys. Objetive: Characterize acute annular urticaria at Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima-Peru. Methods: Observational non-concurrent series of cases. We reviewed the medical records of hospitalized patients at Dermatology Service, Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: We found 27 children with diagnosis of acute annular urticaria; the most frequent lesions were lilaceous plaques and residual patches.The most frequently affected area was chest and the most important triggering factor was the use of furazolidone. Conclusions: Acute annular urticaria is a hypersensitivity reaction with special characteristics, which is associated in a high percentage to use of furazolidone (AU)

[Rectal prolapse. Surgical experience with helicoidal suture and anoplasty: short hospital stay]. / Experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico del prolapso rectal mediante sutura helicoidal y anoplastia: estancia hospitalaria breve.

BACKGROUND: We undertook this study to describe and analyze our experience with rectal prolapse treated by helicoidal suture and anoplasty at the Colorectal Service, Centro Médico Nacional, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, Veracruz, México. METHODS: An ambispective study from 1999 to 2006 was performed in patients with rectal prolapse by chart review and outpatient clinic visit. All patients underwent helicoidal suture and anoplasty. RESULTS: Thirty two patients underwent surgery (12 males and 20 females). The mean age was 61.3 +/- 20.88 years (range: 21-94 years). History of rectal prolapse was from 1 month to 48 years. The most common symptoms were anal mass sensation, fecal incontinence, mucous discharge, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation and pain. Nineteen patients had a significant prior medical history and past surgical history. In-hospital stay was <24 h in 62.5% of procedures. There were no surgical complications. Two recurrences were documented and 28 patients had a minimum 12-month follow-up. To date, we have not documented any counter-referrals regarding complications or recurrences from primary care physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Helicoidal suture and anoplasty is an effective technique in rectal prolapse patients that offers certain advantages such as shorter in-hospital, rapid postoperative recovery, less surgical time and low recurrence rate.