Increased frequency of CD14+HLA-DR-/low cells in type 2 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control.

AIMS: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with alterations of the immune response and T2DM patients have an increased risk for infections and certain sorts of cancers. Although CD14+HLA-DR-/low cells have emerged as important mediators of immunosuppression in several pathologies, including cancer and non-malignant diseases, the presence of these cells in T2DM is not fully characterized. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the frequency of CD14+HLA-DR-/low cells in non-obese T2DM patients and their association with glycemic control. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy controls (HC, n = 24) and non-obese T2DM patients (n = 25), the population was evaluated by flow cytometry, and an analysis of correlation between cell frequencies and clinical variables was performed. RESULTS: CD14+HLA-DR-/low monocytes were expanded in patients with T2DM compared to HC regardless of weight. Among the subjects with T2DM, the frequency of CD14+HLA-DR-/low was higher in patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 9%) compared to those with better glycemic control (HbA1c < 9%) and, positively correlated with the years since the diagnosis of T2DM, the age of the patients and the glycemic index. CONCLUSIONS: An increased frequency of CD14+HLA-DR-/low cells in the blood of T2DM patients was recorded. The influence of hyperglycemia seems to be independent of obesity, but related to glycemic control and age.

Comparación del porcentaje de áreas no obturadas entre la técnica de compactación lateral en frío y la técnica de compactación lateral con ultrasonido / Comparison of the percentage of non-filledventa areas between cold lateral compaction technique and lateral compaction with ultrasonic technique

OBJETIVO: Comparar, en un estudio experimental in vitro, el porcentaje de áreas no obturadas entre la técnica de compactación lateral en frío (TCL) y la técnica de compactación lateral con ultrasonido (TCLU). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El estudio fue realizado en una muestra de 68 dientes humanos extraídos. Se asignaron de manera aleatoria en dos grupos de 34 dientes cada uno. Todos los dientes se cortaron a 16±1 mm de longitud desde el ápice hacia la corona, se instrumentaron con el sistema rotatorio Protaper Next (Dentsply) y se realizó protocolo de irrigación final con NaOCl al 2.5% y EDTA al 17% neutralizados con suero fisiológico entre ellos. El Grupo I se obturó con TCL y el Grupo II con TCLU. En ambos grupos se utilizó Sealapex como cemento. Los dientes fueron seccionados horizontalmente a 2, 4, 6 y 8 mm desde el ápice; cada corte se observó con un microscopio estereoscópico (56X) y se tomaron fotografías. Se calculó el porcentaje de área obturada con gutapercha, cemento y de áreas no obturadas, utilizando el programa ImageJ. El análisis de los resultados se llevó acabo mediante la suma de rangos de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: El grupo TCLU presentó un mayor porcentaje de gutapercha en el conducto radicular en comparación con el grupo TCL (94.4% y 87.4% respectivamente), menor porcentaje de áreas no obturadas (1.3% y 4.2%), y menor porcentaje de áreas ocupadas con cemento (3.8% y 7.2%). Las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (P<0.05).CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados de este estudio muestran que la modificación de la técnica de compactación lateral con ultrasonido descrita en esta investigación presenta resultados in vitro superiores a TCL

AIM: To compare, in an Experimental in vitro study, the percentage of non-filled areas between cold lateral compaction technique (CLT) and lateral compaction with ultrasonic technique (LUT). METHODS: The study was made on in a sample of 68 extracted human teeth. They were randomized into two groups of 34 teeth each. All teeth were cut 16±1 mm from the apex and instrumented with the Protaper Next rotary system (Dentsply) and a final irrigation protocol was performed with NaOCl 2.5% and EDTA 17% neutralized with normal saline solution between them. Group I was filled with CLT and Group II with LUT. In both groups Sealapex was used as a cement. The teeth were sectioned horizontally at 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm from the apex; slices were the viewed through a stereomicroscope (56X) and pictures were taken. The percentage of gutta-percha filled area, percentage of non-filled area and percentage of sealer filled area were calculated for each section using the ImageJ program. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test. RESULTS: LUT had a higher percentage of gutta-percha in the root canal compared to CLT (94.4% and 87.4% respectively), lower percentage of non-filled area (1.3% and 4.2% respectively), and lower percentage of area occupied by sealer (3.8 % and 7.2% respectively). The differences were statistically significant(P <0.05).CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the modification of lateral compaction technique with ultrasonic described in this investigation presents in vitro results superior to CLT

Type 2 diabetes mellitus metabolic control correlates with the phenotype of human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages.

AIMS: Monocytes and macrophages express cell-surface markers indicative of their inflammatory and activation status. In this study, we investigated whether these markers are affected or correlated in non-obese T2D subjects, or glycemic/metabolic control variables. METHODS: Clinical data was recorded, and peripheral blood drawn from T2D patients (n = 28) and control subjects (n = 27). Isolated monocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry for the expression of CD14, CD16, and the phenotypic markers for the different states of activation spectrum, such as pro-inflammatory (M1) (HLA-DR, CD86), anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving (M2) (CD163, CD206, MERTK, PD-L1) and metabolically-activated (MMe) (CD36, ABCA-1). From a subset of individuals, monocytes-derived macrophages (MDM) were obtained and evaluated for phenotypic markers. A correlation analysis was performed between the clinical variables and the marker expression. RESULTS: The frequency of CD14++CD16- monocytes was lower in T2D patients and it correlates negatively with poor control in glycemic and metabolic variables. T2D monocytes expressed lower levels of HLA-DR, CD86, PD-L1, and CD163, which correlated negatively with poor metabolic control. In MDM from T2D patients, HLA-DR, CD86 and CD163 expression was lower and it inversely correlated with deficient glycemic or metabolic control parameters. CONCLUSION: The glycemic/metabolic control associated with T2D influences monocyte and MDM phenotypes toward an immune-suppressive phenotype.

Estudio de las características individualizantes de las rugas palatinas. Caso: Bomberos de la Universidad de Los Andes Mérida – Venezuela / Study of characteristics of palatal rugae individualizing. Case: Fire department of Los Andes University Mérida - Venezuela

La rugoscopia es un método seguro y de bajo costo, que puede utilizarse como técnica alternativa en la individualización de personas y en el reconocimiento de cadáveres no identificados por diversas causas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue aplicar una ficha rugoscópica en una muestra de veinte (20) Bomberos Universitarios del estado Mérida-Venezuela y crear una base de datos de una población de alto riesgo a partir de las características individualizantes de las rugas palatinas. Se utilizó una ficha rugoscópica diseñada y validada en esta investigación, modelos de estudio del maxilar superior y fotografías intraorales. Mediante el análisis de 266 rugas palatinas, se determinaron formas y números diferentes en cada individuo, lo que permite reconocerlo en cualquier lugar del mundo. Se concluye que la rugoscopia es un método sencillo y aplicable fácilmente en el consultorio odontológico, que permite la identificación de cualquier persona, a partir de las características individualizantes de las rugas palatinas (AU)

Rugoscopy is a safe and low cost method that can be used as an alternative technique in the identification of persons and the recognition of bodies which cannot be identified due to various reasons. The objective of this research was to apply a rugoscopy card in a sample of twenty (20) firefighters of the Fire Department of Los Andes University in the State of Merida, and to create a database of high risk cases taken from the individualizing characteristics of palatal rugaes. We used a rugoscopy card designed and validated in this investigation, as well as, study models of maxillary and intraoral photographs. Through the analysis of 266 palatal rugae, shapes and different numbers in each individual were determined, allowing their identification anywhere in the world. We conclude that rugoscopy is a simple method and easily applicable in the dental office, which allows the identification of any person from the individualizing characteristics of the palatal rugae (AU)

[Acute local reaction to intra-articular infiltration with synvisc (Hylan GF20). About two cases]. / Reacción aguda local tras infiltración intraarticular con Synvisc (Hylan GF 20). A propósito de dos casos.

A second stage in the treatment of arthrosis following the non-steroid anti-inflammatories is formed by the so-called chondroprotectors and intraarticular viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, generally in the knee. Although infrequent, cases have been described of transitory inflammatory arthritis following intra-articulary administration. The main problem is differential diagnosis with a septic secondary arthritis and its consequences. This is a generally benign process with a still unknown transitory aetiology with different hypotheses, but which involves suspension of the treatment. We present two cases that resolved the sequels with different moments of appearance, the first in the three hours following infiltration, and the second four days later.

Disparity between serological reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi and evidence of past disease in a high-risk group.

A prevalence study of past Lyme borreliosis in persons with outdoor occupations was done. Consenting individuals (n = 302) were administered a questionnaire eliciting demographic and occupational data and a clinical history, and were asked to donate a serum specimen for detection of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting, and borrelia inhibition assays, and for detection of potentially cross-reactive antibodies. Of 302 individuals, 77 (25%) had reactive antibodies detected by ELISA. Of these 302 individuals, 44 (15%) met the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for serological reactivity as evidenced by immunoblotting, and 70 (23%) had inhibitory activity. Through the clinical criteria employed, only 11 individuals with serological reactivity had prior illness compatible with Lyme borreliosis. Higher ELISA absorbances were positively correlated with age and duration of outdoor occupation. The results from three serological assays and the lack of reactivity to potentially cross-reactive infectious agents indicate that serological reactivity was due to exposure to B. burgdorferi. The disparity between serological reactivity and the clinical evidence of Lyme borreliosis suggests cumulative exposure to a nonpathogenic form of B. burgdorferi.

[Association of Lyme disease with work and leisure activities]. / Asociación de la enfermedad de Lyme con actividades laborales y de recreo.

BACKGROUND: The conditions for Lyme disease are ideal in northern Spain, but the risk factors are not well established. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of those patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of Lyme disease in a region of northern Spain (Vizcaya). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the patients hospitalized with Lyme disease in Vizcaya between 1989 and 1996. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases met the clinical and serologic CDC criteria, 21 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 52 years. Neurologic manifestations were most common (73%), followed by erythema migrans (62%), arthralgias (38%) and arthritis (15%). Fifty-eight percent of the patients recalled a tick bite and rural professional or recreational activities were the main risk factors. Most of the patients did not seek medical help until late in the disease, which led to greater morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing number of Lyme disease cases in northern Spain represents a public health problem. Disease morbidity could be reduced by targeted education to populations at risk.

[Stress urinary incontinence. Its surgical management]. / Incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo. Manejo quirúrgico.

Ninety eight patients with stress urinary incontinence treated surgically at Central Military Hospital, were studied. We analyzed the risk factors as age, weight, height, parity, menopause age, and previous medical and surgical procedures. They were divided in two groups. The Group I, vaginal approach, with 35 patients and Group II, retropubic surgery, with 63 patients. There were no differences both groups regarding age, weight, height, parity and menopausal age. The most frequent illness associated with stress urinary incontinence, was pelvic floor relaxation. The complications were 17.1% and 33.3%, respectively. The efficacy of Burch is procedure for the management of stress urinary incontinence, with a success rate of 84.1% versus 62.1% in the vaginal approach, was confirmed.

Determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration of amphotericin B and miconazole for 21 strains of Aspergillus.

The susceptibility of 21 strains of Aspergillus (11 of A. fumigatus, 8 of A, niger, and 2 of A. flavus) isolated from human pathologic specimens to Amphotericin B and Miconazole has been comparatively studied. Determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration of both drugs in a liquid medium showed a noticeably variability for the different strains. The values obtained for Amphotericin B varied between 0.25 microgram/ml (2 strains) and 1.25 microgram/ml (5 strains) after 48 hours, and between 1,25 microgram/ml (1 strain) and 50 microgram/ml (1 strain) after 10 days. For Miconazole the results varied between 0.1 microgram/ml (1 strain) and 25 microgram/ml (1 strain) after 48 hours of incubation, and between 0.5 microgram/ml (5 strains) and greater than 100 microgram/ml after 10 days. The variability of these results indicates the usefulness of carrying our in vitro sensitivity studies whenever it is possible.