Testing telediagnostic thyroid ultrasound in Peru: a new horizon in expanding access to imaging in rural and underserved areas.

PURPOSE: Thyroid ultrasound is a key tool in the evaluation of the thyroid, but billions of people around the world lack access to ultrasound imaging. In this study, we tested an asynchronous telediagnostic ultrasound system operated by individuals without prior ultrasound training which may be used to effectively evaluate the thyroid and improve access to imaging worldwide. METHODS: The telediagnostic system in this study utilizes volume sweep imaging (VSI), an imaging technique in which the operator scans the target region with simple sweeps of the ultrasound probe based on external body landmarks. Sweeps are recorded and saved as video clips for later interpretation by an expert. Two operators without prior ultrasound experience underwent 8 h of training on the thyroid VSI protocol and the operation of the telemedicine platform. After training, the operators scanned patients at a health center in Lima. Telediagnostic examinations were sent to the United States for remote interpretation. Standard of care thyroid ultrasound was performed by an experienced radiologist at the time of VSI examination to serve as a reference standard. RESULTS: Novice operators scanned 121 subjects with the thyroid VSI protocol. Of these exams, 88% were rated of excellent image quality showing complete or near complete thyroid visualization. There was 98.3% agreement on thyroid nodule presence between VSI teleultrasound and standard of care ultrasound (Cohen's kappa 0.91, P < 0.0001). VSI measured the thyroid size, on average, within 5 mm compared to standard of care. Readers of VSI were also able to effectively characterize thyroid nodules, and there was no significant difference in measurement of thyroid nodule size (P = 0.74) between VSI and standard of care. CONCLUSION: Thyroid VSI telediagnostic ultrasound demonstrated both excellent visualization of the thyroid gland and agreement with standard of care thyroid ultrasound for nodules and thyroid size evaluation. This system could be deployed for evaluation of palpable thyroid abnormalities, nodule follow-up, and epidemiological studies to promote global health and improve the availability of diagnostic imaging in underserved communities.

The Role of Flaviviral Proteins in the Induction of Innate Immunity.

Flaviviruses are positive, single-stranded, enveloped cytoplasmic sense RNA viruses that cause a variety of important diseases worldwide. Among them, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and Dengue virus have the potential to cause severe disease. Extensive studies have been performed to elucidate the structure and replication strategies of flaviviruses, and current studies are aiming to unravel the complex molecular interactions between the virus and host during the very early stages of infection. The outcomes of viral infection and rapid establishment of the antiviral state, depends on viral detection by pathogen recognition receptors and rapid initiation of signalling cascades to induce an effective innate immune response. Extracellular and intracellular pathogen recognition receptors play a crucial role in detecting flavivirus infection and inducing a robust antiviral response. One of the main hallmarks of flaviviral nonstructural proteins is their multiple strategies to antagonise the interferon system. In this chapter, we summarize the molecular characteristics of flaviviral proteins and discuss how viral proteins target different components of the interferon signalling pathway by blocking phosphorylation, enhancing degradation, and downregulating the expression of major components of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. We also discuss how the interactions of viral proteins with host proteins facilitate viral pathogenesis. Due to the lack of antivirals or prophylactic treatments for many flaviviral infections, it is necessary to fully elucidate how these viruses disrupt cellular processes to influence pathogenesis and disease outcomes.

Effects of 6% Tetrastarch and Lactated Ringer's Solution on Extravascular Lung Water and Markers of Acute Renal Injury in Hemorrhaged, Isoflurane-Anesthetized Healthy Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Tetrastarch can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in humans with sepsis, but less likely to result in tissue edema than lactated Ringer's solution (LRS). OBJECTIVES: Compare effects of volume replacement (VR) with LRS and 6% tetrastarch solution (TS) on extravascular lung water (EVLW) and markers of AKI in hemorrhaged dogs. ANIMALS: Six healthy English Pointer dogs (19.7-35.3 kg). METHODS: Prospective crossover study. Animals underwent anesthesia without hemorrhage (Control). Two weeks later, dogs hemorrhaged under anesthesia on 2 occasions (8-week washout intervals) and randomly received VR with LRS or TS at 3 : 1 or 1 : 1 of shed blood, respectively. Anesthesia was maintained until 4 hour after VR for EVLW measurements derived from transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac output. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and creatinine concentrations in plasma and urine were measured until 72 hour after VR. RESULTS: The EVLW index (mL/kg) was lower at 1 hour after TS (10.0 ± 1.9) in comparison with controls (11.9 ± 3.4, P = 0.04), and at 4 hour after TS (9.7 ± 1.9) in comparison with LRS (11.8 ± 2.7, P = 0.03). Arterial oxygen partial pressure-to-inspired oxygen fraction ratio did not differ among treatments from 0.5 to 4 hour after VR. Urine NGAL/creatinine ratio did not differ among treatments and remained below threshold for AKI (120,000 pg/mg). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although TS causes less EVLW accumulation than LRS, neither fluid produced evidence of lung edema (impaired oxygenation). Both fluids appear not to cause AKI when used for VR after hemorrhage in healthy nonseptic dogs.

Influencia de la vía de administración sobre el efecto del extracto etanólico de la semilla de Jatropha curcas L, en la motilidad intestinal en ratones albinos / Influence of the route of administration on the effect of ethanol extract of the Jatropha curcas L. seeds, on gut motility of albino mice

Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de la vía de administración sobre efecto de distintas dosis del extracto etanólico de la semilla de Jatropha curcas L en la motilidad intestinal de ratones. Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizaron ratones albinos machos con un peso promedio de 23 g, a los que, por vía oral e intraperitoneal, y a dosis escalonadas y no tóxicas, se les administraron extracto etanólico de la semilla de Jatropha curcas L. Los grupos experimentales fueron: suero fisiológico 0,1 mL/10 g, atropina 1 mg/Kg, extracto etanólico de semilla de Jatropha curcas L. 500, 750 y 1000 mg/Kg, respectivamente, y neostigmina 0,4 mg/Kg. Para la validación estadística se usó ANOVA con post-hoc de Sidak. Resultados: Se encontró diferencias significativas al analizar los porcentajes de motilidad intestinal de todos los grupos, sin embargo, al realizar la comparación por parejas solo se halló diferencias entre los grupos que recibieron atropina y neoestigmina (p=0,038), J. curcas L. vía oral a dosis de 500 mg/Kg y 1000 mg/Kg (p=0,001 en ambos casos). Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p>0,05) en las comparaciones entre la administración por vía oral y por vía peritoneal del extracto de J. curcas L. a dosis de 500 mg/Kg y 1000 mg/Kg. Conclusión: Se encontró influencia de la vía de administración, sobre el efecto del extracto etanólico de Jatropha curcas L. en la la motilidad intestinal en ratones albinos.

Objectives. To determine the influence of administration route of Jatropha curcas L. seeds ethanolic extract (in different doses) on intestinal motility of albino mice. Methods. Male albino mice were used with an average weight of 23 g., which the ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas L. seeds were administered in different administration routes (oral and intraperitoneal), using staggered and non-toxic doses. The experimental groups were 0,1 mL/10 g physiological saline, atropine 1mg/Kg, neostigmine 0.4 mg/kg and Jatropha curcas L seed ethanolic extract in doses of 500, 750 and 1000mg/kg. One-way ANOVA test with Sidak post-hoc test were used to do a statistical inferences. Results. Significant differences were found when all-groups intestinal charcoal transit distance (%) were analyzed. However, when paired comparisons were made, significant differences were found between neostigmine group (p=0,038); and oral administration of J curcas L extracts in doses of 500 mg/Kg and 1000 mg/Kg (p=0.001 in both cases). Significant differences were found (p>0.05) in comparisons made between orally and intraperitoneal administration of J. curcas L. extract in doses of 500 mg/Kg and 1000 mg/Kg. Conclusion. There is some influence caused by route of administration of Jathropa curcas L. seeds ethanolic extract on intestinal motility in albino mice.

Efecto del uso de ultrasonido en tiempo real en la inserción del catéter venoso central / Effect of ultrasound in real time in the insertion of central venous catheter

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: la colocación del catéter venoso central es una parte esencial en el tratamiento de los pacientes en muchos escenarios clínicos. El ultrasonido en tiempo real se ha convertido en una herramienta invaluable debido a su seguridad, disponibilidad y proporciona información detallada en relación con la anatomía de los órganos internos, en la colocación de catéteres venosos centrales favorece las tasas de éxito y disminuye el número de complicaciones. OBJETIVO: determinar si la colocación de catéter venoso central guiado por ultrasonido en tiempo real disminuye el número de complicaciones en comparación con la técnica por referencias anatómicas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio observacional, ambispectivo, longitudinal en el que se seleccionaron adultos mayores de 18 años de edad que requirieron un catéter venoso central durante su hospitalización en el Hospital General Naval de Alta Especialidad (HOSGENAES) guiado por ultrasonido en tiempo real y por referencias anatómicas de enero de 2014 a febrero de 2016. Los datos se recabaron de los expedientes clínicos siempre y cuando estuvieran completos. Las variables observadas fueron el tipo de complicaciones, tipo de catéter, sitio de inserción, operador experto, servicio que instaló los catéteres venosos centrales, si fue de primera vez o subsecuente, número de intentos, accesos exitosos y los diagnósticos de ingreso, edad, género e índice de masa corporal. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 464 pacientes de los que 351 (76%) fueron guiados por referencias anatómicas y en 113 (24%) por ultrasonido en tiempo real. Se reportaron 211 complicaciones, 84% en el grupo de referencias anatómicas y 16% en el grupo de ultrasonido en tiempo real con razón de momios (OR) de 2.36. La complicación más frecuente fue la de tipo mecánica, principalmente la mala colocación, en el grupo de referencias anatómicas representó 51% versus 12% en el grupo de ultrasonido en tiempo real con OR de 9.5. El 100% de los catéteres venosos centrales guiados por ultrasonido en tiempo real fueron exitosos vs 87% de los guiados por referencias anatómicas. CONCLUSIONES: el ultrasonido en tiempo real mejora las tasas de éxito, reduce el número de intentos y disminuye las complicaciones asociadas con la inserción de un catéter venoso central.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The placement of central venous catheter (CVC) is an essential part in the management of patients in many clinical scenarios. Ultrasonography in real time (USRT) has become an invaluable tool because of its safety and availability and provides detailed information regarding the anatomy of the internal organs, in the placement of central venous catheters (CVCs) encouraging success rates and decreasing the number of complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the placement of central venous catheter guided by real-time ultrasound decreases the number of complications compared with the technique for anatomical references. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, retrospective and prospective, longitudinal study was done selecting adults over 18 years old who required a CVC during their hospitalization at the Naval General Hospital of High Specialty (HOSGENAES), Mexico City, led by USRT and anatomical references from January 2014 to February 2016. Data were gathered from the files provided they were complete. The variables observed were the kind of complications, type of catheter insertion site, skilled operator, service that installed the CVCs, if it was first or subsequent, number of attempts, successful access and admission diagnoses, age, gender and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Four hundred sixty-four patients were included, of which 351 (76%) were guided by anatomical and 113 (24%) by USTR references. A total of 211 complications occurred; 84% in the group of anatomical references and 16% were reported in the group USTR with OR of 2.36. The most common complication was mainly mechanical type misplacement accounting for 51% in the group of anatomical references versus 12% in the USRT with OR of 9.5375. The 100% of CVCs guided by USTR were successful vs 87% guided by anatomical references. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography in real time improves success rates, reduces the number of attempts and reduces complications associated with the insertion of a central venous catheter.

Spectral-based pneumonia detection tool using ultrasound data from pediatric populations.

Pediatric Pneumonia is one of the principal causes of death by year on children under the age of five worldwide. The diagnosis is commonly made by clinical criteria with support from imaging tools like radiography. Lung ultrasound has been considered a low-cost and portable alternative for pneumonia imaging; however, interpretation is subjective and requires adequate training. In the present work, a pneumonia detection algorithm based on the measurement of the fundamental bandwidth downshift over depth of ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) signals is presented. RF-data was obtained from lung ultrasound samples of children aged between six months and five years. Sampling was performed using a 6.6 MHz linear transducer. The sample consisted of 10 positive-and 10 negative-diagnosed RF cine-loops selected by a medical expert and captured in a local pediatric health institute. For each frame, several regions of interest were outlined starting from the pleural line. Corresponding functions for each RF-line of the maximum frequency decrement rate over depth from the fundamental spectra at a fixed bandwidth were estimated and linearly fitted. Finally, a descriptor function was build concatenating all fitted values from the RF-lines for each frame respectively. Each descriptor function was later thresholded to differentiate between healthy and pneumonic regions frame-wise. The optimal threshold was found to be 0.46 MHz/cm and was selected based on a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results revealed an accuracy rate higher than 90% on the sample.

Efecto antinociceptivo del extracto etanólico de las hojas de Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq. ôchuchuhuasiõ mediante la prueba de contorsiones abdominales en ratones / Antinociceptive effect of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq. ôchuchuhuasiõ Through the Writhing Test in mice

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto y actividad antinociceptiva de las hojas de Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav) Briq. ôchuchuhuasiõ mediante la prueba de contorsiones abdominales en roedor. Material y Métodos: Se utilizaron 40 ratones albinos machos, con pesos medios de 25g, se empleó la prueba de contorsiones abdominales para determinar la actividad antinociceptiva. El grupo Control, no recibió ninguna sustancia. Se administró extracto etanólico de las hojas de M. macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq. 2000 mg/kg, Tramadol 10 mg/kg y Diclofenaco sódico 10 mg/kg. Las sustancias fueron administradas por la vía oral una hora antes de la inducción de dolor. Para la validación estadística se usó la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA de una cola, Tukey, y Newman-Keuls. Resultados: El número de contorsiones abdominales fue 41+/- 3.04, 27+/- 3.55, 9 +/- 4.14, y 18 +/- 2.65 respectivamente. El porcentaje de inhibición de la conducta nociceptiva fue: 0%, 34%, 77%, y 55%. La prueba de ANOVA de una vía, demostró diferencias estadísticas (p<0.05, IC 95%), y la prueba de Tukey y Newman-Keuls, demostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos, frente al control. Conclusiones: Se comprobó el efecto antinociceptivo de las hojas de Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq. ôchuchuhuasiõ, en dosis de 2000 mg/kg.

Objetives: To determine the effect and antinociceptive activity of the leaves of Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav ) Briq . ôChuchuhuasi ô by the writhing test in rodents. Material and Methods: 40 male albino mice were used, with average weights of 25g, the writhing test was used to determine the antinociceptive activity. The experimental groups were: Control; received no substance, ethanol extract of the leaves of M. macrocarpa Briq (Ruiz & Pav.) 2000 mg/kg, Tramadol 10 mg/kg and 10mg Sodium Diclofenac /kg. The substances were administered orally one hour before the induction of pain. For statistical validation the Shapiro -Wilk test, one-tailed ANOVA, Tukey, and Newman -Keuls was used. Results: Writhing number was 41 +/- 3.04, 27 +/- 3.55, 9 +/- 4.14, and 18 +/- 2.65 respectively. The inhibition percentage of the nociceptive behavior was: 0%, 34%, 77% and 55%. The test of one-way ANOVA showed statistical differences (p < 0.05, 95% CI), and the Tukey and Newman-Keuls test showed significant differences between groups versus control. Conclusions: Antinociceptive effect of the leaves of Maytenus macrocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.) Briq ôChuchuhuasiô was found at doses of 2000 mg/kg.

Generation and characterization of a rat monoclonal antibody against the RNA polymerase protein from Dengue Virus-2.

Dengue virus (DENV) RNA replication requires 2 viral proteins, non-structural protein 3 (NS3) and NS5. NS5 consists of 2 functional domains: a methyltransferase (MTase) domain involved in RNA cap formation and located in the amino terminal region and a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain essential for virus replication and located in the carboxyl terminal region. To gain additional insight into the structural interactions between viral proteins and cellular factors involved in DENV RNA replication, we generated a panel of rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the NS5 MTase domain. Six rat mAbs were selected from 41 clones, of which clone 13G7 was further characterized. The specificity of this antibody for NS5 was demonstrated by western blot of DENV-infected cells, which revealed that this antibody recognizes all 4 DENV serotypes. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis suggested that this antibody recognizes a sequential epitope of the NS5 protein. Positive and specific staining with 13G7 was detected predominantly in nuclei of DENV-infected cells, similarly a pattern was observed in both in human and monkey cells. Furthermore, the NS5 staining co-localized with a Lamin A protein (Pierson index: 0.7). In summary, this monoclonal antibody could be used to identify and evaluate different cellular factors that may interact with NS5 during DENV replication.

Osteoclasts in the dental microenvironment: a delicate balance controls dental histogenesis.

The impact of osteoclast activity on dental development has been previously analyzed but in the context of severe osteopetrosis. The present study sought to investigate the effects of osteoclast hypofunction,present in Msx2 gene knockin mutant mice (Msx2-/-), and hyperfunction, in transgenic mice driving RANK over-expression in osteoclast precursors (RANK(Tg)), on tooth development. In Msx2-/- mice, moderate osteopetrosis was observed, occurring exclusively in the periodontal region. Microradiographical and histological analyses revealed an abnormal dental epithelium histogenesis that gave rise to odontogenic tumor-like structures. This led to impaired tooth eruption, especially of the third mandibular molars. In RANK(Tg) mice, root histogenesis showed site-specific upregulation of dental cell proliferation and differentiation rates. This culminated in roots with a reduced diameter and pulp size albeit of normal length. These two reverse experimental systems will enable the investigation of distinctive dental cell and osteoclast communication in normal growth and tumorigenesis.

Dlx homeobox gene family expression in osteoclasts.

Skeletal growth and homeostasis require the finely orchestrated secretion of mineralized tissue matrices by highly specialized cells, balanced with their degradation by osteoclasts. Time- and site-specific expression of Dlx and Msx homeobox genes in the cells secreting these matrices have been identified as important elements in the regulation of skeletal morphology. Such specific expression patterns have also been reported in osteoclasts for Msx genes. The aim of the present study was to establish the expression patterns of Dlx genes in osteoclasts and identify their function in regulating skeletal morphology. The expression patterns of all Dlx genes were examined during the whole osteoclastogenesis using different in vitro models. The results revealed that Dlx1 and Dlx2 are the only Dlx family members with a possible function in osteoclastogenesis as well as in mature osteoclasts. Dlx5 and Dlx6 were detected in the cultures but appear to be markers of monocytes and their derivatives. In vivo, Dlx2 expression in osteoclasts was examined using a Dlx2/LacZ transgenic mouse. Dlx2 is expressed in a subpopulation of osteoclasts in association with tooth, brain, nerve, and bone marrow volumetric growths. Altogether the present data suggest a role for Dlx2 in regulation of skeletal morphogenesis via functions within osteoclasts.

Evaluación de los efectos antioxidante, antibacteriano y antifúngico de Calophyllum Brasilense Cambes (Lagarto Caspi) / Evaluation of antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal Brasilense Calophyllum Cambes (Caspi Lizard)

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto antibacteriano, antifúngico y antioxidante de diferentes extractos del Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. Material y Métodos: El efecto antioxidante fue determinado por captación de radicales libres, midiendo la decoloración de una solución de 2,2-difenil-1-picril hidrazilo (DPPH); La actividad antibacteriana y antifúngica, in Vitro, se determinó mediante la prueba de dilución. El efecto antibacteriano se evaluó en cepas de E. coli ATCC25922 y Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, utilizando medios de cultivo: Caldo y Agar Mueller Hinton. Para evaluar el efecto antifúngico, se utilizó cepas de Cándida albicans en medio de Agar Sabouraud. Resultados: La actividad antioxidante de los extractos acuoso, metanólico y etanólico fue muy satisfactoria, siendo de 110.56 por ciento, 99.17 por ciento y 99.57 por ciento, respectivamente, a una concentración de 100 ug/mL, en comparación con la Vitamina C que presentó 86,5 por ciento. Asimismo, observamos un buen efecto antifúngico para los extractos acuoso y etanólico al 20 por ciento p/v a los volúmenes de 3, 3.5 y 4mL. y en el caso del extracto etanólico también presentó un buen efecto a una concentración del 10 por ciento a un volumen de 1.6mL. Conclusiones: Los extractos: acuoso, metanólico y etanólico, presentaron un buen efecto antioxidante y antifúngico, en las cepas estudiadas.

Objetive: To evaluate, in vitro, the antibacterial, antifungal andantioxidant effects of different extracts of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. Material and Methods: The antioxidant effect was tested by free radicals capture, measuring discoloration of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycryl hydrazyle solution (DPPH). We used a dilution to measure antibacterial and antifungal in vitro activity. Strains of E. coli ATCC25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 were used to evaluate antibacterial effect; using Broth and Mueller Hinton Agar as culture medium. Strains of Candida albicans and Agar Sabouraud as culture medium were usedto evaluate antifungal effect. Results: Aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts, showed good antioxidant activity having 110.56 per cent, 99.17 per cent and 99.57 per cent of antioxidant activity at 100 ug/mL concentration, respectively. This is superior to the vitamin C referencepattern that showed 86,5 per cent activity. Good antifungal effect for aqueous and ethanol extracts at a 20 per cent concentration for 3, 3.5 and 4 ml of volume was determined. Ethanol extracts had the same antifungal effect at a 10 per cent concentration for 1.6mL. of volume. Conclusions: The aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts showed a good antioxidant and antifungal activity on the strains studied.

Expression, cellular localization and antibody responses of the African swine fever virus genes B602L and K205R.

Previously, we identified serological immunodeterminants of African swine fever virus (ASFV), including pK205R and pB602L, without homologues in the database. pK205R is expressed as a 33-kD protein from 4 h post-infection onward, initially diffusely distributed throughout cells, and subsequently in viral factories. pK205R was not found in purified virus. Both pK205R and pB602L are recognised by hyperimmune antisera from domestic pigs and bushpigs at late time points after infection, suggesting they may be useful diagnostically to distinguish animals persistently infected with virus.

Estudio fitoquímico y farmacológico de 4 Plantas con efecto hipoglicemiante / Phytochemical and pharmacological studies in four plants with hypoglycemic effect

Se realizó el estudio de la acción hipoglicemiante de Ocimum sanctus (Albahaca morada), Notholaena nivea (Cuti-Cuti), Geranuim lechleri (Pasuchaca) y Smallantus sonchifolius (Yacón), frente a la hiperglicemia aloxánica, tanto de los extractos atomizados, como del pool de alcaloides, de cada una de las plantas. Igualmente, se determinó la DL50 del extracto atomizado y de los alcaloides de las cuatro plantas evaluadas. La toxicidad aguda se determinó en ratones albinos, cepa nihs, cuyos pesos oscilaron entre 25 y 30 g. La acción hipoglicemiante, fue evaluada en ratas albinas cepa holtzman, de 200 a 250 g de peso. Tanto los extractos atomizados, como los alcaloides de Cuti-Cuti, Pasuchaca y hojas de Yacón, mostraron un excelente efecto hipoglicemiante, frente a la hiperglicemia inducida por aloxano. Las tres plantas poseen escasa toxicidad aguda, y según los criterios de Williams podrían considerarse como plantas prácticamente atóxicas. Sin embargo, solamente el pool de alcaloides de Albahaca a la dosis de 250 mg/ kg de peso, mostró una escasa acción hipoglicemiante, no mostrando eficacia la dosis de 500mg/kg, del pool de alcaloides, ni el atomizado de la planta, a la dosis de 1000 mg/kg de peso.

The study of the hypoglicemic action of Ocimum sanctum (Albahaca morada), Notholaena nivea (Cuti-Cuti), Geranuim lechleri (Pasuchaca) and Smallantus sonchifolius (Yacón), was performed on alloxan-induced hyperglicemic rats. In addition, atomized extracts and the pool of alkaloids, of the different plants were studied. To evaluate acute toxicity, DL50 of the atomized extract and of the alkaloids on the four plants were determined using albino mice, whose weights oscillated between 25 and 30 g. The hypoglycemic action, was evaluated in Holtzman albino rats, of 200 to 250 g of weight. The atomized extracts, as well as the alkaloids of Cuti-Cuti, Pasuchaca and leaves of Yacón, showed an excellent hypoglicemic effect in the hyperglicemic alloxaninduced rats. These three plants have little acute toxicity and according to the Williams` criteria they could be considered as practically non toxic. On the other hand only the pool of alkaloids of Albahaca, at the dose of 250 mg/kg showed little hypoglicemic action. No hypoglicemic effect was observed with the albahaca alkaloids at the dose of 500mg/kg nor with the atomized extract of the plant at the dose of 1000 mg/kg.

Analysis of antibody response in human dengue patients from the Mexican coast using recombinant antigens.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of using recombinant dengue proteins to discriminate between acute dengue infections versus uninfected dengue samples. Dengue virus proteins E, NS1, NS3, and NS4B were cloned as fusion proteins and expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant products were tested in 100 serum samples obtained from acute dengue fever cases collected from 3 states of Mexico where dengue is endemic. Sera from 75 healthy individuals living in nonendemic areas for dengue were used as a control group. In sera from the dengue patients group, antibody responses to E protein were demonstrated in 91% of cases and NS1 protein was recognized to various extents (99%) within the first 7 days of infection. The antibody responses to NS3 and NS4B were frequently of low magnitude. Consistent negative antibody responses to all proteins were found in sera from the control group. These data suggest that the glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-dengue fusion proteins may be feasible antigens for a sensitive and specific serological assay.

Análisis comparativo de la toxicidad del extracto acuoso en cocimiento de la harina de maca (Lepidium meyenii, Walp) en tres especies de animales modelos: Artemia franciscana (Crustácea, Anostraca), pez Guppy (Poecilia Reticulata) y ratón (Mus musculus) / Comparative analisis of toxicity of aqueous boiled extracts of maca flour (Lepidium meyenii, Walp) in Artemia franciscana (Crustacea anostraca), guppy (Poecilia reticulate) and mouse (Mus musculus)

Se evalúa la toxicidad del extracto acuoso en cocimiento de la harina de maca en dos organismos acuáticos, un invertebrado la Artemia franciscana y un vertebrado el pez Guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Así mismo, se evalúa la toxicidad aguda por vía intraperitoneal en el ratón (Mus musculus) que es el modelo animal comúnmente utilizado para ensayos preclínicos a nivel de laboratorios. Se comprobó que existe toxicidad del Lepidium meyenii para estos tres animales que dependen de la dosis y el tiempo de exposición.

Toxicity of aqueous boiled extracts of maca flour was evaluated in two aquatic organisms: Artemia franciscana (invertebrate) and guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a vertebrate fish. Also, acute toxicity of this extract was evaluated by intraperitoneal administration in mouse (Mus musculus), a common animal model used in laboratories for preclinical tests. Results show toxic effects of Lepidium meyenii on all three animal species, depending on dose and exposure time.

Msx2 -/- transgenic mice develop compound amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta and periodental osteopetrosis.

The physiological function of the transcription factor Msx2 in tooth and alveolar bone was analysed using a knock-in transgenic mouse line. In this mouse line, the beta-galactosidase gene was used to disrupt Msx2: thus, beta-galactosidase expression was driven by the Msx2 promoter, but Msx2 was not produced. This allowed to monitor Msx2 expression using a beta-galactosidase assay. Msx2 transgenic mice ubiquitously and continuously expressed the mutated Msx2-nlacZ gene in cells of the complex formed by tooth and alveolar bone. Msx2 -/- homozygous mice displayed a wide spectrum of alterations in tooth eruption and morphology as well as dental and periodontal defects from the first post-natal weeks up to 6 months. These defects culminated with the formation of an odontogenic tumour at the mandibular third molar site. This study suggests that bone resorption is a functional target of Msx2 in the alveolar compartment, since Msx2 was expressed in osteoclasts, with the highest expression levels found in the active sites of bone modelling associated with tooth eruption and root elongation. The RANK osteoclast differentiation pathway was affected in microdissected Msx2 -/- mouse alveolar bone (as inferred by RANK ligand mRNA levels) compared to basal bone and wild-type controls. Decreased alveolar osteoclast activity was observed in Msx2 -/- mice, similar to that seen in osteopetrosis, another condition in which osteoclast activity is impaired and odontogenic tumours form. These data suggest a pleiotropic role for Msx2 in oral bone growth from birth until adult homeostasis. RANK pathway appeared to be modulated by Msx2, in addition to the previously reported modulations of BMP4 and laminin5alpha3 in early tooth development. Non-overlapping Msx1 and Msx2 expression patterns suggested that these two homeogenes play non-redundant roles in skeletal growth, with Msx1 targeting basal bone and Msx2 targeting alveolar bone. This study provides a detailed analysis of the phenotype resulting from the Msx2 null mutation and identifies the impact of Msx1 and Msx2 on post-natal oral bone growth.

Efectos metabólicos de Lepidium meyenii Walpers, “MACA” y Lupinus mutabilis Sweet, “CHOCHO”en ratas / Metabolic effects of lipidium meyenii walpers “MACA” and lupinus mutabilis sweet, “CHOCHO” in rats

El Lepidium meyenii, “Maca” y el Lupinus Mutabilis S, “Chocho”, pertenecen al grupo de plantas conocidas como nutracáticas. El uso de la Maca, se remonta al siglo 7 AC. En la época de la conquista fue el producto más importante del agro peruano; pertenece a la familia de las Cruciferaceae (Brasicaceae). Ambas plantas son usadas, desde tiempos precolombinos, como medicinales y/o alimenticias. En el presente trabajo, evaluamos el efecto de Maca y de Lupinus, en ratas hembras Sprague Dawley, con peso corporal entre 120 y 170g, sobre los valores de hematocrito, hemoglobina, glucosa, colesterol, trigliceridos, HDL, LDL, proteínas totales, albúmina, TGO, TGP y peso corporal, después de 15 y 30 días de tratamiento. Utilizamos 60 ratas albinas distribuidas en 3 grupos de 20 animales cada uno. Al primer grupo se le administró, por 30 días, suero fisiológico (GRUPO CONTROL). Al segundo grupo se le administró cocimiento acuoso de harina de maca, a la dosis de 500 mg/Kg y al tercer grupo, cocimiento acuoso de harina de semillas de chocho, desamargado y descascarado, a las dosis de 500 mg/Kg, durante 30 días. Nuestros resultados, indican un aumento de los niveles de triglicéridos en sangre, por efecto de Lupinus (de 45.9 a 76.55 mg), a los 30 días, con respecto al control, que varió de 43.5 a 61.8 mg. Con maca, las variaciones fueron de 43,5 a 56.7 mg: asimismo, apreciamos un ligero aumento del hematocrito y la hemoglobina, a los 15 días de tratamiento, con maca. Los an lisis estadísticos entre el grupo control y los tratados, con Maca y Lupinus, no fueron significativos.

Lepidium meyenii, “Maca” and the Lupinus mutabilis S, “Chocho” belong to the group of plants known as nutraceutic plants. Maca has been used since the seventh century BC and it was the most important crop in Peruvian agriculture during the sisxteenth century, around the time when the Spanierds arrived to our territory. This plant belongs to the Cruciferaceae (Brasicaceae) family. Both plants (Maca and Chocho) were used in Peru, since pre Columbian times as part of the diet as well as for their medicinal properties. In these issue, we evaluated the effects of Maca and Lupinus on female Sprague Dawley rats (weight between 120 and 170 g), and we tested Hemoglobin, hematocrit, total proteins, albumin, TGO, TGP and corporal weight values after 15 and 30 days of trestment.We used 60 albino rats, distributed in three groups of twenty animals each one. The first group was the control and re ceived 0, 9% saline solution for 30 days. The second group received Maca flour watery solution at 500 mg/kg doses and the third group received Lupinus, watery solution at 500 mg/kg doses for thirty days.Our results showed an increase of the serum levels of triglycerides due to Lupinus (from 45.9 to 76.55mg) after 30 days in relation to the control that varied from 43.5 to 61.8mg. With Maca variations were from 43.5 to 56.7 mg. We also appeciated a slight increase of hematocrit and haemoglobin after 15 days of treatment with Maca in relation to the control group. Analyses between control and treated groups showed no statistical differences.

El genograma. Uso clínico en el tratamiento de la dependencia nicotín-tabáquica / The genogram. clinical use in the treatment of nicotine-tobacco dependence

Justificación: El desarrollo del abordaje clínico del tabaquismosupone comprender y adoptar todas las herramientas clínicas útilesque permitan la mejor comprensión del problema de cada paciente,no sólo desde una perspectiva individual, sino también en su contextorelacional, que ejerce efectos limitantes o facilitadores del cambio.El genograma puede ser, en este sentido, de inestimable ayudapara el clínico.Objetivo: Definir el genograma de acuerdo con el conocimientocientífico existente, así como analizar conclusiones preliminares sobresu utilización, en la práctica clínica, del tratamiento del tabaquismo.Metodología: Estudio de 10 genogramas (de los que se presentan4 en este trabajo) realizados junto con los pacientes en las 3 primeras sesionesterapéuticas para dibujar la estructura familiar de 3 generaciones,la información familiar (patologías asociadas al consumo de cigarrillos),fallecimientos por enfermedades relacionadas con el tabaco,identificación de contextos familiares “con humo”, acontecimientos críticosfamiliares (promotores de comienzo de consumo o de recaída) ylas relaciones familiares (vínculos, conflictos, roles, que pueden ser determinantesde patrones de consumo profundamente arraigados en planoemocional). Comparación de la evolución de estos fumadores respectoa un grupo de 10 pacientes en los que no se utilizó el genograma,con el mismo perfil de intervención: tratamiento psicológico y farmacológicoen el contexto de un programa multicomponente.Resultados: Los 10 pacientes con los que se ha utilizado el genogramahan sido dados de alta en programa multicomponente. Su consumomedio de cigarrillos era de 35 cigarrillos/día y en todos ellos habíaantecedentes de intentos de cesación tabáquica. La edad media delos pacientes es de 41 años y el TFDN, de 7. El tiempo de seguimientoe intervención fue de un año.Conclusiones: El genograma parece tener utilidad clínica aumentandola adherencia al tratamiento y la abstinencia continuada en un programaespecializado de cesación tabáquica.Ayuda a cambiar la autopercepción del paciente fumador flexibilizandola posible rigidez de la conducta de consumo, abriendo el pasodel paciente hacia una abstinencia normalizable por gratificante

Rationale: The development of the clinical approach to smokinghabit means understanding and adopting all the useful clinical tools thatallow for the best understanding of each patient's problem, not only froman individual perspective but also in its relational context, that has limitingeffects or effects facilitating change. The genogram may be, inthis sense, of incalculable help for the clinician.Objective: Define the genogram according to existing scientificknowledge and analyze preliminary conclusions on its use in the clinicalpractice of the treatment of smoking habit.Methodology: Study of 10 genograms (4 of which are presented inthis paper), conducted together with the patients in the first 3 therapeuticsessions to show the family structure of 3 generations, family information(diseases associated to smoking cigarettes), deaths due totobacco related diseases, identification of family contexts "with smoke,"critical family events (promoters of onset of consumption or relapse)and family relationships (bonds, conflicts, roles, that may be determinantsof consumption patterns deeply rooted in the emotional plane).Comparison of the evolution of these smokers regarding a group of 10patients in whom the genogram was not used, with the same interventionprofile: psychological and pharmacological treatment in the contextof multicomponent program.Results: The 10 patients in whom the genogram was used were includedin the multicomponent program. Their mean consumption of cigaretteswas 35 cigarettes/day and all had a background of attempts to stopsmoking. Mean age of the patients is 41 years and the Modified FagerstromTest is 7. The follow-up and intervention time was one year. Conclusions:The genogram seems to have clinical utility, increase treatment complianceand continued abstinence in a specialized program to stop smoking.It helps to change the self-perception of the patient who smokes, givingflexibility to the possible rigidity of consumption behavior, openingthe way of the patient towards an abstinence which can be regularizedby gratification