Mortality Prognosis Factors in Patients with Active Cancer Under Treatment, and Severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is associated with systemic inflammation. This inflammatory response is further deregulated by oncological treatments increasing mortality in this population. However, there is conflicting information regarding the clinical factors that increase mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with mortality during severe COVID-19 in patients with active cancer. In addition, the correlation between oncologic codes and mortality related to severe COVID-19 was evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of Mexican patients with active cancer and severe COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021. We collected information on patient demographic characteristics, COVID-19 symptoms, clinical and laboratory data, and treatments. Patients were classified according to oncologic code. We defined the oncological code based on clinical stage, treatment intention, performance status before COVID-19, and median overall survival with palliative treatment. A log-rank test was performed to determine survival. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two patients with severe COVID-19 were analyzed. The red oncologic code was associated with an increased risk of mortality OR 22.8 (CI 95% 5.0-105.1, p <0.001), low oxygen saturation OR 5.4 (CI 95% 1.7-17.4, p = 0.005), chronic corticosteriod use OR 4.3 (CI 95% 1.0-18.1, p = 0.050) and high D-dimer level OR 3.2 (CI 95% 1.2-8.2, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The survival of patients with active cancer and severe COVID-19 was possible to identify, at the time of admission, specific oncological characteristics. Based on this code, decreased oxygen saturation, increased D-dimer levels, and chronic corticosteroid use were the main predictive factors related to mortality.

The Prognostic Significance of HALP Index for Colon Cancer Patients in a Hispanic-Based Population.

Background: Survival and recurrence rates following locoregional colon cancer surgical resection are highly variable. Currently used tools to assess patient risk are still imperfect. In the present work, we evaluate, for the first time, the prognostic value of the recently developed HALP (hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet) index in Hispanic colon cancer patients. Patients and Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Mexican patients with a nonmetastatic colon cancer diagnosis who underwent surgical resection. We determined the preoperative HALP score optimal cut-off value by using the X-tile software. We plotted survival curves using the Kaplan-Meier method and performed a multivariate Cox regression analysis to explore the association of preoperative HALP score with two primary endpoints: overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: We included 640 patients (49.8% female). The optimal HALP cut-off value was 15.0. A low HALP index was statistically significantly associated with a higher TNM stage. Low HALP score was statistically significantly associated with shorter median OS in the Kaplan-Meier analysis (73.5 vs. 84.8 months) and in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR = 1.942, 95% CI = 1.647-2.875). There was no significant association between the HALP score and DFS. Conclusions: Our findings show that the HALP index is an independent factor associated with survival in Hispanic patients, despite recurrence. It seems to reflect both the anatomical extent of the disease and traditionally unaccounted nutritional and inflammatory factors that are significant for prognosis.

Diagnóstico de la organización de la personalidad: una actualización teórico-empírica de la propuesta de Otto F. Kernberg / Diagnosis of personality organization: a theoretical empirical update of Otto F. Kernberg's proposal

Resumen El diagnostico estructural propuesto por el Dr. Otto F. Kernberg y su equipo de trabajo del Instituto de Trastornos de Personalidad en Nueva York ha sido una gran contribución tanto para la comprensión de la personalidad como para el tratamiento de estos casos. El objetivo del presente artículo es realizar una revisión actualizada de este enfoque, abordando una comprensión general de la personalidad, y posteriormente profundizar en el diagnóstico diferencial de la organización neurótica y limítrofe. Además, dentro del espectro limítrofe se distinguirá aquellos cuadros de funcionamiento alto, medio, y bajo, considerando su grado de severidad, y pronostico. Finalmente, se hará una síntesis del proceso de evaluación que consiste en la entrevista estructural.

Personality Organization Diagnosis, proposed by Dr. Otto F. Kernberg and his team from the Personality Disorder Institute in New York, has been an important contribution to the understanding and treatment of personality disorders. The aim of this article is to make an updated review of this approach, addressing a general understanding of what is personality, and subsequently deepening the differential diagnosis of the neurotic and borderline personality organization. Furthermore, within de borderline spectrum, those high, medium, and low functioning will be distinguished, considering its severity and prognosis. Finally, a synthesis of the personality assessment process will be carried put, which consist of the Structural Interview

Dissecting the Seed Maturation and Germination Processes in the Non-Orthodox Quercus ilex Species Based on Protein Signatures as Revealed by 2-DE Coupled to MALDI-TOF/TOF Proteomics Strategy.

Unlike orthodox species, seed recalcitrance is poorly understood, especially at the molecular level. In this regard, seed maturation and germination were studied in the non-orthodox Quercus ilex by using a proteomics strategy based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight (2-DE-MALDI-TOF).Cotyledons and embryo/radicle were sampled at different developmental stages, including early (M1-M3), middle (M4-M7), and late (M8-M9) seed maturation, and early (G1-G3) and late (G4-G5) germination. Samples corresponding to non-germinating, inviable, seeds were also included. Protein extracts were subjected to 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and changes in the protein profiles were analyzed. Identified variable proteins were grouped according to their function, being the energy, carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolisms, together with protein fate, redox homeostasis, and response to stress are the most represented groups. Beyond the visual aspect, morphometry, weight, and water content, each stage had a specific protein signature. Clear tendencies for the different protein groups throughout the maturation and germination stages were observed for, respectively, cotyledon and the embryo axis. Proteins related to metabolism, translation, legumins, proteases, proteasome, and those stress related were less abundant in non-germinating seeds, it related to the loss of viability. Cotyledons were enriched with reserve proteins and protein-degrading enzymes, while the embryo axis was enriched with proteins of cell defense and rescue, including heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and antioxidants. The peaks of enzyme proteins occurred at the middle stages (M6-M7) in cotyledons and at late ones (M8-M9) in the embryo axis. Unlike orthodox seeds, proteins associated with glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolism are present at high levels in the mature seed and were maintained throughout the germination stages. The lack of desiccation tolerance in Q. ilex seeds may be associated with the repression of some genes, late embryogenesis abundant proteins being one of the candidates.

Apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and malondialdehyde level are independent risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: The ε4 allele of Apolipoprotein E is involved in lipid metabolism. Oxidative stress produces an increase in lipid peroxidation that has been implicated in the pathogenic cascade in Alzheimer's disease. This study estimated the effect of the ε4 allele, malondialdehyde and lipid levels on the risk for Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: A total of 41 control subjects and 73 patients with Alzheimer's disease were recruited. The Apolipoprotein E genotype was determined by amplification of exon 4 of the Apolipoprotein E by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); malondialdehyde concentration was determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and serum lipids were measured by routine photometric techniques. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in Alzheimer's disease patients independent of the Apolipoprotein E genotype and ε4 allele. The ε4 allele increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 5.114 times and elevated malondialdehyde levels increase the risk by 9.342. CONCLUSION: The presence of ε4 allele and elevated malondialdehyde levels are independent risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. These findings support the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation and ε4 allele contribute to the pathogenic cascade in Alzheimer's disease by different pathways.

Microstructural and physicochemical analysis of collagen in intramuscular pin bones of Bocachico fish (Prochilodus sp.) / Análise microestrutural e físico químico do colágeno presente em espinhos intramusculares do peixe Bocachico (Prochilodus sp.) / Análisis microestructural y fisicoquímico del colágeno presente en espinas intramusculares del pescado Bocachico (Prochilodus sp.)

Background: the presence of intramuscular pin bones hinders the production and commercialization of fish fillet products; however, application of physical processes, such as thermal treatments, offers alternatives for the degradation of said bones. Objective: the present study aimed to conduct a microstructural and physicochemical analysis of Bocachico intramuscular pin bones subjected to a thermal treatment. Methods: collagen extracted from intramuscular pin bones of Bocachico fillets was analyzed using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and viscosity. Pin bones were subjected to 1.5, 2, and 3 minutes heating time and analyzed using electron microscopy and cutting force. Results: intramuscular pin bones contain type I collagen. Threeminute thermal treatment degraded collagen components present in the internal pin bone structure, coinciding with the lowest values of the cutting force test. Conclusions: according to our results, collagen degradation initiates in the internal structure of intramuscular pin bones and moves towards the external layer which does not show the effects of thermal treatment.

Antecedentes: la presencia de espinas intramusculares en filetes de peces impide la obtención y posterior comercialización de estos productos, motivo por el cual la aplicación de procesos físicos antes del tratamiento térmico podría ser una alternativa en la degradación de estas espinas. Objetivo: el alcance del presente estudio fue realizar análisis fisicoquímico y microestructural de espinas intramusculares de Bocachico sometidas a proceso térmico. Métodos: las espinas intramusculares de filetes de Bocachico fueron analizadas a través de electroforesis en gel de SDS-poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE), temperatura de desnaturalización del colágeno, microscopia electrónica de trasmisión y fuerza de corte. Fueron utilizados tres tiempos de duración del tratamiento térmico (1,5, 2 y 3 min). Resultados: el colágeno presente en espinas intramusculares es tipo l. El tratamiento térmico durante tres minutos degrada los componentes del colágeno en las estructuras internas de la espina, coincidiendo con los valores menores para la prueba de fuerza de corte. Conclusiones: los resultados permiten concluir que la degradación del colágeno es iniciada desde el interior de la estructura de la espina intramuscular hacia la capa externa, sin que esta capa muestre efecto del tratamiento térmico.

Antecedentes: a presença de espinhos intramusculares impede a obtenção de filetes de peixe e posterior comercialização destes produtos, razão pela qual a aplicação de processos físicos antes do tratamento térmico pode ser uma alternativa na degradação desses espinhos. Objetivo: realizar analise físico-químico e microestrutural em espinhos intramusculares do peixe Bocachico submetidos a processo térmico. Métodos: os espinhos intramusculares de filetes do Bocachico foram analisados por eletroforese em gel de SDSpoliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE), temperatura de desnaturação do colágeno, microscopia electrónica de transmissão e força de corte. Foram utilizados três tempos de duração do tratamento térmico (1,5, 2 e 3 min). Resultados: o colágeno presente em espinhos intramusculares é do tipo l. O tratamento térmico por três minutos degrada os componentes do colágeno nas estruturas internas do espinho, coincidindo com os menores valores para o teste de resistência ao corte. Conclusões: os resultados mostram que a degradação do colágeno é iniciado desde o interior do espinho intramuscular até a capa externa, sem que essa capa externa seja afetada pelo tratamento térmico.

Niveles de ansiedad y depresión en un grupo de pacientes con trastornos en la articulación témporo-mandibular / Anxiety and depression levels in a group of patients with temporomandibular articulation

Introducción: la articulación témporomandibular es un punto álgido en situaciones psicoemocionales mantenidas, la misma se lesiona frecuentemente siendo motivo de consulta de la especialidad de Máxilo Facial del Hospital Dr. Miguel Enríquez,Objetivo: describir socio demográficamente al grupo en estudio y a valorar la presencia de estados emocionales como la depresión/ansiedad en los pacientes con afectación en la articulación témporomandibular. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en el periodo de septiembre de 2010 a febrero de 2011. Se tomó una muestra de 23 pacientes de un universo de 60. Se emplearon, los tests Idare y Zung Conde, así como con una entrevista psicosocial, de ansiedad y depresión asociados a esta patología. Resultados: se analizaron basados en el paquete estadístico SPSS 11.5. Donde pacientes con niveles de Ansiedad como Estado alto en un 91 por ciento, como medio en un 9 por ciento. En relación a la depresión, moderada el 65 por ciento, depresión leve el 31 por ciento y de un 1 por ciento como severa, es decir bajos niveles a diferencia de la ansiedad. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de la ansiedad como expresión de esta entidad nosológica en los pacientes afectados con trastornos emocionales, manifestándose como rasgo o como estado, predominando sobre la depresión o la combinación de ambos. Existió una superioridad de sexo femenino sobre el masculino, una mayor representación de pacientes solteros sobre los casados y viudos, las edades más afectadas de 21 a 45 años e indicadores de ansiedad con una alta prevalencia sobre la depresión(AU)

Introduction: The temporomandibular articulation is a height in psicoemocional maintained situations, the same one is frequently injured being reason of consultation of the specialty of Maxilo Facial of the Dr. Miguel Enríquez Hospital, reference center in the country of the same one, where he/she was carried out a descriptive study, of traverse court, in the period between September 2010 to February 2011.Objective: to describe partner demographically to the group in study and to value the presence of emotional states as the depression/anxiety in the patients with affectation in the temporomandibular articulation.Methods: they were used, the Idare Test (it evaluates the anxiety) and the Test of Zung (it evaluates the depression), as well as with an interview Psicosocial, of Anxiety and Depression associated to this pathology. He/she took a sample of 23 patients of a universe of 60.Results: they were analyzed based on the statistical package SPSS 11.5. Where patient with levels of Anxiety like high State in 91 percent, like half in 9 percent. In relation to the depression, moderate 65 percent, light depression 31 percent and of 1 percent as severe, that is to say first floor levels contrary to the anxiety.Conclusions the prevalence of the anxiety like expression of this nosological entity in the patients affected with emotional dysfunctions, showing like feature or I eat state, prevailing on the depression or the combination of both. A superiority of feminine sex existed on the masculine one, a bigger representation of single patients on the married ones and widowers, the affected ages of 21 to 45 years and indicators of anxiety with a high prevalence on the depression(AU)

Deterioro cognitivo, demencia y estado funcional de residentes en un hogar de ancianos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con abordaje cuantitativo / Cognitive impairment, dementia and functional status of nursing home residents: cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach

Introducción: la demencia constituye una de las enfermedades con mayor repercusión en la salud individual y familiar, constituyendo un fuerte factor predictivo de institucionalización. Objetivo: determinar los pacientes con deterioro cognitivo y demencia residentes en un hogar de ancianos, así como describir variables biológicas de estos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, correlacional de corte transversal y abordaje cuantitativo en 61 adultos mayores masculinos para determinar la presencia del deterioro cognitivo (DC), demencia, nivel funcional y comorbilidad. La información se obtuvo de las historias clínicas individuales. Resultados: en 35 residentes se encontró DC. La edad media de los pacientes con DC fue de 79,4 (+/-9,81) años frente a un 78,6 (+/-9,79) en los casos sin DC. Fueron diagnosticados 25 ancianos con enfermedad de Alzheimer, 4 con demencia vascular, 3 como frontotemporal y en 1 una demencia por cuerpos de Lewy; dos de los pacientes con deterioro cognitivo no cumplieron criterios de algún tipo de demencia. Existió asociación entre el grado de deterioro cognitivo y el nivel funcional de los pacientes (x2= 25,76; p=0,0001), con una correlación negativa media entre la respuesta al MMSE y al FAQ (Spearman=-0,726; p=0,000). La hipertensión arterial fue la enfermedad crónica no transmisible más frecuente en los residentes y los pacientes con DC presentaron un Índice de Comorbilidad de Charlson superior al grupo sin DC (z=-2,434; p=0,015). Conclusiones: los ancianos con deterioro cognitivo identificados por el estudio tienen una edad media, deterioro funcional y comorbilidad mayor que los pacientes sin deterioro cognitivo. Entre los adultos mayores con trastornos cognitivos predomina la demencia Alzheimer.

Introduction. Dementia is one of the diseases with the greatest impact on the individual and family health, constituting a strong predictor of institutionalization. Objective. To identify cognitive impairment and dementia in residents of a nursing home and to describe these biological variables. Methods. A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional quantitative approach in 61 elderly male residents was conducted to determine the presence of cognitive impairment (CI), dementia, comorbidities and functional status. Information was obtained from medical records. Results. 35 residents had CI. Mean age of patients with CI was 79.4 (+/- 9.81) years vs. 78.6 (+/- 9.79) in patients without CI. 25 residents were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, 4 had vascular dementia, 3 had frontotemporal dementia and 1 resident had Lewy bodies dementia. 2 patients with cognitive impairment did not meet any dementia criteria. Significant association between the degree of cognitive impairment and functional status of patients was found (x2 = 25.76, P = 0.0001), with a mean negative correlation between the response to MMSE and FAQ (Spearman = -0.726, P = 0.000). Hypertension was the most commonly found non communicable disease in residents and patients with CI had a Charlson Comorbidity Index greater than those without CI (z = -2.434, P = 0.015). Conclusions. Mean age, functional impairment, and comorbidities were greater in residents with CI as compared to residents without CI. Among older adults with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s was the predominant dementia.

Hyperthyroidism differentially regulates neuropeptide S system in the rat brain.

Thyroid hormones play an important role in the regulation of energy balance, sleep and emotional behaviors. Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a recently discovered neuropeptide, regulating feeding, sleep and anxiety. Here, we examined the effect of hyperthyroidism on the gene and protein expression of neuropeptide S and its receptor (NPS-R) in the hypothalamus, brainstem and amygdala of rats. Our results showed that the expression of NPS and NPS-R was differentially modulated by hyperthyroidism in the rat brain. NPS and NPS-R mRNA and protein levels were decreased in the hypothalamus of hyperthyroid rats. Conversely NPS-R expression was highly increased in the brainstem and NPS and NPS-R expression were unchanged in the amygdala of these rats. These data suggest that changes in anxiety and food intake patterns observed in hyperthyroidism could be associated with changes in the expression of NPS and NPS-R. Thus, the NPS/NPS-R system may be involved in several hyperthyroidism-associated comorbidities.

Leptin and fasting regulate rat gastric glucose-regulated protein 58.

The stomach secretes a wide range of peptides with essential metabolic functions, and thereby plays an important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Disulfide isomerase glucose-regulated protein 58 (GRp58) is a molecular chaperone member of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling pathway, which is a marker for human gastric cancer. Since GRp58 seems to be regulated by a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation pattern shift, we used the 2DE gel methodology and peptide mass fingerprinting-protein identification by means of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. We show that gastric mucosa GRp58 is dephosphorylated by fasting, and this effect is blunted when fasted rats are treated with leptin. Furthermore, we assessed the gene expression of GRp58 under different physiological settings known to be associated with energy homeostasis (fasting, leptin treatment and leptin deficiency). We found that intraperitoneal administration of leptin increases whereas leptin deficiency decreases GRp58 mRNA levels. However, GRp58 expression remains unchanged after fasting, indicating that leptin actions on GRp58 are no direct sensitivity to fasting. Dissection of the molecular pathways mediating the interactions between ER stress-related factors and nutrient availability, as well as their target genes, may open a new avenue for the study of obesity and other metabolic disorders.

El polimetilmetacrilato en la reconstrucción craneofacial / The polymethylmethacrylate in the craniofacial repair

La reconstrucción de defectos craneofaciales constituye un reto para el cirujano maxilofacial. Si bien existe una amplia gama de materiales para la reconstrucción, cada cual tiene ventajas y desventajas además de indicaciones para su utilización. Por lo que nos hemos dado a la tarea de emplear el polimetilmetacrilato como una opción económica y efectiva en la reconstrucción de defectos craneofaciales. Con este objetivo se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, no comparativo, en el Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Universitario Miguel Enríquez en el periodo comprendido desde enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2008. Se incluyeron un total de 14 pacientes, los cuales recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico para la reconstrucción craneofacial mediante el empleo del polimetilmetacrilato. El mayor número de pacientes que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico para la reconstrucción craneofacial con polimetilmetacrilato se encontró en el grupo de 16 a 25 años de edad, con un predominio del sexo masculino y mayor afectación de los pacientes de color de piel blanca. En todos los casos estudiados la etiología de la deformidad fue traumática; dentro de ellos el mayor por ciento le correspondió a los accidentes viales, seguido de los causados por violencia. El diagnóstico que predominó fue el de las fracturas orbitomalares de grado IV. El piso de órbita fue la localización o estructura más reconstruida. Se presentaron únicamente como complicaciones, la infección y la colección subcutánea. El polimetilmetacrilato es un material económico y efectivo que permite obtener excelentes resultados estéticos y funcionales en la reconstrucción de defectos craneofaciales adquiridos(AU)

The repair of craniofacial defects is a challenge for the maxillofacial surgeon. There are a great range of materials for reconstruction, where each has advantages and disadvantages as well as indications for its use. Polymethylmethacrylate is an economic and effective option in the reconstruction of craniofacial defects. The objective of present paper is to conduct a non-comparative, retrospective and descriptive study in the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of the Miguel Enriquez University Hospital from January, 2006 to December, 2008 including a total of 14 patients operated on to repair a craniofacial defect using polymethylmethacrylate. The great number of patients operated on to repair a craniofacial defect using polymethylmethacrylate included the 16-25 age groups. There was predominance of male sex and a great involvement in white patients. In all the study cases the deformity origin was of traumatic origin; where the traffic accidents were the more prevalent ones, followed by those caused by violence. The predominant diagnosis was that of the IV grade orbitomalar fractures being the orbital floor the more repaired structure. The only complications present were the infection and the subcutaneous collection. The polymethylmethacrylate is an economic and effective material allowing obtaining of excellent esthetic and functional results in the repair of acquired craniofacial defects(AU)

El polimetilmetacrilato en la reconstrucción craneofacial / The polymethylmethacrylate in the craniofacial repair

La reconstrucción de defectos craneofaciales constituye un reto para el cirujano maxilofacial. Si bien existe una amplia gama de materiales para la reconstrucción, cada cual tiene ventajas y desventajas además de indicaciones para su utilización. Por lo que nos hemos dado a la tarea de emplear el polimetilmetacrilato como una opción económica y efectiva en la reconstrucción de defectos craneofaciales. Con este objetivo se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, no comparativo, en el Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Universitario Miguel Enríquez en el periodo comprendido desde enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2008. Se incluyeron un total de 14 pacientes, los cuales recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico para la reconstrucción craneofacial mediante el empleo del polimetilmetacrilato. El mayor número de pacientes que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico para la reconstrucción craneofacial con polimetilmetacrilato se encontró en el grupo de 16 a 25 años de edad, con un predominio del sexo masculino y mayor afectación de los pacientes de color de piel blanca. En todos los casos estudiados la etiología de la deformidad fue traumática; dentro de ellos el mayor por ciento le correspondió a los accidentes viales, seguido de los causados por violencia. El diagnóstico que predominó fue el de las fracturas orbitomalares de grado IV. El piso de órbita fue la localización o estructura más reconstruida. Se presentaron únicamente como complicaciones, la infección y la colección subcutánea. El polimetilmetacrilato es un material económico y efectivo que permite obtener excelentes resultados estéticos y funcionales en la reconstrucción de defectos craneofaciales adquiridos(AU)

The repair of craniofacial defects is a challenge for the maxillofacial surgeon. There are a great range of materials for reconstruction, where each has advantages and disadvantages as well as indications for its use. Polymethylmethacrylate is an economic and effective option in the reconstruction of craniofacial defects. The objective of present paper is to conduct a non-comparative, retrospective and descriptive study in the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of the Miguel Enriquez University Hospital from January, 2006 to December, 2008 including a total of 14 patients operated on to repair a craniofacial defect using polymethylmethacrylate. The great number of patients operated on to repair a craniofacial defect using polymethylmethacrylate included the 16-25 age groups. There was predominance of male sex and a great involvement in white patients. In all the study cases the deformity origin was of traumatic origin; where the traffic accidents were the more prevalent ones, followed by those caused by violence. The predominant diagnosis was that of the IV grade orbitomalar fractures being the orbital floor the more repaired structure. The only complications present were the infection and the subcutaneous collection. The polymethylmethacrylate is an economic and effective material allowing obtaining of excellent esthetic and functional results in the repair of acquired craniofacial defects(AU)

Comentarios a «La exposición a plaguicidas se asocia con la disminución del recuento espermático» / Comments on "Pesticida exposure and decreased spermcount"

No disponible

No disponible

Optimization of the trace element determination by ICP-MS in human blood serum.

The ICP-MS for simultaneous trace element determination in human blood has prevailed as the most suitable methodology for clinical aims because of its rapidity, detection limits and minimal sample quantity needed for analysis. As the proteic matrix is high, it is necessary to fine-tune the ICP-MS Agilent 7500i with autosampler CETAC ASX-500 and ISIS System connected, and further we have to the sample pre-treatment in order to obtain good results. The study of the results shows that the best pre-treatment for blood serum samples consists of a basic treatment by 1/10 dilution with a solution of EDTA and NH(4)OH, with a detection limit of the order of mug/L and a reduction of the necessary patient sample volume to 2 mL.

Modifications of plasma proteome in long-lived rats fed on a coenzyme Q10-supplemented diet.

Dietary coenzyme Q(10) prolongs life span of rats fed on a PUFAn-6-enriched diet. Our aim was to analyze changes in the levels of plasma proteins of rats fed on a PUFAn-6 plus coenzyme Q(10)-based diet. This approach could give novel insights into the mechanisms of life span extension by dietary coenzyme Q(10) in the rat. Serum albumin, which decreases with aging in the rat, was significantly increased by coenzyme Q(10) supplementation both at 6 and 24 months. After depletion of the most abundant proteins by affinity chromatography, levels of less abundant plasma proteins were also studied by using 2D-electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF mass fingerprinting analysis. Our results have shown that lifelong dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) induced significant decreases of plasma hemopexin, apolipoprotein H and inter-alpha-inhibitor H4P heavy chain (at both 6 and 24 months), preprohaptoglobin, fibrinogen gamma-chain precursor, and fetuin-like protein (at 6 months), and alpha-1-antitrypsin precursor and type II peroxiredoxin (at 24 months). On the other hand, coenzyme Q(10) supplementation resulted in significant increases of serine protease inhibitor 3, vitamin D-binding protein (at 6 months), and Apo A-I (at 24 months). Our results support a beneficial role of dietary coenzyme Q(10) decreasing oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk, and modulating inflammation during aging.

Differential regulation of hepatic apoptotic pathways by dietary olive and sunflower oils in the aging rat.

In this work we have studied how dietary fat affects aging-related changes in a number of factors that regulate rat hepatic apoptosis. Animals were fed lifelong with two experimental diets containing either virgin olive oil or sunflower oil as dietary fat. Caspases of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, Bcl-2 and Bax polypeptide levels, and plasma membrane neutral sphingomyelinase activity were determined at 6, 12, and 24 months of age. Caspase-8/10 activity (a marker of the extrinsic pathway) was not affected by either aging or dietary fat, but activities of both caspase-9 (a marker of the intrinsic pathway) and caspase-3 (an executioner caspase) were significantly depressed in liver from animals fed on a sunflower oil-based diet. These decreases were not observed in animals fed with a diet based on virgin olive oil, which also resulted in significantly lower Bcl-2/Bax ratios. On the other hand, in comparison with sunflower, dietary olive oil decreased oxidative stress in liver from aged rats, resulting in lower levels of membrane hydroperoxides and higher coenzyme Q levels in plasma membrane. Plasma membrane Mg(2+)-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase was strongly activated in aged rats fed on the sunflower oil diet, but no aging-related increase was observed in animals fed on the olive oil diet. Our results support that dietary oil can alter significantly the susceptibility of hepatocytes to different apoptotic stimuli by altering both pro- and anti-apoptotic mediators, which reinforces the importance of the diet in aging studies. Because virgin olive oil may increase susceptibility of hepatocytes to apoptosis induced through the intrinsic pathway under conditions of decreased oxidative stress, our results may have important implications to understand the potential beneficial effects of that edible oil against liver carcinogenesis during aging.

Artrocentesis: evaluación clinico-terapeutica en las disfunciones temporo-mandibulares / Arthrocentesis: clinical and therapeutical evaluation in temporomandibular disfunctions

Se realizó un estudio de casos descriptivo-prospectivos, en 34 pacientes elegidos al azar, diagnósticados de disfunciones dolorosas temporo-mandibulares con desplazamientos discales en grados variables, con el objetivo de evaluar clínicamente la eficacia de la artrocentesis temporo- mandibular. Cada paciente se sometió a terapia con férulas miorelajantes 15 días antes y 3 semanas después del proceder terapéutico. El lavado articular se efectuó con jeringa a presión, con 200 ml de solución de lactato ringer, difenhidramina y betametasona. Se realizó medición de Máxima Apertura Bucal (MAO), excursión protusiva, y laterotrusiva, grado de deflexión, y síntoma dolor por escala VAS (pretratamiento y postratamiento) y se evaluó la eficacia del proceder. Se encontró que a las 72 horas postratamiento, la MAO alcanzó cifras promedio de 37mm, la excursión protusiva promedio 8mm y la laterotrusiva 9 mm. El 86por ciento de los proce-deres resultaron exitosos a las 72 horas y a los 6 meses, 95 por ciento

Artrocentesis: evaluación clinico-terapeutica en las disfunciones temporo-mandibulares / Arthrocentesis: clinical and therapeutical evaluation in temporomandibular disfunctions

Se realizó un estudio de casos descriptivo-prospectivos, en 34 pacientes elegidos al azar, diagnósticados de disfunciones dolorosas temporo-mandibulares con desplazamientos discales en grados variables, con el objetivo de evaluar clínicamente la eficacia de la artrocentesis temporo- mandibular. Cada paciente se sometió a terapia con férulas miorelajantes 15 días antes y 3 semanas después del proceder terapéutico. El lavado articular se efectuó con jeringa a presión, con 200 ml de solución de lactato ringer, difenhidramina y betametasona. Se realizó medición de Máxima Apertura Bucal (MAO), excursión protusiva, y laterotrusiva, grado de deflexión, y síntoma dolor por escala VAS (pretratamiento y postratamiento) y se evaluó la eficacia del proceder. Se encontró que a las 72 horas postratamiento, la MAO alcanzó cifras promedio de 37mm, la excursión protusiva promedio 8mm y la laterotrusiva 9 mm. El 86por ciento de los proce-deres resultaron exitosos a las 72 horas y a los 6 meses, 95 por ciento (AU)

Proteomic analysis of acute myeloid leukemia: Identification of potential early biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The main goal of this study was to analyze, using proteomic techniques, changes in protein expression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells that could give insights into a better early prognosis for tumor pathophysiology. Proteomic analysis of different subtypes of AML cells was carried out using 2-DE and MALDI-TOF PMF analysis. Proteins identified as more significantly altered between the different AMLs belonged to the group of suppressor genes, metabolic enzymes, antioxidants, structural proteins and signal transduction mediators. Among them, seven identified proteins were found significantly altered in almost all the AML blast cells analyzed in relation to normal mononuclear blood cells: alpha-enolase, RhoGDI2, annexin A10, catalase, peroxiredoxin 2, tromomyosin 3, and lipocortin 1 (annexin 1). These differentially expressed proteins are known to play important roles in cellular functions such as glycolysis, tumor suppression, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis, and they might contribute to the adverse evolution of the disease. Proteomic analysis has identified for the first time novel proteins that may either help to form a differential prognosis or be used as markers for disease outcome, thus providing potential new targets for rational pathogenesis-based therapies of AML.

Analysis of porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells proteome by 2-DE and MS: analytical and biological variability in the protein expression level and protein identification.

In this paper, we present the protein map corresponding to the porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to better understand the role of these cells in the pig immune system. To conform the map, the proteins were separated by 2-DE using a 5-8 range pH gradient in IEF and approximately 800 spots were detected. Due to the high level of indeterminate variability associates to the 2-DE, analytical and biological variances were analyzed. The analytical variance was calculated for 50 proteins in three replicate 2-DE gels from the same protein extract whereas the biological variance was determined by comparison of the patterns obtained for the same 50 proteins in different animals. Values of 15.13 and 33.70% were determined for analytical and biological variances, respectively. These average variances will provide a quantified and statistical basis for future proteomic studies directed to evaluate relevant quantitative changes in the biological response. A representative set of the major proteins was subjected to MALDI-TOF analysis and over 75% of the proteins were identified on the basis of their similarity with its human homologue proteins. A large number of cytoskeletal and metabolic proteins were found as well as some proteins related to cell mobility and immunological functions. Finally, other proteins implicated in the cell signaling process, transport or apoptosis were also identified giving a wide overview of the porcine PBMC protein map.