Strain Elastography Fat-to-Lesion Index Is Associated with Mammography BI-RADS Grading, Biopsy, and Molecular Phenotype in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) affects millions of women worldwide, causing over 500,000 deaths annually. It is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women, with 70% of deaths occurring in developing countries. Elastography, which evaluates tissue stiffness, is a promising real-time minimally invasive technique for BC diagnosis. This study assessed strain elastography (SE) and the fat-to-lesion (F/L) index for BC diagnosis. This prospective study included 216 women who underwent SE, ultrasound, mammography, and breast biopsy (108 malignant, 108 benign). Three expert radiologists performed imaging and biopsies. Mean F/L index was 3.70 ± 2.57 for benign biopsies and 18.10 ± 17.01 for malignant. We developed two predictive models: a logistic regression model with AUC 0.893, 79.63% sensitivity, 87.62% specificity, 86.9% positive predictive value (+PV), and 80.7% negative predictive value (-PV); and a neural network with AUC 0.902, 80.56% sensitivity, 88.57% specificity, 87.9% +PV, and 81.6% -PV. The optimal Youden F/L index cutoff was >5.76, with 84.26% sensitivity and specificity. The F/L index positively correlated with BI-RADS (Spearman's r = 0.073, p < 0.001) and differed among molecular subtypes (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.002). SE complements mammography for BC diagnosis. With adequate predictive capacity, SE is fast, minimally invasive, and useful when mammography is contraindicated.

Chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of ecuadorian propolis.

The chemical composition and the antioxidant potential of Ecuadorian propolis samples (n = 19) collected in different provinces were investigated. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn and GC-EI-MS analysis of the methanol extracts enabled us to define six types of Ecuadorian propolis based on their secondary metabolite composition. 68 compounds were identified, 59 of which are reported for the first time in Ecuadorian propolis. The detected compounds include flavonoids, diterpenes, triterpenes, organic acid derivatives, alkylresorcinol derivatives and nemorosone. Plants belonging to genera Populus, Mangifera and Clusia seemed to be vegetable sources employed by bees to produce Ecuadorian propolis. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of propolis extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing/antioxidant potential assays, respectively. As expected, the variable chemical composition affected the differences in terms of antioxidant potential.

Dificultades en la comprensión lectora de niños con TDAH / Difficulties in Reading Comprehension in Children With ADHD

Resumen Los niños diagnosticados con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) experimentan múltiples dificultades durante el aprendizaje de la lectura, en especial con los componentes del lenguaje que permiten un buen desarrollo del proceso lector. En este sentido, el interés de este trabajo fue evaluar la sintaxis y la semántica como componentes del lenguaje fundamentales para la comprensión lectora. Se aplicó la batería PROLEC-R a 37 niños (entre 6 - 13 años) diagnosticados con TDAH y se analizaron los índices principales junto a los baremos para determinar en qué componente lingüístico se ubica la mayor complejidad. Los resultados sugieren que los niños tienen mayores dificultades en lo sintáctico, referido a estructurar oraciones y aplicar los signos de puntuación. Por lo tanto, si se refuerza el componente sintáctico los niños con TDAH, podrían mejorar en la comprensión lectora.

Abstract Children diagnosed with ADHD experience multiple difficulties in learning to read, especially with the language components that allow a good development of the reading process. In this sense, the interest of this work was to evaluate syntax and semantics as fundamental components of language for reading comprehension. The PROLEC-R battery was applied to 37 children between 6 and 13 years old diagnosed with ADHD, and the main indexes were analyzed together with the scales to determine in which linguistic component was the greater complexity located. The results suggest that children in the sample have greater difficulties in syntax, referring to sentence structure and punctuation. Therefore, if the syntactic component is reinforced, children with ADHD could probably improve their reading comprehension.

Microencapsulación mediante secado por atomización a partir de un extracto de los cálices de Hibiscus sabdariffa L / Microencapsulation by spray drying from an extract of the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L / Microencapsulação por secagem por pulverização a partir de um extrato dos cálices de Hibiscus sabdariffa L

Resumen La investigación tuvo como objetivo definir las mejores condiciones de extracción asistida por ultrasonido de los cálices de H. sabdariffa L. y la obtención de polvos microencapsulados, mediante secado por aspersión. Los extractos fueron analizados, considerando como variables: disolvente (agua y agua/etanol) y la relación temperatura/tiempo de extracción (25 °C/60 min y 60 °C/30 min). Para el secado se evaluaron las variables temperatura de entrada (150 °C; 190 °C) y la mezcla de encapsulantes goma arábiga (G) y maltodextrina (MD) (G40/ MD60; G60/MD40). Los parámetros utilizados para el análisis fueron: rendimiento, pH, °Bx, composición química (fenoles y antocianinas totales, CLAE-EM) y capacidad antioxidante (DPPH). La mejor condición para la extracción de polifenoles resultó ser con agua:etanol (80:20), a 60 °C y durante 30 min. Se identificó la presencia de ácidos fenólicos, glicósidos de flavonoles y las antocianinas (delfinidina-3-sambubiósido y cianidina-3-sambubiósido), como las señales de mayor intensidad. Con el secado por atomización a 150°Cy con G60/MD40, se logró el mayor contenido de fenoles totales y antocianinas, sin embargo, la capacidad antioxidante se favoreció a 150 °C y con G40/MD60. Las micropartículas obtenidas podrían valorarse como materia prima para la elaboración de fitofármacos o alimentos funcionales, considerando su fácil manipulación, posible estabilidad y su valor antioxidante.

Abstract The objective of the research was to define the best conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction of H. sabdariffa L. calyces, and to obtain microencapsulated powders, by spray drying. The extracts were analyzed, considering as variables: extracting solvent (water and water/ethanol) and the temperature /extraction time ratio (25 °C/ 60 min and 60 °C/30 min). Inlet air temperature (150 °C; 190 °C) and the mixture of gum arabic (G) and maltodextrin (MD) as encapsulating agents (G40/MD60; G60/MD40) were the variables studied. The parameters used for the analysis were: yield, pH, °Bx, chemical composition (phenols and total anthocyanins, HPLC-MS), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH). The best polyphenols extraction conditions were water:ethanol (80:20), at 60 °C for 30 min. The presence of phenolic acids, flavonol glycosides, and anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside) were identified as the signals of highest intensity. Inlet air temperature at 150 °C and G60/MD40 allowed the highest total phenols and anthocyanins content. However, the antioxidant capacity was better at 150 °C and G40/MD60. The microparticle obtained could be used as an ingredient for the preparation of phytopharmaceuticals or functional foods, considering their easy handling, and antioxidant capacity.

Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa foi definir as melhores condições para a extração assistida por ultrassom de H. sabdariffa L. calyces e obter pós microencapsulados, por meio de secagem por pulverização. Os extratos foram analisados considerando-se variáveis: menstruação (água e água/etanol) e a razão temperatura/tempo de extração (25 °C/60 min e 60°C/30 min). Para a secagem, os variais foram avaliados: temperatura de entrada (150 °C; 190 °C) e mistura dos encapsulantes goma arábica (G) e maltodextrina (MD) (G40/ MD60; G60/MD40). Os parâmetros utilizados para a análise foram: rendimento, pH, °Bx, composição química (fenóis e antocianinas totais, HPLC-MS) e capacidade antioxidante (DPPH). A melhor condição de extração acabou com a água: etanol (80:20), a 60 °C e por 30 min. A presença de ácidos fenólicos, flavonol glicosídeos e antocianinas (delfinidin-3-sambubiosídeo e cianidin-3-sambubiosídeo) foram identificados como sinais de maior intensidade. Com a secagem por pulverização a 150°Ce com G60/MD40, foi atingido o maior teor de fenóis e antocianinas totais, no entanto, a capacidade antioxidante foi favorecida a 150 °C e com G40/MD60. As microcápsulas obtidas podem ser utilizadas como matéria-prima na preparação de fitofarmacêuticos ou alimentos funcionais, considerando seu fácil manuseio, possível estabilidade e seu valor antioxidante.

Asociación entre tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus en el primer nivel de atención / Association between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus in primary health

Introducción. En octubre 2018 inició la estrategia de atención integral de pacientes con tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus en seis unidades comunitarias de salud familiar de la región metropolitana. Dicha estrategia brinda atención integral a pacientes con estas enfermedades. Objetivo. Establecer la asociación entre tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus en establecimientos que han implementado el plan de atención integral para tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus. Metodología. Estudio transversal analítico donde se estudiaron 12 casos nuevos con tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus, mayores de 10 años, sin otro factor de riesgo. Resultados. La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus en los casos de tuberculosis en los establecimientos donde se ha implementado el plan, es mayor que en la población general de El Salvador (p = 0.02). No existe diferencia significativa entre la prevalencia obtenida en los establecimientos donde se ha implementado el plan y los resultados a nivel nacional para ambos sexos (femenino 0.09 y masculino 0.07). La probabilidad de padecer tuberculosis es 11.4 veces mayor entre los diabéticos. Conclusiones. Existe una asociación significativa entre la diabetes mellitus y tuberculosis en los establecimientos donde se ha implementado el plan de atención integral para tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus. La probabilidad de enfermar de tuberculosis en los diabéticos es mayor que en los no diabéticos.

Introduction. In October 2018, the strategy of comprehensive care for patients with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus began in 6 community family health units in the metropolitan region, a strategy that provides comprehensive care for patients with these diseases. Objective. Establish the association between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, in establishments that have implemented the comprehensive care plan for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus. Methodology. This study is an analytical cross-section where 12 new cases with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus, older than 10 years, with no other risk factor were studied. Results. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in cases of tuberculosis in the establishments where the plan has been implemented is higher than in the general population of El Salvador (p = 0.02). There is no significant difference between the prevalence obtained in the establishments where the plan has been implemented and the results at the national level for both sexes (female 0.09 and male 0.07). The probability of suffering from tuberculosis among diabetics is 11.4. Conclusions. The association of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis is greater in the establishments where the comprehensive care plan for tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus has been implemented in comparison to the general population. The probability of getting tuberculosis in diabetics is higher than in non-diabetics.

Expression of pathogenesis-related proteins in transplastomic tobacco plants confers resistance to filamentous pathogens under field trials.

Plants are continuously challenged by pathogens, affecting most staple crops compromising food security. They have evolved different mechanisms to counterattack pathogen infection, including the accumulation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. These proteins have been implicated in active defense, and their overexpression has led to enhanced resistance in nuclear transgenic plants, although in many cases constitutive expression resulted in lesion-mimic phenotypes. We decided to evaluate plastid transformation as an alternative to overcome limitations observed for nuclear transgenic technologies. The advantages include the possibilities to express polycistronic RNAs, to obtain higher protein expression levels, and the impeded gene flow due to the maternal inheritance of the plastome. We transformed Nicotiana tabacum plastids to co-express the tobacco PR proteins AP24 and ß-1,3-glucanase. Transplastomic tobacco lines were characterized and subsequently challenged with Rhizoctonia solani, Peronospora hyoscyami f.sp. tabacina and Phytophthora nicotianae. Results showed that transplastomic plants expressing AP24 and ß-1,3-glucanase are resistant to R. solani in greenhouse conditions and, furthermore, they are protected against P.hyoscyami f.sp. tabacina and P. nicotianae in field conditions under high inoculum pressure. Our results suggest that plastid co- expression of PR proteins AP24 and ß-1,3-glucanase resulted in enhanced resistance against filamentous pathogens.

High-throughput SuperSAGE for gene expression analysis of Nicotiana tabacum-Rhizoctonia solani interaction.

OBJECTIVE: The ubiquitous soil pathogen Rhizoctonia solani causes serious diseases in different plant species. Despite the importance of this disease, little is known regarding the molecular basis of susceptibility. SuperSAGE technology and next-generation sequencing were used to generate transcript libraries during the compatible Nicotiana tabacum-R. solani interaction. Also, we used the post-transcriptional silencing to evaluate the function of a group of important genes. RESULTS: A total of 8960 and 8221 unique Tag sequences identified as differentially up- and down-regulated were obtained. Based on gene ontology classification, several annotated UniTags corresponded to defense response, metabolism and signal transduction. Analysis of the N. tabacum transcriptome during infection identified regulatory genes implicated in a number of hormone pathways. Silencing of an mRNA induced by salicylic acid reduced the susceptibility of N. tabacum to R. solani. We provide evidence that the salicylic acid pathway was involved in disease development. This is important for further development of disease management strategies caused by this pathogen.

Chemical profile and anti-leishmanial activity of three Ecuadorian propolis samples from Quito, Guayaquil and Cotacachi regions.

Three propolis samples were collected from different regions of Ecuador (Quito, Guayaquil and Cotacachi) and their methanolic extracts were prepared. Preliminary information supplied by TLC and NMR data, allowed us to define two main types of propolis: Cotacachi propoli sample (CPS), rich in flavonoids and Quito and Guayaquil samples (QPS and GPS) containing triterpenic alcohols and acetyl triterpenes as the main constituents. Two different approaches based on RP-HPLC preparative procedure and NMR structural determination (CPS) and GC-MS analysis (QPS and GPS) were successfully used for the chemical characterization of their major compounds. All three propolis extracts were able to inhibit Leishmania amazonensis growth but propolis sample rich in flavonoids was the most active (IC50=17.1±1.7µg/mL). In the literature this is the first study on propolis from Ecuador.

Estudio farmacognóstico preliminar de tallo y raíz de la especie Moringa Oleífera lam cosechada en Machala / Preliminary pharmacognostic study of the stem and root of the species Moringa Oleifera lam grown in Machala

Introducción: la composición química de las especies vegetales está sujeta a cambios, dependiendo, entre otros factores, de la localización geográfica. Moringa oleífera Lam., que crece en Machala, Ecuador, puede diferir de especies de otras regiones geográficas. Objetivo: realizar un estudio farmacognóstico preliminar del tallo y raíz (corteza y pulpa) de la planta M. oleífera cultivada en las áreas de la Unidad Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, de la Universidad Técnica de Machala. Métodos: se desarrolla el control de la calidad de la droga cruda según la metodología establecida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, mediante determinación de la humedad residual, el porciento de cenizas y el porciento de sustancias solubles en el tallo y la raíz. Se cuantificaron algunos metales mediante espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente. El estudio químico preliminar se efectuó a través de ensayos de tamizaje fitoquímico y mediante cromatografía en capa delgada. Resultados: la humedad residual para ambos órganos y los valores de cenizas obtenidos para la raíz se encuentran dentro de los límites establecidos. Las cenizas totales para el tallo resultaron elevadas. La determinación de metales descartó la presencia de metales tóxicos en los órganos estudiados. Los valores de sustancias solubles indicaron mayor poder extractivo para el agua. La evaluación mediante tamizaje fitoquímico sugirió triterpenos y esteroides, azúcares reductores, alcaloides, flavonoides, aminoácidos y saponinas, en los extractos de la raíz. En el tallo se detectaron, además, catequinas, mucílagos y compuestos fenólicos, no así flavonoides. La cromatografía en capa delgada sugirió la existencia de alcaloides derivados de la fenilmetilamina. Conclusiones: el estudio permitió establecer parámetros de calidad de la droga cruda para la especie estudiada; sugerir, en principio, semejanzas en composición química de la planta analizada con otras de orígenes geográficos diferentes, y comprobar la ausencia de metales tóxicos en los órganos estudiados(AU)

Introduction: The chemical composition of plant species is subject to changes which depend, among other factors, on their geographic location. The Moringa oleifera Lam. growing in Machala, Ecuador, may differ from species from other geographic regions. Objective: Conduct a preliminary pharmacognostic study of the stem and root (bark and pulp) of the plant M. oleifera grown in areas from the Agricultural Sciences Academic Unit of the Technical University of Machala. Methods: Quality control was performed of the crude drug following the methodology set up by the World Health Organization to determine residual humidity, percentage of ashes and percentage of soluble substances in the stem and the root. Several metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The preliminary chemical study was conducted by phytochemical screening testing and thin layer chromatography. Results: Both the residual humidity for both organs and the ash values obtained for the root are within the limits established. Total ashes for the stem were high. Metal determination discarded the presence of toxic metals in the organs studied. Values for soluble substances awarded a greater extraction capacity to water. Phytochemical screening pointed to the presence of triterpenes and steroids, reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids and saponins in root extracts. The stem was found to also contain catechins, mucilages and phenolic compounds, but not flavonoids. Thin layer chromatography pointed to the presence of alkaloids derived from phenyl methylamine. Conclusions: The study made it possible to set up crude drug quality parameters for the study species, make preliminary suggestions about similarities between the chemical composition of the plant analyzed and other plants of different geographic origin, and verify the absence of toxic metals in the organs studied(AU)

Estudio farmacognóstico preliminar de tallo y raíz de la especie Moringa Oleífera lam cosechada en Machala / Preliminary pharmacognostic study of the stem and root of the species Moringa Oleifera lam grown in Machala

Introducción: la composición química de las especies vegetales está sujeta a cambios, dependiendo, entre otros factores, de la localización geográfica. Moringa oleífera Lam., que crece en Machala, Ecuador, puede diferir de especies de otras regiones geográficas. Objetivo: realizar un estudio farmacognóstico preliminar del tallo y raíz (corteza y pulpa) de la planta M. oleífera cultivada en las áreas de la Unidad Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, de la Universidad Técnica de Machala. Métodos: se desarrolla el control de la calidad de la droga cruda según la metodología establecida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, mediante determinación de la humedad residual, el porciento de cenizas y el porciento de sustancias solubles en el tallo y la raíz. Se cuantificaron algunos metales mediante espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente. El estudio químico preliminar se efectuó a través de ensayos de tamizaje fitoquímico y mediante cromatografía en capa delgada. Resultados: la humedad residual para ambos órganos y los valores de cenizas obtenidos para la raíz se encuentran dentro de los límites establecidos. Las cenizas totales para el tallo resultaron elevadas. La determinación de metales descartó la presencia de metales tóxicos en los órganos...(AU)

Introduction: The chemical composition of plant species is subject to changes which depend, among other factors, on their geographic location. The Moringa oleifera Lam. growing in Machala, Ecuador, may differ from species from other geographic regions. Objective: Conduct a preliminary pharmacognostic study of the stem and root (bark and pulp) of the plant M. oleifera grown in areas from the Agricultural Sciences Academic Unit of the Technical University of Machala. Methods: Quality control was performed of the crude drug following the methodology set up by the World Health Organization to determine residual humidity, percentage of ashes and percentage of soluble substances in the stem and the root. Several metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The preliminary chemical study was conducted by phytochemical screening testing and thin layer chromatography. Results: Both the residual humidity for both organs and the ash values obtained for the root are within the limits established. Total ashes for the stem were high. Metal determination discarded the presence of toxic metals in the organs studied. Values for soluble substances awarded a greater extraction capacity to water. Phytochemical screening pointed to the presence of triterpenes and steroids, reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids and saponins in root extracts. The stem was found to also contain catechins, mucilages and phenolic compounds, but not flavonoids. Thin layer chromatography pointed to the presence of alkaloids derived from phenyl methylamine. Conclusions: The study made it possible to set up crude drug quality parameters for the study species, make preliminary suggestions about similarities between the chemical composition of the plant analyzed and other plants of different geographic origin, and verify the absence of toxic metals in the organs studied(AU)

Prevalencia de infecciones en donantes de sangre en la Universidad Industrial de Santander versus parques de la ciudad de Bucaramanga, 2014 / Prevalence of infections in blood donors at the Universidad Industrial de Santander versus parks at the city of Bucaramanga, 2014

RESUMEN Introducción: la sangre como recurso terapéutico es una herramienta útil en el área clínica, sin embargo, pese a una selección cuidadosa del donante y de las pruebas de tamizaje serológico el riesgo de infección todavía existe, principalmente debido a los periodos ventana. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de infecciones en donantes de sangre de las sedes de la Universidad Industrial de Santander versus donantes en parques de la ciudad de Bucaramanga en el año 2014. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio transversal en el cual se evaluaron 3758 resultados de donaciones de sangre en campañas de captación en los parques Plaza Cívica, Santander y San Pío del área metropolitana de Bucaramanga. Posteriormente fueron analizadas en el banco de sangre del Hospital Universitario de Santander, para determinar la prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión por transfusión sanguínea, analizadas en el estudio; sífilis, Virus Linfotrópico de Células T Humanas, VIH, chagas, Hepatitis B y C. Resultados: se presentaron 78 casos positivos de sífilis, 20 de chagas, 81 de Hepatitis B, 13 de Hepatitis C, 6 de VIH, y 10 de HTLV. Conclusiones: se determinó una prevalencia en los parques superior a la UIS, siendo la prueba serológica para sífilis la que presenta mayor prevalencia seguida de Hepatitis B. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(3):55-60.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the blood as a therapeutic resource is a useful tool in the clinical area. Despite careful donor selection and testing for serological screening, the risk of infection still exists, mainly due to window periods. Objective: to determine the prevalence of infections in blood donors in the facilities of the Industrial University of Santander against donors in parks around Bucaramanga in 2014. Methods: a cross-sectional study was held in which 3758 blood donation results were evaluated in recruitment campaigns executed in Plaza Cívica, Santander and San Pío parks in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga. They were subsequently analyzed in the blood bank of the Hospital Universitario de Santander to determine the prevalence of infection transmission by blood transfusion. The infections analyzed in the study were: syphilis, Lymphotropic Virus Human T-cell, HIV, chagas, Hepatitis B and C. Results: 78 positive cases of syphilis, 20 of Chagas, 81 of Hepatitis B, 13 of Hepatitis C, 6 of HIV, and 10 of HTLV were presented. Conclusions: a higher prevalence was determined in the parks compared to the UIS facilities, being the serological test for syphilis the most prevalent followed by Hepatitis B. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(3):55-60.

'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', Causal Agent of Citrus Huanglongbing, Is Reduced by Treatment with Brassinosteroids.

Huanglongbing (HLB) constitutes the most destructive disease of citrus worldwide, yet no established efficient management measures exist for it. Brassinosteroids, a family of plant steroidal compounds, are essential for plant growth, development and stress tolerance. As a possible control strategy for HLB, epibrassinolide was applied to as a foliar spray to citrus plants infected with the causal agent of HLB, 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'. The bacterial titers were reduced after treatment with epibrassinolide under both greenhouse and field conditions but were stronger in the greenhouse. Known defense genes were induced in leaves by epibrassinolide. With the SuperSAGE technology combined with next generation sequencing, induction of genes known to be associated with defense response to bacteria and hormone transduction pathways were identified. The results demonstrate that epibrassinolide may provide a useful tool for the management of HLB.

Expression of a Nicotiana tabacum pathogen-induced gene is involved in the susceptibility to black shank.

Many host genes induced during compatible plant-pathogen interactions constitute targets of pathogen virulence factors that act to suppress host defenses. In order to identify Nicotiana tabacum L. genes for pathogen-induced proteins involved in susceptibility to the oomycete Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae, we used SuperSAGE technology combined with next-generation sequencing to identify transcripts that were differentially upregulated during a compatible interaction. We identified a pathogen-induced gene (NtPIP) that was rapidly induced only during the compatible interaction. Virus-induced gene silencing of NtPIP reduced the susceptibility of N. tabacum to P. parasitica var. nicotianae. Additionally, transient expression of NtPIP in the resistant species Nicotiana megalosiphon Van Heurck & Mull. Arg. compromised the resistance to P. parasitica var. nicotianae. This pathogen-induced protein is therefore a positive regulator of the susceptibility response against an oomycete pathogen in tobacco.

Social interaction and conditional self-discrimination under a paradigm of avoidance and positive reinforcement in Wistar rats / Interacción social y auto-discriminación condicional bajo un paradigma de reforzamiento positivo y evitación en ratas Wistar

The experiment reported here uses a conditional self-discrimination task to examine the influence of social interaction on the facilitation of self- discrimination in rats. The study is based on a previous report (Penagos- Corzo et al., 2011) showing positive evidence of such facilitation, but extending the exposition to social interaction conditions prior to training. Specifically, rats were assigned to three conditions with different levels of social interaction and exposed to two conditional self-discrimination tasks, under an avoidance and positive reinforcement paradigm, where they had to discriminate their own internal state (with or without methylphenidate). Our results indicate that conditional self-discrimination was higher in groups with higher social interaction than in those with lower interaction and support the conclusion that self-discrimination learning curves for different degrees of social interaction positively increased with number of sessions and level of interaction (AU)

El experimento aquí reportado usa una tarea de auto-discriminación condicional para examinar la influencia de la interacción social sobre la facilitación de la auto-discriminación en ratas. El estudio está basado en un reporte previo (Penagos-Corzo et al., 2011) que señala evidencia positiva, pero aquí se extiende la exposición a las condiciones de interacción social previas al entrenamiento. Concretamente, las ratas fueron asignadas a tres condiciones con diferentes niveles de interacción social y expuestas a dos tareas de auto- discriminación condicional, bajo un paradigma de evitación y de refuerzo positivo, donde tenían que discriminar su propio estado interno (con o sin metilfenidato). Nuestros resultados indican que la auto-discriminación condicional fue mayor en los grupos con mayor interacción social que en aquellos con menor interacción y apoyan la conclusión que indica que las curvas de aprendizaje de auto-discriminación para los diferentes grados de interacción social aumentaron positivamente con el número de sesiones y el nivel de interacción (AU)

Fiabilidad y validez del cuestionario OSDI (Ocular Disease Surface Index) en pacientes con diagnóstico de Síndrome de Ojo Seco en el Hospital Simón Bolívar, Colombia / Reliability and validity of the questionnaire OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) in Patients Diagnosed with Dry Eye Syndrome in the Hospital Simon Bolivar, Colombia

Introducción: la enfermedad de superficie ocular, como actualmente se le conoce al síndrome de ojo seco, ocupa dentro de la morbilidad ocular uno de los principales motivos de consulta, la cual genera múltiple sintomatología con un importante impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Objetivo: validar transculturalmente el cuestionario OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) en pacientes diagnosticados con síndrome de ojo seco atendidos en la consulta de oftalmología en el servicio del Hospital Simón Bolívar, Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó la traducción del cuestionario OSDI, y se puso en consideración de expertos en el tema y posteriormente se realizó la aplicación del mismo a un total de 132 pacientes con diagnóstico de ojo seco, luego se hizo un re-test aplicando nuevamente la escala a las dos semanas, y finalmente se realizó la tabulación y análisis estadístico. Resultados: se identificaron 3 subescalas en el cuestionario OSDI (sintomatología, limitación para actividades diarias y afectación por condiciones ambientales). Se demostró una alta consistencia interna medida a través del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach tanto para el instrumento en general como para cada una de sus subescalas. De igual forma se obtuvo una excelente fiabilidad test-retest en una amplia muestra de pacientes. El OSDI también demostró excelente validez al discriminar de manera efectiva los grados de severidad de la enfermedad de superficie ocular y su afectación en la calidad de vida de los pacientes entre normal, leve a moderada y severa determinada por la escala de color y puntuación. Conclusiones: la escala OSDI es un instrumento válido y fiable que permite su aplicación a la población del servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital Simón Bolívar con diagnóstico de enfermedad de superficie ocular con el cual se obtendrán datos de gran importancia para el abordaje y manejo de cada uno de los pacientes.

Introduction: Ocular surface disease, as it is currently knows the dry eye syndrome, is one of the more common complaint at ophthalmic consultations; it has several symptoms with significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Objective: to validate transculturally the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire in patients diagnosed with dry eye syndrome seen in the ophthalmology service in the Hospital Simon Bolivar, Bogota, Colombia. Materials and Methods: The OSDI questionnaire translation was done, and was considered and reviewed by experts in the cornea area. Then it was applied to 132 patients with dry eye diagnosis, then a re-test was applied again at two weeks. The tabulation and statistical analysis was performed. Results: 3 subscales were identified in the questionnaire OSDI (symptoms, limitations to daily activities and involvement by environmental conditions). High internal consistency was demonstrated through the Cronbach's alpha for both the instrument in general and for each of its subscales. Similarly, excellent test-retest reliability was obtained in a large sample of patients. OSDI questionary also showed excellent validity to effectively discriminate the degrees of severity of ocular surface disease and its effect on the quality of life of patients between normal, mild to moderate and severe determined by the color scale and punctuation. Conclusions: OSDI scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be applied to the patients from the Ophtalmology Department at Hospital Simon Bolivar, diagnosed with ocular surface disease and will provide important data to consider in the clinical management.

Attitudes toward self-sampling for cervical cancer screening among primary care attendees living on the US-Mexico border.

BACKGROUND: Hispanic women living along the US border with Mexico have one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in the nation, owing in part to lower rates of screening. The barriers to screening in this population include lack of access to care and fear of and embarrassment about the pelvic examination. Screening for oncogenic or high-risk human papillomavirus during cervical cytology has been added to screening recommendations. A novel method for human papillomavirus testing is self-sampling, in which women collect their own cervicovaginal samples. There is lack of information about the acceptability of self-sampling as an alternative to cytology for cervical cancer screening in women living along the US-Mexico border. METHODS: We conducted five focus groups with women between the ages of 30 and 65 who were primary care patients of clinics along the US-Mexico border. We used constructs from different health behavioral theories as a framework for the interview guide. RESULTS: A total of 21 women participated in the focus groups, 80% of whom were Hispanic; mean age was 53.4 (standard deviation 7.9). More than one-third (38%) of the participants had not undergone a Papanicolaou test in the last 3 years. Women identified the perceived benefits of self-sampling as ease, convenience, practicability, less embarrassment, and need for child care as compared with a Papanicolaou test. The main barrier to self-sampling was concern about not performing the test correctly. CONCLUSIONS: In this qualitative study, we found positive attitudes toward self-sampling among women living along the US border with Mexico. Further research is needed to evaluate interventions that address women's low levels of self-efficacy to perform the test and to evaluate the effectiveness of self-sampling in increasing cervical cancer screening rates.

In vitro antimicrobial assessment of Cuban propolis extracts

Propolis is a resinous mixture of different plant exudates collected by honeybees. Currently, propolis is widely used as a food supplement and in folk medicine. We have evaluated 20 Cuban propolis extracts of different chemical types, brown (BCP), red and yellow (YCP), with respect to their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties. The extracts inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton rubrum at low µg/mL concentrations, whereas they were not active against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The major activity of the extracts was found against the protozoa Leishmania, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium, although cytotoxicity against MRC-5 cells was also observed. The BCP-3, YCP-39 and YCP-60 extracts showed the highest activity against P. falciparum, with 50% of microbial growth (IC50) values of 0.2 µg/mL. A positive correlation between the biological activity and the chemical composition was observed for YCP extracts. The most promising antimicrobial activity corresponds to YCP subtype B, which contains acetyl triterpenes as the main constituents. The present in vitro study highlights the potential of propolis against protozoa, but further research is needed to increase selectivity towards the parasite. The observed chemical composition-activity relationship of propolis can contribute to the identification of the active principles and standardisation of this bee product.

Bioluminescence imaging correlates with tumor progression in an orthotopic mouse model of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine whether bioluminescence imaging of human lung cancer cells growing in an orthotopic murine model provides a sensitive tool for monitoring tumor progression in athymic nude mice. METHODS: Human lung cancer (A549) cells were stably transfected with the firefly luciferase gene and inoculated into the right lung of athymic nude mice. Seven days after inoculation tumor growth was evaluated using the Kodak in-vivo Imaging System FX and continued to be monitored on a weekly basis. RESULTS: In duplicate experiments, human lung cancer tumors formed in 90% of animal's injected orthotopically. The mean intensity of the bioluminescence signal emitted from the lung cancer cells increased logarithmically during the course of study. Mice with positive bioluminescence signaling had confirmed tumors by microscopic histological analysis. Bioluminescence activity had a strong correlation with the tumor volume as determined histologically. CONCLUSIONS: Bioluminescence intensity directly correlates with tumor volume and therefore offers a reliable approach for detecting and monitoring the growth of human lung cancer cells in orthotopic murine models.

In vitro antimicrobial assessment of Cuban propolis extracts.

Propolis is a resinous mixture of different plant exudates collected by honeybees. Currently, propolis is widely used as a food supplement and in folk medicine. We have evaluated 20 Cuban propolis extracts of different chemical types, brown (BCP), red and yellow (YCP), with respect to their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties. The extracts inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton rubrum at low µg/mL concentrations, whereas they were not active against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The major activity of the extracts was found against the protozoa Leishmania, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium, although cytotoxicity against MRC-5 cells was also observed. The BCP-3, YCP-39 and YCP-60 extracts showed the highest activity against P. falciparum, with 50% of microbial growth (IC50) values of 0.2 µg/mL. A positive correlation between the biological activity and the chemical composition was observed for YCP extracts. The most promising antimicrobial activity corresponds to YCP subtype B, which contains acetyl triterpenes as the main constituents. The present in vitro study highlights the potential of propolis against protozoa, but further research is needed to increase selectivity towards the parasite. The observed chemical composition-activity relationship of propolis can contribute to the identification of the active principles and standardisation of this bee product.