Frank's sign associated with the severity of ischemic heart disease in patients under 65 years old / Signo de Frank asociado con la gravedad de la cardiopatía isquémica en adultos de edad inferior o igual a 65 años

Background and objective Frank's sign is the diagonal ear fold which has been associated with ischemic heart disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship of Frank's sign with severity of ischemic heart disease in adults ≤ 65 years old in the northeast of Mexico. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients ≤ 65 years old who underwent coronary angiography consecutively over a period of 5 months in 2022. Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) was associated with Frank's sign and other common cardiovascular risks. To determine the association, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression that included variables with a value of p<0.05. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 22. Results We included 311 patients ≤ 65 years, of whom 80% were men. The median age was 57 years (range 28–65). Frank's sign was positive in 62% of the population. The main clinical characteristics in patients with Frank's sign were type 2 diabetes mellitus (55%), p=0.003, dyslipidemia (53%), p=0.026 and smoking (68%), p=0.002. In the multivariate analysis, the independent variables associated with severe CAD were Frank's Sign OR 3.26; 95% CI (1.98–5.38), p≤0.001, male gender OR 2.28; 95% CI (1.20–4.35), p=0.012, and dyslipidemia OR 1.81; 95% CI (1.11–2.97), p=0.017. Conclusions There is an independent association between Frank's sign with the presence of severe CAD in patients ≤ 65 years old, which may be useful for screening and prevention (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo El signo de pliegue diagonal de la oreja o signo de Frank se ha asociado con cardiopatía isquémica. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la relación del signo de Frank con la gravedad de la cardiopatía isquémica en adultos≤65años en el noreste de México. Pacientes y métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes ≤65años sometidos a coronariografía de manera consecutiva en un periodo de 5 meses en 2022. Se relacionó la enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) grave con el signo de Frank y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular tradicionales. Para determinar la asociación se realizó análisis bivariado y multivariado mediante regresión logística que incluyó las variables con valor de p<0,05. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 22. Resultados Se incluyeron 311 pacientes≤65años, de los cuales el 80% fueron hombres. La mediana de edad fue 57 años (rango de 28-65 años). El 62% de los pacientes presentó el signo de Frank. Las principales características clínicas en pacientes con signo de Frank fueron diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (55%), p=0,003, dislipidemia (53%), p=0,026 y tabaquismo (68%), p=0,002. En el análisis multivariado las variables independientes asociadas a EAC grave fueron el signo de Frank (OR: 3,26; IC 95%: 1,98-5,38; p≤0,001), sexo masculino (OR: 2,28; IC 95%: 1,20-4,35; p=0,012) y dislipidemia (OR: 1,81; IC 95%: 1,11-2,97; p=0,017). Conclusiones Existe asociación independiente del signo de Frank con la presencia de EAC grave en pacientes≤65años, que puede ser útil para el cribado y la prevención (AU)

Breast Cancer Tissue Explants: An Approach to Develop Personalized Therapy in Public Health Services.

Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Lately, there is great interest in developing methods that assess individual sensitivity and/or resistance of tumors to antineoplastics to provide personalized therapy for patients. In this study we used organotypic culture of human breast tumor slices to predict the experimental effect of antineoplastics on the viability of tumoral tissue. Samples of breast tumor were taken from 27 patients with clinically advanced breast cancer; slices were obtained and incubated separately for 48 h with paclitaxel, docetaxel, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and cell culture media (control). We determined an experimental tumor sensitivity/resistance (S/R) profile by evaluating tissue viability using the Alamar Blue® metabolic test, and by structural viability (histopathological analyses, necrosis, and inflammation). These parameters were related to immunohistochemical expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The predominant histological type found was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (85.2%), followed by lobular carcinoma (7.4%) and mixed carcinoma (7.4%). Experimental drug resistance was related to positive hormone receptor status in 83% of samples treated with cyclophosphamide (p = 0.027). Results suggest that the tumor S/R profile can help to predict personalized therapy or optimize chemotherapeutic treatments in breast cancer.

Counteracting the Toxic Hidroarsenicism Effects upon Reproductive-Physiological Outcomes in Male Goats: The Selenium and Vitamin-E Mitigation Approach.

This study was to evaluate whether selenium and vitamin-E counteract the toxic effects of arsenic on reproductive aspects and physiological conditions of male goats. Male goats [Criollo, n = 20, 4-5 yr-old, 72 kg live weight (LW)] were distributed in homogeneous groups (n = 5), and received during 12 weeks: (1) Sodium arsenite 2 mg/kg of LW/day (AG, LW = 69 kg); (2) Sodium selenite 6 mg + vitamin-E 420 I.U. every 14 days during the 12 weeks (SG, LW = 68 kg); (3) Both AG and SG treatments (ASG, LW = 77 kg); and (4) 1 mL of physiological solution every 14 days during the 12 weeks (CG, LW = 72 kg). The animals had access to water from a well with a concentration of 35 µg/L of arsenic. The SG had the highest percentage of sperm viability (80.6%) followed by the CG, ASG (74.7; p > 0.05), and AG (64.3; p ≤ 0.05). The ASG and SG had a lower heart rate as compared to the CG and AG (58.8, 58 vs. 65.4, 63.5; respectively, p ≤ 0.05). The CG and SG showed a lower respiratory rate than the AG and ASG (19.2, 18.7 vs. 22.1, 21.0, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). Selenium and vitamin-E were efficient in reducing the damage caused by sodium arsenite in sperm quality and maintaining heart and respiratory rates and increases in odor in male goats.

Frank's sign associated with the severity of ischemic heart disease in patients under 65 years old.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Frank's sign is the diagonal ear fold which has been associated with ischemic heart disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship of Frank's sign with severity of ischemic heart disease in adults ≤ 65 years old in the northeast of Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients ≤ 65 years old who underwent coronary angiography consecutively over a period of 5 months in 2022. Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) was associated with Frank's sign and other common cardiovascular risks. To determine the association, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression that included variables with a value of p<0.05. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 22. RESULTS: We included 311 patients ≤ 65 years, of whom 80% were men. The median age was 57 years (range 28-65). Frank's sign was positive in 62% of the population. The main clinical characteristics in patients with Frank's sign were type 2 diabetes mellitus (55%), p=0.003, dyslipidemia (53%), p=0.026 and smoking (68%), p=0.002. In the multivariate analysis, the independent variables associated with severe CAD were Frank's Sign OR 3.26; 95% CI (1.98-5.38), p≤0.001, male gender OR 2.28; 95% CI (1.20-4.35), p=0.012, and dyslipidemia OR 1.81; 95% CI (1.11-2.97), p=0.017. CONCLUSIONS: There is an independent association between Frank's sign with the presence of severe CAD in patients ≤ 65 years old, which may be useful for screening and prevention.

Comparative Biomonitoring of Arsenic Exposure in Mothers and Their Neonates in Comarca Lagunera, Mexico.

Multiple comorbidities related to arsenic exposure through drinking water continue to be public problems worldwide, principally in chronically exposed populations, such as those in the Comarca Lagunera (CL), Mexico. In addition, this relationship could be exacerbated by an early life exposure through the placenta and later through breast milk. This study conducted a comparative analysis of arsenic levels in multiple biological samples from pregnant women and their neonates in the CL and the comparison region, Saltillo. Total arsenic levels in placenta, breast milk, blood, and urine were measured in pregnant women and their neonates from rural areas of seven municipalities of the CL using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with hydride generation methodology. The average concentrations of tAs in drinking water were 47.7 µg/L and 0.05 µg/L in the exposed and non-exposed areas, respectively. Mean levels of tAs were 7.80 µg/kg, 77.04 µg/g-Cr, and 4.30 µg/L in placenta, blood, urine, and breast milk, respectively, in mothers, and 107.92 µg/g-Cr in neonates in the exposed group, which were significantly higher than those in the non-exposed area. High levels of urinary arsenic in neonates were maintained 4 days after birth, demonstrating an early arsenic exposure route through the placenta and breast milk. In addition, our study suggested that breastfeeding may reduce arsenic exposure in infants in arsenic-contaminated areas. Further studies are necessary to follow up on comorbidities later in life in neonates and to provide interventions in this region.

Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Extracts from Edible Wild Fruits Ehretia tinifolia and Sideroxylon lanuginosum.

Ehretia tinifolia Linnaeus (Boraginacea) and Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michaux (Sapotaceae) are wild fruits consumed in North America and are appreciated for their pleasant flavor and sweet taste. However, details regarding their composition and biological properties in the available literature are scarce. This study reports the phenolic composition, antioxidant, antiproliferative activities, and digestive enzymatic inhibition of amberlite-retained methanolic extracts from both fruits. Results revealed that these wild fruit extracts are rich in antioxidants. S. lanuginosum had lower phenolic but higher flavonoid contents (21.4 ± 1.5 mg GAE/100 g FW and 6.42 ± 0.9 mg CE/100 g FW) than E. tinifolia (64.7 ± 2.6 mg GAE/100 g FW and 5.1 ± 0.4 mg CE/100 g FW). HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis showed rosmarinic acid as a major polyphenol in E. tinifolia and quercetin glucoside in S. lanuginosum. Polyphenols content in E. tinifolia was related to a significant free radical scavenging ability: DPPH (EC50 = 0.32 ± 0.03 mg/mL), TEAC (4134 ± 9.7 µM TE/g dry extract), and hemolysis inhibition (IC50 = 58.55 ± 2.4 µg/mL). Both extracts were capable of inhibiting α-glucosidase, partially inhibiting α-amylase, and showed no inhibition against lipase, while showing antiproliferative activity against HeLa, HT-29 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Our study revealed that these wild fruit extracts are rich in health-beneficial phytochemicals and hold significant potential for elaborating functional foods.

Cranial bone regeneration with collagen type I and polyvinylpyrrolidone (Fibroquel®) combined with hyaluronic acid in Wistar rats: morphological study / Regeneración ósea craneal con colágeno tipo I y polivinilpirrolidona (Fibroquel®) combinado con ácido hialurónico en ratas Wistar: estudio morfológico

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate by morphological methods, if a mixture of Fibroquel® and hyaluronic acid implanted in an animal model of cranial bone injury could promote bone regeneration. 12 Wistar rats were divided in three groups, control group, bone injury without treatment and bone injury with treatment. After experimental period, bone samples were taken and stained with H & E, Masson trichrome, PAS-D, immunohistochemistry with anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody and applied a semiquantitative morphometric method. Treatment group showed extensive areas of collagen fibers in contact with normal bone tissue, areas of normal histology, PAS positive material and less cellular proliferation. We demonstrated for the first time that a mixture of Fibroquel® and hyaluronic acid implanted in an animal model of cranial bone injury promotes bone regeneration.

RESUMEN: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar por métodos morfológicos, si una mezcla de Fibroquel® y ácido hialurónico implantado en un modelo animal de lesión del hueso craneal podría promover la regeneración ósea. Se dividieron 12 ratas Wistar en tres grupos, grupo control, lesión ósea sin tratamiento y lesión ósea con tratamiento. Después del período experimental, se tomaron muestras de hueso y se tiñeron con H & E, tricrómico de Masson, PAS-D, inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpo monoclonal anti-PCNA y se aplicó un método morfométrico semicuantitativo. El grupo de tratamiento mostró áreas extensas de fibras de colágeno en contacto con tejido óseo normal, áreas de histología normal, material PAS positivo y menor proliferación celular. Demostramos por primera vez que una mezcla de Fibroquel® y ácido hialurónico implantado en un modelo animal de lesión del hueso craneal promueve la regeneración ósea.

Transgenerational effects in DNA methylation, genotoxicity and reproductive phenotype by chronic arsenic exposure.

An emerging concern is the influences of early life exposure to environmental toxicants on offspring characteristics in later life. Since recent evidence suggests a transgenerational transference of aberrant phenotypes from exposed-parents to non-exposed offspring related to adult-onset diseases including reproductive phenotype. The transgenerational potential of arsenic a well know genotoxic and epigenetic modifier agent has not been assessed in mammals until now. In this experimental study, we evaluated the transgenerational effects of arsenic in a rat model with chronic exposure to arsenic. Rats chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water (1 mg As2O3/mL) (F0) were mated to produce the arsenic lineage (F1, F2, and F3). The arsenic toxic effects on were evaluated over the four generations by analyzing the DNA methylation percentage, genotoxicity in WBC and physical and reproductive parameters, including sperm quality parameters and histopathological evaluation of the gonads. Chronic exposure to arsenic caused genotoxic damage (F0-F3) different methylation patterns, alterations in physical and reproductive parameters, aberrant morphology in the ovaries (F0 and F1) and testicles (F1-F3), and a decrease in the quality of sperm (F0-F3, except F2). Parental chronic arsenic exposure causes transgenerational genotoxicity and changes in global DNA methylation which might be associated with reproductive defects in rats. Combined with recent studies reveal that disturbances in the early life of an individual can affect the health of later generations.

Cross-sectional study to measure household water insecurity and its health outcomes in urban Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the links between structural and household determinants of household water insecurity and test three water insecurity measures against self-reported diarrhoea, dengue fever and perceived stress in the middle-income and low-income urban areas of Torreón, Mexico. DESIGN: Cross-sectional household survey conducted in two waves (rainy and dry seasons). PARTICIPANTS: 500 households selected via multistage cluster sample in selected communities. Socioeconomic status determined the selection of participant neighbourhoods; five were identified in low socioeconomic status neighbourhoods and five in low-medium socioeconomic status neighbourhoods. We examine how the context of urban water provision is related to a new cross-culturally valid Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) Scale. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The HWISE Scale, self-reported diarrhoea, dengue fever and the Perceived Stress Scale. RESULTS: Water system intermittency (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.96, 95% CI 2.40 to 6.54, p<0.001), unpredictability (AOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.74, p=0.002) and the dry season (AOR 3.47, 95% CI 2.18 to 5.52, p<0.001) were structural correlates of the HWISE Scale. This study also found that the HWISE Scale was associated with two health outcomes, self-reported diarrhoea (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.15, p=0.002) and perceived stress (ß=0.28, SE=0.07, t=4.30, p<0.001), but not self-reported dengue fever (AOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.06). A 3-item hygiene subscore and a 3-item water worry subscore were also both positively associated with self-reported diarrhoea and perceived stress. CONCLUSION: Short-form screeners of water insecurity may be useful for assessing certain health risks by lay survey workers in settings with limited healthcare resources, particularly in lieu of more expensive microbiological tests that require specialised training and facilities.

Differential expression of mast cell granules in samples of metastatic and non-metastatic colorectal cancer in patients.

Various cell types participate in the tumor process, in which the mast cells have been described; however, the role they play in colorectal adenocarcinoma has not yet been fully understood. Therefore, the present work aimed to compare employing histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, the number of mast cells and the content of some cytoplasmic granules in moderately differentiated non-metastatic and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma, analyzing tissue samples from patients. Histochemical techniques with Toluidine Blue (TBO), Periodic Schiff Acid (PAS), Alcian Blue/Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAB) and Alcian Blue/Safranin (ABS); as well as immunohistochemical reactions with anti-antibodies anti-Tryptase and anti-Chymase were applied to quantify total mast cells and content of some cytoplasmic granules. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V22.0 software (p ≤ 0.05). The degree of positivity of the reaction and degranulation of mast cells was reported in percentages. In our results, we observed that there are differences in the quantity and histochemical composition of the granules of mast cells (metastatic group PAS and ABS comparing the TBO reaction), as well as in the immunohistochemical composition between Tryptase and Chymase and the number of degranulated cells in both study groups (74 % degranulated mast cells in the metastatic group, 66 % integrate mast cells in the non-metastatic group). Therefore, we consider that the differences may be some of the probable factors that lead to metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Toxicity in Goats Exposed to Arsenic in the Region Lagunera, Northern Mexico.

The Region Lagunera, a region in northeast Mexico, is undergoing significant problems with the quality of its groundwater, which exceeds the permissible limits of contaminants and/or heavy metals stipulated in Mexican legislation. The present study evaluated chronic toxicity in male goats exposed to arsenic via one ex situ Group 1 (n = 5) and one in situ female goats Group 3 (n = 10). The treatment in Group 1 was carried out in the La Laguna experimental field of the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), located in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico. Sodium arsenite (2 mg/kg) was orally administered for 84 days to five male Creole goats, aged between four and five years old and weighing between 60 and 70 kg, in order to determine its effect on urine toxicity, libido, and physiological condition, an untreated group (n = 5) was included (Group 2). The experiment in group 3 was conducted on ten female Creole goats, aged between four and six years old and weighing between 40 and 49 kg, in both the contaminated sampling area in the rural community of El Venado and the control sampling area in the rural community of Nuevo Reynosa (Group 4 (n = 5)), in which the arsenic levels were measured in the urine of the exposed goats, as was their physiological condition. Significant differences (p < 0.01) between the groups were found in both the arsenic concentration in the urine and the physiological condition observed in both experimental groups.

Genetic diversity of HLA system in three populations from Coahuila, Mexico: Torreón, Saltillo and rural Coahuila.

We studied HLA class I (HLA-A, -B) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1) alleles by PCR-SSP based typing in 684 Mexicans from the state of Coahuila living in Saltillo (N = 72), Torreón (N = 396) and rural communities (N = 216), to obtain information regarding allelic and haplotypic frequencies. We find that the ten most frequent haplotypes found in the state of Coahuila include eight Native American and two European haplotypes. Admixture estimates revealed that the main genetic components in the state of Coahuila are European (49.72 ±â€¯4.18% by ML; 37.49% of European haplotypes) and Native American (45.01 ±â€¯2.69% by ML; 42.98% of Native American haplotypes), while African genetic component is less apparent (5.27 ±â€¯1.88% by ML; 9.92% of African haplotypes).

Genetic diversity of HLA system in two populations from Durango, Mexico: Durango city and rural Durango.

We studied HLA class I (HLA-A, -B) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1) alleles by PCR-SSP based typing in 479 Mexicans from the state of Durango living in Durango city (N = 153) and rural communities (N = 326), to obtain information regarding allelic and haplotypic frequencies. We find that the ten most frequent haplotypes found in the state of Durango include eight Native American and two European haplotypes. Admixture estimates revealed that the main genetic components in Durango are European (54.34 ±â€¯1.68%) and Native American (45.66 ±â€¯2.24%), while African genetic component was virtually absent (0.00 ±â€¯2.03%). However, African haplotypes could be estimated at a proportion of 9.13%.

Genetic diversity of HLA system in three populations from Chihuahua, Mexico: Chihuahua City, Ciudad Juárez and rural Chihuahua.

We studied HLA class I (HLA-A, -B) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1) alleles by PCR-SSP based typing in 461 Mexicans from the state of Chihuahua living in Chihuahua city (N = 119), Ciudad Juárez (N = 106) and rural communities (N = 236), to obtain information regarding allelic and haplotypic frequencies and their linkage disequilibrium. We find that the most frequent haplotypes found in the state of Chihuahua include seven Native American and three European haplotypes. Admixture estimates revealed that the main genetic components in Chihuahua are European (52.12 ±â€¯0.88% by ML; 41.53% of European haplotypes) and Native American (39.51 ±â€¯2.17% by ML; 37.45% of Native American haplotypes), while African genetic component was less apparent (8.36 ±â€¯1.47% by ML; 11.70% of African haplotypes).

Genetic diversity of HLA system in three populations from Zacatecas, Mexico: Zacatecas city, Fresnillo and rural Zacatecas.

We studied HLA class I (HLA-A, -B) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1) alleles by PCR-SSP based typing in 453 Mexicans from the state of Zacatecas living in Zacatecas city (N = 84), Fresnillo (N = 103) and rural communities (N = 266) to obtain information regarding allelic and haplotypic frequencies and their linkage disequilibrium. We find that the most frequent haplotypes for the state of Zacatecas include seven Native American most probable ancestry (A*02 ∼ B*39 ∼ DRB1*04 ∼ DQB1*03:02; A*02 ∼ B*35 ∼ DRB1*08 ∼ DQB1*04; A*24 ∼ B*39 ∼ DRB1*14 ∼ DQB1*03:01; A*02 ∼ B*35 ∼ DRB1*04 ∼ DQB1*03:02; A*24 ∼ B*35 ∼ DRB1*04 ∼ DQB1*03:02; A*68 ∼ B*35 ∼ DRB1*04 ∼ DQB1*03:02 and A*24 ∼ B*35 ∼ DRB1*08 ∼ DQB1*04) and two European MPA haplotypes (HLA ∼ A*01 ∼ B*08 ∼ DRB1*03:01 ∼ DQB1*02 and A*29 ∼ B*44 ∼ DRB1*07 ∼ DQB1*02). Admixture estimates revealed that the main genetic components in the state of Zacatecas are European (47.61 ±â€¯1.85%) and Native American (44.74 ±â€¯1.12%), while the African genetic component was less apparent (7.65 ±â€¯1.12%). Our findings provide a starting point for the study of population immunogenetics of urban and rural populations from the state of Zacatecas and add to the growing knowledge on the population genetics of Northern Mexico.

Protective effects of phenolic acids on mercury-induced DNA damage in precision-cut kidney slices.

OBJECTIVES: Precision-cut tissue slices are considered an organotypic 3D model widely used in biomedical research. The comet assay is an important screening test for early genotoxicity risk assessment that is mainly applied on in vitro models. The aim of the present study was to provide a 3D organ system for determination of genotoxicity using a modified method of the comet assay since the stromal components from the original tissue make this technique complicated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A modified comet assay technique was validated using precision-cut hamster kidney slices to analyze the antigenotoxic effect of the phenolic compounds caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid in tissue slices incubated with 15 µM HgCl2. Cytotoxicity of the phenolic compounds was studied in Vero cells, and by morphologic analysis in tissue slices co-incubated with HgCl2 and phenolic compounds. RESULTS: A modification of the comet assay allows obtaining better and clear comet profiles for analysis. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of phenolic acids protected kidney tissue slices against mercury-induced DNA damage, and at the same time, were not nephrotoxic. The highest protection was provided by 3 µg/ml caffeic acid, although 6 µg/ml rosmarinic and 9 µg/ml chlorogenic acids also exhibited protective effects. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that a modification of the comet assay technique is reported as a tool to visualize the comets from kidney tissue slices in a clear and simple way. The phenolic compounds tested in this study provided protection against mercury-induced genotoxic damage in precision-cut kidney slices.

Development of a Novel Ex-vivo 3D Model to Screen Amoebicidal Activity on Infected Tissue.

Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease that causes thousands of deaths every year, its adverse effects and resistance to conventional treatments have led to the search of new treatment options, as well as the development of novel screening methods. In this work, we implemented a 3D model of intestine and liver slices from hamsters that were infected ex vivo with virulent E. histolytica trophozoites. Results show preserved histology in both uninfected tissues as well as ulcerations, destruction of the epithelial cells, and inflammatory reaction in intestine slices and formation of micro abscesses, and the presence of amoebae in the sinusoidal spaces and in the interior of central veins in liver slices. The three chemically synthetized compounds T-001, T-011, and T-016, which act as amoebicides in vitro, were active in both infected tissues, as they decreased the number of trophozoites, and provoked death by disintegration of the amoeba, similar to metronidazole. However, compound T-011 induced signs of cytotoxicity to liver slices. Our results suggest that ex vivo cultures of precision-cut intestinal and liver slices represent a reliable 3D approach to evaluate novel amoebicidal compounds, and to simultaneously detect their toxicity, while reducing the number of experimental animals commonly required by other model systems.

Evaluación de la respuesta inflamatoria en ratas Wistar a TheraCalTM LC implantado vía subcutánea / Evaluation of the inflammatory response in Wistar rats to TheraCalTM LC implanted subcutaneously

El Theracal TM LC es un cemento silicato de calcio (Ca) modificado con resina (SMCR) que ha demostrado ser un material ideal para el tratamiento dentino-pulpar por su alta tasa de formación de calcio. Los biomateriales por su contenido de Ca tienden a tener un aumento en su biodisponibilidad, estimulando la formación del puente dentario atreves de las células involucradas en la formación de tejidos mineralizados, promoviendo la diferenciación de fibroblastos en odontoblastos y aumentando la actividad de la enzima pirofostasa responsable en la mineralización de la dentina. El presente estudio con el objetivo de evaluar la respuesta inflamatoria a Theracal TM LC subcutáneamente en ratas Wistar. Fueron usados seis ratas cepa Wistar en las cuales se realizaron cuatro bolsillos quirúrgicos subcutáneos. Cada uno de estos bolsillos se determinó como cuadrante distinto, conteniendo los siguientes implantes: 1 Theracal TM LC en tubo polietileno, 2 tubo de polietileno, 3 Theracal TM LC directo y 4 como control. Las muestras histológicas se procesaron y se evaluaron distintos tipos celulares mediante conteo a microscopio de luz a 100X utilizando las tinciones H&E y AT pH 2.3. Los resultados mostraron que existen diferencias significativas en todos los tipos celulares observados durante los diferentes tiempos de exposición. Las diferencias en los tipos celulares observados podrían ser debido al tiempo de exposición al Theracal TM LC, al tubo polietileno y a ambos. El tejido evaluado del implante del tubo polietileno y al tubo polietileno con Theracal TM LC, presentan mayor respuesta inflamatoria, a diferencia en el tejido implantado con Theracal TM LC directamente.

TheraCalTM LC is a resin-modified calcium silicate (Ca) resin (SMCR) that has proven to be an ideal material for dentin-pulp treatment due to its high rate of calcium formation. Biomaterials due to their Ca content tend to have an increase in their bioavailability, stimulating the formation of the dental bridge through the cells involved in the formation of mineralized tissues, promoting the differentiation of fibroblasts in odontoblasts and increasing the activity of the pyrophosphate enzyme responsible in dentin mineralization. The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response to TheracalTM LC subcutaneously in Wistar rats. Six Wistar strain rats were used in which four subcutaneous surgical pockets were made. Each of these pockets was determined as a different quadrant, containing the following implants: 1 TheracalTM LC in polyethylene tube, 2 polyethylene tubes, 3 TheracalTM LC direct and 4 as control. The histological samples were processed, and different cell types were evaluated by light microscopy at 100X using the H&E and AT pH 2.3 stains. The results showed that there are significant differences in all cell types observed during the different exposure times. The differences in the cell types observed could be due to the exposure time to TheracalTM LC, to the polyethylene tube and to both. The evaluated tissue of the polyethylene tube implant and the polyethylene tube with TheracalTM LC present a greater inflammatory response, unlike in the tissue implanted with TheracalTM LC directly.

Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Associated with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.

AIMS: (1) To evaluate the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA); and (2) to compare synovial fluid (SF) cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentrations and glycemic control parameters in patients with T2D, with and without primary KOA. METHODS: A total of 231 individuals were included in this study. Primary KOA was confirmed according to the criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology. The presence of T2D was determined by medical history. In addition, fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin were analyzed to confirm diabetic and nondiabetic status. RESULTS: Our results showed an association between T2D and primary KOA after covariate adjustments (OR = 3.755, p = 0.000024, 95% CI: 2.033-6.934). In addition, SF COMP levels were significantly higher in T2D groups with and without primary KOA (p = 0.00035; p = 0.001 respectively) when compared to nonT2D controls. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a strong association between T2D and primary KOA; in addition, the presence of T2D may have an influence in SF COMP levels in subjects with and without primary KOA. The glycemic control parameters and duration of diabetes may be useful as an indirect indicator of SF COMP levels to prevent the effects of chronic exposure to hyperglycemia and subsequent damage to the articular cartilage.