Multisensor Magnetic Scanning Microscope for Remanent Magnetic Field Measurements.

Magnetic Scanning Microscopy (MSM) emerged with the aim of allowing the visualization of magnetic fields of a sample or material through scanning and proved particularly useful for geology, biomedicine, characterization of magnetic materials, and in the steel industry. In this regard, the reading system of an MSM was modified using a µ-metal magnetic shielding structure to analyze remanent fields. The MSM was adapted to perform readings using two different types of sensors. The sensitive area of the sensors was evaluated, and the HQ-0811 (AKM-Asahi KaseiTM Microdevices) and STJ-010 (Micro MagneticsTM) sensors were chosen, with the HQ-0811 standardized on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) to facilitate handling and increase the system's robustness. In the shielded chamber, two piezoelectric ANC-150 stepper motors (Attocube Systems) were used, arranged planarly, to allow the movement of the analyzed samples under the mounted sensors. To acquire data from the sensors, the Precision Current Source Model 6220 and the Nanovoltmeter Model 2182A (both from Keithley) were used, along with Keithley's Delta-Mode integrated system. To analyze the system's effectiveness, three distinct samples were analyzed for calibration, and a MATLAB program was written to analyze the images and extract the material's magnetization. Additionally, a rock sample from the Parnaíba Basin was mapped to demonstrate the system's capabilities.

Association between socioeconomic status and hospitalisation requirement in older patients attended at the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with poor health results. The present study aimed to investigate if SES of older patients attending the emergency department is associated with the use of healthcare resources and outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational, retrospective study including consecutive patients 65 years or older admitted to the emergency department. Variables at baseline, index episode, and follow-up were recorded. SES was measured using an indirect theoretical index and patients were categorised into two groups according to whether they lived in a neighbourhood with a low or high SES. Primary outcomes included hospitalisation after the emergency department visit and prolonged hospitalisation (>7 days) at index episode. Secondary outcomes included emergency department re-consultant and hospital admission in the following 3 months after the index episode, and all-cause mortality after long-term follow-up. Logistic regression and cumulative hazards regression models were used to investigate associations between SES and outcomes. RESULTS: The cohort included 553 patients (80 years [73-85], 50.5% female, 55.9% with low SES). After the emergency department visit, 234 patients (42.3%) required hospital admission. A low SES was inversely associated with hospitalisation with an adjusted odds ratio=0.654 (95% CI 0.441-0.970). Among hospitalised patients, a low SES was associated with prolonged hospitalisation (adjusted odds ratio=2.739; 95% CI 1.470-5.104). Follow-up outcomes, including all-cause mortality, were not associated with SES. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients living in more deprived urban areas were hospitalised less often after emergency department care, but hospital stays were longer. Understanding the effect of social determinants in healthcare use is mandatory to tailor resources to patient needs.

The Effectiveness of Guselkumab in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Under Clinical Practice Conditions: A Spanish Multicentre Retrospective Study / fectividad de guselkumab en pacientes con hidradenitis supurativa en condiciones de práctica clínica: estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico en España

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing lesions in which high levels of interleukin (IL)-23 and T-helper 17 cells are found. Adalimumab remains the only approved treatment. Guselkumab, an antibody targeting the p19 protein subunit of extracellular IL-23, is approved for the treatment of moderate–severe psoriasis, but evidence on its efficacy in treating HS is limited.Objectives To assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in treating moderate–severe HS under clinical practice conditions. Methods A multicentre retrospective observational study was carried out in 13 Spanish Hospitals including adult HS patients treated with guselkumab within a compassionate use programme (March 2020–March 2022). Data referred to patient demographic and clinical characteristics at treatment initiation (baseline), patient-reported outcomes (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), physician scores (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]) were recorded at baseline and at 16, 24, and 48 weeks of treatment. Results A total of 69 patients were included. Most (84.10%) had severe HS (Hurley III) and had been diagnosed for over ten years (58.80%). The patients had been subjected to multiple non-biological (mean 3.56) or biological (mean 1.78) therapies, and almost 90% of those treated with biologics had received adalimumab (AU)

Antecedentes La hidradenitis supurativa (HS) es una situación cutánea crónica que causa lesiones en las que se encuentran altos niveles de interleucina (IL)-23 y células TH-17 colaboradoras, siendo adalimumab el único tratamiento aprobado. Guselkumab, un anticuerpo que focaliza la subunidad de la proteína p19 de IL-23 extracelular, ha sido aprobado para tratar la psoriasis de moderada a severa, siendo limitada la evidencia sobre su eficacia en el tratamiento de la HS. Objetivos Evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de guselkumab para el tratamiento de la HS de moderada a severa, en condiciones de práctica clínica. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo y multicéntrico en 13 hospitales españoles, que incluyó pacientes adultos de HS tratados con guselkumab, dentro de un programa de uso compasivo (de marzo de 2020 a marzo de 2022). Se registraron al inicio y a las 16, 24 y 48 semanas de tratamiento los datos referentes a las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, los resultados reportados por el paciente (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] y Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), puntuaciones del facultativo (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] e Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]). Resultados Se incluyó un total de 69 pacientes, de los cuales la mayoría (84,10%) tenían HS severa (Hurley III) y habían sido diagnosticados hacía más de 10 años (58,80%). Dichos pacientes habían sido sometidos a múltiples terapias no biológicas (media 3,56) o biológicas (media 1,78), y casi el 90% de los tratados con biológicos habían recibido adalimumab. Se observó una reducción significativa de las puntuaciones IHS4, HS-PGA, NPRS y DLQI desde el inicio hasta las 48 semanas del tratamiento con guselkumab (total p<0,01). Se logró HiSCR en el 58,33% y el 56,52% de los pacientes, a las 16 y 24 semanas, respectivamente (AU)

[Artículo traducido] Efectividad de guselkumab en pacientes con hidradenitis supurativa en condiciones de práctica clínica: estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico en España / The Effectiveness of Guselkumab in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Under Clinical Practice Conditions: A Spanish Multicentre Retrospective Study

Antecedentes La hidradenitis supurativa (HS) es una situación cutánea crónica que causa lesiones en las que se encuentran altos niveles de interleucina (IL)-23 y células TH-17 colaboradoras, siendo adalimumab el único tratamiento aprobado. Guselkumab, un anticuerpo que focaliza la subunidad de la proteína p19 de IL-23 extracelular, ha sido aprobado para tratar la psoriasis de moderada a severa, siendo limitada la evidencia sobre su eficacia en el tratamiento de la HS. Objetivos Evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de guselkumab para el tratamiento de la HS de moderada a severa, en condiciones de práctica clínica. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo y multicéntrico en 13 hospitales españoles, que incluyó pacientes adultos de HS tratados con guselkumab, dentro de un programa de uso compasivo (de marzo de 2020 a marzo de 2022). Se registraron al inicio y a las 16, 24 y 48 semanas de tratamiento los datos referentes a las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, los resultados reportados por el paciente (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] y Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), puntuaciones del facultativo (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] e Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]). Resultados Se incluyó un total de 69 pacientes, de los cuales la mayoría (84,10%) tenían HS severa (Hurley III) y habían sido diagnosticados hacía más de 10 años (58,80%). Dichos pacientes habían sido sometidos a múltiples terapias no biológicas (media 3,56) o biológicas (media 1,78), y casi el 90% de los tratados con biológicos habían recibido adalimumab. Se observó una reducción significativa de las puntuaciones IHS4, HS-PGA, NPRS y DLQI desde el inicio hasta las 48 semanas del tratamiento con guselkumab (total p<0,01). Se logró HiSCR en el 58,33% y el 56,52% de los pacientes, a las 16 y 24 semanas, respectivamente (AU)

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing lesions in which high levels of interleukin (IL)-23 and T-helper 17 cells are found. Adalimumab remains the only approved treatment. Guselkumab, an antibody targeting the p19 protein subunit of extracellular IL-23, is approved for the treatment of moderate–severe psoriasis, but evidence on its efficacy in treating HS is limited.Objectives To assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in treating moderate–severe HS under clinical practice conditions. Methods A multicentre retrospective observational study was carried out in 13 Spanish Hospitals including adult HS patients treated with guselkumab within a compassionate use programme (March 2020–March 2022). Data referred to patient demographic and clinical characteristics at treatment initiation (baseline), patient-reported outcomes (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), physician scores (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]) were recorded at baseline and at 16, 24, and 48 weeks of treatment. Results A total of 69 patients were included. Most (84.10%) had severe HS (Hurley III) and had been diagnosed for over ten years (58.80%). The patients had been subjected to multiple non-biological (mean 3.56) or biological (mean 1.78) therapies, and almost 90% of those treated with biologics had received adalimumab (AU)

The Effectiveness of Guselkumab in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Under Clinical Practice Conditions: A Spanish Multicentre Retrospective Study. / [Artículo traducido] Efectividad de guselkumab en pacientes con hidradenitis supurativa en condiciones de práctica clínica: estudio retrospectivo y multicéntrico en España.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing lesions in which high levels of interleukin (IL)-23 and T-helper17 cells are found. Adalimumab remains the only approved treatment. Guselkumab, an antibody targeting the p19 protein subunit of extracellular IL-23, is approved for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis, but evidence on its efficacy in treating HS is limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in treating moderate-severe HS under clinical practice conditions. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective observational study was carried out in 13 Spanish hospitals including adult HS patients treated with guselkumab within a compassionate use programme (March 2020-March 2022). Data referred to patient demographic and clinical characteristics at treatment initiation (baseline), patient-reported outcomes (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), physician scores (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]) were recorded at baseline and at 16, 24, and 48weeks of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included. Most (84.10%) had severe HS (HurleyIII) and had been diagnosed for over ten years (58.80%). The patients had been subjected to multiple non-biological (mean: 3.56) or biological (mean: 1.78) therapies, and almost 90% of those treated with biologics had received adalimumab. A significant decrease in IHS4, HS-PGA, NPRS, and DLQI scores was observed from baseline to 48weeks of guselkumab treatment (all P<.01). HiSCR was achieved in 58.33% and 56.52% of the patients at 16 and 24weeks, respectively. Overall, 16 patients discontinued treatment, mostly due to inefficacy (n=7) or loss of efficacy (n=3). No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that guselkumab may be a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for patients with severe HS that fail to respond to other biologics.

The Effectiveness of Guselkumab in Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Under Clinical Practice Conditions: A Spanish Multicentre Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition causing lesions in which high levels of interleukin (IL)-23 and T-helper 17 cells are found. Adalimumab remains the only approved treatment. Guselkumab, an antibody targeting the p19 protein subunit of extracellular IL-23, is approved for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis, but evidence on its efficacy in treating HS is limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of guselkumab in treating moderate-severe HS under clinical practice conditions. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective observational study was carried out in 13 Spanish Hospitals including adult HS patients treated with guselkumab within a compassionate use programme (March 2020-March 2022). Data referred to patient demographic and clinical characteristics at treatment initiation (baseline), patient-reported outcomes (Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]), physician scores (International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System [IHS4], HS Physical Global Score [HS-PGA] and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response [HiSCR]) were recorded at baseline and at 16, 24, and 48 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included. Most (84.10%) had severe HS (Hurley III) and had been diagnosed for over ten years (58.80%). The patients had been subjected to multiple non-biological (mean 3.56) or biological (mean 1.78) therapies, and almost 90% of those treated with biologics had received adalimumab. A significant decrease in IHS4, HS-PGA, NPRS, and DLQI scores was observed from baseline to 48 weeks of guselkumab treatment (all p<0.01). HiSCR was achieved in 58.33% and 56.52% of the patients at 16 and 24 weeks, respectively. Overall, 16 patients discontinued treatment, mostly due to inefficacy (n=7) or loss of efficacy (n=3). No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that guselkumab may be a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for patients with severe HS that fail to respond to other biologics.

[Adequacy of the special category antibiotics prescriptions in the Emergency Department of a third level urban Hospital]. / Adecuación del uso de antibióticos de "Categoría Especial" en el Servicio de Urgencias de un hospital de tercer nivel.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the adequacy of the special category antibiotics prescriptions in the Emergency Department (ED) of a third level urban Hospital. METHODS: A random sample of 100 different patients who were started with a special category antibiotic along 2018 in the ED was selected. The research team reviewed the medical history of the emergency and admission episode. The independent factors associated with the degree of adequacy of the treatment were determined by logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 97 prescriptions were analyzed of which 66 (68%) met the criteria of adequate prescription, 23 (24%) adequate prescription, but with equally recommended alternatives and 8 (8%) were inappropriate prescriptions. The degree of adequacy was 70% if the infection was related to healthcare and 75% if the patient had risk factors for mul-tiresistant (MR) microorganisms' infection. The percentage of adequacy was higher in the cases in which the focus of the infection (72%) and the severity of the episode (73%) were specified. The independent variables that were associated with an adequate prescription were: the presence of risk factors for MR microorganisms' infection (OR: 2.35 95% CI: 1.65 - 3.17 p: 0.01), if the focus of the infection (OR: 3.79 95% CI: 1.72 - 4.22 p: 0.02) and the severity of the episode (OR: 3.09 95% CI: 1.12 - 3.09 p: 0.03) were specified. CONCLUSIONS: The prescription of special category antibiotics in ED is appropriate if the clinical guidelines are followed and if the setting of infection acquisition, the risk factors of MR microorganisms, the focus and the severity of infection are taken into account in clinical picture.

Scanning Magnetic Microscope Using a Gradiometric Configuration for Characterization of Rock Samples.

Scanning magnetic microscopy is a tool that has been used to map magnetic fields with good spatial resolution and field sensitivity. This technology has great advantages over other instruments; for example, its operation does not require cryogenic technology, which reduces its operational cost and complexity. Here, we presented a spatial domain technique based on an equivalent layer approach for processing the data set produced by magnetic microscopy. This approach estimated a magnetic moment distribution over a fictitious layer composed by a set of dipoles located below the observation plane. For this purpose, we formulated a linear inverse problem for calculating the magnetic vector and its amplitude. Vector field maps are valuable tools for the magnetic interpretation of samples with a high spatial variability of magnetization. These maps could provide comprehensive information regarding the spatial distribution of magnetic carriers. In addition, this approach might be useful for characterizing isolated areas over samples or investigating the spatial magnetization distribution of bulk samples at the micro and millimeter scales. This technique could be useful for many applications that require samples that need to be mapped without a magnetic field at room temperature, including rock magnetism.

A Submersible Printed Sensor Based on a Monopole-Coupled Split Ring Resonator for Permittivity Characterization.

This work presents a non-invasive, reusable and submersible permittivity sensor that uses a microwave technique for the dielectric characterization of liquid materials. The proposed device consists of a compact split ring resonator excited by two integrated monopole antennas. The sensing principle is based on the notch introduced by the resonators in the transmission coefficient, which is affected due to the introduction of the sensor in a new liquid material. Then, a frequency shift of the notch and the Q-factor of the proposed sensor are related with the changes in the surrounding medium. By means of a particular experimental procedure, commercial liquids are employed to obtain the calibration curve. Thus, a mathematical equation is obtained to extract the dielectric permittivity of liquid materials with unknown dielectric properties. A good match between simulated and experimental results is obtained, as well as a high Q-factor, compact size, good sensitivity and high repeatability for use in sensing applications. Sensors like the one here presented could lead to promising solutions for characterizing materials, particularly in determining material properties and quality in the food industry, bio-sensing and other applications.

Minicircle classes heterogeneity within the TcIII and TcIV discrete typing units of Trypanosoma cruzi.

The taxon Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease, is composed of several discrete typing units (DTUs) named TcI-TcVI, and Tcbat. The history of the taxon T. cruzi is known, even though several controversial aspects remain as the relationships between TcIII and TcIV. We analyzed cloned T. cruzi stocks pertaining to the seven DTUs by filter hybridization tests of PCR amplicons from minicircle variable regions and kinetoplast DNA probes. Minicircle DNA blots from the cloned stocks and filter hybridization with one TcI, one TcII, one TcV, one TcVI, three TcIII, one TcIV from North America and one TcIV kinetoplast DNA probes from South America revealed minicircle variable region cross-reaction in some T. cruzi DTUs probed. TcIII was heterogeneous in minicircle class composition, even though two TcIII probes revealed that a small fraction of minicircles cross-hybridized with the minicircles from the TcIII, TcV and TcVI DTUs. The minicircles of TcIV from North America cross-reacted only with TcIV from North America but not with TcIV stocks from Brazil and Bolivia. The results on minicircle cross-hybridizations are discussed in the context of RNA editing, mitochondrial function in T. cruzi DTUs.

Batch and Pulsed Fed-Batch Cultures of Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 Growing on Lemon Peel at Stirred Tank Reactor.

Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 grew up on submerged cultures using lemon peel as the only carbon source, developing several batch and pulsed fed-batch trials on a stirred tank reactor. The effect of carbon source concentration, reducing sugar presence and initial pH on exopectinase and endopectinase production, was analyzed on batch cultures. From this, we observed that the highest substrate concentration favored biomass (X max) but had not influence on the corresponding specific production (q p) of both pectinases; the most acid condition provoked higher endopectinase-specific productions but had not a significant effect on those corresponding to exopectinases; and reducing sugar concentrations higher than 1.5 g/L retarded pectinase production. On the other hand, by employing the pulsed fed-batch operation mode, we observed a prolonged growth phase, and an increase of about twofold on endopectinase production without a significant raise on biomass concentration. So, pulsed fed-batch seems to be a good alternative for obtaining higher endopectinase titers by using high lemon peel quantities without having mixing and repression problems to the system. The usefulness of unstructured kinetic models for explaining, under a theoretic level, the behavior of the fungus along the batch culture with regard to pectinase production was evident.

Community HIV-1 drug resistance is associated with transmitted drug resistance.

OBJECTIVES: As community viral load (CVL) measurements are associated with the incidence of new HIV-1 infections in a population, we hypothesized that similarly measured community drug resistance (CDR) could predict the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR). METHODS: Between 2001 and 2011, the prevalences of HIV-1 drug resistance for patients with established infection receiving HIV care (i.e. CDR) and TDR in recently infected patients were determined in San Diego. At each position in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (pro), drug resistance was evaluated both as the overall prevalence of resistance-associated mutations and by weighting each resistance position to the concurrent viral load of the patient and its proportion to the total viral load of the clinic (CVL). The weighting was the proportion of the CVL associated with patients identified with resistance at each residue. Spearman ranked correlation coefficients were used to determine associations between CDR and TDR. RESULTS: We analysed 1088 resistance tests for 971 clinic patients and baseline resistance tests for 542 recently infected patients. CDR at positions 30, 46, and 88 in pro was associated with TDR between 2001 and 2011. When CDR was weighted by the viral load of patients, CDR was associated with TDR at position 103 in RT. Each of these associations was corroborated at least once using shorter measurement intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Despite evaluation of a limited percentage of chronically infected patients in San Diego, CDR correlated with TDR at key resistance positions and therefore may be a useful tool with which to predict the prevalence of TDR.

Paciente con síndrome convulsivo y tetrasomía parcial del cromosoma 15 / A patient with convulsive syndrome and partial tetrasomy of chromosome 15

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Oxygen transfer coefficient and the kinetic parameters of exo-polygalacturonase production by Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 in shake flasks and bioreactor.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the sensitivity of Exo-PG production and kinetic parameters of Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 to oxygen transfer condition in shake flasks and bioreactor. METHODS AND RESULTS: Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 was grown on pectin as carbon source in shake flasks and bioreactor at different oxygen transfer conditions. The volumetric coefficient of oxygen transfer (kLa) was modified by changing both, the flask size/medium volume ratio and the agitation speed. Higher biomass concentration, Exo-PG activity, maximum specific growth rate and yield coefficient were obtained in bioreactor at higher kLa value. A strong correlation was found between biomass, Exo-PG activity and growth-associated product coefficient to kLa in bioreactor but does not in shake flasks. The mathematical model provided a good description of growth, pectin consumption and Exo-PG production in submerged batch cultures carried out in bioreactor. CONCLUSIONS: Biomass concentration, Exo-PG activity and their kinetics of Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 were strongly influenced by oxygen transfer condition and cultivation system. Significance and Impact of Study The production of enzymes by fungal fermentation is strictly aerobic and understanding the influence of oxygen transfer condition on the production kinetic is of vital importance in order to design, optimize and translate bioprocesses to industrial scale.

Use of fruit residues for pectinase production by Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 and Aspergillus terreus FP-370.

AIMS: Utilization of fruit residues for pectinase production by two Aspergillus strains for recognizing the effects of some factors during fermentation and describing enzyme production kinetics. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pectinase production on several fruit residues was compared. The effects of three factors on the production of several pectinases were evaluated by a full factorial 2(k) experimental design. Higher activities were obtained on lemon peel. In both strains, acidic pH values and high carbon source concentration favoured exopectinase and endopectinase production, while higher pH values and low carbon source concentration promoted pectin lyase and rhamnogalacturonase production. Unstructured mathematical modelling provided a good description of pectinase production in a submerged batch culture. CONCLUSIONS: Fruit residues were very good substrates for pectinase production, and Aspergillus strains used showed a promising performance in submerged fermentation. Mathematical modelling was useful to describe growth and pectinase production. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lemon peel can be used as a substrate to obtain high pectinase titres by Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 and Aspergillus terreus FP-370. The factors that contributed to improve the yield were identified, which supports the possibility of using this substrate in the industrial production of these enzymes.

Cáncer diferenciado de la tiorides, de la biología molecular a la clínica / Differentiated thyroid cancer, from molecular biology to the clinic

Recent advances in molecular research have made possible to identify intracellular pathways involved in cell proliferation and differentiation processes, and to clarify how functional alterations in these pathways could explain development of differentiated thyroid cancer. This information has direct implications in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We present a review of this topic with this integrated vision between molecular findings and clinical management.

Espectroscopia de impedancia eléctrica en cáncer invasivo del cuello uterino en mujeres de Caldas (Colombia), 2008-2009 / Electrical impedance spectroscopy in cervical cancer in women from Caldas, Colombia 2008-2009

Objetivo: obtener las curvas de resistividad eléctrica de tejido cervical en presencia de cáncer invasivo del cuello uterino. Metodología: estudio de corte transversal en pacientes con carcinoma invasor del cérvix. Se utilizó un medidor de impedancia de tejido (Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy Mk3.5 single channel system), el cual, mediante una sonda tetrapolar con dos electrodos de corriente y dos de voltaje, permite calcular la impedancia de transferencia de los tejidos. Resultados: se realizaron 102 mediciones y se obtuvieron las curvas de resistividad del tejido cervical en 18 mujeres con edades entre 46 y 72 años (56+/-9, media +/-DS). De esta manera, se encontró que los tejidos presentan una curva de resistividad característica para cáncer invasivo de cérvix con parámetros de resistividad promedio (R0 = 4,35+/-2,26 [Ω-m], media +/-DSy R∞ = 1,41+/-0,57 [Ω-m]). Con estos estimativos se obtuvieron los valores de la resistividad de los líquidos extra e intracelular (R = 4,35+/-2,26 [Ω-m] y S = 2,44+/-1,11 [Ω-m]). Conclusión: la espectroscopia de impedancia eléc trica muestra un patrón diferente en tejidos prove nientes de carcinoma invasor del cérvix en relación con el tejido cervical sano.

Objective: obtaining electrical resistivity curves for cervical tissues in invasive cervical cancer. Methodology: a tissue impedance meter was used (MK 3.5 Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, single channel system) in this cross-sectional study of invasive cervical cancer patients; it led to calculating the tissues’ transfer impedance by means of a pencil probe incorporating four gold electrodes.Results: 102 measurements were made and resistivity curves for cervical tissue were obtained in 18 women aged 46 to 72 (56±9, mean ± SD). These tissues presented a special resistivity curve for invasive cervical cancer, average resistivity parameters being (R0 = 4.35 ± 2.26 [Ω-m] and R∞ = 1.41 ± 0.57 [Ω-m]). Resistivity values for those estimations (R = 4.35 ± 2.26 [Ω-m] and S = 2.44 ± 1.11 [Ω-m]). Conclusion: electrical impedance spectroscopy presented different patterns for invasive cervical cancer tissue and healthy tissue.

Lesiones de varicela en cavidad bucal: reporte de un caso / Chicken pox lesions in oral cavity: report of a case

La Varicela es una enfermedad viral que se presenta con frecuencia en la población infantil, cursa con lesiones cutáneas y en ciertas ocasiones en cavidad bucal. Se presenta un caso de paciente masculino de 5 años de edad, quien consulta por presentar lesiones en cavidad bucal, ademàs de las lesiones cutáneas. Fue tratado con antivirales tópico y sistémico, notándose mejoría de las lesiones en dos semanas.

The Chicken pox is a viral infection that is presented frequently in the infantile population, it presented with skin lesions and, in certain occasions, in oral cavity. A 5 years old male patient, who consult for present vesicles in oral cavity and skin lesions, it was treated with topical and systemic antiviral, being noticed improvement of the lesions in two weeks.

Test de estimulación intraarterial selectiva con calcio en el diagnóstico de localización de insulinomas: Casos clínicos / Selective intra arterial calcium stimulation for the localization of insulinomas: Report of two cases

Insulinoma is the most common neuroendocrine tumor. Its clinical manifestations are frequently confounded with neuropsychiatric symptoms, and definitive diagnosis can be delayed for a long time. These tumors are usually small, of less than 2 cm. Thus, their preoperative localization is difficult. We report two patients with a clinical diagnosis of insulinoma, in whom the preoperative imaging study was negative. Both fulfilled diagnostic criteria, with high serum insulin levels in the presence of a blood glucose of less than 45 mg/dl. The imaging study, including abdominal computed tomography and pancreatic endoscopic ultrasonography did not disclose the location of the tumor. A pancreatic angiography with selective stimulation with intra arterial calcium and venous sampling for insulin measurements, was performed in both patients. This test allowed the exact localization of the tumors and their successful excision. A review of other localization diagnostic tests is done (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 71-5).