Fermi Large Area Telescope as a Galactic Supernovae Axionscope.

In a Galactic core-collapse supernova (SN), axionlike particles (ALPs) could be emitted via the Primakoff process and eventually convert into γ rays in the magnetic field of the Milky Way. From a data-driven sensitivity estimate, we find that, for a SN exploding in our Galaxy, the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) would be able to explore the photon-ALP coupling down to g_{aγ}≃2×10^{-13} GeV^{-1} for an ALP mass m_{a}≲10^{-9} eV. These values are out of reach of next generation laboratory experiments. In this event, the Fermi LAT would probe large regions of the ALP parameter space invoked to explain the anomalous transparency of the Universe to γ rays, stellar cooling anomalies, and cold dark matter. If no γ-ray emission were to be detected, Fermi-LAT observations would improve current bounds derived from SN 1987A by more than 1 order of magnitude.

α-Synuclein Attenuates Maneb Neurotoxicity through the Modulation of Redox-Sensitive Transcription Factors.

The accumulation and aggregation of α-synuclein is a pathognomonic sign of Parkinson's disease (PD). Maneb (MB) exposure has also been reported as one environmental triggering factor of this multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. In our laboratory, we have previously reported that mild overexpression of α-synuclein (200% increase with respect to endogenous neuronal levels) can confer neuroprotection against several insults. Here, we tested the hypothesis that α-synuclein can modulate the neuronal response against MB-induced neurotoxicity. When exposed to MB, cells with endogenous α-synuclein expression displayed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated with diminished glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLc) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA expressions and upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) repressor, BTB domain and CNC homolog 1 (BACH1). We found that α-synuclein overexpression (wt α-syn cells) attenuated MB-induced neuronal damage by reducing oxidative stress. Decreased ROS found in MB-treated wt α-syn cells was associated with unaltered GCLc and HO-1 mRNA expressions and decreased BACH1 expression. In addition, the increased SOD2 expression and catalase activity were associated with forkhead box O 3a (FOXO3a) nuclear compartmentalization. Cytoprotective effects observed in wt α-syn cells were also associated with the upregulation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1). In control cells, MB-treatment downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 mRNA levels, which was coincident with increased ROS content, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial alterations. These deleterious effects were prevented by ferrostatin-1, an inhibitor of ferroptosis, under conditions of endogenous α-synuclein expression. The overexpression of α-synuclein attenuated MB toxicity by the activation of the same mechanisms as ferrostatin-1. Overall, our findings suggest that mild overexpression of α-synuclein attenuates MB-induced neurotoxicity through the modulation of NRF2 and FOXO3a transcription factors and prevents cell death probably by intervening in mechanisms associated with ferroptosis. Thus, we postulate that early stages of α-synuclein overexpression could be potentially neuroprotective against MB neurotoxicity.

Outcome and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost in patients with pharyngo-laryngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: The present work aims at evaluating intensity-modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the larynx and hypopharynx. METHODS/PATIENTS: We performed a single institutional retrospective analysis on 116 pharyngo (29%)-laryngeal (71%) SCC patients (93% male) treated with IMRT-SIB to 66-69.96 Gy in 33 fractions between 2008 and 2016. Those who underwent surgery (54%) received adjuvant radiation of 66 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction to the surgical bed. 16 patients (14%) were treated for a local recurrence after prior surgery. High-risk lymph node regions received 59.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction and low risk regions 54.12 Gy at 1.64 Gy/fraction. The median age was 60 years and 95% of patients had an ECOG performance status 0-2. Most had advanced stage disease (III 22%, IV 74%). Chemotherapy was delivered in 74% of cases. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 32 months. Two and three-year overall survival for all patients was 87% and 82%, respectively. There were 28 (24%) locoregional recurrences and 19 (16%) distant failures. Grade 3 mucositis, dermatitis, and xerostomy were observed in 12%, 10%, and 3%, respectively. A longer IMRT-SIB overall treatment time was associated with a higher risk of mortality (HR 1.09, CI 1.01-1.17, P = 0.02). Postoperative IMRT-SIB associated with a significantly lower risk of any recurrence (HR 0.34, CI 0.18-0.64, P = 0.001) and higher local control (HR 0.06, CI 0.01-0.24, P < 0.01). Additionally, it associated with a lower risk of mucositis (P = 0.029) compared with definitive radio (chemo) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: IMRT-SIB is a safe and feasible radiation treatment technique for pharyngo-laryngeal SCC patients with a tolerable acute toxicity profile.

Prevalence of reactivity to the tuberculin test and associated factors in the population attended at a drug addiction center in the period 2013-2016.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological study of prevalence, carried out at Center for Drug Addiction of the center of addictions of Nou Barris (Barcelona, Spain) during 2013-2016 in order to know the prevalence of tuberculin test reactivity (TTR) and its predictive factors in drug-dependent population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epidemiological and clinical variables, associated with the consumption of drugs and the practice of the tuberculin test, were collected. The reading rate and the prevalence of TTR for annual periods, as well as the predictive factors through a bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 389 patients were studied (109 in 2013, 84 in 2014, 111 in 2015 and 85 in 2016) and they went to the reading of the TT 337 (86.6%). The prevalence of TTR was 33.2% in the readings. At the bivariate level, TTR was associated with sex, origin and prior history. In the multivariate analysis, the predictive value of age was confirmed (more reactivity in ≥40 years; p <0.001, odds ratio [OR]: 4.85, confidence interval [IC]: 2.68-8.78), being male (p = 0.003, OR: 2.81, IC: 1.43-5.53), and being an immigrant (p <0.001; OR: 7.32, IC: 3.56-15.03). DISCUSSION: It is concluded that the prevalence of TTR is high, especially in men, in those of more age, and in immigrants and that the drug addiction devices continue to be basic in the detection and monitoring of the latent tuberculosis infection.

[Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Region of Murcia]. / Prevalencia de la esclerosis multiple en la Region de Murcia.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with immune-mediated pathogenesis. Recent research points to an increase in its prevalence, and a number of studies relate Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with its aetiology. AIMS: This study seeks to analyse the prevalence of MS in the Region of Murcia, and includes a description of the clinical characteristics at the time of onset of the disease, and of the EBV serological status of patients with MS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study based on a sample consisting of the population living within the central-west healthcare area of the Region of Murcia (257,865 inhabitants). Clinical and serological data extracted from different sources were analysed. RESULTS: Prevalence of MS in the population under study: 88 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Prevalence of MS together with isolated demyelinating syndrome: 98.4 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Mean incidence of MS: 5.8 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year. At the onset of MS, 67.8% were females, 81.9% presented a relapsing-remitting course, the mean age was 31.4 years, the sensory system was the most frequently compromised (45.1%), onset was monofocal in 55.4% and the degree of disability on the Expanded Disability Status Scale was 2.1 points. The seroprevalence of EBV was 99.3%. The reactivation of EBV infection was related to the clinical activity of MS in 10 patients (45.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Currently, the prevalence of MS in the Region of Murcia is similar to that estimated in other Spanish autonomous regions. The study confirms the trend of increased prevalence observed over the last few decades.

TITLE: Prevalencia de la esclerosis multiple en la Region de Murcia.Introduccion. La esclerosis multiple (EM) es una enfermedad inflamatoria desmielinizante del sistema nervioso central con patogenia inmunomediada. Recientes estudios indican un aumento de su prevalencia, y numerosos trabajos relacionan el virus de Epstein-Barr (VEB) con su etiologia. Objetivo. Analisis de prevalencia de la EM en la Region de Murcia, incluyendo la descripcion de las caracteristicas clinicas en el momento del inicio de la enfermedad, y del estado serologico del VEB de los pacientes con EM. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio epidemiologico retrospectivo, tomando como muestra la poblacion residente en el area sanitaria centro-oeste de la Region de Murcia (257.865 habitantes). Se analizan datos clinicos y serologicos extraidos de diferentes fuentes. Resultados. Prevalencia de la EM en la poblacion estudiada: 88 casos/100.000 habitantes. Prevalencia de la EM junto con el sindrome desmielinizante aislado: 98,4 casos/100.000 habitantes. Incidencia media de la EM: 5,8 casos/100.000 habitantes/año. En el inicio de la EM, el 67,8% eran mujeres, el 81,9% presentaba un curso recurrente-remitente, la edad media era de 31,4 años, el sistema funcional mas frecuentemente afectado era el sensitivo (45,1%), el inicio fue monofocal en el 55,4% y el grado de discapacidad en la Expanded Disability Status Scale era de 2,1 puntos. La seroprevalencia del VEB fue del 99,3%. La reactivacion de la infeccion por VEB se relaciono con actividad clinica de EM en 10 pacientes (45,4%). Conclusiones. Actualmente, la prevalencia de la EM en la Region de Murcia es similar a la estimada en otras comunidades autonomas españolas. El estudio confirma la tendencia de incremento de prevalencia observada en las ultimas decadas.

[Kniest's disease. Apropos of a case]. / La maladie de Kniest. A propos d'un cas.

A new case of Kniest's disease, which presented with all the usual radiological and clinical features, is reported. The differential diagnosis with other entities which present similar radiological signs will be discussed.

[Benign tumors of the esophagus. Esophageal leiomyoma]. / Tumores benignos de esófago. Leiomioma esofágico.

Benign neoplasms of the esophagus are rare. The most frequent symptom (75% of the cases) is dysphagia, and a very rare one is dyspnea. When a benign tumor of the esophagus is suspected, a radiological examination is made and the diagnosis confirmed by fibro-esophagoscopy and biopsy. The authors make a summarized review of the benign tumors of the esophagus, and describe a case of esophageal leiomyoma.