Antibacterial activity of Crude Momordica charantia, Cassia alata, and Allium sativum methanolic extracts on Leptospira interrogans serovar Manilae

Background and Objective@#Leptospirosis is a disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira prevalent in tropical countries like the Philippines. Some studies have shown that the role of currently used antibiotics for leptospirosis is unclear since trials have found no significant benefit to patient outcomes compared to placebo. This signals the need for alternative therapies, such as herbal medicines, which may provide effective therapeutic regimens in treating this infection. In this study, we characterized the antibacterial potential of three Philippine herbal medicines against Leptospira interrogans. @*Methods@#Crude methanolic extracts of Momordica charantia, Cassia alata, and Allium sativum were subjected to an optimized broth microdilution assay against L. interrogans, utilizing the resazurin-resorufin reaction as a cell proliferation and viability indicator. @*Results@#The respective minimum inhibitory concentrations of the plants were found to be as follows: 1.25 mg/mL (M. charantia), 2.5 mg/mL (C. alata), and >5 mg/mL (A. sativum). @*Conclusions@#Among the three herbal medicines, M. charantia and C. alata proved to have antibacterial activity against L. interrogans. Given the promising potential of two of these plant extracts, exploring the use of other solvents to extract natural compounds from these plants, and discovering possible synergistic effects between these plants and conventional antibiotics may be worthwhile.

The aromatic scents of four plants in learning and memory of Drosophila melanogaster

Introduction@#Folkloric claims have surrounded essential oils, including their enhancement of learning and memory through inhalational exposure. Few studies in humans have shown a benefit in cognition, albeit incremental. However, this benefit may not be entirely attributable to the essential oil aroma but may be confounded by psychological associations. We investigated rosemary, peppermint, lemon, and coffee aromas in a learning and memory model of Drosophila melanogaster to eliminate this confounder.@*Methods@#We screened for concentrations of the four treatments that are non-stimulatory for altered locomotory behavior in the flies. At these concentrations, we determined if they were chemoneutral (i.e., neither chemoattractant nor chemorepellent) to the flies. Learning and memory of the flies exposed to these aromas were determined using an Aversive Phototaxis Suppression (APS) assay.@*Results@#The aromas of rosemary, peppermint, and lemon that did not elicit altered mobility in the flies were from dilute essential oil solutions that ranged from 0.2 to 0.5% v/v; whereas for the aroma in coffee, it was at a higher concentration of 7.5% m/v. At these concentrations, the aromas used were found to be chemoneutral towards the flies. We observed no improvement in both learning and memory in the four aromas tested. While a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in learning was observed when flies were treated with the aromas of rosemary, peppermint, and coffee, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in memory was only observed in the peppermint aroma treatment.@*Conclusion@#This study demonstrated that in the absence of psychological association, the four aromas do not enhance learning and memory

The In Vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity and In Vivo postprandial antihyperglycemic activity of Ficus nota Blanco Merr. and Ficus septica Burm. F. leaf methanolic extracts

Background@#One of the therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus involves suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting key enzymes in carbohydrate digestion, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. While such inhibitors are commercially available, some researchers have turned to plants for potentially cheaper and safer alternatives.@*Objectives@#The study aimed to investigate the in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the leaf methanolic extracts of two native Philippine plants Ficus nota Blanco Merr. and Ficus septica Burm F, as well as their effects on postprandial blood glucose levels in a mouse model.@*Methodology@#The in vitro activities of the leaf methanolic extracts were evaluated against porcine pancreatic α-amylase and yeast αglucosidase. The most active extract was partially purified into fractions by sequential solvent partitioning and subjected to in vitro testing. Postprandial antihyperglycemic activity was then assessed in normoglycemic ICR mice. Phytochemical analysis was also performed@*Results@#The most active extract and fraction in vitro were FS-crude and FS-HexF, respectively, having significantly more potent αglucosidase inhibitory activity than the commercial drug acarbose. FS-crude and FS-HexF exhibited strong inhibition of αglucosidase and weak inhibition of α-amylase, which is considered favorable for novel inhibitors as it is hypothesized to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects. However, FS-crude and FS-HexF did not significantly attenuate postprandial blood glucose levels in the oral starch tolerance test. Phytochemical analysis of FS-HexF putatively identified 6-gingerol as one of the possible bioactive components.@*Conclusion@#F. septica could be a potential source of glycoside inhibitors as it showed promising in vitro inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. While it did not exhibit significant postprandial antihyperglycemic activity in this study, more robust testing is recommended to make a definitive conclusion.

Isolated pancreatic myeloid sarcoma: A potential mimicker of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an extramedullary proliferation of immature myeloid cells which may occur as a progression of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), or myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN) and as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse. Rarely may it be de novo. Lymph nodes, skin, lungs, intestine are the commonly involved sites. However, an isolated pancreatic MS is seldom reported in the literature. Herein, we report one such case which was misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma on the clinico-radiological examination which misled us away from preoperative diagnostic sampling, and a Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Histopathological examination in conjunction with immunohistochemistry revealed the final diagnosis of isolated MS of the pancreas. We emphasize that although rare, a clinical suspicion along with preoperative histopathological examination may lead to early diagnosis, targeted management, and a better clinical outcome in such cases.

Colonic Gene Expression and Fecal Microbiota in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome:Increased Toll-like Receptor 4 but Minimal Inflammation and no Response to Mesalazine

Background/Aims@#Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) has been previously associated with evidence of immune activation and altered microbiota. Our aim is to assess the effect of the anti-inflammatory agent, mesalazine, on inflammatory gene expression and microbiota composition in IBS-D. @*Methods@#We studied a subset of patients (n = 43) from a previously published 12-week radomized placebo-controlled trial of mesalazine. Mucosal biopsies were assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for a range of markers of inflammation, altered permeability, and sensory receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) at randomization after treatment. All biopsy data were compared to 21 healthy controls. Patient’s stool microbiota composition was analysed through 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. @*Results@#We found no evidence of increased immune activation compared to healthy controls. However, we did find increased expression of receptors in both sensory pathways and innate immune response including TLR4. Higher TLR4 expression was associated with greater urgency. TLR4 expression correlated strongly with the expression of the receptors bradykinin receptor B2, chemerin chemokine-like receptor 1, and transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 as well as TLR4’s downstream adaptor myeloid differentiation factor 88. Mesalazine had minimal effect on either gene expression or microbiota composition. @*Conclusions@#Biopsies from a well-characterized IBS-D cohort showed no substantial inflammation. Mesalazine has little effect on gene expression and its previous reported effect on fecal microbiota associated with much greater inflammation found in inflammatory bowel diseases is likely secondary to reduced inflammation. Increased expression of TLR4 and correlated receptors in IBS may mediate a general increase in sensitivity to external stimuli, particularly those that signal via the TLR system.

Colonic Gene Expression and Fecal Microbiota in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome:Increased Toll-like Receptor 4 but Minimal Inflammation and no Response to Mesalazine

Background/Aims@#Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) has been previously associated with evidence of immune activation and altered microbiota. Our aim is to assess the effect of the anti-inflammatory agent, mesalazine, on inflammatory gene expression and microbiota composition in IBS-D. @*Methods@#We studied a subset of patients (n = 43) from a previously published 12-week radomized placebo-controlled trial of mesalazine. Mucosal biopsies were assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for a range of markers of inflammation, altered permeability, and sensory receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) at randomization after treatment. All biopsy data were compared to 21 healthy controls. Patient’s stool microbiota composition was analysed through 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. @*Results@#We found no evidence of increased immune activation compared to healthy controls. However, we did find increased expression of receptors in both sensory pathways and innate immune response including TLR4. Higher TLR4 expression was associated with greater urgency. TLR4 expression correlated strongly with the expression of the receptors bradykinin receptor B2, chemerin chemokine-like receptor 1, and transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 as well as TLR4’s downstream adaptor myeloid differentiation factor 88. Mesalazine had minimal effect on either gene expression or microbiota composition. @*Conclusions@#Biopsies from a well-characterized IBS-D cohort showed no substantial inflammation. Mesalazine has little effect on gene expression and its previous reported effect on fecal microbiota associated with much greater inflammation found in inflammatory bowel diseases is likely secondary to reduced inflammation. Increased expression of TLR4 and correlated receptors in IBS may mediate a general increase in sensitivity to external stimuli, particularly those that signal via the TLR system.

Cerebro-spinal fluid leak in skull base reconstruction using hadad - bassagasteguy flap after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: A case series

Objective@#To determine the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after Hadad[1]Bassagasteguy Flap (HBF) reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for skull base pathologies from 2016 to 2020 at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. @*Methods@#Design: Case Series. Setting: Tertiary Private Training Hospital.@*Participants@#Charts of 35 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery with reconstruction using Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap between January 2016 to February 2020 were reviewed and data on demographics, date of procedure, mass size, final diagnosis, presence of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative CSF leak, placement of lumbar drain and course in the wards were collected. @*Results@#There were 23 women and 12 men with ages ranging from 21 to 71 years. Four patients (11.4%) had postoperative CSF leak after reconstruction with HBF. Two of these four patients had episodes of nose blowing and sneezing weeks after surgery, prior to the development of the CSF leak. The other two patients experienced CSF leak 3 days postoperatively. @*Conclusion@#HBF has been a workhorse for reconstruction of skull base defects after transsphenoidal surgery, and based on our experience remains to be so, making it possible for expanded approaches and a wide variety of pathologies to be operated on via the endonasal route

In silico prediction of SARS-COV-2 epitopes for vaccine development

@#The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing major damages in health and economies worldwide. The development of safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 is of utmost importance yet none have been licensed to date. One of the strategies for vaccine development utilizes dendritic cells which express class I and class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. These HLA molecules present the antigenic peptides to T cells which mediate the immune response. Thus, the study aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 peptides with potential binding to HLA class I and class II molecules using different bioinformatics tools. SYFPEITHI and IEDB were used to predict epitopes for the most common HLA class I and II alleles among Filipinos. The top predicted epitopes were subjected to de novo and template-based molecular docking. Then, binding energies of the generated peptide-HLA complexes to putative T cell receptors were predicted using a homology modeling approach. Several predicted epitopes showed promising MHC and TCR binding, although results varied considerably between the prediction methods used. In particular, the results of de novo and template-based docking methods did not coincide, the latter of which generated complexes that more closely resemble typical peptide-HLA complexes. The results of this study will be validated by the next stage of the vaccine development project which is the in vitro assessment of the T cell responses elicited by dendritic cells pulsed with the candidate peptides.

In silico prediction of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes for vaccine development

@#The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing major damages in health and economies worldwide. The development of safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 is of utmost importance yet none have been licensed to date. One of the strategies for vaccine development utilizes dendritic cells which express class I and class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. These HLA molecules present the antigenic peptides to T cells which mediate the immune response. Thus, the study aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 peptides with potential binding to HLA class I and class II molecules using different bioinformatics tools. SYFPEITHI and IEDB were used to predict epitopes for the most common HLA class I and II alleles among Filipinos. The top predicted epitopes were subjected to de novo and template-based molecular docking. Then, binding energies of the generated peptide-HLA complexes to putative T cell receptors were predicted using a homology modeling approach. Several predicted epitopes showed promising MHC and TCR binding, although results varied considerably between the prediction methods used. In particular, the results of de novo and template-based docking methods did not coincide, the latter of which generated complexes that more closely resemble typical peptide-HLA complexes. The results of this study will be validated by the next stage of the vaccine development project which is the in vitro assessment of the T cell responses elicited by dendritic cells pulsed with the candidate peptides.

Correlation between prostate size and age of patients evaluated for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the commonest cause of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in middle age and elderly men. Prostate size increases as a man ages. It has been documented that age and androgens are the greatest risk factors for BPH progression. The size of the prostate can predict the future need and outcome of BPH­related surgery. The aim of this study was to correlate prostatic size (volume) with age of patients evaluated for symptomatic BPH. Patients and method: This was a retrospective study of one hundred and ninety two (192) patients that were evaluated for BPH in two (2) urology centers in Nigeria between January 2018 and June 2019. Patient's bio-data, findings on history and physical examination, relevant laboratory and imaging studies, in particular, trans-rectal ultrasound reports of the prostate were collated and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: 192 men with a mean age of 64.23±9.47 years were evaluated. Majority of the patients presented in their 7th decade of life. Mean prostate volume was 67.59±45.70mls while mean prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 4.76±4.59ng/ml. Correlation between prostate volume and age was weak; r(192) = .172, P<0.05. Conclusion: Prostate size (volume) in our cohort of patients showed a weak correlation with age

Non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leak from a sphenoid sinus midline roof defect previously managed as allergic rhinitis

@#<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>To present a case of a non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea from a midline sphenoid sinus roof that presented as a persistent postnasal drip and was previously managed as allergic rhinitis for 43 years.</p><p><strong>METHODS:</strong></p><p>            <strong>Design:</strong>           Case Report</p><p>            <strong>Setting:</strong>           Tertiary Private University Hospital</p><p>            <strong>Participant:</strong>     One</p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A 58-year-old obese and hypertensive man presented with persistent post nasal drip and intermittent clear watery rhinorrhea. He had been managed as a case of allergic rhinitis for 43 years and was maintained on nasal steroid sprays without relief. Nasal endoscopy revealed pulsating clear watery discharge from the sphenoid ostium. On trans-sphenoidal surgery, a midline sphenoid sinus roof defect was sealed using a Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> CSF rhinorrhea is uncommon and may mimic more common diseases such as allergic rhinitis. Because misdiagnosis can then lead to life threatening complications, physicians should be vigilant when seeing patients with clear watery rhinorrhea to be able to arrive at a proper diagnosis and provide prompt treatment.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p>

Observation of a new pattern of mutations in gyrA and parC within Escherichia coli exhibiting fluroquinolone resistance

Therapeutic options with quinolones are severely compromised in infections caused by members of Enterobacteriaceae family. Mutations in chromosomal region are one of the major reasons for bacterial resistance towards this group of antibiotic. The aim of the study is to detect the mutations in gyr A and par C responsible for quinolone resistance among clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. A total of 96 quinolone-resistant clinical isolates of E. coli were collected from a tertiary care hospital of North-east India during March 2015 to August 2015. All the quinolone-resistant E. coli strains were investigated for mutations in the topoisomerases genes gyrA and parC by amplifying and sequencing the quinolone resistance determining regions. Among the 96 E. coli isolates, 83.3% were resistant to nalidixic acid and 80.2%, 66.6%, 23.9% and 50% to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin and ofloxacin, respectively. Several alterations were detected in gyrA and parC genes. Three new patterns of amino acid substitution are reported in E. coli isolates. The findings of this study warrant a review in quinolone-based therapy in this region of the world to stop or slow down the irrational use this drug.

Association of glycerol kinase gene with class 3 integrons: A novel cassette array within Escherichia coli

Background: Integrons are genetic elements which are known for their role in capturing and spreading of antibiotic resistance determinants among Gram-negative bacilli. So far, there is no study regarding Class 3 integron and their genetic organisation in India. Objective: This study investigates the occurrence of Class 3 integron and their gene cassette array among Escherichia coli. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 200 E. coli isolates were collected from indoor and outdoor patients from Silchar Medical College and Hospital during September 2015 to February 2016. Detection of the integrase genes and gene cassettes within the Class 3 integron was performed by polymerase chain reaction which was further analysed by sequencing. Results: Twenty-seven isolates were found to harbour Class 3 integron. Sequencing of the gene cassettes and whole Class 3 integron revealed the presence of nine different types of cassettes array, out of which the arrangement with glycerol kinase gene cassette was found to be the most prevalent. Arrangement with blaCTX-Mgene cassette was also detected in few isolates. Conclusion: This study provides epidemiological profiling of Class 3 integrons in this geographical area. The data generated in this study are helpful in infection control programme, anti-infective research and search for epidemiological markers.

Las nebulizaciones con solución salina hipertónica al 5% disminuyen las exacerbaciones respiratorias en pacientes pediátricos traqueostomizados / Nebulized 5% hypertonic saline decreases respiratory exacerbations in pediatric patients with tracheostomy

Nebulized hypertonic saline solution is useful in pediatric diseases such as bronchiolitis and cystic fibrosis. However its usefulness in pediatric patients with tracheostomy has not been studied. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of nebulized hypertonic solution 5% (SSH5%) in this population. Methods: Prospective cross over, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study It was approved by ethics committee. 34 out of 37 tracheostomized pediatric patients hospitalized from February to May 2013, were selected for this study. They underwent a period of wash out a month later They were randomly divided into a treatment group and a placebo group. Treatment group received hypertonic saline solution 5% (SSH5%) and placebo group saline solution 0.9% (SSF). Both groups received nebulization once daily for 30 days. Then there was a second washout with subsequent crossover Data collected were: patients identification, number of aspirations per day, type of aspirated secretions, mucus plug, fever, oxygen flow supplied and pressure of mechanical ventilator The first nebulization on group SSH5% was defined as a tolerance test. Data analysis was performed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney and t Student tests. The main measured effect was presence and number of respiratory exacerbations, evaluated with Prescott test. Results: 50% of patients were female, their mean age was 3.94 years-old and 82% were with mechanical ventilation. We did not find significant differences between both groups in age, sex or mechanical ventilation. Treatment group SSH5% had less number of respiratory exacerbations than SSF group (p = 0.00595). No adverse effects were observed with the use of SSH5%. Conclusions: Nebulized SSH5% decreased pulmonary exacerbations in patients with tracheostomy with or without mechanical ventilation, being safe its application.

El uso de nebulizaciones de solución salina hipertónica es beneficioso en enfermedades pediátricas, como bronquiolitis y fibrosis quística, sin embargo, no se ha estudiado su efecto en pacientes pediátricos traqueostomizados. Nuestro propósito fue determinar la utilidad de las nebulizaciones con solución hipertónica al 5% (SSH5%) en esta población. Pacientes y Método: Estudio prospectivo ‘cross over’, doble ciego, aleatorizado, controlado por placebo. Aprobado por comité de ética. De 37 pacientes traqueostomizados internados en el Hospital Josefina Martínez desde febrero a mayo de 2013, se seleccionaron 34 que fueron sometidos a un período de ‘wash out’ de un mes, posteriormente se dividieron en forma aleatoria, en grupo tratamiento y grupo placebo. El grupo tratamiento recibió solución salina hipertónica al 5% (SSH5%) y el grupo placebo solución salina al 0,9% (SSF). Ambos grupos recibieron nebulización una vez al día durante 30 días. Luego, hubo un segundo período de ‘wash out’ con posterior cross over. Los datos recolectados fueron: identificación del paciente, número de aspiraciones/día, tipo de secreciones aspiradas, tapón mucoso, fiebre, flujo de oxígeno suministrado y presiones del ventilador mecánico. La primera nebulización grupo SSH5% se definió como prueba de tolerancia. El análisis de datos se realizó con pruebas chi cuadrado, Mann-Whitney y t de Student. El efecto principal medido fue presencia y número de exacerbaciones respiratorias, evaluado con test de Prescott. Resultados: 50% de los pacientes fueron de sexo femenino, su media de edad fue 3,94 años y 82% de ellos estaban con ventilación mecánica. No encontramos diferencias significativas en edad, sexo o uso de ventilación mecánica entre ambos grupos. El grupo tratamiento SSH5% presentó menor número de exacerbaciones respiratorias que el grupo SSF (p = 0,00595). No se observaron efectos adversos con el uso de SSH5%. Conclusiones: Las nebulizaciones SSH5% disminuyeron las exacerbaciones respiratorias en pacientes traqueostomizados con y sin ventilación mecánica, siendo segura su aplicación.

Distribution of Class II integrons and their contribution to antibiotic resistance within Enterobacteriaceae family in India.

Background: Integrons are the main contributors to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) among Gram‑negative bacilli. There is a lack of knowledge about the molecular relation between gene cassettes and antibiotic resistance in India. Objective: In this study, we have investigated the occurrence of Class II integron and their cassette array among Enterobacteriaceae. Materials and Methods: A total of 268 MDR non‑duplicate strains of Enterobacteriaceae were collected from Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, Assam, India, during June 2012 to May 2013. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of the integrase genes and gene cassettes within the Class II integron which were further analysed by sequencing. Results: Class II integron was observed in 47 isolates. Four different gene cassette arrangements were detected: dfrA1‑sat2‑aadA1; dfrA1‑sat2‑aadA1‑orfX‑ybeA‑ybfA‑ybfB‑ybgA; dfrA12‑sat2‑aadA1; and dfrA1‑linF‑aadA1. The most prevalent cassette combination was dfrA1‑sat2‑aadA1. This study has also identified a set of gene cassette associated with linF gene instead of sat2 gene. Conclusion: Further investigation is required to determine the current situation and important reservoir of Class II integron for the transmission of drug resistance among Enterobacteriaceae and their contribution to antimicrobial resistance in hospital environment.

Erratum: Scar Revision Surgery: The Patient's Perspective

This erratum is being published to correct the printing errors on page 730, 732, and 733.

Perfil de morbilidad otorrinolaringológica en niños con síndrome de Down / Ear, nose and throat disease profile in children with Down syndrome

Introducción: Los niños con síndrome de Down (SD) tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad otorrinolaringológica (ORL). Recomendaciones internacionales sugieren realizar tamizaje auditivo precoz y control periódico por especialista. Nuestro objetivo fue caracterizar la enfermedad ORL en niños con SD y proponer una recomendación adaptada a nuestra realidad. Pacientes y método: Estudio transversal, descriptivo, en niños de 6 meses a 15 años con SD. Los datos se obtuvieron por medio de entrevista a los padres y revisión de fichas clínicas. Resultados: Se analizaron 134 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 44,5 meses. El 78,8% de ellos presentaba enfermedad ORL, siendo la más frecuente la rinitis alérgica y otitis con efusión. El tamizaje auditivo estaba alterado en un 25% de ellos, el 50% de los mayores de 3 años con estudio de sueño tenían apnea obstructiva del sueño. Los niños de mayor edad tuvieron estadísticamente mayor frecuencia de enfermedad ORL. Conclusiones: Esta serie muestra una alta frecuencia de enfermedad ORL en niños con SD, lo que refuerza la necesidad de realizar tamizaje auditivo, sospechar e identificar las apneas obstructivas del sueño y derivación rutinaria al especialista para optimización de las condiciones auditivas que permitan el mejor desarrollo del niño con SD.

Introduction: The children with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk of ear-nose-throat (ENT) disorders. International recommendations suggest early hearing screening and periodic specialist evaluation. Our goal was to characterize ENT disorders in children with DS, and propose recommendations for the Chilean population. Patients and method: Cross-sectional, descriptive study, of children with DS, between 6 months and 15 years of age. The data was obtained by a health interview to the parents and review of medical records. Results: We analyzed 134 patients with an average age of 44.5 months. The 78.8% had ENT disorders, the most frequent ENT disorders was allergic rhinitis and otitis media with effusion. Hearing screening was abnormal in a quarter of the patients, 50% of children over 3 years of age had obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed by polysomnogram. Older children had a statistically higher frequency of ENT disorders. Conclusions: This series shows a high rate of ENT disorders in children with DS, which supports recommendations for hearing screening, high suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea and routine referral to an ENT specialist for prevention and aggressive therapy in order to reduce hearing loss and improve development of the child with DS.

Single‑walled and multi‑walled carbon nanotubes based drug delivery system: Cancer therapy: A review.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are advanced nano‑carrier for delivery of drugs especially anti‑cancer drugs. In the field of CNT‑based drug delivery system, both single‑walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi‑walled nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be used for targeting anticancer drugs in tissues and organs, where the high therapeutic effect is necessary. Benefits of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in drug delivery systems are; avoiding solvent usage and reducing the side effects. Therefore, the present review article described about achievement of SWCNTs and MWCNTs to deliver the anticancer drugs with different cancerous cell lines.

Solitary staphylococcal liver abcess in a neonate.

28 days old neonate presented with high fever, abdominal distension, poor feeding and lethargy. Sepsis screen was positive; ultrasound and computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated a multiloculated hepatic abcess in the right lobe of the liver. The baby was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks and percutaneous aspiration of the abcess, resulting in excellent recovery.