Vigilancia activa en cáncer de próstata en un grupo de pacientes asistidos en el Centro Docente Asociado de Oncología Médica Rivera: Cooperativa Médica de Rivera (COMERI) / Active surveillance in prostate cancer in a group of patients assisted at the Rivera Associated Teaching Center for Medical Oncology: Rivera Medical Cooperative (COMERI) / Vigilância ativa do câncer de próstata em um grupo de pacientes atendidos no Rivera Associated Teaching Center for Medical Oncology: Rivera Medical Cooperative (COMERI)

Introducción: En Uruguay el cáncer de próstata ocupa el primer lugar en incidencia y el tercer lugar en mortalidad en el hombre. La mayoría de estos cánceres se diagnostican en estadios precoces. Hoy en día, para pacientes con adenocarcinoma de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, la vigilancia activa es una opción adecuada. Objetivos: Describir una población de pacientes con cáncer de próstata de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, en vigilancia activa en COMERI. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con cáncer de próstata de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, tratados entre 2010 y 2018 en COMERI. Se recopilaron datos en el sistema de registro clínico electrónico. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes, la mediana de edad al diagnóstico fue de 74 años. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a controles clínicos y determinación de PSA cada 3 meses. El tacto rectal se realizó en forma anual. El tiempo mediano de vigilancia activa fue de 33 meses. Durante el seguimiento, se observaron pocas variaciones en los valores de PSA. El 21% de los pacientes fue sometido a una nueva biopsia durante el seguimiento activo, y en todos los casos, el Gleason se mantuvo incambiado. Ningún paciente abandonó la modalidad de vigilancia activa. Conclusión: En nuestro entorno, la vigilancia activa se considera una opción terapéutica válida para pacientes altamente seleccionados con cáncer de próstata de muy bajo riesgo, bajo riesgo o riesgo intermedio favorable, y es bien aceptada por ellos.

Introduction: In Uruguay, prostate cancer ranks first in incidence and third in mortality among men. The majority of these cancers are diagnosed at early stages. Nowadays, active surveillance is an appropriate option for patients with adenocarcinoma of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk. Objectives: To describe a population of patients with prostate cancer of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk under active surveillance at COMERI. Materials and Methods: Descriptive, observational, retrospective study. Patients with prostate cancer of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk treated between 2010 and 2018 at COMERI were included. Data were collected from the electronic clinical registry system. Results: Thirty-three patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 74 years. All patients underwent clinical monitoring and PSA determination every 3 months. Digital rectal examination was performed annually. The median time of active surveillance was 33 months. During follow-up, there were few variations in PSA values. 21% of patients underwent a repeat biopsy during active surveillance, and in all cases, the Gleason score remained unchanged. No patient discontinued active surveillance. Conclusion: In our setting, active surveillance is considered a valid therapeutic option for highly selected patients with prostate cancer of very low risk, low risk, or favorable intermediate risk, and it is well accepted by them.

Introdução: No Uruguai, o câncer de próstata ocupa o primeiro lugar em incidência e o terceiro lugar em mortalidade entre os homens. A maioria desses cânceres é diagnosticada em estágios precoces. Atualmente, para pacientes com adenocarcinoma de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável, a vigilância ativa é uma opção adequada. Objetivos: Descrever uma população de pacientes com câncer de próstata de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável sob vigilância ativa em COMERI. Material e métodos: Estudo descritivo, observacional, retrospectivo. Foram incluídos pacientes com câncer de próstata de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável, tratados entre 2010 e 2018 em COMERI. Os dados foram coletados no sistema de registro clínico eletrônico. Resultados: Foram incluídos 33 pacientes, com mediana de idade no diagnóstico de 74 anos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a controles clínicos e determinação de PSA a cada 3 meses. O toque retal foi realizado anualmente. O tempo médio de vigilância ativa foi de 33 meses. Durante o acompanhamento, houve poucas variações nos valores de PSA. 21% dos pacientes foram submetidos a uma nova biópsia durante a vigilância ativa, e em todos os casos, o Gleason permaneceu inalterado. Nenhum paciente abandonou a modalidade de vigilância ativa. Conclusão: Em nosso ambiente, a vigilância ativa é considerada uma opção terapêutica válida para pacientes altamente selecionados com câncer de próstata de risco muito baixo, baixo risco ou risco intermediário favorável, e é bem aceita por eles.

Respiratory system parameters in children with low severity cystic fibrosis: is there early involvement in relation to healthy peers? / Parâmetros do sistema respiratório em crianças com fibrose cística de baixa gravidade: há acometimento precoce em relação a pares saudáveis?

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare and analyze pulmonary function and respiratory mechanics parameters between healthy children and children with cystic fibrosis. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included healthy children (HSG) and children with cystic fibrosis (CFG), aged 6-13 years, from teaching institutions and a reference center for cystic fibrosis in Florianópolis/SC, Brazil. The patients were paired by age and sex. Initially, an anthropometric evaluation was undertaken to pair the sample characteristics in both groups; the medical records of CFG were consulted for bacterial colonization, genotype, and disease severity (Schwachman-Doershuk Score — SDS) data. Spirometry and impulse oscillometry were used to assess pulmonary function. Results: In total, 110 children were included, 55 in each group. In the CFG group, 58.2% were classified as excellent by SDS, 49.1% showed the ΔF508 heterozygotic genotype, and 67.3% were colonized by some pathogens. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between both groups (p<0.05) in most pulmonary function parameters and respiratory mechanics. Conclusions: Children with cystic fibrosis showed obstructive ventilatory disorders and compromised peripheral airways compared with healthy children. These findings reinforce the early changes in pulmonary function and mechanics associated with this disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar e analisar parâmetros de função pulmonar e de mecânica respiratória entre escolares saudáveis e com fibrose cística (FC). Métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu escolares saudáveis (GES) e com FC (GFC), com idades entre seis e 13 anos, provenientes de instituições de ensino e de um centro de referência da FC em Florianópolis/SC, Brasil, pareados por idade e sexo, respectivamente. Inicialmente, conduziu-se avaliação antropométrica para pareamento e caracterização de ambos os grupos e, no GFC, consultou-se prontuário médico para registro dos dados de colonização bacteriana, genótipo e gravidade da doença (Escore de Schwachman-Doershuk — ESD). Para a avaliação da função pulmonar, realizou-se espirometria e a avaliação da mecânica respiratória foi conduzida por meio do sistema de oscilometria de impulso. Resultados: Participaram 110 escolares, 55 em cada grupo. No GFC, 58,2% foram classificados pelo ESD como excelentes, 49,1% apresentaram genótipo ∆F508 heterozigoto e 67,3% eram colonizados por alguma patógeno. Houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) na maioria dos parâmetros de função pulmonar e de mecânica respiratória entre os grupos. Conclusões: Escolares com FC apresentaram distúrbio ventilatório obstrutivo e com comprometimento de vias aéreas periféricas, em comparação aos escolares hígidos. Esse evento reforça o início precoce da alteração de função pulmonar e de mecânica respiratória nessa enfermidade, evidenciados pelos achados desta investigação.

Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia typhi in hospitalized children diagnosed with Pediatric Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Merida, Yucatan

Abstract Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) presents with fever, fatigue, elevated inflammatory markers (acute phase reactants), and a history of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or positive antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, the risk of MIS-C in the pediatric population increased. However, exposure to other viruses and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 positive antibodies in children hospitalized for various pathogen-associated illnesses will also remain common and may complicate differential diagnoses with diseases endemic to the region such as rickettsial diseases. The objective was to highlight the desirability of medical personnel systematically incorporating rickettsiosis as a differential diagnosis for MIS-C when studying a child with fever, non-specific symptoms, and elevated inflammatory markers. In conclusion MIS-C should be considered in children with elevated inflammatory markers when there is a history of COVID-19 and they also meet criteria that have already been established by international agencies, such as CDC and WHO

Analysis of Antidepressant Quality Markers of Bupleuri Radix Before and After Vinegar-processing Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze the antidepressant quality markers（Q-Marker） of Bupleuri Radix（BP） before and after vinegar-processing by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）， multivariate statistical analysis and network pharmacology. MethodUPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the chemical basis of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP， and principal component analysis（PCA） orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） were used to identify the differential components in BP that changed significantly before and after vinegar-processing， which were regarded as candidate quality markers（Q-Marker）. Then the disease-drug-component-target network related to antidepressant effect of BP was constructed by network pharmacology， and the antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP was determined. Rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， fluoxetine group（2.67 mg·kg-1） and total saponin group（0.72 mg·kg-1）， except the blank group， rats in the other groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）. Three weeks after the start of modeling， rats in each administration group were given the corresponding dose of drugs once a day for 4 weeks， and rats in the blank and model groups were given normal saline with dose of 10 mL·kg-1. At 1 day before modeling， 21 days and 28 days after administration， body mass weighing， sucrose preference test and open field test were performed on each group . After 28 days of administration， real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）， protein kinase B（Akt）， mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR）， glycogen synthase kinase-3β（GSK-3β）， forkhead box transcription factor O3a（FoxO3a） and β-catenin in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group， while protein expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and FoxO3a in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group were detected by Western blot. ResultThere were 19 components in BP showed significant changes before and after vinegar-processing， and 9 components such as saikosaponin A， saikosaponin B1， saikosaponin B2， saikosaponin C and saikosaponin D were identified as potential Q-Marker through S-plot differential marker screening. Combined with the disease-drug-component-target network， saikosaponin A， saikosaponin B1， saikosaponin B2 and saikosaponin D were identified as antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP. According to the results of pharmacodynamic tests， after 28 d of administration， compared with the blank group， the body mass， sucrose preference index and open field total score of rats in model group， fluoxetine group and total saponin group decreased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the body mass， sucrose preference index and open field total score in total saponin group increased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and β-catenin in hippocampus of rats in the model group decreased significantly（P<0.05）， while mRNA expression levels of GSK-3β and FoxO3a increased significantly（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and β-catenin in hippocampus of rats in the total saponin group were increased significantly（P<0.05）， while mRNA expression levels of GSK-3β and FoxO3a decreased significantly（P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the protein expression levels of Akt and mTOR in hippocampus of the model group decreased significantly（P<0.01）， while the protein expression levels of PI3K and FoxO3a increased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the expression level of Akt in hippocampus of the total saponin group increased significantly（P<0.01）， the mTOR expression level was increased but not statistically significant， while the protein expression levels of PI3K and FoxO3a decreased significantly（P<0.01）. ConclusionThe chemical constituents of BP changed greatly after vinegar-processing， and the antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP was determined by chemical basis， pharmacodynamics， network pharmacology and signaling pathway， which provided a reference for further research on quality control， pharmacodynamic substance basis and processing mechanism of BP.

Implementación de una metodología para la detección de marcadores bioquímicos en la tirosinemia tipo 1

Fundamento: la tirosinemia hereditaria tipo I o tirosinemia hepato-renal es una enfermedad autosómica recesiva causada por la deficiencia de la enzima fumarilacetoacetato hidrolasa. Debido a su complejidad metabólica, su confirmación lleva aparejado, un conjunto de métodos altamente costosos. Objetivo: implementar una metodología de trabajo para la detección de metabolitos marcadores de la tirosinemia tipo 1. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en una serie de casos evaluados en el período comprendido entre enero del 2021 a febrero del 2023. Como examen inicial se realizaron las pruebas cualitativas de α nitroso beta naftol y 2,4 dinitrofenilhidracina para la identificación de la tirosina y los α cetoácidos respectivamente. Luego se realizó el método HPLC para la cuantificación de la tirosina y CG-EM para la determinación del perfil cromatográfico en orina como técnicas confirmatorias. Resultados las pruebas cualitativas resultaron positivas para la tirosina y sus metabolitos, así como, para los alfa cetoácidos. El perfil de ácidos orgánicos mostró excreción elevada de los metabolitos marcadores de la enfermedad en 8 casos, a los cuales se les fue realizada la cuantificación de la tirosina que resultaron positivos de padecer la enfermedad. Conclusiones: la implementación de la metodología resultó ser una herramienta valiosa en el diagnóstico temprano de la enfermedad.

Foundation: hereditary tyrosinemia type I or hepato-renal tyrosinemia is an autosomal recessive disease caused by deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase. Due to its metabolic complexity, its confirmation requires a set of highly expensive methods. Objective: to implement a work methodology for the detection of marker metabolites of type 1 tyrosinemia. Method: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in a series of cases evaluated in the period from January 2021 to February 2023. As an initial examination, qualitative tests of α nitroso beta naphthol and 2,4 dinitrophenylhydrazine were carried out for the identification of tyrosine and α keto acids respectively. Then, the HPLC method was performed for the quantification of tyrosine and GC-MS for the determination of the chromatographic profile in urine as confirmatory techniques. Results: qualitative tests were positive for tyrosine and its metabolites, as well as for alpha keto acids. The organic acid profile showed elevated excretion of the disease marker metabolites in 8 cases, in which tyrosine quantification was performed, which were positive for suffering from the disease. Conclusions: the implementation of the methodology turned out to be a valuable tool in the early diagnosis of the disease.

Stem cell markers: A guide to neoadjuvant therapy in breast carcinomas

Aim: This study aims to investigate potential associations between the stem cell population and the degree of tumor regression in breast carcinomas treated with neoadjuvant therapy. Settings and Design: The study included 92 patients with breast carcinoma who received neoadjuvant therapy. Tumor regression was defined based on Miller and Payne grading system. Patients with grade 1 or 2 regression on a 5-point scale were included in group 1 (n = 37), grade 3 regression in group 2 (n = 32), and grade 4 or 5 regression in group 3 (n = 23). Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin block sections of every case using CD44, CD24, CD29, CD133, ID4, and ALDH1 antibodies to detect stem cells. Statistical Analysis Used: IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) software was used for statistical analyses, and a P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Histologically high-grade tumors are more common in the near-complete/complete response group (P = 0.004). HER2-positive tumors were more common in the complete/near-complete response group (P = 0.054). Tumor cells positive for stem cell markers CD44 and CD24 were more common in the poor response group (P = 0.027 and P = 0.001, respectively). CD29 expression was reduced in the posttreatment residual tumor tissue in the near-complete/complete response group. Conclusion: High CD44 and CD24 expression may be a predictor of poor response/nonresponse to neoadjuvant therapy in breast carcinomas. Background: In recent years, stem cells have been defined as the main cell population responsible for resistance to anticancer therapies.

Revisiting ab initio carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9 tumor markers in colorectal carcinoma in association with anatomotopographic location and staging of disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study purposed to evaluate preoperative two tumor markers, namely, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9, in colorectal cancer for anatomotopographic location with disease stage and to assess their utility for diagnostic staging purposes. METHODS: The study retrospectively incorporated patients who had undergone surgery for colorectal cancer at our department in 2015-2018 and in whom carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9 tumor markers had been preoperatively analyzed. The obtained data were then statistically processed using R-project. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients had been incorporated, of whom 96 (62%) were men and 59 (38%) were women. Rectum was the most common location (74 patients, 48%), and the least represented stage was IV (18, 12%). The marker carcinoembryonic antigen was obtained in all 155 cases, while CA19-9 was in 105. The median carcinoembryonic antigen was 3 (0.34-1104.25), and the median CA19-9 was 12 (0.18-840.00). A significance was recognized between median carcinoembryonic antigen and disease stage (p-value=0.016), with stages I, II, and III (medians 2, 3, and 2) different from stage IV (median 13), while no significance for CA19-9 was recognized (p-value=0.343). No significance between either marker and location (carcinoembryonic antigen: p=0.276; CA19-9: p=0.505) was detected. The testing was performed at a significance level of alpha=0.05. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a significance between the marker carcinoembryonic antigen, but not CA19-9, and the disease stage, while no relationship of either of these markers with tumor location was found. Herewith, the study confirmed that higher carcinoembryonic antigen values may suggest the finding of more advanced forms of colorectal cancer and thus a worse prognosis of this malignant phenomenon.

Marcadores bioquímicos propuestos para el estudio de la sarcopenia / Proposed biochemical markers for the study of sarcopenia

La sarcopenia asociada a la edad es una condición clínica caracterizada por una disminución en la fuerza, calidad y cantidad de masa muscular así como también en la función muscular. Un biomarcador se define como una característica que es medible objetivamente y evaluable como indicador de un proceso biológico normal, patológico o respuesta terapéutica a una intervención farmacológica. Los marcadores bioquímicos propuestos para el estudio de la sarcopenia pueden ser categorizados en dos grupos. El primero de ellos evalúa el estatus musculoesquelético; este panel de marcadores está formado por miostatina/folistatina, procolágeno aminoterminal tipo III e índice de sarcopenia. El segundo grupo de marcadores bioquímicos evalúa factores causales, para lo cual se sugiere medir el factor de crecimiento insulino-símil tipo 1 (IGF-1), dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEAS), cortisol, facto-res inflamatorios [proteína C reactiva (PCR), interleuquina 6 (IL-6) y factor de necrosis tu-moral (TNF-a)]. Las recomendaciones realiza-das están basadas en la evidencia científica disponible en la actualidad y la disponibilidad de la metodología apropiada para cada uno de los biomarcadores. (AU)

Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder defined by decrease in the strength, quality and quantity of muscle mass as well as in muscle function. A biomarker is defined as a feature objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of a normal biologic process, a pathogenic process or a pharmacologic response to therapeutic intervention. The biochemical markers proposed for the study of sarcopenia may be classified in two groups. The first group evaluates the musculoskeletal status, made up by myostatin/follistatin, N-terminal Type III Procollagen and the sarcopenia index. The second evaluates causal factors, where the measurement of the following is suggested: hormones insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), cortisol, inflammatory factors [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a)]. The recommendations made are based on scientific evidence currently available and the appropriate methodology availability for each biomarker. (AU)

The Expression of P63 Marker in Malignant and Benign Breast Tumors

This is a retrospective study conducted on Sudanese patients from January 2021 to May 2021 at the radiation and isotope center in Khartoum. In this study we aimed to determine the expression of P63 marker in malignant and benign breast tumors. One hundred paraffin-embedded blocks previously diagnosed as breast tumors were collected. The study included 65 (65%) samples of malignant and 35 (35%) benign samples. All these samples were Immunohistochemically stained by using monoclonal antibodies (by indirect streptavidin-biotin technique) for p63. All immune-stained slides were scored as either positive or negative. Data collected from patient file and results were analyzed using social science statistic web SPSS computer program.

Prognostic role of metabolic 18F?FDG PET/CT parameters and hematological prognostic indicators in patients with colorectal cancer

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of preoperative 18F?fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography朿omputed tomography (PET/CT) parameters, including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), hematologic prognostic indicators in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in terms of predicting prognosis. Methods: One hundred and one patients who had undergone 18F?FDG PET/CT for initial staging were evaluated retrospectively. Patient data including pathologic stage at presentation, histology, tumor location, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (ng/mL), CA?125 (cancer antigen 125) (U/mL), and CA19?9 (U/mL) levels, which were obtained within 2 weeks of the PET/CT examination, were used for hematological data. Results: The TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors stage and PET/CT parameters, including SUVmax, MTV, and TLG, were found to be correlated with survival rate in univariate analysis (P < 0.05). All hematological markers excluding PLR were also significantly associated with survival time. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed that the optimal SUVmax cutoff value for predicting survival time in patients with CRC was >17.9 (Area under curve (AUC) = 0.625; P < 0.05). The calculated sensitivity and specificity values for this cutoff were 60% and 65.7%, respectively. To predict the survival time in these patients, the optimal MTV cutoff value was >34.29 (AUC = 0.775; P < 0.001; sensitivity = 85%; specificity = 62.3%). The optimal TLG cutoff value for predicting survival time was >270.4 (AUC = 0.790; P < 0.001; sensitivity = 77.5%; specificity = 68.9%). Conclusions: FDG PET/CT metabolical parameters are useful for predicting the prognosis in patients with CRC. High preoperative NLR and high tumor markers were also shown to be negative independent prognostic factors in these patients

A Study On Haematological Parameters In Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures are the most common neurologic disorder in the pediatric age group, affecting 2–5% of children between 6 months and 5 years of age in the United States and Western Europe with a peak incidence between 12 and 18 months. Although febrile seizure is seen in all ethnic groups, it is more frequently seen in the Asian population (5–10% of Indian children and 6–9% of Japanese children). Systemic inflammatory response has been implicated as a contributor to the onset of febrile seizure [1]. It is studied that IL-B, IL-6, TNF-ALPHA can play an important role in generation of febrile seizure. Although they are the useful biomarkers, its availability in day to day practice is very limited. So there is a need for low cost and widely used inflammatory response markers like NLR, MPV, PLT, and RDW as independent predictors of febrile seizure and to compare different Hematological parameters in febrile seizure in patients with an unclear seizure history. The 5 novel indices of inflammatory response: i. Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio ii. Mean Platelet Volume iii. Platelet Count Ratio iv. Red cell Distribution Width v. Serum Ferritin The study is carried out for the assessment of other hematological parameters in febrile seizures like HB, RBC, PCV, RDW, Platelets, MPV and PCR. Also to compare the variation of hematological parameters in simple and complex febrile seizures based on the laboratory parameters which are otherwise classified clinically.

Role of Glut-1 in Tumor Progression and Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Oral cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide constitutes a major public health problem and is one of the leading cancer sites among men and women in India. Increased uptake of glucose in cancer cells are mediated by glucose transporters. Among 14 isoforms of glucose transporters, Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) isoform expression predominate Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Aim: To emphasize the expression of GLUT-1 in OSCC and to assess its role in tumor progression and prognosis. Materials and Methods: Hand searching and electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Google scholar and Science- Direct were done for mesh terms such as OSCC, GLUT-1, prognosis, tumor markers, prognostic marker and risk predictor. Studies were pooled and relevant articles were evaluated. Results: Final analysis identified thirteen articles after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies evalu- ated 926 OSCC cases and 70 healthy controls for GLUT-1 immunoexpression. The data was extracted and evaluated manu- ally. GLUT-1 expression was found to be elevated in OPMDs and OSCC than in healthy controls. The pattern of expression of GLUT-1, its correlation with clinico-pathological features, role in tumour progression and prognosis, expression in tumor invasive front, correlation with other markers and role in therapeutics are also discussed in detail

Prevalencia de marcadores infecciosos en donantes de sangre. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Ruíz y Páez

Introducción: La infección transmitida por transfusión (ITT) es producto de la inoculación directa de un agente infeccioso específico desde la unidad de sangre al huésped susceptible. Los marcadores serológicos positivos responden a características epidemiológicas no detectadas en miembros de la población aparentemente saludable. Objetivo general: Determinar la prevalencia de marcadores infecciosos y las características sociodemográficas en unidades sanguíneas procesadas de donantes que asisten al banco de sangre del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez" de Ciudad Bolívar - Estado Bolívar, período junio 2019 - junio 2022. Metodología: Se trató de un estudio de tipo descriptivo, retrospectivo, no experimental. El universo estuvo conformado por 13 016 unidades sanguíneas, 414 muestras fueron reactivas, que reportaron un total de 434 serologías positivas. Resultados: Se apreció una prevalencia global de 3,34 % para cualquier ITT; el marcador infeccioso más frecuente fue sífilis con el 60,83 % y una prevalencia de 2,03 %. Tomando en cuenta las características sociodemográficas predominantes: género masculino, 65,94 %; grupo etario 38-47 años, 28,74 %; ocupación obrera, 24,88 %; provenientes de Ciudad Bolívar, 84,06 %. Las muestras con coinfección representaron un 4,58 %, siendo la combinación VIH+Sífilis la más frecuente 1,45 %. El año 2021 destacó con 35,25 % serologías positivas. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de marcadores infecciosos se considera no despreciable. Se debe reforzar la prevención y cura de las enfermedades infecciosas trasmisibles en miembros de la población aparentemente saludable, así como también redirigir las estrategias en el manejo de seguridad transfusional.

Introduction: Transfusion-transmitted infection (ITT) is the direct inoculation of a specific infectious agent from the blood unit to the susceptible host. Positive serological markers respond to epidemiological characteristics not detected in members of the apparently healthy population. General objective: Determine the prevalence of infection markers and sociodemographic characteristics in processed blood units of donors attending the blood bank of the "Ruíz y Páez" University Hospital Complex in Ciudad Bolívar - Bolivar State, period June 2019 - June 2022. Methodology: This was a descriptive, retrospective, nonexperimental study. The universe consisted of 13 016 blood units, 414 samples were reactive, which reported a total of 434 positive serologies. Results: An overall prevalence of 3.34 % was found for any ITT; the most frequent infection markers were syphilis with 60.83% and a prevalence of 2.03 %. Taking into account the predominant sociodemographic characteristics: male gender, 65.94 %; age group 38-47 years, 28.74 %; labor occupation, 24.88 %; from Ciudad Bolivar, 84.06 %. The samples with coinfection represented 4.58 %, being the combination HIV+Syphilis the most frequent 1.45 %. Year 2021 stood out with 35.25 % positive serologies. Conclusions: The prevalence of infection markers is considered not negligible. The prevention and cure of communicable infectious diseases in members of the apparently healthy population should be strengthened, as well as redirecting strategies in transfusion safety management.

The Correlation between QRS Dispersion and Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Patients with Non ST Elevation Myocardial Infraction

Non ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) has been the subject of numerous studies. Risk stratification is a fundamental element for the management of NSTEMI; therefore, several scores have been established in this direction, particularly prognostic markers derived from the ECG. Aims: The aim of our study is to correlate the dispersion of the QRS with the severity of coronary lesions assessed by the GENSINI score in patients admitted for NSTEMI at the University Hospital of Marrakech. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the cardiology department of Mohammed VI university hospital of Marrakech from January 01, 2022 to March 31, 2022. Data was derived from the hospitalization register, including 30 patients (16 women and 14 men). Age ranged from 56 to 74 years with an average of 64.6 ± 9.3. Data was analyzed by SPSS, the level of significance set at p <0.05. Results: We found, in our study, a highly significant positive correlation between QRS dispersion (considered important if >20 ms) and admission heart rate (p=0.003) as well as the level of ultrasensitive troponins (p=0.003). There is also a very significant correlation between QRS dispersion and corrected QT interval (p=0.005), Moreover, we concluded that in patients admitted for NSTEMI, the greater the dispersion of the QRS, the higher the score of GENSINI (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The dispersion of the QRS is a simple marker on the ECG that can have a predictive value in different clinical contexts, particularly in acute ischemic heart disease. Further studies are needed, however, to validate its usefulness in routine practice.

Factores de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica en pacientes atendidos en una consulta de Nefrología comunitaria

Introducción: la enfermedad renal crónica representa un significativo problema de salud en el siglo XXI. Se han identificado diversos factores asociados a un incremento del daño renal y a la consecuente progresión de la enfermedad. Objetivo: analizar el comportamiento de los factores de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica en pacientes atendidos en una consulta de Nefrología comunitaria. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo. Se incluyeron 65 pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica, que tuvieron seguimiento estable durante un período de 12 meses en la consulta de Nefrología comunitaria, del municipio Pedro Betancourt, de la provincia Matanzas. Fueron analizadas variables sociodemográficas y las relacionadas con la enfermedad renal crónica (etiología, estadio, factores de progresión y marcadores de daño renal). Resultados: se constató una edad promedio de 68,79 años; el 64,6 % de los enfermos eran blancos; diabéticos el 46,15 %; se expusieron a nefrotóxicos el 93,8 %; el 56,9 % presentó proteinuria; el 66,1 % mostró estabilidad en la función renal, y seis factores de progresión concurrieron en pacientes con estadio 3b. Conclusiones: predominaron los pacientes blancos, longevos y con diabetes como enfermedad de base. Hubo una distribución equitativa en cuanto a sexo. El empleo de fármacos nefrotóxicos, y la proteinuria, hiperuricemia e hiperlipidemia, se destacaron como los principales factores de progresión; no obstante, sola la proteinuria, la anemia y la acidosis estuvieron asociadas estadísticamente con la posible progresión de la enfermedad, que no fue constatada en ningún paciente.

Introduction: chronic kidney disease represents a significant health problem in the 21st century. Various factors associated to kidney damage increase and to the consequent progression of the disease have been identified. Objective: to analyze the behavior of chronic kidney disease progression factors in patients treated in a community nephrology consultation. Materials and methods: observational, descriptive and prospective study. Sixty-five patients with chronic kidney disease that were stably followed up during a twelve-month period in the community nephrology consultation of the Pedro Betancourt municipality, province of Matanzas, were included. Socio-demographic variables and those related to chronic kidney disease (etiology, stage, progression factors, and kidney damage markers) were analyzed. Results: an average age of 68.79 years was found; 64.6% of the patients were white; 46.15% were diabetics; 93.8% were exposed to nephrotoxics; 56.9% presented proteinuria; 66.1% showed renal function stability, and six progression factors concurred in 3b stage patients. Conclusions: white, aged patients predominated, with diabetes as underlying disease. There was an equitable distribution in terms of gender. The use of nephrotoxic drugs, and proteinuria, hyperuricemia, and hyperlipidemia stood out as the main progression factors. However, only proteinuria, anemia and acidosis were statistically associated to the possible disease progression, which was not found in any patient.

Evaluation of tumor budding and its correlation with histomorphological prognostic markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process

Objective: To evaluate the association of tumor budding (TB) with prognostic histomorphological parameters in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to investigate the correlation of TB intensity with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Material and Method: A total of 200 cases diagnosed as OSCC were selected and their TB status was reviewed using Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlation with histomorphological prognostic parameters was done. Also, IHC for Vimentin and E-cadherin was performed to look for EMT. Results: On H and E examination, TB was observed in 154/200 (77%). About 88/154 (57.14%) cases showed a high TB (>5 TB/10 hpf) which increased to 100/154 (64.9%) cases on IHC staining. The intensity of TB was significantly associated with tumor grade and depth of invasion. It was also significantly associated with reduced expression for E-Cadherin and upregulation of Vimentin establishing a pathogenetic correlation between the TB and EMT. Conclusion: Therefore, our results suggest that TB is associated with poor prognosis and histologically represents EMT in OSCC which further adds to the aggressiveness of the tumor.

STMS markers related to Ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the important legume crops and is cultivated in large-scale throughout Türkiye as well as the world. Ascochyta blight, caused by the fungal phytopathogen Ascochyta rabiei, is the leading reason for the highest yield losses among the diseases known for chickpea. The pathogen exhibits high genetic diversity in Türkiye. Therefore, resistancy using Sequence Tagged Microsatellite Site (STMS) markers related with the genes that provide resistant against Ascochyta blight was investigated for the 205 chickpea breeding lines grown in different parts of Türkiye. The analysis for Ascochyta blight resistance was performed using Ta2, Ta146 and Ts54. It was demonstrated that Ta2, Ts54 and Ta146 were the STMS markers having distinguishable features for the detection of Ascochyta blight resistance and were shown to be used in credible fashion for the selection of resistant chickpea breeding lines.

Efficacy and safety of standard dose pioglitazone versus low-dose pioglitazone as an add on treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

Background: On 18th June 2013, India banned pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferation activator gamma agonist, and a popular anti-diabetic drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but on 21st August 2013, ban was revoked after stiff opposition from diabetologists and pioglitazone was reintroduced to the market again. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose pioglitazone compared to standard dose pioglitazone in adults with T2DM. Materials and Methods: After obtaining permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee, 50 patients with T2DM who were not under adequate glycemic control with metformin and glimepiride combination therapy were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into pioglitazone 7.5 mg group and 15 mg group as an add on treatment to the existing therapy. Results: All the glycemic parameters such as Fasting blood sugar (FBS), post prandial blood glucose (PPBS), Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) are significantly reduced in both groups from baseline to the end of 12 weeks. FBS reduced from 183.64 ± 20.9 to 152.08 ± 15.2 in the Pioglitazone 7.5 mg group and from 177.32 ± 16.89 to 145.2 ± 11.6 in the pioglitazone 15 mg group (P < 0.05), PPBS was reduced from 260.2 ± 31.09 to 213.8 ± 29.5 and from 256.24 ± 43.72 to 203.52 ± 27.5 (P < 0.05) in 7.5 mg and 15 mg group, respectively. HbA1c was reduced from 8.969 ± 0.88 to 8.508 ± 0.9 in 7.5 mg group (P < 0.05) and in 15 mg group, it was reduced from 8.796 ± 0.79 to 8.19 ± 0.72 (P < 0.05). In the study, Pioglitazone 7.5 mg efficaciously reduced glycemic parameters similar to pioglitazone 15 mg and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Three patients reported with pedal edema as adverse effect in pioglitazone 15 mg therapy, whereas only one in 7.5 mg pioglitazone therapy complained of ankle edema. Conclusion: Low-dose pioglitazone offers an attractive alternative option to standard dose pioglitazone as an add on therapy for T2DM due to its effectiveness in reducing glycemic markers and also fewer side effect profile.

Dried blood spots: a robust tool for malaria surveillance in countries targeting elimination

With the advancements in analytical and molecular techniques, Dried Blood Spots (DBS) are re-emerging as attractive and cost-effective alternatives for global health surveillance. The use of DBS has been well-characterized in the neonatal screening of metabolic diseases, therapeutic screening as well as in epidemiological studies for biomonitoring. Malaria is one such infectious disease where DBS use can expedite molecular surveillance for assessing drug resistance and for refining drug usage policies. In India, malaria cases have reduced significantly over the past decade but to achieve malaria elimination by 2030, country-wide DBS-based screening should be conducted to identify the presence of molecular markers of artemisinin resistance and to study parasite reservoirs in asymptomatic populations. DBS has wide applications in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomic studies concerning both host and pathogen factors. Hence, it is a comprehensive tool for malaria surveillance that can capture both host and parasite information. In this review, we elucidate the current and prospective role of DBS in malaria surveillance and its applications in studies ranging from genetic epidemiology, parasite and vector surveillance, drug development and polymorphisms to ultimately how they can pave the roadmap for countries aiming malaria elimination

Hematological and renoprotective effects of folic acid and lentil extract in diclofenac sodium exposed rats / Efeitos hematológicos e renoprotetores do ácido fólico e do extrato de lentilha em ratos expostos ao diclofenaco de sódio

Abstract Excessive intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as, diclofenac sodium (DS) may lead to toxicity in the rats. In this work, we aimed to examine the protective impact of lentil extract (LE) and folic acid (FA) on the hematological markers, the kidney tissue oxidative stress and the renal function against diclofenac sodium (DS) in male albino rats. The rats (120-150 g) were divided into four equal groups randomly, the first group kept as the untreated control. The second group was administrated with DS (11.6 mg/kg b.wt. orally once/day). The third group was received DS+FA (11.6 mg/kg b.wt.+76.9 microgram/kg b.wt.) orally once/day. The fourth group was treated with DS+LE (11.6 mg/kg b.wt.+500 mg/kg b.wt.) orally once/day. After four weeks, the results revealed that DS produced a significant decrease in the values of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT) and white blood cells (WBCs). On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the platelets count. Also, DS induced a renal deterioration; this was evidenced by the significant increase in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, Na, Ca, Mg as well as the nitric oxide (NO) level in the kidney tissue. Also, there were a significant reduction in the serum levels of potassium (K) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the kidney homogenates. Moreover, the findings in the rats treated by DS+LE or DS+FA showed a potential protection on the hematological markers, oxidative stress in the kidney tissue and the renal function disturbed by DS. LE and FA could play a potent role for the prevention the adverse hematological, the kidney tissue oxidative stress and the renal dysfunction caused by DS via their anti-oxidative and bioactive phytochemicals.

Resumo A ingestão excessiva de anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais, como o diclofenaco de sódio (DS), pode causar toxicidade em ratos. Neste trabalho, objetivamos examinar o impacto protetor do extrato de lentilha (LE) e ácido fólico (AF) em marcadores hematológicos, no estresse oxidativo do tecido renal e na função renal contra o diclofenaco de sódio (DS) em ratos albinos machos. Os ratos (120-150 g) foram divididos em quatro grupos iguais aleatoriamente, sendo o primeiro grupo mantido como controle não tratado. O segundo grupo foi administrado com DS (11,6 mg / kg de peso corporal por via oral uma vez / dia). O terceiro grupo recebeu DS + FA (76,9 mg / kg de peso corporal por via oral uma vez / dia). O quarto grupo foi tratado com DS + LE (500 mg / kg de peso corporal por via oral uma vez / dia). Após quatro semanas, os resultados revelaram que o DS produziu uma diminuição significativa nos valores de glóbulos vermelhos (RBCs), concentração de hemoglobina (Hb), hematócrito (HCT) e glóbulos brancos (WBCs). Por outro lado, houve um aumento significativo na contagem de plaquetas. Além disso, o DS induziu uma deterioração renal; isso foi evidenciado pelo aumento significativo dos níveis séricos de ureia, creatinina, ácido úrico, Na, Ca, Mg e também do nível de óxido nítrico no tecido renal. Além disso, houve uma redução significativa nos níveis séricos de potássio (K) e glutationa reduzida (GSH) nos homogenatos renais. Além disso, os achados nos ratos tratados com DS + LE ou DS + FA mostraram uma proteção potencial sobre os marcadores hematológicos, estresse oxidativo no tecido renal e função renal perturbada pelo DS. LE e AF podem desempenhar um papel potente na prevenção do estresse hematológico adverso, do estresse oxidativo do tecido renal e da disfunção renal causada pelo DS por meio de seus fitoquímicos antioxidantes e bioativos.