Prognosis impact of perineural invasion in advanced stage oral squamous cell carcinoma / Impacto do prognóstico da invasão perineural no carcinoma espinocelular de boca em estágio avançado

Apesar de pesquisas recentes mostrarem baixa sobrevida em pacientes oncológicos que tiveram invasão perineural (IPN), pouco se sabe sobre a força do IPN relacionada à sobrevida do carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) de boca e em relação a suas variáveis clínico-patológicas. Os objetivos específicos do estudo foram medir o impacto do IPN na sobrevida do CEC de boca, bem como a correlação entre as características clínico-patológicas do paciente diagnosticado com CEC de boca com o IPN em pacientes tratados cirurgicamente. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo envolvendo 101 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico com ou sem associação de terapia adjuvante entre os anos de 1994 e 2016. Todas as variáveis foram inseridas simultaneamente no modelo de cox para cada modelo de sobrevida e na tabulação cruzada para avaliar a relação do IPN com as variáveis do CEC de boca. A significância estatística para o estudo foi estabelecida em um valor de P inferior a 0,05. A variável de interesse IPN provou ser preditora de sobrevida global (HR, 3,38; IC 95%, 0,139-0,624; P = 0,004) e sobrevida específica da doença (HR, 2,95; IC 95% 0,137-0,810; P=0,019). O IPN também mostrou relação com tratamento (P = 0,011) na análise de correlação. A invasão perineural foi considerada uma variável independente na sobrevida específica e global de pacientes com CEC de boca. Outros fatores relacionados à sensibilidade da avaliação do padrão de invasão perineural no CEC de boca ainda permanecem desconhecidos(AU)

Despite recent research showing low survival in cancer patients who had perineural invasion (PNI), little is known about the strength of the PNI related to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) survival and in relation to its clinicopathological variables. The specific objectives of the study were to measure the impact of the PNI on the survival of oral SCC, as well as the correlation between the clinicopathological characteristics of the patient diagnosed with OSCC of the mouth with the PNI in surgically treated patients. A retrospective study was carried out involving 101 patients who underwent surgical treatment with or without the association of adjuvant therapy between the years 1994 and 2016. All variables were entered simultaneously in the cox model for each survival model and in the cross-tabulation to evaluate the relationship between the PNI and the OSCC by mouth variables. Statistical significance for the study was established at a P value of less than 0.05. The PNI variable of interest proved to be a predictor of overall survival (HR, 3.38; 95% CI, 0.139-0.624; P = 0.004) and disease-specific survival (HR, 2.95; 95% CI 0.137-0.810; P =0.019). The PNI also showed a relationship with treatment (P = 0.011) in the correlation analysis. Perineural invasion was considered an independent variable in the specific and overall survival of patients with OSCC. Other factors related to the sensitivity of the assessment of the perineural invasion pattern in OSCC of the mouth still remain unknown(AU)

Modelo murino imunocompetente para estudo da infecção pelo vírus dengue sorotipo 3: aspectos morfológicos, viremia e tropismo / Immunocompetent murine model for studying dengue serotype 3 virus infection: morphological aspects, viremia and tropism

Diversos estudos epidemiológicos já correlacionaram a infecção pelo DENV-3 a quadros graves, tanto em infecções primárias quanto secundárias e, no Brasil, este sorotipo apresenta maior associação a sinais e sintomas mais graves, incluindo choque, dor abdominal e exantema, em comparação aos demais sorotipos. O estabelecimento de modelos animais para estudos das infecções pelos DENV é de grande relevância para a pesquisa sobre patogênese, imunidade, desenvolvimento e teste de fármacos e candidatas a vacinas. Porém, para tal, são inúmeros os desafios, uma vez que os vírus epidêmicos circulantes não infectam naturalmente espécies não-humanas. Diante deste cenário, este estudo teve como objetivo principal verificar através de análises de hemograma, bioquímicas, morfológicas e moleculares possíveis alterações histopatológicas e fisiopatológicas, assim como a presença do genoma do DENV em diferentes órgãos, soro, saliva e urina de camundongos BALB/c infectados experimentalmente com o DENV-3 epidêmico e não neuroadaptado

Camundongos BALB/c machos, de 2 meses de idade foram infectados com DENV-3 pela via intravenosa e eutanasiados em 72 h.p.i, 7 e 14 d.p.i, de acordo com as análises a serem realizadas. Análises histopatológicas, ultraestruturais e histomorfométricas a partir de amostras de todos os órgãos estudados revelaram alterações semelhantes às observadas em casos humanos de DEN. Partículas semelhantes aos DENV foram detectadas em célula intersticial renal. Discretas alterações bioquímicas, como a elevação do nível de creatinina e ureia e diminuição do nível de colesterol total foram observadas nos camundongos infectados, ao longo da cinética experimental. Em relação às alterações no hemograma, foi observado aumento do hematócrito e diminuição da contagem de plaquetas nos camundongos infectados. Apesar de ter sido observada baixa viremia em camundongos 72 h.p.i, o genoma viral foi detectado em todos os órgãos testados, além da saliva. Estes resultados demonstram a suscetibilidade do camundongo BALB/c à infecção pelo DENV-3. (AU)

Sinuolinea capsularis (Myxosporea: Sinuolineidae) Isolated from Urinary Bladder of Cultured Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Sinuolinea capsularis Davis, 1917 is myxosporean that infect the urinary system of the host fish. Insufficient morphological and molecular data of S. capsularis exits, and it is therefore difficult to make an accurate identification of the parasite. We tried a series of morphological and molecular analysis to identify an myxosporean isolated from urinary bladder of cultured olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, from Jeju island in the Republic of Korea. Some of them were observed under a light microscope and SEM, and remain samples were used molecular and phylogenetic analysis. Mature spores were subspherical, measuring 13.9±0.6 μm in length and 13.8±0.8 μm in width. Two spherical polar capsules on opposite sides in the middle of the spore had a diameter range of 4.3±0.4 μm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that spores a severely twisted the suture line. By the morphological comparison and analysis, it was identified as S. capsularis. In addition, we obtained the partial 18S rDNA of S. capsularis and first registered it in NCBI. Phylogenetic analysis showed that S. capsularis clustered with Zschokkella subclade infecting the urinary system of marine fish, and it supported the infection site tropism effect on phylogeny of marine myxosporeans as well as the origin of Sinuolinea is not monophyly.

Zygapophyseal Joint Orientation and Facet Tropism and Their Association with Lumbar Disc Prolapse

No abstract available.

Response to: Zygapophyseal Joint Orientation and Facet Tropism and Their Association with Lumbar Disc Prolapse

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Los vectores virales y su relación con la bioseguridad en el laboratorio / Viral vectors and their relationship with biosafety in the laboratory / Vetores virais e sua relação com a biossegurança no laboratório

Los vectores virales constituyen un amplio grupo de agentes usados en los laboratorios de biología molecular y microbiología, para transferir ácido nucleico externo dentro de una célula "blanco". Estos laboratorios requieren medidas de bioseguridad para proteger al personal, el ambiente de trabajo y la población en general de exposiciones no intencionales a estos agentes biológicos. Esta revisión incluye definiciones y generalidades sobre los vectores más usados, así como consideraciones sobre los niveles de bioseguridad necesarios, teniendo en cuenta tanto la constitución genética del vector original, como el tipo de inserto que se quiera clonar y expresar en una determinada célula. Además se describen diferentes propiedades de los vectores como el tropismo, las distintas formas de transmisión, la estabilidad del agente viral y su persistencia, que resultan claves para determinar el grupo de riesgo. Dentro de las condiciones de trabajo adecuadas se incluyen medidas de contención, ensayos de riesgo ambiental y una breve descripción de la biocustodia. Finalmente se destaca el papel de los Comités de Bioseguridad Institucional, como elemento crítico en las actividades necesarias para impedir las exposiciones y proteger al personal del laboratorio y al medio ambiente.

Viral vectors are a broad group of agents used in molecular biology and microbiology laboratories to transfer exogen nucleic acid. These labs require biosafety measures designed to protect their staff, the population and the environment that may be unintentionally exposed to hazardous organisms. This review includes general properties of known vectors, variations in biosafety levels in relation to original vector genetics and the type of insert to be cloned and expressed in a determined cell. It is also important to consider other issues such as transmission, stability and persistence to determine the vector risk group. Under adequate working conditions, containment measures, risk assays and a short description on biosecurity are included. Finally the function of Institutional Biosafety Committees is a critical element to advise on measures needed to prevent exposures and protect laboratory workers and the environment.

Os vetores virais constituem um amplo grupo de agentes utilizados nos laboratórios de biologia molecular e microbiologia para transferir ácido nucleico externo para uma célula "alvo". Esses laboratórios exigem medidas de biossegurança para proteger o pessoal, o ambiente de trabalho e a população em geral de exposições não intencionais a esses agentes biológicos. Esta revisão inclui definições e generalidades sobre os vetores mais comumente usados, bem como considerações sobre os níveis de biossegurança necessários, levando em consideração a constituição genética do vetor original e o tipo de enxerto a ser clonado e expresso numa célula específica. Além disso, são descritas diferentes propriedades dos vetores, como o tropismo, as diferentes formas de transmissão, a estabilidade do agente viral e a sua persistência, dados-chave para a determinação do grupo de risco. As condições de trabalho adequadas incluem medidas de contenção, testes de risco ambiental e uma breve descrição da biocustódia. Finalmente, o papel das Comissões Institucionais de Biossegurança é destacado como um elemento crítico nas atividades necessárias para prevenir exposições e para proteger o pessoal de laboratório e o meio ambiente.

Influence of facet tropism on the location of lumbar disc herniation / A influência do tropismo facetário sobre a localização da hérnia discal lombar / Influencia del tropismo facetario en la ubicación de la hernia de disco lumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate facet tropism with the side and location of the intervertebral disc in which the lumbar disc herniation occurred. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study that evaluated Magnetic Resonance Imaging of 255 patients with lumbar disc herniation undergoing surgical treatment with the Spine Group of the Hospital Ortopédico de Passo Fundo between 2002 and 2014. The total patient number was stratified according to the side affected by the herniated disc (right or left), location of the hernia in the intervertebral disc (central, centrolateral, foraminal and extraforaminal) and demographic data, such as age, gender etc. The degree of facet joint tropism was measured by the Karakan method and classified as mild (difference less than 7º); moderate (between 7º and 15º) and severe (difference greater than 15º). Results: A statistical significant relationship (p= 0.023) was observed between the facet joint tropism and the side where the lumbar disc herniation occurred. No correlation was found between facet joint tropism and location of the herniation on the intervertebral disc. Conclusions: The degree of facet tropism presents a statistical significant correlation with the side of the intervertebral disc in which the lumbar disc herniation will develop. Level of Evidence: II. Type of study: Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar o tropismo facetário com o lado e local do disco intervertebral no qual ocorreu a hérnia discal lombar. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo, no qual foram avaliados exames de Ressonância Nuclear Magnética de 255 pacientes com hérnia discal lombar submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico pelo Grupo de Coluna do Hospital Ortopédico de Passo Fundo, entre os anos de 2002 e 2014. Estratificou-se o total de pacientes pelo lado acometido pela hérnia discal (direito ou esquerdo), localização da hérnia no disco intervertebral (central, centro-lateral, foraminal e extra-foraminal) e por dados epidemiológicos, como idade, sexo etc. O grau de tropismo facetário foi mensurado pelo método de Karakan e classificado entre leve (diferença menor que 7º), moderado (entre 7º e 15º) e grave (diferença maior que 15º). Resultados: Foi verificada relação estatisticamente significativa (p= 0,023) entre o tropismo facetário e o lado em que ocorreu a hérnia discal lombar. Não foi encontrada correlação entre tropismo facetário e localização da hérnia discal no disco intervertebral. Conclusão: O grau de tropismo facetário apresenta correlação estatisticamente significativa com o lado do disco intervertebral no qual irá se desenvolver a hérnia discal. Nível de Evidência: II. Tipo de Estudo: Estudo retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Correlacionar el tropismo facetario con el lado y local del disco intervertebral en el cual ocurrió la hernia del disco lumbar. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo, en el fueron evaluados exámenes de resonancia magnética nuclear de 255 pacientes con hernia discal lumbar sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico por el Grupo de Columna Vertebral del Hospital Ortopédico de Passo Fundo, entre los años 2002 y 2014. El número total de pacientes fue estratificado de acuerdo con el lado acometido por la hernia discal (izquierda o derecha), localización de la hernia en el disco intervertebral (central, centro-lateral, foraminal o extra-foraminal) y datos epidemiológicos como edad, sexo etc. El grado de tropismo facetario fue medido por el método de Karakan y clasificado como leve (diferencia menor que 7º), moderado (entre 7º y 15º) y grave (diferencia mayor que 15º). Resultados: Se verificó una relación estadísticamente significativa (p = 0,023) entre el tropismo facetario y el lado en que ocurrió la hernia discal lumbar. No se encontró correlación entre el tropismo facetario y la localización de la hernia en el disco intervertebral. Conclusiones: El grado de tropismo facetario presenta correlación estadísticamente significativa con el lado del disco intervertebral en el cual se desarrollará la hernia discal lumbar. Nivel de evidencia: II. Tipo de Estudio: Estudio retrospectivo.

Zygapophyseal Joint Orientation and Facet Tropism and Their Association with Lumbar Disc Prolapse

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between zygapophyseal joint angle (ZJA), facet tropism (FT), and lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Several studies have shown that FT increases the risk of IVDP and have postulated that a more sagittally oriented zygapophyseal joint provides less mechanical resistance to axial torque, thereby exerting excessive rotational strain on the intervertebral disc, resulting in an annular tear. In contrast, other studies have found no definitive association between FT and IVDP. Therefore, conclusive evidence regarding the role of FT in the pathogenesis of disc prolapse is currently lacking. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging scans of 426 patients with single-level lumbar IVDP were analyzed. Right and left ZJAs of the lumbar segments were measured on axial sections. The frequency and severity of FT were determined by calculating the absolute difference between the right and left ZJAs. Patients without IVDP at L4–L5 and L5–S1 served as controls for those with IVDP at L4–L5 and L5–S1, respectively. Chi-square test and t-test were used to compare the severity and frequency of FT between patients with and without IVDP. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the critical FT values that were predictive of IVDP. RESULTS: Patients with IVDP exhibited a higher frequency (L4–L5: 47% vs. 15.08%; L5–S1: 39.62% vs. 22.69%; p=0.001) and severity (L4–L5: 7.85°±3.5° vs. 4.05°±2.62°; L5–S1: 7.30°±3.07° vs. 4.82°±3.29°; p < 0.001) of FT than those without IVDP. Critical FT values of 5.7° at L4–L5 and 6° at L5–S1 increased the likelihood of IVDP by a factor of 2.89 and 1.75, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the existence of a significant association between lumbar IVDP and FT; however, a causal relationship could not be ascertained.

Phenotypic and genotypic analyses of an attenuated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus strain after serial passages in cultured porcine alveolar macrophages

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a globally ubiquitous swine viral pathogen that causes major economic losses worldwide. We previously reported an over-attenuated phenotype of cell-adapted PRRSV strain CA-2-P100 in vivo. In the present study, CA-2-P100 was serially propagated in cultured porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) cells for up to 20 passages to obtain the derivative strain CA-2-MP120. Animal inoculation studies revealed that both CA-2-P100 and CA-2-MP120 had decreased virulence, eliciting weight gains, body temperatures, and histopathologic lesions similar to those in the negative control group. However, compared to CA-2-P100 infection, CA-2-MP120 yielded consistently higher viremia kinetics and enhanced antibody responses in pigs. All pigs inoculated with CA-2-MP120 developed viremia and seroconverted to PRRSV. During 20 passages in PAM cells, CA-2-MP120 acquired 15 amino acid changes that were mostly distributed in nsp2 and minor structural protein-coding regions. Among these changes, 6 mutations represented reversions to the sequences of the reference CA-2 and parental CA-2-P20 strains. These genetic drifts may be hypothetical molecular markers associated with PRRSV macrophage tropism and virulence. Our results indicate that the PAM-passaged CA-2-MP120 strain is a potential candidate for developing a live, attenuated PRRSV vaccine.

Human parvovirus B19 in patients with beta thalassemia major from Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND: Due to the tropism of human parvovirus B19 to erythroid progenitor cells, infection in patients with an underlying hemolytic disorder such as beta-thalassemia major leads to suppression of erythrocyte formation, referred to as transient aplasia crisis (TAC), which may be life-threatening. We investigated the prevalence of parvovirus B19 among patients with beta thalassemia major attending the Zafar Adult Thalassemia Clinic in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed to determine the presence of parvovirus B19 DNA in blood samples and parvovirus B19 genotypes in plasma samples of patients with thalassemia major. The population consisted of 150 patients with beta-thalassemia major who attended the Zafar clinic in Tehran. Specimens were studied using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of parvovirus B19 in our study population was 4%. Of 150 patients with thalassemia, six (4%) were positive for B19 DNA. There was no significant correlation between blood transfusion frequency and B19 DNA positivity. Finally, phylogenetic analysis of human parvovirus B19 revealed genotype I in these six patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, acute B19 infections were detected in patients with beta thalassemia major. Screening of such high-risk groups can considerably reduce the incidence and prevalence of B19 infection; thus, screening is required for epidemiologic surveillance and disease-prevention measures.

Two clinical isolates of Mycoplasma hyosynoviae showed differing pattern of lameness and pathogen detection in experimentally challenged pigs

Mycoplasma (M.) hyosynoviae is known to colonize and cause disease in growing-finishing pigs. In this study, two clinical isolates of M. hyosynoviae were compared by inoculating cesarean-derived colostrum-deprived and specific-pathogen-free growing pigs. After intranasal or intravenous inoculation, the proportion and distribution pattern of clinical cases was compared in addition to the severity of lameness. Tonsils were found to be the primary site of colonization, while bacteremia was rarely detected prior to the observation of clinical signs. Regardless of the clinical isolate, route of inoculation, or volume of inocula, histopathological alterations and tissue invasion were detected in multiple joints, indicating an apparent lack of specific joint tropism. Acute disease was primarily observed 7 to 10 days post-inoculation. The variability in the severity of synovial microscopic lesions and pathogen detection in joint cavities suggests that the duration of joint infection may influence the diagnostic accuracy. In summary, these findings demonstrate that diagnosis of M. hyosynoviae-associated arthritis can be influenced by the clinical isolate, and provides a study platform to investigate the colonization and virulence potential of field isolates. This approach can be particularly relevant to auxiliate in surveillance and testing of therapeutic and/or vaccine candidates.

Differential Cellular Tropism of Lentivirus and Adeno-Associated Virus in the Brain of Cynomolgus Monkey

Many researchers are using viruses to deliver genes of interest into the brains of laboratory animals. However, certain target brain cells are not easily infected by viruses. Moreover, the differential tropism of different viruses in monkey brain is not well established. We investigated the cellular tropism of lentivirus and adeno-associated virus (AAV) toward neuron and glia in the brain of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascularis). Lentivirus and AAV were injected into putamen of the monkey brain. One month after injection, monkeys were sacrificed, and then the presence of viral infection by expression of reporter fluorescence proteins was examined. Tissues were sectioned and stained with NeuN and GFAP antibodies for identifying neuronal cells or astrocytes, respectively, and viral reporter GFP-expressing cells were counted. We found that while lentivirus infected mostly astrocytes, AAV infected neurons at a higher rate than astrocytes. Moreover, astrocytes showed reactiveness when cells were infected by virus, likely due to virus-mediated neuroinflammation. The Sholl analysis was done to compare the hypertrophy of infected and uninfected astrocytes by virus. The lentivirus infected astrocytes showed negligible hypertrophy whereas AAV infected astrocytes showed significant changes in morphology, compared to uninfected astrocytes. In the brain of cynomolgus monkey, lentivirus shows tropism for astrocytes over neurons without much reactivity in astrocytes, whereas AAV shows tropism for neurons over glial cells with a significant reactivity in astrocytes. We conclude that AAV is best-suited for gene delivery to neurons, whereas lentivirus is the best choice for gene delivery to astrocytes in the brain of cynomolgus monkeys.

Combination Therapy for Gliomas Using Temozolomide and Interferon-Beta Secreting Human Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

OBJECTIVE: Malignant gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system and the prognosis of patients with gliomas is poor. The combination of interferon-bata (IFN-beta) and temozolomide (TMZ) has shown significant additive antitumor effects in human glioma xenograft models. Considering that the poor survival of patients with human malignant gliomas relates partly to the inability to deliver therapeutic agents to the tumor, the tropism of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for malignant gliomas can be exploited to therapeutic advantages. We investigated the combination effects of TMZ and MSCs that secrete IFN-beta on gliomas. METHODS: We engineered human MSCs to secret mouse IFN-beta (MSC-IFN-beta) via adenoviral transduction and confirmed their secretory capacity using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to determine the effects of the combined TMZ and MSC-IFN-beta treatment. RESULTS: In vitro, the combination of MSC-IFN-beta and TMZ showed significantly enhanced antitumor effects in GL26 mouse glioma cells. In vivo, the combined MSC-IFN-beta and TMZ therapy significantly reduced the tumor size and improved the survival rates compared to each treatment alone. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MSCs can be used as an effective delivery vehicle so that the combination of MSC-IFN-beta and TMZ could be considered as a new option for the treatment of malignant gliomas.

Fatal Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis Complicated with Thrombosis and Rupture of Mycotic Aneurysm in Distal Internal Carotid Artery

Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that typically occurs in patients with diabetes or immunocompromised state. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is the most common type, often has a life-threatening outcome. Mucormycosis has specific vascular tropism complicating mucorthrombosis or mycotic aneurysm. We report a diabetic patient presenting with ophthalmoplegia, orbital necrosis, and contralateral hemiparesis, who suddenly progressed to coma and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of mycotic aneurysm in distal internal carotid artery.

Fatal Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis Complicated with Thrombosis and Rupture of Mycotic Aneurysm in Distal Internal Carotid Artery

Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that typically occurs in patients with diabetes or immunocompromised state. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is the most common type, often has a life-threatening outcome. Mucormycosis has specific vascular tropism complicating mucorthrombosis or mycotic aneurysm. We report a diabetic patient presenting with ophthalmoplegia, orbital necrosis, and contralateral hemiparesis, who suddenly progressed to coma and died of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of mycotic aneurysm in distal internal carotid artery.

Reoviral Oncotropism Against c-Myc Overexpressing HS 68 Cells

Naturally occurring reoviruses are live replication-proficient viruses specifically infecting human cancer cell while sparing normal counterpart. Since the discovery of reoviruses in 1950s, reoviruses have shown various degrees of safety and efficacy in pre-clinical or clinical application for human anti-cancer therapeutics. I have recently shown that cellular tumor suppressor genes, such as p53, ATM (Ataxia telangiectasia mutated), and RB (Retinoblastoma associated), are important in determining reoviral oncotropism. Thus, it is interesting to examine whether the aberrancy of c-Myc expression, whose normal function also plays an important role in the maintenance of genomic integrity, could affect reoviral oncolytic tropism. Hs68 cells are non-tumorigenic normal cells and resistant to reoviral cytopathic effects. Importantly, I found that c-Myc overexpression in human HS68 cells effectively induced reovirus cytophatic effects compared to mock expressed cells as shown by the typical reoviral cytophathology and an increased level of caspase-3 activity. Taken together, overexpression of c-Myc could play an important role in determining reoviral oncolytic tropism.

Thickening of spine ligamentum flavum and facet tropism / Espessamento do ligamento amarelo da coluna vertebral e tropismo facetário / Engrosamiento del ligamento amarillo de la columna vertebral y tropismo facetario

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the thickening of the ligamentum flavum (LF) and its correlation with facet tropism and its severity at different levels of the spine. METHOD: This retrospective study was performed with patients with chronic back pain consecutively admitted to a specialized spinal surgery service between January 2012 and January 2013. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the thickness of the LF and facet tropism severity (severe, moderate or absent) according to the spine levels (L3 -L4, L4-L5, L5-S1). The association between the thickness of LF and facet tropism was analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 98 consecutive patients were enrolled with a mean age of 53.6 years, most women (59.2%). There was no significant difference between the thicknesses of the ligament and the presence of tropism in different spinal levels (p > 0.05). The thickness of LF was significantly associated with the severity of tropism only in L5-S1 level (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there is a positive relationship between severe facet tropism and increased thickness of the LF in the L5-S1 level. .

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investigou se o espessamento do ligamento amarelo (LA) está correlacionado com a presença de tropismo facetário e sua gravidade nos diferentes níveis da coluna vertebral. MÉTODO: Este estudo retrospectivo foi realizado com pacientes com dor lombar crônica, consecutivamente admitidos em serviço especializado em cirurgia da coluna vertebral entre janeiro de 2012 e janeiro de 2013. Todos foram submetidos a exames de ressonância magnética (RM) para mensurar a espessura do LA e a gravidade do tropismo facetário (grave, moderada e ausente) conforme os níveis da coluna (L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1). Foi analisada a associação entre a espessura do LA e o tropismo. RESULTADOS: No período do estudo, foram admitidos 98 pacientes, com média de idade de 53,6 anos, maioria de mulheres (59,2%). Não foi verificada diferença significativa entre as espessuras dos ligamentos e a presença de tropismo nos diferentes níveis (p > 0,05). A espessura do LA associou-se significativamente à gravidade do tropismo apenas no nível L5-S1 (p < 0,03). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do nosso estudo mostram que existe uma relação positiva entre tropismo facetário grave e aumento da espessura do LA no nível L5-S1. .

OBJETIVO: Este estudio investigó si el engrosamiento del ligamento amarillo (LA) se correlaciona con la presencia de tropismo facetario y su gravedad en diferentes niveles de la columna vertebral. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo se realizó con pacientes con dolor de espalda crónico, ingresados consecutivamente al servicio especializado en cirugía de columna entre enero de 2012 y enero de 2013. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a una resonancia magnética (MRI) para medir el espesor del LA y la gravedad de tropismo facetario (grave, moderada o ausente) según los diversos niveles (L3-L4, L4-L5 y L5-S1). Se analizó la asociación entre el espesor del LA y el tropismo. RESULTADOS: Durante el período de estudio, 98 pacientes fueron incluidos, con edad promedio de 53,6 años, siendo la mayoría mujeres (59,2%). No hubo diferencia significativa entre los espesores de los ligamentos y la presencia de tropismo en niveles diferentes (p> 0,05). El espesor del LA se asoció significativamente con la gravedad del tropismo solo en el nivel L5-S1 (p <0,03). CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de nuestro estudio muestran que existe una relación positiva entre la severidad del tropismo facetario y el aumento del espesor del LA en el nivel L5-S1. .

Tissue tropism and parasite burden of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain in experimentally infected mice

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate parasite distribution and tissue tropism of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in experimentally infected mice using real time QPCR.@*METHODS@#In this survey 16 Balb/c mice were inoculated with 1 × 10(4) alive tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. After 1, 2, 3 days post infection and the last day (before death), different tissues of mice including blood, brain, eye, liver, spleen, kidney, heart and muscle were harvested. Following tissues DNA extraction, the parasite burden was quantified using real time QPCR targeting the B1 gene (451 bp).@*RESULTS@#It showed that Toxoplasma after intraperitoneal injection was able to movement to various tissues in 24 hours. Parasite burden was high in all tissues but the most number of parasites were observed in kidney, heart and liver, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These data provide significant baseline information about Toxoplasma pathogenesis, vaccine monitoring and drug efficiency.

Associação entre tropismo facetário e doença degenerativa de disco lombar / Association between facet tropism and lumbar degenerative disc disease / Asociación entre tropismo facetario y enfermedad degenerativa del disco lumbar

OBJETIVO: Documentar a presença de degeneração de disco e tropismo facetário em pacientes portadores de dor lombar crônica e sua distribuição por sexo e faixa etária. Avaliar também a associação de tropismo facetário e degeneração discal lombar além de avaliar a orientação das facetas de acordo com sexo e faixa etária. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de imagens de ressonância magnética obtidas em 288 pacientes (N = 288; 118 homens e 170 mulheres) com média de idade de 53,33 anos, portadores de dor lombar crônica. As imagens foram avaliadas por dois médicos assistentes especialistas em cirurgia da coluna para avaliar e quantificar a orientação das facetas, o tropismo facetário e o grau de degeneração discal dos níveis L3-L4, L4-L5 e L5-S1. Foi analisada a associação entre tropismo facetário e doença degenerativa discal, além de associação com sexo e idade. RESULTADOS: Observa-se que 85,8% dos discos apresentam classificação de Pfirrmann superior ou igual ao Tipo III. Com relação ao grau de degeneração discal, não houve diferença entre os sexos e aumentou com o aumento da faixa etária. Com relação ao grau de tropismo, não difere entre os níveis avaliados e o sexo, aumenta de acordo com a elevação da faixa etária. Houve aumento do grau do degeneração discal com o aumento do grau de tropismo facetário. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos discos intervertebrais analisados de pacientes com dor lombar crônica encontram-se degenerados e grau de degeneração aumenta com a idade. O grau de tropismo facetário aumenta com a idade e se relaciona com o grau de degeneração discal.

OBJECTIVE: To document the presence of disc degeneration and facet tropism in patients with chronic low back pain and its distribution by sex and age. We also evaluated the association between facet tropism and lumbar disc degeneration and the orientation of the facets according to sex and age. METHODS: Retrospective study of MRIs obtained from 288 patients (N = 288, 118 men and 170 women) with mean age of 53.33 years, and chronic low back pain. The images were evaluated by two physicians specialized in surgery of the spine to assess and quantify the orientation of the facets, facet tropism and degree of disc degeneration at L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1. We analyzed the association between facet tropism and degenerative disc disease, and association with sex and age. RESULTS: It is observed that 85.8% of the disks have Pfirrmann rating greater or equal to Type III. Concerning the degree of disc degeneration, there was no difference between sexes and increased with increasing age. There was an increase in the degree of disc degeneration with increasing degree of facet tropism. CONCLUSION: Most of the intervertebral discs analyzed in patients with chronic low back pain are degenerate and the degree of degeneration increases with age. The degree of facet tropism increases with age and is related to the degree of disc degeneration.

OBJETIVO: documentar la presencia de degeneración de disco y tropismo facetario en pacientes con dolor crónico de en la columna lumbar y su distribución por sexo y edad. También evaluamos la asociación del tropismo facetario y la degeneración del disco lumbar, además de la orientación de las facetas de acuerdo con sexo y edad. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de imágenes de resonancia magnética obtenidas en 288 pacientes (N = 288; 118 hombres y 170 mujeres) con edad media de 53,33 años y dolor crónico en la región lumbar de columna. Las imágenes fueron evaluadas por dos médicos especialistas en cirugía de la columna vertebral para valorar y cuantificar la orientación de las facetas, el tropismo facetario y el grado de degeneración de disco en L3-L4, L4-L5 y L5-S1. Se analizó la asociación entre tropismo facetario y la enfermedad degenerativa del disco y la asociación con el sexo y la edad. RESULTADOS: Se observa que 85,8% de los discos tienen clasificación de Pfirrmann mayor o igual que Tipo III. En cuanto al grado de degeneración del disco, no fue diferente entre sexos y aumentó con la edad. En cuanto al grado de tropismo, no hay diferencia entre los niveles evaluados y el sexo y aumenta con la edad. Hubo un aumento en el grado de degeneración de disco con el aumento del grado del tropismo facetario. CONCLUSIÓN: La mayoría de los discos intervertebrales analizados en los pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico se degeneran y el grado de degeneración aumenta con la edad. El grado de tropismo facetario aumenta con la edad y se relaciona con el grado de degeneración del disco.

Analysis of Factors Contributing to Postoperative Spinal Instability after Lumbar Decompression for Spinal Stenosis

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive laminectomy is one of the most commonly used surgical methods for the treatment of spinal stenosis. We retrospectively examined the risk factors that induce spinal instability, including slippage (spondylolisthesis) and/or segmental angulation after decompressive laminectomy on the lumbar spine. METHODS: From January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2010, 94 consecutive patients underwent first-time single level decompressive laminectomy without fusion and discectomy. Of these 94 patients, 42 with a follow-up period of at least 2 years were selected. We measured the segmental angulation and slippage in flexion and extension dynamic lumbar radiographs. We analyzed the following contributing factors to spinal instability: age/sex, smoking history, disc space narrowing, body mass index (kg/m2), facet joint tropism, effect of the lordotic angle on lumbar spine, asymmetrical paraspinal muscle volume, and surgical method and level. RESULTS: Female patients, normal lordotic angle, and asymmetrical paraspinal muscle volume were factors more significantly associated with spondylolisthesis (p-value=0.026, 0.015, <0.01). Statistical results indicated that patients with facet tropism were more likely to have segmental angulation (p-value=0.046). Facet tropism and asymmetry of paraspinal muscle volume were predisposing factors to spinal instability (p-value=0.012, <0.01). CONCLUSION: Facet joint tropism and asymmetry of paraspinal muscle volume are the most important factors associated with spinal instability; therefore, careful follow-up after decompressive laminectomy in affected patients is necessary.