Why phylogenetic signal of traits is important in ecosystems: uniformity of a plant trait increases soil fauna, but only in a phylogenetically uniform vegetation.

Phylogenetically closely related plant species often share similar trait states (phylogenetic signal), but local assembly may favor dissimilar relatives and thereby decouple the diversity of a trait from the diversity of phylogenetic lineages. Associated fauna might either benefit from plant trait diversity, because it provides them complementary resources, or suffer from it due to dilution of preferred resources. We hence hypothesize that decoupling of trait and phylogenetic diversity weakens the relationship between the plant-trait diversity and the abundance and diversity of associated fauna. Studying permanent meadows, we tested for combined effects of plant phylogenetic diversity and diversity of two functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content) on major groups of soil fauna (earthworms, mites, springtails, nematodes). We found that only in phylogenetically uniform plant communities, was uniformity in the functional traits associated with (i) high abundance in springtails, and (ii) high abundance of the sub-group that feeds more directly on plant material (in springtails and mites) or those that are more prone to disturbance (in nematodes), and (iii) high diversity in all three groups tested (springtails, earthworms, nematodes). Our results suggest that soil fauna profits from the resource concentration in local plant communities that are uniform in both functional traits and phylogenetic lineages. Soil fauna would hence benefit from co-occurrence of closely related plants that have conserved the same trait values, rather than of distantly related plants that have converged in traits. This might result in faster decomposition and a positive feedback between trait conservatism and ecosystem functioning.

La sucralosa promueve la polarización a macrófagos proinflamatorios M1

RESUMEN La sucralosa es un edulcorante no calórico de amplio consumo a nivel mundial, es considerado como un aditivo seguro, debido a que es eliminado en periodos cortos de tiempo. Recientemente se evidenció su bioacumulación en tejido adiposo, donde se encuentran inmersos macrófagos, células del sistema inmune involucradas en el desarrollo de la inflamación sistémica de bajo grado. A la fecha, no se cuenta con suficiente información para demostrar si los edulcorantes potencian los procesos inflamatorios alterando la función de células presentes en tejido y/o contribuyen en el desarrollo de patologías metabólicas. Por lo anterior, en nuestro trabajo se evaluó el efecto de la sucralosa en la viabilidad de los macrófagos diferenciados de la línea celular monocítica THP-1, por azul de tripán y ensayos de MTT, así como su efecto en la polarización M1/M2 por PCR según la expresión de IRF4, IRF5, STAT1, STAT6, perfil de expresión de IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-10 y SOCS3 por qPCR, y la cuantificación de la quimiocina IP-10 por ELISA. Los resultados indicaron que la sucralosa no tiene efectos citotóxicos, pero disminuye el número de células viables metabólicamente activas determinadas por MTT de manera dependiente de la concentración. La sucralosa incrementa la concentración de la quimiocina IP-10 y la expresión génica del factor de transcripción IRF5 y disminuye la expresión de IRF4 y STAT6, favoreciendo la polarización hacia poblaciones M1. La bioacumulación de sucralosa en tejido adiposo, y su interacción con macrófagos, podría inducir su polarización a M1.

ABSTRACT Sucralose is a non-nutritive sweetener widely consumed worldwide; it is considered a safe additive because it is eliminated quickly. Recently its bioaccumulation in adipose tissue was evidenced, where macrophages, cells of the immune system involved in developing low-grade systemic inflammation, are found. To date, there is a paucity of information regarding whether sweeteners potentiate inflammatory processes by altering the function of cells present in tissue and/or contribute to the development of metabolic pathologies. We evaluate the effect of sucralose on the viability of differentiated macrophages of the monocytic cell line THP-1, by trypan blue and MTT assays, respectively, as well as its effect on M1/ M2 by PCR according to the expression of IRF4, IRF5, STAT1, STAT6, expression profile of IL6, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-10 and SOCS3 by qPCR, and the quantification of the chemokine IP-10 by ELISE. The results indicated that sucralose has no cytotoxic effects but decreases the number of metabolically active viable cells determined by MTT of macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. Sucralose increased the concentration of the chemokine IP-10 and the gene expression of the transcription factors IRF5 and decreased the expression of IRF4 and STAT 6 gene expression, favoring polarization towards M1 populations. The bioaccumulation of sucralose in adipose tissue, and its interaction with macrophages, could induce its polarization to M1.

Visibilizando a las cirujanas en Chile / Making female surgeons visible in Chile

Resumen Introducción: La cirugía ha sido tradicionalmente considerada una especialidad masculina. Se desconoce si el aumento en el número de médicas en las últimas décadas ha producido un aumento significativo en el número de cirujanas. Objetivo: Analizar y visibilizar la participación actual e histórica de las mujeres en Medicina y en Cirugía General en Chile. Materiales y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de la cohorte de médicas/os y cirujanas/os egresados de escuelas de medicina chilenas desde el año 1970, complementado con estudio de corte transversal para conocer la información actual de las cirujanas y residentes. Las fuentes de datos fueron los Registros de la Superintendencia de Salud, CONACEM y el Catastro de la Asociación de Cirujanas. Resultados: Ha existido un aumento sostenido de médicas egresadas sobrepasando a sus pares masculinos a partir de 2018. Las cirujanas representan el 15% del total de cirujanas y cirujanos, y este número se ha duplicado por década a partir de los años 70. Actualmente, 33% de los residentes en formación son de género femenino. Las áreas más comunes de desarrollo son cirugía general (35%), y dentro de las subespecialidades: mama, plástica y cabeza y cuello. Conclusión: Las mujeres siguen siendo minoría en cirugía; sin embargo, se ha producido un aumento progresivo y se espera siga la misma tendencia. Es necesario visibilizar la importancia de las cirujanas para que sirvan como modelo a nuevas generaciones de estudiantes y así poder aumentar la representación femenina en la especialidad.

Introduction: Surgery traditionally has been considered a male discipline. It is unknown if the increase in the number of female doctors in the last decades has increased the number of female surgeons. Aim: Is to analyze and make visible the historical and current participation of women in Medicine and Surgery in Chile. Materials and Method: Retrospective cohort study of all medical doctors and surgeons graduated from chilean Universities since 1970 to date, and cross-sectional study to know current information of female surgeons and residents. Source of data were the Registries of Health Superintendence, CONACEM and the Registry of the Female Surgeon Association. Results: There has been a steady increase in the number of graduated female doctors in Chile, surpassing male doctors since 2018. Female surgeons are 15% of all surgeons, and the number has duplicated every decade since 1970s. Currently, 33% of the residents are female. Main area of developing is general surgery (35%), and within subspecialties: Breast, Plastics, and Head and Neck. Conclusions: Women are still underrepresented in Surgery: however, there has been a steady increase and that trend is expected to continue. It is necessary to make visible the importance of female surgeons to be able to increase female representation.

Massive digestive bleeding as a result of gastric heterotopy: a case report. / Sangrado digestivo masivo por heterotopia gástrica. Reporte de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric heterotopy is a rare entity in the pediatric population. It occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestive bleeding. CLINICAL CASE: This is the case of a 10-year-old boy with gastric tissue in the proximal jejunum, which caused two massive digestive bleeding episodes. Diagnostic techniques included endoscopic capsule, enteroscopy, and biopsy. The patient was scheduled for laparotomy and resection. After one year of follow-up, he remained asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: Gastric heterotopy approach represents a diagnostic challenge. Owing to how rare it is, there is no global consensus in terms of treatment. However, surgery is the definitive therapy. In this case, decision was made not to perform intestinal resection and anastomosis, but resection of the compromised intestinal wall. No malignity was reported in the literature reviewed.

INTRODUCCION: La heterotopia gástrica es una entidad infrecuente en la población pediátrica. Se presenta en el tracto gastrointestinal llevando a cuadros clínicos de sangrado digestivo. CASO CLINICO: Se reporta el caso de un escolar de 10 años, el cual presentó tejido gástrico en el yeyuno proximal, originando sangrado digestivo masivo en dos ocasiones. La secuencia de apoyos diagnósticos requirió cápsula endoscópica, enteroscopia y biopsia. Fue llevado a laparotomía y resección de la lesión. En el seguimiento al año se mantuvo asintomático. DISCUSION: Su abordaje genera un reto diagnóstico. Debido a su infrecuente presentación no hay un consenso global para el tratamiento, sin embargo, la intervención quirúrgica es la terapia definitiva. En este caso no se hizo resección intestinal y anastomosis sino resección de la pared intestinal comprometida. No se reportó malignidad en la literatura revisada.

Sangrado digestivo masivo por heterotopia gástrica. Reporte de un caso / Massive digestive bleeding as a result of gastric heterotopy: a case repor

Introducción: La heterotopia gástrica es una entidad infrecuente enla población pediátrica. Se presenta en el tracto gastrointestinal llevandoa cuadros clínicos de sangrado digestivo. Caso clínico: Se reporta el caso de un escolar de 10 años, el cualpresentó tejido gástrico en el yeyuno proximal, originando sangradodigestivo masivo en dos ocasiones. La secuencia de apoyos diagnósti-cos requirió cápsula endoscópica, enteroscopia y biopsia. Fue llevadoa laparotomía y resección de la lesión. En el seguimiento al año semantuvo asintomático. Discusión: Su abordaje genera un reto diagnóstico. Debido a suinfrecuente presentación no hay un consenso global para el tratamien-to, sin embargo, la intervención quirúrgica es la terapia definitiva. Eneste caso no se hizo resección intestinal y anastomosis sino resecciónde la pared intestinal comprometida. No se reportó malignidad en laliteratura revisada.(AU)

Introduction: Gastric heterotopy is a rare entity in the pediatricpopulation. It occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestivebleeding. Clinical case: This is the case of a 10-year-old boy with gastrictissue in the proximal jejunum, which caused two massive digestivebleeding episodes. Diagnostic techniques included endoscopic capsule,enteroscopy, and biopsy. The patient was scheduled for laparotomyand resection. After one year of follow-up, he remained asymptomatic. Discussion: Gastric heterotopy approach represents a diagnosticchallenge. Owing to how rare it is, there is no global consensus in termsof treatment. However, surgery is the definitive therapy. In this case,decision was made not to perform intestinal resection and anastomosis,but resection of the compromised intestinal wall. No malignity wasreported in the literature reviewed.(AU)

Evaluación del impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de mama tratadas en Clínica Alemana de Santiago / Evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the diagnosis and treatment of breats cancer patients at Clínica Alemana de Santiago

Resumen Introducción: Debido a la pandemia COVID-19 se ha visto un retraso en diagnósticos de en-fermedades oncológicas, cambio de tratamientos y aumento en mortalidad. Objetivo: Evaluar efectos de la pandemia en pacientes de Clínica Alemana de Santiago con diagnóstico reciente de cáncer de mama, comparadas con igual periodo año 2019. Materiales y Método: Estudio cuantitativo, retrospectivo, tipo descriptivo. Período 1 de abril - 31 de julio de 2020 comparado con igual periodo de año 2019. Revisión de nuestra base de datos, comparando motivo de consulta, estadio y tratamiento. Análisis estadístico con programa STATA, test T student y test exacto de Fisher. Consideramos significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: Total 156 pacientes, 70 (44,87%) consultaron en periodo señalado año 2020 versus 86 (55,13%) en 2019 (p = 0,1). Edad promedio 55 años versus 58 (p = 0,38). Consulta por nódulo palpable de mama, 25 versus 29 (p = 0,86). Hubo diferencias en pacientes que consultaron por antece-dentes familiares de cáncer de mama, 0 versus 6 (p = 0,033), y en pacientes con antecedente personal de cáncer de mama, 0 versus 6 (p = 0,033). Consulta por control imagenológico fue 39 versus 53 (p = 0,5). En época de pandemia hubo más tumores Her 2, 11 versus 2 (p = 0,006). Por estadios, no hubo diferencia. Por tratamiento indicado, cirugía fue de 49 pacientes versus 71 (p = 0,85). Hormonoterapia neoadyuvante 7 versus 1 (p = 0,058). Conclusiones: En periodo de pandemia hubo menor consulta por cáncer de mama. La mayoría por control imagenológico y lesiones palpables, sin diferencia en estos grupos entre ambos periodos. Hubo menos cirugías y más tratamientos con hormonoterapia neoadyuvante.

Introduction: Due to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic there has been a delay in oncological diagnosis and treatments potentially increasing mortality. Aim: To evaluate the effects of the pandemic in patients treated in Clinica Alemana with recent diagnosis of breast cancer, comparing the reason of consultation, stage and treatment to a similar time frame in 2019. Materials and Method: This is a retrospective, descriptive and quantitative study. Analyzing patients registry from April 1st to July 31st, 2020 compared with same time frame of 2019. Retrospective analysis of our database searching for reason of consultation, stage and treatment. Data analysis using STATA, T student test and Fisher exact test, considering significant a p < 0.05. Results: N156, 70 (44.87%) consultations in the 2020-time frame versus 86 (55.13%) in 2019 (p = 0.1). Mean age 55 years versus 58 (p = 0.38). Palpable tumor 25 versus 29 (p = 0.86). There was a difference in patients consulting due to personal breast oncological background, 0 versus 6 (p = 0.033) or familiar breast oncological background 0 versus 6 (p = 0.033). Breast images control 39 versus 53 (p = 0.5). In Pandemic more Her 2 tumors were diagnosed 11 versus 2 (p = 0.006). No differences in stages were observed. Upfront surgical treatment in 49 versus 71 patients (p = 0.85) and neoadjuvant hormonal treatment 7 versus 1 (p = 0.058). Conclusion: In the pandemic time frame there were less consultations due to breast cancer. The majority of the patients came because of a palpable tumor or breast image control without a significant difference compared with a similar time frame in previous year. There were less surgeries and more neoadjuvant hormonal treatments.

Primeras cirujanas de Chile / First female surgeons of Chile

Resumen En el año 2020 las cirujanas chilenas se reunieron en torno a la necesidad de trabajar para solucionar varios problemas que aquejan a la labor quirúrgica de la mujer en nuestro país, desde la formación de pregrado en adelante. Algunos de estos problemas son la poca visibilidad de la mujer en cirugía y la falta de reconocimiento de las cirujanas líderes y referentes del pasado y actuales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue indagar quienes habían sido las primeras cirujanas de Chile. La búsqueda fue difícil, ya que la información en la internet es escasa, por lo que se recurrió a entrevistas a discípulos y a algunas de las primeras cirujanas tanto en su especialidad o región del país. La cronología muestra lo reciente que ha sido la llegada de cirujanas a algunas regiones o la escasa representatividad de cirujanas en algunas subespecialidades. Esto se puede entender por barreras legales y culturales que han tenido que enfrentar las mujeres desde el ingreso a la carrera de medicina hasta el poder desarrollar la especialidad en cirugía a lo largo de la historia de este país.

In 2020, Chilean women surgeons gathered to discuss different problems affecting the development of a career in surgery. Through the history of the medicine and surgery in Chile, there have been several legal and cultural barriers that have kept women out of this specialty. One of this problem is the lack of knowledge of who were the first female surgeons and the lack of awareness of that there are women that can be leaders as well as male surgeons. So, generations of medical students and residents continue thinking that surgery might be a man's job. The purpose of this investigation is to reveal who went and are the first women surgeon in this country, not only in their time but also in their specialty, so we all know that there were and there still are pioneers among us.

Seropositivity for Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania mexicana in dogs from a metropolitan region of Central Mexico.

Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania mexicana are parasites of humans and other mammals, causing American Trypanosomiasis and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, respectively. Domestic dogs are considered key hosts for these parasites in the domicile and peridomicile cycles of transmission, due to their abundance and contact with human population. In Mexico, there are few studies that involve the study of infection with these parasites in dogs, and have only been carried out mainly in the endemic areas for these diseases. In the state of Querétaro (Mexico), infections with both parasites have been reported for dogs only from rural areas, with no records for the metropolitan zone. We analyzed the seropositivity to T. cruzi and L. mexicana in dogs from localities within of the metropolitan zone of Querétaro City in order to determine if these animals are exposed to these parasites and thus, could be an important part of the transmission cycle of these trypanosomatids in a densely populated urban region within the state of Querétaro, Mexico. Serum samples were collected from 303 dogs housed in the Animal Control centers of the municipalities of Querétaro and El Marques, analyzed by indirect ELISA and Western Blot using as an antigen the Iron Superoxide Dismutase (FeSODe) of the parasites. From the total serum samples, we detected 10.2% of seropositivity for T. cruzi and 2.9% for L. mexicana. Our results represent the first evidence of infection with T. cruzi in domestic dogs from the Metropolitan Zone of Querétaro, and the first record for L. mexicana in Central Mexico. Ongoing investigations seek to confirm the circulation of these parasites in the area to evaluate the risk associated to the human population.

Clinical and molecular characterization of patients with cancer of unknown primary in the modern era.

BACKGROUND: On the basis of historical data, patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) are generally assumed to have a dismal prognosis with overall survival of less than 1 year. Treatment is typically cytotoxic chemotherapy guided by histologic features and the pattern of metastatic spread. The purpose of this study was to provide a clinical and pathologic description of patients with CUP in the modern era, to define the frequency of clinically actionable molecular alterations in this population, to determine how molecular testing can alter therapeutic decisions, and to investigate novel uses of next-generation sequencing in the evaluation and treatment of patients with CUP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Under Institutional Review Board approval, we identified all CUP patients evaluated at our institution over a recent 2-year period. We documented demographic information, clinical outcomes, pathologic evaluations, next-generation sequencing of available tumor tissue, use of targeted therapies, and clinical trial enrollment. RESULTS: We identified 333 patients with a diagnosis of CUP evaluated at our institution from 1 January 2014 through 30 June 2016. Of these patients, 150 had targeted next-generation sequencing carried out on available tissue. Median overall survival in this cohort was 13 months. Forty-five of 150 (30%) patients had potentially targetable genomic alterations identified by tumor molecular profiling, and 15 of 150 (10%) received targeted therapies. Dominant mutation signatures were identified in 21 of 150 (14%), largely implicating exogenous mutagen exposures such as ultraviolet radiation and tobacco. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CUP represent a heterogeneous population, harboring a variety of potentially targetable alterations. Next-generation sequencing may provide an opportunity for CUP patients to benefit from novel personalized therapies.

Prognostic value of PTEN loss in men with conservatively managed localised prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of prostate cancer is highly variable and difficult to predict. We report on the prognostic value of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) loss in a cohort of 675 men with conservatively managed prostate cancer diagnosed by transurethral resection of the prostate. METHODS: The PTEN status was assayed by immunohistochemistry (PTEN IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridisation (PTEN FISH). The primary end point was death from prostate cancer. RESULTS: The PTEN IHC loss was observed in 18% cases. This was significantly associated with prostate cancer death in univariate analysis (hazard ratio (HR)=3.51; 95% CI 2.60-4.73; P=3.1 × 10(-14)). It was highly predictive of prostate cancer death in the 50% of patients with a low risk score based on Gleason score, PSA, Ki-67 and extent of disease (HR=7.4; 95% CI 2.2-24.6; P=0.012) ), but had no prognostic value in the higher risk patients. The PTEN FISH loss was only weakly associated with PTEN IHC loss (κ=0.5). Both PTEN FISH loss and amplification were univariately predictive of death from prostate cancer, but this was not maintained in the multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: In low-risk patients, PTEN IHC loss adds prognostic value to Gleason score, PSA, Ki-67 and extent of disease.

Insights into the preclinical treatment of blood-stage malaria by the antibiotic borrelidin.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Blood-stage Plasmodium parasites cause morbidity and mortality from malaria. Parasite resistance to drugs makes development of new chemotherapies an urgency. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases have been validated as antimalarial drug targets. We explored long-term effects of borrelidin and mupirocin in lethal P. yoelii murine malaria. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Long-term (up to 340 days) immunological responses to borrelidin or mupirocin were measured after an initial 4 day suppressive test. Prophylaxis and cure were evaluated and the inhibitory effect on the parasites analysed. KEY RESULTS: Borrelidin protected against lethal malaria at 0.25 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹. Antimalarial activity of borrelidin correlated with accumulation of trophozoites in peripheral blood. All infected mice treated with borrelidin survived and subsequently developed immunity protecting them from re-infection on further challenges, 75 and 340 days after the initial infection. This long-term immunity in borrelidin-treated mice resulted in negligible parasitaemia after re-infections and marked increases in total serum levels of antiparasite IgGs with augmented avidity. Long-term memory IgGs mainly reacted against high and low molecular weight parasite antigens. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that circulating IgGs bound predominantly to late intracellular stage parasites, mainly schizonts. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Low borrelidin doses protected mice from lethal malaria infections and induced protective immune responses after treatment. Development of combination therapies with borrelidin and selective modifications of the borrelidin molecule to specifically inhibit plasmodial threonyl tRNA synthetase should improve therapeutic strategies for malaria.

Técnica Semidirecta para Disfunciones en FRS de C3 / Semidirect techniques for FRS dysfunctions of C3

Algunas de las recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia científica disponible establecen que, aunque se han hecho muchos estudios sobre la eficacia de la manipulación, existen escasas descripciones sobre la manipulación cervical para disfunción en FRS, y sus consideraciones clínicas de aplicación. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es aportar las generalidades básicas para la adecuada aplicación de este procedimiento terapéutico (AU)

Some of the recommendations based on the available scientific evidence establish that although there are many trials about the effectiveness of manipulation, there are few descriptions about cervical manipulation for dysfunctions in FRS, and their clinical considerations of being applied. The objective of our trial is to provide the basic generalities for the appropriate application of this therapeutic procedure (AU)

Cloning and expression of ethylene receptor ERS1 at various developmental and ripening stages of mango fruit.

Ethylene induces characteristic ripening reactions in climacteric fruits through its binding to histidine-kinase (HK) receptors, activating the expression of ripening genes. Ethylene receptors have been found in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) and some fruits; number and expression patterns differ among species. In mango, only ethylene receptor ETR1 was known. We cloned ERS1 cDNA from mango, and evaluated the expression of Mi-ERS1 and Mi-ETR1 by qPCR in developmental and ripening stages of this fruit. The Mi-ERS1 coding sequence is 1890 bp long and encodes 629 amino acids, similar to ERS1 from other fruits. Also, the amino acid sequence of ERS1 C-terminal HK domain shows the cognate fold after molecular modeling. Mi-ERS1 expression levels increased as mangoes ripened, showing the highest levels at the climacteric stage, while Mi-ETR1 levels did not change during development and ripening. We conclude that the patterns of expression of Mi-ERS1 and Mi-ETR1 differ in mango fruit.

Cáncer mamario triple negativo: ¿cómo se ve en imágenes? / Triple receptor-negative breast cancer: how is it seen on imaging findings?

Introduction. Triple-negative cancers (TNC) refers to any breast cancer that does not express the genes for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) or human epidermal grow factor, receptor type 2. Herceptin (HER2). They tend to be more aggressive; often being diagnosed in young patients, sometimes as interval cancers, they can grow to be large in size and patients frequently present initially with axillary metastases. They show a worse prognosis compared to other breast cancer tumors, with an increased risk of distant recurrence and death, especially in the first 5 years after diagnosis. Patients and methods. We conducted a descriptive, retrospective observational study of TNC cases diagnosed at our institution between March 2005 and June 2012 in order to identify their imaging features. Results. TNC may not be seen on mammography (Mx) if the parenchyma is dense (ACR types 3 and 4), mainly because they appear as masses or focal asymmetries without microcalcifications. Both on mammography and ultrasound (US) they can evoke a benign lesion. On US studies they frequently manifest as a solid single nodule, markedly hypoechoic with posterior acoustic enhancement and well-defined contours. They appear hypo/ avascular on color Doppler examinations (or vascularized in the periphery without central vessels) and various afferent pedicles may be present. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly identifies suspicious lesions with some characteristic features: mass preferably with posterior and prepectoral location, markedly hyperintense on T2- weighted images with a ring-like pattern of contrast agent uptake, presenting washout curve, sometimes with septa increased uptake in the lesion center. Conclusion. Triple receptor-negative cancers often exhibit imaging features that distinguish them from other types of tumors.

Introducción. Los cánceres triple negativo (CTN) son aquellos que no presentan receptores de estrógeno, progesterona ni human epidermal grow factor, receptor type 2. Herceptin (HER2). Tienden a ser más agresivos; a menudo se diagnostican en pacientes jóvenes, a veces como cánceres de intervalo, llegan a ser de gran tamaño y más frecuentemente presentan metástasis axilares al momento del diagnóstico. Su pronóstico es peor que otros cánceres mamarios, existiendo una mayor probabilidad de recurrencia a distancia y de muerte, especialmente en los primeros 5 años. Pacientes y métodos. Se efectuó una revisión retrospectiva descriptiva de los casos de CTN diagnosticados en nuestra institución (periodo entre marzo de 2005 y junio de 2012) con el fin de identificar sus características imaginológicas. Resultados. Los CTN pueden quedar ocultos en mamografía (Mx) si el parénquima es denso (tipo ACR 3 y 4), puesto que aparecen principalmente como masas o asimetrías focales, sin microcalcificaciones. Tanto en Mx como en ultrasonido (US) pueden evocar una lesión de morfología benigna. En US se manifiestan frecuentemente como un nódulo sólido único, marcadamente hipoecogénico con refuerzo posterior, de contornos bastante circunscritos y que aparece hipo/avascular al Doppler color (o vascularizado en la periferia sin vasos centrales) y varios pedículos aferentes. La resonancia magnética (RM) identifica hallazgos claramente sospechosos con algunos elementos característicos: masa cuya localización es preferentemente posterior, pre-pectoral, marcadamente hiperintensa en T2 que capta el contraste en anillo y presenta curva de lavado, a veces con septos hipercaptantes en el centro de la lesión. Conclusión. Los CTN presentan a menudo características en imágenes que los diferencian de otros tipos de tumores.

Influence of content and particle size of waste pet bottles on concrete behavior at different w/c ratios.

The goal of this work was to study the mechanical behavior of concrete with recycled Polyethylene Therephtalate (PET), varying the water/cement ratio (0.50 and 0.60), PET content (10 and 20 vol%) and the particle size. Also, the influence of the thermal degradation of PET in the concrete was studied, when the blends were exposed to different temperatures (200, 400, 600 degrees C). Results indicate that PET-filled concrete, when volume proportion and particle size of PET increased, showed a decrease in compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and ultrasonic pulse velocity; however, the water absorption increased. On the other hand, the flexural strength of concrete-PET when exposed to a heat source was strongly dependent on the temperature, water/cement ratio, as well as on the PET content and particle size. Moreover, the activation energy was affected by the temperature, PET particles location on the slabs and water/cement ratio.

Adiponectin multimers in maternal plasma.

OBJECTIVE: Adiponectin is an anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic adipokine that circulates in oligomeric complexes including: low molecular weight (LMW) trimers, medium molecular weight (MMW) hexamers, and high molecular weight (HMW) isoforms. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are changes in adiponectin multimers in pregnancy and as a function of maternal weight. STUDY DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, plasma concentrations of total, HMW, MMW, and LMW adiponectin were determined in women included in three groups: (1) normal pregnant women of normal body mass index (BMI) (n = 466), (2) overweight pregnant women (BMI >or=25; n = 257), and (3) non-pregnant women of normal weight (n = 40). Blood samples were collected once from each woman between 11 and 42 weeks of gestation. Plasma adiponectin multimer concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: (1) The median HMW adiponectin concentration and the median HMW/total adiponectin ratio were significantly higher, and the median LMW adiponectin concentration was significantly lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. (2) Among pregnant women, the median plasma concentration of total, HMW, and MMW adiponectin was significantly higher in normal weight women than in overweight patients. (3) Maternal HMW was the most prevalent adiponectin multimer regardless of gestational age or BMI status. (4) There were no significant differences in the median concentration of total, MMW, and LMW adiponectin and their relative distribution with advancing gestation. CONCLUSION: Human pregnancy is characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in adiponectin multimers, especially the most active isoform, HMW adiponectin.

Clinical significance of the presence of amniotic fluid 'sludge' in asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical significance of the presence of amniotic fluid (AF) 'sludge' among asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 281 patients with (n = 66) or without (n = 215) AF 'sludge', who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination between 13 and 29 completed weeks of gestation. Patients with threatened preterm labor, multiple gestation, fetal anomalies, placenta previa or uterine contractions were excluded. RESULTS: The prevalence of AF 'sludge' in the study population was 23.5% (66/281). The rates of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks, < 35 weeks and < 37 weeks of gestation were 14.7% (29/197), 21.3% (46/216), 28.7% (62/216) and 42.1% (91/216), respectively. Patients with 'sludge' had: (1) a higher rate of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks (46.5% (20/43) vs. 5.8% (9/154); P < 0.001), < 32 weeks (55.6% (25/45) vs. 12.3% (21/171); P < 0.001) and < 35 weeks (62.2% (28/45) vs. 19.9% (34/171); P < 0.001); (2) a higher frequency of clinical chorioamnionitis (15.2% (10/66) vs. 5.1% (11/215); P = 0.007), histologic chorioamnionitis (61.5% (40/65) vs. 28% (54/193); P < 0.001) and funisitis (32.3% (21/65) vs. 19.2% (37/193); P = 0.03); (3) a higher frequency of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) (39.4% (26/66) vs. 13.5% (29/215); P < 0.001), lower gestational age at preterm PROM (median 24.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 22.3-28.1) weeks vs. 32.3 (IQR, 27.7-34.8) weeks; P < 0.001); and (4) shorter median ultrasound-to-delivery interval ('sludge' positive 127 days (95% CI, 120-134 days) vs. 'sludge' negative 161 days (95% CI, 153-169 days); P < 0.001) and ultrasound-to-preterm PROM interval ('sludge' positive 23 days (95% CI, 7-39 days) vs. 'sludge' negative 57 days (95% CI, 38-77 days); P = 0.003) than those without 'sludge'. AF 'sludge' was an independent explanatory variable for the occurrence of spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks, < 32 weeks and < 35 weeks, preterm PROM, microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and histologic chorioamnionitis. Moreover, the combination of a cervical length < 25 mm and 'sludge' conferred an odds ratio of 14.8 and 9.9 for spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks and < 32 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AF 'sludge' is an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery, preterm PROM, MIAC and histologic chorioamnionitis in asymptomatic patients at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. Furthermore, the combination of 'sludge' and a short cervix confers a higher risk for spontaneous preterm delivery at < 28 weeks and < 32 weeks than a short cervix alone.

Increased Young's modulus and hardness of Col1a2oim dentin.

Mice harboring the Col1a2(oim) mutation (oim) express dentinogenesis imperfecta. To determine the effect of Col1a2 genotype on tissue mechanical properties, we compared Young's modulus and hardness of dentin in the 3 Col1a2 genotypes. Upper incisors were tested by nanoindentation. Genotype had a significant effect on Young's modulus, but there was not a simple mutant allele dosage relationship. The effect of genotype on hardness did not reach significance. Hardness and Young's modulus were greater near the dento-enamel junction than near the pulp chamber. Greater hardness and Young's modulus values near the dento-enamel junction reflected continued mineralization of the dentin following its initial synthesis. Analysis showed the mechanical data to be consistent with Fourier transform infrared and backscattered electron microscopy studies that revealed increased mineralization in oim bone. Analysis of the data suggests that clinical fragility of teeth in oim mice is not due to deficiencies of hardness or Young's modulus, but may be due to defects in post-yield behavior or resistance to fatigue damage.

A novel method for determination of collagen orientation in cartilage by Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS).

OBJECTIVE: The orientation of collagen molecules is an important determinant of their functionality in connective tissues. The objective of the current study is to establish a method to determine the alignment of collagen molecules in histological sections of cartilage by polarized Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS), a method based on molecular vibrations. METHODS: Polarized FT-IRIS data obtained from highly oriented tendon collagen were utilized to calibrate the derived spectral parameters. The ratio of the integrated areas of the collagen amide I/II absorbances was used as an indicator of collagen orientation. These data were then applied to FT-IRIS analysis of the orientation of collagen molecules in equine articular cartilage, in equine repair cartilage after microfracture treatment, and in human osteoarthritic cartilage. Polarized light microscopy (PLM), the most frequently utilized technique to evaluate collagen fibril orientation in histological sections, was performed on picrosirius red-stained sections for comparison. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Thicknesses of each zone of normal equine cartilage (calculated based on differences in collagen orientation) were equivalent as determined by PLM and FT-IRIS. Comparable outcomes were obtained from the PLM and FT-IRIS analyses of repair and osteoarthritis tissues, whereby similar zonal variations in collagen orientation were apparent for the two methods. However, the PLM images of human osteoarthritic cartilage showed less obvious zonal discrimination and orientation compared to the FT-IRIS images, possibly attributable to the FT-IRIS method detecting molecular orientation changes prior to their manifestation at the microscopic level.