[Diaphyseal osteoporotic nonunion of the humerus in elderly patients. Surgical treatment and long-term results]. / No-consolidación diafisaria de húmero en pacientes adultos con osteoporosis. Tratamiento quirúrgico y resultados a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: to evaluate the long term radiographic and functional results achieved in adult patients with osteoporotic, atrophic, non-unions of the diaphyseal humerus, treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation with plates and bone graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we retrospectively evaluated 22 patients. Patient's age averaged 72 years. Time from initial trauma to definitive surgery averaged 18 months. Eleven patients were smokers, and four had active infection. Pre-operative Constant score and DASH score averaged 23.13 and 81.04, respectively. Pre-operative pain scale averaged 7.45 points. RESULTS: follow-up averaged 69 months. Union was achieved in all cases after an average of 4.68 months. DASH score at last follow-up averaged 20.27 points and Constant score 79.31 points. Analog pain scale averaged 0.77 points. Stabilization was performed using locking blade plates in 12 non-unions, locking compression plates in six cases, and double plating in four non-unions. Patients with active infection were treated in two stages using Masquelet's technique. Bone graft was associated in all cases (cancellous iliac crest autograft in 17, allograft in three, and combined structural allograft and cancellous autograft in two). Two grams of vancomycin powder were associated to the bone graft in all cases. CONCLUSION: the use of open reduction and internal fixation with plates associated to bone graft with local antibiotics, aloud achieving bony union and good predictable long-term objective and subjective functional results in all cases, without major complications or the need of further surgical intervention.

INTRODUCCIÓN: evaluar los resultados radiográficos y funcionales obtenidos a largo plazo en pacientes adultos que presentaron no-consolidaciones atróficas diafisarias de húmero asociadas a osteoporosis; tratadas quirúrgicamente mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna con placas e injerto óseo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: evaluamos retrospectivamente 22 pacientes, con edad promedio de 72 años, el tiempo desde el trauma inicial hasta la cirugía definitiva promedió, 18 meses. Once pacientes eran fumadores y cuatro presentaban infección activa. El score de Constant y el DASH preoperatorios promediaron 23.13 y 81.04, respectivamente. El valor de la escala analógica del dolor preoperatorio promedió 7.45 puntos. RESULTADOS: el seguimiento promedió 69 meses. Se obtuvo la consolidación en todos los casos, luego de un promedio de 4.68 meses. Al último seguimiento, los valores del DASH promediaron 20.27 puntos y el score de Constant promedió 79.31 puntos. La escala analógica del dolor promedió 0.77 puntos. La estabilización se realizó utilizando clavos placa bloqueados en 12 no-consolidaciones, placas bloqueadas de compresión en seis y doble placa en cuatro. Los pacientes con infección activa fueron tratados en dos etapas utilizando la técnica descripta por Masquelet. Se asoció injerto óseo en todas las reconstrucciones (autoinjerto esponjoso de cresta ilíaca en 17, aloinjerto en tres y se combinó aloinjerto estructural con autoinjerto esponjoso en dos). Dos gramos de vancomicina en polvo fueron asociados localmente al injerto óseo. CONCLUSIÓN: la combinación de reducción abierta y fijación interna con placas e injerto óseo permitió obtener la consolidación y resultados funcionales objetivos y subjetivos buenos y predecibles a largo plazo en todos los casos, sin complicaciones mayores ni la necesidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas sucesivas.

No-consolidación diafisaria de húmero en pacientes adultos con osteoporosis. Tratamiento quirúrgico y resultados a largo plazo / Diaphyseal osteoporotic nonunion of the humerus in elderly patients. Surgical treatment and long-term results

Resumen: Introducción: evaluar los resultados radiográficos y funcionales obtenidos a largo plazo en pacientes adultos que presentaron no-consolidaciones atróficas diafisarias de húmero asociadas a osteoporosis; tratadas quirúrgicamente mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna con placas e injerto óseo. Material y métodos: evaluamos retrospectivamente 22 pacientes, con edad promedio de 72 años, el tiempo desde el trauma inicial hasta la cirugía definitiva promedió, 18 meses. Once pacientes eran fumadores y cuatro presentaban infección activa. El score de Constant y el DASH preoperatorios promediaron 23.13 y 81.04, respectivamente. El valor de la escala analógica del dolor preoperatorio promedió 7.45 puntos. Resultados: el seguimiento promedió 69 meses. Se obtuvo la consolidación en todos los casos, luego de un promedio de 4.68 meses. Al último seguimiento, los valores del DASH promediaron 20.27 puntos y el score de Constant promedió 79.31 puntos. La escala analógica del dolor promedió 0.77 puntos. La estabilización se realizó utilizando clavos placa bloqueados en 12 no-consolidaciones, placas bloqueadas de compresión en seis y doble placa en cuatro. Los pacientes con infección activa fueron tratados en dos etapas utilizando la técnica descripta por Masquelet. Se asoció injerto óseo en todas las reconstrucciones (autoinjerto esponjoso de cresta ilíaca en 17, aloinjerto en tres y se combinó aloinjerto estructural con autoinjerto esponjoso en dos). Dos gramos de vancomicina en polvo fueron asociados localmente al injerto óseo. Conclusión: la combinación de reducción abierta y fijación interna con placas e injerto óseo permitió obtener la consolidación y resultados funcionales objetivos y subjetivos buenos y predecibles a largo plazo en todos los casos, sin complicaciones mayores ni la necesidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas sucesivas.

Abstract: Introduction: to evaluate the long term radiographic and functional results achieved in adult patients with osteoporotic, atrophic, non-unions of the diaphyseal humerus, treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation with plates and bone graft. Material and methods: we retrospectively evaluated 22 patients. Patient's age averaged 72 years. Time from initial trauma to definitive surgery averaged 18 months. Eleven patients were smokers, and four had active infection. Pre-operative Constant score and DASH score averaged 23.13 and 81.04, respectively. Pre-operative pain scale averaged 7.45 points. Results: follow-up averaged 69 months. Union was achieved in all cases after an average of 4.68 months. DASH score at last follow-up averaged 20.27 points and Constant score 79.31 points. Analog pain scale averaged 0.77 points. Stabilization was performed using locking blade plates in 12 non-unions, locking compression plates in six cases, and double plating in four non-unions. Patients with active infection were treated in two stages using Masquelet's technique. Bone graft was associated in all cases (cancellous iliac crest autograft in 17, allograft in three, and combined structural allograft and cancellous autograft in two). Two grams of vancomycin powder were associated to the bone graft in all cases. Conclusion: the use of open reduction and internal fixation with plates associated to bone graft with local antibiotics, aloud achieving bony union and good predictable long-term objective and subjective functional results in all cases, without major complications or the need of further surgical intervention.

Revascularización ósea: aloinjerto estructural intramedular versus extramedular. Trabajo experimental / Bone revascularization: structural allograft intramedullary vs extramedullary. Experimental work

Resumen: Introducción: el tratamiento exitoso en pacientes con importantes defectos óseos secundarios a infección, no consolidación y fracturas osteoporóticas consecuentes a traumatismos previos representa un desafío. En la literatura actual no encontramos ningún reporte que compare el uso de Tablas de aloinjerto intramedular versus las mismas colocadas lateral a la lesión. Material y métodos: se trabajó sobre una muestra de 20 conejos (dos grupos de 10 conejos cada uno). El grupo 1 fue operado mediante la técnica de colocación extramedular del aloinjerto, mientras que el grupo 2 con técnica intramedular. A los cuatro meses postquirúrgico se realizaron estudios por imágenes e histología para comparar un grupo con el otro. Resultados: el análisis de los estudios por imágenes evidenció una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos grupos con mayor reabsorción e integración ósea del aloinjerto colocado intramedular. Respecto a la histología, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas, pero sí una predicción significativa con p valor < 0.10 a favor del aloinjerto intramedular. Conclusión: mediante nuestro trabajo pudimos mostrar la gran diferencia que hay entre la técnica de colocación del aloinjerto respecto al análisis imagenológico e histológico utilizando marcadores de revascularización. Si bien el aloinjerto colocado de manera intramedular nos muestra mayor integración ósea, el injerto extramedular brindará más soporte y estructura en pacientes que así lo requieran.

Abstract: Introduction: successful treatment in patients with significant bone defects secondary to infection, non-union and osteoporotic fractures resulting from previous trauma is challenging. In the current literature we did not find any reports that compare the use of intramedullary allograft boards versus the same ones placed lateral to the lesion. Material and methods: we worked on a sample of 20 rabbits (2 groups of 10 rabbits each). Group 1 underwent surgery using the extramedullary allograft placement technique, while group 2 with the intramedullary technique. Four months after surgery, imaging and histology studies were performed to compare between groups. Results: the analysis of the imaging studies showed a statistically significant difference between both groups with greater resorption and bone integration of the intramedullary placed allograft. Regarding histology, there were no statistically significant differences, but there was a significant prediction with a p value < 0.10 in favor of the intramedullary allograft. Conclusion: through our work we were able to show the great difference between the allograft placement technique with respect to imaging and histological analysis using revascularization markers. Although the intramedullary placed allograft shows us greater bone integration, the extramedullary graft will provide more support and structure in patients who require it.

[Bone revascularization: structural allograft intramedullary vs extramedullary. Experimental work]. / Revascularización ósea: aloinjerto estructural intramedular versus extramedular. Trabajo experimental.

INTRODUCTION: successful treatment in patients with significant bone defects secondary to infection, non-union and osteoporotic fractures resulting from previous trauma is challenging. In the current literature we did not find any reports that compare the use of intramedullary allograft boards versus the same ones placed lateral to the lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we worked on a sample of 20 rabbits (2 groups of 10 rabbits each). Group 1 underwent surgery using the extramedullary allograft placement technique, while group 2 with the intramedullary technique. Four months after surgery, imaging and histology studies were performed to compare between groups. RESULTS: the analysis of the imaging studies showed a statistically significant difference between both groups with greater resorption and bone integration of the intramedullary placed allograft. Regarding histology, there were no statistically significant differences, but there was a significant prediction with a p value < 0.10 in favor of the intramedullary allograft. CONCLUSION: through our work we were able to show the great difference between the allograft placement technique with respect to imaging and histological analysis using revascularization markers. Although the intramedullary placed allograft shows us greater bone integration, the extramedullary graft will provide more support and structure in patients who require it.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el tratamiento exitoso en pacientes con importantes defectos óseos secundarios a infección, no consolidación y fracturas osteoporóticas consecuentes a traumatismos previos representa un desafío. En la literatura actual no encontramos ningún reporte que compare el uso de tablas de aloinjerto intramedular versus las mismas colocadas lateral a la lesión. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se trabajó sobre una muestra de 20 conejos (dos grupos de 10 conejos cada uno). El grupo 1 fue operado mediante la técnica de colocación extramedular del aloinjerto, mientras que el grupo 2 con técnica intramedular. A los cuatro meses postquirúrgico se realizaron estudios por imágenes e histología para comparar un grupo con el otro. RESULTADOS: el análisis de los estudios por imágenes evidenció una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos grupos con mayor reabsorción e integración ósea del aloinjerto colocado intramedular. Respecto a la histología, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas, pero sí una predicción significativa con p valor < 0.10 a favor del aloinjerto intramedular. CONCLUSIÓN: mediante nuestro trabajo pudimos mostrar la gran diferencia que hay entre la técnica de colocación del aloinjerto respecto al análisis imagenológico e histológico utilizando marcadores de revascularización. Si bien el aloinjerto colocado de manera intramedular nos muestra mayor integración ósea, el injerto extramedular brindará más soporte y estructura en pacientes que así lo requieran.

Modelo de atención para el tratamiento de pacientes con osteoartritis del primer al tercer nivel / Model of care for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis from the first to the third level

Resumen: Introducción: La osteoartritis en México es una de las 10 causas más frecuentes de discapacidad. El diagnóstico temprano y la detección de factores de riesgo son determinantes para el tratamiento. La organización institucional establece las pautas terapéuticas de acuerdo con cada nivel de atención, pero no se logra un manejo efectivo. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, piloto, de intervención, clínico conformado por pacientes diagnosticados con diferentes grados de osteoartritis de rodilla en el primer, segundo y tercer nivel de atención, con un modelo integrador que incluyó un grupo de profesionales para la intervención de la evaluación nutricional, fisioterapéutica, social y sicológica desde el primer nivel. Resultados: La intervención de un grupo de atención multidisciplinaria permite una correcta evaluación y asignación del nivel de atención optimizando los recursos humanos y materiales. La participación de diferentes disciplinas en nutrición, sicología, trabajo social, fisioterapia y rehabilitación modifica el estilo de vida global al involucrar a los propios pacientes en su tratamiento. El grupo de intervención tuvo mejoras en la escala de dolor análogo visual, arcos de movilidad, bajo índice de masa corporal y mejoría en el aspecto sicológico. Conclusiones: El modelo de atención propuesto demuestra que la implementación en la institución y en cada unidad clínica de atención debe considerarse para mejorar los resultados.

Abstract: Introduction: Osteoarthritis in Mexico is one of the ten most frequent causes of disability. Early diagnosis and detection of risk factors are determinant for treatment. The institutional organization establishes therapeutic guidelines according to each level of care, but effective management is not achieved. Material and methods: A prospective, pilot, interventional, clinical study was conducted, which included patients diagnosed with different degrees of knee osteoarthritis in the first, second and third level of care, with an integrative model that includes a group of professionals for the intervention of nutritional, physiotherapeutic, social and psychological evaluation from the first level. Results: The intervention of a multidisciplinary care group allows a correct evaluation and assignment of the level of care, optimizing human and material resources. The participation of different disciplines in nutrition, psychology, social work, physiotherapy and rehabilitation modifies the global lifestyle by involving the patients themselves in their treatment. The intervention group had improvements in the visual analog pain scale, mobility arcs, low body mass index and improvement in the psychological aspect. Conclusions: The proposed model of care demonstrates that implementation in the institution and in each clinical care unit should be considered to improve outcomes.

Establishment of a production process for a novel vaccine candidate against Lawsonia intracellularis

BACKGROUND: Lawsonia intracellularis remains a problem for the swine industry worldwide. Previously, we designed and obtained a vaccine candidate against this pathogen based on the chimeric proteins: OMP1c, OMP2c, and INVASc. These proteins formed inclusion bodies when expressed in E. coli, which induced humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinated pigs. Also, protection was demonstrated after the challenge. In this study, we established a production process to increase the yields of the three antigens as a vaccine candidate. RESULTS: Batch and fed-batch fermentations were evaluated in different culture conditions using a 2 L bioreactor. A fed-batch culture with a modified Terrific broth medium containing glucose instead of glycerol, and induced with 0.75 mM IPTG at 8 h of culture (11 g/L of biomass) raised the volumetric yield to 627.1 mg/L. Under these culture conditions, plasmid-bearing cells increased by 10% at the induction time. High efficiency in cell disruption was obtained at passage six using a high-pressure homogenizer and a bead mill. The total antigen recovery was 64% (400 mg/L), with a purity degree of 70%. The antigens retained their immunogenicity in pigs, inducing high antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that the antigen production process allowed an increment of more than 70-fold, this methodology constitutes a crucial step in the production of this vaccine candidate against L. intracellularis.

[Model of care for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis from the first to the third level]. / Modelo de atención para el tratamiento de pacientes con osteoartritis del primer al tercer nivel.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis in Mexico is one of the ten most frequent causes of disability. Early diagnosis and detection of risk factors are determinant for treatment. The institutional organization establishes therapeutic guidelines according to each level of care, but effective management is not achieved. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, pilot, interventional, clinical study was conducted, which included patients diagnosed with different degrees of knee osteoarthritis in the first, second and third level of care, with an integrative model that includes a group of professionals for the intervention of nutritional, physiotherapeutic, social and psychological evaluation from the first level. RESULTS: The intervention of a multidisciplinary care group allows a correct evaluation and assignment of the level of care, optimizing human and material resources. The participation of different disciplines in nutrition, psychology, social work, physiotherapy and rehabilitation modifies the global lifestyle by involving the patients themselves in their treatment. The intervention group had improvements in the visual analog pain scale, mobility arcs, low body mass index and improvement in the psychological aspect. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model of care demonstrates that implementation in the institution and in each clinical care unit should be considered to improve outcomes.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La osteoartritis en México es una de las 10 causas más frecuentes de discapacidad. El diagnóstico temprano y la detección de factores de riesgo son determinantes para el tratamiento. La organización institucional establece las pautas terapéuticas de acuerdo con cada nivel de atención, pero no se logra un manejo efectivo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, piloto, de intervención, clínico conformado por pacientes diagnosticados con diferentes grados de osteoartritis de rodilla en el primer, segundo y tercer nivel de atención, con un modelo integrador que incluyó un grupo de profesionales para la intervención de la evaluación nutricional, fisioterapéutica, social y sicológica desde el primer nivel. RESULTADOS: La intervención de un grupo de atención multidisciplinaria permite una correcta evaluación y asignación del nivel de atención optimizando los recursos humanos y materiales. La participación de diferentes disciplinas en nutrición, sicología, trabajo social, fisioterapia y rehabilitación modifica el estilo de vida global al involucrar a los propios pacientes en su tratamiento. El grupo de intervención tuvo mejoras en la escala de dolor análogo visual, arcos de movilidad, bajo índice de masa corporal y mejoría en el aspecto sicológico. CONCLUSIONES: El modelo de atención propuesto demuestra que la implementación en la institución y en cada unidad clínica de atención debe considerarse para mejorar los resultados.

[Application of vancomycin powder on graft. Does the fusion of the rabbits spine is affected?] / Aplicación de vancomicina en polvo sobre el injerto. ¿Afecta la fusión de columna en conejos?

INTRODUCTION: In vitro studies suggest that vancomycin is highly cytotoxic for osteoblasts. However, several clinical studies in vivo have not provided evidence or determined that effect on osteogenesis. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of topical vancomycin on a lumbar arthrodesis model on New Zealand white rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Double-blind randomized experimental study. Posterolateral spinal fusion was performed on 30 rabbits, divided into two groups, A: graft/placebo, B: graft/vancomycin. After sacrificing them, the bone callus was evaluated with axial tomography and classified into three groups: no fusion (0), partial/incomplete fusion (1) and fusion (2). The samples were also histologically analyzed. The associations between the presence of fusion (complete/incomplete) and the group tested were estimated using Poisson log-linear models with two covariates. Adherences to histologically obtained responses were studied using contingency tables and 2 tests. The significance level was set equal to 0.05. RESULTS: Treatment with vancomycin has 30% (0.30. CI 95%: 0.12-0.94) less chance compared to the placebo group, of presenting complete fusion. In other words, the vancomycin group has 2.3 times (CI 95%: 1.02-4.91) more likelyhood, compared to placebo, to have incomplete fusion. CONCLUSION: The application of vancomycin powder mixed with graft reduces fusion rates by 30%, but at doses 5 times higher than those routinely used in arthrodesis by the authors medical team.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Estudios in vitro sugieren que la vancomicina es altamente citotóxica para los osteoblastos. No obstante, diversos estudios clínicos in vivo no han aportado evidencias o determinado ese efecto en la osteogénesis. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue investigar el efecto de la vancomicina tópica, en un modelo de artrodesis lumbar sobre conejos blancos neozelandeses. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental randomizado doble ciego. Se realizó fusión espinal posterolateral a 30 conejos, divididos en dos grupos, A: injerto/placebo, B: injerto/vancomicina. Luego de sacrificarlos, se evaluó el callo óseo con tomografía axial, clasificándolos en tres grupos: sin fusión (0), fusión parcial/incompleta (1) y fusión (2). Las muestras también fueron analizadas histológicamente. Las asociaciones entre presencia de fusión (completa/incompleta) y el grupo ensayado fueron estimadas con modelos log-lineales de Poisson con dos covariables. Las adherencias con las respuestas obtenidas histológicamente fueron estudiadas usando tablas de contingencia y test 2. El nivel de significación se fijó igual a 0.05. RESULTADOS: El tratamiento con vancomicina tiene 30% (0.30. IC 95%: 0.12-0.94) menos probabilidad respecto al grupo placebo de presentar fusión completa. En otros términos, el grupo vancomicina tiene 2.3 veces (IC 95%: 1.02-4.91) más probabilidad, respecto del placebo, de tener fusión incompleta. CONCLUSIÓN: La aplicación de vancomicina en polvo mezclada con injerto reduce 30% las tasas de fusión, pero a dosis cinco veces más alta que las usadas rutinariamente en artrodesis por el equipo médico de los autores.

Immunological features in pediatric patients with recurrent and severe infection: Identification of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases in Merida, Venezuela.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are disorders associated mainly with recurrent and severe infection and an increase in susceptibility to autoimmune conditions and cancer. In Venezuela, PIDs are underdiagnosed and there is usually a delay in their diagnosis. Hence there are no data concerning the frequency and type of PIDs that occur. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the types of PIDs that occur in Merida, a population within Venezuela. PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following an informative program designed to alert local health professionals to the warning signs for PIDs, patients with a history of recurrent infections were referred to the Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: During the three-year period January 2014 to January 2017, thirty-two cases of PIDs were identified in pediatric patients, and 17 different types of PIDs, were identified. Predominantly antibody deficiencies were most frequent (40.6%), followed by immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity (21.8%), congenital defects of phagocyte (18.7%), CID with associated or syndromic features (9.3%), defects in intrinsic and innate immunity (6.4%) and diseases of immune dysregulation (3.2%). These results have important implications not only to the future approach for management of patients in our regions, but add important knowledge concerning PIDs in Latin America and worldwide.

Espirometría: Manual de procedimientos. SERChile / Spirometry Procedure Manual. SER Chile 2018

La espirometría es una prueba fundamental en la evaluación funcional respiratoria. Actualmente es muy utilizada debido a su bajo costo y aceptable reproducibilidad incluso en niños entre 2 y 6 años de vida. Considerando la importancia de aplicar procedimientos estandarizados para realizar espirometrías, el año 2006 un comité de especialistas en función pulmonar de la Sociedad Chilena de Enfermedades Respiratorias, elaboró un manual de procedimientos para realizar espirometrías. El año 2014 se publicaron ecuaciones de referencia para adultos chilenos y recientemente se han publicado recomendaciones para estandarizar el informe de los resultados de las pruebas de Función Pulmonar por las Sociedades Americana y Europea de Enfermedades Respiratorias ATS/ERS 2017. El objetivo de esta publicación ha sido actualizar el manual de procedimientos ya existente e incluir los nuevos conceptos de espirometrías en preescolares, valores de referencia, formato e interpretación de los informes.

Spirometry is a basic test for assessing pulmonary function. This test is largely used nowadays, because of its low cost and acceptable reproducibility. Its feasibility has been shown even in 2 to 6 year old children. Considering the importance of applying standardized techniques in spirometry, a committee of specialists on pulmonary function from Chilean Respiratory Society, published in 2006 a procedures manual on spirometry. By 2014 new spirometric reference equations for healthy Chilean adults were published and more recently in 2017, the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society have published recommendations for a standardized pulmonary function report. The aim of this manual is to report international norms performing spirometry, in order to promote their application in clinical and laboratory practice. In addition, this reviewed manual encloses newest concepts on spirometry in preschool children, reference values, and a general assent way for interpreting and reporting spirometric values at clinical and at laboratory work is proposed.

T-cell profiles elicited by Toxoplasma gondii in acutely/chronically infected humans.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded species and induce a chronic infection in human hosts. The aim of this work was to investigate Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg polarization, induced by four important T. gondii antigens (SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1) in acutely and chronically infected patients. For this purpose, SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1 were expressed as recombinant proteins, purified, and used to evaluate the proinflammatory and regulatory immune response profiles in seropositive and seronegative individuals. Our results show that SAG1 and ROP1 elicited a proinflammatory profile (INF-γ, IL-12 and IL-17) in individuals in the acute phase, whereas MAG1 and GRA8 induced a regulatory pattern (Treg and TGF-ß) in chronically infected patients. These results reveal fundamental differences in T-cell polarization induced by T. gondii antigens, which could have important implications in the immunopathogenesis of the disease and in future proposals of therapeutic strategies.

LOX-1 activation by oxLDL triggers an epithelial mesenchymal transition and promotes tumorigenic potential in prostate cancer cells.

Obesity is related to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer with high malignancy stages or metastasis. Recent results demonstrated that LOX-1, a receptor associated with obesity and atherosclerosis, is overexpressed in advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, high levels of oxLDL, the main ligand for LOX-1, have been found in patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, the role of LOX-1 in prostate cancer has not been unraveled completely yet. Here, we show that LOX-1 is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells and its activation by oxLDL promotes an epithelial to mesenchymal transition, through of lowered expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin and plakoglobin) and an increased expression of mesenchymal markers (vimentin, N-cadherin, snail, slug, MMP-2 and MMP-9). Consequently, LOX-1 activation by oxLDL promotes actin cytoskeleton restructuration and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity inducing prostate cancer cell invasion and migration. Additionally, LOX-1 increased the tumorigenic potential of prostate cancer cells and its expression was necessary for tumor growth in nude mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that oxLDL/LOX-1 could be ones of mechanisms that explain why obese patients with prostate cancer have an accelerated tumor progression and a greater probability of developing metastasis.

Inhalación masiva de amoniaco: reporte de dos casos / Massive ammonia inhalation: report of two cases

Ammonia (NH3) is an irritant and corrosive gas whose inhalation at high concentrations mainly occurs during agricultural and industrial activities, as occupational accidents. The extent and severity of the damage depends on the concentration and time of exposure to the toxic, which can cause skin, eye, respiratory and life-threatening injuries. We present two cases of patients acutely exposed to high concentrations of NH3. Both patients survived to the acute phase of the respiratory injury, but developed chronic lung derangements.

El amoniaco (NH3) es un gas irritante y corrosivo cuya inhalación aguda en altas concentraciones se produce principalmente durante accidentes laborales en el sector agrícola e industrial. La extensión y severidad del daño depende de la concentración y tiempo de exposición al tóxico, el cual puede causar lesiones a nivel cutáneo, ocular, respiratorio y riesgo vital. Presentamos dos casos de pacientes expuestos en forma aguda a NH3 en altas concentraciones. Ambos pacientes sobrevivieron a la fase aguda y evolucionaron con lesiones respiratorias crónicas.

Contribution of GSTM1, GSTT1, and MTHFR polymorphisms to end-stage renal disease of unknown etiology in Mexicans.

Oxidative stress is increased in chronic kidney disease, owing to an imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant pathways as well as a state of persistent hyperhomocysteinemia. The enzymes glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) are implicated in the regulation of these pathways. This study investigates the association between polymorphisms in the Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1), glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1), and MTHFR genes and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) of unknown etiology in patients in Mexico. A Case-control study included 110 ESRD patients and 125 healthy individuals. GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were determined using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The MTHFR C677T polymorphism was studied using a PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism method. In ESRD patients, GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype frequencies were 61% and 7% respectively. GSTM1 genotype frequencies differed significantly between groups, showing that homozygous deletion of the GSTM1 gene was associated with susceptibility to ESRD of unknown etiology (P = 0.007, odds ratios = 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.21-3.45). The MTHFR C677T polymorphism genotype and allele distributions were similar in both groups (P > 0.05), and the CT genotype was the most common genotype in both groups (45.5% and 46.6%). Our findings suggest that the GSTM1 null polymorphism appears to be associated with the ESRD of unknown etiology in patients in Mexico.

Intervenciones de enfermería especializada en un adulto con alteraciones de la marcha ocasionadas por quemadura eléctrica / Specialized nursing interventions in an adult with gait alterations as a result of electrical burn

Introducción: El programa de rehabilitación del paciente quemado se centra en 4 áreas: actividades de la vida diaria, arcos de movimiento, posicionamiento y manejo de la cicatrización, encaminadas a limitar la pérdida de movimiento, minimizar deformaciones anatómicas y reintegrar al paciente a la vida social. Objetivo: Proporcionar cuidado especializado de enfermería a paciente quemado. Métodos: Se trata de masculino de 55 años con quemaduras de tercer grado por electricidad en ambas manos y en el primer ortejo derecho. Se realizó una valoración integral de enfermería, utilizando una guía de entrevista, seguida de una exploración física. Se complementó con otras herramientas de valoración como: índice de Barthel, escala de Lawton, Tinetti, Daniels y Crichton. Los diagnósticos de enfermería se formularon utilizando el formato P.E.S. Resultados: Se identificó como problema principal la movilidad, específicamente la marcha así como el manejo de la cicatriz. Conclusiones: Se aumentó la fuerza y el tono de los músculos cuádriceps e isquiotibiales y, se disminuyó la retracción y la hiperestesia de la cicatriz del primer ortejo derecho.

Introduction: The burned patient rehabilitation program is centered on four areas: daily life activities, movement arches, positioning, and wound healing management, all directed to limit movement loss, minimize anatomical deformations, and reintegrate the patient into his/her social life. Objective: To provide specialized nursing care to the burned patient. Methods: The patient is a 55 year old male with 3rd degree electricity burns in both hands and the first right digit. An integral nursing assessment was performed using a survey guide, followed by a physical exploration, and other assessment tools including the Barthel Index, the Lawton scale, Tinetti, Daniels and Crichton. Nursing diagnoses were generated using the P.E.S. format. Results: Mobility, gait, and wound healing were identified as core problems. Conclusions: Quadriceps and hamstring muscles strength and tone were enhanced, the first right digit wound hyperesthesia and retractions were diminished.

School-based individualised lifestyle intervention decreases obesity and the metabolic syndrome in Mexican children.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is limited evidence about effective strategies to manage childhood obesity and the metabolic syndrome in school settings. The present study aims to analyse changes in the prevalence of being overweight/obese and having the metabolic syndrome in relation to a 10-month lifestyle intervention based on individualised face-to-face sessions and parental education in school settings. METHODS: The study sample comprised a cross-sectional sample of 96 overweight/obese Mexican children aged 6-12 years from eight schools. Clinical, anthropometric measurements and 24-h recalls were obtained during each of 13 visits. Laboratory measurements were determined at the beginning and end. The energy-reduced diet was based on dietary recommended intakes. Individualised structured daily meals and a physical activity plan, tailored-made for each child, were provided every 3 weeks at the schools. Parental attendance was required. Student's t-test, McNemar and Shapiro-Wilk tests and simple linear regression were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome fell significantly from 44% to 16% (P < 0.01), high blood pressure fell from 19% to 0%, hypertrigliceridaemia fell from 64% to 35%, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ≤ 40 fell from 60% to 41%, hyperglycaemia fell from 1% to 0%, and waist circumference ≥90th percentile fell from 72% to 57%. There was a 2.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) = -4.10 to -1.58; P < 0.01] significant decrease in body mass index percentile and in body-fat percentage (95% CI = -3.31 to -1.55; P < 0.01). Of the overweight children, 32% achieved normal-weight, whereas 24% of the obese ones converted to overweight and 1% reached normal-weight. Physical activity increased 16 min/day(-1) (P = 0.02) and 2 days/week(-1) . CONCLUSIONS: A school-setting lifestyle intervention led to a decreased prevalence of being overweight/obese and to a striking reduction in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a sample of Mexican children.

Efficacy of mouth rinses and toothpaste on tooth whitening.

OBJECTIVES: People increasingly desire tooth whitening. Considering the wide range of whitening products on the market, this study evaluated the efficacy of whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses compared with the 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) whitening gel. METHODS: We obtained 120 cylindrical specimens from bovine teeth, which were darkened for 24 hours in a coffee solution. The color measurement was performed by a spectrophotometer using the CIE L*a*b* system, and specimens were divided into six groups according to the use of the following agents: group 1, conventional fluoridated toothpaste; group 2, Close Up White Now; group 3, Listerine Whitening; group 4, Colgate Plax Whitening; group 5, experimental mouth rinse with Plasdone; and group 6, 10% CP Whiteness Perfect. After the simulation of 12 weeks of treatment for groups 1 to 5 and 14 days of treatment for group 6, the specimens were subjected to a new color reading. RESULTS: Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (α=0.05), which showed significant differences among groups after 12 weeks for ΔE (p=0.001). Results of the Tukey test revealed that groups 3, 4, and 6 presented significantly higher color alteration than groups 1, 2, and 5. CONCLUSIONS: The whitening toothpaste Close Up White Now and the experimental mouth rinse with Plasdone showed similar color alteration as conventional toothpaste after a 12-week treatment simulation. These groups presented significantly lower color alteration compared with whitening mouth rinses Listerine and Colgate Plax Whitening, which showed similar results to those observed after 14 days of bleaching with 10% CP treatment.