Gamma irradiation of adenine and guanine adsorbed into hectorite and attapulgite.

This study focuses on the radiolysis (up to 36 kGy) of guanine and adenine (nitrogenous bases) adsorbed in hectorite and attapulgite to highlight the potential role of clays as protective agents against ionizing radiation in prebiotic processes. In this framework, the study investigated the nitrogenous bases' behavior in two types of systems: a) aqueous suspension of adenine-clay systems and b) guanine-clay systems in the solid state. This research utilized spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for its analytical purposes. Regardless of the reaction medium conditions, the results reveal that nitrogenous bases are stable under ionizing irradiation when adsorbed on both clays.

Current status of precision medicine in pediatric oncology in Spain: a consensus report by the Spanish Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SEHOP).

The study analyzes the current status of personalized medicine in pediatric oncology in Spain. It gathers national data on the tumor molecular studies and genomic sequencing carried out at diagnosis and at relapse, the centers that perform these studies, the technology used and the interpretation and clinical applicability of the results. Current challenges and future directions to achieve a coordinated national personalized medicine strategy in pediatric oncology are also discussed. Next generation sequencing-based (NGS) gene panels are the technology used in the majority of centers and financial limitations are the main reason for not incorporating these studies into routine care. Nowadays, the application of precision medicine in pediatric oncology is a reality in a great number of Spanish centers. However, its implementation is uneven and lacks standardization of protocols; therefore, national coordination to overcome the inequalities is required. Collaborative work within the Personalized Medicine Group of SEHOP is an adequate framework for encouraging a step forward in the effort to move precision medicine into the national healthcare system.

The paediatric cancer clinical research landscape in Spain: a 13-year multicentre experience of the new agents group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SEHOP).

PURPOSE: Early phase trials are crucial in developing innovative effective agents for childhood malignancies. We report the activity in early phase paediatric oncology trials in Spain from its beginning to the present time and incorporate longitudinal data to evaluate the trends in trial characteristics and recruitment rates. METHODS: Members of SEHOP were contacted to obtain information about the open trials at their institutions. The study period was split into two equal periods for analysis: 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. RESULTS: Eighty-one trials and two molecular platforms have been initiated. The number of trials has increased over the time of the study for all tumour types, with a predominance of trials available for solid tumours (66%). The number of trials addressed to tumours harbouring specific molecular alterations has doubled during the second period. The proportion of industry-sponsored compared to academic trials has increased over the same years. A total of 565 children and adolescents were included, with an increasing trend over the study period. For international trials, the median time between the first country study approval and the Spanish competent authority approval was 2 months (IQR 0-6.5). Fourteen out of 81 trials were sponsored by Spanish academic institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The number of available trials, and the number of participating patients, has increased in Spain from 2007. Studies focused on molecular-specific targets are now being implemented. Barriers to accessing new drugs for all ranges of age and cancer diseases remain. Additionally, opportunities to improve academic research are still required in Spain.

Planetary ball-mill as a versatile tool to controlled potato starch modification to broaden its industrial applications.

Pure potato starch has been modified by high-energy-ball-milling as a function of energy supplied, aiming to obtain products for different possibilities of industrial application. Burgios's equation has been used to calculate the energy supplied. The effect of the milling has been followed by a characterization of the starch morphology, crystallinity, solubility, swelling, retrogradation, viscosity, apparent viscosity, functional groups, and reducing sugar concentration. The high-energy-ball-milling not only changes the physical properties but also induces the mechanolysis of potato starch, breaking the glycosidic linkages of the starch molecules. A representation of the possible mechanism of starch mechanolysis is proposed. Three stages of the transformation of potato starch through high-energy ball-milling can be identified. Each of these stages generates starch with properties that can be used in different industrial applications.

Proteinuria/creatininuria index and its correlation with the 24-hour proteinuria in renal transplanted patients.

BACKGROUND: Proteinuria (P) is a early sign of inflammation and renal damage. It has an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of renal disease in transplanted patients. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between random urinary proteinuria/creatininuria index (P/CI) and 24-hour total protein excretion among stable renal transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained 1511 samples of 24-hour protein excretion (24-hr P) with corresponding P/CI were obtained from 197 adult patients beyond 6 months post-transplantation between 2009 and 2011. The population was divided into 2 groups: One to obtain a population of justification (755) and another, of validation (755). A scatter graft yielded was obtained by Pearson's coefficient of correlation. A "receiver operater characteristic curve" analysis was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity and specifity of PCI and 24hr-P, showing a cutoff of 0.15 for PCI. RESULTS: The PCI and 24 hr P Pearson's correlation was significant (r = 0.89; P = .0001). The sensitivities of the P/CI for the justification and the validation samples were 97% and 94%, respectively; the a cutoff was 0.15. Their negative predictive values for P/CI were 92% and 84% respectively (cutoff, 0.15). The specificity was below 50% in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant correlation between P/CI and 24 hr P. The sensitivity was slightly higher than the specificity (50%) but the negative predictive value was >92%. The use of P/CI seemed to be adequate for screening of protein excretion during renal transplant recipient follow-up.

Long-term follow-up of radiation accident patients in Peru: review of two cases.

Overexposure to radioactive sources used in radiotherapy or industrial radiography may result in severe health consequences. This report assesses the initial clinical status and the medical and psychological long-term follow-up of two radiation accident patients from Peru during the mid-to-late 1990s: one patient exposed to a radiotherapy (60)Co source in Arequipa, the other patient to a (192)Ir source in Yanango. Commonalities and differences are described. The main causes in both accidents were human error and the failure to apply appropriate safety guidelines and standard operating procedures. Education and training of the personnel working with radiation sources are essential to prevent accidents. The experience gained from the medical management of the two patients is valuable for future treatment of such patients.

Antibacterial properties of contact defensive secretions in neotropical Crematogaster ants

Crematogaster ants use their contact venoms to compete with other ants. Although those venoms are used primarily as repellent and toxic secretions, they may have other functions. The present study aimed to test the antibacterial property of abdominal venom of three neotropical Crematogaster ant species (C. distans, C. pygmaea and C. rochai) against gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Sterile filter paper was soaked with C. distans, C. pygmaea or C. rochai crude venom and placed on an agar dish that was inoculated with bacterial suspensions. The agar dish was incubated overnight at 37ºC and examined for zones of growth inhibition. For each tested venom and bacterial strain, three venom concentrations were used, with six replicates for each concentration: 1, 2 and 4 DGE (Dufour's gland equivalent). The venom of C. pygmaea, but not those of C. rochai and C. distans, inhibited the growth of all tested gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. This is the first evidence of antibacterial properties of contact venoms in Crematogaster ants and it supports the claim that ant venoms are multifunctional. It is hypothesized that only C. pygmaea venom showed antibacterial activities due to its nesting habits.

Antibacterial properties of contact defensive secretions in neotropical Crematogaster ants

Crematogaster ants use their contact venoms to compete with other ants. Although those venoms are used primarily as repellent and toxic secretions, they may have other functions. The present study aimed to test the antibacterial property of abdominal venom of three neotropical Crematogaster ant species (C. distans, C. pygmaea and C. rochai) against gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Sterile filter paper was soaked with C. distans, C. pygmaea or C. rochai crude venom and placed on an agar dish that was inoculated with bacterial suspensions. The agar dish was incubated overnight at 37ºC and examined for zones of growth inhibition. For each tested venom and bacterial strain, three venom concentrations were used, with six replicates for each concentration: 1, 2 and 4 DGE (Dufour's gland equivalent). The venom of C. pygmaea, but not those of C. rochai and C. distans, inhibited the growth of all tested gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. This is the first evidence of antibacterial properties of contact venoms in Crematogaster ants and it supports the claim that ant venoms are multifunctional. It is hypothesized that only C. pygmaea venom showed antibacterial activities due to its nesting habits.

Cardiopulmonary adaptation in large for gestational age infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers.

AIM: To compare cardiopulmonary adaptation in large for gestational age infants of diabetic and nondiabetic mothers. METHODS: Color Doppler echocardiography was performed in 113 (22 large for gestational age infants of diabetic mothers, 21 of nondiabetic mothers and 70 adequate for gestational age newborns) full-term infants. RESULTS: Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly higher in infants of diabetic mothers than in those of nondiabetic mothers and normal infants at 24 h (38.5 vs. 32.5, and 35.5 mmHg, respectively). However, slow fall in this parameter was shown in all large for gestational age infants. Open ductus arteriosus was frequent in all large for gestational age infants, but its closure was significantly delayed in infants of diabetic mothers. Septal hypertrophy was higher in infants of diabetic mothers than in large for gestational age infants of nondiabetic mothers. CONCLUSION: Large for gestational age infants born from nondiabetic mothers showed delayed fall in pulmonary arterial pressure similar to those born from diabetic mothers but showed lower proportion of septal hypertrophy. Patent ductus arteriosus persisted for longer period of time in all large for gestational age infants than in normal infants, but its closure was significantly delayed in infants of diabetic mothers.

Functional results after a Krukenberg amputation.

This case report presents a 51 year old female patient who had a train accident in 1999. She suffered bilateral trans-tibial and bilateral trans-radial amputations. In this paper, the evolution of the right transradial amputation where eventually a Krukenberg procedure was performed, is described as is its good functional outcome after rehabilitation treatment. After this first procedure the patient also asked for the Krukenberg procedure for her left arm.

Signalling via CD70, a member of the TNF family, regulates T cell functions

In the present work, we provide data supporting that CD70, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related molecule, defined as the CD27 ligand (CD27L), may actively regulate T cell functions similarly to other members of the TNF family (i.e., CD40L and CD30L). Cross-linking CD70 with specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) stimulated cytotoxicity and cytokine production in human T cell clones. Detection of intracellular-free calcium mobilization and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation upon mAb engagement of CD70 further supported an active signaling role for the TNF-related molecule. Similar results were obtained in the Jurkat leukaemia T cell line stably transfected with CD70; in that system, induction of Akt phosphorylation was detected, indirectly revealing the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway. Stimulation of CD70+ Jurkat cells, with a CD70-specific mAb or with COS-7 cells transiently transfected with CD27, induced transcriptional activity detectable by different reporter gene expression systems. Altogether, our data point out that a reciprocal communication may be established between CD27+ and CD70+ cells during the immune response.[AU]

Aggregation of MHC class I molecules on a CD8+ alpha-beta T cell clone specifically inhibits non-antigen-specific lysis of target cells

MHC class I molecules are target molecules recognized by TCR or NK receptors encoded in the NK gene cluster or leukocyte receptor cluster. We show that aggregation of MHC class I molecules by specific monoclonal antibodies on cytotoxic T cells, inhibits the anti-CD94 redirected lysis of P815. This inhibition is not the consequence of apoptosis or anergy of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Incontrast, aggregation of MHC class I molecules does not inhibit either the anti-CD3 redirected cytotoxicity or the CD94-triggered up-regulation of CD25 molecules of the same T cell clone. MHC classI ligand molecules expressed by antigen presenting cells and/or T lymphocytes could therefore be able to modulate nonspecific cytotoxicity upon interaction with MHC class I molecules expressed by effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes.[AU]

Neurological restoration of West Syndrome: presentation of a case

Introduction. West syndrome or infantile spasms, cause a retard of the severe psychomotor development, as convulsive seizures are characterized by spasms in flexion. If the evolution is not satisfactory, the deterioration is bigger. To control the epileptic crisis and to incorporate a guided neurorestorative program in the stimulation of areas of the affected psychomotor development in an intensive, integral and personalized form with a duration of 7 daily hours at the International Center of Neurological Restoration. Clinical case. Presentation of a case with West syndrome. At the beginning of the program an applied neuropsychological evaluation was applicated (Brunnet Lezine's test, that measure the psychomotor development of the early childhood), Somatosensorial Evoked Potentials of the inferior limbs comparing them over year, are treatment performed in cycles of 60, 94 and 28 days respectively this the psychomotordevelopment improved. Result. Evolution of psychomotor development of 2.27 months to 9,6 months was predicted and a retard with adeep range and cortical answer verified the function of the somestetic ways. Conclusions. The neurorestorative program is decisive in the psychomotor development due to the neuroplasticity of the nervous system. In the evolution of her psychic functions when she received an intensive, personalized and integral stimulation, changes are observed in the Somatosensorial Evoked Potentials(AU)

Sarcoma de Kaposi: características epidemiológicas / Sarcoma of Kaposí: characteristic epidemic

Objetivo: Reconocer las características epidemiológicas de Sarcoma de Kaposi (SK) y la influencia de estos en la respuesta a tratamiento. Material y métodos: revisión retrospectiva descriptiva de las historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de SK (1949-1994). Se registraron 81 pacientes, 62 con SK clásico y 19 con SK epidémico. Promedio de edad SKC 64.1 años y 36.9 años para el SKE. Razón H:M de 3:1 en el SKC y 19:O SKE. Antecedentes de enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) y hepatitis 58 por ciento en SKE y 5 por ciento en SKC. Estadío clínico I-II 88 por ciento en el SKC, 9 por ciento. Sintomatología: dolor y edema de miebros inferiores 55 por ciento en el SKC y 5 por ciento SKE, mal estado general 8 por ciento SKC1 y 69 por ciento SKE, Karnofsky menor 70:93 por ciento SKC y 63 por ciento SKE. Síntomas B:26 por ciento SKC y 74 por ciento en el SKE. Los 19 pacientes con SKE no recibieron tratamiento específico para las lesiones dérmicas. Los tratamientos para SKC más comunes fueron RT para lesiones únicas y RT + QT para lesiones múltiples. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas con p menor 0.01 entre las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes con SKC y SKE. El pequeño tamaño muestra así como el tratamiento casi individualizado de los pacientes no permitieron una comparación en lo referente a respuesta y estadio clínico. Adicionalmente el elevado porcentaje de perdidos de vista (mayor 50 por ciento) impido evaluar la sobrevida. Conclusiones: Sarcoma de Kaposi Clásico es una entidad clínicamente diferente al Sarcoma de Kaposi asociado al sindrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida siendo este último de carácter más agresivo.