Simultaneous rift-scale inflation of a deep crustal sill network in Afar, East Africa.

Decades of studies at divergent plate margins have revealed networks of magmatic sills at the crust-mantle boundary. However, a lack of direct observations of deep magma motion limits our understanding of magma inflow from the mantle into the lower crust and the mechanism of sill formation. Here, satellite geodesy reveals rift-scale deformation caused by magma inflow in the deep crust in the Afar rift (East Africa). Simultaneous inflation of four sills, laterally separated by 10s of km and at depths ranging 9-28 km, caused uplift across a ~ 100-km-wide zone, suggesting the sills are linked to a common mantle source. Our results show the supply of magma into the lower crust is temporally episodic, occurring across a network of sills. This process reflects inherent instability of melt migration through porous mantle flow and may be the fundamental process that builds the thick igneous crust beneath magmatic rifts and rifted margins globally.

Medial tab-type fasciocutaneous flap as an alternative for the management of soft tissue defects of the leg. / Colgajo fasciocutáneo tipo lengüeta medial como alternativa para el manejo de defectos de tejidos blandos en la pierna.

BACKGROUND: Selecting the right technique for lower limb soft tissue reconstruction is a therapeutic challenge. Despite having several reconstruction options, it's important to choose a technique that is effective and with the least possible donor site morbidity. OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the medial tab flap in soft tissue reconstruction on the leg, compared to conventional flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cohort study matched by age. 64 patients with soft tissue defects were selected and according to the intervention divided in: group 1)medial tab flap, and group 2)conventional flaps (sural, soleus, gastrocnemius) followed up to one year postoperatively. OUTCOME VARIABLES: surgical time in minutes, healing, healing time in days, complications. RESULTS: The patients who underwent surgery with medial tab flap and with conventional flaps healed completely. The healing time was 16.2±11.2 days in the tab flap and 16.1±11.2 days in conventional flaps, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (P=.89). The surgical time for tab flaps was 225.2±117.8minutes, and 191.3±117.2minutes for the comparison flaps (P=.65), there were no statistically significant differences. There were no complications in the medial tab flaps. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the medial tab flap technique is as effective as the conventional flap technique, with complete flap survival and healing, and without any major complications in this studied group.

Assessment of the marine microalga Chrysochromulina rotalis as bioactive feedstock cultured in an easy-to-deploy light-emitting-diode-based tubular photobioreactor.

Marine microalgae have potential to be low-cost raw materials. This depends on the exploitation of different biomass fractions for high-value products, including unique compounds. Chrysochromulina rotalis, an under-explored haptophyte with promising properties, was the focus of this study. For the first time, C. rotalis was successfully cultivated in an 80 L tubular photobioreactor, illuminated by an easy-to-use light-emitting-diode-based system. C. rotalis grew without certain trace elements and showed adaptability to different phosphorus sources, allowing a significant reduction in the N:P ratio without compromising biomass yield and productivity. The design features of the photobioreactor provided a protective environment that ensured consistent biomass production from this shear-sensitive microalgae. Carotenoid analysis showed fucoxanthin and its derivatives as major components, with essential fatty acids making up a significant proportion of the total. The study emphasizes the tubular photobioreactor's role in sustainable biomass production for biorefineries, with C. rotalis as a valuable bioactive feedstock.

The use of digital escape rooms in nursing education.

Negative attitudes and prejudices towards people with a mental disorder are common across cultures and societies. The stigma associated with mental illness leads to a lower quality of life, given the discrimination and social exclusion suffered by people with this type of disorder. In the field of health, research has shown that doctors and nurses also manifest these types of stigmatizing behaviors and attitudes. The present study aims to create and apply an educational escape room for the purpose of training nursing students in mental health, promoting positive attitudes towards people who have a mental disorder. To do so, a pre-post study was conducted with an experimental group and a control group to determine whether the escape room was effective for the modification of stigmatizing behaviors compared to transmissive lecture class, and a third measurement was made at 6 months only to the experimental group to evaluate whether the changes produced by the escape room were maintained in the long term. The results indicate that the students participating in the study obtained better scores in sensitization and these remain better over time. It is concluded that the escape room used is suitable for the training and sensitization of future nursing professionals in the field of mental health, facilitating the learning of knowledge and positive attitudes towards severe mental disorder.

Dilatación de la aurícula izquierda en deportistas de alta competición y electrofisiología auricular / Left atrial enlargement in competitive athletes and atrial electrophysiology

Introducción y objetivos: Existe poca información sobre la dilatación de la aurícula izquierda (AI) y los parámetros electrocardiográficos en deportistas. Métodos: Estudio observacional multicéntrico en deportistas de competición y controles. La dilatación de la AI se definió como un volumen indexado por área de superficie corporal ≥ 34ml/m2. Se estudió su relación con parámetros electrocardiográficos auriculares. Resultados: Se incluyó en total a 356 sujetos: 308 deportistas de competición (media de edad, 36,4±11,6 años) y 48 controles (49,3±16,1 años). Los deportistas de competición tenían un mayor volumen medio indexado de la AI (29,8±8,6 frente a 25,6±8,0ml/m2; p=0,006) y una mayor prevalencia de dilatación de la AI (113 [36,7%] frente a 5 [10,4%]; p <0,001), sin diferencias relevantes en cuanto a la duración de la onda P (106,3±12,5 frente a 108,2±7,7 ms; p=0,31), la prevalencia de bloqueo interauricular (40 [13,0%] frente a 4 [8,3%]; p=0,36) ni la puntuación Morphology-Voltage-P-wave duration (1,8±0,84 frente a 1,5±0,8; p=0,71). El entrenamiento competitivo se asoció de manera independiente con la dilatación de la AI (OR=14,7; IC95%, 4,7-44,0; p < 0,001), pero no con la duración de la onda P (OR=1,02; IC95%, 0,99-1,04), el bloqueo interauricular (OR=1,4; IC95%, 0,7-3,1) o la puntuación Morphology-Voltage-P-wave duration (OR=1,4; IC95%, 0,9-2,2). Conclusiones: La dilatación de la AI es frecuente en deportistas de competición, pero no se acompaña de una modificación relevante en los parámetros electrocardiográficos (AU)

Introduction and objectives: There are scarce data on left atrial (LA) enlargement and electrophysiological features in athletes. Methods: Multicenter observational study in competitive athletes and controls. LA enlargement was defined as LA volume indexed to body surface area ≥ 34mL/m2. We analyzed its relationship with atrial electrocardiography parameters. Results: We included 356 participants, 308 athletes (mean age: 36.4±11.6 years) and 48 controls (mean age: 49.3±16.1 years). Compared with controls, athletes had a higher mean LA volume index (29.8±8.6 vs 25.6±8.0mL/m2, P=.006) and a higher prevalence of LA enlargement (113 [36.7%] vs 5 [10.4%], P <.001), but there were no relevant differences in P-wave duration (106.3±12.5ms vs 108.2±7.7ms; P=.31), the prevalence of interatrial block (40 [13.0%] vs 4 [8.3%]; P=.36), or morphology-voltage-P-wave duration score (1.8±0.84 vs 1.5±0.8; P=.71). Competitive training was independently associated with LA enlargement (OR, 14.7; 95%CI, 4.7-44.0; P <.001) but not with P-wave duration (OR, 1.02; 95%CI, 0.99-1.04), IAB (OR, 1.4; 95%CI, 0.7-3.1), or with morphology-voltage-P-wave duration score (OR, 1.4; 95%CI, 0.9-2.2). Conclusions: LA enlargement is common in adult competitive athletes but is not accompanied by a significant modification in electrocardiographic parameters (AU)

Stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with metachronous oligorecurrent prostate cancer: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Metachronous oligorecurrence in prostate cancer (PCa) occurs in patients with localized disease who, after failed radical treatment, develop oligometastases. Metastasis-directed stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) aims to delay androgen deprivation therapy. In this study, we report our experience to elucidate the role of SBRT in a selected population of patients with metachronous oligorecurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients treated with SBRT for oligorecurrent PCa between November 2015 and December 2020. We detailed clinicopathological characteristics at disease onset (age, PSA, stage, primary treatment), clinical scenario at diagnosis of oligorecurrence (PSA, PSA velocity, metastases characteristics), progression-free survival, castration resistance-free survival, dose, and toxicity of SBRT. RESULTS: Thirty-eight SBRT treatments were applied to 13 lymph node and 25 bone metastases in a total of 28 patients. After a follow-up of 34.57 months (21.17-57.59), 17 patients had radiological progression of the disease and 11 presented castration resistant PCa. PFS and CRFS were 21.93 and 44.13 months, respectively. Only 2 patients presented grade 1 toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with metachronous oligorecurrent PCa, SBRT constitutes a safe and effective treatment that allows delaying the onset of androgen deprivation therapy and the time to castration resistance, assuming low levels of toxicity.

Effect of melatonin administration on the PER1 and BMAL1 clock genes in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Sleep disorders are a widespread condition in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), which has been linked to a deregulation of the circadian cycle and therefore of the clock genes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin (MEL) on the PER1 and BMAL1 clock genes in patients with PD. A double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial pilot study was conducted in 26 patients with stage 1-3 PD according to the Hoehn & Yahr scale, who received either 25 mg of MEL or a placebo at noon and 30 min before bedtime for three months. The relative expression of the PER1 and BMAL1 genes was measured, as well as the presence of daytime, nocturnal, and global sleepiness, and the progression of PD. The levels of the PER1 and BMAL1 genes at baseline were 0.9 (0.1-3) vs. 0.56 (0.1-2.5), respectively; while after the intervention with MEL or placebo the BMAL1 levels increased to 2.5 (0-3.70) vs. 2.2 (0.10-3.30), respectively (d = 0.387). Fifty percent (50 %) of patients had daytime sleepiness and sixty-five percent (65 %) had abnormal nighttime sleepiness, yet neither group showed changes after the intervention. Patients with PD exhibited an alteration in the levels of the clock genes: MEL increased the levels of BMAL1, but the PER1 levels remained unchanged.

[Management of orbital inflammatory disorders in internal medicine: New findings resulting from a retrospective study of 31 consecutive patients]. / Prise en charge des orbitopathies inflammatoires en médecine interne : nouvelles données issues de l'étude d'une série de 31 patients consécutifs.

PURPOSE: To describe a case series of patients investigated in internal medicine for orbital inflammation (OI) since the individualization of the clinical entity of the IgG4-related orbital disease (IgG4 ROD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty four patients were consecutively referred by a specialized center where orbital biopsy was performed when the lesion was surgically accessible. Fourteen patients were excluded in case of missing data or lymphoma, periocular xanthogranuloma or Graves' orbitopathy. Patients with systemic or auto-immune disease according to the international criteria, or presenting with idiopathic orbital inflammation syndrome (IOIS), were included. Knowing the histological similarities between IOIS and IgG4 ROD, immunohistochemical assessment of plasma cells for IgG4 positivity was performed for every patient with available biopsy. Clinical and biological characteristics, treatment and response to treatment of included patients are reported. RESULTS: Among 22 included patients, 10 presented with orbital manifestation of a systemic or autoimmune disease including 2 sarcoidosis (9%) and 8 (36%) cases of non specific OI which were reclassified in IgG4 ROD. Finally, IOIS of various clinicopathological presentation was diagnosed for 12 patients including 10 with histological documentation. Whereas relapse and resistance were not found to be related to IgG4 positivity (50% in both IOIS and IgG4 ROD groups), another treatment in addition to corticosteroids was more often necessary in IgG4 ROD patients (50%) than in IOIS patients (25%). CONCLUSION: After ruling out auto-immune orbital diseases, especially IgG4 ROD, IOIS should be discussed. Factors conditioning the corticosteroid response are yet to be determined.

Bacterial Colonisation of Suction Cannulas in Orthopaedic Surgery. / Colonización bacteriana de las cánulas de succión en cirugía ortopédica.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarticular infections represent a major complication in orthopaedic surgery. The aim is to identify the percentage of suction cannulas colonised and to determine the relationship between the time they are used in surgery and the colonisation of these cannulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive and prospective study that analysed 546 suction cannulas used in clean orthopaedic surgery in a trauma centre, between November 2017 and March 2018. The distal end of the cannula was cultured to determine the colonisation rate. RESULTS: 7.3% of the cultured cannulas were positive for pathogens, the most frequent being Staphylococcus epidermidis at 27.5%. In addition, an association was found between colonisation and the length of time the cannula was used. The possibility of colonisation of cannulas used for between 60minutes or more, is greater than those used for less than 60minutes; between 60 and 90minutes the possibility is twice as high OR= 2.2 (CI:95% 1.1 - 4.1) and in cannulas used for more than 90minutes it is 8 times higher OR= 8.49 (CI:95% 1.77 - 40.86). CONCLUSIONS: The colonisation rate of cannulas is lower than reported in the literature. The longer the cannula is used in surgery increases the risk of their colonisation. Follow-up studies are being considered to determine whether suction cannula colonisation is associated with increased postoperative infection.

The rate of bone loss slows after 1-2 years of initial antiretroviral therapy: final results of the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy (START) bone mineral density substudy.

OBJECTIVES: Initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) causes loss of bone mineral density (BMD) over the first 1-2 years. Whether this loss continues with longer therapy is unclear. We determined changes in bone and spine BMD over 5 years in adults receiving immediate or deferred initial ART. METHODS: In the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy (START) BMD substudy, ART-naïve adults with CD4 counts > 500 cells/µL were randomized to immediate or deferred ART. Deferred group participants not yet on ART were offered ART after May 2015. Mean per cent changes in total hip and lumbar spine BMD (measured annually by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were compared between groups using longitudinal mixed models. Fracture rates were also compared between groups for all START participants. RESULTS: Substudy participants (immediate group, n = 201; deferred group, n = 210; median age 32 years; 80% non-white; 24% female) were followed for a mean 4.5 years until December 2016. In the immediate group, > 96% used ART throughout. In the deferred group, 16%, 58% and 94% used ART at years 1, 3 and 5, respectively. BMD decreased more in the immediate group initially; groups had converged by year 3 at the spine and year 4 at the hip by intent-to-treat (ITT). BMD changes after year 1 were similar in the immediate group and in those off ART in the deferred group [mean difference: spine, 0.03% per year; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.4, 0.4; P = 0.88; hip, -0.2% per year; 95% CI -0.7, 0.3; P = 0.37]. Fracture incidence did not differ significantly between groups (immediate group, 0.86/100 person-years versus deferred group, 0.85/100 person-years; hazard ratio 1.01; 95% CI 0.76, 1.35; P = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Significant ART-induced bone loss slowed after the first year of ART and became similar to that in untreated HIV infection.

Evacuación aeromédica de pacientes COVID-19. Reporte de casos / Case reports: Aeromedical evacuation of patients COVID-19

BACKGROUND: The aeromedical evacuation in the Chilean Air Force has had an important development in the last 15 years. The coronavirus disease declared as a global pandemic by the WHO has generated the challenge of transferring highly infectious patients to centers of greater complexity. The objective of this article is to report our experience in the transfer of COVID ­ 19 patients in constant attention and medical monitoring. CLINICAL CASE REPORTS: The aeromedical evacuation of 2 COVID-19 patients was performed from the Hanga Roa Hospital, Rapa Nui, to the National Thorax Institute, Metropolitan Region, in a Lockheed Hercules C-130, which corresponds to a pressurized fixed-wing airplane. The transfer was carried out with the corresponding personal protection elements and in individual isolation capsules with advanced negative pressure life support (ISO ­ POD), in order to reduce the level of contagion to the aero sanitary crew and minimize the impact on the flight material used. DISCUSSION: The transfer was carried out achieving all the objectives set out under a strict security protocol and the two COVID-19 patients were transferred successfully. The negative pressure isolation capsule system was safe and reliable, since no crew member presented symptoms or was infected by COVID -19, and also allowed the transfer of highly contagious patients during an 8-hour flight operation.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La evacuación aeromédica en la Fuerza Aérea de Chile ha tenido un importante desarrollo en los últimos 15 años. La enfermedad por coronavirus declarada como pandemia mundial por la OMS ha generado el desafío de trasladar pacientes altamente infecciosos a centros de mayor complejidad. El objetivo de este artículo es reportar nuestra experiencia en el traslado de pacientes COVID ­ 19 en constante atención y monitorización médica. REPORTE DE CASOS CLÍNICOS: Se realizó la evacuación aeromédica de 2 pacientes COVID ­ 19 desde el Hospital de Hanga Roa, Rapa Nui, hacía el Instituto Nacional del Tórax, Región Metropolitana, en un Lockheed Hércules C-130, que corresponde a un avión de ala fija presurizado. El traslado se realizó con los elementos de protección personal correspondientes y en capsulas de aislamiento individual con soporte vital avanzado a presión negativa (ISO ­ POD), con la finalidad de reducir el nivel de contagio a la tripulación aero sanitaria y minimizar el impacto en el material de vuelo utilizado. DISCUSIÓN: El traslado se desarrolló logrando todos los objetivos planteados bajo un estricto protocolo de seguridad y los dos enfermos COVID-19 fueron trasladados de manera exitosa. El sistema de cápsulas de aislamiento a presión negativa fue seguro y confiable, ya que ningún miembro de la tripulación presento sintomatología o resultó contagiado por COVID -19, y además permitió trasladar pacientes altamente contagiosos durante una operación de vuelo de 8 horas.

Renal Doppler ultrasound resistive index vs. renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DTPA as diagnostic test for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. / Ecografía Doppler renal con medición de índices de resistencia vs. gammagrafía renal con 99mTc-DTPA para el diagnóstico de estenosis ureteropiélica en niños.

OBJECTIVE: A cross-sectional study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the usefulness of Doppler ultrasound with resistive index (RI) measure compared with renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DTPA in children with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. METHODS: The study included children under 15 years with a diagnosis of unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, healthy contralateral kidney with or without an antecedent of ureteropyeloplasty. The selected patients were sent to the Nuclear Medicine Department to carry out a renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DTPA and days later were sent to the Radiology Department for the performance of Renal Doppler Ultrasound with RI. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were included in the study, 15 males and 6 females, representing 71.4% and 28.6%, respectively. Mean age was 5.3 years. Only 3 had an antecedent of ureteropyeloplasty in the affected kidney. The scintigraphy reported data of unilateral obstruction in 18 patients, including the 3 patients with previous surgery. The average glomerular filtration rate (GFR) obtained with the scintigraphy was 100.28ml/min. The average GFR in affected kidneys was 43.03ml/min and 57.24ml/min in healthy kidneys (p<.001). Doppler ultrasound with RI reported ectasia in 100% of the affected kidneys and one normal contralateral kidney. The average RI in affected kidneys was 0.69mm/s and 0.50mm/s in healthy kidneys (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: With the results obtained, we can suggest that ultrasound Doppler with measurement of RI can be an alternative tool to renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-DTPA in some cases.

Persistent hematogenous dissemination in pulmonary P. jiroveci infection.

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in non-HIV patients is infrequent and characterized by atypical presentations and increased severity. Although hematogenous dissemination from the lungs can lead to extrapulmonary infections, isolation of oocysts from blood in human subjects has not been documented. We report a case of P. jiroveci pneumonia with persistent isolation of oocysts from blood and positivity of P. jiroveci polymerase chain reaction. The patient presented with bilateral diffuse pulmonary nodules and received prolonged treatment with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Reversal of age-associated frailty by controlled physical exercise: The pre-clinical and clinical evidences.

Demographic aging is one of the most serious challenges facing our society. Although we live longer, we do not live better because it is considered that approximately 16-20% of our life is spent in late-life morbidity. Older people have the greatest risk of developing frailty increasing the risk of presenting various adverse health events such as low quality of life, disability, hospitalization and even death. Frail men and women over 65 years old have lower muscle quality and muscle mass and higher percentage of body fat than non-frail people of the same age. In this review we will address the main physiological changes in the muscular and nervous system associated to aging. More specifically we will review the changes in muscle mass, quality, and strength relating them with the decrease in capillarization and muscular oxidative capacity as well as with the alterations in protein synthesis in the muscle with aging. The last section of the manuscript will be devoted to the animal models of frailty and the indexes developed to measure frailty in these models. We will finally address the importance of exercise training as an intervention to delay or even reverse frailty.

Major and trace elements in Boletus aereus and Clitopilus prunulus growing on volcanic and sedimentary soils of Sicily (Italy).

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the content of 28 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, V and Zn) in fruiting bodies of Boletus aereus Bull. and Clitopilus prunulus P. Kumm collected from eleven unpolluted sites of Sicily (Italy) and, also to relate the abundance of chemical elements in soil with their concentration in mushrooms. Median concentrations of the most abundant elements in Boletus aereus ranged from 31,290 µg/g (K) to 107 µg/g (Zn) in caps and from 24,009 µg/g (K) to 57 µg/g (Zn) in stalks with the following abundance order: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Fe > Al > Rb > Zn. The same elements, in the whole fruiting body of Clitopilus prunulus samples, varied in the range 54,073-92 µg/g following the abundance order: K > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe > Al > Rb > Zn. Metal contents in Boletus aereus and in the whole fruiting body of Clitopilus prunulus, collected from the same sampling sites, showed statistically significant differences for most elements. In particular, Clitopilus prunulus contained around two to four times more Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mo, Pb, U and V than caps and stalks of Boletus aereus species which, in turn, was from two to four times more enriched in Cu, Se and Tl. Thus, the elemental content of Boletus aereus and Clitopilus prunulus appeared to be species-dependent. The distribution of chemical elements in Boletus aereus was not uniform throughout the whole fruiting body as most elements were significantly bioconcentrated in caps. Furthermore, the fruit bodies of Boletus aereus from the volcanic soil differed both in major and minor elements concentrations from those collected from sedimentary soils. Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the threshold limits for wild mushrooms proposed by EU Directives (2008 and 2015). The elemental content was not significantly influenced by soil pH.

International neurocognitive normative study: neurocognitive comparison data in diverse resource-limited settings: AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5271.

Infrastructure for conducting neurological research in resource-limited settings (RLS) is limited. The lack of neurological and neuropsychological (NP) assessment and normative data needed for clinical interpretation impedes research and clinical care. Here, we report on ACTG 5271, which provided neurological training of clinical site personnel and collected neurocognitive normative comparison data in diverse settings. At ten sites in seven RLS countries, we provided training for NP assessments. We collected normative comparison data on HIV- participants from Brazil (n = 240), India (n = 480), Malawi (n = 481), Peru (n = 239), South Africa (480), Thailand (n = 240), and Zimbabwe (n = 240). Participants had a negative HIV test within 30 days before standardized NP exams were administered at baseline and 770 at 6 months. Participants were enrolled in eight strata, gender (female and male), education (<10 and ≥10 years), and age (<35 and ≥35 years). Of 2400 enrolled, 770 completed the 6-month follow-up. As expected, significant between-country differences were evident in all the neurocognitive test scores (p < 0.0001). There was variation between the age, gender, and education strata on the neurocognitive tests. Age and education were important variables for all tests; older participants had poorer performance, and those with higher education had better performance. Women had better performance on verbal learning/memory and speed of processing tests, while men performed better on motor tests. This study provides the necessary neurocognitive normative data needed to build infrastructure for future neurological and neurocognitive studies in diverse RLS. These normative data are a much-needed resource for both clinicians and researchers.

Antitumoral gene-based strategy involving nitric oxide synthase type III overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma develops in cirrhotic liver. The nitric oxide (NO) synthase type III (NOS-3) overexpression induces cell death in hepatoblastoma cells. The study developed gene therapy designed to specifically overexpress NOS-3 in cultured hepatoma cells, and in tumors derived from orthotopically implanted tumor cells in fibrotic livers. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 administration in mice. The first-generation adenoviruses were designed to overexpress NOS-3 or green fluorescent protein, and luciferase complementary DNA under the regulation of murine alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) promoters, respectively. Both adenovirus and Hepa 1-6 cells were used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Adenoviruses were administered through the tail vein 2 weeks after orthotopic tumor cell implantation. AFP-NOS-3/RSV-luciferase increased oxidative-related DNA damage, p53, CD95/CD95L expression and caspase-8, -9 and -3 activities in cultured Hepa 1-6 cells. The increased expression of CD95/CD95L and caspase-8 activity was abolished by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, p53 and CD95 small interfering RNA. AFP-NOS-3/RSV-luciferase adenovirus increased cell death markers, and reduced cell proliferation of established tumors in fibrotic livers. The increase of oxidative/nitrosative stress induced by NOS-3 overexpression induced DNA damage, p53, CD95/CD95L expression and cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The effectiveness of the gene therapy has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo.

[Thoracic inestability fixed with bioabsorbable screws and plates]. / Fijación de tórax inestable con placas y tornillos bioabsorbibles. Presentación de serie de casos.

BACKGROUND: Flail chest is managed with mechanical ventilation or inhaloteraphy and analgesia. Little has been published on the use of bioabsorbable material and its evolution in flail chest fixation. METHODS: This is a descriptive study of patients with unstable chest undergoing fixation with bioabsorbable plates and screws in a period from February 2009 to December 2011. RESULTS: We report 18 cases, aged 33-74 years (mean 53), three with bilateral involvement; rib fixation was performed between 1-21 days of the accident (mean 1.5). They started walking the next day in 14 cases; postoperative stay was four days (range 3-14). The heart rate of patients prior to surgery was 90 per minute (range 82-100) and lowered to 84 after fixation (range 82-92), preoperative respiratory rate was 26 per minute (range 22-28) and below 22 per minute (range 20 to 26) in postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bioabsorbable material for osteosynthesis of costal fractures did not show side effects in our period of study.

ANTECEDENTES: El tórax inestable se trata con ventilación mecánica o inhaloterapia y analgesia. Poco se ha publicado sobre el uso de material bioabsorbible y su evolución en la fijación de tórax inestable. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de pacientes con tórax inestable sometidos a fijación con placas y tornillos bioabsorbibles en un período comprendido de Febrero de 2009 a Diciembre de 2011. RESULTADOS: Presentamos 18 casos con edades entre 33 y 74 años (media de 53), tres con tórax inestable bilateral; la fijación costal se realizó entre 1 y 21 días del accidente (media de 1.5). Se inició deambulación al día siguiente en 14 casos; la estancia postoperatoria fue de cuatro días (rango de 3 a 14). La frecuencia cardíaca de los pacientes previa a la cirugía era de 90 por minuto (rango 82 a 100) y bajó a 84 después de la fijación (rango 82 a 92); la frecuencia respiratoria preoperatoria era 26 por minuto (rango 22 a 28) y bajó a 22 por minuto (rango 20 a 26) en el postoperatorio. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de material bioabsorbible para osteosíntesis costal no tiene efectos secundarios atribuibles al material en el corto plazo.