Differential neurophysiological correlates of retrieval of consolidated and reconsolidated memories in humans: An ERP and pupillometry study.

Consolidated memories can return to a labile state if they are reactivated by unpredictable reminders. To persist, active memories must be re-stabilized through a process known as reconsolidation. Although there is consistent behavioral evidence about this process in humans, the retrieval process of reconsolidated memories remains poorly understood. In this context, one fundamental question is whether the same or different neurophysiological mechanisms are involved in retrieval of consolidated and reconsolidated memories. Because it has been demonstrated that the exposure to the reconsolidation process may restructure and strengthen memories, we hypothesized distinct neurophysiological patterns during retrieval of reconsolidated memories. In addition, we hypothesized that interfering with the reconsolidation process using a new learning can prevent these neurophysiological changes. To test it, consolidated, reconsolidated and declarative memories whose reconsolidation process was interfered (i.e., picture-word pairs) were evaluated in humans in an old/new associative recall task while the brain activity and the pupillary response were recorded using electroencephalography and eyetracking. Our results showed that retrieval of reconsolidated memories elicits specific patterns of brain activation, characterized by an earlier peak latency and a smaller magnitude of the left parietal ERP old/new effect compared to memories that were only consolidated or whose reconsolidation process was interfered by a new learning. Moreover, our results demonstrated that only retrieval of reconsolidated memories is associated with a late reversed mid-frontal effect in a 600-690 time window. Complementarily, memories that were reactivated showed an earlier peak latency of the pupil old/new effect compared to non-reactivated memories. These findings support the idea that reconsolidation has an important impact in how memories are retrieved in the future, showing that retrieval of reconsolidated memories is partially supported by specific brain mechanisms.

Utilidad diagnóstica de la audiometría de alta frecuencia en sujetos expuestos a ruido recreacional / Diagnostic utility of high frequency audiometry in subjects exposed to recreational noise

INTRODUCCIÓN: Recientes investigaciones mencionan que, debido a los altos niveles de ruidos, el 75% de los habitantes en las ciudades industrializadas padecen algún tipo de deficiencia auditiva. La audiometría de alta frecuencia es un examen complementario importante para detectar tempranamente la pérdida de audición. OBJETIVO: Determinar la utilidad diagnóstica de la audiometría de alta frecuencia en la detección temprana de la hipoacusia en sujetos expuestos a ruido recreacional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio analítico de corte transversal. Se evaluaron 87 estudiantes de fonoaudiología. Se aplicó una audiometría convencional y de alta frecuencia mediante audiómetro clínico. RESULTADOS: La audiometría de alta frecuencia presenta una sensibilidad del 100%, especificidad del 64,60%. El valor predictivo (+) es de 14,70%, mientras que el valor predictivo (-) es del 100%. La razón de verosimilitud (+) es de 2,28, y para la razón de verosimilitud (-) es de 0,0. CONCLUSIÓN: La audiometría de alta frecuencia puede ser utilizada para monitorizar la audición de los sujetos, comprobando que efectivamente los umbrales auditivos de alta frecuencia se encuentren dentro de rangos normales. Lo anterior, dado por sus valores de sensibilidad, valor predictivo negativo, razón de verosimilitud negativa y por el aumento entre la probabilidad preprueba y posprueba.

INTRODUCTION: Recent research mentions that, due to the high noise levels, 75% of the habitants in industrialized cities suffer from some type of hearing impairment. High frequency audiometry is an important complementary test to detect early hearing loss. AIM: To determine the diagnostic utility of high frequency audiometry in the early detection of hearing loss in subjects exposed to recreational noise. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study analytical type and cross section. 87 speech therapy students were evaluated. A conventional and high frequency audiometry was applied, using a clinical audiometer. RESULTS: High frequency audiometry has a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 64,60%. The predictive value (+) is 14,70%, while the predictive value (-) is 100%. The likelihood ratio (+) is 2,28, and for the likelihood ratio (-) it is 0,0. CONCLUSION: High frequency audiometry can be used to monitor the hearing of the subjects, checking that effectively the high frequency hearing thresholds are within normal ranges. The above, given by their values of sensitivity, negative predictive value, negative likelihood ratio and the increase between the pre-test probability and the posttest probability.

Ultra-low background and environmental measurements at Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC).

To support the construction of experiments at the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC) in Spain, an Ultra-Low Background Service (ULBS) and a Copper Electroforming Service (CES) were created. The measurement technique employed at the ULBS is gamma spectroscopy with high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. A new anti-radon system is being implemented. The main goal of CES is to obtain high-purity copper pieces. A new electroforming set-up inside LSC underground clean room is planned. Radon and environmental measurements at the LSC are presented. The ULBS and CES are reviewed.

Estudio normativo: umbrales auditivos de alta frecuencia (9-20 kHz) en normoyentes entre 8 años y 23 años y 11 meses, pertenecientes a la ciudad de Chillán / Normative study: high frequency hearing tresholds (9-20kHz) in normal-hearing patients in between the ages of 8 and 23 years and 11 months old, from Chillan city

Introducción: Diversos estudios evidencian que la audiometría de alta frecuencia cumple un importante rol en la detección temprana de pérdida auditiva; sin embargo, en Chile aún no se dispone de una normativa para su aplicación clínica. Objetivo: Normalizar los umbrales audiométricos de alta frecuencia (9-20 kHz) en normoyentes entre 8 y 23 años y 11 meses pertenecientes a la ciudad de Chillán. Material y método: No experimental, tipo descriptivo y corte transversal. Se evaluaron a 259 sujetos normoyentes, estudiantes de enseñanza básica, media y universitaria. A la muestra se le aplicó una audiometría de alta frecuencia, empleando un audiómetro (Gradson Stadler) GSI61 con fonoauriculares (Sennheiser) HDA 200. Resultados: Los umbrales auditivos incrementaron su valor según la edad y frecuencia. No se encontraron diferencias significativas según sexo. Se observaron diferencias significativas interaural en 9, 10 y 14 kHz. Los valores de los umbrales se presentaron en percentiles, considerando como normalidad aquellos ubicados entre el P10 y P75. Conclusión: Esta norma podría ser utilizada como referencia de normalidad para pesquisar tempranamente a sujetos en riesgo de pérdida auditiva y tomar las acciones sanitarias más pertinentes a cada caso en particular, empleando equipamiento similar.

Introduction: There are several studies showing that high frequency audiometry serves the important purpose in hearing loss early detection; nonetheless, Chile does not have a standard regulation for clinical implementation of the previously mentioned exam. Aim: To standardize high frequency thresholds (9-20) in patients with normal hearing in between the ages of 8 and 23 years and 11 months old from Chillan city. Material and method: Non-experimental, descriptive and held in a transversal lapse of time. 259 normal-hearing subjects were evaluated, belonging to elementary, middle, high school and higher -university- levels of education. All subjects underwent a high-frequency audiometry for which was used a (Gradson Stadler) GSI61 audiometer, with (Sennheiser) HDA 200 headphones. Results: It was observed that high-frequency thresholds tended to increase their figures according to age and frequency requirements. No meaningful differences -regarding male or female subjects- were found, although there were note worthy differences in 9, 10 and 14 kHz frequencies. The numbers of the thresholds were presented as percentiles, considering 'normal' those located in between P10 and P75. Conclusion: This regulation can be used as a point of reference for normality in order to early detect subjects having a hearing loss risk, and to also take health-related action suitable for each particular case, by using similar equipment to the one described in this study.

[Mucociliary clearance system in lung defense]. / Dinámica y patología del barrido mucociliar como mecanismo defensivo del pulmón y alternativas farmacológicas de tratamiento.

The first line of defense to maintain the sterility of the intrapulmonary airways is the mucociliary clearance system. This rapidly responding, non-specific, immune defensive system is challenged by approximately 12,000 liters of air filtered by the lungs each day, containing millions of particles like spores, environmental and eventually toxic pollutants. The main components of this system are the floating mucus "blanket", the underlying mucus propelling cilia with periciliary fluid, and the airway epithelium with secretory and ciliated type of cells. The fine and coordinated regulation of these three components is critical for an effective performance. Deregulation resulting from continuous insults, inherited ion channel disease, infections or abnormal immune response may lead to mucus alterations, goblet cell hyperplasia and metaplasia, airway obstruction, air trapping and chronic lung disease. Options for treatment are limited. Understanding this system may reveal new targets for treatment of lung disease.

Dinámica y patología del barrido mucociliar como mecanismo defensivo del pulmón y alternativas farmacológicas de tratamiento / Mucociliary clearance system in lung defense

The first line of defense to maintain the sterility of the intrapulmonary airways is the mucociliary clearance system. This rapidly responding, non-specific, immune defensive system is challenged by approximately 12,000 liters of air filtered by the lungs each day, containing millions of particles like spores, environmental and eventually toxic pollutants. The main components of this system are the floating mucus "blanket", the underlying mucus propelling cilia with periciliary fluid, and the airway epithelium with secretory and ciliated type of cells. The fine and coordinated regulation of these three components is critical for an effective performance. Deregulation resulting from continuous insults, inherited ion channel disease, infections or abnormal immune response may lead to mucus alterations, goblet cell hyperplasia and metaplasia, airway obstruction, air trapping and chronic lung disease. Options for treatment are limited. Understanding this system may reveal new targets for treatment of lung disease.

Changes in digestive enzyme activities during larval development of leopard grouper (Mycteroperca rosacea).

The leopard grouper is an endemic species of the Mexican Pacific with an important commercial fishery and good aquaculture potential. In order to assess the digestive capacity of this species during the larval period and aid in the formulation of adequate weaning diets, this study aimed to characterize the ontogeny of digestive enzymes during development of the digestive system. Digestive enzymes trypsin, chymotrypsin, acid protease, leucine-alanine peptidase, alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidase N, lipase, amylase and maltase were quantified in larvae fed live prey and weaned onto a formulated microdiet at 31 days after hatching (DAH) and compared with fasting larvae. Enzyme activity for trypsin, lipase and amylase were detected before the opening of the mouth and the onset of exogenous feeding, indicating a precocious development of the digestive system that has been described in many fish species. The intracellular enzyme activity of leucine-alanine peptidase was high during the first days of development, with a tendency to decrease as larvae developed, reaching undetectable levels at the end of the experimental period. In contrast, activities of enzymes located in the intestinal brush border (i.e., aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase) were low at the start of exogenous feeding but progressively increased with larval development, indicating the gradual maturation of the digestive system. Based on our results, we conclude that leopard grouper larvae possess a functional digestive system at hatching and before the onset of exogenous feeding. The significant increase in the activity of trypsin, lipase, amylase and acid protease between 30 and 40 DAH suggests that larvae of this species can be successfully weaned onto microdiets during this period.

Effective dose in the manufacturing process of rutile covered welding electrodes.

Shielded metal arc welding using covered electrodes is the most common welding process. Sometimes the covering contains naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). In Spain the most used electrodes are those covered with rutile mixed with other materials. Rutile contains some detectable natural radionuclides, so it can be considered a NORM. This paper mainly focuses on the use of MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code) as a predictive tool to obtain doses in a factory which produces this type of electrode and assess the radiological impact in a specific facility after estimating the internal dose.To do this, in the facility, areas of highest radiation and positions of workers were identified, radioactive content of rutile and rutile covered electrodes was measured, and, considering a worst possible scenario, external dose at working points has been calculated using MCNP. This procedure has been validated comparing the results obtained with those from a pressurised ionisation chamber and TLD dosimeters. The internal dose has been calculated using DCAL (dose and risk calculation). The doses range between 8.8 and 394 µSv yr(-1), always lower than the effective dose limit for the public, 1 mSv yr(-1). The highest dose corresponds to the mixing area.

El nuevo grado en farmacia ¿cubre las necesidades formativas en el ámbito de la nutrición? / The new degree in pharmacy. Is it enough for the formative needs in the nutrition area?

La importancia de la alimentación en la consecución de la salud y en la prevención de la enfermedad y la necesidad de un buen control de la dieta para alcanzar resultados satisfactorios en la reducción del riesgo, tratamiento y control de muchas de las enfermedades crónicas, es un hecho documentado científicamente y de gran relevancia en la sociedad actual. La Orden CIN/2137/2008, de 3 de julio establece los requisitos para la verificación de los títulos universitarios oficiales que habiliten para el ejercicio de la profesión farmacéutica, abarcando diversas competencias que aluden directamente a la formación del farmacéutico en el campo de la nutrición. Entre ellas se incluyen 1) Prestar consejo terapéutico en farmacoterapia y dietoterapia, así como consejo nutricional y alimentario a los usuarios de los establecimientos en los que presten servicio. 2) Conocer la relación existente entre la alimentación y salud, y la importancia de la dieta en el tratamiento y prevención de las enfermedades. 3) Desarrollar análisis higiénico-sanitarios (bioquímico, bromatológico, microbiológicos, parasitológicos) relacionados con la salud en general y con los alimentos y medio ambiente en particular. 4) Conocer las técnicas analíticas relacionadas con el diagnóstico de laboratorio de tóxicos, alimentos y medioambiente. En este sentido, el nuevo Grado en Farmacia aprobado por el Consejo de Gobierno de la Universidad de Granada incluye la asignatura troncal “Nutrición y Bromatología” de 6 créditos. Sin embargo los créditos obligatorios aprobados por la ANECA para esta materia en 8 Universidades Españolas oscilan entre 7,5 para Sevilla y 12 créditos para Madrid con una media de 9,4 créditos. De esta forma ¿Es posible cubrir con los 6 créditos asignados a esta materia una formación mínima para que el farmacéutico pueda realizar adecuadamente las competencias que se le han asignado?(AU)

The importance of nutrition on human health and on illness prevention, and the need for a good control of the diet to reach satisfactory results in the reduction of the risk, treatment and control of many of the chronic diseases, is a scientifically documented fact quite relevant in the current society(AU)

Perfil del farmacéutico en el ámbito de la nutrición a nivel europeo / Pharmacist role in the nutrition area at the European level

Una vez licenciado, el farmacéutico puede optar por un elevado número de salidas profesionales, tanto en el sector público al servicio de los diferentes cuerpos y administraciones, como en el sector privado. Los perfiles profesionales más frecuentes del farmacéutico pueden englobarse en 4 modalidades: Oficina de Farmacia (Farmacia Comunitaria), Farmacia Hospitalaria, Distribución e Industria Farmacéutica o Análisis y Salud Pública. A nivel de oficina de farmacia, el farmacéutico, junto a la dispensación de medicamentos, ejerce un destacado papel como asesor y consejero de salud. Las estadísticas desvelan que una de cada cuatro personas que entran en una farmacia no adquiere medicamentos, sino que sólo pide un consejo sanitario, incluyendo asesoría sobre dietas, alimentación y nutrición. Además, la aparición en los últimos años de complementos alimenticios, de venta en farmacia, hace que el farmacéutico deba formarse y comportarse como profesional en lo que respecta a temas de nutrición. Otra salida profesional, como la inspección Farmacéutica, incluye la supervisión de agua y alimentos no animales, por lo que el farmacéutico debe tener un amplio conocimiento sobre la legislación, sanidad y análisis de alimentos. Por otro lado, la industria farmacéutica incluye una amplia variedad de salidas profesionales, incluyéndose dirección técnica, control de calidad y de fabricación, gestión comercial, documentación científica o análisis. La industria agroalimentaria ha experimentado importantes cambios en las últimas décadas, exigiendo profesionales en la materia, como dietistas o analistas bromatológicos, dentro de un equipo multidisciplinar. En este sentido, el farmacéutico, a través del nuevo grado en Farmacia, debe adquirir una base sólida en el campo de la nutrición y bromatología. Así, las competencias recogidas en la Orden CIN/2137/2008 ponen de manifiesto la importancia de la formación del futuro farmacéutico en el ámbito de la alimentación(AU)

Once graduated, the pharmacist can choose a high number of professional skills, both in public and private sectors. The most frequent professional skills of the pharmacist can be included in 4 different fields: Pharmacy Office (Communitary Pharmacy), Hospital Pharmacy, Distribution andPharmaceutical Industry or Analysis and Public Health. At the pharmacy office level, the pharmacist, along with the medicines dispensation, exercises an out-standing role as health adviser. The statistics reveal that 25% of the pharmacy customers do not acquire medicines, but they only ask for a sanitary advice, including nutrition and dietetic consultations. Moreover, in the last years nutritive supplements have been included within the pharmaceutical sales. Thus, the pharmacist should be formed about nutritional topics. Another professional skill, like the pharmaceutical inspection, includes drinkable water and non-animal foodstuffs analyses. Then, the pharmacist should have a wide knowledge on legislation, health and food analysis. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry includes a wide variety of professional skills, including technical direction, quality control, commercial management, scientific documentation or analysis. Finally, the agro-alimentary industry has experienced important changes in the last decades, demanding professionals in the matter, like dietitians or food analysts. In this sense, the pharmacist, across the new degree in Pharmacy, must acquire a solid base in the nutrition and bromatology field. Therefore, the competences gathered in the Disposition CIN / 2137/2008 reveals the importance of the formation of the future pharmacist in the nutrition area(AU)

Antibacterial and antitumorigenic properties of microcin E492, a pore-forming bacteriocin.

Microcins are a family of low-molecular weight bacteriocins produced and secreted by Gram-negative bacteria. This review is focused on microcin E492, a pore-forming bacteriocin produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae RYC492 that exerts its antibacterial action on related strains. The steps necessary for the production of active microcin E492 involve post-translational modification with a catechol-type siderophore at the C-terminal and proteolytic processing during export to the extracellular space. This bacteriocin has a modular structure, with a toxic domain at the N-terminal and an uptake domain at the C-terminal of the mature protein. The mechanism by which the C-terminal of microcin E492 is recognized by catecholate siderophore receptors is called the "Trojan horse" strategy, because the C-terminal structure mimics essential bacterial elements, which are recognized by the respective receptors and translocated across the outer membrane to exert antibacterial action. The C-terminal uptake module can be exchanged and used with other toxic domains. Microcin E492 also has a cytotoxic effect on malignant human cell lines. The cytotoxic mechanism is through apoptosis, a desired mechanism for cancer therapy. The ability of microcin E492 to form amyloid-like fibrils constitutes a property that can be exploited in the formulation of this bacteriocin as an antitumoral agent, because these fibrils can behave as stable depots to ensure the sustained release of a biologically active molecule. Alternatively, live bacteria can be used as a continuous source of microcin E492 production in specific tumors.

Síndrome hemolítico urémico en Chile: presentación clínica, evolución y factores pronósticos / Hemolytic-uremic syndrome in Chile: clinical features, evolution and prognostic factors

Background: Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Aim: To describe the characteñstics ofpatients with the diagnosis ofHUS in Chile, and to identify the most reliable early predictors oímorbidity and moñality. Material and methods: The clinical records ofpatients with HUS aged less than 15 years, attended between January 1990 and December 2003 in 15 hospitals, were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, hematological parameters, morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Results: A cohort of 587 patients aged 2 to 8 years, 48 percent males, was analyzed. Ninety two percent had diarrhea. At the moment of diagnosis, anuria was observed in 39 percent of the patients, hypertension in 45 percent and seizures in 17 percent. Forty two percent required renal replacement therapy (RRT) and perítoneal dialysis was used in the majoríty of cases (78 percent). The most frequently isolated etiological agentwas Escherichia coli. Mortality rate was 2.9 percent in the acute phase of the disease and there was a positive correlation between mortality and anuria, seizures, white blood cell count (WCC) >20.000/mm³ and requirements of renal replacement therapy (p <0.05). Twelve percent of patients evolved to chronic renal failure and the risk factors during the acute phase were the need for renal replacement therapy, anuria, WCC >20.000/mm³, seizures and hypertension. Conclusions: The present study emphasizes important clinical and epidemiological aspeets ofHUSin a Chilean pediatricpopulation.

[Hemolytic-uremic syndrome in Chile: clinical features, evolution and prognostic factors]. / Síndrome hemolítico urémico en Chile: presentación clínica, evolución y factores pronósticos.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. AIM: To describe the characteristics of patients with the diagnosis of HUS in Chile, and to identify the most reliable early predictors of morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical records of patients with HUS aged less than 15 years, attended between January 1990 and December 2003 in 15 hospitals, were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, hematological parameters, morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: A cohort of 587 patients aged 2 to 8 years, 48% males, was analyzed. Ninety two percent had diarrhea. At the moment of diagnosis, anuria was observed in 39% of the patients, hypertension in 45% and seizures in 17%. Forty two percent required renal replacement therapy (RRT) and peritoneal dialysis was used in the majority of cases (78%). The most frequently isolated etiological agent was Escherichia coli. Mortality rate was 2.9% in the acute phase of the disease and there was a positive correlation between mortality and anuria, seizures, white blood cell count (WCC)>20.000/mm3 and requirements of renal replacement therapy (p<0.05). Twelve percent of patients evolved to chronic renal failure and the risk factors during the acute phase were the need for renal replacement therapy, anuria, WCC>20.000/mm3, seizures and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The present study emphasizes important clinical and epidemiological aspects of HUS in a Chilean pediatric population.

[Renal scars after one year of follow up in children with a first episode of acute pyelonephritis]. / Cicatriz renal detectada mediante cintigrama renal DMSA en niños con primera pielonefritis aguda: estudio de factores de riesgo.

BACKGROUND: Acute pyelonephritis in children can leave a kidney scar that eventually can lead to hypertension or renal failure. 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (RC DMSA) is a widely accepted technique to assess children with acute pyelonephritis. AIM: To evaluate the presence of residual kidney scars detected through RC DMSA, in children with a first episode of acute pyelonephritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical records of children with a first episode of acute pyelonephritis that were assessed within seven days of the episode with RC DMSA were reviewed. Children were considered eligible if they did not have a new episode of acute pyelonephritis and a second RC DMSA, one year after the first episode, was performed. The presence or absence of a renal scar after one year was associated to demographic, scintigraphy and laboratory variables. RESULTS: Fifty nine children, aged 1 month to 10 years, 35 females, were studied. Thirty nine percent had a renal scar in the scintigraphy perfomed after one year of follow up. The presence of a scar was correlated with a C reactive protein over 130 mg/dl and an altered relative renal function (below 44%), during the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: A high C reactive protein and alterations of relative renal function during the acute phase of acute pyelonephritis in children, may be risk factors for the development of renal scars in the long term follow up.

Cicatriz renal detectada mediante cintigrama renal DMSA en niños con primera pielonefritis aguda: estudio de factores de riesgo / Renal scars after one year of follow up in children with a first episode of acute pyelonephritis

Background: Acute pyelonephritis in children can leave a kidney scar that eventually can lead to hypertension or renal failure. 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (RC DMSA) is a widely accepted technique to assess children with acute pyelonephritis. Aim: To evaluate the presence of residual kidney scars detected through RC DMSA, in children with a first episode of acute pyelonephritis. Patients and methods: Clinical records of children with a first episode of acute pyelonephritis that were assessed within seven days of the episode with RC DMSA were reviewed. Children were considered eligible if they did not have a new episode of acute pyelonephritis and a second RC DMSA, one year after the first episode, was performed. The presence or absence of a renal scar after one year was associated to demographic, scintigraphy and laboratory variables. Results: Fifty nine children, aged 1 month to 10 years, 35 females, were studied. Thirty nine percent had a renal scar in the scintigraphy perfomed after one year of follow up. The presence of a scar was correlated with a C reactive protein over 130 mg/dl and an altered relative renal function (below 44%), during the acute phase. Conclusions: A high C reactive protein and alterations of relative renal function during the acute phase of acute pyelonephritis in children, may be risk factors for the development of renal scars in the long term follow up.

Prostaglandins E(2) and F(2alpha) enhance differentiation of cementoblastic cells.

BACKGROUND: The prostaglandins (PG) E(2) and PGF(2alpha) are important cytokines in periodontal physiology and pathology. PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) alter cell function by binding and activating the plasmamembrane G-protein-coupled PG receptors. In this study, we examined the PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) effects on the immortalized cementoblastic OCCM cells. METHODS: Confluent OCCM cells were treated with PGE(2), PGF(2alpha), specific activators/inhibitors of the EP prostanoid receptors, a specific activator of the FP prostanoid receptor, and direct activators/inhibitors of the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway. Mineral nodule formation was assessed by the von Kossa stain. RESULTS: PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) significantly increased mineralization of OCCM cells. The EP1 and EP3 PG receptor activators 16,16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E(2) and sulprostone, also increased mineralization. In contrast, specific activators of the EP2 or the EP2/EP3/EP4 receptors did not have any effect. Fluprostenol, a specific activator of the FP receptor, significantly increased mineralization of OCCM cells. FP and EP (1 or 3) receptors signal through activation of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Indeed, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a direct activator of the PKC pathway, significantly increase OCCM mineralization, while pre-treatment of OCCM cells with the PKC inhibitor GF109203x (bisindolylmaleimide) significantly decreased mineralization. CONCLUSION: We conclude that PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) exert an anabolic effect on OCCM mineralization through activation of PKC signaling.

Síndrome hemolítico urémico en Santiago de Chile: evolución de la función renal y factores pronósticos / Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), prognostic factors and follow up of renal function, in Santiago, Chile

Introducción: El Síndrome Hemolítico Urémico (SHU) se caracteriza por falla renal aguda, anemia hemolítica microangiopática y trombocitopenia; es la causa más frecuente de insuficiencia renal aguda en la infancia. Objetivo: a) Describir las características actuales del cuadro inicial de SHU en nuestro medio y comparar con lo descrito anteriormente; b) Describir la evolución a 1 año plazo y evaluar posibles factores pronósticos de función renal. Sujetos y Métodos: Se estudiaron variables demográficas, presentación clínica, exámenes bioquímicos y hematológicos, en 374 pacientes con SHU diagnosticados entre Enero 1990 a Diciempe 2002 en 9 hospitales de la Región Metropolitana; se evaluó además función renal al año de seguimiento en una muestra de 213 pacientes y se identificaron factores pronósticos de insuficiencia renal crónica y mortalidad utilizando el análisis de regresión logística. Resultados: Se analizaron 374 pacientes, 50,5 por ciento mujeres, 65,5 por ciento de la Región Metropolitana, edad promedio 1,5 ± 1,4 años (0,2 a 8); 91 por ciento presentó diarrea, 31 por ciento ocurrió en verano, al ingreso 57 por ciento presentó anuria, 43,3 por ciento hipertensión arterial y convulsiones 23 por ciento. Al alta 28 por ciento persistía hipertenso. Las terapias de sustitución renal utilizadas fueron: diálisis peritoneal (50 por ciento), hemodiafiltración (6 por ciento) y hemodiálisis (3 por ciento); recibió plasmaféresis 1 por ciento. Se aisló agente etiológico en 17 por ciento, siendo en 69 por ciento E. coli enterohemorrágica. La mortalidad fue de 2,7 por ciento, siendo la causa principal la falla orgánica múltiple. En el seguimiento al año: 80 por ciento mantuvo función renal normal, 14 por ciento presento deterioro de la función renal, 6 por ciento proteinuria y 4 por ciento hipertensión. Se encontró significativo como factor pronóstico de daño renal: hipertensión arterial (p < 0,0001), necesidad de peritoneodiálisis y hemodiálisis (p: 0,001, p: 0,0015 respectivamente), anuria (p: 0,005) y convulsiones (p: 0,01). Se correlacionó con mortalidad en la etapa aguda: convulsiones, requerimiento de hemodiafiltración y plasmaféresis, (p < 0,0001, p: 0,0001 y p < 0,0001 respectivamente).

Prostaglandins E2 and F2α Enhance Differentiation of Cementoblastic Cells.

BACKGROUND: The prostaglandins (PG) E2 and PGF2α are important cytokines in periodontal physiology and pathology. PGE2 and PGF2α alter cell function by binding and activating the plasmamembrane G-protein-coupled PG receptors. In this study, we examined the PGE2 and PGF2α effects on the immortalized cementoblastic OCCM cells. METHODS: Confluent OCCM cells were treated with PGE2 , PGF2α , specific activators/inhibitors of the EP prostanoid receptors, a specific activator of the FP prostanoid receptor, and direct activators/inhibitors of the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway. Mineral nodule formation was assessed by the von Kossa stain. RESULTS: PGE2 and PGF2α significantly increased mineralization of OCCM cells. The EP1 and EP3 PG receptor activators 16,16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E2 and sulprostone, also increased mineralization. In contrast, specific activators of the EP2 or the EP2/EP3/EP4 receptors did not have any effect. Fluprostenol, a specific activator of the FP receptor, significantly increased mineralization of OCCM cells. FP and EP (1 or 3) receptors signal through activation of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Indeed, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a direct activator of the PKC pathway, significantly increase OCCM mineralization, while pre-treatment of OCCM cells with the PKC inhibitor GF109203× (bisindolylmaleimide) significantly decreased mineralization. CONCLUSION: We conclude that PGE2 and PGF2α exert an anabolic effect on OCCM mineralization through activation of PKC signaling. J Periodontol 2005;76:303-309.