Breast cancer chemotherapy treatment monitoring based on serum sample Raman spectroscopy.

In this paper, breast cancer patients were monitored throughout their chemotherapy treatments (CHT), with blood serum sample Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis, approximately for a year. First of all, we discriminate between healthy and clinically diagnosed breast cancer patients. Breast cancer detection in terms of sensitivity and specificity were 87.14% and 90.55% respectively. Although no shifts of peaks in mean spectrum of samples from breast cancer patients were found with respect to the mean spectrum from control patients, some peaks did show clear differences in intensity, the greatest disparities found at 509, 545, 1063, 1103, 1338, 1556, 1083 and 1449 cm- 1 are associated with amino acids and phospholipid, 1246 and 1654 cm- 1, corresponding to amide III and I, respectively. Other peaks of interest encountered at 450, 661, 890, 917 and 1405 cm- 1 are associated to glutathione. Then, 6 breast cancer patients were monitored during their chemotherapy treatments, the results were in complete correspondence with their medical records, enabling a detailed study of the evolution of each patient's cancer. A special interest arose in the possible correlation between the intensity of Raman peak, 450 cm- 1, corresponding to glutathione and evolution of cancer throughout CHT, i.e., glutathione appears to be a good candidate as breast cancer biomarker. The results confirmed that Raman spectroscopy and PCA are, not only a good support to current breast cancer detection techniques, but could also be excellent techniques to monitor more efficiently breast cancer patients undergoing CHT, using blood serum samples which are a lot less invasive than other methods.

[Validation of a questionnaire for the analysis of digital competence in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus]. / Validación de un cuestionario para analizar la capacidad digital de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1.

OBJECTIVE: Validation of a questionnaire designed to stratify the level of digital competence in chronic patients. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, carried out in the Endocrinology and Nutrition Section of the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León (CAULE). We selected the digital competencies section of the Cambados questionnaire, designed for the identification of digital chronic patient, with a maximum score of 20 points. The questionnaire was completed for validation by patients for whom were prescribed a digital tool for glycemic control. Reliability was assessed by assessing the correct use of the prescribed tool and internal consistency. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completely filled in by 171 patients, with a mean age of 44.36 (SD 17.36). The mean score obtained in the questionnaire was 11.04 (SD 4.74) and a score over 12 was the most appropriate cut-off point to discriminate between patients according to their level of digital competence. 48.54% of the patients made adequate use of the tool. The scale showed good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.77. CONCLUSIONS: The results reached in the present study allow us to affirm that the responses obtained from the patients in the digital competency definition questionnaire are a good indicator of the use of digital tools.

Sperm chromosome segregation of rob(4;16) and rob(4;16)inv(4) in the brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira).

The genus Mazama stands out among the Neotropical deer due to their wide intra and interspecific karyotypic diversification, which is associated with an accentuated chromosomal fragility. There are reports of heterozygous Robertsonian translocation (RT) carriers in a free-range population of Mazama gouazoubira (brown brocket deer), as well as in captive animals of this and other species of the genus. To analyze possible negative impacts of heterozygous chromosome rearrangements on reproductive fitness of the carriers, we performed an analysis of sperm meiotic segregation in four brown brocket bucks, carriers of a rob(4;16), and compared the results with those of a normal buck. We established a reliable FISH and sperm-FISH protocol for the brown brocket deer using bovine (Bos taurus; diploid number, 2n = 60) whole chromosome painting (WCP) and BAC probes. Using BAC probes, we revealed the presence of a paracentric inversion (PAI) of the fused chromosome 4 in two of the four analyzed RT carriers. The mean frequency of normal/balanced sperm in the translocation carriers was significantly lower than in the normal buck (94.78% vs 98.40%). The mean value of total unbalanced spermatozoa was almost doubled in the RT/PAI carriers (6.68%) when compared to RT carriers (3.76%), but the difference was not statistically significant. This study demonstrated the efficiency of FISH with bovine WCP and BAC probes in the characterization of chromosome rearrangements and gametic segregation patterns in brown brocket deer. Our results indicate a low to moderate increase in the rates of unbalanced meiotic segregation products in brown brocket bucks heterozygous for RT and RT/PAIs.

Arterial dissection as a cause of intracranial stenosis: A narrative review.

Intracranial artery dissection (IAD) is an underdiagnosed, non-atherosclerotic cause of stroke with various clinical manifestations. To identify all the potential studies investigating the epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, radiology findings, and treatment methods of IAD, we conducted a literature search screening PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and BIREME. According to the results of several studies, IAD is the major cause of ischemic stroke in at least one-third of the cervical-cranial artery dissection (CCAD) cases presenting with ischemic stroke. Mechanical causes are associated with cervical artery dissections (CAD) in up to 40 % of the cases. However, the risk factors for IAD are still not completely understood. Antithrombotic therapy with either antiplatelet or classic anticoagulants is the mainstay of treatment for preventing further thromboembolic complication after a stroke. Endovascular or surgical treatment options can be considered when medical therapies are not effective or when there is a high rate of recurrence or increased risk of bleeding. The observational studies have shown that these methods are very effective in preventing recurrence and significantly improving morbidity and mortality in patients with ruptured dissections. Clinical trials are required to establish the best option for each mechanism of ischemic lesion.

Caracterización de la población con anemia en el embarazo y su asociación con la morbimortalidad perinatal / Characterization of pregnant population with anemia and asociation with perinatal morbimortality

Resumen Introducción: la anemia es el trastorno nutricional más frecuente en el mundo y en el embarazo constituye un riesgo para la madre, el feto o recién nacido, desencadenando complicaciones como IVU, aborto, RCIU, parto prematuro, preeclampsia, bajo peso al nacer, RPM, etc. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la anemia en el embarazo y el desenlace perinatal de las pacientes atendidas en el Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano de Neiva en el periodo de junio de 2012 a junio de 2016. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, en gestantes atendidas en consulta de alto riesgo obstétrico durante el periodo e institución mencionados, con cruce de variables para determinar la relación entre la gravedad de la anemia y sus complicaciones mediante el cálculo del Chi-cuadrado Resultados: De 1.493 pacientes, 101 mujeres embarazadas entre los 16 a 34 años fueron incluidas en el estudio. La prevalencia de anemia fue de 32.01% y las complicaciones identificadas fueron: Infección de vías urinarias (8,91%), restricción de crecimiento intrauterino (7,9%), bajo peso al nacer (6,9%), preeclampsia (4,95%), parto prematuro (3,96%), ruptura prematura de membranas (3,03%) y un solo caso de aborto. El 10,89% de los recién nacidos requirieron hospitalización, de los cuales 2 presentaron hipoglicemia y 5 ictericia neonatal. Conclusiones: La anemia es una patología subdiagnosticada que afecta a mujeres entre los 16 y 30 años cuyas complicaciones como bajo peso al nacer, restricción de crecimiento intrauterino e ictericia neonatal resultan dependientes de la gravedad de la anemia.

Abstract Introduction: Anemia is the most frequent nutritional disorder in the world and in pregnancy it is a risk for the mother, the fetus or newborn, triggering complications such as IVU, abortion, IUGR, preterm birth, preeclampsia, low birth weight, RPM, etc. Objective: To determine the effects of anemia on pregnancy and the perinatal outcome of the patients treated at the Hernando Moncaleano Hospital in Neiva from June 2012 to June 2016. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study, In pregnant women attended at a high obstetrical risk visit during the period and institution mentioned, with cross-variables to determine the relationship between the severity of the anemia and its complications by the Chi-square calculation Results: Of 1,493 patients, 101 pregnant women Between the ages of 16 and 34 were included in the study. The prevalence of anemia was 32.01% and the complications identified were: Urinary tract infection (8.91%), intrauterine growth restriction (7.9%), low birth weight (6.9%), preeclampsia, 95%), preterm delivery (3.96%), premature rupture of membranes (3.03%) and a single case of abortion. 10.89% of the newborns required hospitalization, of which 2 had hypoglycemia and 5 neonatal jaundice. Conclusions: Anemia is an underdiagnosed pathology that affects women between 16 and 30 whose complications such as low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction and neonatal jaundice are dependent on the severity of the anemia.

[Not Available]. / Meningoencefalitis tuberculosa con quistes aracnoideos medulares y siringomielia aguda.

TITLE: Meningoencefalitis tuberculosa con quistes aracnoideos medulares y siringomielia aguda.

New amino acid changes in drug resistance sites and HBsAg in hepatitis B virus genotype H.

Long-term treatment with retrotranscriptase (RT) inhibitors eventually leads to the development of drug resistance. Drug-related mutations occur naturally and these can be found in hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers who have never received antiviral therapy. HBsAg are overlapped with RT domain, thus nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) resistance mutations and naturally-occurring mutations can cause amino acid changes in the HBsAg. Twenty-two patients with chronic hepatitis B were enrolled; three of them were previously treated with NAs and 19 were NAs-naïve treated. HBV reverse transcriptase region was sequenced; genotyping and analysis of missense mutations were performed in both RT domain and HBsAg. There was predominance of genotype H. Drug mutations were present in 18.2% of patients. Classical lamivudine resistance mutations (rtM204V/rtL180M) were present in one naïve-treatment patient infected with genotype G. New amino acid changes were identified in drug resistance sites in HBV strains from patients infected with genotype H; rtQ215E was present in two naïve-NAs treatment patients and rtI169M was identified in a patient previously treated with lamivudine. Mutations at sites rt169, rt204, and rt215 resulted in the Y161C, I195M, and C206W mutations at HBsAg. Also, new amino acid changes were identified in B-cell and T-cell epitopes and were more frequent in HBsAg compared to RT domain. In conclusion, new amino acid changes at antiviral resistance sites, B-cell and T-cell epitopes in HBV genotype H were identified in Mexican patients.

Characterization of the dengue outbreak in Nuevo Leon state, Mexico, 2010.

We studied serotypes circulating dengue virus (DENV) cases, entomological Breteau index, rain-fall index and epidemiology of groups affected during the 2010 outbreak in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. From 2,271 positive cases, 94% were dengue classic and 6% dengue hemorrhagic fever; DENV1 was mainly isolated (99%) (Central-American lineage of American-African-genotype). We found correlation between two environmental phenomena (Increment of rainfall and vector-indexes) (p ≤ 0.05) with epidemiological, clinical and risk of DENV-1 ongoing transmission.

Black hole physics. Black hole lightning due to particle acceleration at subhorizon scales.

Supermassive black holes with masses of millions to billions of solar masses are commonly found in the centers of galaxies. Astronomers seek to image jet formation using radio interferometry but still suffer from insufficient angular resolution. An alternative method to resolve small structures is to measure the time variability of their emission. Here we report on gamma-ray observations of the radio galaxy IC 310 obtained with the MAGIC (Major Atmospheric Gamma-ray Imaging Cherenkov) telescopes, revealing variability with doubling time scales faster than 4.8 min. Causality constrains the size of the emission region to be smaller than 20% of the gravitational radius of its central black hole. We suggest that the emission is associated with pulsar-like particle acceleration by the electric field across a magnetospheric gap at the base of the radio jet.

Evaluación de los efectos antioxidante, antibacteriano y antifúngico de Calophyllum Brasilense Cambes (Lagarto Caspi) / Evaluation of antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal Brasilense Calophyllum Cambes (Caspi Lizard)

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto antibacteriano, antifúngico y antioxidante de diferentes extractos del Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. Material y Métodos: El efecto antioxidante fue determinado por captación de radicales libres, midiendo la decoloración de una solución de 2,2-difenil-1-picril hidrazilo (DPPH); La actividad antibacteriana y antifúngica, in Vitro, se determinó mediante la prueba de dilución. El efecto antibacteriano se evaluó en cepas de E. coli ATCC25922 y Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, utilizando medios de cultivo: Caldo y Agar Mueller Hinton. Para evaluar el efecto antifúngico, se utilizó cepas de Cándida albicans en medio de Agar Sabouraud. Resultados: La actividad antioxidante de los extractos acuoso, metanólico y etanólico fue muy satisfactoria, siendo de 110.56 por ciento, 99.17 por ciento y 99.57 por ciento, respectivamente, a una concentración de 100 ug/mL, en comparación con la Vitamina C que presentó 86,5 por ciento. Asimismo, observamos un buen efecto antifúngico para los extractos acuoso y etanólico al 20 por ciento p/v a los volúmenes de 3, 3.5 y 4mL. y en el caso del extracto etanólico también presentó un buen efecto a una concentración del 10 por ciento a un volumen de 1.6mL. Conclusiones: Los extractos: acuoso, metanólico y etanólico, presentaron un buen efecto antioxidante y antifúngico, en las cepas estudiadas.

Objetive: To evaluate, in vitro, the antibacterial, antifungal andantioxidant effects of different extracts of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. Material and Methods: The antioxidant effect was tested by free radicals capture, measuring discoloration of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycryl hydrazyle solution (DPPH). We used a dilution to measure antibacterial and antifungal in vitro activity. Strains of E. coli ATCC25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 were used to evaluate antibacterial effect; using Broth and Mueller Hinton Agar as culture medium. Strains of Candida albicans and Agar Sabouraud as culture medium were usedto evaluate antifungal effect. Results: Aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts, showed good antioxidant activity having 110.56 per cent, 99.17 per cent and 99.57 per cent of antioxidant activity at 100 ug/mL concentration, respectively. This is superior to the vitamin C referencepattern that showed 86,5 per cent activity. Good antifungal effect for aqueous and ethanol extracts at a 20 per cent concentration for 3, 3.5 and 4 ml of volume was determined. Ethanol extracts had the same antifungal effect at a 10 per cent concentration for 1.6mL. of volume. Conclusions: The aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts showed a good antioxidant and antifungal activity on the strains studied.

The implant-supported milled-bar mandibular overdenture.

Osseointegrated dental implants have been proven successful in the treatment of edentulism. The predictability of the implant-supported prosthesis has also been established. Several techniques have been described for the successful restoration of the edentulous mandible: fixed-detachable prostheses with either the original Brånemark hybrid prosthesis design or conventional implant-supported fixed partial dentures, implant-retained overdentures, and implant-supported overdentures. However, in cases of advanced ridge resorption in which facial tissue support is needed from the flanges of the prosthesis or when a removable type of prosthesis is preferred by the patient, an implant-supported prosthesis is indicated. Electric discharge machining is often used in the fabrication of the bar for an implant-supported overdenture. This procedure is very costly and technique sensitive. An alternative procedure to fabricate a milled-bar implant-supported overdenture is described. This procedure is simple and uses inexpensive equipment and materials. The milled-bar minimizes lateral and rotational displacement. The overdenture incorporates attachments that provide retention, minimizing possible movement along the path of insertion. This type of prosthesis is available to a broad patient population, especially those with advanced ridge resorption, providing an excellent result at a reduced cost. J Prosthodont 2001;10:46-51.

Effect of soldering on metal-porcelain bond strength in repaired porcelain-fused-to-metal castings.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Chemical bonding plays a major role in the adherence between metal and porcelain. The formation of an oxide layer on solder material has not been described in the literature. It is unknown whether the application of solder negatively affects the bond strength between porcelain and metal. PURPOSE: This in vitro study assessed the effect of solder on the bond strength between metal and porcelain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty 20 x 6 x 0.5 mm patterns were divided into test (20) and control (20) groups. Test samples were perforated and repaired with solder, and 2 layers of opaque and dentin porcelain subsequently were applied on all samples. The samples were subjected to a 3-point flexural test on a screw-driven mechanical testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Failure type (adhesive vs cohesive) was quantified by digitizing photographs of test and control samples. Three samples in each group also were examined with an SEM coupled with an x-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy apparatus (SEM/EDS). Means and standard deviations of loads at failure, sample thickness, and surface area covered with porcelain were calculated, and data were analyzed with Student t test (P < or = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean fracture load for test samples was significantly greater than for control samples (P = 0.0038). Test samples also were significantly thicker (mean thickness difference 0.14 mm) (P = 0.0001). When the data were controlled for thickness by using a multiple linear regression analysis, no significant difference was found (P = 0.68). Test samples had a greater surface area covered with opaque porcelain (P = 0.0006) as determined by visual inspection. CONCLUSION: In this study, soldered and nonsoldered samples did not show any significant difference in porcelain-to-metal bond strength. Visual analysis revealed a significant difference in the amount of porcelain remaining on the fracture surface of the test and control samples; a complete quantitative elemental analysis with SEM/EDS is in progress.

Clinical approach to urinary incontinence: a comparison between internists and geriatricians.

To compare the initial approach and pattern of practice between internists and geriatricians in treating urinary incontinence. A retrospective chart review of 300 consecutive charts of elderly patients over the age of 65, seen by either internists (IM) or Geriatricians (GERI) for urinary incontinence at the Cleveland Clinic Florida was performed. The clinical approaches to the management of urinary incontinence were compared between IM and GERI groups by using a Student's t test. The mean age for these patients was 77 y for the IM group and 79 y for the GERI group. Majority of patients suffered from two chronic illnesses. We found that geriatricians performed more initial work up such as urodynamic testing before referring, while internists obtained more referrals to gynecologist with special interest in urologic disorders (currently called urogynecologist) without initial workup. IM and GERI groups equally prescribed medications for incontinence. However, the GERI group recommended Kegel exercises more frequently. This study showed that geriatricians manage urinary incontinence more extensively by performing more initial work up including urodynamics and providing initial behavioral therapy (Kegel exercise and toilet schedule) before referring to specialists. Perhaps geriatricians feel more comfortable treating urinary incontinence as shown by their lower frequency of referrals and are therefore more comfortable than internists at addressing this medical issue. On the contrary, the internist did the initial evaluation but preferred to get a referral perhaps due to less familiarity with urinary incontinence.

Implant position record and implant position cast: minimizing errors, procedures and patient visits in the fabrication of the milled-bar prosthesis.

This article describes a new rationale and method involved in the fabrication of a patient detachable prosthesis supported by a milled bar. This simple procedure improves prosthesis retention. The overdenture is processed directly over a milled bar, which provides an intimate relation between the bar and the acrylic resin denture base to create resistance against rotational and lateral forces acting on the prosthesis. Incorporating simple and predictable attachments, with low maintenance needs, controls resistance to dislodgment along the path of insertion of the prosthesis. The concepts used in the fabrication of the milled bar include an implant position record (IPR) and an implant position cast (IPC) to reduce the need for time-consuming procedures, such as sectioning the cast bar and soldering it to make it fit the abutments. This procedure also reduces the number of patient visits required of the completion of the prosthesis.

Face-bow record without a third point of reference: theoretical considerations and an alternative technique.

Accurate mounting of dental casts is achieved by transferring the tridimensional spatial relationship of the maxillary arch to an articulator. A face-bow is used to transfer this relationship to the articulator, usually by relating the face-bow to a plane of reference. The most common reference plane is the Frankfort plane, which has been assumed to be horizontal when the patient is in the natural head position. The axis-orbitale plane has also been considered horizontal and used as reference. However, it has been shown that both planes are not horizontal, and mounting a maxillary cast according to these planes can result in an inaccurate mounting. This article describes an alternative procedure for face-bow transfer without a plane of reference, and uses the angular relationship between the occlusal plane and the condylar path to mount the maxillary cast on the articulator. The elimination of a reference plane, to which relate the functional determinants of occlusion, avoids an additional source of error during the mounting procedure.

Procedure to prevent cast breakage during separation from elastomeric impressions.

This article describes a quick and simple procedure for removing dental stone casts from elastomeric impressions. Frequently, dental stone casts break at the time of separation because of the rigidity of the impression material. The materials used in this technique are inexpensive and easy to use. When this method is properly used, it simplifies the removal of the cast from the impression, decreasing the chance of fracture of the cast.

Long-term reinforced fixed provisional restorations.

Extensive prosthodontic treatment often requires fabrication of long-term provisional restorations. Numerous materials and techniques have been described for prolonged insertion of interim restorations. This article describes a procedure for fabrication of long-term reinforced heat-processed provisional restorations based on a diagnostic wax-up. Reinforced heat-processed provisional restorations reduced flexure, which minimizes progressive loss of cement and diminished the possibility of recurrent decay. Occlusal stability and vertical dimension were maintained because of greater wear resistance. Occlusion, tooth contours, and pontic design developed in the provisional restoration were duplicated in the definitive restoration. The use of a matrix from a diagnostic wax-up facilitated fabrication of the prosthesis, and made the procedure less time-consuming and more predictable.

Shigellosis: más allá de la enterocolitis / Shigellosis: more to the enterocolitis

Con el fin de estudiar la frecuencia de bacteremias en niños con diarrea producidas por Shigella y sus características clínicas, se revisaron 9.833 hemocultivos realizados en el Hospital de Niños "J. M. de los Ríos", entre 1995 y Agosto 1998, así como las historias clínicas de los pacientes cuyos hemocultivos resultaron positivos a Shigella. Se encontró que 4 de los niños (0,4 por ciento) presentaron bacteremia a Shiguella flexneri, de los cuales, 3 (75 por ciento) evolucionaron tórpidamente y 1 (25 por ciento) sufrió meningitis con secuelas neurológicas permanentes. Se identificó déficit nutricional en uno de ellos (25 por ciento). El 100 por ciento de las cepas fueron Shigella flexneri resistentes in vitro a ampicilina y sulfatrimetropin y sensibles a cefalosporinas de tercera generación. Una (25 por ciento) prsentó sensibilidad disminuida al cloranfenicol