Complete remission of stage IV sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report.

Sinonasal small cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a rare type of neoplasm. The current case report describes the case of a 30-year-old male patient with stage IV SmCC who underwent concurrent radiotherapy (RT) plus etoposide-cisplatin treatment. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and fibroscopy examination showed complete remission at 3 months post-treatment. However, leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) occurred at 9 months. A literature search identified no previous case reports describing LM of SmCC. The patient was treated with concurrent RT plus irinotecan-gemcitabine. During the sixth cycle of irinotecan-gemcitabine, the patient required intensive care admission due to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2-associated pneumonia. Following clearance of the pneumonia, LM was assessed using PET/CT and MRI at 3 months, which revealed a complete response to irinotecan-gemcitabine. In May 2021, the patient succumbed to LM following disease recurrence. The findings of this case report should encourage other authors to publish their treatment outcomes regarding SmCC. More clinical trials are required to achieve better results in terms of patient outcome.

Core-Shell Pluronic-Organosilica Nanoparticles with Controlled Polarity and Oxygen Permeability.

Nanostructured systems constitute versatile carriers with multiple functions engineered in a nanometric space. Yet, such multimodality often requires adapting the chemistry of the nanostructure to the properties of the hosted functional molecules. Here, we show the preparation of core-shell Pluronic-organosilica "PluOS" nanoparticles with the use of a library of organosilane precursors. The precursors are obtained via a fast and quantitative click reaction, starting from cost-effective reagents such as diamines and an isocyanate silane derivative, and they condensate in building blocks characterized by a balance between hydrophobic and H-bond-rich domains. As nanoscopic probes for local polarity, oxygen permeability, and solvating properties, we use, respectively, solvatochromic, phosphorescent, and excimer-forming dyes covalently linked to the organosilica matrix during synthesis. The results obtained here clearly show that the use of these organosilane precursors allows for finely tuning polarity, oxygen permeability, and solvating properties of the resulting organosilica core, expanding the toolbox for precise engineering of the particle properties.

Caries dental y microorganismos asociados a la caries en la saliva de los alumnos del primer año de la Facultad de Odontología, UNAM / Dental caries and caries-associated mechanisms found in the saliva of first year students at the School of Dentistry, UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico)

Se estudiaron 380 alumnos del primer año en la Facultad de Odontología (n = 380) (periodo 2012-2013) a fin de determinar el índice CPOD y relacionar si la caries está asociada con los microorganismos Streptococcus y Lactobacillus. El índice CPOD (cariado, perdido y obturado) se registró usando los parámetros de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se tomaron muestras de saliva de cada alumno y se determinaron las unidades formadoras de colonias de Streptococcus y Lactobacillus. La media de los índices CPOD fue de 7.25 ± 4.59. Las mujeres (n = 278) y hombres (n = 102) presentaron una media de índices CPOD de 7.11 ± 4.66 y 7.29 ± 4.57, respectivamente. Encontramos que los alumnos de 19 años presentaron menos caries que los estudiantes de otras edades. Tanto Streptococcus y Lactobacillus se correlacionaron significativamente entre sí, así como en la incidencia de caries. Un incremento en el número de estos microorganismos, especialmente de Streptococcus mutans, se asociaron con el incremento en CPOD.

Three hundred and eighty first year students of the National School of Dentistry (UNAM) (n = 380) (academic year 2012-2013), were assessed targeting determination of DMFT (decayed, missing, lost teeth) index as well as to establish a relationship of whether caries is associated to Lactobacillus and Streptococcus microorganisms. DMFT index was recorded using World Health Organization (WHO) parameters. Samples of all students were taken and colony-forming units of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were determined. DMFT indexes mean was established at 7.25 ± 4.59. Females (n = 278) and males (n = 102) exhibited mean DMFT indexes of 7.11 ± 4.66 and 7.29 ± 4.57 respectively. Results revealed that 19 year old students exhibited lesser amounts of caries than students of other ages. Both Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were significantly correlated to each other as well as to caries incidence. Increase in the number of the aforementioned micro-organisms, especially Streptococcus mutans, were associated to DMFT increase.

Evaluación de protocolos de biología molecular en la asignatura de Bioquímica de la Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México / Molecular biology protocols assessment in the Biochemistry subject of the National School of Dentistry, National University of Mexico (UNAM)

Desde hace más de un década, se ha reforzado la enseñanza experimental de la asignatura de Bioquímica en la Facultad de Odontología mediante la implementación de prácticas de laboratorio. El proyecto sobre el fortalecimiento de la enseñanza en bioquímica tiene la intención de que el estudiante sea capaz de comprender los conceptos básicos de bioquímica y biología molecular con la finalidad de que los estudiantes mejoren sus competencias profesionales. Con este propósito, en el ciclo escolar 2011-2012, se han introducido tres protocolos experimentales en el ámbito de la biología molecular. Objetivo: Analizar la encuesta de opinión sobre los protocolos de Biología Molecular en la generación 2011-2012. Material y métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta a los estudiantes del primer año de la Facultad de Odontología, la cual se resolvió de manera anónima y voluntaria, en la que se evaluaron seis aspectos sobre los protocolos de biología molecular, que consistieron en aprendizaje, participación, planificación, interacción con el grupo, evaluación e infraestructura. Se obtuvieron las medias y desviación estándar (± DE) para evaluar la confiabilidad del instrumento; así mismo, se obtuvo la consistencia de interna de la encuesta y el porcentaje de evaluación de cada reactivo. Se utilizó el programa SPSS para Windows versión 12. Resultados: Participaron un total de 430 estudiantes. La media de las diferentes categorías fueron las siguientes: aprendizaje 71.1% (± 13); participación 91.85 (± 11.7); planificación 77.1 (± 12.5); evaluación 78.6% (± 17.1); infraestructura 81.8% (± 17.9). La evaluación global presentó un porcentaje de 78.1 ± 10.3. Así mismo, la consistencia interna de la encuesta presentó un alfa de Crombach de 0.889 global. Los resultados obtenidos del análisis de la encuesta sugieren que la formación contemporánea para los estudiantes de odontología debe combinar la experiencia didáctica de trabajo en el laboratorio junto con actividades en el aula. Sin embargo, deberá ser potenciada la infraestructura y fomentar la capacidad de los estudiantes para interpretar resultados.

For over a decade, experimental teaching of Biochemistry as a subject has been reinforced as part of the School of Dentistry, National University of Mexico (UNAM) curriculum. This aim has been achieved with the help of laboratory practices. The project of strengthening biochemistry teaching, entailed the purpose of achieving, for the student, the comprehension of biochemistry and molecular biology basic concepts and thus improving their professional skills. With this purpose in mind, three molecular biology experimental protocols have been introduced in the scholastic cycle 2011-2012. Objective: To analyze in the 2011-2012 generation, the opinion survey sustained on molecular biology protocols. Materials and methods: In an blind and voluntary basis, an opinion survey was applied to first year students of the National School of Dentistry. In this survey, six aspects of molecular biology protocols were assessed. The six aspects were: learning, participation, planning, group interaction, evaluation and infrastructure. Standard deviation means were obtained (± SD) in order to assess instrument reliability. Internal consistency of the survey and evaluation percentage of each reactive were equally obtained. To achieve this aim, the SPSS Windows version 12 was used. Averages of different categories were as follows: learning 71.1% (± 12.5), evaluation: 78.6% (± 17.1); infrastructure: 81.8% (± 17.9%). Global assessment revealed a 78.1 ± 10.3. Internal consistency of the survey presented a Crombach alpha of global 0.889. Survey of analysis results suggested that contemporary training for dentistry students must combine the didactic experience of laboratory work along with classroom activities. Infrastructure must nevertheless be potentiated as well as the student's skills to interpret results.

Myricetin blocks lipoteichoic acid-induced COX-2 expression in human gingival fibroblasts.

Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms present in dental bacterial plaque. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a component of the external membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. It causes septic shock. Ingested flavonoids have been reported to directly affect the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression induced by bacterial toxins. In this study, we examined the effects of four flavonoids (luteolin, fisetin, morin and myricetin) on the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and AKT, and on the synthesis of COX-2 in human gingival fibroblasts treated with LTA from Streptococcus sanguinis. We found that luteolin and myricetin blocked AKT and p38 activation and that myricetin blocked LTA-induced COX-2 expression. The results of our study are important for elucidating the mechanism of action of flavonoid regulation of inflammatory responses.

Cannabis use and involuntary admission may mediate long-term adherence in first-episode psychosis patients: a prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine factors associated with treatment adherence in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients followed up over 8 years, especially involuntary first admission and stopping cannabis use. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal study of FEP patients collected data on symptoms, adherence, functioning, and substance use. Adherence to treatment was the main outcome variable and was categorized as 'good' or 'bad'. Cannabis use during follow-up was stratified as continued use, stopped use, and never used. Bivariate and logistic regression models identified factors significantly associated with adherence and changes in adherence over the 8-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Of the 98 FEP patients analyzed at baseline, 57.1% had involuntary first admission, 74.4% bad adherence, and 52% cannabis use. Good adherence at baseline was associated with Global Assessment of Functioning score (p = 0.019), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (p = 0.017) and voluntary admission (p < 0.001). Adherence patterns over 8 years included: 43.4% patients always bad, 26.1% always good, 25% improved from bad to good. Among the improved adherence group, 95.7% had involuntary first admission and 38.9% stopped cannabis use. In the subgroup of patients with bad adherence at baseline, involuntary first admission and quitting cannabis use during follow up were associated with improved adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term association between treatment adherence and type of first admission and cannabis use in FEP patients suggest targets for intervention to improve clinical outcomes.

Myricetin suppresses lipoteichoic acid-induced interleukin-1ß and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human gingival fibroblasts.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the connective tissue and supporting bone surrounding the teeth. In periodontitis, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) synthesize IL-1ß, causing a progressive inflammatory response. Flavones demonstrate a variety of biological activity: among others, they possess anti-inflammatory properties. Myricetin is a flavone with a strong anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the flavonoid myricetin on HGFs under inflammatory conditions induced by lipoteichoic acid (LTA). the effect of myricetin on HGFs was assessed by measuring cell viability, signaling pathways and IL-1ß expression and synthesis. It was found that, over time, myricetin did not affect cell viability. However, it inhibited activation of p38 and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-1/2 in LTA-treated HGFs and also blocked IκB degradation and cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2 synthesis and expression. These findings suggest that myricetin has therapeutic effects in the form of controlling LTA-induced inflammatory responses.

Bradykinin promotes Toll like receptor-4 expression in human gingival fibroblasts.

Bacterial infections are a potent mechanism for enzymatic generation of kinins such as bradykinin (BK), a universal mediator for inducing inflammatory reaction by associating with the B2 receptor and stimulating liberation of arachidonic acid and synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In this study we evaluate the role of bradykinin in regulating the expression of TLR4 receptor in human gingival fibroblasts. We examine the ability of bradykinin to modulate inflammatory response of human gingival fibroblasts to Gram-negative components and evaluated the role of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-4 in the co-operation between bradykinin and bacterial pathogens. We show that treatment with bradykinin promotes TLR4 receptor expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and amplifies inflammatory responses to the bacterial components of Gram-negative bacteria. The TLR4 expression induced by bradykinin was blocked with Hoe 140, a B2R antagonist. When HGF cells were incubated with BK resulted of an increased in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Bradykinin and lipopolysaccharide, a specific TLR4 ligand stimulated COX-2 expression. In other series of experiments we found that ERK, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, protein kinase C and NFkB are involved in BK promoted-increased in TLR4 expression. The results demonstrate that bradykinin up-regulates the expression of TLR4 and promotes an additive increase in inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharides.