Whole-Mount Histochemical Protocols in Zebrafish for a Hands-On Developmental Biology Practical Course in Ecuador.

Research-based education at the undergraduate level is ideal for fostering the training of future scientists. In an undergraduate Developmental Biology course, this learning strategy requires the availability of model species and enough research reagents, not only for technique training but also for the development of student original projects. This might be challenging in most countries, where resources are limited. Hence, there is a need to develop low-cost solutions for use in the classroom. In this study, we describe the optimization and use of two low-cost protocols in zebrafish embryos for hands-on practical sessions and project-based learning in a Developmental Biology undergraduate course in Ecuador. These protocols were designed for the practical and experimental learning of vertebrate meroblastic cleavage, gastrulation, and neural crest differentiation. The proposed protocols have been previously described in the literature and use silver nitrate and alcian blue, two relatively inexpensive reagents, to label cell membranes and cartilage. The silver nitrate protocol allows the study of cell contact formation during cleavage and the identification of cellular changes during gastrulation, including yolk internalization and epiboly. The alcian blue staining allows the analysis of cranial mesenchymal differentiation into cartilage. These protocols are ideal for practical sessions due to their ease of application, quick results, adaptability to the class schedule, and robustness in the hands of beginning researchers. Finally, these protocols are adaptable for research-based class projects.

Frequency of diminished ovarian reserve in women with multiple sclerosis in Chile: An exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting around 2.8 million people worldwide. Two-thirds are women, and the mean age at diagnosis is about 30 years old. Social trends are moving towards older age at first pregnancy, both in women with and without MS. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) through anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) measurement in women with MS at fertile age and Healthy Females (HF) in Chile. METHODS: Case-control, multicentric, cross-sectional study including relapsing-remitting people with MS (pwMS) between 18 and 40 years and sex and age-matched HF. We obtained a blood sample to determine AMH levels. We defined DOR as AMH <1.5 ng/mL and very-low AMH levels as <0.5 ng/mL. Also, we performed questions regarding reproductive decision-making. RESULTS: We included 79 sex and age-matched HF and 92 pwMS, median age 32(19-40) years, median disease duration 6 (1-17)years, median EDSS 1.0 (0-6), 95% were receiving disease-modifying therapy (DMT), 70% high-efficacy DMT and 37% with a treatment that contraindicates pregnancy. DOR was observed in 24% (n = 22) of the pwMS, compared to 14% (n = 11) of the HF (p = 0.09), while very-low AMH levels were observed in 7.6% (n = 7) of pwMS and none of the HF (p = 0.0166). We observed an inverse correlation between age and AMH levels. Age was the only significant risk factor for low AMH levels in pwMS (OR 1.14 95%CI(1.00-1-31), p = 0.04), including smoking, body mass index (BMI), hormonal contraception, autoimmune comorbidity, high/low-moderate efficacy DMT, and active disease as covariables. We did not find statistically significant differences in age at diagnosis, BMI, disease duration, EDSS, autoimmune comorbidity, use of hormonal contraception, or percentage of active disease between MS women with normal vs DOR. Over 70% of pwMS desired to become pregnant in the future, while 60% considered that the diagnosis of MS was a limitation for pregnancy planning. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in DOR, measured by levels of AMH, were observed between pwMS MS and HF in Chile. As expected, AMH levels were correlated only with ageing. This information may be evaluated early during the disease course to help patients and neurologists with fertility counselling and family planning considerations regarding DMT use.

Direct development or endotrophic tadpole? Morphological aspects of the early ontogeny of the plump toad Osornophryne occidentalis (Anura: Bufonidae).

Andean Toads of the genus Osornophryne are suspected to have direct development on the basis of clutch and egg features. In this work, we describe the morphology of Osornophryne occidentalis embryos from a nest collected in the field. Several traits are similar to those reported in brachycephaloid Eleutherodactylus coqui and other direct-developing lineages. These include the pattern of formation of the body wall and the absence of oral and buccopharyngeal structures. Other features indicate the retention of ancestral larval characters. The development of forelimbs occurs in part within the operculum as in species with biphasic ontogeny; this has been reported in other direct-developing species, and is similar to what is described in African viviparous bufonids. This salient feature, along with the long, low-finned tail and the long and folded intestine early differentiated, gives these embryos a rather tadpole-like appearance. Our data confirm that development in O. occidentalis occurs within terrestrial eggs until advanced stages, and this would satisfy current definitions of direct development. At the same time, morphological differences regarding other species with comparable breeding reinforce interpretations about the wide anatomical and ontogenetic variations associated with endotrophic nutrition.

Visual Signaling in the Semi-Fossorial Lizard Pholidobolus montium (Gymnophthalmidae).

It has been suggested that gymnophthalmids, like most semi-fossorial lacertoids, rely more in chemical cues to communicate, in comparison to other groups, like Iguanids, on which communication is mostly based on visual signaling. We present the first description of visual signaling in the Andean lizard Pholidobolusmontium (Gymnophthalmidae) and a complete ethogram based on ex situ observations (34 different types of behaviors including positions and simple movements). Through the design of conspecific stimulus experiments, we were able to recognize leg-waving as a visual signal, as it is only displayed in presence of conspecifics or in presence of a mirror and was one of first and most frequent displays in this context. We also detected other visual displays like neck-arching and tail-undulation which may also be relevant as visual signals. Based on our results, we propose that visual signaling is also possible in semi-fossorial lizards; however, further studies regarding chemical signal recognition and color detection are required to confirm our hypothesis.

Adaptive cell invasion maintains lateral line organ homeostasis in response to environmental changes.

Mammalian inner ear and fish lateral line sensory hair cells (HCs) detect fluid motion to transduce environmental signals. Actively maintained ionic homeostasis of the mammalian inner ear endolymph is essential for HC function. In contrast, fish lateral line HCs are exposed to the fluctuating ionic composition of the aqueous environment. Using lineage labeling, in vivo time-lapse imaging and scRNA-seq, we discovered highly motile skin-derived cells that invade mature mechanosensory organs of the zebrafish lateral line and differentiate into Neuromast-associated (Nm) ionocytes. This invasion is adaptive as it is triggered by environmental fluctuations. Our discovery of Nm ionocytes challenges the notion of an entirely placodally derived lateral line and identifies Nm ionocytes as likely regulators of HC function possibly by modulating the ionic microenvironment. Nm ionocytes provide an experimentally accessible in vivo system to study cell invasion and migration, as well as the physiological adaptation of vertebrate organs to changing environmental conditions.

A polymorphism in oocyte pigmentation in natural populations of the glass frog Espadarana prosoblepon (Centrolenidae).

The adaptive role of amphibian oocyte melanic pigmentation and its molecular control are still elusive. Here we present evidence of a polymorphism in egg pigmentation in the emerald glass frog Espadarana prosoblepon. In Ecuadorian natural populations of this species, females can lay dark brown or pale eggs that develop into normal pigmented tadpoles and adults. This trait is a sex-limited phenotype which is inherited like a recessive allele that we called pale eggs like (pel). The pel phenotype is exclusive of oocyte cortical melanic pigmentation, which is reduced in comparison to wild type (wt) dark pigmented oocytes. Consequently, pel early embryos are paler in appearance, with reduced melanic pigmentation distributed to early blastomeres and embryonic ectoderm. However, these embryos form normal melanocyte derived pigmentation. Finally, we discuss the origin of this polymorphism and propose the use of E. prosoblepon as a model to study the adaptive role of egg pigmentation.

Vitrificación de ovocitos en pacientes oncológicas: experiencia en clínica ivi chile y revisión de la literatura / Vitrification of oocytes in oncological patients: experience in clinica ivi chile and review of literature

La sobrevida de pacientes con cáncer ha mejorado con el tiempo, especialmente en pacientes en edad fértil. La criopreservación de los ovocitos a través de la estimulación ovárica controlada (EOC) es la técnica más frecuente de preservación de la fertilidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar un análisis descriptivo de los ciclos de pacientes que, previo al tratamiento de cáncer, realizaron un tratamiento de preservación de fertilidad. Se analizaron datos demográficos como edad, diagnóstico de ingreso y resultados clínicos, tales como tipo de protocolo de estimulación utilizado, número de ovocitos obtenidos, duración de la estimulación y momento de inicio en el ciclo. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 28.9 años. La duración media de la estimulación fue de 12 días, con un promedio de ovocitos obtenidos en total de 12. Se utilizaron 2 protocolos de estimulación ovárica, obteniendo mejores resultados con el esquema de antagonistas de GnRH asociado a letrozole y doble gatillante. Respecto al momento del ciclo en que se inició la estimulación ovárica, no hubo diferencias. Conclusiones: Es posible realizar preservación de la fertilidad previo a un tratamiento oncológico con buenos resultados en pacientes jóvenes, por lo que sugerimos realizarlo en todos los pacientes con diagnóstico oncológico antes el tratamiento del cáncer. Es recomendable comenzar la estimulación ovárica en cualquier fase del ciclo ya que se obtienen los mismos resultados y permite un pronto inicio de la terapia oncológica.

Survival of patients with cancer has been improving over time, especially in young patient with fertility intention. Cryopreservation of oocytes through controlled ovarian stimulation (EOC) is the most frequent technique of fertility preservation. We analyzed the data obtained from oncological patients who attended IVI Chile between January 2008 and May 2017 in search of fertility preservation. Demographic data were obtained: age, diagnosis of admission, type of stimulation protocol used, number of oocytes obtained, duration of stimulation and pregnancy rate. Results: The average age: 28,9 years; average duration of stimulation:12 days. Number of oocytes obtained in total: 12. Two ovarian stimulation protocols were used. The one with the best results was the protocol with GnRH antagonists associated with letrozole and double triggering. Regarding the moment of the cycle where to start ovarian stimulation, there were no differences. Conclusions: It is possible to carry out a fertility preservation treatment prior to an oncological treatment with good results in young patients, so we suggest the preservation of fertility in all patients with an oncological diagnosis before oncological treatment. It is recommended to start ovarian stimulation at any phase of the cycle since the same results are obtained.

scRNA-Seq reveals distinct stem cell populations that drive hair cell regeneration after loss of Fgf and Notch signaling.

Loss of sensory hair cells leads to deafness and balance deficiencies. In contrast to mammalian hair cells, zebrafish ear and lateral line hair cells regenerate from poorly characterized support cells. Equally ill-defined is the gene regulatory network underlying the progression of support cells to differentiated hair cells. scRNA-Seq of lateral line organs uncovered five different support cell types, including quiescent and activated stem cells. Ordering of support cells along a developmental trajectory identified self-renewing cells and genes required for hair cell differentiation. scRNA-Seq analyses of fgf3 mutants, in which hair cell regeneration is increased, demonstrates that Fgf and Notch signaling inhibit proliferation of support cells in parallel by inhibiting Wnt signaling. Our scRNA-Seq analyses set the foundation for mechanistic studies of sensory organ regeneration and is crucial for identifying factors to trigger hair cell production in mammals. The data is searchable and publicly accessible via a web-based interface.

Embryonic Development in the Peppermint Shrimp, Lysmata boggessi (Caridea: Lysmatidae).

There are a limited number of model species for decapod experimental embryology. To improve our understanding of developmental pattern evolution in the Decapoda, here we describe the early embryonic development of the caridean shrimp Lysmata boggessi, from immediately after fertilization to the hatching of the zoea larva, using fluorescence microscopy and whole-mount nuclear staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Lysmata boggessi follows the standard caridean pattern of early development, with early holoblastic cleavage that will later become superficial, to form a blastoderm. We found no evidence of stereotypical cleavage and the formation of blastomere interlocking bands, which suggests there is diversity in developmental patterns within the Caridea. Gastrulation starts 37 hours after fertilization, and the embryonized nauplius is formed 2 days later. Enlarged headlobes, early retinal differentiation, and delayed pereopod development are characteristics of the post-naupliar stages in this species. To facilitate comparative studies with other crustacean species, we propose a staging method based on our findings. Lysmata boggessi is a protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite that is relatively easy to breed in captivity and amenable to laboratory experimentation in studies of embryonic development.

Características sociodemográficas y perfil de consumo de tabaco y drogas en estudiantes de dos universidades de México / Tobacco and drugs consumption in students from two universities in Mexico

Resumen Introducción El consumo de tabaco es la primera causa prevenible de muerte prematura y enfermedad en todo el mundo; asimismo el uso y abuso de drogas constituye un grave problema de salud pública y de altos costos de atención a la salud. Se aborda el consumo de tabaco y drogas, desde el punto de vista epidemiológico y en materia de salud pública, así como los factores sociodemográficos que influyen en la adicción a ellos. Objetivo Describir las características socio-demográficas y de consumo de tabaco y droga en estudiantes universitarios de Yucatán y Coahuila. Material y métodos Encuesta transversal que incluyó 412 universitarios de Yucatán y 344 de Coahuila. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para las variables numéricas y frecuencias para las cualitativas, estadística inferencial para las coincidencias y diferencias. Resultados La media de edad fue mayor para los estudiantes de Yucatán así como predominio de los hombres, la media de consumidores de tabaco dentro de las personas de su red fue mayor para Coahuila siendo las diferencias estadísticamente significativas p<0.05, no así para las personas de la red respecto al consumo de drogas. Conclusiones El consumo de tabaco en ambos estados fue mayor al esperado para su región, las fumadoras activas estuvieron por encima del promedio nacional, los dos estados se ubicaron arriba del promedio nacional respecto a consumo de drogas y Coahuila por encima del promedio mundial. Se propone un trabajo conjunto para evaluar los spots publicitarios transmitidos en los medios de comunicación y evitar su incorporación al mercado como bienes de consumo.

Abstract Introduction Tobacco consumption is the leading cause of premature preventable death and disease worldwide, as well the drug use and abuse is a serious public health problem and health care high costs. The tobacco and drugs consumption is addressed from the epidemiologic and public health point of view, also the socio-demographic factors influencing addiction to them Objetive Describe the sociodemographic and tobacco and drugs consumption characteristics among college students from Yucatan and Coahuila Materials and methods Cross sectional survey that included 412 college students from Yucatan and 344 from Coahuila. Descriptive statistics were used for the numeric variables, frequencies for the qualitative, inferential statistics for the similarities and differences. Results The mean of the age was higher for Yucatan students and men predominated, the mean of the tobacco consumers within people from their social network was higher for Coahuila being the differences statistically significant p<0.05, not so for the people from their network regarding to drugs consumption Conclusions The tobacco consumption in both states was higher than expected for the region, the active female smokers were above the national mean, the two states were above the national mean regarding to drugs use and Coahuila above the world mean. Joint work is proposed to evaluate the advertising spots broadcast in the media and avoid its incorporation to the market as consumer goods.

Concordancia del IMC y la percepción de la imagen corporal en adolescentes de una localidad suburbana de Yucatán / Concordance of the body mass index and the perception of body image in adolescents in Yucatán

Resumen Introducción Los problemas de la imagen corporal asociados con los riesgos de trastornos alimenticios entre los adolescentes, en particular, la anorexia nerviosa y la bulimia, son considerados temas de salud emergentes a nivel mundial. Las consecuencias que conllevan son físicas, psicológicas y sociales. Objetivo Determinar la concordancia entre el índice de masa corporal y la percepción de la imagen corporal en un grupo de adolescentes. Materiales y Métodos Estudio cuantitativo, observacional, transversal realizado en 84 alumnos, 54.1% hombres y 45.9%, mujeres, con edades entre 10 y 17 años, que cursaban educación básica y secundaria en una localidad suburbana de alta marginación, en Yucatán. Se auto-administró a los estudiantes, el pictograma de Stunkard, para registrar la percepción de la imagen corporal. Para calcular el índice de masa corporal (IMC) se registraron medidas antropométricas de peso y talla, usando una báscula digital marca Tanita, modelo TBC 310 y un estadímetro marca SECA de 2 metros de longitud. Los puntos de corte fueron los establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados Los hallazgos, respecto a la percepción de la imagen corporal, mostraron una concordancia insignificante (k= 0.067, p< 0.5); en mujeres es baja, con un valor de k= .223; se perciben normales aun cuando presentan bajo peso, mientras que, las que presentan obesidad, subestiman su estado. En cuanto a los hombres, en los casos de obesidad, la imagen y el IMC son coincidentes, aunque, al mismo tiempo, subestiman la percepción corporal en bajo peso.

Abstract Introduction Body image problems associated with the risk of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are considered emerging health issues among adolescents around the world. These problems have both physical, psychological and social consequences. Objective To determine the correlation between body mass index and the body image perception in a group of teenagers. Material and Methods A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in 84 students, 54.1% men and 45.9% women with an age range between 10 and 17 years who were attending primary or secondary school education in a suburban town of high marginalization in Yucatan. Self-applicable Stunkard pictogram was used to record the body image perceptions. To calculate the body mass index (BMI) anthropometric measurements of weight and height were recorded, using a Tanita brand digital scale, TBC model and a stadiometer SECA 310 2 meters length. The cut-off points were those established by the World Health Organization. Results The findings regarding the perception of body image showed no significant concordance (k = 0.067, p <0.5); for women was a low value of k = 0.223, they perceive themselves as normal despite their low weight, and those with obesity underestimate their status. In the group of men, in cases of obesity, image and BMI are coincident while a body perception underestimates low weight. Conclusion It is important to take into the nutritional diagnosis, contents of emotional aspects as self-esteem and feelings that manifest teenagers about their body image for comprehensive preventive care.

Regeneration of Sensory Hair Cells Requires Localized Interactions between the Notch and Wnt Pathways.

In vertebrates, mechano-electrical transduction of sound is accomplished by sensory hair cells. Whereas mammalian hair cells are not replaced when lost, in fish they constantly renew and regenerate after injury. In vivo tracking and cell fate analyses of all dividing cells during lateral line hair cell regeneration revealed that support and hair cell progenitors localize to distinct tissue compartments. Importantly, we find that the balance between self-renewal and differentiation in these compartments is controlled by spatially restricted Notch signaling and its inhibition of Wnt-induced proliferation. The ability to simultaneously study and manipulate individual cell behaviors and multiple pathways in vivo transforms the lateral line into a powerful paradigm to mechanistically dissect sensory organ regeneration. The striking similarities to other vertebrate stem cell compartments uniquely place zebrafish to help elucidate why mammals possess such low capacity to regenerate hair cells.

Gene-expression analysis of hair cell regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line.

Deafness caused by the terminal loss of inner ear hair cells is one of the most common sensory diseases. However, nonmammalian animals (e.g., birds, amphibians, and fish) regenerate damaged hair cells. To understand better the reasons underpinning such disparities in regeneration among vertebrates, we set out to define at high resolution the changes in gene expression associated with the regeneration of hair cells in the zebrafish lateral line. We performed RNA-Seq analyses on regenerating support cells purified by FACS. The resulting expression data were subjected to pathway enrichment analyses, and the differentially expressed genes were validated in vivo via whole-mount in situ hybridizations. We discovered that cell cycle regulators are expressed hours before the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling following hair cell death. We propose that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling is not involved in regulating the onset of proliferation but governs proliferation at later stages of regeneration. In addition, and in marked contrast to mammals, our data clearly indicate that the Notch pathway is significantly down-regulated shortly after injury, thus uncovering a key difference between the zebrafish and mammalian responses to hair cell injury. Taken together, our findings lay the foundation for identifying differences in signaling pathway regulation that could be exploited as potential therapeutic targets to promote either sensory epithelium or hair cell regeneration in mammals.

Reparación endoscópica transnasal de la atresia de coanas. Estado del arte: resultados en 16 casos Hospital Universitario del Valle - Universidad del Valle. Cali, Colombia / Transnasal endoscopic repair of choanal atresia. State of the Art: results in 16 cases

Objetivo: Describir la epidemiologia local y la experiencia en el manejo de casos de atresia de coanas con la técnica de cirugía endoscópica transnasal e instrumental de poder. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Metodología: Se toman 16 casos con diagnóstico de atresia de coanas, en los que fueron consideradas variables clínicas, método diagnóstico, lateralidad, tipo de atresia, manejo inicial y técnica quirúrgica. Se realizó análisis estadístico en Stata, versión 11.1. Resultados: En esta serie de casos, diez eran mujeres y seis hombres, con una relación mujer-hombre de 1,7:1; 56% de ellos fueron bilaterales, 56% de presentaron anomalías congénitas y la edad al diagnóstico fue postneonatal en el 81%. No se encontró asociación estadística entre sexo, tipo de atresia y lateralidad. El principal método diagnóstico fue la tomografía axial computarizada, en el 87,6% de los estudios. El 94% de los pacientes presentaron buen resultado quirúrgico funcional con la técnica endoscópica…

Objective: Describe the local epidemiology and the experience in the management of choanal atresia with endoscopic transnasal approach and power instruments. Methodology: Retrospective study of 16 cases with diagnosis of choanal atresia was considered variable clinics, diagnosis method, laterality, type of atresia, initial management and surgical technique. We performed statistical analysis in Stata, version 11.1. Results: In this series of cases, 10 was women and 6 was men, relation 1,7:1; 56% had associated congenital anomalies, the age of diagnosis was post neonatal 81%. There was no statistical association between sex, type of atresia and latelality. The main method diagnosis was the TAC in 87.6%. 94% of the patients showed a good surgical outcome with functional endoscopic technique. Conclusions: The experience observed in this series of cases with the use of technique endoscopic transnasal and power instrumentation (Shaver - Drill), represent a form of technique minimal invasive approach for this type of nasal congenital pathology with low degree of morbility, complications and excellent functional results…

Atresia de coanas, tratamiento quirúrgico endoscópico, 5 años de experiencia / Choanal atresia, endoscopic surgical repair, a 5 year experience

Atresia de coanas es la obstrucción congénita de la región posterior de las fosas nasales. Múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas han sido empleadas para su reparación. En el presente estudio se recopiló la información de 5 años de trabajo en el Hospital Universitario del Valle en la ciudad Santiago de Cali - Colombia, entre los años 2003 y 2008. Se obtuvo un total de 16 casos.La información demográfica documentada incluyó datos como edad, sexo, síntomas iniciales, método diagnóstico, lateralidad, tipo de atresia de coanas, comorbilidades, tratamiento inicial, edad de intervención quirúrgica, técnica quirúrgica usada. La técnica quirúrgica consistió en el fresado y apertura de la placa atrésica vía endoscópica transnasal utilizando taladro, previa realización de colgajos mucosos en cruz y resecando parcialmente paredes del vómer.La experiencia observada en estos 5 años de trabajo demuestra que el abordaje endoscópico transnasal presenta grandes ventajas, entre ellas la baja tasa de reestenosis.

Choanal atresia is a congenital disorder where the back of the nasal passage is blocked. Many surgical techniques have been used to repair this disorder. In this study we collected information from 5 years of work at the Hospital Universitario del Valle in the city of Santiago de Cali - Colombia, between 2003 and 2008. A total of 16 cases were obtained. The documented data included demographic information like age, sex, initial symptoms, diagnostic methods, laterality, type of atresia, comorbilities, initial treatment and surgical technique used. The surgical technique consisted in endoscopic opening of the atretic plate using drill. Mucosal flaps and resection of partial plate of vomer were made previously.The experience observed in these 5 years of work shows that the endoscopic transnasal approach has major advantages, including low restenosis rate.

Embryogenesis and laboratory maintenance of the foam-nesting túngara frogs, genus Engystomops (= Physalaemus).

The vast majority of embryological research on amphibians focuses on just a single genus of frogs, Xenopus. To attain a more comprehensive understanding of amphibian development, experimentation on non-model frogs will be essential. Here, we report on the early development, rearing, and embryological analysis of túngara frogs (genus Engystomops, also called Physalaemus). The frogs Engystomops pustulosus, Engystomops coloradorum, and Engystomops randi construct floating foam-nests with small eggs. We define a table of 23 stages for the developmental period in the foam-nest. Embryos were immunostained against Lim1, neural, and somite-specific proteins and the expression pattern of RetinoBlastoma Binding Protein 6 (RBBP6) was analyzed by in situ hybridization. Due to their brief life-cycle, frogs belonging to the genus Engystomops are attractive for comparative and genetic studies of development. Developmental Dynamics 238:1444-1454, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Cardiopatía congénita del adulto: tratamiento percutáneo de un caso complejo / Adult congenital cardiopathy: percutaneous treatment of a complex case

La cardiopatía congénita del adulto, es una entidad clínica de difícil diagnóstico y tratamiento. Desde 1982, la terapia endovascular cambió su enfoque de manera radical (1) y en los últimos años el diseño de nuevos dispositivos y mejores catéteres de balón, facilitó la implementación de la terapéutica para mayor número de pacientes (2). Es el tratamiento de elección para entidades como estenosis valvular pulmonar (3), comunicación ínter-auricular (4) y ductus arterioso persistente (5).Se presenta un caso de cardiopatía congénita compleja en el adulto, que consistía en comunicación ínter-auricular amplia, estenosis valvular pulmonar con severa repercusión sobre el ventrículo derecho, ductus arterioso permeable persistente con severa calcificación e hipertensión arterial pulmonar, con hipertensión arterial sistémica esencial, las cuales se trataron de manera exitosa mediante terapia intervencionista endovascular en el Hospital Militar Central de Bogotá.

A comparative analysis of frog early development.

The current understanding of Xenopus laevis development provides a comparative background for the analysis of frog developmental modes. Our analysis of development in various frogs reveals that the mode of gastrulation is associated with developmental rate and is unrelated to egg size. In the gastrula of the rapidly developing embryos of the foam-nesting frogs Engystomops coloradorum and Engystomops randi, archenteron and notochord elongation overlapped with involution at the blastopore lip, as in X. laevis embryos. In embryos of dendrobatid frogs and in the frog without tadpoles Eleutherodactylus coqui, which develop somewhat more slowly than X. laevis, involution and archenteron elongation concomitantly occurred during gastrulation; whereas elongation of the notochord and, therefore, dorsal convergence and extension, occurred in the postgastrula. In contrast, in the slow developing embryos of the marsupial frog Gastrotheca riobambae, only involution occurred during gastrulation. The processes of archenteron and notochord elongation and convergence and extension were postgastrulation events. We produced an Ab against the homeodomain protein Lim1 from X. laevis as a tool for the comparative analysis of development. By the expression of Lim1, we were able to identify the dorsal side of the G. riobambae early gastrula, which otherwise was difficult to detect. Moreover, the Lim1 expression in the dorsal lip of the blastopore and notochord differed among the studied frogs, indicating variation in the timing of developmental events. The variation encountered gives evidence of the modular character of frog gastrulation.

In vivo and in vitro estrogenic and progestagenic actions of Tibolone.

Estrogen and progestin combination in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the incidence of breast cancer, but decreases the endometrial cancer risk of unopposed estrogen. Therefore, a SERM such as Tibolone, that delivers the beneficial, but not the adverse side effects, of steroid hormones would be clinically advantageous. However, data from the Million Women Study suggests that Tibolone increases the risk of both breast and endometrial cancer. Herein, we assessed the estrogenic and progestagenic actions of Tibolone using transvaginal sonography studies and an in vitro model of breast (ZR-75, MCF7) and endometrial cancer (Ishikawa). The known cancer associated proteins (ER, EGFR, STATS, tissue factor and Bcl-xL) were selected for study. Transvaginal sonography demonstrated that postmenopausal women treated with Tibolone displayed a thinner endometrium than in the late proliferative phase, but had a phenotype characteristic of the secretory phase, thus demonstrating the estrogenic and progestagenic actions of this SERM. In vitro, Tibolone acted as an estrogen in downregulating ER and upregulating Bcl-xL, yet as progesterone, increasing STAT5 and tissue factor in breast cancer cells. The increase in tissue factor by Tibolone correlated with its coagulative potential. Interestingly, EGFR was up-regulated by progesterone in the breast and by estrogen in endometrial cells, while Tibolone increased protein levels in both cell types. In conclusion, this study further demonstrates the estrogenic and progestagenic nature of Tibolone. The pattern of regulation of known oncogenes in cells of breast and endometrial origin dictates caution and vigilance in the prescription of Tibolone and subsequent patient monitoring.