Fracturas de acetábulo tratadas mediante osteosíntesis. Resultados a largo plazo / Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. Long term outcomes

Resumen: Introducción: las fracturas de acetábulo constituyen entre el 0.3 y 0.6% total de fracturas observadas, siendo estás lesiones relativamente infrecuentes. Objetivo: evaluar los resultados clínico-radiológicos del tratamiento quirúrgico mediante osteosíntesis de fracturas acetabulares con un seguimiento mínimo de 11.5 años. El objetivo secundario fue determinar la tasa de fracaso de la cadera de estos pacientes e identificar los factores de riesgo implicados. Materia y métodos: analizamos retrospectivamente una muestra de 23 pacientes intervenidos de fractura acetabular mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna, con un seguimiento medio de 14 años (11.5-17.5). Clasificamos las fracturas según Judet y Letournel en simples y complejas. Analizamos la evolución clínica y radiológica de estos pacientes mediante la escala de Harris. Resultados: obtuvimos una puntuación media de 81.90/100, objetivamos mejores resultados en fracturas de trazo simple respecto a fracturas complejas (p = 0.027). Evidenciamos mejores resultados clínicos en los pacientes con una reducción anatómica de la fractura (86.9/100), respecto a los que no fue posible (74.38/100) (p = 0.033). Fue necesaria la reintervención con artroplastía por mala evolución clínica en tres pacientes (13%). Como predictores de mal pronóstico para el desarrollo de coxartrosis identificamos las fracturas complejas y la reducción no anatómica de la fractura (p < 0.05). Encontramos relación entre índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 30 con peores resultados funcionales (p = 0.151). Conclusiones: el tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes tratados con fracturas acetabulares presenta buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos a largo plazo. Como factores de riesgo para la progresión de coxartrosis con suficiente impronta clínica como para ser necesaria una artroplastía identificamos, las fracturas complejas, la reducción no anatómica y un IMC > 30.

Abstract: Introduction: acetabular fractures constitute between 0.3 and 0.6% of all observed fractures, being these injuries relatively infrequent. Objective: to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with acetabular fracture treated in our hospital with a minimal follow-up of 11.5 years. The secondary objective is to determine the rate of failure in the hip joint of these patients and establish risk factors that are involved. Material and methods: 23 patients with acetabular fractures that were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were retrospectively analysed. They were follow-up during an average of 14 years (range 11.5-17.5). Fractures were classified by Judet y Letournel as simple or complex. Clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed by Harris scale. Results: We obtained an average of 81.90/100 on the Harris scale, aiming at better outcomes on simple fractures compare to those that were complex (p = 0.027). Higher scores were also achieved on those patients with an anatomical reduction (p = 0.033). Three patients required revision and placement of a total arthoplasty (13%). However, patients with body mass index (BMI) > 30 tend to achieve poor clinical results (p = 0.151). Conclusions: ORIF may be suggested for acetabular fractures since good clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded on a long-term follow-up. Complex fractures, non-anatomical reduction and BMI > 30 were identified as risk factors to coxarthrosis progression.

Hydrodynamic cavitation through a bio-inspired fast-closing plunger mechanism: experiments and simulations.

Experimental and numerical results are reported for the internal and external flow fields evolving in a bio-inspired snapping plunger. The experimental evidence underlines the nature of the dynamic-coupling between the processes taking place inside and outside the device. Two main structures dictate the properties of the external flow field: a strong jet which is followed by a vortex ring. Internally, complex patterns of cavitating structures are simultaneously produced in the chamber and the venturi-like conduit. We find the cavitation cycle to be suitably described by the Rayleigh-Plesset model and, thus, proceed to characterize the coupling of both fields in terms of the fluctuations of the velocity. All main parameters, as well as the energy released to the fluid during the collapse, are found to be within the same order-of-magnitude of previously known experimental results for isolated bubbles of comparable size.

[Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. Long term outcomes]. / Fracturas de acetábulo tratadas mediante osteosíntesis. Resultados a largo plazo.

INTRODUCTION: acetabular fractures constitute between 0.3 and 0.6% of all observed fractures, being these injuries relatively infrequent. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with acetabular fracture treated in our hospital with a minimal follow-up of 11.5 years. The secondary objective is to determine the rate of failure in the hip joint of these patients and establish risk factors that are involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 23 patients with acetabular fractures that were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were retrospectively analysed. They were follow-up during an average of 14 years (range 11.5-17.5). Fractures were classified by Judet y Letournel as simple or complex. Clinical and radiological outcomes were analysed by Harris scale. RESULTS: We obtained an average of 81.90/100 on the Harris scale, aiming at better outcomes on simple fractures compare to those that were complex (p = 0.027). Higher scores were also achieved on those patients with an anatomical reduction (p = 0.033). Three patients required revision and placement of a total arthoplasty (13%). However, patients with body mass index (BMI) > 30 tend to achieve poor clinical results (p = 0.151). CONCLUSIONS: ORIF may be suggested for acetabular fractures since good clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded on a long-term follow-up. Complex fractures, non-anatomical reduction and BMI > 30 were identified as risk factors to coxarthrosis progression.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las fracturas de acetábulo constituyen entre el 0.3 y 0.6% total de fracturas observadas, siendo estás lesiones relativamente infrecuentes. OBJETIVO: evaluar los resultados clínico-radiológicos del tratamiento quirúrgico mediante osteosíntesis de fracturas acetabulares con un seguimiento mínimo de 11.5 años. El objetivo secundario fue determinar la tasa de fracaso de la cadera de estos pacientes e identificar los factores de riesgo implicados. MATERIA Y MÉTODOS: analizamos retrospectivamente una muestra de 23 pacientes intervenidos de fractura acetabular mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna, con un seguimiento medio de 14 años (11.5-17.5). Clasificamos las fracturas según Judet y Letournel en simples y complejas. Analizamos la evolución clínica y radiológica de estos pacientes mediante la escala de Harris. RESULTADOS: obtuvimos una puntuación media de 81.90/100, objetivamos mejores resultados en fracturas de trazo simple respecto a fracturas complejas (p = 0.027). Evidenciamos mejores resultados clínicos en los pacientes con una reducción anatómica de la fractura (86.9/100), respecto a los que no fue posible (74.38/100) (p = 0.033). Fue necesaria la reintervención con artroplastía por mala evolución clínica en tres pacientes (13%). Como predictores de mal pronóstico para el desarrollo de coxartrosis identificamos las fracturas complejas y la reducción no anatómica de la fractura (p < 0.05). Encontramos relación entre índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 30 con peores resultados funcionales (p = 0.151). CONCLUSIONES: el tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes tratados con fracturas acetabulares presenta buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos a largo plazo. Como factores de riesgo para la progresión de coxartrosis con suficiente impronta clínica como para ser necesaria una artroplastía identificamos, las fracturas complejas, la reducción no anatómica y un IMC > 30.

Herbivory and leaf traits of Amazonian tree species as affected by irradiance.

Herbivory is one of the major biotic stress factors that affect the establishment of plants. However, the main factors that drive herbivory in seedlings of Amazonian tree species are still not well understood. Here we investigated whether contrasting levels of irradiance influence herbivory according to different herbivory indicators and which leaf traits are most related to interspecific variation in herbivory under contrasting irradiance conditions. We measured the leaf area lost as a result of insect herbivory in five tree species planted in a silvicultural system of secondary forest enrichment according to two indicators, herbivore damage (accumulated since plant germination) and herbivory rate (measured over time), and two irradiance conditions, understorey PPFD 2.6 mol·m-2 ·day-1 ) and gap PPFD 33.1 mol·m-2 ·day-1 . Furthermore, we related the interspecific variation in herbivory to a set of leaf traits: SLA, RWC, sclerophylly, phenolic compound content, tannins, condensed tannins and non-structural carbohydrates. Herbivore damage was significantly affected by light availability and species, with the highest percentage variation observed in the Meliaceae (Carapa guianensis and Swietenia macrophylla). For the herbivory rate, only the interspecific variation was significant, with Bertholletia excelsa having the lowest rates. Chemical characteristics (phenolic compounds and tannins) were most related to herbivory rates, as well as highly influenced by light conditions. Non-structural carbohydrates (starch and sucrose) were also related to the interspecific variation in herbivory. The phenolic compounds and starch, as affected by light quantity, are species dependent. Thus, the selective pressure on herbivores may be driven by species-dependent responses to light conditions.

Silver nanoparticles are lethal to the ciliate model Tetrahymena and safe to the pike silverside Chirostoma estor.

Ciliate ectoparasites are one of the most important groups of pathogens in fish culture, and the traditional treatments are sometimes harmful to the fish and the environment. Thus, the search for novel compounds that are effective at low concentrations and safe for fish are necessary to optimise treatments in aquaculture. The antiprotozoal capacity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against the ciliate Tetrahymena has been documented; however, their toxicity may vary with the synthesis methodology and nanoparticle size. The objectives of this study were a) to evaluate the acute toxicity in vitro of two AgNPs (Argovit™ and UTSA) on Tetrahymena sp., a biological model for ciliated ectoparasites of fish and b) to test the safety of lethal and higher doses of UTSA AgNPs for ciliates on the fish C. estor. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine whether AgNPs affected the structure of the cell surface of Tetrahymena. The mortality, histopathological alterations and metagenomics of the fish were used to determine the major effects of UTSA AgNPs. In Tetrahymena, the median lethal concentration (LC50) for Argovit™ was 2501 ± 1717 ng/L at 15 min and 796 ± 510 ng/L at 60 min, while the LC50 for UTSA AgNPs was 4 ± 2 and 1 ± 0.6 ng/L at 15 min and 60 min, respectively. A concentration of 3300 ng/L Argovit™ and 10.6 ng/L UTSA AgNPs for 15 and 60 min, respectively, was 100% effective against Tetrahymena. After 60 min of exposure to 0.25 and 0.50 ng/L UTSA AgNPs, the number of cilia significantly reduced, there were small holes on the cell surface, and the cellular membrane was ruptured. In fish exposed to lethal (10.6 ng/L) and higher (31.8 and 95.4 ng/L) doses of UTSA, the AgNPs did not affect fish survival after 96 h, and there were no signs of histopathological damage or gut microbial changes. This study is the first report on microscopic and ultrastructural changes in Tetrahymena after exposure to significantly low concentrations of UTSA AgNPs with antiprotozoal efficacy without evidence of harmful effects on fish. These results provide the basis for further studies of both pet aquarium and commercial fish that may validate these findings at a larger experimental scale, taking into account AgNPs bioaccumulation, safety for human consumption and environmental impact.

Comparación de la conducta alimentaria en niños de diferentes establecimientos educacionales y estado nutricional / Comparison of food behavior among school children by educational establishment and nutritional status

RESUMEN La conducta alimentaria en escolares está dada por grandes cambios, en este periodo adquieren mayor relevancia los hábitos alimentarios que determinarán su alimentación futura. Objetivo: Comparar la conducta alimentaria en escolares de diferentes establecimientos educacionales según estado nutricional. Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal, se aplicó cuestionario de comportamiento de alimentación infantil a 270 madres/tutores de niños entre 6 a 8 años de colegios públicos, subvencionados y privados de Viña del Mar, Chile. Resultados: El 49,6% de los niños presentó mal- nutrición por exceso. Los niños con obesidad presentaron respuestas positivas a la ingesta alimentaria en situaciones de molestia, preocupación y enojo, no fueron exigentes al momento de introducir nuevos sabores y fueron rápidos para comer (p<0,05). Al diferenciar por establecimiento, sólo el colegio particular presenta diferencias entre los niños con distinto estado nutricional, tanto en dimensiones de sobre ingesta como de antiingesta (p <0,05). Conclusiones: Los escolares de 6 a 8 años no presentaron diferencias significativas en su conducta alimentaria, niños con obesidad se asociaron positivamente a conducta de proingesta. Los niños del colegio público mantuvieron la misma conducta alimentaria, independiente de su estado nutricional, evidenciando mayor riesgo a presentar malnutrición por exceso a futuro, a diferencia del colegio particular.

ABSTRACT Eating behavior in schoolchildren is marked by great changes. In this period, eating habits acquire greater relevance as they will determine future behaviors. Objective: To compare feeding behaviors among schoolchildren by school type and nutritional status. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study in which a child eating behavior questionnaire was applied to 270 mothers / guardians of children between 6 and 8 years from public, subsidized and private schools in Viña del Mar, Chile was conducted. Results: Nearly half (49.6%) of children had malnutrition due to excess. Children with obesity had positive responses to food intake in situations of discomfort, worry and anger, were not demanding when introduced to new flavors and were quick to eat (p <0.05). When comparing by establishment, differences between children by nutritional status were observed only in those attending private schools, in terms of excess-intake and anti-eating (p <0.05). Conclusions: Children from 6 to 8 years old did not present significant differences in their eating behavior, children with obesity reported pro-eating behavior. Children attending public schools maintained the same eating behavior, independent of their nutritional status, showing a higher risk of malnutrition due to excess in the future, unlike those attending private school.

Isolated and combined effects of elevated CO2 and high temperature on the whole-plant biomass and the chemical composition of soybean seeds.

Soybean plants of the variety 'MG/BR Conquista' were grown in open top chambers, simulating elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and high temperature under the following treatments: 1) ambient [CO2] and ambient temperature (Amb); 2) elevated [CO2] (eCO2) and ambient temperature (Elev); 3) ambient [CO2] and high temperature (Amb/Temp); 4) elevated CO2 and high temperature (Elev/Temp). The aim was to evaluate responses to elevated [CO2] and high temperature, with focus on plant development and seed yield, and composition. Elev stimulated grain yield and Amb/Temp had opposite effect. Several biochemical parameters were affected by Amb/Temp, most of them reversed by simultaneous application of Elev. The oil obtained with Elev/Temp had lower degree of unsaturation. A network of relationships among biochemical parameters of grains at three developmental stages revealed that Amb/Temp and Elev/Temp affect significantly both carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. No significant difference was obtained comparing networks corresponding to Amb and Elev/Temp.

Caracterización de la Lámpara Flash-LED: EBNeuro Usada para Adquirir Potenciales Evocados Visuales en Ratas / Characterization of the Flash-LED Lamp: EBNeuro Used to Acquired Visual Evoked Potentials in Rats

Resumen: La señal de la amplitud en análisis de Potenciales Evocados Visuales (PEVs) es una variable que depende del tipo y posición de los electrodos, de la fuente, del estímulo y por consecuente, de la intensidad luminosa por lo que es fundamental reportarla para cada diseño experimental y así, garantizar su reproducibilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar una lámpara con 96 LEDs para la adquisición de PEVs en ratas. Se midió la iluminancia y la intensidad luminosa promedio en un sistema espacial XYZ de 8 cm3 aplicable a un sistema estereotáxico para la fijación de ratas. Se realizaron desplazamientos cada 2 cm en cada plano. Se observó que debido a la distribución geométrica de los LEDs la distribución de la iluminancia no sigue la ley del inverso cuadrado, ya que aumenta conforme la lámpara se aleja. Finalmente, se seleccionó una coordenada para la colocación del ojo de la rata empleando una intensidad luminosa promedio para la adquisición del PEV de 1.043 cd e iluminancia de 128.77 luxes a una distancia ojo-lámpara de 9 cm. Una vez caracterizada la intensidad luminosa y de acuerdo con los PEVs obtenidos, esta lámpara puede utilizarse para estudios PEV en ratas en investigaciones posteriores.

Abstract: Signal amplitude for recordings of Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) is a variable dependent on the type and position of the electrodes, the source, the stimulus and consequently the luminous intensity; therefore, it is relevant to report it to assure experimental reproducibility. The objective of this work is to characterize flash lamp with 96 LEDs in order to perform the acquisition of VEPs in rats. We measure the illuminance and mean light intensity on space system XYZ of 8 cm3 corresponding to a stereotaxic frame for rodents. Displacements were performed every 2 cm in each plane. Because of the geometric distribution of the LEDs in the EBNeuro lamp the spatial distribution of illuminance does not follow the law of the inverse square, because the illuminance increases as the lamp goes away. Finally a spatial coordinate was selected for the rat eye positioning were the mean luminous intensity was 1.043 cd and 128.77 luxes of illuminance at an eye-lamp distance of 9 cm. According to the obtained VEPs and spatial characterization this lamp can be used for acquire of recordings PEV in rats for further investigations.

Rheological Flow Behavior of Structural Polysaccharides from Edible Tender Cladodes of Wild, Semidomesticated and Cultivated 'Nopal' (Opuntia) of Mexican Highlands.

The aim of this study was to quantify the content of polysaccharides of edible tender cladodes (nopalitos) of three species of Opuntia and to evaluate the rheological flow behavior of isolated polysaccharides. A completely randomized experimental design was used to characterize a wild (O. streptacantha), a semidomesticated (O. megacantha) and a domesticated (O. ficus-indica) species. Mucilage content was higher (4.93 to 12.43 g 100 g-1 dry matter), tightly bound hemicelluloses were lower (3.32 to 1.81 g 100 g-1 dry matter) and pectins and loosely bound hemicelluloses were not different in wild than in domesticated species. Aqueous solution/suspensions of mucilage, pectins, hemicellulose and cellulose of all species showed non-Newtonian behavior under simple shear flow. The flow behavior of the structural polysaccharides was well described by the Ostwald de-Waele model. Pectins and mucilages exhibited the highest consistency indexes (K values ranged from 0.075 to 0.177 Pasn) with a moderated shear-thinning behavior (n values ranged from 0.53 to 0.67). Cellulose dispersions exhibited the most shear-thinning behavior (n values ranged from 0.17 to 0.41) and hemicelluloses showed a tendency to Newtonian flow (n values ranged from 0.82 to 0.97). The rheological flow properties of these polysaccharides may be useful to improve the textural and sensory qualities of some foods and pharmaceutical materials. Moreover, they can emerge as functional ingredients mainly due to the nutraceutical properties that have been attributed to nopalitos.

Factores que influyen en la prevalencia de patologías bucales de tejidos blandos y duros de niños y adolescentes: revisión de la literatura / Factors affecting the prevalence of oral soft tissue pathology and hard of children and teens: literature review

El objetivo de este trabajo es hacer una revisión bibliográfica del tema, con el fin de actualizar los conocimientos relativos al mismo, considerando las variables involucradas y presentar una propuesta de línea de investigación, ya que como señalan algunos autores la edad pediátrica es una etapa de crecimiento rápido, desarrollo, de múltiples aptitudes en los campos de las áreas motoras, de la inteligencia, del lenguaje, de la personalidad y de la emocionalidad, por lo que constituye una edad crucial que requiere ser atendida eficazmente en la prevención de sus múltiples aspectos. La Organización Mundial de la Salud, (OMS), ha incrementado las recomendaciones epidemiológicas en los últimos años a este grupo poblacional, además los signos y síntomas de la mucosa bucal de los infantes pueden cambiar con la edad y son a menudo diferentes a las del adulto. Metodología: Se revisaron 34 publicaciones en revistas especializadas, todas referidas a escolares con edades comprendidas entre 6 y 14 años, aunque algunos se refieren a edades puntuales. Resultados: las patologías de los adolescentes difieren de la de los adultos, aunque existen pocas referencias; no hay acción definida en los planes y proyectos nacionales ni regionales para esta población; la mayoría de las patologías que ocurren en la cavidad bucal de esta población, son relativamente inocuas, no necesitan tratamiento, presentándose de forma asintomática y limitándose al desarrollo cronológico del niño. Conclusión: definir una línea de investigación, e incorporar la población de niños, niñas y adolescentes, por cuanto en Venezuela y América Latina, la investigación en esta área es limitada

The goal is to make a literature review of the subject, in order to update the knowledge relating to the subject, considering the variables involved and submit a proposal for a line of research, as some authors point out the Pediatric is rapid growth, development of multiple skills in the fields of motor areas, intelligence, language, personality and emotionality, for what constitutes a crucial age requiring to be dealt with effectively in the prevention of its multiple aspects. The World Health Organization, (who), the epidemiological recommendations has increased in recent years to this population group, also the signs and symptoms of the buccal mucosa of infants can change with age and are often different from the adult. Methodology: We reviewed 34 publications in specialized magazines, all relating to school children aged between 6 and 14 years old, although some refer to specific ages. Results: pathologies of adolescents differ from that of adults, although there are few references; There is no action defined in the plans and national and regional projects for this population; the majority of diseases that occur in the oral cavity of this population, are relatively harmless, do not need treatment, presenting of asymptomatic form and limited to the chronological development of the child. Conclusion: define a line of research, and to incorporate the population of children and adolescents, as in Venezuela and Latin America, research in this area is limited

Variación en expresión de marcadores moleculares entre componentes intraductal e infiltrante del carcinoma de mama / Variation in the molecular markets expressem between intraductal and infiltrant breast carcinoma

Valorar variación de expresión de marcadores moleculares entre componente intraductal y ductal infiltrante. Evaluamos expresión de biomarcadores moleculares RE, RP, p53, Her-2, Bcl2 en pacientes concarcinoma de mama, durante el período 1999-2006. La muestra conformada por 243 casos se seleccionó con criterios de inclusión: sexo femenino, diagnóstico histológico de carcinoma ductal infiltrante con componente intraductal. Promedio de edad 42,13 años, 48,14% menores de 50 años. Marcadores moleculares RE,RP, p53, Bcl2, Her-2, expresaron en ambos componentes del tumor en más del 70%, presentando expresión de cada uno diferencias, según tipo histológico. Bcl2, RE, RP y p53 fueron más positivos en el componente infiltrante que en intraductal, siendo significativa para RP (P=0,04) y proteína p53 (P=0,00001), Her-2/neu se observó más positivo en componente intraductal que en invasor (P=0,02). La intensidad del inmunomarcaje RP y p53 se expresaron con comportamiento de más ganancia que pérdida en tinción en componente infiltrante, contrario a lo observado para Her-2/neu. Correlación de expresión de marcadores moleculares entre ambos componentes histológicos y edad de paciente, el RE, RP, Bcl2 y proteína p53 se comportaron con ganancia en inmunomarcaje en componente infiltrante en mayores de 50 años, resultando significativa la asociación para RE (P=0,04). El análisis de variables del estudio no demostró asociación estadísticamente significativa. La variación de expresión de marcadores moleculares entre componente intraductal e infiltrante en carcinoma de mama se asocia al grado de malignidad de la lesión

To assess variation in expression of molecular markers between intraductal and infiltrating ductal. Evaluated expression of molecular biomarkers ER, PR, p53, Her-2, Bcl-2 in patients with breast cancer, during the period 1999 to 2006. 243 cases were selected according inclusion criteria: female gender, histological diagnosis of infiltrating ductal carcinoma with intraductal component. The average it was 42.13 years 48.14% of them were younger than 50 years. Molecular markers ER, PR, p53, Bcl2, Her-2 were expressed in both components in more than 70% cases, presenting the expression of individual differences, according to the histological type. The Bcl2, ER, PR, p53 were more positive in infiltrating intraductal component, difference being significant for RP (P = 0.04) and p53 (P = 0.00001), Her-2/neu more positive was observed in intraductal component than in invasive (P = 0.02). Considering intensity of PR and p53 immunostaining were expressed as a behavior more gain than loss of staining in invasive component, contrary to observed for Her-2/neu. Correlation of expression of molecular markers between the two histological components and age, ER, PR, Bcl2 and p53 protein behaved gain in immunostaining in invasive component in over 50 years, resulting significantly association to ER (P =0.04). Analysis of other variables showed no statistically significant association between them. The variation of the expression of molecular markers between the intraductal and infiltrating breast carcinoma is associated with the degree of malignancy of the lesion

Effect of salinity on the biosynthesis of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in silverside Chirostoma estor.

The genus Chirostoma (silversides) belongs to the family Atherinopsidae, which contains around 150 species, most of which are marine. However, Mexican silverside (Chirostoma estor) is one of the few representatives of freshwater atherinopsids and is only found in some lakes of the Mexican Central Plateau. However, studies have shown that C. estor has improved survival, growth, and development when cultured in water conditions with increased salinity. In addition, C. estor displays an unusual fatty acid composition for a freshwater fish with high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/ eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios. Freshwater and marine fish species display very different essential fatty acid metabolism and requirements, and so the present study investigated long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis to determine the capacity of C. estor for endogenous production of EPA and DHA, and the effect that salinity has on these pathways. Briefly, C. estor were maintained at three salinities (0, 5, and 15 ppt), and the metabolism of ¹4C-labeled 18:3n-3 was determined in isolated hepatocyte and enterocyte cells. The results showed that C. estor has the capacity for endogenous biosynthesis of LC-PUFA from 18-carbon fatty acid precursors, but that the pathway was essentially only active in saline conditions with virtually no activity in cells isolated from fish grown in freshwater. The activity of the LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathway was also higher in cells isolated from fish at 15 ppt compared with fish at 5 ppt. The activity was around fivefold higher in hepatocytes compared with enterocytes; although the majority of 18:3n-3 was converted to 18:4n-3 and 20:4n-3 in hepatocytes, the proportions of 18:3n-3 converted to EPA and DHA were higher in enterocytes. The data were consistent with the hypothesis that conversion of EPA to DHA could contribute, at least in part, to the generally high DHA/EPA ratios observed in the tissue lipids of C. estor.

The therapeutic potential of TRAIL receptor signalling in cancer cells.

In tumour cells, activation of the apoptotic machinery by death receptor ligands of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily of cytokines represents a novel therapeutic strategy. However, systemic treatment of tumours with TNF-α and CD95 ligand may produce severe toxic effects. The tumour necrosis-related apoptosisinducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF family capable of inducing apoptosis in a wide variety of cancer cells upon binding to pro-apoptotic receptors, while having no effect on the majority of normal human cells tested. Interestingly, preclinical studies in mice and nonhuman primates showed no systemic cytotoxicity upon injection of either recombinant TRAIL or agonistic TRAIL-receptor antibodies. Furthermore, these treatments have been shown to effectively suppress the growth of a range of tumour xenografts. Although unwanted effects of some TRAIL preparations have been reported in normal cells, the use of TRAIL receptor agonists could represent a suitable approach in cancer therapy. Here, we shall review our current understanding of apoptotic and non-apoptotic TRAIL signalling, the therapeutic potential of TRAIL-based approaches in cancer treatment, and the results of phase 1 and 2 clinical trials with recombinant TRAIL or agonistic TRAIL receptor antibodies, either as monotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

The novel protein BboRhop68 is expressed by intraerythrocytic stages of Babesia bovis.

The apical complex of intracellular hemoparasites contains organelles like micronemes and rhoptries, specialized structures required for adherence and invasion of host cells. Several molecules discharged from rhoptries have been identified from Plasmodium spp., but only a single rhoptry associated protein-1 (RAP-1) has been characterized from Babesia bovis. In silico search of the B. bovis genome allowed to identifying a sequence homologous to the gene that encodes a P. falciparum rhoptry protein PfRhop148. The intron-less 1830 bp novel gene, predicted a 68kDa protein, and it was highly conserved among different B. bovis strains and isolates. The deducted protein from the B. bovis T2Bo strain, named BboRhop68, showed two putative transmembrane domains, at least seven B-cell epitopes, and a well conserved DUF501 super family domain. The bborhop68 gene was amplified, analyzed and compared among different B. bovis strains and isolates showing overall high sequence conservation. A fragment of bborhop68 was expressed as a recombinant fusion protein (rBboRhop68). The mice anti-rBboRhop68 serum identified the novel protein in intraerythrocytic trophozoites and merozoites by WB and ELISA, but not in free merozoites. Sera from naturally and experimentally infected bovines also recognized BboRhop68, suggesting that it is expressed and immunogenic during B. bovis infection. Fluorescence microscopy analysis using anti-rBboRhop68 antibodies showed a rod structure associated to trophozoites and merozoites infected erythrocytes, but this pattern of reactivity was not observed in free merozoites. The BboRhop68 was also not detected in ELISA based on solubilized merozoites. Thus, at least three independent lines of evidence support differential expression of BboRhop68 in intraerythrocytic stages of B. bovis and its possible functional role immediately after B. bovis erythrocyte invasion. The results of this work suggest that BboRhop68 could be considered as a novel additional target for developing improved methods to control bovine babesiosis.

Nutrition and health: guidelines for dental practitioners.

Good nutrition is vital to overall health, and poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nutritional factors are implicated in many oral and systemic diseases and conditions, including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, dental caries and some cancers including oral cancers. This review focuses on the evidence for the relations between key nutritional factors and health. Energy intake is related to body weight and obesity, highlighting the importance of lower-energy diets and regular physical activity for body weight maintenance and for preventing obesity. Evidence is presented for the health benefits of high quality carbohydrates, such as whole grain products, and fruits and vegetables, in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The adverse effects of sugar, sweetened beverages, and trans and saturated fats on several diseases including caries, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are described. The health benefits of unsaturated fats, antioxidants, B vitamins and vitamin D in cardiovascular disease, periodontitis, cancer, and other conditions are documented. Both benefits and harmful effects of dairy product intake on health are discussed. Based on the evidence, nutritional guidelines are provided, as well as key recommendations for preventing obesity. Dentists can play a critical role in motivating and enabling healthy food choices.

Impact of calcium intake on body mass index in Venezuelan adolescents

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide, affecting approximately 15% of adolescents in Venezuela, 17% in United States, and more than 30% in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Recent studies have shown that dietary calcium and dairy intake are associated with body fat. These studies show that a high calcium intake results in low body mass index (BMI). Therefore, the objective of the present study is to relate calcium intake from foods rich in calcium-rich foods to body weight and BMI in a random sample of 100 adolescents, aged 13-18 years. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were obtained for each participant, who also completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), modified with calcium-rich foods. Dietary calcium consumption was 1076+/-534 mg/d among the adolescents, which represented an adequacy of 90%. A negative and significant association was found between calcium intake and BMI in the boys aged 13-15 years (r=-0.39, p<0.05). This population subgroup exhibited the widest range of BMI values among all groups evaluated. This correlation was not found among the older boys (aged 16-18 years) or girls, in which BMI was in the normal range and with relatively high calcium intake. In conclusion, we found that high calcium intake in younger boys was related to a lower BMI. A high calcium intake, not only helps to maintain a healthy body weight, but also is essential for acquiring peak bone mass in this crucial stage of life.