Antiviral effect of mouthwashes against SARS-COV-2: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the antiviral effect of mouthwashes against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, and was complemented by a manual search. Both clinical and in vitro studies that focused on the antiviral effect of mouthwashes against SARS-CoV-2 were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed only on the clinical studies using the RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. RESULTS: A total of 907 records were found; after initial selection by title and abstract, 33 full-text articles were selected to be evaluated for eligibility. Finally, a total of 27 studies were included for the qualitative synthesis, including 16 in vitro studies and 11 clinical trials. Antiviral effects were evaluated separately for the in vitro and clinical studies. In vitro studies included mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine digluconate, povidone-iodine, essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride, and other compounds; in vivo studies included mouthwashes containing hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine digluconate, povidone-iodine, cetylpyridinium chloride, essential oils, chlorine dioxide, ß-cyclodextrin-citrox, and sorbitol with xylitol. Povidone-iodine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and essential oils were effective in vitro, while hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine digluconate, povidone-iodine, cetylpyridinium chloride, ß-cyclodextrin-citrox, and sorbitol with xylitol were effective in vivo. Unclear or high risk of bias was found for almost all clinical studies, and only one study presented with a low risk of bias. No further quantitative analysis was performed. CONCLUSION: Although povidone-iodine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and essential oils may be an alternative to reduce the viral load in vitro and in vivo, more studies are needed to determine the real antiviral effect of these different mouthwashes against SARS-CoV-2.This work was not funded. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (identification number: CRD42021236134).

A model based on the quantification of complement C4c, CYFRA 21-1 and CRP exhibits high specificity for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening detects early-stage cancers, but also a large number of benign nodules. Molecular markers can help in the lung cancer screening process by refining inclusion criteria or guiding the management of indeterminate pulmonary nodules. In this study, we developed a diagnostic model based on the quantification in plasma of complement-derived fragment C4c, cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The model was first validated in two independent cohorts, and showed a good diagnostic performance across a range of lung tumor types, emphasizing its high specificity and positive predictive value. We next tested its utility in two clinically relevant contexts: assessment of lung cancer risk and nodule malignancy. The scores derived from the model were associated with a significantly higher risk of having lung cancer in asymptomatic individuals enrolled in a computed tomography (CT)-screening program (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.20-2.97). Our model also served to discriminate between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules (AUC: 0.86; 95% CI = 0.80-0.92) with very good specificity (92%). Moreover, the model performed better in combination with clinical factors, and may be used to reclassify patients with intermediate-risk indeterminate pulmonary nodules into patients who require a more aggressive work-up. In conclusion, we propose a new diagnostic biomarker panel that may dictate which incidental or screening-detected pulmonary nodules require a more active work-up.

Validation of miR-1228-3p as Housekeeping for MicroRNA Analysis in Liquid Biopsies from Colorectal Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Circulating microRNA (miRNA) analysis is a growing research field. However, it usually requires an endogenous control or housekeeping (HK) in order to normalize expression of specific miRNAs throughout different samples. Unfortunately, no adequate HK for circulating miRNA analysis is still known in the colorectal cancer (CRC) context whereas several have been suggested. Hence, our aims were to validate the previously suggested miR-1228-3p as HK for CRC studies, to compare its suitability with the widely used miR-16-5p, and to evaluate the influence of hemolysis on both miRNAs. METHODS: We analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) the expression of miR-1228-3p, miR-16-5p and the spike-in cel-miR-39 in a set of 297 plasmas (92 CRC, 101 advanced adenomas -AA-, and 100 controls) and 213 serum samples (59 CRC, 74 AA and 80 controls). We also analyzed both miRNAs depending on the hemolysis degree in 7 plasmas and 31 serums. RESULTS: Levels of miR-1228-3p and miR-16-5p did not show significant differences between groups although miR-16-5p exhibited more variability in plasma and serum samples. Importantly, the combination of cel-miR-39 and miR-1228-3p was the most stable one. Moreover, we observed that miR-16-5p was significantly influenced by hemolysis in contrast with miR-1228-3p that exhibited no correlation with this confounding factor in both biofluids. CONCLUSION: MiR-1228-3p has been validated as an adequate endogenous control for circulating miRNA analysis in CRC and AA liquid biopsies.

Caries y hábitos de higiene oral en un grupo de adultos mayores del Estado de México / Caries and oral health habits in a group of elderly from the State of Mexico

Introducción: La caries es una enfermedad multifactorial que se ha asociado con hábitos de higiene bucal deficientes. La Federación Dental Internacional establece el cepillado con una pasta fluorada dos veces por día como el patrón básico de higiene dental personal. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia de caries y hábitos de higiene oral en un grupo de adultos mayores. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo observacional, prolectivo, transversal, descriptivo, en 74 adultos mayores del Estado de México con una media de edad de 63.4 (± 5.9); 73% (54) del sexo femenino y 27% (20) del masculino. Se valoraron la higiene dental con el índice IHOS y la experiencia de caries con el CPOD, y se aplicó un cuestionario sobre hábitos de higiene oral, que incluía las preguntas de frecuencia de cepillado y uso de hilo dental. Resultados: La experiencia de caries dental medida a través del índice CPOD para el total de la población fue de 20.0 (± 4.5); la categoría más alta del índice fue cariado con una media de 9.3 (± 6.0), al análisis por sexo se observó que el 70% (38) de las mujeres y el 65% (13) de los hombres presentan más de seis dientes con lesión cariosa ­no se encontró una diferencias estadísticamente significativa­. A la pregunta de cuántas veces se cepilla los dientes, el 32% (24) no lo hacía o lo realizaba sólo una vez al día; de éstos, 17 presentaban ≥ 6 lesiones cariosas. El 94% (66) usa para el cepillado de dientes pastas comerciales con flúor; cuatro usan alternativas como jabón de baño, detergente, pasta naturista, bicarbonato; dos adultos mayores usan sólo agua. La valoración de la higiene dental en el 70% (52) de los adultos mayores se califica como deficiente; 20 adultos mayores ­de ellos, 16 son mujeres­ reportan el uso de hilo dental. Conclusión: Los hábitos de higiene oral en los adultos mayores aún se encuentran lejos del patrón establecido por la Federación Dental Internacional, lo que contribuye al incremento de enfermedades bucodentales, entre éstas, las enfermedades periodontales y la caries radicular que, junto con las enfermedades sistémicas, coadyuvan al deterioro de la calidad de vida de los ancianos (AU)

Introduction: Caries is a multifactorial disease that has been associated with deficient oral hygiene habits. The FDI Word Dental Federation establishes brushing with a fluoridated paste twice a day as the basic standard of personal oral hygiene. Objective: Describe the frequency of tooth decay and oral hygiene habits in a group of elderly. Material and methods: An observational, prolective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in 74 elderly of the State of Mexico with an average age of 63.4 (± 5.9); 73% (54) female and 27% (20) male. The oral hygiene with the IHOS index, the cavity experience with the DMFT was assessed, and a questionnaire on oral hygiene habits was applied, which included the questions of frequency of brushing and flossing. Results: The tooth decay experience measured through the CPOD index for the total population was 20.0 (± 4.5); the highest category of the index was decayed with an average of 9.3 (± 6.0), to the analysis by sex it was observed that, 70% (38) of the women and 65% (13) of the men present more than six teeth with a carious lesión ­no statistically significant differences were found­. To the question of how many times you brush your teeth, 32% (24) did not do it or did it only once a day, of these, 17 had ≥ 6 carious lesions. 94% (66) uses for tooth brushing, commercial pastes with fluoride; four ethereal, naturist paste like soap or detergent, bicarbonate; two senior adult uses only water. The evaluation of oral hygiene in 70% (52) of the elderly is classified as deficient; 20 senior adults ­of whom 16 are women­ report the use of dental floss. Conclusion: Oral hygiene habits in senior adults are still far from the pattern established by the FDI which contributes to the increase of oral diseases, including periodontal diseases and root decay which, together with systemic diseases contribute to deterioration of the quality of life of the elderly (AU)

Plasma MicroRNA Signature Validation for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Specific microRNA (miRNA) signatures in biological fluids can facilitate earlier detection of the tumors being then minimally invasive diagnostic biomarkers. Circulating miRNAs have also emerged as promising diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. In this study, we investigated the performance of a specific signature of miRNA in plasma samples to design a robust predictive model that can distinguish healthy individuals from those with CRC or advanced adenomas (AA) diseases. METHODS: Case control study of 297 patients from 8 Spanish centers including 100 healthy individuals, 101 diagnosed with AA, and 96 CRC cases. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription was used to quantify a signature of miRNA (miRNA19a, miRNA19b, miRNA15b, miRNA29a, miRNA335, and miRNA18a) in plasma samples. Binary classifiers (Support Vector Machine [SVM] linear, SVM radial, and SVM polynomial) were built for the best predictive model. RESULTS: Area under receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.871-0.962) was obtained retrieving a model with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.90, positive predictive value of 0.94, and negative predictive value of 0.76 when advanced neoplasms (CRC and AA) were compared with healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We identified and validated a signature of 6 miRNAs (miRNA19a, miRNA19b, miRNA15b, miRNA29a, miRNA335, and miRNA18a) as predictors that can differentiate significantly patients with CRC and AA from those who are healthy. However, large-scale validation studies in asymptomatic screening participants should be conducted.

Relationship between gender, income and education and self-perceived oral health among elderly Mexicans. An exploratory study.

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between sociodemographic factors and self-perceived oral health (SPOH) among the elderly. A cross-sectional, exploratory examination of 150 elderly subjects whose ages ranged from 60-86 was conducted. These subjects used the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to assess their SPOH. In addition, sociodemographic data were collected from study participants. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, the examination of odds ratio (OR) of logistic regression analysis, the chi-square test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index for the study participants was 20.1 ± 5.8; 21.3% of subjects were edentulous, and 69.3% of subjects wore removable dentures. 62.7% of study participants had poor SPOH (defined as GOHAI score <44). Poor SPOH was significantly more frequent among males (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.03-7.13, p < 0.05), low-income individuals (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3 -5.8, p < 0.01), and subjects with less education (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6, p < 0.05) than among the overall subject population. The findings suggest that gender (male), low income and low educational levels have a significant influence on the self-perceived oral health status of elderly individuals, irrespective of tooth loss.

Relationship between gender, income and education and self-perceived oral health among elderly Mexicans. An exploratory study / Relação entre gênero, renda e educação com a autopercepão da saúde bucal em idosos mexicanos. Um estudo exploratório

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between sociodemographic factors and self-perceived oral health (SPOH) among the elderly. A cross-sectional, exploratory examination of 150 elderly subjects whose ages ranged from 60-86 was conducted. These subjects used the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to assess their SPOH. In addition, sociodemographic data were collected from study participants. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, the examination of odds ratio (OR) of logistic regression analysis, the chi-square test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index for the study participants was 20.1 ± 5.8; 21.3% of subjects were edentulous, and 69.3% of subjects wore removable dentures. 62.7% of study participants had poor SPOH (defined as GOHAI score <44). Poor SPOH was significantly more frequent among males (OR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.03-7.13, p < 0.05), low-income individuals (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3 -5.8, p < 0.01), and subjects with less education (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6, p < 0.05) than among the overall subject population. The findings suggest that gender (male), low income and low educational levels have a significant influence on the self-perceived oral health status of elderly individuals, irrespective of tooth loss.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a relação entre os fatores sociodemográficos com a autopercepção da saúde bucal (SPOH) em idosos. Realizou-se um estudo transversal exploratório de 150 idosos. Para avaliar a sua percepção da saúde bucal utilizou-se o Geriatric Oral Assesment Index (GOHAI) e também foram coletados dados sociodemográficos. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o teste T Student, a razão de chances (OR) de análise de regressão logística, o teste Chi Quadrado (p < 0.05) e análise de variância ANOVA. A média do índice de dentes cariados, perdidos ou obturados (CPO-D) dos participantes no estudo foi de 20.1 ± 5.8; 21.3% foram edêntulos e 69.3% eram portadores de prótese removível. O 62.7% dos participantes no estudo teve pobre autopercepção da saúde bucal (definida com uma suma de GOHAI < 44), a qual foi significativamente mais frequente nos homens (OR = 2.72, 95% Cl: 1.03-7.13, p < 0.05), com baixa renda (OR = 2.7, 95% Cl: 1.3 - 5.8, p < 0.01), e com menor escolaridade (OR = 2.26, 95% Cl: 1.1-4.6, p <0.05) do que entre a população em geral. Os resultados presentes sugerem que nos idosos a baixa renda e a menor escolaridade têm influência significativa na autopercepção da saúde bucal, independentemente da perda dentária.

[Preventive and remineralization effect over incipient lesions of caries decay by phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate]. / Efecto preventivo y de remineralizacion de caries incipientes del fosfopeptido de caseina fosfato de calcio amorfo.

INTRODUCTION. Dental caries continues to affect a large percentage of Mexican children and currently advises that if diagnosed at an early stage can be reversed with minimally invasive treatments. The casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate known as CPP-ACP is a phosphoprotein capable of releasing calcium and phosphate ions in the oral environment promoting remineralization. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the effect of CPP-ACP with fluoride added in a scholar preventive program. MATERIAL AND METHODS. A cuasi- experimental study was conducted in 104 schools of six years old. The children were classified into three groups and received six months biweekly applications of different treatments: casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate added fluoride (CPP-ACPF), sodium fluoride (NaF) and a control group. Clinical evaluation was performed with the laser fluorescence technique (Diagnodent model 2095). 1340 teeth were included: 294 teeth with incipient lesions and 1,046 healthy teeth. Statistical tests of χ2 y Mc Nemar were used. RESULTS. In the group that received the application of CPP-ACPF, 38% of incipient carious lesions were remineralizing compared with 21% in the group receiving the NaF (p < 0.001) and 15% in the control group (p < 0.0001) The percentage of teeth free of caries were preserved in the therapy group phosphoprotein was the biggest. This group also showed the lower proportion of deep carious lesion development (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION. The application biweekly for six months of CPP-ACPF showed a protective and remineralizing effect on incipient carious lesions. His action was better than the application of NaF. However, to reduce the impact from dental caries in schoolchildren is important to have a comprehensive preventive approach that includes promoting self-care, as well as the application of sealants.

Perfil de salud bucodental en un grupo de adultos mayores del estado de Hidalgo / Bucco-dental health profile of a group of senior citizens in the state of Hidalgo

Introducción: acciones como la promoción de la salud contribuyen contribuyen al incremento de la esperanza de vida, con el constante aumento en el número de personas ancianas. Objetivo: Determinar el perfilepidemiológico de salud bucodental en un grupo de adultos mayores del estado de Hidalgo. Metodología: Estudio observacional, prolectivo, transversal y descriptivo en 102 adultos mayores del estado de Hidalgo. La evaluación de higiene bucal se realizó con el IHOS,la experiencia de caries con el CPOD, caries radicular con el índice de Katz (ICR) y las periodontopatías con el índice de Russell (IP). Resultados: El valor del IHOS de los adultos mayores fue de 1.7 (± 0.8); en los > 70 años de edad, la higiene bucodental es defi ciente(p < 0.04). El promedio del índice CPOD fue de 19.7 (± 6.1), la categoría más alta del índice fue diente perdido (11.1 ± 9.2); por sexo se presentaron diferencias estadísticamente signifi cativas en cariado (p < 0.002) y perdido (p < 0.04). La caries radicular fue de 24.9 por ciento (IC95 por ciento 20.7-29.1), aun cuando no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas se observa que, el ICR es mayor en: sexo masculino (28.3 por ciento; IC95 por ciento 21.1-35.5), mayores de 70 años (25.9 por ciento; IC95% 19.7-32.1) y escolaridad > 6 años (25.5 por ciento; IC95 por ciento 15.0-36.0)...

Introduction:Actions such as promoting health help increase life expectancy and contribute to the ever-increasing number of seniors in our society. Objective: To determine the epidemiological profi le of bucco-dental health in a group of senior citizens from the state of Hidalgo. Methodology: We carried out a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, prolective study involving 102 senior citizens from the state of Hidalgo. The subjects’ oral hygiene was evaluated using the Simplifi ed Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S); their history of caries using the DMFT Index; root caries using Katz’s root caries index (RCI); and periodontal diseases using Russell’s periodontal index (PI). Results:The value of the OHI-S of the subjects was 1.7 (± 0.8); at > 70 years old, bucco-dental hygiene was defi cient (p < 0.04). The average DMFT Index was 19.7 (± 6.1); the highest category in the index was tooth loss (11.1 ± 9.2). There were statistically signifi cant differences between the sexes in terms of caries (p < 0.002) and tooth loss (p < 0.04). The prevalence of root caries was 24.9% (IC95% 20.7-29.1). Though there were no signifi cant statistical differences, we did fi nd the RCI to be higher in males (28.3%; IC95% 21.1-35.5), people over 70 (25.9%; IC95%19.7-32.1), and people with > 6 years of formal education (25.5%; IC95% 15.0-36.0).

Childhood obesity prevention: an intervention targeting primary caregivers of school children.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) was used to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally relevant, science-based intervention for the prevention of childhood obesity in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a US Commonwealth in the western Pacific. This cognitive behavioral lifestyle intervention, Project Familia Giya Marianas (PFGM), was offered during the 2005-2007 school years in all CNMI public elementary schools over eight sessions to primary caregivers of 3rd grade children (N = 407). A crossover design was utilized with half of the schools offering the intervention in the Fall term, while the other half delivered the sessions in the Spring term. The primary outcome measure was change in BMI z-score. There was an intervention-dependent effect on BMI z-score, with program impact being a function of baseline BMI and the number of lessons attended. This effect was most apparent in students whose baseline BMI z-score was in healthy range (>/=5 to <85 percentile). In both Asian and Pacific Island groups, children whose caregivers completed 5-8 lessons experienced a significant change in BMI z-score as compared to those with 0 lessons (P < 0.05). Research that integrates multidisciplinary and multimethod approaches is effective in identifying and/or devising solutions to address a complex condition such as childhood obesity. PFGM demonstrated that community participation can be successfully utilized in the development and implementation of childhood obesity prevention programs.

TWIST1 overexpression is associated with nodal invasion and male sex in primary colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that has been involved in tumor progression and metastasis in several cancer types, although no evidence has been provided yet on its implication in colorectal carcinogenesis. METHODS: We examined the expression pattern of TWIST1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in 54 colorectal cancer biopsies compared with each respective adjacent normal mucosa by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methodology. RESULTS: TWIST1 mRNA was found significantly overexpressed in colorectal cancer samples compared to nontumorous colon mucosa (P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that TWIST1 mRNA levels are significantly increased in patients with nodal invasion and, interestingly, a significant correlation with patient sex was also found. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for upregulation of TWIST1 mRNA in colorectal cancer is provided, suggesting its implication in the onset of malignant progression of this disease. In addition, significant higher levels of TWIST1 mRNA were found in men than in women, suggesting a possible transcriptional regulation of TWIST1 by sexual hormones. The use of TWIST1 as a new prognostic marker of advanced malignancy, and as a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer, is proposed.

Cdc42 is highly expressed in colorectal adenocarcinoma and downregulates ID4 through an epigenetic mechanism.

Cdc42, a member of Rho GTPases family, is involved in the regulation of several cellular functions, such as rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, cell-cycle progression, and transcriptional regulation. Aberrant expression or activity of Cdc42 has been reported in several tumours. Here, the specific role of Cdc42 in development and progression of colorectal cancer was analyzed through microarrays technology. A comparative analysis of Cdc42 overexpressing cells versus cells with decreased Cdc42 levels through siRNA revealed that Cdc42 overexpression down-regulated the potential tumour suppressor gene ID4. Results were validated by quantitative RT-PCR and the methylation status of the specific promoter, analyzed. Methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR analysis revealed that Cdc42 induced the methylation of the CpG island of the ID4 promoter. Colorectal adenocarcinoma samples were compared with the corresponding adjacent normal tissue of the same patient in order to determine specific gene expression levels. The downregulation of ID4 by Cdc42 was also found of relevance in colorectal adenocarcinoma biopsies. Cdc42 was found to be overexpressed with high incidence (60%) in colorectal cancer samples, and this expression was associated with silencing of ID4 with statistical significance (p<0.05). Cdc42 may have a role in the development of colon cancer. Furthermore, inhibition of Cdc42 activity may have a direct impact in the management of colorectal cancer.

High prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among noninjecting drug users: association with sharing the inhalation implements of crack.

BACKGROUND: Most of the prevalent cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are attributable to intravenous drug using. However, a substantial number of individuals, particularly noninjecting drug users (NIDU), report no identifiable source of HCV exposure. This may be interpreted as inaccurate reporting of past intravenous exposure or as the presence of an unidentified source of HCV infection. Because of this, we evaluated the prevalence of and factors associated with HCV infection among NIDU. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-two individuals who were attended from 2003 to 2004 in a drug addiction facility because of noninjecting drug use were included. RESULTS: HCV infection was detected in 23 (12.6%) participants. Sharing the inhalation tube of crack cocaine [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-9.8, P=0.01], presence of tattoos (AOR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.1, P=0.02) and age >or=34 years (AOR 3.9, 95% CI 1.3-11.6, P=0.01) 3.9 were independently associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HCV infection in NIDU is higher than in general population. HCV infection is more likely among older drug users, those with tattoos and crack cocaine users that share the inhalation implements.

Differential expression of Rac1 identifies its target genes and its contribution to progression of colorectal cancer.

The small GTPase Rac1 is involved in the regulation of critical cellular functions, such as transcription control, cell cycle, and organization of actin cytoskeleton. Rac1 signalling modulates cancer progression since its overexpression leads to an increased tumour growth of xenografts of human colorectal tumour cells, while a drastic reduction of Rac1 expression by siRNA interferes with cancer progression (Espina et al., unpublished results). We aimed to study the molecular basis for the specific contribution of Rac1 in the progression of colorectal cancer. Comparative microarray analysis of a human colorectal carcinoma cell line genetically engineered to display different levels of Rac1 identified novel target genes for this GTPase. These results suggest that Rac1 plays a critical role in signalling transduction pathways relevant to human colorectal tumour progression, such as activation of Wnt signalling, inhibition of TGF-beta signalling, and enhancement of metastasis-inducing genes.

Manejo estomatológico del paciente con prótesis valvular cardíaca / Dental management of the patient with valvular prosthesis

El paciente portador de prótesis valvular puede presentar riesgos durante su atención estomatológica, entre los que se encuentran la endocarditis bacteriana y las hemorragias. El objetivo fue determinar el manejo estomatológico en pacientes con prótesis valvular cardiaca del Hospital de Cardiología Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI. El estudio se realizó en 23 pacientes de ambos sexos de 3 a 78 años de edad portadores de prótesis valvular, que requerían atención estomatológica. Los resultados mostraron que el manejo estomatológico de estos pacientes requirió de la premedicación con antibioticoterapia para evitar endocarditis bacteriana, además fue necesario suspender el anticoagulante y utilizar hemostáticos para prevenir hemorragia; a pesar de las medidas tomadas, tres pacientes presentaron sangrado continuo, cediendo en dos de ellos al suspender el anticoagulante y al hacer uso de hemostáticos locales y en otro al administrar plasma fresco congelado. Se concluye que la atención estomatológica del paciente con prótesis valvular cardiaca debe realizarse a nivel hospitalario, con un equipo multidisciplinario y los recursos necesarios para proteger la vida del paciente.

Ethnicity and diet of children: development of culturally sensitive measures.

Obesity is a growing global concern. Examining dietary habits of individuals can facilitate the development of important prevention approaches, which are needed to decrease the incidence of obesity and other related diseases and improve quality of life indices. Because food preferences and dietary habits vary across cultures, it is essential that prevention programs are based on specific populations. Using both ethnographic and quantitative methods, food-consumption patterns were investigated among 1,125 children in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Differences were observed related to food frequency, age of children, and grade level. Exploratory factor analyses suggested that the individual foods were best organized into food-consumption groups that reflected cultural characteristics rather than more commonly referenced food organizational systems. In addition to developmental differences in food consumption patterns, results suggest that the ethnicity of parents may play a role in the diet of children.

Increased hepatocyte fas expression and apoptosis in HIV and hepatitis C virus coinfection.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C disease (CHC) follows an accelerated course in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. The reasons for this are unclear. Fas-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We sought to compare the expression of Fas on hepatocytes and irreversible apoptosis of hepatocytes among patients with CHC with and without HCV/HIV coinfection. METHODS: Fas-immunostained hepatocytes were semiquantified, and apoptotic hepatocytes were detected by staining caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 filaments and counted across the entire section of liver-biopsy specimens from HCV-infected patients with and without HCV/HIV coinfection. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four HCV/HIV-coinfected and 100 HCV-infected patients were included. HCV/HIV coinfection was associated with both diffuse distribution of Fas-stained hepatocytes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 7.4 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.8-14.4]) and with apoptotic hepatocyte counts greater than the median (AOR, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.5-4.5]). In HCV/HIV-coinfected patients, CD4+ cell nadir<200 cells/mL was associated with both Fas expression (AOR, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.3-6.8]) and hepatocyte apoptosis (AOR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.1-4.9]). CONCLUSION: HCV/HIV-coinfected patients show higher levels of hepatocytes expressing Fas and undergoing irreversible apoptosis than do HCV-infected patients. However, low CD4+ cell nadirs in coinfected patients are associated with hepatocyte Fas expression and apoptosis.

Food, culture, and family: exploring the coordinated management of meaning regarding childhood obesity.

Increased rates of childhood obesity combined with more accessible information about the relationship between diet, physical activity and inactivity, and chronic diseases suggest the need for analyzing the complex process of receiving and transmitting messages related to child feeding practices. This study examined the perceptions of childhood obesity within 1 multiethnic community, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. In particular, through the use of focus groups, individuals indicated that sociocultural, familial, and official nutritional messages were most influential to their health care behaviors. The coordinated management of meaning (CMM) theory was used to gain insight into how individuals negotiate competing messages occurring at different levels of meaning. Given its focus on cultural influences (parallel to the concepts of archetypes), CMM proved especially relevant for understanding child feeding beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices in diverse ethnic populations. Implications for future health communication research that might draw from a CMM approach were identified, as well as pragmatic endeavors that focus on the development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally appropriate interventions in the prevention of childhood obesity.