L-PRF Secretome from Both Smokers/Nonsmokers Stimulates Angiogenesis and Osteoblast Differentiation In Vitro.

Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) is part of the second generation of platelet-concentrates. L-PRF derived from nonsmokers has been used in surgical procedures, with its beneficial effects in wound healing being proven to stimulate biological activities such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and differentiation. Cigarette smoking exerts detrimental effects on tissue healing and is associated with post-surgical complications; however, evidence about the biological effects of L-PRF derived from smokers is limited. This study evaluated the impact of L-PRF secretome (LPRFS) derived from smokers and nonsmokers on angiogenesis and osteoblast differentiation. LPRFS was obtained by submerging L-PRF membranes derived from smokers or nonsmokers in culture media and was used to treat endothelial cells (HUVEC) or SaOs-2 cells. Angiogenesis was evaluated by tubule formation assay, while osteoblast differentiation was observed by alkaline phosphatase and osterix protein levels, as well as in vitro mineralization. LPRFS treatments increased angiogenesis, alkaline phosphatase, and osterix levels. Treatment with 50% of LPRFS derived from smokers and nonsmokers in the presence of osteogenic factors stimulates in vitro mineralization significantly. Nevertheless, differences between LPRFS derived from smokers and nonsmokers were not found. Both LPRFS stimulated angiogenesis and osteoblast differentiation in vitro; however, clinical studies are required to determine the beneficial effect of LPRFS in smokers.

FOXO1 regulates wound-healing responses in human gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Forkhead box-O 1 (FOXO1) is a transcription factor actively involved in oral wound healing at the epithelial barrier. However, less is known regarding the role of FOXO1 during the tissue repair response in the connective tissue compartment. This study explored the involvement of FOXO1 in the modulation of fibroblast activity related to wound healing. METHODS: Primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were obtained from four healthy young donors. Myofibroblastic differentiation, collagen gel contraction, cell migration, cell spreading, and integrin activation were evaluated in the presence or absence of a FOXO1 inhibitor (AS1842856). Variations in mRNA and proteins of interest were evaluated through qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Distribution of actin, α-smooth muscle actin, and ß1 integrin was evaluated using immunofluorescence. FOXO1 and TGF-ß1 expression in gingival wound healing was assessed by immunohistochemistry in gingival wounds performed in C57BL/6 mice. Images were analyzed using ImageJ/Fiji. ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Tukey's or Dunn's post-hoc test was performed. All data are expressed as mean ± SD. p < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: FOXO1 inhibition caused a decrease in the expression of the myofibroblastic marker α-SMA along with a reduction in fibronectin, type I collagen, TGF-ß1, and ß1 integrin mRNA level. The FOXO1 inhibitor also caused decreases in cell migration, cell spreading, collagen gel contraction, and ß1 integrin activation. FOXO1 and TGF-ß1 were prominently expressed in gingival wounds in fibroblastic cells located at the wound bed. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that FOXO1 plays an important role in the modulation of several wound-healing functions in gingival fibroblast. Moreover, our findings reveal an important regulatory role for FOXO1 on the differentiation of gingival myofibroblasts, the regulation of cell migration, and collagen contraction, all these functions being critical during tissue repair and fibrosis.

[Bazex syndrome: a rare paraneoplastic disease]. / Síndrome de Bazex: una enfermedad paraneoplásica infrecuente.

Bazex syndrome is a paraneoplastic disorder most commonly linked to squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract, followed by lung cancer and other malignancies. It manifests through three stages of skin involvement that mirror the tumor's progression. Remarkably, skin lesions precede tumor symptoms or diagnosis in two-thirds of cases, underscoring the crucial role of suspecting this condition as it can promptly reveal an underlying neoplasm. Treatment primarily focuses on addressing the root neoplasm, with recurrent skin lesions potentially indicating tumor relapse. In this context, we present a clinical case involving a male patient whose manifestation of this syndrome facilitated the timely diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. This case underscores the significance of understanding this uncommon syndrome and its link to cancer, enabling early and accurate oncological diagnosis.

El síndrome de Bazex es una enfermedad paraneoplásica que se asocia con mayor frecuencia a carcinomas de células escamosas del tracto aerodigestivo superior, seguido en frecuencia por el cáncer de pulmón y otras neoplasias. Afecta a la piel en tres etapas que tienen un comportamiento paralelo al crecimiento del tumor. En dos tercios de los casos, las lesiones cutáneas preceden a los síntomas o al diagnóstico del tumor. De ahí la importancia de la sospecha de esta entidad, que puede desenmascarar a la neoplasia asociada en una etapa temprana. Su tratamiento consiste en tratar la neoplasia subyacente. La recurrencia de las lesiones cutáneas puede revelar la recaída del tumor. Comunicamos el caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino en el cual el hallazgo de este síndrome permitió realizar el diagnóstico de un adenocarcinoma de pulmón, lo cual destaca la importancia de conocer a esta rara enfermedad y su asociación con cáncer, para poder realizar el diagnóstico oncológico de forma temprana y oportuna.

Síndrome de Bazex: una enfermedad paraneoplásica infrecuente / Bazex syndrome: a rare paraneoplastic disease

Resumen El síndrome de Bazex es una enfermedad paraneoplá sica que se asocia con mayor frecuencia a carcinomas de células escamosas del tracto aerodigestivo superior, seguido en frecuencia por el cáncer de pulmón y otras neoplasias. Afecta a la piel en tres etapas que tienen un comportamiento paralelo al crecimiento del tumor. En dos tercios de los casos, las lesiones cutáneas preceden a los síntomas o al diagnóstico del tumor. De ahí la importancia de la sospecha de esta entidad, que puede desenmascarar a la neoplasia asociada en una etapa temprana. Su tratamiento consiste en tratar la neopla sia subyacente. La recurrencia de las lesiones cutáneas puede revelar la recaída del tumor. Comunicamos el caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino en el cual el hallazgo de este síndrome per mitió realizar el diagnóstico de un adenocarcinoma de pulmón, lo cual destaca la importancia de conocer a esta rara enfermedad y su asociación con cáncer, para poder realizar el diagnóstico oncológico de forma tem prana y oportuna.

Abstract Bazex syndrome is a paraneoplastic disorder most commonly linked to squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract, followed by lung cancer and other malignancies. It manifests through three stages of skin involvement that mirror the tumor's progression. Remarkably, skin lesions precede tumor symptoms or diagnosis in two-thirds of cases, underscoring the cru cial role of suspecting this condition as it can promptly reveal an underlying neoplasm. Treatment primarily focuses on addressing the root neoplasm, with recurrent skin lesions potentially indicating tumor relapse. In this context, we present a clinical case involving a male patient whose manifestation of this syndrome facilitated the timely diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. This case underscores the significance of understand ing this uncommon syndrome and its link to cancer, enabling early and accurate oncological diagnosis.

Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) Obtained from Smokers and Nonsmokers Shows a Similar Uniaxial Tensile Response In Vitro.

We evaluated and compared the biomechanical properties of Leukocyte-and Platelet Rich Fibrin L-PRF clots and membranes derived from smoker and nonsmoker donors. Twenty venous-blood donors (aged 18 to 50 years) were included after signing informed consent forms. L-PRF clots were analyzed and then compressed to obtain L-PRF membranes. L-PRF clot and membrane samples were tested in quasi-static uniaxial tension and the stress-stretch response was registered and characterized. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope representative images were taken to see the fibrin structure from both groups. The analysis of stress-stretch curves allowed us to evaluate the statistical significance in differences between smoker and nonsmoker groups. L-PRF membranes showed a stiffer response and higher tensile strength when compared to L-PRF clots. However, no statistically significant differences were found between samples from smokers and nonsmokers. With the limitations of our in vitro study, we can suggest that the tensile properties of L-PRF clots and membranes from the blood of smokers and nonsmokers are similar. More studies are necessary to fully characterize the effect of smoking on the biomechanical behavior of this platelet concentrate, to further encourage its use as an alternative to promote wound healing in smokers.

Relationship of vitamin D with the anthropometric indicators and lifestyle of adults. Medellín. Colombia

Introduction: Serum vitamin D levels depend on sunlight, diet, and other factors. Objective: We aimed to determine serum vitamin D levels and evaluate their relationship with anthropometric indicators and lifestyle habits in apparently healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study (n=75), socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle habit-related data were collected. Serum vitamin D levels were determined with high performance liquid chromatography, food intake was measured by semiquantitative frequency and nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry. Chi-square test and also principal component analysis were used to analyze the relationship between some variables and vitamin D status. Spearman's test was used to determine correlations between quantitative variables. Results: 73% were women and 61% belonged to medium socio-economic level. Median vitamin D intake was 137 (83.1­227.3) IU/day. Based on body mass index (BMI), 44% individuals had overweight/obesity. The 68% exhibited deficient/insufficient vitamin D levels (Hypovitaminosis D). BMI classification and waist circumference (CW) were not related with vitamin D status; however, activities with higher sun exposure were highly related (p = 0.013). Sun exposure time explained variation in component 2 (16.60%), where most of the individuals with normal level were grouped. Sun exposure time was positively correlated with vitamin D status (r = 0.263; p = 0.023). Discussion: Excess weight and abdominal obesity are not always associated with hypovitaminosis D. Conclusions: The majority of individuals showed hypovitaminosis D but their status was not related with anthropometric indicators. A Sun exposure time was the only factor positively correlated with vitamin D status.

Introducción: Los niveles séricos de vitamina D dependen de la luz solar, la dieta y otros factores. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue determinar los niveles séricos de vitamina D y evaluar su relación con indicadores antropométricos y estilos de vida en voluntarios aparentemente sanos. Materiales y métodos: En este estudio trasversal (n=75) se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, antropométricos y aquellos relacionados con hábitos y estilos de vida. La vitamina D se determinó por cromatografía liquida de alta eficiencia; la ingesta de alimentos, mediante frecuencia semicuantitativa, y el estado nutricional por antropometría. Para analizar la relación entre algunas variables y el estado de la vitamina D se usó la prueba de Chi cuadrado y también el análisis de componentes principales. Se empleó la prueba de Spearman para determinar la correlación entre variables cuantitativas. Resultados: El 73% eran mujeres y el 61% pertenecían a un estrato socioeconómico medio. La mediana de la ingesta de vitamina D fue de 137 (83,1­227,3) UI/día. Según el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el 44% de los individuos tenían sobrepeso/obesidad. El 68% mostro deficiencia/insuficiencia de vitamina D (hipovitaminosis D). La clasificación del IMC y la circunferencia abdominal no se relacionaron con el estado de la vitamina D; sin embargo, las actividades con una mayor exposición solar estuvieron altamente relacionadas (p=0,013). El tiempo de exposición solar explico la variación en el componente 2 (16,60%) donde se agruparon la mayoría de los individuos con niveles normales. El tiempo de exposición solar tuvo una correlación positiva con el estado de la vitamina D (r = 0,263; p = 0,023). Discusión: El exceso de peso y la obesidad abdominal no siempre se relacionan con la hipovitaminosis D. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los individuos presentaron hipovitaminosis D, pero su estado no se relacionó con los indicadores antropométricos. El tiempo de exposición al sol fue el único factor que se correlaciono positivamente con el estado de la vitamina D.

Introdução: Os níveis séricos de vitamina D dependem da luz solar, da dieta e de outros fatores. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi determinar os níveis séricos de vitamina D e avaliar sua relação com indicadores antropométricos e hábitos de vida em voluntários aparentemente saudáveis. Materiais e métodos: Neste estudo transversal (n=75), foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos e relacionados a hábitos de vida. Os níveis séricos de vitamina D foram determinados por cromatografia liquida de alto desempenho, a ingestão de alimentos foi medida por frequência semiquantitativa e o estado nutricional foi avaliado por antropometria. O teste do qui-quadrado e a análise de componentes principais foram utilizados para analisar a relação entre algumas variáveis e o estado da vitamina D. O teste de Spearman foi usado para determinar as correlações entre as variáveis quantitativas. Resultados: 73% eram mulheres e 61% pertenciam a um nível socioeconômico médio. A ingestão media de vitamina D foi de 137 (83,1-227,3) UI/dia. Com base no índice de massa corporal (IMC), 44% dos indivíduos tinham sobrepeso/obesidade. Os 68% apresentaram níveis deficientes/insuficientes de vitamina D (hipovitaminose D). A classificação do IMC e a circunferência da cintura (CW) não foram relacionadas ao status da vitamina D; entretanto, as atividades com maior exposição ao sol foram altamente relacionadas (p = 0,013). O tempo de exposição ao sol explicou a variação no componente 2 (16,60%), onde a maioria dos indivíduos com nível normal foi agrupada. O tempo de exposição ao sol foi positivamente correlacionado com o status de vitamina D (r = 0,263; p = 0,023). Discussão: O excesso de peso e a obesidade abdominal nem sempre estão associados com a hipovitaminose D. Conclusões: A maioria dos indivíduos apresentou hipovitaminose D, mas seu status não foi relacionado com indicadores antropométricos. O tempo de exposição ao sol foi o único fator positivamente correlacionado com o status da vitamina D.

Smoking habits do not affect biological responses induced by leucocyte and platelet-rich fibrin in periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin has been developed to stimulate wound healing response. However, it is currently unknown whether smoking affects the biological responses elicited by leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin on periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. This study analyzes the kinetics of biomolecule release from leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin derived from smokers and nonsmokers and their effect on periodontal ligament cell proliferation and migration as essential biological activities during wound healing. METHODS: Biomolecules present in leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin exudates and conditioned media collected from smokers and nonsmokers were analyzed by Luminex arrays. Periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cell obtained from one nonsmoker were treated with leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin exudates or leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin conditioned media derived from both smokers and nonsmokers. The parameters evaluated included cell proliferation, determined by Ki67 immunostaining and migration assessed using transwell assays. Also, cells were treated with nicotine in the presence of fetal bovine serum 10% or leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin conditioned media. RESULTS: A similar biomolecular profile was detected in leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin exudates and leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin conditioned media from smokers and nonsmokers, stimulating (periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cell) proliferation, and migration to a comparable degree. Nicotine reduced cell proliferation and migration of periodontal cells; however, this effect was recovered in the presence of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin conditioned media. CONCLUSION: Leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin derived from smokers could be an autologous source of biomolecules to stimulate cell biological activities involved in wound healing in smokers who have difficulties in ceasing this habit. Clinical trials are required to evaluate the impact of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin on healing responses in smokers.

Europium(III)-Doped Gadolinium(III) Complex for High-Sensitivity Temperature Sensing in the Physiological Range.

A new Eu3+-doped Gd3+ complex of formula [Eu0.0135Gd0.9865(pta)3me-phen] was synthesized and structurally characterized (Hpta = benzoyltrifluoroacetone, me-phen = 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline). The photoluminescence study revealed that when the compound was excited at RT, under a 457 nm continuous laser, the material exhibited high luminescence due to the antenna effect of the ligands, as well as a good balance between the phosphorescence from the spin-forbidden triplet (from the organic ligands), and the characteristic lanthanide f-f transitions. The ratio between the previous emissions drastically changed when the sample was heated up to 62 °C inside a tubular furnace. This ratio was investigated using the luminescence intensity ratio method, to analyze the capabilities of the sample as a temperature sensor. The relative sensitivity reached a maximum of 11.4 °C-1 %, maintaining a detection limit below 0.15 °C for the whole temperature range.

Experimental and Numerical Validation of Whispering Gallery Resonators as Optical Temperature Sensors.

This study experimentally and numerically validates the commonly employed technique of laser-induced heating of a material in optical temperature sensing studies. Furthermore, the Er3+-doped glass microspheres studied in this work can be employed as remote optical temperature sensors. Laser-induced self-heating is a useful technique commonly employed in optical temperature sensing research when two temperature-dependent parameters can be correlated, such as in fluorescence intensity ratio vs. interferometric calibration, allowing straightforward sensor characterization. A frequent assumption in such experiments is that thermal homogeneity within the sensor volume, that is, a sound hypothesis when dealing with small volume to surface area ratio devices such as microresonators, but has never been validated. In order to address this issue, we performed a series of experiments and simulations on a microsphere supporting whispering gallery mode resonances, laser heating it at ambient pressure and medium vacuum while tracking the resonance wavelength shift and comparing it to the shift rate observed in a thermal bath. The simulations were done starting only from the material properties of the bulk glass to simulate the physical phenomena of laser heating and resonance of the microsphere glass. Despite the simplicity of the model, both measurements and simulations are in good agreement with a highly homogeneous temperature within the resonator, thus validating the laser heating technique.

Molecular method for the detection of Andes hantavirus infection: validation for clinical diagnostics.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome is a severe disease caused by exposure to New World hantaviruses. Early diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of specific initial symptoms. Antihantavirus antibodies are usually negative until late in the febrile prodrome or the beginning of cardiopulmonary phase, while Andes hantavirus (ANDV) RNA genome can be detected before symptoms onset. We analyzed the effectiveness of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) as a diagnostic tool detecting ANDV-Sout genome in peripheral blood cells from 78 confirmed hantavirus patients and 166 negative controls. Our results indicate that RT-qPCR had a low detection limit (~10 copies), with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 94.9%. This suggests the potential for establishing RT-qPCR as the assay of choice for early diagnosis, promoting early effective care of patients, and improving other important aspects of ANDV infection management, such as compliance of biosafety recommendations for health personnel in order to avoid nosocomial transmission.

Influence on Visual Quality of Intraoperative Orientation of Asymmetric Intraocular Lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual quality when changing the intraocular orientation of the Lentis Mplus LS-312MF nonrotational symmetric +3.00 diopters aspheric multifocal intraocular lens ([IOL] Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) in normal eyes. METHODS: An artificial eye was used to measure the in vitro wavefront of the IOL. The corneal topography of 20 healthy patients was obtained. For each eye, a computational analysis simulated the implantation of the IOL. The modulation transfer function (MTF) and an image quality parameter (visually modulated transfer function [VSMTF] metric) were calculated for a 5.0-mm pupil and for three conditions: distance, intermediate, and near vision. The procedure was repeated for each eye after a rotation of the IOL with respect to the cornea from 0° to 360° in 1° steps. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant differences in mean VSMTF values between orientations for distance vision. Optimal orientation of the IOL (different for each eye) showed a mean improvement of 58% ± 19% (range: 20% to 121%) in VSMTF values with respect to the worst possible orientation. For these orientations, intermediate and near vision quality were statistically indistinguishable. The MTFs were different between orientations, showing a mean difference of approximately 5 cycles per degree in the maximum spatial frequencies that can be transferred between the best and the worst orientations for distance vision. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that implantation of this nonrotational symmetric IOL should improve visual outcomes if it is oriented to coincide with a customized meridian. A simple, practical method is proposed to find an approximation to the angle that an Mplus IOL should be inserted.

Basiliximab en el tratamiento del rechazo celular agudo resistentea los corticoides postrasplante hepático / Basiliximab in the treatment of acute steroid-resistant rejection after liver transplantation

Se presenta el caso de un receptor de un trasplante hepático con la indicación de cirrosis hepática alcohólica y carcinoma hepatocelular en estadio inicial que presentó un rechazo celular agudo resistente a los corticoides demostrado por biopsia a los 3 meses del trasplante. Tras la ausencia de mejora analítica o histológica con 6-metil-prednisolona intravenosa y la conversión del régimen inmunosupresor a tacrolimus y micofenolato mofetil, se administraron 2 dosis de basiliximab intravenoso separadas por 4 días, asistiendo a la normalización clínica, analítica e histológica. No se detectaron episodios adversos relacionados con el tratamiento con basiliximab. El basiliximab puede representar una opción terapéutica en el rechazo celular agudo resistente a los corticoides tras el trasplante hepático, sin que se hayan observado infecciones, neoplasias ni otros efectos adversos potencialmente relacionados en este caso (AU)

We present the case of a liver transplant recipient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma who developed biopsy-proven acute steroid-resistant rejection 3 months after liver transplantation. After the failure of immunosuppressive therapy with intravenous boluses of 6-methyl-prednisolone and switching of the immunosuppressive regimen to tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil, two doses of intravenous basiliximab were administered four days apart. Clinical, analytical, and biopsy-proven histological response was complete. No basiliximab-related adverse events were detected. Basiliximab may represent an alternative in liver transplantation immune suppression to treat acute steroid-resistant rejection, without increasing the incidence of infections, neoplasms, or other adverse events, as shown by this case (AU)

[Basiliximab in the treatment of acute steroid-resistant rejection after liver transplantation]. / Basiliximab en el tratamiento del rechazo celular agudo resistente a los corticoides postrasplante hepático.

We present the case of a liver transplant recipient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma who developed biopsy-proven acute steroid-resistant rejection 3 months after liver transplantation. After the failure of immunosuppressive therapy with intravenous boluses of 6-methyl-prednisolone and switching of the immunosuppressive regimen to tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil, two doses of intravenous basiliximab were administered four days apart. Clinical, analytical, and biopsy-proven histological response was complete. No basiliximab-related adverse events were detected. Basiliximab may represent an alternative in liver transplantation immunosuppression to treat acute steroid-resistant rejection, without increasing the incidence of infections, neoplasms, or other adverse events, as shown by this case.

Efficacy of intravenous iron in treating iron deficiency anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Are there predictors of response?

INTRODUCTION: In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a very common disorder. Until recently,oral iron has been the mainstay therapy, nevertheless it has been associated with intolerance and noncompliance. Therefore, the goal of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous iron in IDA in IBD patients and the secondary aim was to investigate whether other potencial factors could influence in the response to the treatment. DESIGN: An open-label, prospective, consecutive, single centre study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed our study in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn´s disease (CD) with severe anaemia or intolerance with oral iron. All of them received intravenous sacarose iron and did biochemistry profile with hemoglobin (Hb). Moreover, the correlation with other variables was studied: age,sex, smoking habit, IBD type, previous surgery and type of surgery and other treatments. Response was defined as Hb increase of ≥ 2 g/dL or normalization of the levels. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were included into the study, 34(63%) with UC y 20 (37%) with CD, 18 (33.3%) men and 36 wo-men (66.6%) and the average was 48 +/- 14 years. The total proportion of responders was 52% (SD +/- 05); 43% of the patients reached Hb ≥ 2 g/dl and y 9% of them normalized Hb. Only the utilization of 5-ASA was associated with low response to iron treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that response to intravenous iron is achievable in the majority of patients with IBD and severe IDA or intolerance treatment with oral iron. Moreover, the patients with consumption of 5-ASA could had less response to the treatment.

Eficacia del hierro intravenoso en el tratamiento de la anemia ferropénica en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. ¿Existen factores predictivos de respuesta? / Efficacy of intravenous iron in treating iron deficiency anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Are there predictors of response?

Introducción: la anemia por déficit de hierro es un problema frecuente en la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). Un número no despreciable de pacientes no responde o presenta intolerancia al hierro oral. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar la efica - cia del hierro sacarosa intravenoso (Venofer®) en los pacientes con EII así como los potenciales factores que pueden influir en la respuesta al mismo. Diseño: estudio abierto, unicéntrico y con una inclusión consecutiva de casos. Material y métodos: se incluyeron pacientes con colitis ulcerosa (CU) y enfermedad de Crohn (EC) con anemia grave o anemia moderada con intolerancia al hierro oral. A todos los pacientes se les administró hierro sacarosa intravenoso y se les realizó una analítica que incluía hemoglobina (Hb). Además fueron estratificados según edad, sexo, hábito tabáquico, localización, patrón de la enfermedad, cirugías previas, tipos de cirugías, otras manifestaciones extraintestinales y tratamientos concomitantes. Se consideró como respuesta al tratamiento un aumento de la Hb igual o mayor de 2 g/dl o la normalización de la misma. Resultados: se incluyeron 54 pacientes, 34 (63%) con CU y 20 (37%) con EC, 18 (33,3%) hombres y 36 mujeres (66,6%), con edad media de 48 ± 14 años. El porcentaje total de respondedores se situó en el 52% (DE ± 0,5); un 43% experimentó un incremento de la Hb >= 2 g/dl y un 9% normalizó las cifras de Hb. En cuanto a los demás factores analizados tan solo se observó una disminución de respuesta al tratamiento en los pacientes que recibieron5-ASA (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: el tratamiento con hierro sacarosa intravenoso podría ser eficaz en los pacientes con EII con anemia grave o intolerancia al hierro oral. La utilización de salicilatos podría influir en la respuesta al tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a very common disorder. Until recently, oral iron has been the mainstay therapy, nevertheless it has been associated with intolerance and noncompliance. Therefore, the goal of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous iron in IDA in IBD patients and the secondary aim was to investigate whether other potencial factors could influence in the response to the treatment. Design: an open-label, prospective, consecutive, single centre study. Material and methods: we performed our study in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) with severe anaemia or intolerance with oral iron. All of them received intravenous sacarose iron and did biochemistry profile with hemoglobine (Hb). Moreover, the correlation with other variables was studied: age, sex, smoking habit, IBD type, previous surgery and type of surgery and other treatments. Response was defined as Hb increase of >= 2 g/dL or normalization of the levels. Results: fifty-four patients were included into the study, 34 (63%) with UC y 20 (37%) with CD, 18 (33.3%) men and 36 women (66.6%) and the average was 48 ± 14 years. The total proportion of responders was 52% (SD ± 05); 43% of the patients reached Hb >= 2 g/dl and y 9% of them normalized Hb. Only the utilization of 5-ASA was associated with low response to iron treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: our study suggests that response to intravenous iron is achievable in the majority of patients with IBD and severe IDA or intolerance treatment with oral iron. Moreover, the patients with consumption of 5-ASA could had less response to the treatment(AU)

Presencia de un polimorfismo de la CSP-12 relacionado consusceptibilidad a sepsis grave en una muestra de trespoblaciones colombianas / Presence of a polymorphism of the csp-12 related with susceptibility to severe sepsis in colombian individuals from three different populations

La sepsis, un síndrome de respuesta sistémica a la infección, es un problema de salud pública asociado a alta morbilidad y mortalidad alrededor del mundo. Entre los múltiples genes asociados a esta enfermedad se encuentra el gen que codifica para la caspasa-12 (csp-12), en el cual se ha identificado un polimorfismo de un sólo nucleótido (125T>C) en el exón 4 que predice una forma larga (L) de la proteína, que a su vez se ha asociado con riesgo de sepsis grave y alta mortalidad. Además, se ha demostrado que la frecuencia del alelo L es mucho mayor en poblaciones afroamericanas. Este estudio evalúa la presencia ó el polimorfismo 125T®C de la csp-12 en 128 individuos: 81 pacientes de Medellín con diagnóstico de sepsis, 23 individuos sanos de una población afroamericana del Chocó y24 individuos sanos provenientes de Medellín. En las tres poblaciones se encontraron 121 individuos homocigotos S/S (csp-12 corta) y 7 heterocigotos S/L discriminados así: 3 pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis, 3 individuos afroamericanos y 1 de la población sana de Medellín. Nuestros resultados muestran que, a pesar de ser una muestra pequeña, en nuestra población existe el alelo L, encontrándose en mayor frecuencia en individuos afroamericanos y en una menor proporción en los mestizos, tanto pacientes como en los individuos sanos. Esto indica que la población afroamericana de Colombia podría tener mayor susceptibilidad a sepsis grave que las poblaciones mestizas, las cuales, se ha demostrado, son producto de mezcla europea, amerindia y africana, ésta última en una baja proporción. Por lo tanto, se deben efectuar estudios más amplios para un mejor entendimiento de las bases genéticas de la respuesta inmune de pacientes con sepsis, con el fin de diseñar terapias más racionales y personalizadas para prevenir este síndrome.

Sepsis, a syndrome of systemic response to infection is a major public health problem, because it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Among the genes shown to be associated with this syndrome, there is one which encodes for caspase-12 (csp-12). Within this gene, the single nucleotide polymorphism 125T>C located in exon4, which predicts a long form of the protein, has been associated with severe sepsis and increased related mortality. On the other hand, higher frequency of allele L has been reported in African American populations. The present study evaluated the csp-12 polymorphism125T>C in 128 individuals: 81 patients with sepsis, 23 healthy African Colombian subjects and 24 healthy individuals from Medellin-Colombia. We found 121 individuals homozygous S/S (csp-12 short) in these three populations and 7 heterozygotes S/L, discriminated as follows: 3 septic patients, 3 African Colombians and 1 healthy subject from Medellin. This preliminary data suggest that the csp-12L allele is present in the Colombian population, both in African Colombians and Mestizo individuals (either septic patients or healthy individuals). Therefore, more comprehensive studies should be performed to better understand the genetic basis of the immune response of patients with sepsis in order to design more rational and personalized therapies to prevent this syndrome.

Interferometric Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor with an array of four-hole apertures.

A modified Hartmann test based on the interference produced by a four-hole mask can be used to measure an unknown wavefront. To scan the wavefront, the interference pattern is measured for different positions of the mask. The position of the central fringe of the diamond-shaped interference pattern gives a measure of the local wavefront slopes. Using a set of four-hole apertures located behind an array of lenslets in such a way that each four-hole window is inside one lenslet area, a set of four-hole interference patterns can be obtained in the back focal plane of the lenslets without having to scan the wavefront. The central fringe area of each interference pattern is narrower than the area of the central maximum of the diffraction pattern of the lenslet, increasing the accuracy in the estimate of the lobe position as compared with the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor.

Trombosis portal / Portal vein thrombosis

La trombosis del eje esplenoportal no asociada a cirrosis hepática o a enfermedad tumoral es la segunda causa de hipertensión portal en el mundo occidental. Hasta en un 60% de los casos es posible identificar un trastorno protrombótico sistémico subyacente como factor etiológico. Los factores locales son los causantes de un tercio de los casos, y no es infrecuente la coexistencia de varias entidades. Por eso, en estos pacientes es de vital importancia el diagnóstico etiológico. El inicio de una anticoagulación precoz en la fase aguda de la trombosis venosa portal (TVP) incidirá de manera significativa en la probabilidad de recanalización y, por tanto, en el pronóstico de estos pacientes. En la fase crónica de la TVP (o cavernomatosis portal), la sintomatología y la morbilidad vienen dadas por las complicaciones de la hipertensión portal desarrolladas. Hasta la fecha, la anticoagulación en estos casos se reserva a los pacientes en los que se haya demostrado un trastorno protrombótico subyacente (AU)

Thrombosis of the splenoportal axis not associated with liver cirrhosis or tumoral disease is the second cause of portal hypertension in the western world. In up to 60% of cases, an underlying systemic prothrombotic disorder can be identified as an etiological factor. One third of cases are caused by local factors and the coexistence of several entities is not unusual. Therefore, an etiologic diagnosis is essential in these patients. Early anticoagulation therapy in the acute phase of thrombosis of the splenoportal axis significantly affects the probability of recanalization and consequently the prognosis of these patients. In the chronic phase of splenoportal thrombosis (or portal cavernoma), the symptoms are caused by the complications of established portal hypertension. To date, anticoagulation therapy is limited to patients in whom an underlying prothrombotic disorder has been demonstrated (AU)

Concentration of adipogenic and proinflammatory cytokines in the bone marrow supernatant fluid of osteoporotic women.

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass, microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to increased bone fragility, and a resulting susceptibility to fractures. Distinctive environmental bone marrow conditions appear to support the development and maintenance of the unbalance between bone resorption and bone formation; these complex bone marrow circumstances would be reflected in the fluid surrounding bone marrow cells. The content of regulatory molecules in the extracellular fluid from the human bone marrow is practically unknown. Since the content of cytokines such as adiponectin, leptin, osteoprogeterin (OPG), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (s-RANKL), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) may elicit conditions promoting or sustaining osteoporosis, in this work we compared the concentrations of the above-mentioned cytokines and also the level of the soluble receptors for both IL-6 and leptin in the extracellular fluid from the bone marrow of nonosteoporotic and osteoporotic human donors. A supernatant fluid (bone marrow supernatant fluid [BMSF]) was obtained after spinning the aspirated bone marrow samples; donors were classified as nonosteoporotic or osteoporotic after dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measuring. Specific commercially available kits were used for all measurements. The cytokines' concentration in BMSF showed differently among nonosteoporotic and osteoporotic women; this last group was characterized by higher content of proinflammatory and adipogenic cytokines. Also, osteoporotic BMSF differentiated by decreased leptin bioavailability, suggesting that insufficient leptin action may distinguish the osteoporotic bone marrow.

[Portal vein thrombosis]. / Trombosis portal.

Thrombosis of the splenoportal axis not associated with liver cirrhosis or tumoral disease is the second cause of portal hypertension in the western world. In up to 60% of cases, an underlying systemic prothrombotic disorder can be identified as an etiological factor. One third of cases are caused by local factors and the coexistence of several entities is not unusual. Therefore, an etiologic diagnosis is essential in these patients. Early anticoagulation therapy in the acute phase of thrombosis of the splenoportal axis significantly affects the probability of recanalization and consequently the prognosis of these patients. In the chronic phase of splenoportal thrombosis (or portal cavernoma), the symptoms are caused by the complications of established portal hypertension. To date, anticoagulation therapy is limited to patients in whom an underlying prothrombotic disorder has been demonstrated.