The secretome from human-derived mesenchymal stem cells augments the activity of antitumor plant extracts in vitro.

Cancer is understood as a multifactorial disease that involve multiple cell types and phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The components of the TME can interact directly or via soluble factors (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, extracellular vesicles, etc.). Among the cells composing the TME, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appear as a population with debated properties since it has been seen that they can both promote or attenuate tumor progression. For various authors, the main mechanism of interaction of MSCs is through their secretome, the set of molecules secreted into the extracellular milieu, recruiting, and influencing the behavior of other cells in inflammatory environments where they normally reside, such as wounds and tumors. Natural products have been studied as possible cancer treatments, appealing to synergisms between the molecules in their composition; thus, extracts obtained from Petiveria alliacea (Anamu-SC) and Caesalpinia spinosa (P2Et) have been produced and studied previously on different models, showing promising results. The effect of plant extracts on the MSC secretome has been poorly studied, especially in the context of the TME. Here, we studied the effect of Anamu-SC and P2Et extracts in the human adipose-derived MSC (hAMSC)-tumor cell interaction as a TME model. We also investigated the influence of the hAMSC secretome, in combination with these natural products, on tumor cell hallmarks such as viability, clonogenicity, and migration. In addition, hAMSC gene expression and protein synthesis were evaluated for some key factors in tumor progression in the presence of the extracts by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Multiplex, respectively. It was found that the presence of the hAMSC secretome did not affect the cytotoxic or clonogenicity-reducing activities of the natural extracts on cancer cells, and even this secretome can inhibit the migration of these tumor cells, in addition to the fact that the profile of molecules can be modified by natural products. Overall, our findings demonstrate that hAMSC secretome participation in TME interactions can favor the antitumor activities of natural products.

Induced selectivity in the photochemistry of estrone derivatives in sustainable and micellar environment: preparative and mechanistic studies.

In this study, we carried out preparative and mechanistic studies on the photochemical reaction of a series of 3-acylestrone derivatives in confined and sustainable micellar environment under steady-state conditions and the results were compared with those obtained in cyclohexane solution. The aim of this work is mainly focused to show whether the nature of the surfactant (cationic, neutral and anionic) leads to noticeable selectivity in the photoproduct formation. The 3-acylestrone derivatives underwent the photo-Fries rearrangement, with concomitant homolytic fragmentation of the ester group and [1;3]-acyl migration. This pathway afforded the ortho-acyl estrone derivatives, the main photoproducts together with estrone. However, epimerization of the ortho regioisomer 2-acetylestrone and estrone through Norrish Type I photoreaction occurred involving the fragmentation of the C-α at the carbonyl group (C-17) of the steroid. UV-visible and 2D-NMR (NOESY) spectroscopies have been employed to measure the binding constant Kb and the location of the steroids within the hydrophobic core of the micelle.

Colorectal cancer survival at an oncologic center in Colombia. A historic cohort study. / Supervivencia de cáncer colorrectal en un centro oncológico de Colombia. Estudio de cohorte histórica.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: In Colombia, cancer of the colon is the third most frequent cancer in relation to incidence and mortality. Five-year survival depends on stage at diagnosis, albeit that rate is not known for the country. The aim of the present study was to characterize the overall survival and disease-free survival rates in an adult population with colorectal cancer treated at an oncology center in Medellín, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The case records of patients with a histologic diagnosis of colorectal cancer, seen within the time frame of 2011 and 2015, were reviewed. The overall survival and disease-free survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 824 (54.9%) patients with cancer of the colon and 676 (45.1%) with cancer of the rectum were treated. Mean patient age was 63.3 years, female sex predominated (56.3%), and 98.1% of the tumors were adenocarcinomas. The majority of the lesions were stage iii (31.9% in the colon and 35.5% in the rectum) at the time of diagnosis. Surgery was the most frequent treatment in the colon (85.2%) and radiotherapy was the most frequent in the rectum (75.4%). Overall survival at the median follow-up (27.3 months) was 66.7% for cancer of the colon and 63.9% for cancer of the rectum. Disease-free survival at the median follow-up (18.6 months in colon and 14.9 in rectum) was 72.5 and 68.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical characteristics and treatment of patients were similar to those found in other studies. Two-year survival was higher than in other Colombian reports and 5-year survival was lower than that observed in developed countries.

Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on the development of Ehrlich solid tumor in swiss mice using a novel electroporator device / Avaliação dos efeitos da eletroquimioterapia sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos Swiss utilizando um novo eletroporador

Electrochemotherapy is a local anticancer treatment in which non-permeant chemotherapeutic drugs are associated with electric pulses of well-established parameters. The electric pulses cause pores to open on the plasma membrane and facilitate drug transport, enhancing cytotoxicity and reducing side effects. Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on Ehrlich solid tumor development in this work aims to evaluate in vivo usage of the electroporator device developed by the Department of Electrical Engineering of Engineering School of UFMG. Therefore, 40 Swiss mice were inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells, and developed the tumor in solid form. After 21 days, mice were subjected to specific treatment protocols (control, bleomycin, electric pulses and electrochemotherapy); 17 days later they were euthanized and the tumors collected for histopathology analysis. Electrochemotherapy induced discrete weight loss and an inflammatory response in the tumor, which was not seen on the other treatment groups. Bleomycin alone induced necrosis. Both groups showed lower cellular proliferation rates. From this study, it was concluded that the animals tolerated electrochemotherapy treatment under anesthesia and the electroporator device developed by the Engineering School of UFMG was adequate when used in an electrochemotherapy protocol.(AU)

Eletroquimioterapia é uma modalidade de tratamento local contra o câncer em que a administração de quimioterápicos não penetrantes à membrana plasmática é associada à aplicação de pulsos elétricos com parâmetros bem estabelecidos, que abrem poros na membrana plasmática e facilitam a entrada desses fármacos nas células, aumentando sua citotoxicidade e reduzindo efeitos colaterais. A avaliação dos efeitos da eletroquimioterapia sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos Swiss neste trabalho teve como objetivo testar o uso in vivo do aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pelo Departamento de Engenharia Elétrica da Escola de Engenharia da UFMG. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 camundongos fêmeas da linhagem Swiss, nos quais foram inoculadas células de tumor de Ehrlich, para o desenvolvimento do tumor na forma sólida. Após 21 dias, os camundongos foram submetidos ao protocolo de tratamento específico (controle, bleomicina, pulsos elétricos e eletroquimioterapia); 17 dias depois foram eutanasiados e seus tumores coletados para análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica. A eletroquimioterapia induziu perda de peso discreta e uma resposta inflamatória no tumor que não foi observada nos outros grupos. O grupo bleomicina apresentou maior porcentagem de necrose. Ambos os grupos apresentaram menor índice de proliferação celular. Com este estudo, pode-se concluir que o tratamento sob anestesia foi bem tolerado pelos animais e que o aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pela Escola de Engenharia da UFMG é adequado para utilização em um protocolo de eletroquimioterapia.(AU)

Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on the development of Ehrlich solid tumor in swiss mice using a novel electroporator device / Avaliação dos efeitos da eletroquimioterapia sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos Swiss utilizando um novo eletroporador

Electrochemotherapy is a local anticancer treatment in which non-permeant chemotherapeutic drugs are associated with electric pulses of well-established parameters. The electric pulses cause pores to open on the plasma membrane and facilitate drug transport, enhancing cytotoxicity and reducing side effects. Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on Ehrlich solid tumor development in this work aims to evaluate in vivo usage of the electroporator device developed by the Department of Electrical Engineering of Engineering School of UFMG. Therefore, 40 Swiss mice were inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells, and developed the tumor in solid form. After 21 days, mice were subjected to specific treatment protocols (control, bleomycin, electric pulses and electrochemotherapy); 17 days later they were euthanized and the tumors collected for histopathology analysis. Electrochemotherapy induced discrete weight loss and an inflammatory response in the tumor, which was not seen on the other treatment groups. Bleomycin alone induced necrosis. Both groups showed lower cellular proliferation rates. From this study, it was concluded that the animals tolerated electrochemotherapy treatment under anesthesia and the electroporator device developed by the Engineering School of UFMG was adequate when used in an electrochemotherapy protocol.(AU)

Eletroquimioterapia é uma modalidade de tratamento local contra o câncer em que a administração de quimioterápicos não penetrantes à membrana plasmática é associada à aplicação de pulsos elétricos com parâmetros bem estabelecidos, que abrem poros na membrana plasmática e facilitam a entrada desses fármacos nas células, aumentando sua citotoxicidade e reduzindo efeitos colaterais. A avaliação dos efeitos da eletroquimioterapia sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos Swiss neste trabalho teve como objetivo testar o uso in vivo do aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pelo Departamento de Engenharia Elétrica da Escola de Engenharia da UFMG. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 camundongos fêmeas da linhagem Swiss, nos quais foram inoculadas células de tumor de Ehrlich, para o desenvolvimento do tumor na forma sólida. Após 21 dias, os camundongos foram submetidos ao protocolo de tratamento específico (controle, bleomicina, pulsos elétricos e eletroquimioterapia); 17 dias depois foram eutanasiados e seus tumores coletados para análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica. A eletroquimioterapia induziu perda de peso discreta e uma resposta inflamatória no tumor que não foi observada nos outros grupos. O grupo bleomicina apresentou maior porcentagem de necrose. Ambos os grupos apresentaram menor índice de proliferação celular. Com este estudo, pode-se concluir que o tratamento sob anestesia foi bem tolerado pelos animais e que o aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pela Escola de Engenharia da UFMG é adequado para utilização em um protocolo de eletroquimioterapia.(AU)

Tumor venéreo transmisible canino de presentación atípica. reporte de caso clínico / Canine transmissible venereal tumor of atypical presentation. clinical case report

RESUMEN Se describe el caso de un paciente canino macho entero, raza Bóxer, de ocho años de edad y 30 kg de peso vivo, que ingresó a consulta en el hospital Clínico Veterinario de la Universidad Santo Tomás, sede Santiago, por un aumento de volumen en el ojo derecho, signo clínico con un curso de dos meses de evolución que no respondió al tratamiento con prednisona oral (0,7 mg/kg, dos veces al día (BID), ni a dexametasona y tobramicina en ungüento oftálmico (1 gota, tres veces al día, TID). Al examen físico se observó una masa en el tercer párpado que desplazaba el ojo lateralmente, además de una masa que se palpaba en la base lateral del pene. Se realizó una ecografía ocular que indicó la presencia de una masa de aspecto irregular con parénquima heterogéneo y características neoplásicas en la zona medial del globo ocular derecho y una ecografía abdominal que permitió detectar una masa dorsal a la vejiga. Al realizar citología ecoguiada de las masas intraabdominal y ocular, bajo sedación, se constató una inflamación supurativa, necrosis y displasia epitelial en la masa periorbitaria sugerente de neoplasia, la cual no se pudo diagnosticar fehacientemente; por su parte, la citología de la masa intraabdominal indicó la presencia de Tumor Venéreo Transmisible (TVT). El tratamiento se inició con vincristina (ocho aplicaciones i.v. de 0,7 mg/m2 cada 7 días) lográndose remisión parcial. Ante una posible resistencia al efecto de la quimioterapia, se decidió modificar la terapia a doxorrubicina (30 mg/m2) la cual tuvo respuesta positiva alcanzando remisión completa con una aplicación única.

ABSTRACT An 8 years old, 30 kg live weight, intact male, Boxer breed, was presented at the Santo Tomas Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of a volume increase in his right eye of 2 months of duration; which didn't respond to oral prednisone (0.7 mg/kg, twice a day (BID), or dexamethasone and tobramycin in ophthalmic ointment (1 drop, three times a day, TID). On physical exam, a mass in the third eyelid and another on the base of the penis were noted. Besides that, ocular ultrasonography showed an irregular mass with neoplastic characteristics in the medial area of the eyeball and abdominal ultrasound indicated a mass dorsal to the bladder. Fine needle aspiration of the eye and abdomen masses were done under sedation; cytology of the tumor in the abdomen was compatible with transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) and in the eye the results were suppurative inflammation, necrosis and epithelial dysplasia. Neoplasia couldn't be rule out or confirmed. Initial treatment was started with vincristine (8 applications i.v of 0.7 mg/m2 every 7 days) obtaining a parcial remission; so, considering a possible resistance of the cells to this drug, doxorrubicin (30 mg/rrr2) was used. The patient had a positive response to doxorrubicin achieving complete remission with a single aplication.

Clinical and endoscopic features in patients with hospital-acquired diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile infection. / Características clínicas y endoscópicas en diarrea hospitalaria asociada a infección por Clostridium difficile.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Clostridium difficile infection is the main cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea, and the clinical and endoscopic findings in those patients have been studied very little in Mexico. The aim of the present study was to describe those findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted that included patients with hospital-acquired diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile diagnosed through polymerase chain reaction. The hypervirulent NAP027 strain was also determined. The clinical and endoscopic findings in the study patients, as well as the variables associated with severity, were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 127 patients with hospital-acquired diarrhea, 97 were excluded from the study due to lack of colonoscopy. The remaining 39 study patients had a mean age of 48 years, and their most common signs/symptoms were abdominal pain (49%), mucus in stools (41%), and blood in stools (10%). The most common alterations in the laboratory results were leukocytosis in 49%, fecal leukocytes (61%), and hypoalbuminemia (67%). The main risk factor was antibiotic use in 62%, and ceftriaxone was the most widely used. The hypervirulent strain was present in 54% of the cases. Endoscopic abnormalities were found in 87% of the patients. Thirty-eight percent presented with pseudomembranous colitis, with lesions in the left colon in 53%, and in the right colon in 13%. No association was found between proton-pump inhibitor use and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. There was a significant association between hypoalbuminemia (< 3.3g/dL) and a greater risk for severe colitis, with a RR of 8.2 (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Pseudomembranous colitis lesions associated with the hypervirulent Clostridium difficile strain were predominant in the left colon. Hypoalbuminemia was a significant severity predictor.

Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on the development of Ehrlich solid tumor in swiss mice using a novel electroporator device

ABSTRACT Electrochemotherapy is a local anticancer treatment in which non-permeant chemotherapeutic drugs are associated with electric pulses of well-established parameters. The electric pulses cause pores to open on the plasma membrane and facilitate drug transport, enhancing cytotoxicity and reducing side effects. Assessment of electrochemotherapy effects on Ehrlich solid tumor development in this work aims to evaluate in vivo usage of the electroporator device developed by the Department of Electrical Engineering of Engineering School of UFMG. Therefore, 40 Swiss mice were inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells, and developed the tumor in solid form. After 21 days, mice were subjected to specific treatment protocols (control, bleomycin, electric pulses and electrochemotherapy); 17 days later they were euthanized and the tumors collected for histopathology analysis. Electrochemotherapy induced discrete weight loss and an inflammatory response in the tumor, which was not seen on the other treatment groups. Bleomycin alone induced necrosis. Both groups showed lower cellular proliferation rates. From this study, it was concluded that the animals tolerated electrochemotherapy treatment under anesthesia and the electroporator device developed by the Engineering School of UFMG was adequate when used in an electrochemotherapy protocol.

RESUMO Eletroquimioterapia é uma modalidade de tratamento local contra o câncer em que a administração de quimioterápicos não penetrantes à membrana plasmática é associada à aplicação de pulsos elétricos com parâmetros bem estabelecidos, que abrem poros na membrana plasmática e facilitam a entrada desses fármacos nas células, aumentando sua citotoxicidade e reduzindo efeitos colaterais. A avaliação dos efeitos da eletroquimioterapia sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos Swiss neste trabalho teve como objetivo testar o uso in vivo do aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pelo Departamento de Engenharia Elétrica da Escola de Engenharia da UFMG. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 camundongos fêmeas da linhagem Swiss, nos quais foram inoculadas células de tumor de Ehrlich, para o desenvolvimento do tumor na forma sólida. Após 21 dias, os camundongos foram submetidos ao protocolo de tratamento específico (controle, bleomicina, pulsos elétricos e eletroquimioterapia); 17 dias depois foram eutanasiados e seus tumores coletados para análise histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica. A eletroquimioterapia induziu perda de peso discreta e uma resposta inflamatória no tumor que não foi observada nos outros grupos. O grupo bleomicina apresentou maior porcentagem de necrose. Ambos os grupos apresentaram menor índice de proliferação celular. Com este estudo, pode-se concluir que o tratamento sob anestesia foi bem tolerado pelos animais e que o aparelho eletroporador desenvolvido pela Escola de Engenharia da UFMG é adequado para utilização em um protocolo de eletroquimioterapia.

Amplitude Modulation Approach for Real-Time Algorithms of ECG-Derived Respiration / Desarrollo de Algoritmos en Tiempo Real para Derivar la Respiración del ECG Bajo el Criterio de Amplitud Modulada

This work presents the development of an ECG-Derived Respiration (EDR) methodology based on the amplitude modulation approach. It allows to redefine actual methodologies in order to obtain a continuous EDR signals with high correlations and small delay between EDR and respiration activity. Two algorithms are implemented: one of them using the amplitude modulation of the R-peak (EDRAM) and another one applying a band-pass filter in the bandwidth of respiration. Unlike other techniques in literature, conventional low order filters are applied without sacrifice of correlation factor (0.76 and 0.67) and a minimum delay of 0.27s (with EDRAM) in a ∼6s cycle. A robustness test was performed, and it shows a noise tolerance of up to 20% of the maximum value before its correlation factor drops considerably. The application into a wearable sensor was successfully implemented. The two methodologies proposed show advantages like real-time processing and robustness under certain noises. The proposed AM perspective supports the use of both algorithms for typical applications with high efficiency, low computational cost and ease of implementation. These characteristics result on a technique that facilitates the development of wearable systems, and to increase the information of actual databases.

Este trabajo presenta una metodología para la extracción de la actividad respiratoria derivada de un ECG (EDR, por sus siglas en ingles), basado en el enfoque de amplitud modulada (AM). Esto permite redefinir las metodologías actuales para obtener una señal EDR más continua, con altos factores de correlación y un retraso menor entre la EDR y la actividad respiratoria. Se implementaron dos algoritmos: uno utilizando la modulación de la amplitud del pico R (EDRAM) y el otro aplicando un filtro paso-banda en el espectro de frecuencia de la respiración. A diferencia de otros trabajos en la literatura, se utilizan filtros convencionales de bajo orden pero sin sacrificar el factor de correlación (0.76 y 0.67) y manteniendo un retardo de ∼0.27s (con EDRAM) en un ciclo de ∼6s. Se realizó una prueba de robustez, donde se muestra una tolerancia a ruido blanco de hasta un 20% del valor máximo antes de que el factor de correlación bajara considerablemente. El algoritmo EDRAM se aplicó con éxito en un prototipo de sistema portable. Las dos metodologías propuestas muestran ventajas como el procesamiento en tiempo real y robustez bajo ciertos ruidos. La perspectiva de AM propuesta soporta el uso de ambos algoritmos para aplicaciones típicas con alta eficiencia, bajo costo computacional y facilidad de implementación. Estas características hacen que esta técnica facilite el desarrollo de sistemas portátiles, así como para incrementar la información de las bases de datos actuales.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic sheep in Oaxaca State, Mexico.

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in southern Mexico is largely unknown. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples of 429 sheep from 4 farms in 2 geographical regions in Oaxaca State, Mexico, using the modified agglutination test (MAT); 99 (23.1%) of the 429 sheep had positive MAT titers: 1:25 in 35, 1:50 in 18, 1:100 in 7, 1:200 in 1, 1:400 in 3, 1:800 in 10, 1:1,600 in 5, and 1:3,200, or higher, in 20. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection varied with management, breed of sheep, and location. It was significantly higher in sheep raised under semi-intensive (grazed on cultivated pasture and hay) conditions than in those raised under semi-extensive conditions (grazed on communal natural grass land). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in mixed-breed sheep than in pure breeds. Sheep raised in temperate climate in municipalities at 1,560-1,600 m above sea level (Central Valley region) had a significantly higher seroprevalence of T. gondii infection than those raised in semiarid and warm-humid climates in municipalities at 1,020-1,080 m of altitude (Cañada region) (29.8% vs. 7.1%, respectively). This is the first report of T. gondii infection in sheep in Oaxaca State, Mexico.

High prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in domestic pigs in Oaxaca State, Mexico.

Pigs are important in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in North America. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in 525 domestic pigs (337 backyard raised, 188 farm raised) in Oaxaca State, Mexico was determined using the modified agglutination test (MAT, cutoff 1:25). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 58 (17.2%) of the 337 backyard pigs with MAT titers of 1:25 in 10, 1:50 in 12, 1:100 in 18, 1:200 in 6, 1:400 in 6, 1:800 in 3, and 1:1,600 in 3. Seropositive pigs were found in 39 (37.9%) of 103 homes in all 7 municipalities surveyed. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in backyard pigs varied with age, gender, geographic region, climate, and altitude. High seroprevalence was found in pigs ≥ 9-mo-old (40%), in females (40%), in pigs from the Istmo region (33.3%), and in those raised in a tropical climate (65%). Seroprevalence was higher (24.5%) in pigs raised at 100-660 m above sea level than in those at 20-60 m of altitude (14.2%). With respect to farm pigs, only 1 (0.5%, MAT titer 1:100) of 188 pigs from 5 farms was positive for anti- T. gondii antibodies. The results affirm that the management system (outdoor vs. indoor system with biosecurity) is a key factor in the epidemiology of porcine toxoplasmosis. Because there is no national system of determining the T. gondii infection status at the time of slaughter, precautions should be taken while handling pig carcasses, and all pork should be cooked thoroughly before human consumption.

An Hcp100 gene fragment reveals Histoplasma capsulatum presence in lungs of Tadarida brasiliensis migratory bats.

Histoplasma capsulatum was sampled in lungs from 87 migratory Tadarida brasiliensis bats captured in Mexico (n=66) and Argentina (n=21). The fungus was screened by nested-PCR using a sensitive and specific Hcp100 gene fragment. This molecular marker was detected in 81·6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 73·4-89·7] of all bats, representing 71 amplified bat lung DNA samples. Data showed a T. brasiliensis infection rate of 78·8% (95% CI 68·9-88·7) in bats captured in Mexico and of 90·4% (95% CI 75·2-100) in those captured in Argentina. Similarity with the H. capsulatum sequence of a reference strain (G-217B) was observed in 71 Hcp100 sequences, which supports the fungal findings. Based on the neighbour-joining and maximum parsimony Hcp100 sequence analyses, a high level of similarity was found in most Mexican and all Argentinean bat lung samples. Despite the fact that 81·6% of the infections were molecularly evidenced, only three H. capsulatum isolates were cultured from all samples tested, suggesting a low fungal burden in lung tissues that did not favour fungal isolation. This study also highlighted the importance of using different tools for the understanding of histoplasmosis epidemiology, since it supports the presence of H. capsulatum in T. brasiliensis migratory bats from Mexico and Argentina, thus contributing new evidence to the knowledge of the environmental distribution of this fungus in the Americas.

[Early diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Crippling disease for life. Consensus of the Mexican College of Orthopedics and Traumatology]. / El diagnóstico oportuno de la displasia de cadera. Enfermedad discapacitante de por vida. Consenso del Colegio Mexicano de Ortopedia y Traumatología.

The developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), where the spectrum of deformity varies from a slight mismatch in the articular surfaces between the ilium and femur, which will bring a premature wear of the joint, until the situation more serious when the femoral head is out of the acetabulum, causing a host of disorders side as curvature of the spine, significant shortening of the limb deformities in the knee and the contralateral hip, as well as causing pain and loss of joint mobility mentioned. All this makes the spectrum of abnormalities in a person being disabled with a social and economic burden for the family and society. "Preventing" a clinical entity such as developmental dysplasia of the hip does not mean to anticipate the presentation, because children continue to be born with this problem, but to have a program for early detection and early treatment and thus prevent the occurrence. The goal of this study was to provide the medical community that timely tool for prevention. When diagnosed and treated in a timely and favorable prognosis qualified for motor function and quality of life.

Mechanical and functional properties of beef products obtained using microbial transglutaminase with treatments of pre-heating followed by cold binding.

Beef proteins are considered non-setting proteins and usually gels obtained by adding of microbial transglutaminase are obtained by cooking directly the solubilized paste. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of pre-heating treatments on the mechanical properties of restructured beef gels treated with microbial transglutaminase (MTG). The effect of cooling (cold binding) the solubilized pastes after the pre-heating treatments was also studied. The restructured beef gels were obtained by adding 0.3% MTG or 0% MTG (control). Three pre-heating temperatures (40, 50 or 60°C) for 30 or 60min were studied, followed by heating at 90°C for 15min. Control samples without pre-heating were also prepared. Cold binding was studied by holding pre-heated gels at 4°C for 12h before heating at 90°C for 15min. Changes in mechanical properties (texture profile analysis and puncture test), color attributes, expressible water and cooking loss were determined. Results indicated that the better mechanical properties can be obtained by pre-heating beef pastes at 50°C for 30min with minimal effect on color, expressible water and cooking loss when 0.3% of MTG is added. It was concluded that there were no practical advantages by pre-heating the gels for 60min. Cold binding did not improve the mechanical properties of beef gels.

Association of serum pepsinogen with atrophic body gastritis in Costa Rica.

Individuals with atrophic gastritis (AG), especially atrophic body gastritis (ABG), are at increased risk of developing gastric cancer. Serum concentrations of pepsinogens (PG) have been proposed as markers for ABG. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for AG and ABG and the potential of using serum PG concentrations to detect ABG in a dyspeptic population in Costa Rica, which is one of the countries with the highest incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer in the world. Seven biopsy specimens, a fasting blood sample and a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic factors were obtained from 501 consecutive dyspeptic patients. The serum PGI level and the PGI/PGII ratios were significantly lower in patients with ABG than in other groups (P<0.000). A cut-off point of 3.4 led to a sensitivity of 91.2% in identifying ABG, a negative predictive value of 98.1%, but a positive predictive value of only 11.2%. Helicobacter pylori were present in 93% of the patients and all those with peptic ulcers were positive. AG was associated with increased age, lower body mass index, high alcohol intake and low fruit consumption. ABG was associated with age, alcohol consumption and PGI/PGII<3.4. In dyspeptic patients with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, serum PG levels provide an assessment of ABG but it is necessary to introduce other serological and genetic markers in order to achieve a better specificity. Those markers could be serum antibodies to H. pylori-CagA, cytokine gene polymorphisms or others.

Hyperhomocystinemia in patients with coronary artery disease.

Hyperhomocystinemia has been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in several studies. The C677T polymorphism for the gene that encodes the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) and low plasma folate levels are common causes of hyperhomocystinemia. Due to differences in nutritional patterns and genetic background among different countries, we evaluated the role of hyperhomocystinemia as a coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factor in a Brazilian population. The relation between homocysteine (Hcy) and the extent of CAD, measured by an angiographic score, was determined. A total of 236 patients referred for coronary angiography for clinical reasons were included. CAD was found in 148 (62.7%) patients and 88 subjects had normal or near normal arteries. Patients with CAD had higher Hcy levels [mean (SD)] than those without disease (14 (6.8) vs 12.5 (4.0) microM; P = 0.04). Hyperhomocystinemia (Hcy >17.8 microM) prevalence was higher in the CAD group: 31.1 vs 12.2% (P = 0.01). After adjustment for major risk factors, we found an independent association between hyperhomocystinemia and CAD (OR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.02-6.14). Patients with a more advanced coronary score had a higher frequency of hyperhomocystinemia and tended to have higher mean Hcy levels. An inverse relation between plasma folate and Hcy levels was found (r = -0.14; P = 0.04). Individuals with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism had a higher prevalence of hyperhomocystinemia than those without the mutated allele. We conclude that hyperhomocystinemia is independently associated with CAD, with a positive association between Hcy level and disease severity.

Hyperhomocystinemia in patients with coronary artery disease

Hyperhomocystinemia has been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in several studies. The C677T polymorphism for the gene that encodes the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme (MTHFR) and low plasma folate levels are common causes of hyperhomocystinemia. Due to differences in nutritional patterns and genetic background among different countries, we evaluated the role of hyperhomocystinemia as a coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factor in a Brazilian population. The relation between homocysteine (Hcy) and the extent of CAD, measured by an angiographic score, was determined. A total of 236 patients referred for coronary angiography for clinical reasons were included. CAD was found in 148 (62.7 percent) patients and 88 subjects had normal or near normal arteries. Patients with CAD had higher Hcy levels [mean (SD)] than those without disease (14 (6.8) vs 12.5 (4.0) æM; P = 0.04). Hyperhomocystinemia (Hcy >17.8 æM) prevalence was higher in the CAD group: 31.1 vs 12.2 percent (P = 0.01). After adjustment for major risk factors, we found an independent association between hyperhomocystinemia and CAD (OR = 2.48; 95 percent CI = 1.02-6.14). Patients with a more advanced coronary score had a higher frequency of hyperhomocystinemia and tended to have higher mean Hcy levels. An inverse relation between plasma folate and Hcy levels was found (r = -0.14; P = 0.04). Individuals with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism had a higher prevalence of hyperhomocystinemia than those without the mutated allele. We conclude that hyperhomocystinemia is independently associated with CAD, with a positive association between Hcy level and disease severity.

Valsartan-induced hematocrit changes in renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor type 1 blockers (ARB) are frequently prescribed for renal transplant patients. The main reasons for their use are that their antihypertensive and antifibrogenic effects may prevent chronic renal allograft dysfunction, potentially improving transplant survival. Furthermore, ACE and ARB have been used to reduce the hematocrit in patients with posttransplant erythrocytosis. We evaluated the effects of the ARB valsartan on the evolution of hematocrit in stable renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine (CsA), azathioprine (Aza), and prednisone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six stable renal transplant patients treated with valsartan 80 mg/d orally were followed for 6 months. Evaluations were performed prior to as well as at 3 and 6 months following the initiation of valsartan. RESULTS: The hematocrit levels decreased significantly at 3 months (46.1 +/- 7.3 vs 39.9 +/- 5.8 ; P < .0001) in patients with a normal hematocrit, namely a level over 38%, with no further reduction at 6 months. In recipients with an hematocrit less than 38%, there was no significant reduction, either at 3 or 6 months follow-up. Valsartan was well tolerated without significant side effects. CONCLUSION: We postulate that inhibition of the proerythropoietic effects of angiotensin II and/or the reduction in hypoxia within the renal tubulointerstitium as well as the vasodilator effects on the efferent arterioles, represent possible mechanisms for the reduction and stabilization of the hematocrit in stable renal transplant patients.

Nefritis tubulo intersticial asociada a parvovirus b19 / Tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with parvovirus beta19 infection

Paciente de 9 años, previamente sana, que ingresa en anasarca con síndrome nefrótico clínico y humoral, asociado a hipertensión arterial y microhematuria, con función renal normal y se comporta como corticorresistente. Se realiza 1° biopsia renal que informa glomerulonefritis proliferativa mesangial difusa con esclerosis focal y segmentaria. En tratamiento con ciclofosfamida y corticoides, presenta síndrome febril prolongado con anemia secundaria a crisis aplásica de la serie roja, asociada con una infección aguda por parvovirus B19, e insuficiencia renal aguda secundaria a nefritis tubulointersticial severa. La PCR para parvovirus B19 DNA fue positiva en tejido renal y médula ósea. La paciente evoluciona a insuficiencia renal crónica terminal. No se puede descartar que desde su inicio, el síndrome nefrótico estuviera asociado al daño glomerular por la infección viral, que comenzó como síndrome nefrótico con componentes nefríticos y que evoluciona inesperadamente a una nefritis tubulointersticial. Este sería el primer caso en el que se documenta como causa de insuficiencia renal crónica terminal, un daño tubulointersticial secundario a parvovirus B19.

Nefritis tubulo intersticial asociada a parvovirus b19 / Tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with parvovirus beta19 infection

Paciente de 9 años, previamente sana, que ingresa en anasarca con síndrome nefrótico clínico y humoral, asociado a hipertensión arterial y microhematuria, con función renal normal y se comporta como corticorresistente. Se realiza 1º biopsia renal que informa glomerulonefritis proliferativa mesangial difusa con esclerosis focal y segmentaria. En tratamiento con ciclofosfamida y corticoides, presenta síndrome febril prolongado con anemia secundaria a crisis aplásica de la serie roja