Improved predictive diagnosis of diabetic macular edema based on hybrid models: An observational study.

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is the most common sight-threatening complication of type 2 diabetes. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is the most useful imaging technique to diagnose, follow up, and evaluate treatments for DME. However, OCT exam and devices are expensive and unavailable in all clinics in low- and middle-income countries. Our primary goal was therefore to develop an alternative method to OCT for DME diagnosis by introducing spectral information derived from spontaneous electroretinogram (ERG) signals as a single input or combined with fundus that is much more widespread. Baseline ERGs were recorded in 233 patients and transformed into scalograms and spectrograms via Wavelet and Fourier transforms, respectively. Using transfer learning, distinct Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) were trained as classifiers for DME using OCT, scalogram, spectrogram, and eye fundus images. Input data were randomly split into training and test sets with a proportion of 80 %-20 %, respectively. The top performers for each input type were selected, OpticNet-71 for OCT, DenseNet-201 for eye fundus, and non-evoked ERG-derived scalograms, to generate a combined model by assigning different weights for each of the selected models. Model validation was performed using a dataset alien to the training phase of the models. None of the models powered by mock ERG-derived input performed well. In contrast, hybrid models showed better results, in particular, the model powered by eye fundus combined with mock ERG-derived information with a 91 % AUC and 86 % F1-score, and the model powered by OCT and mock ERG-derived scalogram images with a 93 % AUC and 89 % F1-score. These data show that the spontaneous ERG-derived input adds predictive value to the fundus- and OCT-based models to diagnose DME, except for the sensitivity of the OCT model which remains the same. The inclusion of mock ERG signals, which have recently been shown to take only 5 min to record in daylight conditions, therefore represents a potential improvement over existing OCT-based models, as well as a reliable and cost-effective alternative when combined with the fundus, especially in underserved areas, to predict DME.

Presence of human papillomavirus in the buccal mucosa of blood donors / Presencia del virus del papiloma humano en la mucosa oral de donantes de sangre

Objective To determine the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the oral mucosa of blood donors (BD) and risk factors associated with HPV and oral cancer. Materials and methods Prospective cross-sectional study, population matched to BD from the National Cancer Institute, Mexico for HPV identification in oral cytological samples using the CLART® Human Papillomavirus 2 Kit (35 genotypes) and risk factors. Results Of 352 BD with signed informed consent, 285 were selected by simple randomization. The prevalence of oral HPV was 17.5% (95% CI 13–21.9%), the genotype was identified in 13 cases, with a total of 16 genotypes (10 high-risk), the most common being 16 and 84. Five cases had multiple infections, three with at least one high-risk type. Associations were found for marital status (OR 3.3) and educational level (OR-1.9). Conclusions The percentage of HPV-positive cases in blood donors with no risk practices was similar to that found in Spanish-speaking population studies in which at least one risk practice was described. The presence of other genotypes with high oncogenic risk and multitype infection, described as a marker of persistence of HPV infection, is highlighted (AU)

Objetivo Identificar la presencia del virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en la mucosa oral de donantes de sangre (DS), así como los factores de riesgo relacionados con el VPH y el cáncer oral. Materiales y métodos Estudio transversal prospectivo. La población correspondió a los DS del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México, para la identificación de VPH en muestras citológicas orales con el kit CLART® Human Papillomavirus 2 (35 genotipos) y factores de riesgo. Resultados De 352 DS con firma de consentimiento informado, se seleccionaron 285 por aleatorización simple. La prevalencia de VPH oral fue del 17,5% (IC 95%: 13-21,9%); en 13 casos se identificó el genotipo, con un total de 16 genotipos (10 de alto riesgo), los más frecuentes el 16 y el 84. Cinco casos presentaron infección multitipo, 3 con al menos un tipo de alto riesgo. Las asociaciones encontradas fueron para el estado civil (OR 3,3) y el nivel de estudios (OR 1,9). Conclusiones El porcentaje de casos positivos para VPH en DS sin prácticas de riesgo fue similar a los hallazgos en estudios de población hispanohablante en los que se ha descrito al menos una práctica de riesgo. Se destaca la presencia de otros genotipos con alto riesgo oncogénico y la infección multitipo descrita como marcador de persistencia de la infección por VPH (AU)

Presence of human papillomavirus in the buccal mucosa of blood donors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the oral mucosa of blood donors (BD) and risk factors associated with HPV and oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study, population matched to BD from the National Cancer Institute, Mexico for HPV identification in oral cytological samples using the CLART® Human Papillomavirus 2 Kit (35 genotypes) and risk factors. RESULTS: Of 352 BD with signed informed consent, 285 were selected by simple randomization. The prevalence of oral HPV was 17.5% (95% CI 13-21.9%), the genotype was identified in 13 cases, with a total of 16 genotypes (10 high-risk), the most common being 16 and 84. Five cases had multiple infections, three with at least one high-risk type. Associations were found for marital status (OR 3.3) and educational level (OR-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of HPV-positive cases in blood donors with no risk practices was similar to that found in Spanish-speaking population studies in which at least one risk practice was described. The presence of other genotypes with high oncogenic risk and multitype infection, described as a marker of persistence of HPV infection, is highlighted.

Genotypic spectrum underlying tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism defects: Experience in a single Mexican reference center.

Background: Pterin profiles or molecular analyses of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency or tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (BH4D) are not always available in low- or middle-income countries, including Mexico, limiting information regarding the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of patients exhibiting BH4D. Objective: To report the genotypes underlying BH4D and the clinical presentation in unrelated Mexican HPA pediatric patients with normal PAH genotypes who attended a single metabolic reference center in Mexico. Methods: Automated Sanger sequencing of the PTS, QDPR, and PCBD1 genes of 14 HPA patients was performed. Predicted effects on protein structure caused by missense variants were assessed by in silico protein modeling. Results and discussion: A high prevalence of BH4D was noted in our HPA cohort (9.8%, N = 14/142). Clinically relevant biallelic genotypes were identified in the PTS (N = 7/14 patients), QDPR (N = 6/14 patients), and PCBD1 (N = 1/14 patients) genes. Four novel QDPR variants [c.714dup or p.(Leu239Thrfs*44), c.106-1G>T or p.(?), c.214G>T or p.(Gly72*), and c.187_189dup or p.(Gln63dup)] were identified. In silico protein modeling of six missense variants of PTS [p.(Thr67Met), p.(Glu81Ala), and p.(Tyr113Cys)], QDPR [p.(Cys161Phe) and p.(Pro172Leu)], and PCBD1 [p.(Glu97Lys)] supports their pathogenicity. Progressive neurological symptoms (mainly intellectual and motor impairment and even death in three patients) were noted in all patients with biallelic QDPR genotypes and in 5/7 patients bearing biallelic PTS genotypes. The single homozygous PCBD1 p.(Glu97Lys) patient remains asymptomatic. Conclusion: A higher proportion of BH4D (9.8 vs. 1%-2% worldwide), attributable to a heterogeneous mutational spectrum and wide clinical presentation, was noted in our Mexican HPA cohort, with the PTS-related HPA disorder being the most frequent. Sequencing-based assays could be a reliable approach for diagnosing BH4D in our population.

Endoftalmitis endógena durante el embarazo: a propósito de un caso / Endogenous endophthalmitis during pregnancy: Case report

La endoftalmitis endógena es una enfermedad que amenaza potencialmente la visión en los pacientes que la presentan. Es producida por la diseminación hematógena de microorganismos desde un foco séptico y se trata de una entidad poco frecuente que se relaciona con enfermedades debilitantes, estados de inmunosupresión y procedimientos invasivos. La endoftalmitis endógena durante el embarazo es aún más rara y se ha convertido en un desafío por la seguridad y efectos secundarios de los tratamientos locales y sistémicos que requiere para su manejo. Presentamos el caso de una mujer embarazada con antecedente de apendicitis complicada, shock séptico y trombocitopenia, con endoftalmitis endógena por Candida albicans en el postoperatorio, que requirió aplicación de antimicóticos intravítreos, sistémicos y vitrectomía, con una recuperación visual y anatómica importante, sin efectos secundarios maternos y ni fetales

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a disease that potentially threatens vision. It is produced by the haematogenous spread of microorganisms from a septic focus. It is a rare condition that is related to debilitating diseases, immunosuppression states, and invasive procedures. Endogenous endophthalmitis during pregnancy is even rarer, and has become a challenge due to the safety and side effects of the local and systemic treatments. The case is presented of a pregnant woman with a history of complicated appendicitis, septic shock, and thrombocytopenia that presented endogenous endophthalmitis due to Candida albicans in the immediate post-operative period. This required the use of intravitreal and systemic antimycotics and vitrectomy. She made a significant anatomical and functional recovery, and without any maternal or foetal side effects

Endogenous endophthalmitis during pregnancy: Case report. / Endoftalmitis endógena durante el embarazo: a propósito de un caso.

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a disease that potentially threatens vision. It is produced by the haematogenous spread of microorganisms from a septic focus. It is a rare condition that is related to debilitating diseases, immunosuppression states, and invasive procedures. Endogenous endophthalmitis during pregnancy is even rarer, and has become a challenge due to the safety and side effects of the local and systemic treatments. The case is presented of a pregnant woman with a history of complicated appendicitis, septic shock, and thrombocytopenia that presented endogenous endophthalmitis due to Candida albicans in the immediate post-operative period. This required the use of intravitreal and systemic antimycotics and vitrectomy. She made a significant anatomical and functional recovery, and without any maternal or foetal side effects.

Amiloidosis vítrea como manifestación primaria de enfermedad: reporte de caso / Vitreous amyloidosis as primary manifestation of disease: case report

Mujer de 35 años con disminución progresiva de visión en ambos ojos sin otros síntomas asociados manifestó como único antecedente la muerte de su hermano por amiloidosis. La agudeza visual fue de cuenta dedos a 30 centímetros en el ojo derecho y 20/70 en el ojo izquierdo. En la oftalmoscopia del ojo derecho se observó un vítreo blanco, homogéneo que no permitió valorar detalles y en el ojo izquierdo un vítreo blanquecino con opacidades en forma de bandas en la región cortical. Se realizó vitrectomía en el ojo derecho y estudio con inmunotinciones que fueron positivos para material amiloide. Publicamos un caso de amiloidosis diagnosticada con tinciones específicas en muestra vítrea cuya manifestación inicial y única fue la presencia de opacidades vítreas. El procesamiento de estas muestras debe considerarse en pacientes con antecedentes familiares, opacidades vítreas tempranas, resultados negativos de biopsia sistémica o curso atípico de la enfermedad

A 35-year-old woman with progressive decrease of vision in both eyes and with no other associated symptoms, manifested as the only antecedent, the death of her brother due to amyloidosis. The visual acuity was counting fingers at 30 centimetres in the right eye and 20/70 in the left eye. In ophthalmoscopy of the right eye, a white, homogeneous vitreous, that was difficult to assess in detail, was observed, and in the left eye a whitish vitreous with band-like opacities in the cortical region. Vitrectomy was performed in the right eye, and a study with specific stains showed positive for amyloid material. A case is reported of amyloidosis diagnosed with specific stains in a vitreous sample for which the initial and only manifestation was the presence of vitreous opacities. The processing of these samples should be considered in patients with family history, early vitreous opacities, negative results of systemic biopsy, or atypical course of the disease

Vitreous amyloidosis as primary manifestation of disease: case report. / Amiloidosis vítrea como manifestación primaria de enfermedad: reporte de caso.

A 35-year-old woman with progressive decrease of vision in both eyes and with no other associated symptoms, manifested as the only antecedent, the death of her brother due to amyloidosis. The visual acuity was counting fingers at 30 centimetres in the right eye and 20/70 in the left eye. In ophthalmoscopy of the right eye, a white, homogeneous vitreous, that was difficult to assess in detail, was observed, and in the left eye a whitish vitreous with band-like opacities in the cortical region. Vitrectomy was performed in the right eye, and a study with specific stains showed positive for amyloid material. A case is reported of amyloidosis diagnosed with specific stains in a vitreous sample for which the initial and only manifestation was the presence of vitreous opacities. The processing of these samples should be considered in patients with family history, early vitreous opacities, negative results of systemic biopsy, or atypical course of the disease.

Multiple lymphangiohemangiomas with thoracic and abdominal involvement: a case report. / Linfangiohemangiomas múltiples con afectación torácica y abdominal. Presentación de un caso.

We present a case of multiple lymphangiohemangiomas (hematolymphangiomas, hemangiolymphangiomas, or combined lymphatic venous malformation) with thoracic and abdominal involvement in an asymptomatic patient. We describe and illustrate the imaging findings in this disease, which are quite characteristic and can enable an accurate diagnosis. To our knowledge, there are no other reports of similar cases in the scientific literature.

Uterine contractility as a cause of amniotic band syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether puncturing the uterine wall and the amnion causes uterine contractions that result in fetal abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was performed using four groups of three female rabbits. Group A received a puncture of the amniotic membranes of one of the uteri on day 15 of gestation followed by group B on day 16, group C on day 17, and group D on day 18. The duration and force of contractions and fetal abnormalities were determined. RESULTS: There were immediate contractions after the puncture, which lasted 20 to 132 seconds with forces that ranged from 309 to 4,411 mg. All of the experimental fetuses exhibited anomalies of the head and extremities, exencephaly, cleft palates, and an absence of eye-lids. CONCLUSION: Injury to the uterine wall and the aniion can immediately cause uterine contractions, which are associated with different types of fetal abnormalities.

Consideraciones a la hipersensibilidad al aroma de melocotón como excipiente / Thougts on the hypersensitivity to prune aroma as an excipient

No disponible

Occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in sudanese children in khartoum state / Características oclusais da dentição decídua em crianças Sudanesas do Estado de Khartoum

Background: Occlusal relationships in the primary dentition play an important role in the consequential final occlusion in permanent dentition. Therefore, good knowledge of occlusal relationships in children is essential for dental practitioners. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study done in randomly selected kindergartens in Khartoum State to determine the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in a group of Sudanese children. Objective: To determine the occlusal characteristics feature of primary dentition in a group of Sudanese children. Methods: A sample of 381 children age 3-5 years old, randomly selected from kindergartens in Khartoum Stat. Clinical examination was done to all children fulfil the inclusion criteria in the teacher office and in natural day light. Prevalence of different types of terminal plane, types of primary canine relationship and spacing of the primary dentition were assessed. Results: Flush terminal plane was the most prevalent type of terminal plane (72.2%). Class I canine relationship was the most common type of primary canine relationships (95%). In the upper arch primate space and physiological spaces were present in 90.3% and 82.4% of the children, respectively. Nevertheless, the lower arch showed primate spaces in 70.1% and physiological spaces in 74.8% of the children. Conclusion: Large number of the examined children had flush terminal plane and spacing primary dentition that forecasts development of normal occlusion in their permanent dentition

Introdução: As relações oclusais na dentição decídua desempenham um papel importante na oclusão final, na dentição permanente. Portanto, um bom conhecimento das relações oclusais em crianças é essencial para os cirurgiões-dentistas. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo , transversal, em creches selecionadas aleatoriamente no estado de Khartoum (Sudão) para determinar as características oclusais de dentição decídua em um grupo de crianças sudanesas. Objetivo: Determinar as características oclusais de dentição decídua em um grupo de crianças sudanesas. Métodos: Uma amostra de 381 crianças com idade entre 3 e 5 anos foram selecionados aleatoriamente a partir creches no estado de Khartoum. O exame clínico foi feito em todas as crianças cumpriram os critérios de inclusão, na sala dos professores sob luz natural do dia. Foram avaliadas a prevalência dos diferentes tipos de plano terminal, tipos de relação canina e espaçamento da dentição decídua. Resultados: O plano terminal em topo foi o tipo mais prevalente de plano terminal (72,2%) . A relação canina de Classe I foi o tipo mais comum de relacionamentos nos caninos decíduos (95 %). Os espaços primatas e fisiológicas nos arcos superiores estavam presentes em 90,3% e 82,4 % das crianças , respectivamente. No entanto, os arcos inferiores mostraram espaços primatas em 70,1% e espaços fisiológicos em 74,8% das crianças. Conclusão: Grande número de crianças examinadas tinham plano terminal em topo e espaçamento dentição decídua, o que pode predizer um desenvolvimento da oclusão normal na sua dentição permanente.

Immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in different areas of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown the participation of MMPs in oral squamous cell carcinoma, the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity. The expression of some MMPs correlates with a more aggressive biological behaviour. The objective of this study was to determine which MMPs and TIMPs were expressed in both neoplastic and peritumoural stromal cells in different histopathology areas. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary tumour neck dissection for oral squamous cell carcinoma were included. Immunoexpression of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -11, -13, and TIMP-1 and -2 in different areas of pathologic specimens (in situ carcinoma, primary tumour, invasive front, distant invasion carcinoma, and lymph node metastasis) was evaluated. Enzyme expression on mucosa adjacent to tumour served as control. RESULTS: Thirty cases were included. Only 6 MMPs and 1 TIMP were expressed in the studied areas. Statistically significant differences in the number of cases with positive MMPs or TIMP expression, in both neoplastic and peritumoural cells, between control and the rest of the areas were observed. MMP-2 expression was constant in the areas with a more aggressive biological behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2 expression may represent a dynamic interaction between host and tumour that favours the establishment of neoplastic cells at distant sites.

[In-utero antiretroviral exposure and mitochondrial toxicity in a cohort of uninfected infants born to HIV-1-infected women]. / Exposición a antirretrovirales y toxicidad mitocondrial en una cohorte de niños no infectados hijos de madres VIH positivas.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we attempt to find out the percentage of uninfected infants born to HIV-infected women and exposed in-utero and perinatally to Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) that show high lactate levels, or any other mitochondrial damage markers (such as hypertransaminasaemia or hyperamylasaemia), during the first three months of age. We shall also establish whether certain drugs used in-utero are associated with higher lactate, transaminase or amylase levels. METHODS: We analysed the available data from 623 uninfected infants born in the Spanish FIPSE cohort that were born in the period 2000-2005. The normal values for lactate, transaminases and amylase were set according to AIDS Clinical Groups Trials toxicity tables for infants. RESULTS: The percentages of children with high lactate levels at 0.5; 1.5 and 3 months of age were 48%, 51.4% and 43% among those infants with available data. Respectively, the percentages of children with high AST values were 13.2; 10.4 and 17.2%. The values for high ALT were 3.3%; 3.4% and 5%. The percentages for hyperamylasaemia were 0%; 0.6% and 2.6%. We found no significant difference among the drugs used in utero for the four analysed biochemical markers along the first three months of age. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a high proportion of hyperlactataemia among infants exposed in-utero to ART, as shown in other cohorts of similar characteristics. No morbidity or mortality was communicated to the cohort analysis group. No ART drug among those used in-utero was statistically associated with a higher proportion of high lactate levels in these infants.

Exposición a antirretrovirales y toxicidad mitocondrial en una cohorte de niños no infectados hijos de madres VIH positivas / In-utero Antiretroviral exposure and mitochondrial toxicity in a cohort of uninfected infants born to HIV-1-infected women

Introducción: En el presente trabajo, pretendemos definir el porcentaje de lactantes, hijos de madre VIH−+, pertenecientes a la cohorte prospectiva madrileña Fundación para la Investigación y la Prevención del SIDA en España y expuestos a tratamiento antirretroviral intraútero y perinatal, que presentan hiperlactacidemia u otros marcadores de posible daño mitocondrial, como hipertransaminasemia, o hiperamilasemia, durante los 3 primeros meses de vida, así como establecer una correlación entre los fármacos usados y el porcentaje de lactantes con dichos efectos adversos. Métodos: Se realizó el análisis de las analíticas disponibles de 623 niños no infectados nacidos en el periodo 2000–2005, fijándose los límites para hiperlactacidemia, hipertransaminasemia e hiperamilasemia de las tablas de toxicidad pediátrica para ensayos relativos al VIH (tablas ACTG), de manera global y para cada fármaco usado durante la gestación. Resultados: Los porcentajes de niños con hiperlactacidemia a los 0,5, 1,5 y 3 meses fueron del 48, 51,4 y 43%, de entre los lactantes con analítica disponible el porcentaje de niños con elevación de GOT a los 0,5, 1,5 y 3 meses fue del 13,2, 10,4 y de 17,2%. Respectivamente, la proporción de lactantes con elevación de GPT fue del 3,3, 3,4 y 5%. No se encontró hiperamilasemia en ningún niño en el análisis de los 15 días de vida. La proporción de niños con hiperamilasemia a las 6 semanas y a los 3 meses fue de 0,6 y 2,6%. No hubo diferencias significativas al realizar la comparación de los porcentajes de hiperlactacidemia, hipertransaminasemia o hiperamilasemia según el fármaco usado intraútero. Conclusiones: Hemos encontrado un alto porcentaje de lactantes expuestos a tratamiento antirretroviral intraútero con hiperlactacidemia, acorde con los resultados de otras series, sin que se haya comunicado morbimortalidad asociada a este fenómeno y no hemos podido asociar mayor prevalencia de hiperlactacidemia, hipertransaminasemia o hiperamilasemia a ninguno de los fármacos usados en la gestación (AU)

Introduction: In this study, we attempt to find out the percentage of uninfected infants born to HIV-infected women and exposed in-utero and perinatally to Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) that show high lactate levels, or any other mitochondrial damage markers (such as hypertransaminasaemia or hyperamylasaemia), during the first three months of age. We shall also establish whether certain drugs used in-utero are associated with higher lactate, transaminase or amylase levels. Methods: We analysed the available data from 623 uninfected infants born in the Spanish FIPSE cohort that were born in the period 2000–2005. The normal values for lactate, transaminases and amylase were set according to AIDS Clinical Groups Trials toxicity tables for infants. Results: The percentages of children with high lactate levels at 0.5; 1.5 and 3 months of age were 48%, 51.4% and 43% among those infants with available data. Respectively, the percentages of children with high AST values were 13.2; 10.4 and 17.2%. The values for high ALT were 3.3%; 3.4% and 5%. The percentages for hyperamylasaemia were 0%; 0.6% and 2.6%. We found no significant difference among the drugs used in utero for the four analysed biochemical markers along the first three months of age. Conclusions: We have found a high proportion of hyperlactataemia among infants exposed in-utero to ART, as shown in other cohorts of similar characteristics. No morbidity or mortality was communicated to the cohort analysis group. No ART drug among those used in-utero was statistically associated with a higher proportion of high lactate levels in these infants (AU)