Pannexin-1 Modulates Inhibitory Transmission and Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity.

Pannexin-1 (Panx1) hemichannel is a non-selective transmembrane channel that may play important roles in intercellular signaling by allowing the permeation of ions and metabolites, such as ATP. Although recent evidence shows that the Panx1 hemichannel is involved in controlling excitatory synaptic transmission, the role of Panx1 in inhibitory transmission remains unknown. Here, we studied the contribution of Panx1 to the GABAergic synaptic efficacy onto CA1 pyramidal neurons (PyNs) by using patch-clamp recordings and pharmacological approaches in wild-type and Panx1 knock-out (Panx1-KO) mice. We reported that blockage of the Panx1 hemichannel with the mimetic peptide 10Panx1 increases the synaptic level of endocannabinoids (eCB) and the activation of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1Rs), which results in a decrease in hippocampal GABAergic efficacy, shifting excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance toward excitation and facilitating the induction of long-term potentiation. Our finding provides important insight unveiling that Panx1 can strongly influence the overall neuronal excitability and play a key role in shaping synaptic changes affecting the amplitude and direction of plasticity, as well as learning and memory processes.

The Long-Term Pannexin 1 Ablation Produces Structural and Functional Modifications in Hippocampal Neurons.

Enhanced activity and overexpression of Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels contribute to neuronal pathologies such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Panx1 channel ablation alters the hippocampus's glutamatergic neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and memory flexibility. Nevertheless, Panx1-knockout (Panx1-KO) mice still retain the ability to learn, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms stabilize their neuronal activity. Here, we show that the absence of Panx1 in the adult brain promotes a series of structural and functional modifications in the Panx1-KO hippocampal synapses, preserving spontaneous activity. Compared to the wild-type (WT) condition, the adult hippocampal neurons of Panx1-KO mice exhibit enhanced excitability, a more complex dendritic branching, enhanced spine maturation, and an increased proportion of multiple synaptic contacts. These modifications seem to rely on the actin-cytoskeleton dynamics as an increase in the actin polymerization and an imbalance between the Rac1 and the RhoA GTPase activities were observed in Panx1-KO brain tissues. Our findings highlight a novel interaction between Panx1 channels, actin, and Rho GTPases, which appear to be relevant for synapse stability.

Assembly of the exosporium layer in Clostridioides difficile spores.

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming obligate anaerobe and a major threat to the healthcare system world-wide. Because of its strict anaerobic requirements, the infectious and transmissible morphotype is the dormant spore. During infection, C. difficile produces spores that can persist in the host and are responsible for disease recurrence and transmission, especially between hospitalized patients. Although the C. difficile spore surface mediates critical interactions with host surfaces, this outermost layer, known as the exosporium, is poorly conserved when compared to members of the Bacillus genus. Notably, the exosporium has been shown to be important for the persistence of C. difficile in the host. In this review, the ultrastructural properties, composition, and morphogenesis of the exosporium will be discussed.

After-Action Reviews and Long-Term Performance: An Experimental Examination in the Context of an Emergency Simulation.

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the effectiveness of after-action reviews (AARs; also known as debriefing) in mitigating skill decay. BACKGROUND: Research on the long-term effectiveness of AARs is meager. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted an experimental study that also overcomes some research design issues that characterize the limited extant research. METHOD: Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to an AAR or non-AAR condition and trained to operate a PC-based fire emergency simulator. During the initial acquisition phase, individuals in the AAR condition were allowed to review their performance after each practice session, whereas individuals in the non-AAR condition completed a filler task. About 12 weeks later, participants returned to the lab to complete four additional practice sessions using a similar scenario (i.e., the retention and reacquisition phase). RESULTS: The performance of participants in the AAR condition degraded more after nonuse but also recovered faster than the performance of participants in the non-AAR condition, although these effects were fairly small and not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Consistent with the limited research on the long-term effectiveness of AARs, our findings failed to support their effectiveness as a decay-prevention intervention. Because the present study was conducted in a laboratory setting using a relatively small sample of undergraduate students, additional research is warranted. APPLICATION: Based on the results of the present study, we suggest some additional strategies that trainers might consider to support long-term skill retention when using AARs.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Periodontal Diseases According to C-reactive Protein Levels.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are highly prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Periodontitis may act as a non-traditional cardiovascular risk (CVR) factor, linked by a low-grade systemic inflammation mediated by C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients with periodontitis reported higher serum CRP levels; however, a CRP systemic and periodontal correlation in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and its CVR impact have been barely studied. We aimed to assess the association between periodontal diseases and CVR in a group of adult women, based on serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels; and secondly, to determine the association between serum and GCF CRP levels. Gingival crevicular fluid and blood samples were obtained from women with periodontitis, gingivitis, and healthy controls. Serum and GCF CRP were determined by turbidimetric method and Luminex technology, respectively. Data were analyzed and adjusted by CVR factors. All women presented moderate CVR, without an evident association between serum hs-CRP levels and periodontal diseases. While serum hs-CRP concentrations did not significantly differ between groups, patients with gingivitis and periodontitis showed higher CRP levels in GCF, which positively correlated to CRP detection in serum.

Trends in particle matter and its elemental composition in Santiago de Chile, 2011 - 2018.

Daily fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) particle matter (PM) samples collected at Parque O'Higgins station in downtown Santiago de Chile have been studied to find the trends in concentration from 1998 to 2018. Elemental concentration was obtained using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Regression models from previous studies indicate that the PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 fractions have had a continuous decrease since 1988 mostly due to several policy control measures carried out over several decades. PM2.5 has decreased from 68.3 in 1988 to 27.6 µg/m3 in 2018 (60.4%). However, if only the last 8 years are considered (2011-2018), a leveling off can be observed in PM10-2.5 and PM2.5, which points to a change in the tendency. Cluster analysis of the elements in the fine and coarse fractions were identified to evaluate trends in the contributing sources. In the fine fraction, the mass contribution of crustal elements (Si, Al, Ca, and Fe) has remained stable in the last 8 years, and mass contribution of elements (Pb, Br, and Cl) associated to anthropogenic sources (traffic, wood burning) has also remained stable in the same period. For the coarse fraction, the contribution of one group of elements associated to crustal or anthropogenic sources has remained stable, and another group has decreased in the last 8 years. The leveling off can be ascribed to decreased rainfall during the last 8 years that have promoted soil dryness and resuspension of dust facilitated by wind or vehicular traffic. Mean temperatures have increased in the last 30 years, but have not contributed directly to the leveling of the concentration.Implications: Regression models indicate that the PM2.5 (fine) and PM10-2.5 (coarse) fractions at Parque O'Higgins station in Santiago de Chile have had a continuous decrease since 1988 mostly due to several policy control measures carried out over several decades. However, in the last 8 years (2011-2018), a leveling off can be observed in PM10-2.5 and PM2.5. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was performed in the fine fractions indicating that the mass contribution of crustal elements (Ca, Al, Si, Fe) to the fine fraction has remained stable. This phenomenon can be ascribed to decreased rainfall during the last 8 years that have promoted soil dryness and resuspension of dust facilitated by wind or vehicular traffic. The crustal elements in the coarse fraction have also remained stable.

A drug potency signature links progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia to mitochondria-related stress responses and metabolic reprogramming under hypoxia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells change their metabolic program between normoxia and hypoxia, possibly affecting cytotoxic drug potency by altering mitochondria-related cell stress responses (MRCSR) including mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial proteostasis. We evaluated in CLL cells from nine patients, the single and multiple-combined drug potency of arsenic trioxide (ATO), valproic acid (VPA), vincristine (VCR) and MG132 as four pharmacological sensors influencing mitochondrial apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, and mitochondrial proteostasis respectively, under normoxia and hypoxia to force hypoxia-induced metabolic reprogramming (HMR). Untreated cells from all patients remained viable under O2 levels below 0.5% for 72 h. We obtained 21 measures of drug potency and interaction at 50% effect level that we denoted drug potency signature (DPS). Using the comparative DPS between normoxia and hypoxia, two non-supervised classification algorithms discriminated CLL patients with active disease (ADT) and stable disease (NAD) and showed complete consistency with their clinical characteristics. In ADT group under hypoxia, the potency of MG132 was increased, the interaction of ATO + VPA and ATO + VPA + VCR shifted towards antagonism, and ATO + VPA + VCR + MG132 shifted towards synergism, indicating a prominent role of mitochondrial proteostasis. Classification of patients based on DPS, depended on the contrasting response of drugs under hypoxia and normoxia, owing to HMR. Using these drugs as pharmacological sensors, we linked the metabolic arrangement of CLL cells under hypoxia, to potency of drugs targeting MRCSR, and to the clinical features of individual patients, therefore providing new sources of data on disease progression, drug response and risk prognosis.

Exercise program and blood pressure in children: The moderating role of sedentary time.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to test a before-school physical activity intervention (Active-Start intervention) on blood pressure in children and examine whether sedentary time moderates the effect of the intervention on blood pressure. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: The Active-Start intervention comprising 170 children (8-10 years old) from three public schools with low socioeconomic status in Santiago (Chile). The exercise intervention was delivered daily, before starting the first school-class (8:00-8:30 a.m.), for 8 weeks. The intervention was mainly a program of cooperative physical games at moderate-vigorous intensity. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure was determined from the average of two measurements at baseline and at the end of intervention. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time was assessed using a GENEActiv tri-axial accelerometer prior to the program intervention. RESULTS: The Active-Start intervention decreased blood pressure levels in children (p<0.01) but did not change relative to the control group. Johnson-Neyman analysis revealed a significant relationship between the effect of intervention on systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure when sedentary time was below, but not at or above, 657 and 659min per day (i.e., the effect of physical exercise disappears), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of physical activity on blood pressure could disappear in children with excessive sedentary time, which highlights the need to reduce total levels of sedentary time in the day-to-day life of young people in and out of schools.

Field performance of a low-cost sensor in the monitoring of particulate matter in Santiago, Chile.

Integration of low-cost air quality sensors with the internet of things (IoT) has become a feasible approach towards the development of smart cities. Several studies have assessed the performance of low-cost air quality sensors by comparing their measurements with reference instruments. We examined the performance of a low-cost IoT particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) sensor in the urban environment of Santiago, Chile. The prototype was assembled from a PM10-PM2.5 sensor (SDS011), a temperature and relative humidity sensor (BME280) and an IoT board (ESP8266/Node MCU). Field tests were conducted at three regulatory monitoring stations during the 2018 austral winter and spring seasons. The sensors at each site were operated in parallel with continuous reference air quality monitors (BAM 1020 and TEOM 1400) and a filter-based sampler (Partisol 2000i). Variability between sensor units (n = 7) and the correlation between the sensor and reference instruments were examined. Moderate inter-unit variability was observed between sensors for PM2.5 (normalized root-mean-square error 9-24%) and PM10 (10-37%). The correlations between the 1-h average concentrations reported by the sensors and continuous monitors were higher for PM2.5 (R2 0.47-0.86) than PM10 (0.24-0.56). The correlations (R2) between the 24-h PM2.5 averages from the sensors and reference instruments were 0.63-0.87 for continuous monitoring and 0.69-0.93 for filter-based samplers. Correlation analysis revealed that sensors tended to overestimate PM concentrations in high relative humidity (RH > 75%) and underestimate when RH was below 50%. Overall, the prototype evaluated exhibited adequate performance and may be potentially suitable for monitoring daily PM2.5 averages after correcting for RH.

A before-school physical activity intervention to improve cognitive parameters in children: The Active-Start study.

The aim of the study was threefold: (a) to test a before-school physical activity intervention (Active-Start) on academic performance, selective attention, and concentration capacity; (b) to test the effect of the Active-Start intervention on anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness parameters; and (c) whether the physical fitness components are moderators of the effect of the Active-Start program on academic performance, selective attention, and concentration capacity in Chilean children. The Active-Start intervention was a RCT which comprised 170 children (8-10 years old) from three public schools with low socioeconomic status from the city of Santiago (Chile). The exercise intervention was delivered daily, before starting the first school-class (8:00-8:30 am) for 8 weeks. Changes in academic performance, selective attention and concentration capacity, anthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness parameters were measured. The analyses used were mixed regression models for repeated measures over time. No statistically significant changes in attention and concentration capacity were found. However, significant changes were seen in language (0.63; 95% CI 0.49-0.77) and mathematics (0.49; 95% CI 0.32-0.66) performance (P < .001). Also, improvements were seen in fat mass, fat-free mass, muscular, and cardiorespiratory fitness (all P < .05). The Johnson-Neyman technique revealed a significant relationship between the effect of intervention and attention and concentration when change in cardiorespiratory fitness was above, but not below, 3.05 and 0.70 mL/kg/min, respectively. Implementing before-school physical activity programs such as the Active-Start to enhance the cardiorespiratory fitness may benefit attention capacity and academic success among schoolchildren.

Can a before-school physical activity program decrease bullying victimization in disadvantaged children? The Active-Start Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of an 8-week before-school physical activity program to reduce bullying victimization among a group of socially disadvantaged children in the Active-Start study. METHOD: A non-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in three public schools classified as highly vulnerable and located in a deprived area of Santiago (Chile). A total of 5 classes participated, totaling 170 fourth grade children. The intervention was delivered before starting the first school-class (8:00-8:30 a.m.). The program lasted for 8 weeks. Primary outcome measurement on bullying victimization was assessed by the CUBE questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the probability of suffering physical bullying (OR= 0.18, 95% CI, 0.04-0.82; p= .027) and verbal bullying (OR=0.13, 95% CI, 0.02-0.97; p= .046) after the 8-week program. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in an 8-week before-school physical activity intervention implemented in schools located in a disadvantaged district in Santiago (Chile) resulted in lower levels of bullying victimization among study participants. The Active-Start program may be a feasible and potentially scalable intervention option to improve the climate and pro-sociality environment at schools.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de actividad física antes de la escuela de ocho semanas para reducir el bullying en niños en desventaja social del estudio Active-Start. MÉTODO: Se realizó un ensayo controlado aleatorio no ciego en tres escuelas públicas vulnerables y ubicadas en Santiago (Chile), con un total de cinco clases e incluyendo 170 niños de Cuarto Grado. La intervención de ocho semanas se realizó cinco veces por semana antes de comenzar la primera clase (8:00­8:30 a.m.). La medida de resultado primaria fue la victimización por bullying evaluado a través del cuestionario CUBE al inicio y después de la intervención. RESULTADOS: Hubo una reducción estadísticamente significativa en la probabilidad de sufrir bullying físico (OR= 0,18, IC 95%, 0,04-0,82; p= 0,027) y verbal (OR= 0,13, IC 95%, 0,02-0,97; p= 0,046) después del programa de ocho semanas. CONCLUSIONES: La participación en una intervención de actividad física antes de la escuela de ocho semanas implementada en escuelas ubicadas en una comuna desfavorecida en Santiago (Chile) dio lugar a niveles más bajos de victimización por bullying entre sus participantes. El programa Active-Start puede ser una opción de intervención viable y potencialmente escalable para mejorar el clima y el ambiente escolar.

Can a before-school physical activity program decrease bullying victimization in disadvantaged children? The Active-Start Study / ¿Puede un programa de actividad física antes de la escuela disminuir la victimización por bullying en niños desfavorecidos? Estudio Active-Start

Background/Objective: To test the effectiveness of an 8-week before-school physical activity program to reduce bullying victimization among a group of socially disadvantaged children in the Active-Start study. Method: A non-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in three public schools classified as highly vulnerable and located in a deprived area of Santiago (Chile). A total of 5 classes participated, totaling 170 fourth grade children. The intervention was delivered before starting the first school-class (8:00-8:30 a.m.). The program lasted for 8 weeks. Primary outcome measurement on bullying victimization was assessed by the CUBE questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the probability of suffering physical bullying (OR= 0.18, 95% CI, 0.04-0.82; p= .027) and verbal bullying (OR=0.13, 95% CI, 0.02-0.97; p= .046) after the 8-week program. Conclusions: Participation in an 8-week before-school physical activity intervention implemented in schools located in a disadvantaged district in Santiago (Chile) resulted in lower levels of bullying victimization among study participants. The Active-Start program may be a feasible and potentially scalable intervention option to improve the climate and pro-sociality environment at schools

Antecedentes/Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de actividad física antes de la escuela de ocho semanas para reducir el bullying en niños en desventaja social del estudio Active-Start. Método: Se realizó un ensayo controlado aleatorio no ciego en tres escuelas públicas vulnerables y ubicadas en Santiago (Chile), con un total de cinco clases e incluyendo 170 niños de Cuarto Grado. La intervención de ocho semanas se realizó cinco veces por semana antes de comenzar la primera clase (8:00-8:30 a.m.). La medida de resultado primaria fue la victimización por bullying evaluado a través del cuestionario CUBE al inicio y después de la intervención. Resultados: Hubo una reducción estadísticamente significativa en la probabilidad de sufrir bullying físico (OR= 0,18, IC 95%, 0,04-0,82; p= 0,027) y verbal (OR= 0,13, IC 95%, 0,02-0,97; p= 0,046) después del programa de ocho semanas. Conclusiones: La participación en una intervención de actividad física antes de la escuela de ocho semanas implementada en escuelas ubicadas en una comuna desfavorecida en Santiago (Chile) dio lugar a niveles más bajos de victimización por bullying entre sus participantes. El programa Active-Start puede ser una opción de intervención viable y potencialmente escalable para mejorar el clima y el ambiente escolar

En el Infarto agudo al miocardio los niveles plasmáticos de microvesículas extracelulares se elevan más precozmente que el aumento de la Troponina-I / Plasma levels of extracellular macrovesicles are elevated earlier than troponin-I in patients with myocardial infarction

Introducción: La Troponina I (TnI) plasmática es el biomarcador "Gold" estándar utilizado en diagnóstico de Infarto Agudo al Miocardio (IAM), indicando necrosis cardíaca. Las microvesículas extracelulares (MVEC), participan en comunicación celular, por lo que estudiar su distribución entregaría información respecto del evento isquémico, antesala del infarto. Objetivo: Estudiar las MVECs plasmáticas en pacientes con Síndrome Coronario Agudo (SCA) y compararlas con los niveles de TnI. Métodos: Plasma de 22 pacientes controles se recolectó 0-2hrs post-ingreso a urgencia. Plasma de 45 pacientes SCA se recolectó 0-2, 6-8 y 10-14hrs post ingreso, junto con la toma de muestra para estudio de TnI. Las MVECs plasmáticas fueron enriquecidas mediante kit comercial. La determinación de la concentración y tamaño MVECs se realizó por NTA (Nanoparticles Tracking Assay) usando el equipo Nanosight. Resultados: La concentración promedio de MVECs 0-2 hrs post ingreso fue 7,2 veces superior en plasma de pacientes con SCA vs controles y la moda del tamaño disminuyó en pacientes con SCA. La TnI no mostró diferencias significativas en 0-2 hrs post ingreso en el grupo estudiado. La concentración de las MVEC disminuyó significativamente después de 10-14 hrs post ingreso, mientras que la concentración promedio TnI se mantuvo invariable demostrando el aumento de MVECs previo al incremento de TnI. Conclusión. El aumento de MVECs previo al incremento de la TnI en pacientes infartados, sugiere que las MVECs aumentan en la fase previa del IAM, como respuesta al daño tisular. Actualmente, estudiamos el contenido molecular de las MVECs, para establecer un método diagnóstico del Síndrome Coronario Agudo basado en MVECs.

Background: Troponin I (TnI) is the gold standard used to establish the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (AMI), indicating the presence of myocardial necrosis. Extracellular micro vesicles are involved in cellular communication. Their distribution may provide information relating to the development of AMI in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) Aim: to study plasma levels of ECMV compared to those of TnI in patients with ACS. Methods: The plasma levels of TnI and ECMV from 22 control patients coming to the emergency units was compared to plasma from 45 patients with ACS. Levels of both parameters were determined 0-2, 6-8 and 10-14 hours post admission. ECMVs were enriched by means of a commercial kit. Concentration and size of ECMV was determined by NTA (Nanoparticles tracking assay) using the Nanosight equipment. Results: Plasma concentration of ECMV was 7.2 times higher than that of TnI 0-2 hrs post admission. The mode of ECMV size was lower in patients with ACS. Concentration of ECMV had decreased significantly 10-14 hrs post admission, whereas the TnI levees remained stable. Conclusion: The increase in ECMV earlier than TnI in AMI suggests that ECMV are elevated in the pre-AMI phase, as a response to early tissue damage. A study of cellular content of ECMV, being carried out, may lead to develop a method for the early diagnosis of AMI in patients with ACS.

Manejo en atención primaria de escabiosis en una familia con ruralidad extrema / Primary care management of scabies in a family with extreme rurality

La dermatoparasitosis producida por el acaro Sarcoptes scabiei variedad hominis, presenta una distribución poblacional relacionada al hacinamiento, condiciones higiénicas deficientes, pobreza y características geoclimáticas. El contagio ocurre de forma directa cutánea o a través de fómites. Liquiñe,poblado fronterizo de la Región de los Ríos, Chile, presenta en gran parte de su población las características mencionadas, con difícil acceso a comunicación digital y derivación médica. La incidencia de sarna se ve modificada al realizar intervenciones educacionales y saneamiento local, tanto como el diagnostico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno logran una modificación sustancial de la prevalencia. Se presenta el reporte de un caso. Paciente sexo femenino, 33 años, que presenta lesiones por grataje, excoriadas, con pápulo-pústulas de dos años de evolución, con manejo inicial sintomático por diagnóstico de dermatitis y psoriasis sin mejora de las lesiones. Conjuntamente se identifica en la hija de 4 años, lesiones primarias de características similares a las iniciales. Las lesiones de la menor se presentan como vesículas en espacio interdigital, muñe-cas, región periumbilical y surco acarino, compatibles con sarna. Se inicia tratamiento tópico permetrina 5 %a toda la familia, basados en las recomendaciones de la guía de manejo MINSAL. Se logra tras 2 años de evolución regresión total de los signos y síntomas a los 2 meses de iniciada la terapia. La presente revisión de caso pretende reforzar las ideas de diagnóstico precoz, tanto de caso índice como de probables contactos,educación continua a la comunidad. Tratamiento efectivo y oportuno, adecuado a la realidad socio cultural década localidad, tomando en cuenta factores de riesgos para la presentación y el abandono de la terapia. Asimismo promover las redes institucionales para la distribución de tratamiento, asesoramiento por especialistas y conocimientos actualizados de la semiología de cada cuadro dermatológico por el médico general.

The dermato parasitosis producedby the Sarcoptes scabiei mite hominis variety, has apopulation distribution related to over crowding, poor sanitation, poverty and geo-climatic characteristics.Transmission occurs directly through skin or fomites.In the border town of Liquiñe in the Region de los Rios,Chile, a substantial amount of the population is subject to the above characteristics, with difficult access to digital communication and medical referrals. The incidence of scabies is modified through educational interventions, and local sanitation, as well as early diag-nosis and timely treatment thus achieving a substantial change in prevalence. A case report is presented. Female patient, 33 years old presents with excoriated crusted lesions, with papules and pustules following two years of development, initial symptomatic management diagnosis of psoriasis and dermatitis,showed no improvement of the lesions. At the same time the 4 year old daughter of the patient presented with primary lesions similar to baseline characteristics.The child ́s lesions presented as vesicles in interdigital space, wrists, periumbilical region and mite grooves compatible with scabies. Permethrin 5% topical treatment was prescribed for the whole family, basedon the recommendations of the MINSAL guide management is initiated. At 2 months of treatment therapy on set, complete recovery was achieved following two years of evolution of signs and symptoms.This case review aims to reinforce the ideas of earlydiagnosis, in both probable index case and contact,and continuing education in the community. Effective and timely treatment, in conjunction with the socio-cultural reality of each community, taking into account risk factors, such as seeking medical treatment and abandoning therapy. Furthermore, it is also intended to promote institutional networks for treatment dissemination, counseling by specialists and updated information for each dermatological presentation for the general medicine physician.

MDR1/ABCB1 gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the recommended treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The MDR1/ABCB1 gene plays a role in resistance to a wide spectrum of drugs, including TKIs. However, the association of MDR1/ABCB1 gene polymorphisms (SNPs) such as C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T with the clinical therapeutic evolution of CML has been poorly studied. We investigated these gene polymorphisms in CML-patients treated with imatinib, nilotinib and/or dasatinib. METHODS: ABCB1-SNPs were studied in 22 CML-patients in the chronic phase (CP) and 2 CML-patients in blast crisis (BC), all of whom were treated with TKIs, and compared with 25 healthy controls using nested-PCR and sequencing techniques. RESULTS: Seventeen different haplotypes were identified: 7 only in controls, 6 only in CML-patients, and the remaining 4 in both groups. The distribution ratios of homozygous TT-variants present on each exon between controls and CML-patients were 2.9 for exon 12, and 0.32 for the other 2 exons. Heterozygous T-variants were observed in all controls (100%) and 75% of CML-patients. Wt-haplotype (CC-GG-CC) was observed in 6 CML-patients (25%). In this wt-group, two were treated with nilotinib and reached a major molecular response. The remaining 4 cases had either a minimal or null molecular response, or developed bone marrow aplasia. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SNPs of the MDR1/ABCB1 gene could help to characterize the prognosis and the clinical-therapeutic evolution of CML-patients treated with TKIs. Wt-haplotype could be associated with a higher risk of developing CML, and a worse clinical-therapeutic evolution.

Efecto citotóxico de BisGMA en cultivos celulares de fibroblastos humanos mediante ensayos de MTT / BisGMA cytotoxic effects on cell cultures of human fibroblasts by MTT assays

Objetivo: determinar la tasa de muerte celular al exponer fibroblastos humanos (FBH) a concentraciones de BisGMA: IE-6[M], 6E-5[M], IE-5[M] y 4,8E-4[M], con el fin de determinar la citotoxicidad de BisGMA presente en materiales de uso odontológico. Material y métodos: las concentraciones de BisGMA se aplicaron en el cultivo FBH durante 24, 48 y 96 horas. La viabilidad celular se determinó mediante ensayos de reducción metabólica del Bromuro de 3-(4,5dimetiltiazol-2-ilo)-2,5-difeniltetrazol (MTT). Resultados: las concentraciones de BisGMA generan una disminución en la viabilidad celualr, de una forma dosis y tiempo dependiente. Conclusión: la disminución de la viabilidad celular es dependiente de la concentración de BisGMA presente en los cultivos celulares.

Family-based association study between SLC2A1, HK1, and LEPR polymorphisms with myelomeningocele in Chile.

Obese/diabetic mothers present a higher risk to develop offspring with myelomeningocele (MM), evidence supporting the role of energy homeostasis-related genes in neural tube defects. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, we have genotyped SLC2A1, HK1, and LEPR single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 105 Chilean patients with MM and their parents in order to evaluate allele-phenotype associations by means of allele/haplotype transmission test (TDT) and parent-of-origin effects. We detected an undertransmission for the SLC2A1 haplotype T-A (rs710218-rs2229682; P = .040), which was not significant when only lower MM (90% of the cases) was analyzed. In addition, the leptin receptor rs1137100 G allele showed a significant increase in the risk of MM for maternal-derived alleles in the whole sample (2.43-fold; P = .038) and in lower MM (3.20-fold; P = .014). Our results support the role of genes involved in energy homeostasis in the risk of developing MM, thus sustaining the hypothesis of diverse pathways and genetic mechanisms acting in the expression of such birth defect.

A pigmentary skin defect is a new finding in Marshall-Smith syndrome.

Marshall-Smith Syndrome (OMIM 602535) was described initially by Marshall in two infants with a syndrome characterized by accelerated skeletal maturation, failure to thrive, and dysmorphic facial features. We report a new patient with clinical features of Marshall-Smith syndrome with additional findings such as hyperpigmented lines on trunk and the four extremities. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Análisis integral de la situación de salud: Parroquia Simón Bolívar, Municipio Caroní, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela. Año 2008 / Integral analysis of health status: Simon Bolivar Parish Town Caroni, Bolivar State, Venezuela. Year 2008

El análisis de la Situación de Salud (ASIS) de la Parroquia Simón Bolívar fue un estudio Descriptivo y Transversal para determinar el estado de Salud y de Calidad de Vida caracterizando su población y describiendo la situación social y de salud-enfermedad. Se aplicó una guía de observación en 12 localidades, con la participación de personas de la comunidad y personal del principal centro asistencial de la parroquia; se priorizo como problema: La Baja Capacidad Resolutiva del Ambulatorio Urbano tipo III Manoa. Aplicando el Enfoque Clínico Epidemiológico y Social, así como la Planificación Estratégica Situacional, utilizando la Técnica de Flujograma Situacional, se operacionalizaron las Causas del problema formulando estrategias para su resolución. La guía de observación permitió construir los territorios sociales estratificados de acuerdo a condiciones de vida y evidenciar las inequidades dentro de las localidades, de las cuales 75% (6) se ubican en los territorios sociales con condiciones de vida regulares, 25% (3) con condiciones de vida buenas y 25% (3) con condiciones de vida malas. Las principales causas de morbilidad fueron las enfermedades gastrointestinales, respiratorias y las ocasionadas por heridas. El ASIS es una herramienta que facilita la identificación de necesidades y prioridades en salud en una población y proporciona a los actores que tienen gobernabilidad y a la comunidad estrategias para modificar favorablemente la situación de salud.

The Situation Analysis of Health (ASIS) of the Parish Simón Bolívar was an observational, cross sectional to determine the status of Health and Quality of Life characterizing the population and describing the social and health and disease. Was used an observation guide some people in 12 locations and with the participation of people in the community and primary health center staff of the parish is prioritized as a problem: "The Low-solving capacity of the type III Manoa Urban Outpatient." Applying Clinical Epidemiological and Social Approach and Situational Strategic Planning, using Flowchart Technique Situational Causes was operationalized the problem by formulating strategies for their resolution. The observation guide allowed the construction of social territories stratified according to living conditions and highlight the inequities within the villages, of which 6 (75%) are located in the social territories with regular living conditions, 3 (25%) with good living conditions and 3 (25%) with poor living conditions. The leading causes of morbidity were gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory and those caused by injuries. The leading causes of morbidity were gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory and those caused by injuries. The ASIS is an useful tool for identifying needs and priorities in health in a population and provides the actors with community governance and strategies for change favorable health status.