[Physical self-concept and health perception in treated for congenital clubfoot]. / Autoconcepto físico y percepción de salud en pacientes tratados de pie equino varo aducto congénito.

BACKGROUND: the clubfoot is one of the most common pathologies in pediatric orthopedics. There are few studies of physical self-concept and perception of health in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Population aged 16 to 18 years with the diagnosis of clubfoot. Being a sample of 55 patients, who underwent the SF-36, Laaveg-Ponseti Health Questionnaire, and the Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire. Evaluating physical abilities, physical condition, physical attractiveness. Presence of pain, general health, total function, emotional role, mental health, and satisfaction after treatment.There were 3 groups, according to the treatment received. Group 1, made up of 16 patients, treated only with the Ponseti method. Group 2 with 13 patients who received treatment with the Ponseti method, postero-medial release and osteotomies in the midfoot and/or hindfoot. And group 3 with 26 patients, who received postero-medial release and midfoot and/or hindfoot osteotomies. RESULTS: for the Laaveg-Ponseti questionnaire, comparing the score between the three groups, a statistically significant difference was found in group 1, with a higher score. In the Physical Self-Concept questionnaire and the SF-36 health questionnaire, no significant difference was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: the quality of life of patients with clubfoot are from excellent to good, no matter of the group to which they belonged. The state of physical and mental health by the SF-36 scale were fined. And physical self-concept evaluated was higher than the average. With these studies, we can expose a more comprehensive management. We find that the satisfaction of these patients will be fine in the future.

ANTECEDENTES: el pie equino varo aducto congénito es de las patologías más comunes en ortopedia pediátrica. Encontramos pocos estudios que investiguen el autoconcepto físico y percepción de salud en estos pacientes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Población entre 16 a 18 años con el diagnóstico de pie equino varo aducto congénito. Siendo una muestra de 55 pacientes a quienes se les realizó el cuestionario de salud SF-36, Laaveg-Ponseti y el cuestionario de autoconcepto físico. Evaluando habilidades físicas, condición física, atractivo físico. Presencia de dolor, salud en general, función total, rol emocional, salud mental y satisfacción ante el resultado final obtenido posterior a tratamiento. Se crearon tres grupos de acuerdo con el tratamiento recibido. El grupo 1 integrado por 16 pacientes, tratamiento únicamente con método Ponseti. El grupo 2 integrado por 13 pacientes, quienes recibieron tratamiento con método Ponseti, liberación posteromedial (LPM) y osteotomías en mediopié y/o retropié. Y el grupo 3 integrado por 26 pacientes, quienes recibieron manejo con LPM y osteotomías de mediopié y/o retropié. RESULTADOS: para el cuestionario de Laaveg-Ponseti comparando el puntaje entre los tres grupos se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el grupo 1, con un mayor puntaje. En el cuestionario de autoconcepto físico y el cuestionario de salud SF-36 no se encontró diferencia significativa entre los grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: la calidad de vida de un paciente con pie equino varo aducto congénito fue de excelente a buena sin importar el grupo al que pertenecían. El estado de salud física y mental valorado mediante escala de SF-36 se encuentra en un adecuado estado. Y el autoconcepto físico evaluado es superior a la media. Con estos estudios podemos llevar un manejo más integral. Encontramos que la satisfacción que tendrán a futuro estos pacientes puede ser adecuada.

DNA structural changes (photo)induced by tricarbonyl (pterin)rhenium(I) complex.

We report on interactions of different types of DNA molecules including double-stranded and plasmid DNA as well as polynucleotides (poly[dGdC]2 and poly[dAdT]2) with fac-[ReI(CO)3(pterin)(H2O)] (or Reptr) complex. The interaction was characterized spectroscopically and changes in the plasmid structure were verified by both electrophoresis and AFM microscopy. For comparative reasons, two others related tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes, fac-[(4,4'-bpy)ReI(CO)3(dppz)]+ (or Redppz) and fac-[(CF3SO3)ReI(CO)3(2,2'-bpy)] (or Rebpy) were also studied to further explore the influence of the different co-ligands on the interaction and DNA (photo)damage. Data reported herein suggests that DNA molecules can be structurally modified either by direct interaction with Re(I) complexes in their ground states inducing DNA relaxation, and/or through photoinduced cross-linking processes. The chemical nature of the co-ligands modulates the extent of the damage observed.

Thymic atrophy induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection.

The thymus is the anatomical site where T cells undergo a complex process of differentiation, proliferation, selection, and elimination of autorreactive cells which involves molecular signals in different intrathymic environment. However, the immunological functions of the thymus can be compromised upon exposure to different infections, affecting thymocyte populations. In this work, we investigated the impact of malaria parasites on the thymus by using C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL; these lethal infection models represent the most severe complications, cerebral malaria, and anemia respectively. Data showed a reduction in the thymic weight and cellularity involving different T cell maturation stages, mainly CD4-CD8- and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, as well as an increased presence of apoptotic cells, leading to significant thymic cortex reduction. Thymus atrophy showed no association with elevated serum cytokines levels, although increased glucocorticoid levels did. The severity of thymic damage in both models reached the same extend although it occurs at different stages of infection, showing that thymic atrophy does not depend on parasitemia level but on the specific host-parasite interaction.

Performance and feed preference of weaned piglets fed with corn grain silage subjected to different rehydration sources / Desempenho e preferência alimentar de leitões desmamados alimentados com silagem de grão de milho submetido a diferentes fontes de reidratação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets composed of corn grain silage rehydrated with water and acid whey on the productive performance and feed preference of weaned piglets. We evaluated 120 piglets weaned in the pre-initial phase I for productive performance, and diarrhea, depression, and thinness states using the following diets: control ration with dry corn grain (CR); and corn grain silage rehydrated with water (CGSR+W); water and inoculant (CGSR+WI); and acid whey (CGSR+AW). To determine feed preference, 20 weaned piglets received reference (CR) and test (CGSR+AW) diets in two phases, restricted and free-choice. Analysis of variance, chi-square test, and t-test were applied at 5% of significance. There were no differences (p>0.05) in growth performance among piglets fed the four experimental diets. Severe thinness and depression were recorded among piglets fed CGSR+W and CR (p<0.05). In the restricted phase, consumption of CGSR+AW resulted in higher daily feed intake (DFI) (p<0.05), while piglets in the free-choice phase showed a higher DFI and spent more time consuming CR, with a 56.39% preference (p<0.05). Rehydrated corn grain silage promoted feed acceptability and performance of piglets in the first weeks post-weaning.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de dietas compostas de silagem de grão de milho reidratado com água e soro de leite no desempenho produtivo e preferência alimentar de leitões desmamados. Foram avaliados 120 leitões desmamados durante a fase pré-inicial I para o desempenho de crescimento, escores de diarreia, depressão e magreza submetidos às dietas: grão de milho seco (CR); silagem de grão de milho reidratado com água (CGSR+W); água e inoculante (CGSR+WI); soro de leite (CGSR+AW). Para avaliar a preferência alimentar, 20 leitões desmamados receberam dieta referência (CR) e dieta teste (CGSR+AW) em duas fases, restrita e livre escolha. Foi aplicado análise de variância, teste de qui-quadrado e t-test à 5% de significância. Não houve diferenças (p>0,05) no desempenho de crescimento entre os leitões alimentados com as quatro dietas experimentais. Leitões alimentados com CGSR+W e CR foram severamente magros e apresentaram escore de depressão (p<0,05). Na fase restrita o CDR foi maior para CGSR+AW (p<0.05), enquanto na fase de livre escolha os leitões mostraram maior CDR e passaram maior tempo consumindo a CR, com preferência de 56,39% (p<0.05). A CGSR promoveu melhor aceitabilidade e desempenho dos leitões nas primeiras semanas pós-desmame.

The second Mexican consensus on hepatocellular carcinoma. Part II: Treatment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more frequently manifesting as one of the main complications of cirrhosis of the liver, its principal risk factor. There have been modifications in its incidence over the past decade, related to an epidemiologic transition in the etiology of cirrhosis, with a decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis C and an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a cause, as well as the development of HCC in the non-cirrhotic liver due to NAFLD. Genetic markers associated with the disease have been identified, and surveillance and diagnosis have improved. Regarding treatment, surgical techniques, in both resection and transplantation, have advanced and radiologic techniques, at the curative stage of the disease, have enhanced survival in those patients. And finally, there have been radical changes in the systemic approach, with much more optimistic expectations, when compared with the options available a decade ago. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología decided to carry out the Second Mexican Consensus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is an updated review of the available national and international evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, to offer the Mexican physician current information on the different topics regarding hepatocellular carcinoma. In this second part of the document, the topics related to the treatment of HCC are presented.

The second Mexican consensus on hepatocellular carcinoma. Part I: Epidemiology and diagnosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more frequently manifesting as one of the main complications of cirrhosis of the liver, its principal risk factor. There have been modifications in its incidence over the past decade, related to an epidemiologic transition in the etiology of cirrhosis, with a decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis C and an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a cause, as well as the development of HCC in the non-cirrhotic liver due to NAFLD. Genetic markers associated with the disease have been identified, and surveillance and diagnosis have improved. Regarding treatment, surgical techniques, in both resection and transplantation, have advanced and radiologic techniques, at the curative stage of the disease, have enhanced survival in those patients. And finally, there have been radical changes in the systemic approach, with much more optimistic expectations, when compared with the options available a decade ago. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología decided to carry out the Second Mexican Consensus on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is an updated review of the available national and international evidence on the epidemiology, risk factors, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, to offer the Mexican physician current information on the different topics regarding hepatocellular carcinoma. In this first part of the document, the topics related to epidemiology and diagnosis are presented.

Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor confers neuroprotection and prevents the development of murine cerebral malaria.

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a neurological complication derived from the Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans. The mechanisms involved in the disease progression are still not fully understood, but both the sequestration of infected red blood cells (iRBC) and leukocytes and an exacerbated host inflammatory immune response are significant factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor (MLIF), an anti-inflammatory peptide, in a well-characterized murine model of CM. Our data showed that the administration of MLIF increased the survival and avoided the neurological signs of CM in Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infected C57BL/6 mice. MLIF administration down-regulated systemic inflammatory mediators such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL2, and CCL2, as well as the in situ expression of TNF-α in the brain. In the same way, MLIF reduced the expression of CD31, CD36, CD54, and CD106 in the cerebral endothelium of infected animals and prevented the sequestration of iRBC and leucocytes in the brain microvasculature. Furthermore, MLIF inhibited the activation of astrocytes and microglia and preserved the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the administration of MLIF increased survival and conferred neuroprotection by decreasing neuroinflammation in murine CM.

Low Error Kramers-Kronig Estimations Using Symmetric Extrapolation Method.

Kramers-Kronig (KK) equations allow us to obtain the real or imaginary part of linear, causal and time constant functions, starting from the imaginary or real part respectively. They are normally applied on different practical applications as a control method. A common problem in measurements is the lack of data in a wide-range frequency, due to some of the inherent limitations of experiments or practical limitations of the used technology. Different solutions to this problem were proved, such as several methods for extrapolation, some of which based on piecewise polynomial fit or the approach based on the expected asymptotical behavior. In this work, we propose an approach based on the symmetric extrapolation method to generate data in missing frequency ranges, to minimize the estimated error of the KK equations. The results show that with data from impedance measurements of an electrode-electrolyte interface, the adjustment error of the transformed functions can be drastically reduced to below 1%.

COVID-19 and the forgotten pandemic: follow-up of neurocognitive disorders during lockdown in Argentina. / COVID-19 y la pandemia olvidada: el seguimiento de las enfermedades neurocognitivas durante la cuarentena en Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Health systems in numerous countries around the world are suffering a serious burden as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this situation, the follow-up of such chronic diseases as dementia may be at risk. Similarly, neuropsychiatric complications related to lockdown measures may also be neglected; Argentina's lockdown has been the longest implemented in Latin America. This study aims to determine the frequency of the different types of medical consultations for neurocognitive disorders and the predictors for requiring consultation since the beginning of the lockdown. METHODS: We performed a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study based on data collected through an online survey. RESULTS: Data were collected on 324 participants, with 165 (50.9%) having had at least one medical consultation. Consultations were held by telephone in 109 cases (33.6%), by e-mail in 62 (19.1%), by video conference in 30 (9.3%), and at the emergency department in 23 (7.1%). Predictors of requiring consultation were Clinical Dementia Rating scores ≥1 (P<.001) and diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (P=.017). Higher Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores were found in the group of respondents who did require medical consultation (P<.001), but no significant differences were found between groups for Zarit Burden Interview scores. CONCLUSION: We identified a high prevalence of behavioural disorders and caregiver burden during lockdown. Nevertheless, only 50% of respondents had sought medical consultation (by telephone or email in 52.7% of cases). Care of people with dementia must be emphasised, guaranteeing follow-up of these patients.

Determinación de infecciones del tracto urinario en ancianos del asilo Santa Rita de la ciudad de Sucre / Determination of urinary tract infections in the elderly of the asylum Santa Rita of Sucre

La infección del tracto urinari (ITU) es un problema que se ve con frecuencia en el adulto mayor, donde la incidencia llega hasta un 50%, debido principalmente a la postración, las deficiencias en la higiene y a los procedimientos a los que muchas veces son sometidos. El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la frecuencia de ancianos con infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) en el hogar Santa Rita. Participaron 29, de los 43 residentes del hogar Santa Rita, se recolectó la orina en frascos colectores y posteriormente se realizó un examen general de orina y tinción de Gram. De las 29 muestras de orina, 3 muestras dieron positivo para Infecciones del tracto Urinarias (ITU) siendo de estas tres, dos mujeres y un varón. Por lo que se puede señalar una prevalencia del 10,3% de ITU en el hogar Santa Rita.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a problem that is frequently seen in the elderly, where the incidence reaches up to 50%, mainly due to prostration, deficiencies in hygiene and procedures that are often submitted. The study aimed to determine the frequency of elderly people with urinary tract infections (UTI) in the Santa Rita home. Of the 43 residents of the Santa Rita home, 29 participated. The urine was collected in collection bottles and subsequently a general urine examination and Gram stain were performed. Of the 29 urine samples, 3 samples were positive for Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), of these three, two women and one man. Therefore, a prevalence of 10.3% of UTI in the Santa Rita home can be pointed out.

Intuitive Slice-based Exploration of Volumetric Medical Data / Exploración Intuitiva de Datos Volumétricos Médicos Basada en Cortes

Abstract Medical imaging technologies have become an essential component in different areas related to health care. Volume visualization (VV) of medical data is an invaluable support in tasks such as clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery rehearsal, education, and research. Several algorithms and systems have been developed to enable the visualization and interaction with volumetric data. Slice-based visualization methods dominate the field of medical volumes scanning since they allow more detailed analysis of the data. However, an intensive training is usually required for the user to be able to effectively explore the data. In this paper, we present novel a slice-based methodology which objective is to facilitate the exploration of medical volumetric data. The proposed method consists of the use of augmented reality principles to determine the spatial position and orientation of rigid planar objects within a defined space in the real-world which represents the medical volumetric information. The results obtained by a usability study indicate the feasibility of employing this technique for a natural human-computer interaction with the medical data, having the potential of making the process of medical volume exploration more easy and intuitive.

Resumen Las tecnologías de imagenología médica se han convertido en un componente esencial en diferentes áreas relacionadas con el cuidado de la salud. La visualización de volúmenes médicos, es un apoyo invaluable en tareas como el diagnóstico clínico, la planeación de tratamientos, la realización de cirugías, la educación y la investigación. Los métodos basados en cortes dominan el campo de la exploración de volúmenes médicos debido a que permiten un análisis más detallado de los datos. Sin embargo, una desventaja importante de los sistemas asociados a dichos métodos es que para su manejo usualmente se requiere una etapa de entrenamiento intensivo. En este artículo presentamos una novedosa metodología cuyo objetivo es facilitar la exploración basada en cortes de datos volumétricos de origen médico. Los métodos propuestos incluyen el uso de los principios y algoritmos de la realidad aumentada para determinar la posición y orientación espacial de objetos planares rígidos dentro un espacio definido en el mundo real, el cual representa la información del volumen médico. Los resultados obtenidos mediante un estudio de usabilidad indican la factibilidad de emplear este método para la exploración natural de los datos médicos, teniendo el potencial de hacer el proceso de exploración de datos volumétricos médicos más fácil e intuitiva.

YY1 negatively regulates the XAF1 gene expression in prostate cancer.

XAF1 is a tumor suppressor gene with low or absent expression in cancer. Since transcriptional reactivation or ectopic-mediated expression of XAF1 inhibits tumor growth, it is of great interest to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to XAF1 silencing. YY1 is a transcription factor that acts as a repressor or an activator to modulate several cancer-associated cellular processes. Both YY1 and XAF1 have key roles in prostate cancer (PCa) progression and are associated with worse clinical outcomes. To assess whether YY1 regulates the transcriptional activation of the XAF1 gene, we performed gene-reporter assays coupled with site-directed mutagenesis, which showed that YY1 is able to mediate XAF1 silencing. Concordantly, ChIP-qPCR assays showed that YY1 interacts with the XAF1 promoter in PC3 cells that lacks XAF1 expression. This association was lost after exposure to epigenetic modulators that induce XAF1 expression. Further supporting the YY1's repressive role, we found transcriptional reactivation of the XAF1 gene by YY1 downregulation. As expected by previous reports showing that HDAC1 is needed for YY1-mediated repressive actions, we observed XAF1 re-expression after either inhibition or downregulation of the HDAC1 gene. Finally, expression data retrieved from the TCGA consortium showed that PCa samples presented lower XAF1 and higher HDAC expression levels than normal tissues. Thus, our results support a model in which YY1 is able to silence tumor suppressor genes such as XAF1 through HDAC1 in PCa.

[Dedifferentiated diaphyseal juxtacortical osteosarcoma of ulna with metastasis to the lung]. / Osteosarcoma parostal desdiferenciado en diáfisis de cúbito metastásico a pulmón.

Dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma is a variant in which a high grade osteosarcoma coexists with a parosteal osteosarcoma. We report the case of a 20-year-old female patient who presented with six months of evolution of pain and functional limitation of the right forearm, with no apparent cause; radiographs were performed, observing a tumoral lesion in the diaphysis of the right ulna. Physical examination showed pain upon palpation in the diaphysis of the ulna and limitation of prone-supination. Axial computed tomography of the thorax revealed metastatic disease in the upper lobe of the left lung. An incisional biopsy was performed on the right ulna, with a report of dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma. Therefore, the patient was managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and doxorubicin until completing three cycles. Surgical treatment consisted of intercalary resection of the diaphysis of the right ulna, plus reconstruction of the microvascularized autologous graft of the right fibular diaphysis and graft stabilization with 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) and one-third tubular plate. In the same procedure, pulmonary metastasectomy was performed by thoracoscopy. Post-surgical histopathological report with 100% necrosis. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic, with no evidence of tumor activity. Dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma is a rare pathology, but should be suspected as a differential diagnosis in the presence of a parosteal osteosarcoma; it should be taken into account that this disease can metastasize due to its dedifferentiated pattern. It is important to plan a surgical treatment that allows an adequate functional reconstruction, always taking into account the oncological principle.

El osteosarcoma parostal desdiferenciado es una variante en la cual un osteosarcoma de alto grado coexiste con un osteosarcoma parostal. Se presenta el caso de un paciente femenino de 20 años; acudió con seis meses de evolución de dolor y limitación funcional en el antebrazo derecho sin causa aparente; se le realizaron radiografías, donde se observó una lesión tumoral en la diáfisis del cúbito derecho. A la exploración física, presentó dolor a la palpación en la diáfisis del cúbito y limitación a la pronosupinación. La tomografía axial computada de tórax reveló enfermedad metastásica en el lóbulo superior del pulmón izquierdo. Se le efectuó una biopsia incisional de la tumoración en el cúbito derecho, con reporte de osteosarcoma parostal desdiferenciado. Por ello, inició manejo con quimioterapia neoadyuvante con cisplatino y doxorrubicina hasta completar tres ciclos. El tratamiento quirúrgico consistió en resección intercalar de la diáfisis del cúbito derecho más reconstrucción de injerto autólogo microvascularizado de la diáfisis del peroné derecho y estabilización del injerto con placa de compresión dinámica (DCP) 3.5 mm y placa tercio de caña. En el mismo procedimiento se le efectuó metastasectomía pulmonar por toracoscopía. El reporte histopatológico postquirúrgico, con necrosis de 100%. Actualmente, la paciente se encuentra asintomática, sin datos de actividad tumoral. El osteosarcoma parostal desdiferenciado es una patología rara, pero que se debe sospechar como diagnóstico diferencial ante un osteosarcoma parostal; se debe tener en cuenta que esta enfermedad puede generar metástasis por su patrón desdiferenciado. Es importante planificar un tratamiento quirúrgico que permita una adecuada reconstrucción funcional, siempre teniendo en cuenta el principio oncológico.

Revisión de la literatura sobre la enfermedad de paget extramamaria primaria en escroto: a propósito de un caso / Review of the literature on primary extramammary paget disease in scrotum: a purpose of a case

RESUMEN: La enfermedad de Pagetextramamaria es un adenocarcinoma intraepitelial,extremadamente raro. Su diagnóstico suele ser tardío pudiendo demorarse hasta tres años. Debemos hacer un diagnóstico diferencial con otras enfermedades dermatológicas, que pueden cursar igual. El diagnóstico definitivo es histopatológico. La cirugía es el tratamiento de elección, siendo la cirugía micrográfica de Mohs la más empleada. Existen tratamientos tópicos tales como el imiquimod, que pueden ser útiles. En general el pronóstico suele ser favorable.

SUMMARY: Extramammary Paget disease is an intraephithelial adenocarcinoma very rare. Its diagnosis is usually late and may take up to 3 years. We must make a differential diagnosis with other dermatological diseases that can occur equally. The definitive diagnosis is histopatological. Surgery is the gold standard treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery being the most used. There are topical treatments such as imiquimod that may be useful. In general, the prognosis is usually favorable.

Synthesis of zeolite membranes on calcium silicate support and their bioactive response.

The synthesis of calcium silicate supported zeolite membrane was carried out by second growth method. The chemical nature of the functionalizing agent on the formation of homogenous zeolite membrane was evaluated. One monomer and two cationic polymers were used: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), polyethylenimine (PEI) and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA). The support was subjected to chemical functionalization and then it was rubbed with zeolite crystals. The W zeolite was used as zeolite seed in two different Si/Al ratios. The functionalized and rubbed supports were submitted to hydrothermal treatment at 150 °C for 48 h. The bioactivity of the homogeneous zeolite membranes was evaluated by the biomimetic method through the membranes soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C for 21 days. Two immersion methods were evaluated. The products were characterized by XRD and SEM techniques. The results indicated that the supported functionalization with PDDA and the Si/Al ratio (higher than 1.8) of zeolite enhanced the interaction between the support and the zeolite precursor enhancing the formation of homogeneous zeolite membrane on the surface. The presence of the functional groups of PDDA on the membrane was detected by FTIR. After immersion in SBF, the zeolite membrane was stable and led to the formation of Ca-P layer on its surface. The re-immersion method led to the formation of richer Ca/P layer (1.36). These findings allowed generating a zeolite membrane with combined properties of calcium silicate and the controllable porosity of zeolitic material making it potentially useful for bone regeneration and drug releasing.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with recombinant Dengue virus 3 envelope proteins induce significant and specific immune responses in mice.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral disease in the world. In this article we present results on the development, characterization and immunogenic evaluation of an alternative vaccine candidate against Dengue. METHODS: The MWNT-DENV3E nanoconjugate was developed by covalent functionalization of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) with recombinant dengue envelope (DENV3E) proteins. The recombinant antigens were bound to the MWNT using a diimide-activated amidation process and the immunogen was characterized by TEM, AFM and Raman Spectroscopy. Furthermore, the immunogenicity of this vaccine candidate was evaluated in a murine model. RESULTS: Immunization with MWNT-DENV3E induced comparable IgG responses in relation to the immunization with non-conjugated proteins; however, the inoculation of the nanoconjugate into mice generated higher titers of neutralizing antibodies. Cell-mediated responses were also evaluated, and higher dengue-specific splenocyte proliferation was observed in cell cultures derived from mice immunized with MWNT-DENV3E when compared to animals immunized with the non-conjugated DENV3E. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the recent licensure of the CYD-TDV dengue vaccine in some countries, results from the vaccine's phase III trial have cast doubts about its overall efficacy and global applicability. While questions about the effectiveness of the CYD-TDV vaccine still lingers, it is wise to keep at hand an array of vaccine candidates, including alternative non-classical approaches like the one presented here.

MiR-138 indirectly regulates the MDR1 promoter by NF-κB/p65 silencing.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to mediate post-transcriptional gene silencing in the cytoplasm and recent evidence indicates that may also possess nuclear roles in regulating gene expression. A previous study showed that miR-138 is involved in the multidrug resistance of leukemia cells through down-regulation of the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the protein encoded by the human multidrug-resistant ABCB1/MDR1 gene. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms responsible remain to be elucidated. To deepen the description of the mechanism of transcriptional gene silencing on the MDR1 promoter, we initially performed a bioinformatics search for potential miR-138 binding sites in the MDR1 gene promoter sequence. Interestingly, we did not find miR-138 binding sites in this region, suggesting an indirect regulation. From six representative transcriptional factors involved in MDR1 gene regulation, an in silico analysis revealed that NF-κB/p65 has a specific binding site for miR-138. The results of luciferase reporter assay, western blot and flow cytometry shown here suggest that miR-138 might modulate the human MDR1 expression by inhibiting NF-κB/p65 as an indirect mechanism of MDR1 regulation. Furthermore, employing the human macrophage-like cell line U937 we observed comparable results with NF-κB/p65 down-regulation and we also observed a significant reduction in the IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA, as well as in their secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines following miR-138 expression, suggesting that canonical NF-κB target genes might also be potential targets for miR-138 in leukemia cells.

[Atipic osteosarcoma in the femoral shaft case report and review of the literature]. / Osteosarcoma con presentación atípica en tercio medio de diáfisis de fémur. Reporte de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor. It is characterized by osteoid production by tumor cells. Its most frequent location is in the metaphyses of long bones, but a purely diaphyseal presentation is reported in 10% of cases. We report the case of a female 25 year-old patient whose symptoms of pain and swelling of the right mid thigh started four months before, without an apparent cause. Femur X-rays showed a tumor in the femoral shaft. The MRI showed extension to soft tissues with no compromise of the neurovascular bundle. The histopathologic report of the incisional biopsy was osteoblastic and chondroblastic osteosarcoma, classified as Enneking IIB, AJCC IIB. Treatment consisted of three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Then intercalary femur resection plus reconstruction with centromedullary nailing and a diaphyseal spacer were performed. The histopathologic report was 95% necrosis (Huvos grade III). Three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy were given and now, 18 months after completing the latter, the patient has no signs of local or distant tumor activity, and she can walk unassisted. Despite the fact that osteosarcoma does not occur usually in the mid shaft of long bones, we should always bear it in mind as part of the differential diagnosis for other conditions that occur more frequently in that region. Such location allows for a broad gamut of surgical approaches that spare the adjacent joints.

El osteosarcoma es el tumor maligno primario más frecuente del hueso. Se caracteriza por la formación de osteoide por las células tumorales. Su localización más frecuente es en las metáfisis de los huesos largos; sin embargo, la presentación puramente diafisaria se reporta en 10% de los casos. Se expone el caso de paciente del género femenino de 25 años que inició padecimiento cuatro meses previos a nuestra valoración al presentar dolor y aumento de volumen en tercio medio de muslo derecho, sin causa aparente. Las radiografías del fémur revelaron un tumor en la diáfisis del mismo. La resonancia magnética mostró extensión a partes blandas, sin compromiso del paquete neurovascular. Se tomó biopsia incisional con reporte histopatológico de osteosarcoma osteoblástico y condroblástico. Se clasificó como Enneking IIB, AJCC IIB. Inició tratamiento con tres ciclos de quimioterapia neoadyuvante y posteriormente se le realizó resección intercalar de fémur más reconstrucción con clavo centromedular y espaciador diafisario. El reporte histopatológico evidenció necrosis de 95% (Huvos grado III). Se continuó con tres ciclos de quimioterapia adyuvante. A 18 meses de concluida la quimioterapia adyuvante la paciente se encuentra sin datos de actividad tumoral local o a distancia, tolerando la deambulación sin auxiliares de la marcha. A pesar de que el osteosarcoma no se presenta de forma habitual en el tercio medio de la diáfisis de los huesos largos, debe siempre tomarse en cuenta como un diagnóstico diferencial con otras patologías de localización más frecuente en dicha región. Esta localización nos permite una amplia gama de alternativas quirúrgicas con la preservación de las articulaciones adyacentes.