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An ancestral inversion of 900 kb on chromosome 17q21, which includes the microtubule-associated protein tau ( MAPT ) gene, defines two haplotype clades in Caucasians (H1 and H2). The H1 haplotype has been linked inconsistently with AD. In a previous study, we showed that an SNP tagging this haplotype (rs1800547) was associated with AD risk in a large population from the Dementia Genetics Spanish Consortium (DEGESCO) including 4435 cases and 6147 controls. The association was mainly driven by individuals that were non-carriers of the APOE ε4 allele. Our aim was to replicate our previous findings in an independent sample of 4124 AD cases and 3290 controls from Spain (GR@ACE project) and to analyze the effect of the H1 sub-haplotype structure on the risk of AD. The H1 haplotype was associated with AD risk (OR = 1.12; p = 0.0025). Stratification analysis showed that this association was mainly driven by the APOE ε4 non-carriers (OR = 1.15; p = 0.0022). Pooled analysis of both Spanish datasets ( n = 17,996) showed that the highest AD risk related to the MAPT H1/H2 haplotype was in those individuals that were the oldest [third tertile (>77 years)] and did not carry APOE ε4 allele ( p = 0.001). We did not find a significant association between H1 sub-haplotypes and AD. H1c was nominally associated but lost statistical significance after adjusting by population sub-structure. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic variants linked to the MAPT H1/H2 are tracking a genuine risk allele for AD. The fact that this association is stronger in APOE ε4 non-carriers partially explains previous controversial results and might be related to a slower alternative causal pathway less dependent on brain amyloid load., (Copyright © 2019 Sánchez-Juan, Moreno, de Rojas, Hernández, Valero, Alegret, Montrreal, García González, Lage, López-García, Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Orellana, Tárraga, Boada and Ruiz.)

This study aimed to analyze the biological effects of three new bioactive materials on cell survival, migration, morphology, and attachment in vitro. ACTIVA Kids BioACTIVE Restorative (Pulpdent, Watertown, MA, USA) (Activa), Ionolux (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany), and Riva Light Cure UV (SDI, Bayswater, Australia) (Riva) were handled and conditioned with a serum-free culture medium. Stem cells from human dental pulp (hDPSCs) were exposed to material extracts, and metabolic activity, cell migration, and cell morphology were evaluated. Cell adhesion to the different materials was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition of the materials was evaluated by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). One-way analysis of variance followed by a Tukey test was performed ( p < 0.05). Ionolux promoted a drastic reduction in metabolic activity and wound closure compared to the control ( p < 0.05), whereas Activa induced adequate metabolic activity and cell migration. Moreover, SEM and immunofluorescence analysis showed abundant cells exposed to Activa. The materials showed different surface morphologies, and EDX spectra exhibited different peaks of C, O, Si, S, Ca, and F ions in glass ionomer cements. The results showed that Activa induced cell migration, cell attachment, and cell viability to a greater extent than Riva and Ionolux.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate and compare optic nerve and retinal layers in eyes of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) with paired control eyes using optical coherence tomography., Methods: Sixty-three eyes of 34 subjects, 12 eyes with AD and 51 eyes with MCI, positive to 11 C-labeled Pittsburgh Compound-B with positron emission tomography ( 11 C-PiB PET/CT), and the same number of sex- and age-paired control eyes underwent optical coherence tomography scanning analyzing retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), inner plexiform layer (IPL), outer nuclear layer, and lamina cribrosa (LC)., Results: Compared with healthy controls, eyes of patients with positive 11 C-PiB PET/CT showed a significant thinning of RNFL ( P  < .028) and GCL ( P  < .014). IPL and outer nuclear layer also showed significant thinning in two ( P  < .025) and one location ( P  < .010), respectively. No significant differences were found when optic nerve measurements BMO-MRW and LC were compared ( P  > .131 and P  > .721, respectively). Temporal sector GCL, average RNFL, and temporal sector RNFL also exhibited significant thinning when MCI and control eyes were compared ( P  = .015, P  = .005 and P  = .050, respectively), and also the greatest area under the curve values (0.689, 0.647, and 0.659, respectively). GCL, IPL, and RNFL tend to be thinner in the AD group compared with healthy controls., Discussion: Our study suggests that RNFL and GCL are useful for potential screening in the early diagnosis of AD. LC and BMO-MRW appear not to be affected by AD., (© 2019 The Authors.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the biological effects of MTA Repair HP and ProRoot MTA on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) after exposure to acidic and neutral environments., Materials and Methods: Discs of each material (n = 30) were exposed to phosphate buffered saline (pH = 7.4) or butyric acid (pH = 5.2) for 7 days, and biological testing was carried out in vitro on hPDLSCs. Cell viability and apoptosis assays were performed using eluates of each root-end filling material. To evaluate cell attachment to the different materials, hPDLSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the root-end filling materials was determined by energy-dispersive x-ray and eluates were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Statistical differences were assessed by ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05)., Results: Under an acidic environment, both materials displayed similar ion release abilities, with the increased release of Si and Ca ions. Substantial changes in microstructure were observed for both materials after exposure to acidic pH. In addition, material exposure to an acidic environment showed a similar degree of cell adherence, and, surprisingly, MTA Repair HP exhibited higher cell viability rates at pH 5.2 than ProRoot MTA., Conclusions: Exposure to an acidic environment promoted Si and Ca ion release from ProRoot MTA and MTA Repair HP. Moreover, we observed optimal biological properties of ProRoot MTA and MTA Repair HP in terms of cell viability, cell death, and cell attachment in both environments., Clinical Relevance: These results may suggest that MTA Repair HP and ProRoot exhibited optimal biological properties in terms of cell viability, cell death and cell attachment in acidic environment, being considered as materials for root-end filling and perforations.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytocompatibility and mineralization potential of two premixed hydraulic endodontic sealers compared with an epoxy resin-based root canal sealer. The cellular responses and mineralization capacity were studied in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) that were exposed to premixed hydraulic sealers, Bio-C Sealer (Angelus, Londrína, PR, Brazil), TotalFill BC Sealer (FKG Dentaire SA, La-Chaux-de-fonds, Switzerland) and an epoxy resin-based material, AH Plus (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany). Non-exposed cultures served as the control. The endodontic sealers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Statistical analyses were done using Analisis of Variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni adjusted pairwise comparison ( p = 0.05). AH Plus reduced cell viability and cell migration, whereas increased cell viability and cell migration were observed in the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer ( p < 0.05). The lowest cell attachment and spreading were observed for all concentrations of AH Plus, whereas the highest were observed for TotalFill BC Sealer. At the end of 21 days, only the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer supported matrix mineralization ( p < 0.05). Additionally, SEM-EDX revealed high content of calcium, oxygen, and silicon in the Bio-C Sealer and the TotalFill BC Sealer. Based on the results from this study, Bio-C Sealer and TotalFill BC Sealer demonstrated better cytocompatibility in terms of cell viability, migration, cell morphology, cell attachment, and mineralization capacity than AH Plus.

Background : The aim of this study was: to evaluate the biological properties of new hydraulic materials: Bio-C Repair and Bio-C Sealer. Methods : Periodontal ligament stem cells were exposed to several dilutions of Bio-C Repair and Bio-C Sealer. The ion release profile and pH were determined. Metabolic activity, cell migration and cell survival were assessed using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound-healing assays and Annexin assays, respectively. Cells were cultured in direct contact with the surface of each material. These were then analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Statistical differences were assessed using a two-way ANOVA ( α < 0.05). Results : Similar pH was observed in these cements. Bio-C Sealer released significantly more Ca and Si ions ( p < 0.05) in comparison with Bio-C Repair. Undiluted Bio-C Sealer induced a significant reduction on cellular viability, cell survival and cell migration when compared to the control ( p < 0.05). Moreover, SEM showed abundant cells adhered on Bio-C Repair and a moderate number of cells attached on Bio-C Sealer. Finally, EDX analysis identified higher percentages of Ca and O in the case of Bio-C repair than with Bio-C sealer, while other elements such as Zr and Si were more abundant in Bio-C sealer. Conclusions : Bio-C Repair displayed higher cell viability, cell adhesion and migration rates than Bio-C Sealer.

High catecolamine plasma levels because of sympathetic nervous system over-activity contribute to cirrhosis progression. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland might potentiate the deleterious effect exerted by this over-activity. Electrophysiological patch-clamp and amperometric experiments with carbon-fibre electrodes were conducted in single chromaffin cells of control and CCl 4 -induced cirrhotic rats. The spontaneous action potential firing frequency was increased in chromaffin cells of cirrhotic rats with respect to control rats. The exocytosis evoked by that firing was also increased. However, exocytosis elicited by ACh did not vary between control and cirrhotic rats. Exocytosis triggered by depolarizing pulses was also unchanged. Amperometric recordings confirmed the lack of increased catecholamine charge released in cirrhosis after ACh or depolarization stimuli. However, the amperometric spikes exhibited faster kinetics of release. The overall Ca 2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels (VDCC), or in particular through Cav1 channels, did not vary between chromaffin cells of control and cirrhotic rats. The inhibition of VDCC by methionine-enkephaline or ATP was not either altered, but it was increased by adrenaline in cells of cirrhotic rats. When a cocktail composed by the three neurotransmitters was tested in order to approach a situation closer to the physiological condition, the inhibition of VDCC was similar between both types of cells. In summary, chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland might contribute to exacerbate the sympathetic nervous system over-activity in cirrhosis because of an increased exocytosis elicited by an enhanced spontaneous electrical activity., (© 2018 International Society for Neurochemistry.)

Dementia is not just a disease of old age. Early-onset dementia affects people younger than 65 and its differential diagnosis is broader than in older people. Nevertheless, although young people are considerably more liable to develop a rare form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains the most common diagnosis. The aim of this article is to report on an early-onset AD patient associated with the rare pathogenic variant PSEN1 (Leu85Pro) presenting as a possible corticobasal syndrome with asymmetric limb apraxia, parkinsonian signs, and myoclonus.

Background: Semantic dementia (SD) is a subtype of frontotemporal lobe degeneration characterized by semantic loss, with other cognitive functions initially preserved. SD requires differential diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Semantic knowledge can be evaluated through different tests; however, most of them depend on language., Objective: We describe the development of a brief drawing task that may be helpful for the differential diagnosis of SD., Methods: Seventy-two patients, including 32 AD, 19 bvFTD, and 21 SD were asked to draw 12 items with different age of acquisition and familiarity, belonging to four different semantic categories. We employed the drawings of healthy volunteers to build a scoring scheme., Results: Turtle, strawberry, train, and envelope were the items of each category that best discriminated between groups and were selected for the Brief drawing task. The discriminatory power of the Brief drawing task between SD versus AD and bvFTD patients, estimated through the area under the curve was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.72-0.96, p = 0.000007). In a logistic model, the Brief drawing task (p = 0.003) and VOSP "number location" subtest (p = 0.016) were significant predictors of the diagnosis of SD versus AD and bvFTD after adjustment by the main covariates. The Brief drawing task provided clinically useful qualitative information. SD drawings were characterized by loss of the distinctive features, intrusions, tendency to prototype, and answers like "I don't know what this is"., Conclusion: The Brief drawing task appears to reveal deficits in semantic knowledge among patients with SD that may assist in the differential diagnosis with other neurodegenerative diseases.

Background: Semantic dementia (SD) is a subtype of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) characterized by semantic memory loss and preserved abilities of other cognitive functions. The clinical manifestations of SD require a differential diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially those with early onset, and behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD)., Objective: The present study aimed to compare cognitive performances and neuropsychiatric symptoms in a population of AD, bvFTD, and left and right SD defined with the support of molecular imaging (amyloid and 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography) and assessed the accuracy of different neuropsychological markers in distinguishing these neurodegenerative diseases., Methods: Eighty-seven participants (32 AD, 20 bvFTD, and 35 SD (17 Left-SD and 18 Right-SD) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that included memory, language, attention and executive functions, visuospatial function, visuoconstructional skills, and tasks designed specifically to evaluate prosopagnosia and facial emotions recognition. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory was administered to assess neuropsychiatric symptoms., Results: An episodic memory test that included semantic cues, a visuospatial test (both impaired in AD), a naming test and a prosopagnosia task (both impaired in SD) were the four most valuable cognitive metrics for the differential diagnosis between groups. Several behavioral abnormalities were differentially present, of which aggression, self-care (both more frequent in bvFTD), and eating habits, specifically overeating and altered dietary preference (more frequent in SD), were the most valuable in group discrimination., Conclusion: Our study highlights the value of a comprehensive neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric evaluation for the differential diagnosis between FTD syndromes and AD.

The carotene producer Mucor circinelloides is the fungus within the Mucoromycota phylum with the widest repertoire of molecular tools to manipulate its genome. The initial development of an effective procedure for genetic transformation and later improvements have resulted in an expansion of available tools, which include gene replacement, inactivation of gene expression by RNA silencing, gene overexpression, and functional genomics. Moreover, sequencing of its genome has given a definitive boost to these techniques making attainable the study of genes involved in many physiological or developmental processes, including carotenoid biosynthesis. Here, we describe in detail the latest molecular techniques currently used in M. circinelloides that have made it a valuable model for studying gene function within its phylum.

The aim of this work is to investigate the topsoil thickness affected by burning under contrasting soil moisture content (field capacity versus air-dried conditions). A mollic horizon of an Aleppo pine forest was sampled and burned in the laboratory, recording the temperature continuously at the topsoil surface and at soil depths of 1, 2, and 3cm. Changes in soil properties were measured at 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4cm. Both the maximum temperature and the charring intensities were significantly lower in wet soils than in air-dried soils up to 3cm in depth. Moreover, soil heating was slower and cooling faster in wet soils as compared to dry soils. Therefore, the heat capacity increase of the soil moistened at field capacity plays a more important role than the thermal conductivity increase on heat transfer on burned soils. Burning did not significantly modify the pH, the carbonate content and the chroma, for either wet or dry soil. Fire caused an immediate and significant decrease in water repellency in the air-dried soil, even at 3cm depth, whereas the wet soil remained hydrophilic throughout its thickness, without being affected by burning. Burning depleted 50% of the soil organic C (OC) content in the air-dried soil and 25% in the wet soil at the upper centimeter, which was blackened. Burning significantly decreased the total N (TN) content only in the dry soil (to one-third of the original value) through the first centimeter of soil depth. Soluble ions, measured by electrical conductivity (EC), increased after burning, although only significantly in the first centimeter of air-dried soils. Below 2cm, burning had no significant effects on the brightness, OC, TN, or EC, for either wet or dry soil., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze the influence of fins and rescue tube use in a water rescue, assessed by time and distance to salvage position, physiological parameters, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)., Methods: Twenty professional lifeguards (10 men, 10 women) conducted 3 tests: a baseline test of 5 minutes of CPR and 2 water rescues, 1 without rescue equipment (NRE), and the other with fins and rescue tube (FRT). They also had to perform 5 minutes of CPR after each rescue. Time and distance of the rescues, physiological parameters (blood lactate concentration and heart rate), and quality of CPR were analyzed., Results: CPR quality worsened by 26 to 28% (P < .001) after rescue. However, there were no differences using FRT. The use of rescue equipment reduced the time (FRT: 216±57 seconds; NRE: 319±127 seconds; P < .001) and distance covered (FRT: 265±52 m; NRE: 326±41 m; P < .001). No differences were found in lactate levels between FRT and NRE just after the rescues, but there were some after 5 minutes of subsequent CPR (FRT: 10.7±2.2 mmol/L; NRE: 12.6±1.8 mmol/L; P < .001). Comparing women with men, we found significant differences in lactate concentrations only in FRT (women: 9.6±1.4 mmol/L; men: 8.1±1.2 mmol/L; P = .031)., Conclusions: The use of fins and rescue tube provides a comprehensive benefit in an aquatic emergency. However, FRT did not have any effect on the quality of the postrescue CPR., (Copyright © 2017 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To generate lycopene-overproducing strains of the fungus Mucor circinelloides with interest for industrial production and to gain insight into the catalytic mechanism of lycopene cyclase and regulatory process during lycopene overaccumulation., Results: Three lycopene-overproducing mutants were generated by classic mutagenesis techniques from a β-carotene-overproducing strain. They carried distinct mutations in the carRP gene encoding lycopene cyclase that produced loss of enzymatic activity to different extents. In one mutant (MU616), the lycopene cyclase was completely destroyed, and a 43.8% (1.1 mg/g dry mass) increase in lycopene production was observed in comparison to that by the previously existing lycopene overproducer. In addition, feedback regulation of the end product was suggested in lycopene-overproducing strains., Conclusions: A lycopene-overaccumulating strain of the fungus M. circinelloides was generated that could be an alternative for the industrial production of lycopene. Vital catalytic residues for lycopene cyclase activity and the potential mechanism of lycopene formation and accumulation were identified.

Background: Providing high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths are key elements in the effectiveness of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation., Aim: To investigate the effects of a strength training programme on the quality of prolonged basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a manikin., Methods: This was a quasi-experimental trial. Thirty-nine participants with prior basic life support knowledge were randomised to an experimental or control group. They then performed a test of 10 min of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth ventilation on manikins equipped with a skill reporter tool (baseline or test 1). The experimental group participated in a four-week strength training programme focused on the muscles involved in chest compressions. Both groups were subsequently tested again (test 2)., Results: After training, the experimental group significantly increased the mean depth of compression (53.7 ± 2.3 mm vs. 49.9 ± 5.9 mm; p = 0.003) and the correct compression fraction (68.2 ± 21.0% vs. 46.4 ± 29.1%; p = 0.004). Trained subjects maintained chest compression quality over time better than the control group. The mean tidal volume delivered was higher in the experimental than in the control group (701.5 ± 187.0 mL vs. 584.8 ± 113.6 mL; p = 0.040) and above the current resuscitation guidelines. In test 2, the percentage of rescue breaths with excessive volume was higher in the experi-mental group than in the controls (31.5 ± 19.6% vs. 15.6 ± 13.0%; p = 0.007)., Conclusions: A simple strength training programme has a significant impact on the quality of chest compressions and its maintenance over time. Additional training is needed to avoid over-ventilation of potential patients.

Objective: Our objective was to assess the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality by helicopter rescue swimmers (HRSs) while flying., Methods: Twenty HRSs from the Spanish Maritime Safety took part in this study. The research protocol included 2 phases: a baseline test (5 minutes of CPR on land) and a challenge test (5 minutes of CPR on a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter in-flight). A Laerdal Resusci Anne mannequin with Laerdal PC Skill Reporting (Stavanger, Norway) was used to register CPR variables., Results: CPR quality on land versus in-flight was not significantly different. The mean chest compression (CC) depth (52.6 mm on land vs. 51.9 mm in-flight) was inside the recommended range, but mean CC rate (133 vs. 132 per minute), tidal volume (752 vs. 888 mL), and hands-off time (9 per cycle in both tests) were above the 2015 recommended goal. Incomplete chest re-expansion was observed in 19% of on land and 26% in-flight CCs. CPR quality was maintained throughout the 5-minute challenges., Conclusion: HRSs are able to perform CPR in a flying helicopter with similar quality to CPR on land. They need additional training to avoid excessive CC rates, tidal volumes, and hands-off times and to permit chest re-expansion., (Copyright © 2016 Air Medical Journal Associates. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Plants and fungi use light and other signals to regulate development, growth, and metabolism. The fruiting bodies of the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus are single cells that react to environmental cues, including light, but the mechanisms are largely unknown [1]. The related fungus Mucor circinelloides is an opportunistic human pathogen that changes its mode of growth upon receipt of signals from the environment to facilitate pathogenesis [2]. Understanding how these organisms respond to environmental cues should provide insights into the mechanisms of sensory perception and signal transduction by a single eukaryotic cell, and their role in pathogenesis. We sequenced the genomes of P. blakesleeanus and M. circinelloides and show that they have been shaped by an extensive genome duplication or, most likely, a whole-genome duplication (WGD), which is rarely observed in fungi [3-6]. We show that the genome duplication has expanded gene families, including those involved in signal transduction, and that duplicated genes have specialized, as evidenced by differences in their regulation by light. The transcriptional response to light varies with the developmental stage and is still observed in a photoreceptor mutant of P. blakesleeanus. A phototropic mutant of P. blakesleeanus with a heterozygous mutation in the photoreceptor gene madA demonstrates that photosensor dosage is important for the magnitude of signal transduction. We conclude that the genome duplication provided the means to improve signal transduction for enhanced perception of environmental signals. Our results will help to understand the role of genome dynamics in the evolution of sensory perception in eukaryotes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The whole drowning process usually occurs within seconds to a few minutes. An early rescue may stop and/or prevent most medical complications. Fins, rescue tube, and rescue board (RB) are the equipment most frequently used by lifeguards. Our objective was to compare, in a water rescue quasiexperimental trial, these different pieces of rescue equipment to define the safest and with the lower rescue time as well as to assess their effects on the lifeguards' physiological state and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance., Method: A controlled trial was conducted to study the time effect of 4 different rescue techniques and assess CPR quality, along with the physiological effects of each rescue technique (blood lactate and subjective Borg's scale effort perception) on 35 lifeguards., Results: Among the final sample subjects (n = 23), a total of 92 rescues were completed. Total water rescue time was longer without equipment (NE). The total rescue time was significantly lower using RB (P < .001). Similar good quality of CPR before and after water rescue was observed in all trials (P > .05), although correct ventilations represented less than 50% of total in all trials. Blood lactate increased after all rescues. The subjective effort Borg's scale showed significantly less effort using RB vs without equipment, fins, and fins and rescue tube., Conclusion: The use of propelling and/or floating equipment saves precious time with repercussions in the reduction of drowning mortality and morbidity. The RB offers a significant advantage. Lifeguards need more CPR training, especially considering the importance of efficient ventilations for drowning victims., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Oleanolic (OA) and ursolic acids (UA) are triterpenes that are abundant in vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants. They have been described as active moieties in medicinal plants used for the treatment of tuberculosis. In this study, we analyzed the effects of these triterpenes on macrophages infected in vitro with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). We evaluated production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines (TNF-α and TGF-β) as well as expression of cell membrane receptors (TGR5 and CD36) in MTB-infected macrophages following treatment with OA and UA. Triterpenes caused reduced MTB growth in macrophages, stimulated production of NO and ROS in the early phase, stimulated TNF-α, suppressed TGF-β and caused over-expression of CD36 and TGR5 receptors. Thus, our data suggest immunomodulatory properties of OA and UA on MTB infected macrophages. In conclusion, antimycobacterial effects induced by these triterpenes may be attributable to the conversion of macrophages from stage M2 (alternatively activated) to M1 (classically activated).

Background: Alexithymia is the lack of mental representations of emotions leading to limited ability to understand and regulate these and can contribute to the development or maintenance of a psychosomatic illness. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that alexithymia is a feature that occurs more frequently in patients with psoriasis and that the coexistence of alexitimia-psoriasis is associated with high levels of trait anxiety., Methods: We applied the Toronto Alexithymia Scale -20 (TAS-20), Inventory of state-trait anxiety (STAI) to 16 outpatients with psoriasis of Dermatology Service of Hospital de Especialidades (Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI) and the results were compared with 25 control subjects., Results: 25 % of patients with psoriasis presented alexitimia, while in the control group was 8 % (p = 0.002). Correlation between the scores of the TSA-20 and STAI-trait (r = 0.6957, p < 0.0001) was observed., Conclusions: The alexitimia occurs more frequently in individuals with psoriasis than in the general population, and levels of trait anxiety in individuals with psoriasis are similar regardless of the presence of alexithymia.

Background: Gastrobronchial fistula is a rare complication in gastroesophageal surgical procedures. It is difficult to diagnose and handling is complex. Therefore, there have been developments for non-surgical alternatives to obliterate minor fistula mortality. Endoscopic treatment is an option for patients with small fistulas or in serious condition., Clinical Case: A 38 year old woman with evidence of gastrobronchial fistula postoperated of gastric sleeve, diagnosed during the postoperative period due to clinical variegated was initially handled as infectious respiratory symptoms; once the fistulous path was established, the intention was to close the path using endoclips. However, adding hemopneumothorax, drainage tube placement and thoracotomy were required. It was decided to chose a prosthetic esophageal endoscopic management of polytetraflouroethylene and fibrin as last therapy, because the patient had systemic inflammatory response syndrome, with favorable response to endoscopic management., Discussion: Bariatric surgery has shown satisfactory results, however, the complexity of the procedure favors severe complications such as the present case. Gastrobronchial fistulas represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, this is considering from a conservative management to endoscopic procedures, as in our patient., Conclusion: Although gastrobronchial fistulas are a rare complication, the use of endoscopy in resolution should be a first class weapon in its management, since it offers a lower morbidity in a patient with habitual respiratory symptoms that are difficult to control, with satisfactory results in the medium and long term., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A.)

Objective: To describe two cases of a rare type of renal tumor , mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSC), with different pathologic features., Methods: We present: 1) the case of a 36 year-old woman 24-week pregnant, in whom during an examination for a renal colic we discovered a 5.5 cm tumor in the lower pole of the left kidney. 2) A 71-year-old woman that consulted to her doctor due to loss of weight (5 kg) and anorexia. A 15 x 12 x 9.5 cm tumor was found in her left kidney., Results: Radical nephrectomy was performed in both cases. Microscopic examination showed a myxoid matrix containing a proliferation of tubules and spindle cells, with low-grade atypia. Cells were immunoreactive for CK7, racemase, EMA and vimentin and negative for CD10. Case 1 had some foci of papillary morphology, and was pT1. Case 2 had some nests of clear cells and invaded the sinus fat focally. It was staged as pT3a. In April 2012, the patients are alive without evidence of recurrence or metastasis after 13.5 years (case 1) and 8 months (case 2) of follow up., Conclusions: MTSC is a rare type of renal carcinoma, which can appear with different clinical, gross and microscopic features. This tumor seems to share some morphological and immunohistochemical similarities with renal papillary carcinoma, and the differential diagnosis is difficult. The vast majority of cases reported had favourable evolution, like our case 1, although a remote possibility of metastasis exists, in cases with sarcomatoid differentiation, but even without it.

Background: New alternatives for the treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) are urgently needed and medicinal plants represent a potential option. Chamaedora tepejilote and Lantana hispida are medicinal plants from Mexico and their hexanic extracts have shown antimycobacterial activity. Bioguided investigation of these extracts showed that the active compounds were ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA)., Methods: The activity of UA and OA against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, four monoresistant strains, and two drug-resistant clinical isolates were determined by MABA test. The intracellular activity of UA and OA against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and a MDR clinical isolate were evaluated in a macrophage cell line. Finally, the antitubercular activity of UA and OA was tested in BALB/c mice infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv or a MDR strain, by determining pulmonary bacilli loads, tissue damage by automated histomorphometry, and expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and iNOS by quantitative RT-PCR., Results: The in vitro assay showed that the UA/OA mixture has synergistic activity. The intracellular activity of these compounds against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and a MDR clinical isolate in a macrophage cell line showed that both compounds, alone and in combination, were active against intracellular mycobacteria even at low doses. Moreover, when both compounds were used to treat BALB/c mice with TB induced by H37Rv or MDR bacilli, a significant reduction of bacterial loads and pneumonia were observed compared to the control. Interestingly, animals treated with UA and OA showed a higher expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α in their lungs, than control animals., Conclusion: UA and OA showed antimicrobial activity plus an immune-stimulatory effect that permitted the control of experimental pulmonary TB.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over 50 in developed countries. It is a multifactorial disease resulting from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, and the age is the only worldwide admitted risk factor. The socioeconomic impact of the disease reaches enormous proportions, if we take into account the high cost of the available antiangiogenic therapy, the strict schedule of medical visits that it requires, and the impairment that it gives rise to. The response to treatment and the visual outcomes improve with early management of the retinal lesions, thus the early diagnosis of the disease in its initial phases, based on self-control with an Amsler grid and with regular ophthalmologic assessments, is essential., (Copyright © 2011 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

The carotene producer fungus Mucor circinelloides is the zygomycete more amenable to genetic manipulations by using molecular tools. Since the initial development of an effective procedure of genetic transformation, more than two decades ago, the availability of new molecular approaches such as gene replacement techniques and gene expression inactivation by RNA silencing, in addition to the sequencing of its genome, has made Mucor a valuable organism for the study of a number of processes. Here we describe in detail the main techniques and methods currently used to manipulate M. circinelloides, including transformation, gene replacement, gene silencing, RNAi, and immunoprecipitation.

Ionic liquid based microemulsions were characterized by absorption solvatochromic shifts, (1)H NMR and kinetic measurements in order to investigate the properties of the ionic liquid within the restricted geometry provided by microemulsions and the interactions of the ionic liquid with the interface. Experimental results show a significant difference between the interfaces of normal water and the new ionic liquid microemulsions. Absorption solvatochromic shift experiments and kinetic studies on the aminolysis of 4-nitrophenyl laurate by n-decylamine show that the polarity at the interface of the ionic liquid in oil microemulsions (IL/O) is higher than at the interface of water in oil microemulsions (W/O) despite the fact that the polarity of [bmim][BF(4)(-)] is lower than the polarity of water. (1)H NMR experiments showed that an increase in the ionic liquid content of the microemulsion led to an increase in the interaction between [bmim][BF(4)(-)] and TX-100. The reason for the higher polarity of the microemulsions with the ionic liquid can be explained in terms of the incorporation of higher levels of the ionic liquid at the interface of the microemulsions, as compared to water in the traditional systems., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Molecular approaches to study the biology of the zygomycete Mucor circinelloides depend mainly on the existence of a polyethylene glycol-based transformation method, which is one of the most efficient in zygomycete fungi. However, the poor reliability and low transformation rates of this method are major obstacles in the molecular study of a number of biological processes. This paper describes an easy and reliable method to transform M. circinelloides protoplasts by electroporation. A high-voltage pulse of 25μF capacitance, 400Ω resistance, and 4kV/cm field strength were seen to be the optimal electrical conditions for delivering DNA into M. circinelloides protoplasts. Under these electrical conditions, successful transformations were carried out with several self-replicative plasmid and strain combinations, producing up to more than 500 transformants per μg DNA. Targeted DNA integration of a transgene (atfA gene of Acinetobacter baylyi) in a particular locus (carRP) was also achieved. This transformation method will considerably facilitate in-depth molecular genetic studies of the biology of this fungus., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Wünderlich's Syndrome is a spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage characterised by sudden lumbar pain, tangible mass in the lumbar region and signs of hypovolaemic shock., Case Report: A 65 year-old female presented the classic triad indicating Wünderlich's syndrome. Imaging techniques with three-dimensional reconstruction enabled us to determine the diagnosis and aetiology, and aided in determining the treatment., Discussion: We emphasise the importance of imaging methods in diagnosing and choosing treatment for Wünderlich s Syndrome.

Objective: The aim is to analyse until which age a radical procedure could have an influence on life expectancy of patients with localized prostate cancer Gleason 8-10., Methods: We analyse retrospectively 80 patients with localized prostate cancer T1-2N0-XM0 Gleason 8-10. The patients were stratified in 2 groups: group A 34 patients who received hormonal treatment and group B, 46 patients submitted to radical prostatectomy. The analysed variables are: cancer mortality and cancer specific survival., Results: Patients characteristics: median age group A 75 years (66-84) and group B 64 years (56-75) (p = 0.033): median followup group A 54 months (20-180) and group B 37 months (12-140) (p = 0.016); median Gleason group A 8 (8-10) and group B 8 (8-10) (p = 0.144); percentage T1 group A 24% and group B 41% (p = 0.096); median PSA group A 10 (4-91) and group B 12 (4-71) (p = 0.269). The cancer specific mortality from group A is 24 (71%) and in group B 3 (7%) (p = 0.000). In the first 5 years, 20 (59%) patients died from prostate cancer in the group A and 1 (2%) in the group B. The Kaplan-Meier curves and Log-Rank test show significant differences in the survival cancer specific between the 2 groups. The Cox regression shows that the possibilities of dying from prostate cancer are higher in the group of patients who did not receive treatment with curative intention. The relative risk (HR 95% IC) in group A is 6.826 (2.032-22.931)., Conclusions: More than half of the patients with localized prostate cancer Gleason 8-10 treated in a conservative way die from cancer within the next 5 years since the diagnosis. The patients with a life expectancy greater than 5 years can benefit with a curative treatment.

Nutrient and antinutritional/toxic factors present in some edible flowers consumed in Mexico were determined. The edible flowers were: Agave salmiana, Aloe vera, Arbutus xalapensis, Cucurbita pepo (cultivated), Erythrina americana, Erythrina caribaea, Euphorbia radians benth and Yucca filifera. The nutrient content in the flowers studied is similar to that of the edible leaves and flowers studied mainly in Africa. The moisture content of the flowers varied from 860 to 932 g kg(-1). Crude protein (CP) was between 113 to 275 g kg(-1) DM, crude fiber, 104 to 177 g kg(-1) DM and the nitrogen free extract, between 425 to 667 g kg(-1) DM. The highest chemical score (CS) was found in E. americana and A. salmiana; in five samples the limiting amino acid was lysine, and in three of them it was tryptophan. Trypsin inhibitors and hemaglutinnins had a very low concentration. Alkaloids were present in both the Erythrina species and the saponins in A. salmiana and Y. filifera. Cyanogenic glucosides were not found in the studied flowers. The traditional process of preparing these specific flowers before consumption is by cooking them and discarding the broth; in this way the toxic substances are diminished or eliminated. These edible flowers from wild plants consumed in local areas of the country play an important role in the diet of the people at least during the short time of the season where they are blooming.

During the splendor of Athens, Herodotus of Helicarnasus develops his life and work in the V century B.C. that led him to be considered the father of history. The available knowledge of ancient medicine and surgery is based on the descriptions of authors such as Homer, Herodotus, Hippocrates, and Plinius. Herodotus, a contemporary of Hippocrates, in his Histories, defines the limit between the epic narratives of Homer and the beginning of scientific history based on observation, reflection, and analysis. He develops an erudite, objective, and clear narrative of facts that allow him to discover the causes in order to determine their consequences in society. He describes the magic-religious model of the health-disease process, etiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment for diseases in ancient towns. He makes a description of Egyptian medicine, particularly about medical specialization, embalmment, and common diseases. He emphasizes surgical procedures: circumcision, castration, amputations of ears, nose and hands, ocular evisceration and mastectomies (punishments) and describes traumatic wounds, their prognosis and treatment. He also mentions the names and actions of the most famous physicians of the time. Herodotus lived the cultural decadence of Ionia, his native land, at the time of economic and intellectual hegemony of Athens. His work is universal and has the purposes of projection to the future and to seek causes.

Paragangliomas or extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas account for approximately 15% of all pheochromocytomas. They are usually found in an intradiaphragmatic location. Paragangliomas of the urinary bladder are infrequent and represent 6% of the paragangliomas and 0.06% of all bladder tumors. We describe 2 cases of urinary bladder paragangliomas attended to our center and review the literature with special attention to treatment, since there is some controversy around the management of these tumors. Surgical options include partial or total cystectomy and transurethral resection, but there is no consensus regarding these treatment modalities. The 2 patients presented underwent transurethral resection with a good outcome and no recurrence or residual disease., (copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel)

We report two clinical cases of intestinal invagination due to jejunal GAN tumors that were operated on because of an intestinal obstruction. Diagnostic methods, differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach were analysed.

In this study, we addressed the effects of N limitation in Bradyrhizobium japonicum for its association with soybean roots. The wild-type strain LP 3001 grew for six generations with a growth rate of 1.2 day(-1) in a minimal medium with 28 mM mannitol as the carbon source and with the N source [(NH(4))(2)SO(4)] limited to only 20 microM. Under these conditions, the glutamine synthetase (GS) activity was five to six times higher than in similar cultures grown with 1 or 0.1 mM (NH(4))(2)SO(4). The NtrBC-inducible GSII form of this enzyme accounted for 60% of the specific activity in N-starved rhizobia, being negligible in the other two cultures. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) and capsular polysaccharide (CPS) contents relative to cell protein were significantly higher in the N-starved cultures, but on the other hand, the poly-3-hydroxybutyrate level did not rise in comparison with N-sufficient cultures. In agreement with the accumulation of CPS in N-starved cultures, soybean lectin (SBL) binding as well as stimulation of rhizobial adsorption to soybean roots by SBL pretreatment were higher. The last effect was evident only in cultures that had not entered stationary phase. We also studied nodC gene induction in relation to N starvation. In the chromosomal nodC::lacZ fusion Bj110-573, nodC gene expression was induced by genistein 2.7-fold more in N-starved young cultures than in nonstarved ones. In stationary-phase cultures, nodC gene expression was similarly induced in N-limited cultures, but induction was negligible in cultures limited by another nutrient. Nodulation profiles obtained with strain LP 3001 grown under N starvation indicated that these cultures nodulated faster. In addition, as culture age increased, the nodulation efficiency decreased for two reasons: fewer nodules were formed, and nodulation was delayed. However, their relative importance was different according to the nutrient condition: in older cultures the overall decrease in the number of nodules was the main effect in N-starved cultures, whereas a delay in nodulation was more responsible for a loss in efficiency of N-sufficient cultures. Competition for nodulation was studied with young cultures of two wild-type strains differing only in their antibiotic resistance, the N-starved cultures being the most competitive.

Case Report: We present the case of a patient operated on for extracapsular cataract extraction of both eyes. Three weeks after the first operation (right eye), the patient presented a local inflammatory reaction at the incision site which was characterized by the existence of whitish exudates of different sizes surrounding the nylon suture. At one week of the second operation, the patient presented the same alteration (left eye), although it was observed sooner and had a greater intensity. The allergy skin tests for nylon and other substances were negative, however the local inflammatory reaction disappeared when the nylon suture was removed., Discussion: This type of reaction, which we have observed in several other patients, has been previously described by others authors, although no clearly established cause has been demonstrated. Both toxicity and allergy to nylon have been proposed as the underlying mechanisms. We consider that a type IV hypersensitivity reaction to nylon may be the underlying mechanism of these reactions although toxicity cannot be ruled out.

Soybean seed lectin stimulates adsorption of Bradyrhizobium japonicum to its host roots. Pretreatment of the rhizobia with soybean seed lectin for at least 6-12 h previous to their interaction with the plants was required to detect the stimulatory effect. This activity could be observed with as few as 1000 soybean seed lectin molecules per bacterium, and required specific carbohydrate binding. Infectivity and competitiveness for nodulation were also stimulated by preincubation of the rhizobia either with soybean seed meal extract or soybean seed lectin, the extract being more effective in enhancing competitiveness.

Objective: A case of a nonfunctioning ectopic adrenal tissue tumor in the epipidymis is described., Methods/results: A case of a nonfunctioning ectopic adrenal tissue tumor in the epipidymis is presented. A left testicular mass had been incidentally detected in this patient., Conclusions: Tumors of this type localized in the juxtafuniculogonadal region are usually benign. However, resection and histological analysis are always indicated in order to detect metastasis or confirm the histiological type is normal.

Three cases of abscesses rated as primary of the psoas, after dismissing any likely cause that can be involved in the genesis of secondary abscesses of the psoas, are presented. A review of the literature is made, emphasizing the etiological change in the psoas' abscesses as well as the possible causes involved in the etiopathology of this picture which appears to be caused by distant dissemination from a septic nucleus. This theory is also supported by over 80% cases where Staphylococcus aureus is the causative organism. Reference is made to which clinical data is most relevant and to the value of the traditional diagnostic procedures: simplex x-ray, u.i.v., ultrasound techniques, radionuclides and CAT, the latter being the ideal diagnostic procedure in these processes. Finally, different therapy approaches are presented. Percutaneous draining (supported by ultrasound scanning and CAT) appears to have greater acceptance by most authors, relegating the surgical drainage for selected cases.