design of a new intervertebral disc prosthesis a numerical approach

Abstract In the degenerative disc disease, an alternative treatment to the traditional arthrodesis, consisting in the fusion of the two adjacent vertebral bodies, is the artificial intervertebral disc. The advantage of an artificial intervertebral disc is that the d.o.f. of the vertebral segment can be saved and the mobility of the spine could be almost restored. Many solutions were proposed in the last decades, most of them consisting in metallic rigid joints able to assure the mobility and to maintain the correct distance between the vertebrae but subject to corrosion, wear and interface problems due to the different stiffness with the biological tissues. Purpose of this paper is the design of a prosthetic device substituting the disc to be placed in the intervertebral zone. Different types of artificial prostheses have been proposed by the authors, based on similarity with physiological discs, then with a central part (nucleus) made of hyperelastic material and an outer containment frame (annulus) consisting of a plastic material with a stiffness high enough to assure the reaction force and to avoid large radial displacements. In our solutions, the external parts (annulus and plates) were modeled by HDPE and the inner part (nucleus) by silicone and hydrogel. All the materials are highly biocompatible. The intention of the authors, moreover, is to permit an easier surgical technique. The prosthesis, in fact, could be mounted void of the nucleus, allowing an easier placement, and filled only after the frame insertion, by injecting the silicone through a syringe. The nucleus was modeled by the Mooney-Rivlin parameters related to elastomers, being the disc subject to large deformations that the materials have to be able to withstand in elastic conditions. The discs are subjected to compressive loads either in the mounting phase or, after the silicone filling, due to the physiological loads

Real-time predictive seasonal influenza model in Catalonia, Spain

Influenza surveillance is critical to monitoring the situation during epidemic seasons and predictive mathematic models may aid the early detection of epidemic patterns. The objective of this study was to design a real-time spatial predictive model of ILI (Influenza Like Illness) incidence rate in Catalonia using one- and two-week forecasts. The available data sources used to select explanatory variables to include in the model were the statutory reporting disease system and the sentinel surveillance system in Catalonia for influenza incidence rates, the official climate service in Catalonia for meteorological data, laboratory data and Google Flu Trend. Time series for every explanatory variable with data from the last 4 seasons (from 2010-2011 to 2013-2014) was created. A pilot test was conducted during the 2014-2015 season to select the explanatory variables to be included in the model and the type of model to be applied. During the 2015-2016 season a real-time model was applied weekly, obtaining the intensity level and predicted incidence rates with 95% confidence levels one and two weeks away for each health region. At the end of the season, the confidence interval success rate (CISR) and intensity level success rate (ILSR) were analysed. For the 2015-2016 season a CISR of 85.3% at one week and 87.1% at two weeks and an ILSR of 82.9% and 82% were observed, respectively. The model described is a useful tool although it is hard to evaluate due to uncertainty. The accuracy of prediction at one and two weeks was above 80% globally, but was lower during the peak epidemic period. In order to improve the predictive power, new explanatory variables should be included

Mycobacterium tuberculosis multi-drug-resistant strain M induces IL-17+ IFNγ- CD4+ T cell expansion through an IL-23 and TGF-β-dependent mechanism in patients with MDR-TB tuberculosis

We have previously reported that T cells from patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) express high levels of IL-17 in response to the MDR strain M(Haarlem family) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tuberculosis). Herein, we explore the pathways involved in the induction of h17 cells in MDR-TB patients and healthy tuberculin reactors (PPD+HD) by the M strain and the laboratory strain H37Rv. Our results show that IL-1β and IL-6 are crucial for the H37Rv and M-induced expansion of IL-17+IFNγ¯ and IL-17+IFNγ+ in CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB and PPD+HD. IL-23 plays an ambiguous role in Th1 and Th17 profiles: alone, IL-23 is responsible for M.tuberculosis induced IL-17 and IFNγ expression in CD4+ T cells from PPD+HD whereas, together with TGF-β, it promotes IL-17+IFNγ¯ expansion in MDR-TB. In fact, spontaneous and M.tuberculosis-induced TGF-β secretion is increased in cells from MDR-TB being theM strain the highest inducer. Interestingly, TLR-2 signaling mediates the expansion of IL-17+IFNγ¯ cells and the enhancement of latency-associated protein (LAP) expression in CD14+ and CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB, which suggests that M strain promotes IL-17+IFNγ¯ T cells through a strong TLR-2-dependent TGF-β production by antigenpresenting cells and CD4+ T cells. Finally, CD4+ T cells from MDR-TB patients infected with MDR Haarlem strains show higher IL-17+IFNγ¯ and lower IL-17+IFNγ+ levels than LAM-infected patients. The present findings deepen our understanding on the role of IL-17 in MDR-TB and highlight the influence of the genetic background of the infecting M.tuberculosis strain on the ex vivo Th17 response.Fil: Basile, Juan Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Kviatcovsky, Denise. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Romero, María Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Balboa, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Monteserin, Johana. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud “Dr. C. G. Malbrán”; ArgentinaFil: Ritacco, Gloria Viviana. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud “Dr. C. G. Malbrán”; ArgentinaFil: López, Beatriz. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud “Dr. C. G. Malbrán”; ArgentinaFil: Sabio y García, Carmen Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: García, A.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Infecciosas “Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz”; ArgentinaFil: Vescovo, M.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Infecciosas “Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz”; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Montaner, Pablo. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Infecciosas “Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz”; ArgentinaFil: Palmero, Domingo. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Infecciosas “Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz”; ArgentinaFil: Sasiain, María del Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: de la Barrera, Silvia Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; Argentin

Mediterranean diet and cancer: epidemiological evidence and mechanism of selected aspects

Background: Populations living in the area of the Mediterranean Sea suffered by decreased incidence of cancer compared with those living in the regions of northern Europe and US countries, attributed to healthier dietary habits. Nowadays, we are assisting to a moving away from the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern, but whether this changing is influencing risk of cancers is still unclear. The aim of the study was to review recent evidence on potential relationship between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cancer. Discussion: The most recent pooled analyses of epidemiological studies supported strongly the hypothesis that the Mediterranean diet may play a role in preventing several types of cancers, especially those of digestive tract, whereas contrasting results were reported for hormone-dependent cancers. Specific aspects of the Mediterranean diet such as high fruit and vegetables and low red processed meat intake may explain such protective effects. Moreover, evidence regarding olive oil and whole grains increase the beneficial effects of such dietary pattern against cancer. Conclusions: Literature evidence actually demonstrates that the increased adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern is beneficial to health across populations and may translate a protective effect with certain cancers

Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome

Background: The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptomatology is comparatively high in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS). However, the profile and developmental trajectories of these ASD characteristics are potentially different to those observed in individuals with idiopathic ASD. In this study we examine the ASD profile in CdLS in comparison to a matched group of individuals with ASD.\ud \ud Method: The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) was administered to 20 individuals with CdLS (mean age = 11.34; range = 6yrs to 13yrs) and 20 individuals with idiopathic ASD (mean age = 10.42; range = 8yrs to 11yrs). Participants were matched according to adaptive behaviour skills and receptive language.\ud \ud Results: Sixty-five per cent (N= 13) of individuals with CdLS met the cut off score for autism on the total ADOS score. Further analysis at domain and item level indicated that individuals with CdLS showed significantly less repetitive behaviour, (specifically sensory interests); more eye contact, more gestures and less stereotyped speech than the ASD group. The CdLS group also showed higher levels of anxiety.\ud \ud Conclusions: The comparison between CdLS and idiopathic ASD indicates subtle group differences in the profile of ASD symptomatology that are not accounted for by degree of intellectual disability or receptive language skills. These differences may not be evident when relying solely upon clinical and domain level scores, but may be distinguishing features of the ASD presentations in the two disorders. The findings have implications for the conceptualisation and assessment of ASD in individuals with genetic syndromes

Mycobacterium tuberculosis impairs dendritic cell response by altering CD1b, DC-SIGN and MR profile

During a chronic infection such as tuberculosis, the pool of tissue dendritic cells (DC) must be renewed by recruitment of both circulating DC progenitors and monocytes (Mo). However, the microenvironment of the inflammatory site affects Mo differentiation. As DC are critical for initiating a Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific T-cell response, we argue that interference of M. tuberculosis with a correct DC generation would signify a mechanism of immune evasion. In this study, we showed thatearly interaction of c-irradiated M. tuberculosis with Mo subverts DC differentiation in vitro. We found that irradiated M. tuberculosis effect involves (1) the loss of a significant fraction of monocyte population and (2) an altered differentiation process of the surviving monocyte subpopulation. Moreover, in the absence of irradiated M. tuberculosis, DC consist in a major DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing non-integrin receptor (DC-SIGNhigh)/CD86low and minor DCSIGNlow/CD86high subpopulations, whereas in the presence of bacteria, there is an enrichment of DC-SIGNlow/CD86high population. Besides, this population enlarged by irradiated M. tuberculosis, which is characterized by a reduced CD1b expression, correlates with a reduced induction of specific T-lymphocyte proliferation. The loss of CD1molecules partially involves toll-like receptors (TLR-2)/p38 MAPK activation. Finally, several features of Mo, which have been differentiated into DC in the presence of irradiated M. tuberculosis, resemble the features of DC obtained from patients with active tuberculosis. In conclusion, we suggest that M. tuberculosis escapes from acquired immune response in tuberculosis may be caused by an altered differentiation into DC leading to a poor M. tuberculosis-specific T-cell response.Fil: Balboa, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Romero, María Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Yokobori, Noemí. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Schierloh, Pablo. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Investigaciones Hematológicas "Mariano R. Castex"; ArgentinaFil: Geffner, Laura Judith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Basile, Juan Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Musella, Rosa María. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Infecciosas "Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz"; ArgentinaFil: Abbate, Eduardo. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Infecciosas "Dr. Francisco Javier Muñiz"; ArgentinaFil: de la Barrera, Silvia Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Sasiain, María del Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Alemán, Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Medicina Experimental. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Medicina Experimental; Argentin

Dinámica espacial y temporal de las ocupaciones prehispánicas en la cuenca hidrográfica del rio Limari (30° Lat. S.).

Este trabajo discute la secuencia de desarrollo histórico prehispánico en el Norte Semiárido de Chile a partir del estudio de las dinámicas espaciales y temporales de las ocupaciones humanas en la cuenca hidrográfica del río Limarí. A partir del estudio de asentamientos, materiales depositados en colecciones y arte rupestre se observa una secuencia de transformaciones y desarrollo desde el Arcaico Temprano hasta el período Incaico que diverge de lo tradicionalmente planteado para la región, reconociéndose ritmos de cambios sociales diferenciales dentro de la misma zona, especialmente en relación con la tradicional asociación entre incorporación de cerámica y la constitución de un modo de vida agrícola. La incorporación del arte rupestre permite articular sus características espaciales y representacionales con procesos más amplios, discutiéndose las relaciones establecidas entre dinámicas y cambios sociales con los flujos de información que producen las representaciones rupestres y sus respectivas audiencias.This paper discusses the pre-Hispanic sequence of historical development in the semiarid north of Chile through the study of spatial and temporal dynamics of human occupation in the Limari valley. Based on the study of settlements, museum collections and rock art, a sequence of transformations and development between the Early Archaic and Inca Period is observed that differs from what is traditionally known of the area. In this time frame, social changes such as the adoption of pottery and the constitution of an agrarian way of life, occur at different paces in both time and space within the same Limari valley. We discuss spatial and representational characteristics of rock art in relation to pre-hispanic social processes, emphasizing the links between audiences, flows of information and the dynamics of social life.Fil: Troncoso, Andrés. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Vergara, Francisco. No especifica;Fil: Pavlovic, Daniel. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: González, Paola. No especifica;Fil: Pino, Mariela. No especifica;Fil: Larach, Pablo. No especifica;Fil: Escudero, Antonia. No especifica;Fil: La Mura, Natalia. No especifica;Fil: Moya, Francisca. No especifica;Fil: Pérez, Isidora. No especifica;Fil: Gutiérrez, Renata. No especifica;Fil: Pascual, Daniel. No especifica;Fil: Belmar, Carolina. No especifica;Fil: Basile, Mara Valeria. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Museo Etnográfico "Juan B. Ambrosetti"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: López, Patricio. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Dávila, Cristian. No especifica;Fil: Vásquez, María José. No especifica;Fil: Urzúa, Paula. No especifica

A Gradient-Based Approach for Breast DCE-MRI Analysis

Breast cancer is the main cause of female malignancy worldwide. Effective early detection by imaging studies remains critical to decrease mortality rates, particularly in women at high risk for developing breast cancer. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a common diagnostic tool in the management of breast diseases, especially for high-risk women. However, during this examination, both normal and abnormal breast tissues enhance after contrast material administration. Specifically, the normal breast tissue enhancement is known as background parenchymal enhancement: it may represent breast activity and depends on several factors, varying in degree and distribution in different patients as well as in the same patient over time. While a light degree of normal breast tissue enhancement generally causes no interpretative difficulties, a higher degree may cause difficulty to detect and classify breast lesions at Magnetic Resonance Imaging even for experienced radiologists. In this work, we intend to investigate the exploitation of some statistical measurements to automatically characterize the enhancement trend of the whole breast area in both normal and abnormal tissues independently from the presence of a background parenchymal enhancement thus to provide a diagnostic support tool for radiologists in the MRI analysis

Epha3 acts as proangiogenic factor in multiple myeloma

This study investigates the role of ephrin receptor A3 (EphA3) in the angiogenesis of Multiple Myeloma (MM) and the effects of a selective target of EphA3 by a specific monoclonal antibody on primary bone marrow endothelial cells (ECs) of MM patients.EphA3 mRNA and protein were evaluated in ECs of MM patients (MMECs), in ECs of patients with monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGECs) and in ECs of healthy subjects (control ECs). The effects of EphA3 targeting by mRNA silencing (siRNA) or by the anti EphA3 antibody on the angiogenesis were evaluated. We found that EphA3 is highly expressed in MMECs compared to the other EC types. Loss of function of EphA3 by siRNA significantly inhibited the ability of MMECs to adhere to fibronectin, to migrate and to form tube like structures in vitro, without affecting cell proliferation or viability. In addition, gene expression profiling showed that knockdown of EphA3 down modulated some molecules that regulate adhesion, migration and invasion processes. Interestingly, EphA3 targeting by an anti EphA3 antibody reduced all the MMEC angiogenesis-related functions in vitro. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EphA3 plays an important role in MM angiogenesis

Amoebic liver abscess – a cause of acute respiratory distress in an infant: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The usual presentation of amebic liver abscess in children is extremely variable and unpredictable. It presents with a picture of common pediatric illness that is fever, lethargy, and abdominal pain, and can go on to develop into a rare complication of rupture into the pleura to cause acute respiratory distress, which is another common pediatric illness. In our patient, diagnosis was not made or suspected in these two stages.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>This is the report of a 2-year-old male infant who presented with a 2-week history of anorexia, fever, and abdominal pain. A few hours after admission, he suddenly developed acute respiratory distress; chest X-ray demonstrated massive right pleural effusion that failed to response to tube thoracostomy. Limited thoracotomy revealed a ruptured amebic liver abscess through the right cupola of the diaphragm. The content of the abscess was evacuated from the pleural cavity, which was drained with two large chest tubes. Serological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ruptured amebic liver abscess. Postoperative treatment with antibiotics including metronidazole continued until full recovery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Diagnosis of such a rare disease requires a high degree of suspicion. In this patient, the diagnosis was only made postoperatively. The delay in presentation and the sudden onset of respiratory distress must be emphasized for all those physicians who care for children.</p