Defining the concept of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: a new perspective based on standardization of criteria and current evidence

Alejandro M. Aragona,Alejandro H. Soderini,Nicasio A. Cuneo 대한부인종양학회 2014 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.25 No.4

The phrase “locally advanced carcinoma of the vulva” has often been mentioned in the literature, though not accurately defined, or even leading to the interpretation overlapping. Grounded on cervical cancer experience, we are able to state that designing a tailored primary strategy based on clinically measurable adverse prognostic factors represents the cornerstone of therapy. This fact urged us to rethink about the real usefulness of the concept of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. We will refer to this concept as a clinical entity emerging from a rigorous workup which is a valuable guiding tool in the context of a thorough debate about the best primary treatment approach to be used. Furthermore, bulky tumors of the vulva have been associated with a worse prognosis on several occasions. Some authors have questioned the fact that tumor size has not been considered in the staging system. Finally, a standardized definition will help us compare the results obtained, which is extremely necessary given the worldwide low prevalence of this disease.

Effect of Seasonal Variations and Collection Form on Antioxidant Activity of Propolis from San Juan, Argentina

María I. Isla,Iris C. Zampini,Roxana M. Ordóñez,Soledad Cuello,Belén Carrasco Juárez,Jorge Esteban Sayago,María I. Nieva Moreno,María Rosa Alberto,Nancy R. Vera,Enrique Bedascarrasbure,Alejandro Alvar 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.6

Propolis was included in the Argentine Food Code as a functional food. The chemical parameters and antioxidant properties of propolis samples from the same colonies of Apis mellifera in San Juan (Cuyo region, Western Argentine) were compared every month for 1 year using two collection methods. Chemical parameters were analyzed by the spectrophotometric method and fingerprinting using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The antioxidant activities of propolis samples were measured using model systems including the analysis of the scavenging activities for 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and the β-carotene bleaching assay. The results showed that propolis had a higher free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibitory capacity than butylated hydroxytoluene and quercetin, antioxidants used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The concentration required to scavenge 50% of free radicals (SC50) values differed depending on the sample collection month. Samples collected in November had the highest antioxidant capacity. In all cases, SC50 values of propolis samples obtained by scraping were similar to those collected from a wire mesh (5μg/mL for ABTS and 20–30μg/mL for DPPH radicals). A significant positive correlation was found between the antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content of each analyzed extract. The chemical profiles were very similar. Galangin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone), an antioxidant compound, was detected in all samples as a major compound. The chromatographic profile suggests that of Baccharis sp., which would be one of the botanical sources of propolis from western Argentina, and the content of galangin can be used as a parameter for evaluating propolis quality. Our results suggest that Argentine propolis from Cuyo is a promising source of bioactive compounds as ingredients for developing functional foods with a beneficial impact on oxidative stress.

Aggrecan catabolism during mesenchymal stromal cell in vitro chondrogenesis

María Lucía Gutiérrez,Johana María Guevara,Olga Yaneth Echeverri,Diego Garzón-Alvarado,Luis Alejandro Barrera 한국통합생물학회 2013 Animal cells and systems Vol.17 No.4

During skeleton formation, mesenchymal cells condense and differentiate into chondrocytes in a process known as chondrogenesis. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), main components of aggrecan in the extracellular matrix (ECM),have an important role in this process. An in vitro simplified system has been devised to study chondrogenesis using mesenchymal progenitor cells. Although the capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells to differentiate into the chondrogenic lineage is well established, there is a lack of knowledge with respect to lysosomal enzyme activity during the chondrogenic process. To further understand GAG’s catabolic activities during in vitro chondrogenesis, we evaluated three lysosomal enzymes. Chondrogenic differentiation was demonstrated by Alcian blue positive stain quantified by a grading system using ImageJ. Enzyme activity for N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate-sulfatase during chondrogenic induction decreased significantly with time of culture; b-galactosidase enzyme activity had a similar tendency of temporal activity. On the contrary, b-glucuronidase enzyme activity decreased from the first to second week of induction, but remained the same during the third week of culture. Aggrecan’s immunohistochemistry values for aggregates under chondrogenic induction revealed a similar temporal pattern to that of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate-sulfatase and b-galactosidase enzyme activity. This work has contributed to the evaluation of enzyme activities associated with GAG degradation, critical component of cartilage ECM. These findings are relevant in understanding the role of enzymes responsible for degradation of molecules predominantly synthesized in the chondrogenic differentiation process. A better understanding of the roles of these enzymes during development could help elucidate further association of deficiencies of these enzymes in skeletal pathologies, primarily chondrodysplasias.

Extracellular vesicles from pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells acquire a stromal modulatory proteomic pattern during differentiation

Alejandro La Greca,Claudia Solari,Veronica Furmento,Antonella Lombardi,Maria Celeste Biani,Cyntia Aban,Lucia Moro,Marcela García,Alejandra Sonia Guberman,Gustavo Emilio Sevlever,Santiago Gabriel Miriu 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) constitute an interesting alternative to classical MSCs in regenerative medicine. Among their many mechanisms of action, MSC extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a potential suitable substitute for MSCs in future cell-free-based therapeutic approaches. Unlike cells, EVs do not elicit acute immune rejection, and they can be produced in large quantities and stored until ready to use. Although the therapeutic potential of MSC EVs has already been proven, a thorough characterization of MSC EVs is lacking. In this work, we used a label-free liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry proteomic approach to identify the most abundant proteins in EVs that are secreted from MSCs derived from PSCs (PD-MSCs) and from their parental induced PSCs (iPSCs). Next, we compared both datasets and found that while iPSC EVs enclose proteins that modulate RNA and microRNA stability and protein sorting, PD-MSC EVs are rich in proteins that organize extracellular matrix, regulate locomotion, and influence cell–substrate adhesion. Moreover, compared to their respective cells, iPSCs and iPSC EVs share a greater proportion of proteins, while the PD-MSC proteome appears to be more specific. Correlation and principal component analysis consistently aggregate iPSCs and iPSC EVs but segregate PD-MSC and their EVs. Altogether, these findings suggest that during differentiation, compared with their parental iPSC EVs, PDMSC EVs acquire a more specific set of proteins; arguably, this difference might confer their therapeutic properties.

Proton conducting sulfonated polysulfone and polyphenylsulfone multiblock copolymers with improved performances for fuel cell applications

Sydonne Swaby,Nieves Ureña,María Teresa Pérez-Prior,Carmen del Río,Alejandro Várez,Jean-Yves Sanchez,Cristina Iojoiu,Cristina Iojoiu,Belén Levenfeld 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.122 No.-

A series of proton exchange membranes based on sulfonated multiblock copolymers with three polysulfone(PSU) and polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) ratios (50/50, 60/40 and 75/25) are prepared following a synthesisstrategy that aims to achieve a microphase separation. A selective sulfonation of PSU blocks wasobserved in copolymers with a high proportion of PSU. The water uptake is higher in these materials(31% and 57% for SPES 50/50 and SPES 75/25, respectively at 60 C) while the tensile strength was lower(56.0 MPa and 40.6 MPa for SPES 50/50 and SPES 75/25 in the H+ form, respectively). Ionic conductivity ofSPES 75/25 membranes measured both ex situ and in situ at 80 C is 25 and 31 mScm1, respectively. Fuelcell tests reveal that SPES 75/25 shows the highest value for the maximum power density (670 mWcm2at 70 C and 100% of RH) which is higher than that achieved for SPES 50/50 (400 mWcm2). In addition,the high current density obtained for SPES 75/25 (1000 mAcm2 at 0.6 V and 70 C) compared withSPES50/50 (600 mAcm2) and Nafion 112 (450 mAcm2 at 75 C) shows its promising properties as solidelectrolyte in polymeric fuel cells.

Reduction of product platform complexity by vectorial Euclidean algorithm

Israel Aguilera Navarrete,Alejandro A. Lozano Guzmán 대한기계학회 2013 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.27 No.11

In traditional machine, equipment and devices design, technical solutions are practically independent, thus increasing designs cost and complexity. Overcoming this situation has been tackled just using designer’s experience. In this work, a product platform complexity reduction is presented based on a matrix representation of technical solutions versus product properties. This matrix represents the product platform. From this matrix, the Euclidean distances among technical solutions are obtained. Thus, the vectorial distances among technical solutions are identified in a new matrix of order of the number of technical solutions identified. This new matrix can be reorganized in groups with a hierarchical structure, in such a way that modular design of products is now more tractable. As a result of this procedure, the minimum vector distances are found thus being possible to identify the best technical solutions for the design problem raised. Application of these concepts is shown with two examples.

Gold nanoparticles: uptake in human mast cells and effect on cell viability, inflammatory mediators, and proliferation

Gutiérrez-Calleja Ramón A.,Rodríguez-Cortés Octavio,Flores-Mejía Raúl,Muñoz-Diosdado Alejandro 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2021 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.17 No.4

Background Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential for a wide range of applications as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Since they have a high probability of interacting with human immune cells, cytotoxicity studies must be conducted. The investigation of AuNP/immune cell interaction has mainly focused on macrophages and dendritic cells, along with some other cell lineages. Scarce information is available regarding the effect of AuNPs on mast cells, which are abundant in the skin, mucosa, and perivascular space. Objective To examine the uptake of AuNPs by HMC-1 human mast cells and the resulting effect on cell viability, pro-inflammatory mediators production, and proliferation. Results With AuNPs treatment, the viability of HMC-1 cells decreased slightly (never less than 95%) during the first 4 h, but no changes were detected in the proliferation rate at any time. Increasing concentrations of AuNPs produced greater cell granularity (uptake). CLSM images exhibited AuNPs clusters in the cell cytoplasm. TNF-α and ROS production was not stimulated by AuNPs treatment at any concentration/time. Conclusion Internalization of AuNPs into HMC-1 cells was demonstrated in an in vitro model, without showing cytotoxic effects or induction of pro-inflammatory mediators at any concentration tested. Background Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential for a wide range of applications as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Since they have a high probability of interacting with human immune cells, cytotoxicity studies must be conducted. The investigation of AuNP/immune cell interaction has mainly focused on macrophages and dendritic cells, along with some other cell lineages. Scarce information is available regarding the effect of AuNPs on mast cells, which are abundant in the skin, mucosa, and perivascular space. Objective To examine the uptake of AuNPs by HMC-1 human mast cells and the resulting effect on cell viability, pro-inflammatory mediators production, and proliferation. Results With AuNPs treatment, the viability of HMC-1 cells decreased slightly (never less than 95%) during the first 4 h, but no changes were detected in the proliferation rate at any time. Increasing concentrations of AuNPs produced greater cell granularity (uptake). CLSM images exhibited AuNPs clusters in the cell cytoplasm. TNF-α and ROS production was not stimulated by AuNPs treatment at any concentration/time. Conclusion Internalization of AuNPs into HMC-1 cells was demonstrated in an in vitro model, without showing cytotoxic effects or induction of pro-inflammatory mediators at any concentration tested.

In Vitro and In Vivo Nematicide Effect of Extract Fractions of Pleurotus djamor Against Haemonchus contortus

Manases González-Cortázar,José E Sánchez,Magaly Huicochea-Medina,Victor M Hernández-Velázquez,Pedro Mendoza-de-Gives,Alejandro Zamilpa,Ma Eugenia López-Arellano,Jesús Antonio Pineda-Alegría,Liliana Ag 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.3

Sheep haemonchosis is a disease that causes anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, low production, and even death of young animals. This represents a negative economic impact on the livestock sector. For decades, chemicals have been used to control this parasitic disease; however, cases of anthelmintic resistance have increased around the world. For this reason, the search for control alternatives is necessary. Several studies have shown that edible mushrooms of Pleurotus genus have different medicinal properties, including nematicidal activity. In this study, the chromatographic fractionation of the hydroalcoholic extract of fruiting bodies Pleurotus djamor was carried out to identify and isolate the metabolites responsible for nematicidal activity. From the fractionation of the extract, the fraction PdR2 and the subfraction PdB were obtained, which were evaluated against Haemonchus contortus under in vitro conditions. The nematicidal effect of the fraction PdB in gerbils infected artificially with H. contortus was evaluated. Finally, the analysis of the PdB fraction by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance was carried out. The results showed that the PdB had 100% of egg hatching inhibition from 5 mg/mL. Regarding larvicidal activity, it presented >97.2% from 24 h to 20 mg/mL. The in vivo evaluation of the PdB fraction showed a reduction of H. contortus larvae of 92.56%. The compounds present in this fraction were the mixture of allitol and an unidentified terpene in a ratio of 9:1. The PdB fraction is a potential alternative for the control of H. contortus, where allitol and a terpene could be responsible for nematicidal activity.

Controversies in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer in the PARP inhibitors era: a Delphi consensus

Andrés Redondo,Pilar Barretina,Alejandro Pérez-Fidalgo,María Jesús Rubio,Antonio González-Martín 대한부인종양학회 2023 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.34 No.5

Objective: Our aim was to reach a consensus on the management of the most controversial issues of advanced ovarian cancer. Methods: Nominal group and Delphi techniques were used. A steering committee of 5 experts analyzed current management of advanced ovarian cancer, identified controversies, critically analyzed the evidence, and formulated guiding statements for clinicians. Subsequently, a panel of 15 experts was selected to test agreement with the statements through two Delphi rounds. Items were scored on a 4-point Likert scale from 1 (totally disagree) to 4 (totally agree). In the first and second rounds, consensus was considered if ≥70% of answers pertained to category 1 or category 4. Results: Overall, 112 statements were incorporated in the following areas: 1) biomarkers and hereditary ovarian cancer; 2) first-line treatment; 3) recurrent disease when platinum might be the best option; and 4) post-poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors setting. In the first Delphi round, 37 statements reached consensus and did thus not pass to the second round. After the second round, another 18 statements reached consensus. Forty-six of the consensus were with the agreement and 9 with the disagreement. Conclusion: Through the methodology used, a consensus was reached in approximately half of the statements. The results of this work may be useful in addressing the most controversial issues on the management of advanced ovarian cancer.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Minimally Invasive versus Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease: A Prospective Comparative Cohort Study

Antonio D. Jover-Mendiola,Fernando A. Lopez-Prats,Alejandro Lizaur-Utrilla,Maria-Flores Vizcaya-Moreno 대한정형외과학회 2023 Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Vol.15 No.2

Background: Comparative outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) and traditional open TLIF (O-TLIF) for degenerative lumbar disc disease have been poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare the outcomes between MI-TLIF and O-TLIF for patients with a degenerative disc disease, focusing on the functional capacity of patients in daily life. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed, comparing 54 patients who underwent O-TLIF and 55 patients who underwent MI-TLIF with a follow-up of 4 years. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-item short form survey (SF-36), and a visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain). Radiological evaluation was also performed. Results: At the final follow-up, compared with O-TLIF, MI-TLIF was associated with significantly better intraoperative results, including similar operative time (p = 0.246), lower estimated blood loss (p = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.001). The final ODI score was significantly better in the MI-TLIF group (p = 0.031). The SF-36-physical (p = 0.023) and VAS pain (p = 0.024) scores were significantly better in the MI-TLIF group. There was no significant difference in the fusion rate (p = 0.747). Conclusions: The MI-TLIF technique is an effective and safe procedure for degenerative lumbar disc disease. Compared to traditional O-TLIF, MI-TLIF was associated with less disability and higher quality of life, with a low rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications.