Photodynamic therapy in Argentina

The use of endogenous Protoporphyrin IX generated through the heme biosynthetic pathway after administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has led to many applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT). In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Centro de Investigaciones sobre Porfirinas y Porfirias (CIPYP), reported for the first time, in 1975, porphyrin synthesis from ALA in highly dividing plant tissues. Increased porphyrin synthesis in tumours as well as cell photosensitisation was reported soon after. Our group is also interested in studying the use of new synthetic lipophilic derivatives of ALA as well as ALA delivery in liposomes. We have elucidated the mechanism of ALA transport in mammalian and yeast cells. The interactions between ALA-PDT and nitric oxide were investigated in three murine adenocarcinoma cell lines. In the National University of Río Cuarto, Córdoba, a group is devoted to the synthesis of new porphyrin-derived photosensitisers to study their effects on photoinactivation of bacterial and mammalian cells death by PDT. At the Centre of Electron Microscopy of the Cordoba National University, a prototype of a 630 nm noncoherent light source was designed and constructed. Cost of the light source and scarce knowledge of the benefits of PDT by physicians limit the spread of the treatment throughout the country.     

Female pelvic floor. Descriptive anatomy and clinical exploration by transvaginal ultrasound

In order to assess the state and pathology of the woman's pelvis minor, a number of methods are commonly used among practitioners, encompassing clinical exploration, radiology, MRN, urodynamics, endoscopy and echography.

Echography has been poorly used in clinical pelvic exploration and its reliability is actually a matter of controversy 1. However, echographic surveys can provide us with valuable gynecological data on the state and pathologies of the soft pelvis, within the genital regions or even going beyond them, i.e. the rectal channel, bladder, urethra, anus, vascular plexuses, and all of their supporting tissues.

At our research unit, we have been employing Transvaginal Ultrasound echography (TVU) for a long time in conjunction with other pelvis-focused methods in order to study different kinds of pelvic alterations. TVU has proven to be friendly to use, fast, harmless and inexpensive, allowing serial explorations and producing high-quality dynamic images (loop-cinema, video-tape). Furthermore, this method is fairly aseptic in that the occurrence of faeces in the rectal ampolla is not a nuisance but a bonus in tracking the contours of the rectum walls and other topographical features which would be otherwise difficult to survey.

A complete pelvic floor TVU may add no longer than 5-8 minutes to a routine gynecological examination, can be implemented by the general gynecologist and generates data that can be further studied by the appropriate specialist for a more insightful evaluation 2.     

Contribution of hypoxia-measuring molecular imaging techniques to radiotherapy planning and treatment

Hypoxia is related to poor prognosis because it is associated to chemo-and radioresistance. During recent years the evolution of imaging methods like PET/CT and MRI has meant the appearance of new perspectives with direct implications in radiation therapy. We discuss previous experiences in staging, planning and in the follow-up process with these techniques for measuring tumour hypoxia.     

Implications of postvaccination hepatitis B surface antigenemia in the management of exposures to body fluids.

A neonate vaccinated against HBV was the source of an occupational exposure to blood. She was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and found to be positive, leading to unnecessary treatment, retesting, and concern. Evaluation of the infectious status of HBV should rely on other means if vaccination has recently occurred.     

Buried inferiorly based gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap for reconstruction of large, recurrent ischiopubic pressure sores

The ischium is the most common site for recurrence of pressure sores in the paraplegic population. Successful reconstruction of these wounds depends on the total excision of ulcer, soft tissue debris, bony prominence, and the durability of the soft tissue repair. The V-Y gluteus maximum musculocutaneous flap based on the inferior gluteal vessels can be advanced medially, deepithelialized, and buried to fill large, deep soft tissue ischial wounds. Local rotational flaps close the superficial wound. This buried flap, although not previously described, is useful for the reconstruction of large ischiopubic pressure sores initially or at the time of recurrence.     

Paraxanthine displaces the binding of [3H]SCH 23390 from rat striatal membranes

We present evidence showing that paraxanthine (1,7-dimethylxanthine), the main metabolite of caffeine in man, displaces the binding of [3H]SCH 23390, a radioligand which selectively labels dopamine D-1 receptors when used at low concentrations, from striatal membranes of the rat. The displacement was competitive and indicated the existence of two affinity states (Hill coefficient = 0.49; K(high) = 0.15 microM; K(low) = 95.9 microM, %R(high) = 32.4). When the stable GTP analog Gpp(NH)p was included, the displacement curve indicated the presence of only the low-affinity state (Hill coefficient = 1.16; Ki = 72.1 microM). However, paraxanthine did not displace the specific binding of [3H]spiperone. After injection of 30 mg/kg s.c. of caffeine, a maximum of 10 microM of paraxanthine was found in striatal homogenates, which could be sufficient to occupy dopamine D-1 receptors. Our results suggest that a dopaminergic action of paraxanthine could be involved in the behavioural stimulation produced by caffeine.     

Validation of a screening questionnaire for hip and knee osteoarthritis in old people

Background  

To develop a sensitive and specific screening tool for knee and hip osteoarthritis in the general population of elderly people.