DNA promoter methylation as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker in gallbladder cancer

ABSTRACT: Gallbladder cancer is an infrequent neoplasia with noticeable geographical variations in its incidence around the world. In Chile, it is the main cause of death owing to cancer in women over 40 years old, with mortality rates up to 16.5 per 100,000 cases. The prognosis is poor with few therapeutic options; in advanced cases there is only a 10% survival at 5 years. Several studies mention the possible role of DNA methylation in gallbladder carcinogenesis. This epigenetic modification affects tumor suppressor genes involved in regulation pathways, cell cycle control, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix degradation, in a sequential and cumulative way. Determining DNA methylation patterns would allow them to be used as biomarkers for the early detection, diagnosis, prognosis and/or therapeutic selection in gallbladder cancer.     

Enteroparasitoses in children from the V Region. A study in the Juan Fernandez archipelago, Chile

The results of two enteroparasitological surveys in children carried out in the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, within a 5-year period (1982-1987), are compared. In both studies the absence of Ascaris lumbricoides has been persistent, having no explanation for this phenomenon due to the favorable environmental conditions for the development of the quoted parasite. In the second survey Cryptosporidium sp. was studied, finding a higher frequency than that detected in rural areas of the V Region.     

Computer assisted simulations and molecular graphics methods in molecular design

A survey is presented of computer-assisted statistical mechanical methods. The general theoretical background is described and special methods are discussed in detail. Practical procedures allowing for the calculation of binding energies are examined. A recent perturbation-relaxation procedure is summarized.