Histological artifacts associated with laser and electroscalpel gingivectomy: Case series.

Introduction. Over time, efforts have been invested in the design of new instruments that overcome the disadvantages of the gold standard instrument in surgery, the scalpel. As a result, electronic equipment has emerged such as the electric scalpel and laser devices.

Liquid-Based Cytology in the Detection of Premalignant Lesions in Patients with "Atypia in Squamous Cells" in Conventional Cytology.

Background: The management of patients with "Atypical Squamous Cells" (ASC) in conventional papanicolaou smears (CPS) is based on the risk of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). The efficacy of liquid-based cytology (LBC) to detect this premalignant lesion is variable, with little evidence of its performance in Colombian patients.

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the performance of LBC in the detection of premalignant lesions, in patients with ASC in CPS.

Cyclooxigenase-2 and osteopontin in gastric pre-neoplastic lesions in relation to H-pylori infection and grade of inflammation.

The association between Helicobacter-pylori-induced inflammation and gastric adenocarcinoma is well documented and it has been suggested that the pro-mitotic and apoptotic effect of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Osteopontin on the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa may have a role in carcinogenesis of the gastric mucosa. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Osteopontin in normal gastric mucosa, mucosa with gastritis and gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia, in relation to Helicobacter-pylori infection and grade of inflammation. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 108 gastric biopsies in order to detect Cyclooxygenase-2 and Osteopontin expression.

A screening of plants used in Colombian traditional medicine revealed the anti-inflammatory potential of calyces.

The use of natural products by communities from the Colombian Caribbean region to treat health issues, together with biodiversity and geographical features, constitute a great scenery to develop new therapies based on ethnopharmacological heritage. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of 10 commonly used plants in Colombian folk medicine, evaluating their effect on nitric oxide (NO) production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Protective effect of Dracontium dubium against Bothrops asper venom.

In Colombia, Bothrops asper is responsible for 70-90% of ophidians accidents reported annually. Envenoming occurs mainly in rural areas where both antivenom and health centers are scarce. Thus, patients are frequently treated by local healers that employ medicinal herbs; including several species belonging to Dracontium genus.