Pioderma gangrenoso en mamoplastia posbariátrica / Pyoderma gangrenosum in postbariatric mammoplasty

El pioderma gangrenoso es una patología infrecuente, de origen desconocido, caracterizada por la presencia de úlceras cutáneas de carácter necrótico, de aparición recurrente y rápida progresión. Puede manifestarse en cualquier área anatómica a partir de procesos quirúrgicos o traumáticos, que actúan como disparadores de la reacción autoinmune localizada. En pacientes con cirugía reciente, los signos y síntomas de esta patología se asemejan a una infección posoperatoria. El tratamiento se basa en el uso de corticosteroides e inmunosupresores, containdicando la conducta quirúrgica dado que la misma puede exacerbar la enfermedad. Presentamos un caso de pioderma gangrenoso en mastoplastía posbariátrica con inclusión de prótesis.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare pathology of unknown origin, characterized by the presence of necrotic skin ulcers of recurrent appearance and rapid progression. It can emerge in any anatomic area, after surgeries or traumatic procedures which act as triggers of the localized immune reaction. In patients who have undergone recent surgeries, the signs and symptoms from this pathology resemble a post-operative infection. The treatment consist of corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants. Surgical procedure is contraindicated since it can exacerbate the disease. We present a case of pyoderma gangrenosum in mastopexy with breast implant insertion post bariatric surgery.

Effect of rhizobacterial consortia from undisturbed arid- and agro-ecosystems on wheat growth under different conditions.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are studied as complements/alternatives to chemical fertilizers used in agriculture. However, poor information exists on the potential of PGPR from undisturbed ecosystems. Here, we have evaluated the plant growth-promoting (PGP) effect of rhizobacterial consortia from undisturbed Chilean arid ecosystems (Consortium C1) and agro-ecosystems (Consortium C2) on plant biomass production. The PGP effects of C1 and C2 were assayed in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in pots under growth chamber conditions and in pots placed in an open greenhouse under natural conditions, using two different Chilean Andisols (Piedras Negras and Freire series) kept either at 30 or 60% of their maximum water holding capacity (MWHC). PGP effects depended on the soil type, MWHC and the growth conditions tested. Although both consortia showed PGB effects in artificial soils relative to controls in growth chambers, only C1 provoked a PGP effect at 60% MWHC in phosphorus-poor soil of the 'Piedras Negras' series. At natural conditions, however, only C1 exhibited statistically significant PGP effects at 30% MWHC in 'Piedras Negras', yet and most importantly allowed to maintain similar plant biomass as at 60% MWHC. Our results support possible applications of rhizobacterial consortia from arid ecosystems to improve wheat growth in Chilean Andisols under water shortage conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Wheat seedling inoculated with rhizobacterial consortia obtained from an undisturbed Chilean arid ecosystem showed improved growth in phosphorus-poor and partly dry soil. Arid ecosystems should be considered in further studies as an alternative source of microbial inoculants for agro-ecosystems subjected to stressful conditions by low nutrients and/or adverse climate events.

Migraine-triggered hemifacial spasm: three new cases.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of hemifacial spasm (HFS) during an episode of migraine has been seldom reported. Here we describe three new cases presenting with HFS in association with migraine attacks. CASE RESULTS: Three patients (one woman and two men, aged 31-36 years) developed HFS in close temporal relationship with migraine headaches. All of them started having the muscle spasms after pain onset. Two of them had electromyographic evidence of facial nerve damage, and continued having HFS once the pain abated. CONCLUSIONS: Migraine attacks may be associated with HFS. The appearance of HFS could be related to migraine activity. A mechanism of central hyperexcitability in connection with nociceptive inputs on the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and/or a dilation of vessels compressing the facial nerve at the root exit zone could lead to the development of HFS in predisposed patients. 'Migraine-triggered hemifacial spasm' could possibly be regarded as a complication of migraine.

Bioremediation of soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol by Anthracophyllum discolor and its effect on soil microbial community.

Bioaugmentation is a promising technology to clean up sites contaminated with recalcitrant chemicals. White-rot fungi have proven to be effective in the degradation of pentachlorophenol. Here, we report the bioremediation of soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP) by Anthracophyllum discolor and its impact on the soil microbial community. In this study three types of microcosms were established: fresh soil (C(0)), fresh soil plus wheat straw (WS(0)) and, fresh soil plus wheat straw inoculated with A. discolor (WSAD(0)). Additionally, similar treatments and a control of sterile soil spiked with PCP (C(250), WS(250) and WSAD(250)) were used to evaluate the remediation and adsorption of PCP. The PCP removal, total microbial activity, and enzymatic activities were evaluated. This study also investigated the structure of soil microbial community by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), identifying some of the dominant bacterial and fungal species. The results showed that PCP was effectively degraded in soils by A. discolor and by indigenous soil microorganisms. The addition of wheat straw increased the PCP degradation and enzymatic activities. Only laccase activity was negatively affected by PCP contamination. The PCP degradation was associated with changes in microbial communities, mainly stimulation of members of bacterial phylum Proteobacteria (Xanthomonadaceae, Burkholderiaceae and Enterobacteriaceae), and fungal phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. This study shows the ability of A. discolor to degrade PCP from contaminated soil, and demonstrates that agricultural residues, such as wheat straw, can be used as growth substrate by microorganisms in PCP-contaminated soil, demonstrating a great potential of autochthonous microorganisms for soil remediation.

Effect of cow slurry amendment on atrazine dissipation and bacterial community structure in an agricultural Andisol.

Atrazine is a commonly used herbicide for maize production in Chile, but it has recently been shown to be ineffective in soils that receive applications of cow slurries generated from the dairy industry. This effect may be caused either by the sorption of the pesticide to organic matter or more rapid degradation in slurry-amended soils. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of cow slurry on atrazine dissipation, the formation of atrazine metabolites and the modification of bacterial community in Andisol. The cow slurry was applied at doses of 100,000-300,000 Lha(-1). After 4 weeks, atrazine was applied to the slurry-amended soils at concentrations of 1-3 mg kg(-1). The amounts of atrazine and its metabolites were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The soil microbial community was monitored by measurement of CO(2) evolution and changes in bacterial community using PCR-DGGE of 16S rRNA genes. The results show that cow slurry applications had no effect on atrazine dissipation, which had a half-life of 15-19 days. The atrazine metabolites were detected after 20 days and were significantly higher in soils amended with the slurry at both 20 and 40 days after application of the herbicide. Respiration rates were elevated after 10 days in all soils with atrazine addition. Both the atrazine and slurry amendments altered the bacterial community structures, indicated by the appearance of specific bands in the DGGE gels after 10 days. Cloning and sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes from the DGGE gels showed that the bands represented various genera of beta-proteobacteria that appeared in response to atrazine. According to our results, further field studies are required to explain the lower effectiveness of atrazine in weed control. These studies may include the effect of dissolved organic carbon on the atrazine mobility.

Family interactions of liver transplanted children: are they normal?

Several psychosocial and behavioral problems have been reported in liver transplanted children. Most publications have focused on them, without considering their family environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between liver transplanted children and their families, compared with a healthy control group. We selected liver transplanted children, between 8 and 12 years of age, with at least 6 months follow-up posttransplantation and in good clinical condition. Family structure also included 1 to 3 other children. Evaluable patients must have been living with their parents throughout the whole posttransplantation period. They were compared with a similar group of children without any chronic disease. A written informed consent was signed by both parents. All families were evaluated using a standard test consisting of different situations. The information was evaluated by 3 independent experts. Factors evaluated were limits (rules and limits of behavior), alliance-opposition (interaction between members to act), and hierarchy. Scoring was given to all observed acts. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests with P < .05 considered significant. No statistical differences were found between groups in limits, alliance, and hierarchy. Our results showed that there were no differences in family structure and behavior between families of liver-transplanted and healthy children belonging to a similar socioeconomic level.

Using gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography to assess arterial inflow stenosis after kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate use of gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) MR angiography in the assessment of suspected arterial inflow stenosis after kidney transplantation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients receiving kidney transplants (26 single-kidney transplants and two en block transplants) with suspected arterial inflow stenosis were examined with two MR angiography sequences: gadolinium-enhanced 3D fast spoiled gradient-recalled (SPGR) imaging and 3D phase-contrast imaging. Twenty-four of these patients then were examined using the gold standards: either digital subtraction angiography (DSA) (n = 23) or surgery (n = 1). MR angiography and DSA studies were independently and prospectively analyzed for the presence of arterial stenoses (mild [<50%], severe [50-90%], or critical [>90%]) in the iliac, anastomotic, and renal artery segments. Two independent observers retrospectively evaluated the MR angiography sequences for ability to detect or exclude significant (> or = 50%) arterial stenoses. RESULTS: In 22 single-kidney transplants, DSA showed eight significant stenoses in 66 arterial segments. MR angiograms adequately showed 66 of 66 segments (prospective observers) and 64 of 66 segments (each retrospective observer), which were subsequently evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of MR angiography in revealing significant stenoses were 100% and 98% (prospective analysis), 88% and 98% (retrospective observer 1), and 86% and 100% (retrospective observer 2). Concordance between observers showed kappa values exceeding .85 for all comparisons except the analysis of phase-contrast series (kappa = .62). In one en block transplant, DSA showed that stenosis was greater than 90%, although it had been graded at less than 50% with MR angiography. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR angiography accurately evaluated arterial inflow in single-kidney transplants.

Low temperature regulates Arabidopsis Lhcb gene expression in a light-independent manner.

Low temperature treatment of dark-grown seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana results in a rapid increase in the amount of mRNAs encoding for the major polypeptides of the light-harvesting complex of photosystem II (Lhcb1 genes). This increase is transient and seems to be due mainly to the accumulation of Lhcb1*3 transcripts, indicating that low temperature differentially regulates the expression of the Arabidopsis Lhcb1 gene family in the dark. A 1.34 kb fragment of the Lhcb1*3 promoter is sufficient to confer low temperature regulation to a reporter gene in transgenic Arabidopsis etiolated seedlings, suggesting that the regulation is occurring at the transcriptional level. The cold-induced accumulation of Lhcb1*3 mRNA is not part of a general response to stressful conditions since no accumulation is detected in response to water stress, anaerobiosis or salt stress. The amount of Lhcb1*3 mRNA decrease in response to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) suggesting that this phytohormone acts as a negative regulator. Moreover, the accumulation of Lhcb1*3 mRNAs in cold-treated ABA deficient etiolated seedlings is higher than that of wild-type and ABA insensitive etiolated seedlings, indicating that low temperature regulation of Lhcb1*3 is not mediated by ABA.

Unconventional rejection of neural retinal allografts implanted into the immunologically privileged site of the eye.

The unique feature of neural transplantation in the central nervous system is that the graft is derived from and implanted into an immunologically privileged site. The eye, as a part of the central nervous system, normally maintains an immunosuppressive microenvironment in which alloantigens induce an active down-regulation of specific delayed hypersensitivity. To determine whether neural retinal allografts are eventually rejected and, if so, what type of immunity is associated with rejection, we implanted allogeneic and syngeneic newborn neural retinal grafts into the anterior chamber of the eyes of immune-competent mice. In addition, similar allografts were implanted into severe combined immune-deficient (SCID) mice. The fate of these grafts was determined by clinical and histological examination. At post-implantation day 12, all allogeneic and syngeneic grafts survived comparably well with no evidence of inflammation. At post-implantation day 35, the syngeneic grafts in the immune-competent mice and the allogeneic grafts in the SCID mice continued to thrive, whereas the allografts in the immune-competent mice were remarkably reduced in size and had lost the organization of their retinal cell layers. Interestingly, these grafts' deterioration occurred with no obvious cellular infiltration. When systemic graft-specific immunity was examined, it was found that delayed hypersensitivity was impaired at post-implantation day 12 in allograft recipients. However, by post-implantation 35 day when deterioration was detected in these grafts, suppression of immunity was replaced by vigorous delayed hypersensitivity. These results suggest that intraocular retinal allografts eventually succumb to rejection and that rejection is correlated with the emergence of donor-specific delayed hypersensitivity. The possible relationships of atypical, chronic rejection of intraocular neural retinal allografts to emergent delayed hypersensitivity are discussed.

Immunologic consequences of intraocular implantation of retinal pigment epithelial allografts.

Immune rejection is a major concern for potential therapeutic RPE transplantation. The purpose of this study is to determine the pattern and consequences of immune responses to intraocular retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) allografts. RPE allografts which derive from C57BL/6 newborn mice were implanted into the subretinal space (SR), anterior chamber (AC) and subconjunctival space (SCon) of the eyes of adult BALB/c mice. After implantation, clinical, histological and immunological examinations were conducted. Results revealed that RPE allografts implanted into SR and AC had a prolonged survival which is associated with a suppression of donor-specific delayed hypersensitivity (DH) for at least 12 days. In contrast, similar RPE grafts implanted into the SCon induced conventional DH and grafts were rejected. Moreover, previously healthy intraocular RPE grafts were rejected 2 weeks after a donor-specific challenge and rejection was accomplished with extensive cell infiltration which subsequently damaged intraocular tissue of the host eye. These results suggested that intraocular RPE allografts enjoyed immune privilege and induced a down-regulation of immune responses. However, this privilege is not absolute and static--DH was able to emerge and grafts were rejected in a cell-mediated fashion.

Experimental study of the relative efficiency of nonlinear and restricted selection indices for ratios including quadratic and cubic terms.

SUMMARY: A nonlinear selection index (NL) method was compared with restricted linear index (RI) using two experiments of upward selection for the weight/(lenght)(n) ratio in Tribolium castaneum. The first experiment was designed to increase pupal weight/(pupal length)(2) , while the second experiment was intended to improve larval weight/(larval length)(3) . Larval and pupal traits were measured at 14 and 21 days after adult emergence, respectively. There were four generations of selection in each of three replicates, the proportion selected being 20 %. The selection criterion in the NL lines was (m(1) + G(1) )/(m(2) + G(2) )(n) , where m(1) and m(2) are the population means for the numerator and denominator traits, G(1) and G(2) are the estimated additive genetic values, and n is 2 (experiment 1) or 3 (experiment 2). The restricted linear index used as the selection criterion in the RI lines was calculated to increase the numerator trait and hold the denominator constant. Responses observed for the ratios differed significantly between lines (P < .05) in both experiments, the NL lines having the greatest responses. In experiment 1, the observed response for increasing the numerator was significant in the NL line, while the observed responses were positive and significant for both traits in the RI line; lines differed significantly pupal length (P < .01). The response obtained for the ratio in experiment 2 was due to decreases in both component traits. Results of these experiments showed that the nonlinear selection indices increased ratios that included quadratic and cubic terms in the denominator. Restricted linear indices holding the denominator constant were a less efficient alternative. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Experimentelle Studie über die relative Wirksamkeit nicht-linearer und beschränkter Selektionsindexe für Quotienten mit quadratischen und kubischen Größen Ein nicht-linearer Selektionsindex (NL) wurde mit einem linearen Index mit Restriktion (RI) bei Tribolium mittels eines Selektionexperiments zugunsten des Quotienten Gewicht/(Länge)(n) verglichen. Das erste Experiment zielte auf Erhöhung von Gewicht der Puppe/(Länge der Puppe)(2) , während das zweite Experiment der Verbesserung von Gewicht der Larve/(Länge der Larve)(3) diente. Merkmale von Larve una Puppe wurden jeweils nach 14 und 21 Tagen gemessen in drei Wiederholungen und vier Selektionsgenerationen mit je 20% Selektion. Das Auswahlkriterium der Linien NL war (m(1) + G(1) )/(m(2) + G(2) )(n) , wobei m(1) und m(2) den Durchschnitt für Zähler- und Nennercharakteristika darstellen, G(1) und G(2) die angenommenen Werte sind und n 2 (Experiment 1) oder 3 (Experiment 2) ist. Der bei den Linien RI als Selektionskriterium verwendete Beschränkungsindex wurde zur Erhöhung des Zählers und zur Konstanthaltung des Nenners angenommen. Die Ergebnisse für den Quotienten waren bei beiden Experimenten zwischen Linien (P < .05) signifikant unterschiedlich, wobei die Reaktion der NL-Linien größer war. Beim Experiment 1 war die Reaktion der Linie NL im Zähler signifikant, während sie bei der Linie RI für beide Charakteristika positiv und signifikant war, die Linien waren signifikant verschieden hinsichtlich Länge der Puppe (P < .01). Das beim Experiment 2 erzielte Ergebnis für den Quotienten ergab sich aufgrund der Abnahme der beiden charakteristischen Komponenten. Die Ergebnisse dieser Experimente zeigten, daß die nicht-linearen Indexe die Quotienten erhöhten, welche im Nenner quadratische oder kubische Termini beinhalteten. Die linearen Indexe mit Restriktion für den Nenner des Quotienten stellten eine weniger wirksame Alternative dar. RESUMEN: Estudio experimental de la eficiencia relativa de indices de selección no lineales y con restricción para cocientes que incluyen cuadrados y cubos Un índice no lineal de selección (NL) fue comparado con un índice lineal con restricción (RI) en Tribolium, usando dos experimentos de selección a favor del cociente peso/(longitud)(n) . El primer experimento fue diseñado para incrementar peso de pupa/(longitud de pupa)(2) , mientras que el segundo experimento trataba de mejorar peso de larva/(longitud de larva)(3) . Los caracteres de larva y de pupa se midieron a los 14 y a los 21 días respectivamente. Había cuatro generaciones de selección en cada una de tres repeticiones, siendo la proporción seleccionada el 20 %. El criterio de selección en las líneas NL fue (m(1) +G(1) /(m(2) +G(2) )(n) , donde m(1) y m(2) son las medias para los caracteres numerador y denominador, G(1) y G(2) son los valores aditivos estimados, y n es 2 (experimento 1) o 3 (experimento 2). El índice con restricción usado como criterio de selección en las líneas RI fue calculado para incrementar el numerador y mantener constante el denominador. Las respuestas observadas para el cociente diferían significativamente entre líneas (P < .05) en ambos experimentos, teniendo mayor respuesta las líneas NL. En el experimento 1, la respuesta observada en el numerador fue significativa en la línea NL, mientras que fue positiva y significativa para ambos caracteres en la línea RI; las líneas diferían significativamente para longitud de pupa (P < .01). La respuesta obtenida para el cociente en el experimento 2 fue debida a la disminución de ambos caracteres componentes. Los resultados de estos experimentos mostraban que los indices no lineales incrementaban cocientes que incluían en el denominador términos cuadráticos o cúbicos. Los índices lineales con restricción para el denominador del cociente eran una alternativa menos eficiente. RÉSUMÉ: Etude expérimentale de l'efficacité relative des indices de sélection non linéares y avec restriction pour des quotients qui comportent des carrés et des cubes Nous avons comparé un index non linéaire de sélection (NL) avec un index linéaire avec restriction (RI) à Tribolium, on utilisant deux expériences de sélection en faveur du quotient poids/(Longueur)(n) . La première expérience fut conçue pour augmenter le poids de la pupe/(Longueur de pupe)(2) , tandis que la deuxième expérience essayait d'améliorer le poids de la larve/(Longueur de larve)(3) . Les caractères de larve et de pupe furent mesurés au bout de 14 et de 21 jours respectivement. Il y avait quatre générations de sélection dans chacune des trois répétitions et la proportion choisie fut celle de 20 %. On prit (m(1) + G(1) )/(m(2) + G(2) )(n) come critére de sélection dans les lignes NL, m(1) et m(2) étant les moyennes pour les caractères numérateur et dénominateur, G(1) et G(2) les valeurs additives estimées et n étant 2 (expérience 1) ou 3 (expérience 2). Le index avec restriction employé comme critère de sélection dans les lignes RI a été calculé pour augmenter le numérateur et maintenir le dénominateur constant. Les réponses obtenues pour le quotient étaient significativement différentes entre les lignes (P < .05) dans les deux expériences, la réponse plus grande étant celle de la ligne NL. Dans l'expérience 1, la réponse observée dans le numérateur fût significative dans la ligne NL, tandis qu'elle fut positive et significative pour les deux caracteres dans la ligne RI; les lignes étaient significativemcnt différentes pour la longueur de pupe (P < .01). La réponse obtenue pour le quotient dans l'expérience 2 a été due à la diminution des deux caractères composants. Les résultats de ces expériences ont montré que les indices non linéares augmentaient les quotients qui incluaient dans le dénominateur des termes quadratiques ou cubiques. Les indiceslinéaires avec restriction pour le dénominateur du quotient ont été une alternative moins efficace.

Subretinal space and vitreous cavity as immunologically privileged sites for retinal allografts.

PURPOSE: Because immune rejection is likely to be a major barrier to successful retinal transplantation, it is important to determine whether immune privilege for allogeneic retinal grafts is a feature of the subretinal space and vitreous cavity. METHODS: Newborn neural retinas of C57BL/6 mice were implanted into the subretinal space, vitreous cavity, or subconjunctival space of eyes of adult BALB/c (disparate from C57BL/6 at major and minor histocompatibility loci). At postimplantation day 12, the recipients were evaluated for donor-specific delayed hypersensitivity and examined clinically and histologically for evidence of rejection. RESULTS: Newborn neural retinal allografts in the subconjunctival space were destroyed by postimplantation day 12 and these recipients displayed intense donor-specific delayed hypersensitivity. By contrast, grafts in the subretinal space and vitreous cavity at postimplantation day 12 were found to be well differentiated and with no evidence of inflammation; these recipients failed to display donor-specific delayed hypersensitivity. Moreover, their spleens contained regulatory T cells that suppressed donor-specific delayed hypersensitivity in naive syngeneic recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic newborn neural retinal grafts implanted in the subretinal space and vitreous cavity experience immune privilege and induce deviant immune responses resembling anterior chamber associated immune deviation.

Desarrollo del tracto digestivo y glándulas anexas durante el período embrionario en el caprino: (capra hircus) / Development of digestive tract and annex glands during the embryonary stage in the caprine (capra hircus)

El propósito de este trabajo es establecer el patrón de crecimiento prenatal y el desarrollo normal del tracto digestivo y glándulas anexas durante el período embrionario en el caprino, con énfasis en el desarrollo del estómago compuesto. Veintiún embriones con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 34 días (1,69 a 5,90 cm. CR), fueron obtenidos por operación cesárea y la edad se controló a través de monta dirigida. Este material fue procesado histológicamente para obtener cortes seriados completos a nivel del estomodeo, intestino anterior, intestino medio, intestino posterior y cloaca. Se describe cronológicamente la morfogénesis e histogénesis de la boca, hipófisis, faringe y sus derivados, estómago, intestino, hígado, páncreas y cloaca. Los resultados obtenidos permiten establecer comparaciones cronológicas en relación con el desarrollo del ovino y entregar algunos fundamentos sobre el origen unitario de los compartimentos gástricos en rumiantes