Analysis and Tendencies of Metals and POPs in a Sediment Core from the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS), Veracruz, Mexico.

This study focused on dating of a sediment core from the Alvarado Lagoon System, Veracruz, Mexico, calculating the sedimentation rate by using 210Pb to determine the tendency towards pollution by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorides, the metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and V, and organic matter content. The activity of total Pb and supported Pb in the samples was 83.1 and 29.5 Bq kg-1, respectively, whereas the average estimated sedimentation rate was 0.48 ± 0.09 cm per year-1. The organic matter values exhibited linear behavior throughout the historical profile, with values under 2.5%. Metal concentrations followed the order V > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Hg > Cd. Variations found in Cr, Ni, Pb, and V concentrations are basically due to three meteorological phenomena that hit the region: hurricanes Gladys, Hilda, and Janet in September of 1955. V, Ni, and Hg input comes from anthropogenic and lithogenic sources. The presence of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showed no ascending accumulation pattern over time, nor did it show any significant statistical correlation to OM. As for the organochlorine pesticides, 63.61% of the total sum of these compounds were from the ciclodienics family. Concentration of p,p'-DDT was observed only in the earliest profile, from 1929.

Evaluation of concordance among three cardiac output measurement techniques in adult patients during cardiovascular surgery postoperative care.

INTRODUCTION: The standard method for cardiac output measuring is thermodilution although it is an invasive technique. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) offers a dynamic and functional alternative to thermodilution. OBJECTIVE: Analyze concordance between two TEE methods and thermodilution for cardiac output assessment. METHODS: Observational concordance study in cardiovascular surgery patients that required pulmonary artery catheter. TEE cardiac output measurement at both mitral annulus (MA) and left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) were performed. Results were compared with thermodilution. Correlation was evaluated by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Statistical analysis was undertaken in STATA 13.0. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Fifty two percent of patients were male, median age and ejection fraction was 63 years and 35% respectively. Median thermodilution, LVOT and MA -measured cardiac output was 3.25 L/min, 3.46 L/min and 8.4 L/min respectively. Different values between thermodilution and MA measurements were found (Lin concordance=0.071; Confidence Interval 95%=-0.009 to 0.151; Spearman's correlation=0.22) as values between thermodilution and LVOT (Lin concordance=0.232; Confidence Interval 95%=-0.12 a 0.537; Spearman's correlation 0.28). Bland-Altman analysis showed greater difference between MA measurements and thermodilution (DM=-0.408; Bland-Altman Limits=-0.809 to -0.007), than the other echocardiographic findings (DM=0.007; Bland-Altman Limits=-0.441 to 0.428). CONCLUSION: Results from cardiac output measurement by doppler and 2D-TEE on both MA and LVOT do not correlate with those obtained by thermodilution.

Estimación de masa grasa en niños chilenos: ecuaciones de pliegues subcutáneos vs densitometría de doble fotón / Estimation of body fat in Chilean children: comparing subcutaneous fold equations amd doble photon densitometry

Estimation of thickness of subcutabeous folds (SqF) is a simple way to estimate body composition in children, although it has its limitations. Double photon densitometry (DXA) is considered a new standard. Objective: To compare the precision of estimation of body fat by SqF and DXA in a population of Chilean children. Patients and Methods: Body fat was estimated in 128 eutrophic healthy children (70 females, 58 males), between 2 and 18 y.o. through SqF equations and DXA. Differences between both methods were evaluated through the Bland and Altman method and Lin concordance coefficient. Results: Most SqF equations had poor concordance with DXA. There was better concordance if the Westrate and Deurenberg equation was used among prepuberal and children of all ages (average difference of 2,96 +/- 1,20 percent and 4,92 +/- 0,98 percent and Lin concordance index of 0,50 +/- 0,22 and 0,43 +/- 0,88, respectively). Conclusions: Body fat estimated through subcutaneous fold measurements is poorly correlated with double photon densitometry among Chilean children. However, until more precise equations are developed, Westrate and Deurenberg for all ages, and Westrate/Deurenberg specific for pre-puberal age can be used.

La estimación del grosor de pliegues subcutáneos (PS) es una manera simple de estimar composición corporal en niños, sin embargo, tiene limitaciones. La densitometría de doble fotón (DXA) es considerada como el nuevo estándar de referencia. Objetivo: Comparar la precisión de la estimación del porcentaje de masa grasa por PS con la obtenida por DXA en población infantil chilena. Pacientes y Método: Se estimó el porcentaje de masa grasa en 128 niños (70 mujeres y 58 hombres) sanos, eutróficos, entre 2 y 18 años, por diversas ecuaciones de PS y se comparó con DXA. La diferencia entre ambos mediciones fue evaluada mediante el método de Bland y Altman y el coeficiente de concordancia de Lin. Resultados: La mayoría de las ecuaciones de PS tuvieron un pobre nivel de concordancia con DXA. Sin embargo, existe una mejor concordancia entre lo calculado según PS y DXA tanto en niños pre-puberales con la fórmula específica de Westrate y Deurenberg y en niños de todas las edades, con la ecuación general de Westrate y Deurenberg (diferencia promedio de 2,96 +/- 1,20 por ciento y 4,92 +/- 0,98 por ciento e índice de concordancia de Lin de 0,50 +/- 0,22 y 0,43 +/- 0,88, respectivamente) Conclusiones: La estimación del porcentaje de masa grasa a partir de los PS, tiene una baja concordancia, sin embargo, mientras no se desarrollen ecuaciones con una precisión más alta se podrían utilizar las ecuaciones de Westrate y Deurenberg a todas las edades y la de Westrate y Deurenberg específica para la edad pre-puberal.

Characterization of immunophilins in the silkmoth Bombyx mori.

The FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) perform an extensive variety of functions in numerous organisms from archaea to humans. The FKBPs are distinguished by their peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity and ability to bind the immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and rapamycin. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of FKBP45, a novel member of the FKBP family obtained from U1 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) binding assays using Bombyx mori nuclear extracts. The protein, an apparent orthologue of FKBP46 from the armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, was found to associate with U1 stem-loop I RNA in vitro. The FKBP45 cDNA was isolated and the genomic sequence was characterized, including the positions of exon/intron junctions and consensus splice sites. Using bioinformatics, transcription factor consensus binding sites were identified and subsequent Western blotting from developing eggs indicate that FKBP45 is differentially expressed during embryogenesis. A database was assembled using more than 1,800 available FKBP amino acid sequences and pairwise sequence alignments revealed several putative FKBP45 orthologues in various species. Analysis of these sequences revealed the position of an RNA binding domain within this new protein. In addition, FKBP45 possesses similar characteristics to several potential orthologues, including the presence of bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLSs) and phosphorylation sites.

Adherencia y efectividad a mediano plazo del tratamiento de la obesidad infantil / Childhood obesity treatment: compliance and outcome over medium term

Introducción: La obesidad es el principal problema nutricional en niños y su tratamiento es poco efectivo. Objetivo: Evaluar la adherencia y respuesta a mediano plazo del tratamiento médico convencional en un grupo de niños obesos. Sujetos y método: Se revisó retrospectivamente la evolución clínica de 120 pacientes obesos que consultaron por primera vez entre enero 2001 y enero 2002. Se consignó estado nutricional inicial y a los 2, 4, 6 y 12 meses de seguimiento, con indicación de medidas dietéticas y aumento de actividad física. Resultados: Su edad fue de 9,7 ± 3,3 años, 52,5 por ciento de sexo femenino, P/T: 147,6 ± 20 por ciento, e IMC z: 3,4 ± 1,5. El 30 por ciento de los pacientes acudió solamente a la primera consulta, con abandono de 23,3 por ciento, 10 por ciento y 18,3 por ciento después de 2, 4 y 6 meses. A los 12 meses sólo 18,3 por ciento seguía en control regular, habiendo disminuido su P/T en –20,8 ± 13,6 por ciento. Este grupo tenía un mayor grado de obesidad al ingreso (Anova, p < 0,05) y mayor baja ponderal inicial (Anova, p > 0,05), no se encontró diferencias en edad, sexo, maduración sexual, ni antecedente de obesidad familiar que permitieran predecir la adherencia ni la respuesta al tratamiento. Conclusión: Un alto porcentaje de los niños que consultan por obesidad presentan deserción al tratamiento médico convencional; solo 18,3 por ciento mantiene adherencia al año, todos ellos con mejoría significativa de su obesidad. Es necesario desarrollar estrategias para mejorar adhesividad y a través de ésta el rendimiento de la terapia.

Partial inhibition of the in vitro infection of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons by rabies virus using nicotinic antagonists.

The infection of target cells by rabies virus is effected through membrane receptors. Several authors have suggested that nicotinic receptors could be used by this virus, but no direct experimental evidence is available. In this study mouse dorsal root ganglia cells were treated with various nicotinic antagonists (dihydro-beta-eritroidine, mecamilamine, d-tubocurarin, hexametonium, alpha-bungarotoxin and erabutoxin). After incubation, the cultures were infected with rabies virus. Cells were fixed, and processed for immunodetection of rabies virus. Treatment with mecamilamine or d-tubocurarine reduced the percentage of infected neurons. None of the antagonists tested changed the percentage of infected non-neuronal cells.

Rabies virus infection of cultured adult mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons.

An in vitro model of adult dorsal root ganglion neurons infection by rabies virus is described, Viral marked neurotropism is observed, and the percentage and the degree of infection of the neurons is higher than in non neuronal cells, even if neurons are the minority of the cells in the culture. The neuritic tree is also heavily infected by the virus.

[The Spanish influence in Colombian nursing]. / Influencia española en la enfermería colombiana.

Four statements inferenced from: religious traditions, gender or woman status, military heritage and ethnic inheritance, and their influence in nursing, are presented in this article. The ethnic inheritance analyses the issue based upon the cultural influences of the native-indigenous groups and the spanish and mediterranean attributes in nursing development. The religious tradition began with Pedro Claver's J.C. presence between 1610 and 1617. His presence is followed by the "Hermanos Hospitalarios de San Juan de Dios" in 1768, and further with the presence of the sisters of Charity in 1873. Lastly, the article compares the Barcelona's Santa Cruz hospital organization, where at that time, seems to appear a new type of nursing arrangement; with present functions and charges, currently utilized in colombian hospitals (administrator of patient rooms, "servidor", women in charge of female patients and sick children, "ecónoma", chief in charge, and senior male nurse).

Characterization of the colorectal antigen IOR-C2.

A colorectal antigen (IOR-C2) was characterized by a monoclonal antibody produced against the colon cancer cell line SW1116. By immunohistochemical staining the antigen was abundant and strongly expressed in epithelium of normal colon whereas colorectal carcinomas showed a more variable and heterogenous reactivity to the antibody (IOR-C2). Radioimmunoprecipitates of SW1116 cell homogenates showed a 160-200 kD band in SDS gels. Physicochemical characterization indicate that at least two IOR-C2 reactive sites are present on the antigen tested and that it is mainly an 0-linked glycoprotein carbohydrate chain which can also be N-linked to the protein. The expression of IOR-C2 mimics that of the colon associated antigen (CAA) and NCC-CO-450 antigen but is distinct from these with regard to its expression in carcinomas as well as its physicochemical characteristics.

Generación y caracterización primaria de anticuerpos monoclonales contra el receptor del factor de crecimiento epidérmico / Generation and primary characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor

El receptor del Factor de crecimiento epidérmico (R-EGF) es una glicoproteína de membrana de interés creciente en las investigaciones sobre las neoplasias malignas. En este trabajo describimos la obtención de anticuerpos monoclonales (AcM) murinos contra el R-EGF mediante un sistema cruzado de selección, consistente en la inmunización con receptor purificado a partir de placenta humana y la identificación de hibridomas productores mediante el reconocimiento del receptor de las células tumorales A431. Se seleccionaron cuatro hibridomas productores de AcM que reconocen el R-EGF con alta afinidad (Kd = 10-9 - 10-10M) y que son capaces de inhibir la unión del EGF al receptor. Mediante un sistema ELISA competitivo se determinó que estos AcM reconocen al menos dos epitopes diferentes. El patrón de reconocimiento por inmunohistoquímica de estos anticuerpos fue similar al AcM EGF-R1 (Amersham) empleado como control. Estos AcM están disponibles para su uso en la detección inmunohistoquímica del receptor y otras investigaciones

[Characteristic aspects of the development of a scientific discipline]. / Aspectos que caracterizan el desarrollo científico de una disciplina.

Popular criteria to define what does is science are analysed. A difference among experience, technique, technology and science is established in order to present, later, in a more detailed fashion characteristics of a particular factual science, as well as its comparison with technology. Status of nursing scientific development, at the light of characteristics of authentic science and technology, participation of Colombian nurses in the process of construction of our professional identity are analyzed in a general way and, finally, conclusion around relationship between nursing and the other health sciences are reached.

Estudio comparartivo del proceso de purificación de anticuerpos monoclonales mediante cromatografía de adsorción en hidroxiapatita / Comparative study of the purification of monoclonal antibodies using hydroxiapatite absortion chromatography

En el presente trabajo se compara la purificación de anticuerpos monoclonales de ratón de diferentes clases y subclases (IgG1, IgG2 e IgM) por cromatografía de adsorción en hidroxiapatita (BioRad) y en hidroxiapatita-Ultrogel (LKB). Se analizaron los factores capacidad de adsorción, rendimiento, tiempo de corrida (velocidad de flujo), reciclaje y capacidad de enlazamiento específicos de los anticuerpos obtenidos inmediatamente después de la purificación y posterior a su almacenamiento. Se concluye que la cromatografía de adsorción en hidroxiapatita, y en específico, luego de que esta sustancia acoplada a un soporte adecuado (HA Ultrogel), constituye un método fácil, sencillo, rápido y eficiente para la purificación de anticuerpos monoclonales

The effect of phospholipids on the activity of mitochondrial pyrophosphatases. Lipidized soluble mitochondrial pyrophosphatase: the coupling factor for oxidation and phosphorylation.

The effect of temperature on the hydrolase activity of mitochondrial pyrophosphatases, i.e. soluble (PPase I) and membrane (PPase II), has been studied. In contrast to the soluble species, the membrane form has inflexions in the Arrhenius curves. However, after lipidization of PPase I by various phospholipids, the curves also acquire inflexion points, which prove similar or identical with the phase separation points of the lipids used. The closeness of the inflexion points of PPase II, containing phosphatidylcholine, and PPase I lipidized by mitochondria phosphatidylcholine, to the phase separation points of this lipid indicates that the inflexions on the PPase II curves should be ascribed to this phospholipid. It has been shown that the hydrolysis of PPi by SMP is affected by the cooperative rearrangements of the entire lipid component of the membrane rather than by the change of the phase state of PPase II phosphatidylcholine. Reconstitution experiments on the PPi synthesis system have shown that after lipidization PPase I is able to incorporate into SMP and become a coupling factor for respiration and PPi synthesis, like PPase II.