Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of the Western Poison Oak, Toxicodendron diversilobum (Anacardiaceae), from California.

Here, we present the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Toxicodendron diversilobum, western poison oak, from Pacific Grove, California. The genome is 159,543 bp in length, contains 133 genes, and has a high level of gene synteny to other species of Toxicodendron.

Hypoglycemic effect and bioactive compounds associated with the ripening stages of the Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché fruit.

BACKGROUND: The fruit of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché is known in Mexico as 'chilacayote'. The scientific interest that C. ficifolia Bouché has acquired is due to its important hypoglycemic effect. The present research aimed (i) to discover whether this hypoglycemic property is present at different stages of development of this fruit, and (ii) to characterize some bioactive compounds with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. Ethylene production, respiration rate, and maturity indices were determined during fruit development. The chemical characterization of the aqueous extracts of each stage of maturity studied was determined and their hypoglycemic effects were bioassayed using groups of normal mice with diabetes induced by streptozotocin at a dose of 500 mg-1 kg-1 body weight. RESULTS: Respiration rate and ethylene production showed a typical pattern for non-climacteric fruit and the quality parameters did not show significant changes. Phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found to have the highest concentration at 15 days of development. Extracts at 15 days showed a hypoglycemic effect that was 11% greater than that of glibenclamide in diabetized mice. CONCLUSION: All stages of development of C. ficifolia fruit had a hypoglycemic effect; however, the aqueous extract from the fruit at 15 days of development showed a better effect than glibenclamide. This finding highlights the potential of this maturity stage, and shows that it is appropriate for inclusion in treatments of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results also indicate that phenolic compounds are mainly responsible for this effect and not d-chiro-inositol as previously thought. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gastroenteritis aguda por norovirus en pacientes con atención hospitalaria: estudio transversal / Acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus in patients with hospital care: a cross-sectional study

Resumen Introducción: Debido a la disponibilidad de técnicas moleculares en la atención clínica, las gastroenteritis agudas (GEA) por norovirus han retomado importancia como un agente causante de hospitalización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y evolutivas de pacientes menores de 16 años hospitalizados por GEA por norovirus. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se recabó información clínica de los pacientes atendidos en hospitalización del 1 de noviembre del 2016 al 28 de febrero del 2018 por GEA con detección de norovirus (genotipo I y II) en heces por medio de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. Resultados: Estudiamos 103 pacientes; 96 (93.2%; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 86.6-96.7%) con deteccion de genotipo II y 7 (6.8%; IC 95%: 5.3-8.7%) de genotipo I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 anos. El 48.5% fueron atendidos durante el invierno. La evolucion fue a la autolimitacion en menos de 7 días en todos con manejo hidroelectrolitico. No hubo diferencias en la gravedad y sintomas segun el grupo viral: en ambos predominaron los vómitos (82%). Solo un paciente cursó con perforación intestinal por coinfección con Shigella sp.; tres pacientes (3.1%) manifestaron crisis convulsivas (dos febriles y una epiléptica). Conclusiones: La GEA por norovirus, a pesar de causar una enfermedad meritoria de hospitalización, tiene un pronóstico favorable con autolimitación rápida. Su detección por pruebas rápidas en heces podría evitar la prescripción injustificada de antibióticos.

Abstract Background: Because of the availability of molecular techniques in clinical care, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) due to norovirus has returned to importance as a causative agent of hospitalization. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and evolution of patients less than 16 years hospitalized for AGE associated with norovirus. Methods: Retrospective study. Clinical information of the patients attended from November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018 by AGE with detection of norovirus (genotype I and II) in faeces by means of polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcriptase was collected. Results: We studied 103 patients; 96 (93.2%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 86.6-96.7%) with genotype II detection and seven (6.8%; 95% CI: 5.3-8.7%) genotype I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 years. 48.5% attended during the winter. The evolution was to self-limitation in less than 7 days in all with hydro electrolytic management. There were no differences in the severity and symptoms according to the viral group; in both cases the vomiting predominated (82%). Only one patient had intestinal perforation due to co-infection with Shigella sp.; three patients (3.1%) manifested seizures (two febrile and one epileptic convulsions). Conclusions: Despite causing a meritorious disease of hospitalization, GEA by norovirus has a favorable prognosis with rapid self-limitation. Its timely detection by rapid tests in feces could avoid the unjustified prescription of antibiotics.

Acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus in patients with hospital care: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Because of the availability of molecular techniques in clinical care, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) due to norovirus has returned to importance as a causative agent of hospitalization. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and evolution of patients less than 16 years hospitalized for AGE associated with norovirus. Methods: Retrospective study. Clinical information of the patients attended from November 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018 by AGE with detection of norovirus (genotype I and II) in faeces by means of polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcriptase was collected. Results: We studied 103 patients; 96 (93.2%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 86.6-96.7%) with genotype II detection and seven (6.8%; 95% CI: 5.3-8.7%) genotype I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 years. 48.5% attended during the winter. The evolution was to self-limitation in less than 7 days in all with hydro electrolytic management. There were no differences in the severity and symptoms according to the viral group; in both cases the vomiting predominated (82%). Only one patient had intestinal perforation due to co-infection with Shigella sp.; three patients (3.1%) manifested seizures (two febrile and one epileptic convulsions). Conclusions: Despite causing a meritorious disease of hospitalization, GEA by norovirus has a favorable prognosis with rapid self-limitation. Its timely detection by rapid tests in feces could avoid the unjustified prescription of antibiotics.

Introducción: Debido a la disponibilidad de técnicas moleculares en la atención clínica, las gastroenteritis agudas (GEA) por norovirus han retomado importancia como un agente causante de hospitalización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y evolutivas de pacientes menores de 16 años hospitalizados por GEA por norovirus. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se recabó información clínica de los pacientes atendidos en hospitalización del 1 de noviembre del 2016 al 28 de febrero del 2018 por GEA con detección de norovirus (genotipo I y II) en heces por medio de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. Resultados: Estudiamos 103 pacientes; 96 (93.2%; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 86.6-96.7%) con detección de genotipo II y 7 (6.8%; IC 95%: 5.3-8.7%) de genotipo I; 76 (73.8%) ≤5 años. El 48.5% fueron atendidos durante el invierno. La evolución fue a la autolimitación en menos de 7 días en todos con manejo hidroelectrolítico. No hubo diferencias en la gravedad y síntomas según el grupo viral: en ambos predominaron los vómitos (82%). Solo un paciente cursó con perforación intestinal por coinfección con Shigella sp.; tres pacientes (3.1%) manifestaron crisis convulsivas (dos febriles y una epiléptica). Conclusiones: La GEA por norovirus, a pesar de causar una enfermedad meritoria de hospitalización, tiene un pronóstico favorable con autolimitación rápida. Su detección por pruebas rápidas en heces podría evitar la prescripción injustificada de antibióticos.

Optimization of radiotherapy fractionation schedules based on radiobiological functions.

OBJECTIVE: To present a method for optimizing radiotherapy fractionation schedules using radiobiological tools and taking into account the patient´s dose-volume histograms (DVH). METHODS: This method uses a figure of merit based on the uncomplicated tumour control probability (P+) and the generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD). A set of doses per fraction is selected in order to find the dose per fraction and the total dose, thus maximizing the figure of merit and leading to a biologically effective dose that is similar to the prescribed schedule. RESULTS: As a clinical example, a fractionation schedule for a prostate treatment plan is optimized and presented herein. From a prescription schedule of 70 Gy/35 × 2 Gy, the resulting optimal schema, using a figure of merit which only takes into account P+, is 54.4 Gy/16 × 3.4 Gy. If the gEUD is included in that figure of merit, the result is 65 Gy/26 × 2.5 Gy. Alternative schedules, which include tumour control probability (TCP) and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) values are likewise shown. This allows us to compare different schedules instead of solely finding the optimal value, as other possible clinical factors must be taken into account to make the best decision for treatment. CONCLUSION: The treatment schedule can be optimized for each patient through radiobiological analysis. The optimization process shown below offers physicians alternative schedules that meet the objectives of the prescribed radiotherapy. Advances in knowledge: This article provides a simple, radiobiological-function-based method to take advantage of a patient's dose-volume histograms in order to better select the most suitable treatment schedule.

The essential oil of Allium sativum as an alternative agent against Candida isolated from dental prostheses.

BACKGROUND: The colonization of the surfaces of dental prostheses by Candida albicans is associated with the development of denture stomatitis. In this context, the use of fluconazole has been proposed, but its disadvantage is microbial resistance. Meanwhile, the oil of Allium sativum has shown an effect in controlling biofilm formation by C. albicans. AIMS: The objective of this study was to determine the antifungal activities of the essential oil of A. sativum and fluconazole against clinical isolates of Candida species obtained from rigid, acrylic-based partial or total dentures and to compare these agents' effects on both biofilm and planktonic cells. METHODS: A total of 48 clinical isolates obtained from the acrylic surface of partial or complete dentures were examined, and the following species were identified: C. albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. For each isolate, the antifungal activities of the essential oil of A. sativum and fluconazole against both biofilm and planktonic cells were evaluated using the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 method. The isolates were also evaluated by semiquantitative XTT reduction. RESULTS: All planktonic Candida isolates were susceptible to the essential oil of A. sativum, whereas 4.2% were resistant to fluconazole. Regarding susceptibilities in biofilms, 43.8% of biofilms were resistant to A. sativum oil, and 91.7% were resistant to fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS: All planktonic cells of the different Candida species tested are susceptible to <1mg/ml A. sativum oil, and the majority are susceptible to fluconazole. Susceptibility decreases in biofilm cells, with increased resistance to fluconazole compared with A. sativum oil. The essential oil of A. sativum is thus active against clinical isolates of Candida species obtained from dentures, with effects on both biofilm and planktonic cells in vitro.

HTLV infection in HCV-antibody positive patients in Spain.

Since hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) share transmission routes, dual infection could be frequent. In Spain, HTLV underdiagnosis is highlighted by the high proportion of patients presenting either with tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) or adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) at first diagnosis. We examined whether the renewed efforts for expanding HCV testing may provide a sentinel population that might selectively be targeted to unveil asymptomatic HTLV carriers. The presence of anti-HTLV antibodies was examined in 3,838 consecutive individuals with reactive HCV serology attended during the last three years at 13 hospitals distributed across the Spanish geography. Overall 71% were male and the median age was 41-years old. Foreigners represented 9% of the study population. A total of 50 individuals (1.3%) were seroreactive for HTLV, being 30 confirmed as HTLV-2 and two as HTLV-1 (0.12%). The remaining 18 had indeterminate Western blot patterns. Most individuals with HTLV-2 and HTLV indeterminate serology were HIV-positive, former injection drug users and native Spaniards. In contrast, the two HTLV-1 infections were found in men coming from Brazil and the Dominican Republic, respectively. In summary, the overall prevalence of HTLV infection in individuals living in Spain seropositive for HCV is 1.3%, more than 10-fold greater than in general outclinics in Spain. However, immigrants from HTLV-1 endemic regions and former injection drug users with HTLV-2 infection are by far the major contributory groups in HCV patients. Therefore, testing for HTLV in newly diagnosed HCV individuals would not contribute much to improve late HTLV diagnosis in Spain.

Analysis of risk factors associated to cytomegalovirus infection in dentistry students / Análisis de factores de riesgo asociados a la infección por citomegalovirus en estudiantes de odontología

The purpose of the study was to analyze the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in dental students with occupational risk factors and a genetic trait (NKG2C gene deletion). Study design: Case-control study. 176 students were included and divided in two groups according to CMV serological results: those with CMV infection (case group) and those without prior infection (control group). Demographic, occupational, and the presence of NKG2C gene deletion were compared between both groups. Results: The presence of CMV IgG antibodies was detected in 104 (59.1 percent) students (case group) while 72 (40.9 percent) students were CMV negative (control group). The frequency of patient contact, the use of protective barriers, and the number of reported accidents was compared between the study groups; no significant differences were noted. The appropriate use of infection-control measures was observed in the majority of students in both study groups. In the case group the frequency of NKG2C deletion was 9.7 percent compared to 5.6 percent in the control group (p=0.33). Conclusion: No association between the presence of CMV infection with occupational and genetic risk factors was found in this population. Dentists should be aware of the CMV prevalence and risks factors associated to this infection, particularly among child-bearing age dentist women...

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación entre la infección por citomegalovirus (CMV) en estudiantes de odontología con factores de riesgo ocupacionales y un polimorfismo genético (deleción del gen NKG2C). Diseño del Estudio: Estudio de casos y controles. 176 estudiantes fueron incluidos y divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo al resultado serológico para CMV: aquellos con la infección por CMV (grupo de casos) y aquellos que no presentaron infección por CMV (grupo control). Las características demográficas, ocupacionales y la presencia de la deleción del gen NKG2C fueron comparadas entre ambos grupos. Resultados: La presencia de anticuerpos IgG de CMV fue detectada en 104 (59.1 por ciento) estudiantes (grupo de casos) mientras que 72 (40.9 por ciento) estudiantes fueron negativos a CMV (grupo control). Se comparó la frecuencia de contacto con el paciente, el uso de barreras protectoras y el número de accidentes ocupacionales reportados entre los grupos de estudio. No fueron detectadas diferencias significativas. El uso apropiado de las medidas de control de infección fue observado en la mayoría de los estudiantes de ambos grupos. En el grupo de casos la frecuencia de la deleción de NKG2C observada fue de 9.7 por ciento comparada con un 5.6 por ciento en el grupo control (p=0.33). Conclusión: No se encontró asociación entre la infección por CMV con los factores de riesgo ocupacionales y genéticos de esta población. Los dentistas deben conocer la frecuencia de la infección por CMV, así como los factores de riesgo asociados, particularmente las mujeres odontólogas en edad fértil...

[Costs of appendicitis treatment by diagnosis-related groups in a third-level pediatric hospital]. / Costos de tratamiento de la apendicitis mediante grupos relacionados con el diagnóstico en un tercer nivel de atención pediátrica.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) are widely used in Europe. They allow performing comparisons in hospitals and incurrent hospital payment systems, defining the payment categories. We undertook this study to classify children who underwent appendectomy according to DRGs. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Comorbidities, length of hospitalization, histopathologic classification, and DRG classifications were analyzed. RESULTS: We included 313 patients, 62% males, with an average age of 8 ± 3 years; 91% were referred by another hospital and 67% were treated at night. Average length of hospitalization was 4 ± 3 days. There were comorbidities in 8% and surgical complications in 11%. According to histopathology, appendicitis was edematous (11%), suppurative (36%), gangrenous (22%), perforated (29%), and abscessed (2%). At discharge, 97% of the patients were healthy. Total cost for DRG 343 was $10,470,173.00 (Mexican pesos), DRG 342 was $1,227,592.00 and DRG 340 was $511,521.00. The global amount was $12,209,286.00 (Mexican pesos). CONCLUSION: The unitary cost for treatment of appendectomy for DRG 343 was $37,935.00, for DRG 342 was $49,103.00 and for DRG 340 was $42,626.00 (Mexican pesos). Because 88% of the cases of appendicitis were uncomplicated, this amount of money could be spent to treat these patients in a second-level hospital, using reimbursement 343 without generating additional expenses.

Antecedentes: los grupos relacionados con el diagnóstico se utilizan ampliamente en Europa; permiten comparar el desempeño de los hospitales y facilitan el sistema de pago hospitalario. Objetivo: clasificar mediante grupos relacionados con el diagnóstico a los niños operados por apendicitis en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención. Material y métodos: estudio transversal. Se analizaron: comorbilidad, tiempo de hospitalización, histología de la apendicitis y clasificación mediante grupos relacionados con el diagnóstico. Resultados: se incluyeron 313 pacientes, 62% hombres, con edad promedio de 8 ± 3 años, 91% llegaron referidos de otra unidad. Recibieron atención en el turno nocturno 67%, y permanecieron hospitalizados durante 4 ± 3 días. Hubo comorbilidad en 8% y complicaciones quirúrgicas en 11%. La apendicitis fue: edematosa en 11%, supurada en 36%, gangrenada en 22%, perforada en 29% y abscedada en 2%. La condición de egreso fue: con mejoría en 97%. El gasto total del grupo relacionado con el diagnóstico 343 fue 10,470,173 pesos, del grupo relacionado con el diagnóstico 342 de 1,227,592 pesos, y del grupo relacionado con el diagnóstico 340 de 511,521 pesos, lo que sumó 12,209,286 pesos mexicanos. Conclusión: el costo unitario del tratamiento de la apendicitis correspondiente al grupo relacionado con el diagnóstico 343 fue de 37,935 pesos, del grupo relacionado con el diagnóstico 342 de 49,103 pesos y del grupo relacionado con el diagnóstico 340 de 42,626 pesos. Puesto que 88% de los casos de apendicitis ocurrieron sin diagnóstico principal complicado, esos pacientes se podrían haber intervenido en un segundo nivel de atención, utilizando el reembolso obtenido del monto 343, sin necesidad de generar gastos adicionales.

US of the eye made easy: a comprehensive how-to review with ophthalmoscopic correlation.

When performed by a trained examiner, ultrasonography (US) of the eye is a useful tool in diagnosing conditions of the ocular globe, especially when combined with ophthalmoscopy. Pathologic conditions of the ocular globe include several usual and unusual entities, most of which may be properly identified at US. For instance, the ocular globe may have an abnormal size or unusual morphologic characteristics. Lesions of the anterior chamber (eg, hyphema), lens (eg, cataract, luxation), and iris or ciliary bodies (eg, cysts) are usually seen at ophthalmoscopy but may also be depicted at US. Vitreous pathologic conditions may demonstrate echoes caused by various entities such as degeneration, asteroid hyalosis, hemorrhage, and infection, and lines are indicative of different types of detachment, including retinal, choroidal, and hyaloid detachment and retinoschisis. Posterior wall masses are usually tumors (eg, melanoma, metastasis, nevus, hemangioma) but may also result from subretinal hemorrhage or granulomas (from tuberculosis or histoplasmosis). Calcifications may be caused by drusen or be nonspecific. Foreign bodies may also be seen. Knowledge of ocular US techniques and protocols and familiarity with normal and pathologic imaging findings are critical in making a correct diagnosis.

Novel approaches to development, delivery and evaluation of a peer-led occupational safety training for Latino day laborers.

Latino day laborers experience high rates of work-related injuries and are a hard-to-reach group for safety interventions. This study describes the creation and implementation of safety training based in empowerment theory and its evaluation to address three levels in empowerment's hierarchy of change. Pictographic pre- and post-tests were used to assess knowledge level changes. Individual and large-group interviews were conducted to address attitudes and behavior-level changes. Results indicate that day laborers learn and apply lessons from this type of safety training. Findings also offer insight into challenges that day laborers encounter when trying to work safely as well as ideas for future training interventions.

Trends in the prevalence and distribution of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Although most HTLV infections in Spain have been found in native intravenous drug users carrying HTLV-2, the large immigration flows from Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa in recent years may have changed the prevalence and distribution of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections, and hypothetically open the opportunity for introducing HTLV-3 or HTLV-4 in Spain. To assess the current seroprevalence of HTLV infection in Spain a national multicenter, cross-sectional, study was conducted in June 2009. RESULTS: A total of 6,460 consecutive outpatients attending 16 hospitals were examined. Overall, 12% were immigrants, and their main origin was Latin America (4.9%), Africa (3.6%) and other European countries (2.8%). Nine individuals were seroreactive for HTLV antibodies (overall prevalence, 0.14%). Evidence of HTLV-1 infection was confirmed by Western blot in 4 subjects (prevalence 0.06%) while HTLV-2 infection was found in 5 (prevalence 0.08%). Infection with HTLV types 1, 2, 3 and 4 was discarded by Western blot and specific PCR assays in another two specimens initially reactive in the enzyme immunoassay. All but one HTLV-1 cases were Latin-Americans while all persons with HTLV-2 infection were native Spaniards. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of HTLV infections in Spain remains low, with no evidence of HTLV-3 or HTLV-4 infections so far.

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in the diagnosis of osteoporosis: a practical guide.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this essay is a quick and comprehensive review of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in the diagnosis of osteoporosis that shows how to achieve the best performance in three steps. CONCLUSION: The three-step procedure for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry includes image acquisition emphasizing proper patient positioning and regions of interest; analysis, including areas to scan and detection of artifacts that should be excluded from the analysis and noted in the report because they can necessitate additional imaging; and interpretation of results.

Prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infections in Spain: A cross-sectional hospital-based survey.

The presence of antibodies to human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) types 1 and 2 was examined in 5742 sera belonging to consecutive adult outpatients attended during June 2008 at 13 different hospitals across Spain. Overall, 58.8% were female. Foreigners represented 8% of the study population. Seven individuals were seropositive for HTLV-2 (overall prevalence 0.12%). No cases of HTLV-1 infection were found. All HTLV-2(+) subjects were Spanish natives, of whom six were coinfected with HIV-1 and five with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Moreover, all but one of the HTLV-2(+) subjects had been intravenous drug users. In summary, this cross-sectional survey suggests that the rate of HTLV infection in Spain is low, and is mostly represented by HTLV-2. Infected individuals are generally Spanish natives with a prior history of intravenous drug use and are coinfected with HIV-1 and/or HCV.

Isogenic autosomes to be applied in optimal screening for novel mutants with viable phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster.

Most insertional mutagenesis screens of Drosophila performed to date have not used target chromosomes that have been checked for their suitability for phenotypic screens for viable phenotypes. To address this, we have generated a selection of stocks carrying either isogenized second chromosomes or isogenized third chromosomes, in a genetic background derived from a Canton-S wild-type strain. We have tested these stocks for a range of behavioral and other viable phenotypes. As expected, most lines are statistically indistinguishable from Canton-S in most phenotypes tested. The lines generated are now being used as target chromosomes in mutagenesis screens, and the characterization reported here will facilitate their use in screens of these lines for behavioral and other viable phenotypes.

Rapid detection of rifampin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from India and Mexico by a molecular beacon assay.

We assessed the performance of a rapid, single-well, real-time PCR assay for the detection of rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis by using clinical isolates from north India and Mexico, regions with a high incidence of tuberculosis. The assay uses five differently colored molecular beacons to determine if a short region of the M. tuberculosis rpoB gene contains mutations that predict rifampin resistance in most isolates. Until now, the assay had not been sufficiently tested on samples from countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis. In the present study, the assay detected mutations in 16 out of 16 rifampin-resistant isolates from north India (100%) and in 55 of 64 rifampin-resistant isolates from Mexico (86%) compared to results with standard susceptibility testing. The assay did not detect mutations (a finding predictive of rifampin susceptibility) in 37 out of 37 rifampin-susceptible isolates from India (100%) and 125 out of 126 rifampin-susceptible isolates from Mexico (99%). DNA sequencing revealed that none of the nine rifampin-resistant isolates from Mexico, which were misidentified as rifampin susceptible by the molecular beacon assay, contained a mutation in the region targeted by the molecular beacons. The one rifampin-susceptible isolate from Mexico that appeared to be rifampin resistant by the molecular beacon assay contained an S531W mutation, which is usually associated with rifampin resistance. Of the rifampin-resistant isolates that were correctly identified in the molecular beacon assay, one contained a novel L530A mutation and another contained a novel deletion between codons 511 and 514. Overall, the molecular beacon assay appears to have sufficient sensitivity (89%) and specificity (99%) for use in countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis.

Correlación entre Blatella germanica y periplaneta americana en pacientes alérgicos / Correlation between Blatella germanica and Periplaneta americana in allergic patients

Antecedentes: se han identificado alergenos compartidos entre los cuerpos enteros de Blatella germanica y Periplaneta americana de los que se reporta la existencia de una correlación significativa entre la reactividad cutánea para ambas especies. Objetivo: estimar la correlación entre las pruebas cutáneas para las dos principales especies de cucarachas intradomiciliarias. Material y métodos: se incluyeron pacientes con sospecha clínica de enfermedad alérgica que acudieron a la consulta externa del servicio de alergia e inmunología clínica del Hospital Universitario de Puebla en un periodo de seis meses, en donde se les efectuaron pruebas cutáneas mediante la técnica de prick con extractos alergénicos estandarizados de Blatella germanica y Periplaneta americana. Resultados: se estudiaron 120 pacientes con edad promedio de 15.7 años, 54.2 por ciento mujeres y 45.8 por ciento hombres. El coeficiente de correlación entre cucaracha alemana y cucaracha americana fue de 0.49 y 0.40 para eritema y pápula, respectivamente. Conclusión: los resultados indican una correlación moderada o una relación considerable entre ambas cucarachas, tanto para pápula como para eritema. Con base en los resultados presentados se sugiere evaluar ambos antígenos con el objeto de mejorar la certeza diagnóstica.

Inducción de anafases anormales por polvos inorgánicos en cultivo de celulas BALBC/3T3 / Induction of abnormal anaphases by inorganic dusts in culture of BALBC/3T3 cells

Los polvos inorgánicos como el asbesto son capaces de inducir alteraciones cromosómicas in vitro. Estas alteraciones se han comprobado empleando fibras de longitud mayores de 5 µm. En el presente estudio se valoraron las anafases anormales inducidas por fibras de asbesto crisótilo y por hierro carbonilo con un tamaño menor de 5.0 µm. Se sembraron 10 células BALBC/3T3 en medio RPMI-1640 y se expusieron a las siguientes dosis de cada polvo: 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 µg/ml durante 12 horas. Las células se fijaron y tiñeron con safranina-O para valorar las anafases anormales inducidas. Se observó que el asbesto crisótilo fue capaz de disminuir las anafases totales conforme de dosis de éste se elevó (de 36 por ciento a 8 por ciento), y el número máximo de anafases anormales fue de 5.6 por ciento con 40 µg/ml. A esta dosis, las anormalidades más comunes fueron los puentes anafásicos (4.3 por ciento) y las anafases multipolares (1.6 por ciento). El hierro carbolino no indujo disminución de las anafases y las anormales inducidas no fueron estadísticamente diferentes de las observadas en cultivos control. De nuestros resultados podemos concluir que las fibras de asbesto crisótilo menores de 5 µm de longitud inducen daño cromosómico directo e indirecto en cultivo celular

Características microbiológicas de la vaginosis bacteriana / The microbiological characteristics of bacterial vaginosis

Se estudiaron 1235 mujeres de tres poblaciones diferentes bajo un criterio homogéneo que permitiera seleccionar aquellas con vaginosis bacteriana. Se demostró que una de cada cinco pacientes (235/1235) cumprió con los criterios establecidos. Asimismo se correlacionó la presencia de Gardnerella vaginalis con el proceso, encontrando que la asociación entre aislamiento y vaginosis en esas poblaciones varió del 50 a 85%. Se analizan los diferentes criterios de diagnóstico, correlacionándolos entre sí para una mayor predicción diagnóstica. Se menciona la posible participación de otros gérmenes anaeróbicos residentes en el área, como patógenos potenciales del proceso. Finalmente se hacen consideraciones sobre la utilidad de los 5-nitroimidazoles, en la reolución del problema clínico y microbiológico