Bacterial eye infections associated with sexual transmission infections: A review.

The objective of this work was to collect updated information on Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, causing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and etiological agents of eye infections, to provide relevant information on this public health problem. For this, a bibliographic review was carried out using different electronic databases such as: PubMed central, google academic, Lilacs, Scopus, Science Direct and Scielo, between March 2009 and August 2019. According to the WHO, more than a million people a day contract a sexually transmitted infection. For T. pallidum, a global prevalence of 0.5% is estimated for both men and women. It is a causative agent of syphilis and ocular syphilis, which manifests as uveitis. Overall, a prevalence of 2.8% in men and 3.8% in women for C. trachomatis is estimated. It is associated with oculo-genital disease, which includes STIs, inclusion conjunctivitis in adults and neonatal ophthalmia. Among its complications is trachoma, which is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Regarding N. gonorrhoeae, it has a global selection of 0.9% and 0.7% in women and men, respectively. It manifests with gonococcal conjunctivitis and neonatal ophthalmia. We can conclude that the information that relates T. pallidum, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae with their ocular compromise problems is insufficient, and even more so if we seek to find them related to each other, which makes it difficult to access data of clinical utility for visual health.

Formation of interstellar cyanoacetamide: a rotational and computational study.

CONTEXT: Cyanoacetamide is a -CN bearing molecule that is also an amide derivative target molecule in the interstellar medium. AIMS: The aim of our investigation is to analyze the feasibility of a plausible formation process of protonated cyanoacetamide under interstellar conditions and to provide direct experimental frequencies of the ground vibrational state of the neutral form in the microwave region in order to enable its eventual identification in the interstellar medium. METHODS: We used high-level theoretical computations to study the formation process of protonated cyanoacetamide. Furthermore, we employed a high-resolution laser-ablation molecular beam Fourier transform spectroscopic technique to measure the frequencies of the neutral form. RESULTS: We report the first rotational characterization of cyanoacetamide, and a precise set of the relevant rotational spectroscopic constants have been determined as a first step to identifying the molecule in the interstellar medium. We fully explored the potential energy surface to study a gas-phase reaction on the formation process of protonated cyanoacetamide. We found that an exothermic process with no net activation barrier is initiated by the high-energy isomer of protonated hydroxylamine, which leads to protonated cyanoacetamide.

Gas-phase reaction between calcium monocation and fluoromethane: Analysis of the potential energy hypersurface and kinetics calculations.

The gas-phase reaction between calcium monocation and fluoromethane: Ca(+)+CH(3)F-->CaF(+)+CH(3) was theoretically analyzed. The potential energy hypersurface was explored by using density functional theory methodology with different functionals and Pople's, Dunning's, Ahlrichs', and Stuttgart-Dresden basis sets. Kinetics calculations (energy and total angular momentum resolved microcanonical variational/conventional theory) were accomplished. The theoretically predicted range for the global kinetic rate constant values at 295 K (7.2x10(-11)-5.9x10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)) agrees reasonably well with the experimental value at the same temperature [(2.6+/-0.8)x10(-10) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)]. Explicit consideration of a two transition state model, where the formation of a weakly bounded prereactive complex is preceded by an outer transition state (entrance channel) and followed by an inner transition state connecting with a second intermediate that finally leads to products, is mandatory. Experimental observations on the correlation, or lack of correlation, between reaction rate constants and second ionization energies of the metal might well be rationalized in terms of this two transition state model.

Is eating wild rainbow trout safe? The effects of different land-uses on heavy metals content in Chile.

Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb levels were measured in liver and muscle samples of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss collected from three watersheds with different land-uses: native forest, exotic plantation, and agriculture in Chile, during January, April, July, and October 2012. Cd and Pb levels were not detected in the liver and muscle, probably since they are under the detection limits. Higher metal concentrations (liver-muscle tissues) were detected in samples from agriculture and exotic plantation streams, whereas trout from native forest streams had lower metal concentrations. Higher metal concentrations were detected in liver tissue compared to muscle tissue, and both negatively correlated to the length and weight of the fish. This suggest the liver had higher ability to accumulate Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn compared to muscle tissue. The concentration range of Fe and Zn recorded in the muscle are within the range reported by other authors, whereas Mn and Cu concentrations are higher than reported in the literature. However, at all sites the concentration of selected metals were below the limits permitted by current legislation (FAO), and therefore did not put the human population at risk, suggesting that is eating wild rainbow trout safe in Chile.

Ligamentum flavum in lumbar spinal stenosis, disc herniation and degenerative spondylolisthesis. An histopathological description.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los cambios en el ligamento flavum (LF) relacionados con la degeneración son secundarios al proceso de envejecimiento o a la inestabilidad mecánica. Estudios anteriores han indicado que LF con envejecimiento muestra pérdida de fibras elásticas y aumento del contenido de colágeno, la pérdida de elasticidad puede hacer que el LF se pliegue en el canal espinal, disminuyendo su espacio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 67 pacientes operados de estenosis lumbar espinal (LSS), hernia de disco lumbar (LDH) y espondilolistesis degenerativa (LDS). Se obtuvieron muestras de LF de pacientes que tenían LSS (39), LDH (22) y LDS (6). Se examinaron especímenes con respecto a metaplasia condroide, calcificación, fragmentación de fibras de colágeno, degeneración quística, apariencia fibrilar e hipercelularidad. RESULTADOS: Los cambios histopatológicos más frecuentes fueron la hialinización y la fragmentación de las fibras de colágeno (34%), neovascularización en 40.3%, y la disposición irregular de las fibras elásticas es el cambio más frecuente con 56.7% del total de muestras. Existe una diferencia en la presencia de cambios en el LF, de acuerdo con el diagnóstico, siendo estadísticamente significativo para la fragmentación de las fibras de colágeno (p = 0.045), la degeneración quística (p = 0.001), la apariencia fibrilar (p = 0.007) y la hipercelularidad (p = 0.005) todos ellos, siendo más frecuentes en el grupo LDS. El grupo LHD presentó fragmentación de las fibras de colágeno en 45.5% (p = 0.045) y la apariencia fibrilar en 4.5% (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONES: No hay evidencia de hipertrofia celular en los análisis histopatológicos, el engrosamiento del LF se puede ver por abultamiento del mismo, seguido de colapso del segmento de movimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in ligamentum flavum (LF) related to degeneration are secondary to either the aging process or mechanical instability. Previous studies have indicated that LF with aging shows elastic fiber loss and increased collagen content, loss of elasticity may cause LF to fold into the spinal canal, which may further narrow of the canal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 67 patients operated with the surgical indications of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) were included. LF samples were obtained from patients who had LSS (39), LDH (22) and LDS (6). Specimens were examined with regard to chondroid metaplasia, calcification, fragmentation of collagen fibers, cystic degeneration, fibrillar appearence, and hypercellularity. RESULTS: The most frequent histopathological changes were hyalinization and fragmentation of collagen fibers occur in 34%, neovascularization in 40.3% and irregular arrangement of elastic fibers is the most prevalent change with 56.7% of the total samples. There is a difference in the presence of certain changes in the LF according to the diagnosis, being statistically significant for fragmentation of collagen fibers (p = 0.045), cystic degeneration (p = 0.001), fibrillar appearance (p = 0.007) and hypercellularity (p = 0.005) all of these, being more prevalent in LDS group. LHD group presented fragmentation of collagen fibers in 45.5% (p = 0.045) and fibrillar appearance in 4.5% (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: There is not evidence of cellular hyperthophy in the histhopatological analyses, thickening of the LF can be seen by bulking of LF followed by collapse of motion segment.

The RIPASA score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis: A comparison with the modified Alvarado score. / Escala RIPASA para el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda: comparación con la escala de Alvarado modificada.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Acute appendicitis is the first cause of surgical emergencies. It is still a difficult diagnosis to make, especially in young persons, the elderly, and in reproductive-age women, in whom a series of inflammatory conditions can have signs and symptoms similar to those of acute appendicitis. Different scoring systems have been created to increase diagnostic accuracy, and they are inexpensive, noninvasive, and easy to use and reproduce. The modified Alvarado score is probably the most widely used and accepted in emergency services worldwide. On the other hand, the RIPASA score was formulated in 2010 and has greater sensitivity and specificity. There are very few studies conducted in Mexico that compare the different scoring systems for appendicitis. The aim of our article was to compare the modified Alvarado score and the RIPASA score in the diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain and suspected acute appendicitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, analytic, and prolective study was conducted within the time frame of July 2002 and February 2014 at the Hospital Universitario de Puebla. The questionnaires used for the evaluation process were applied to the patients suspected of having appendicitis. RESULTS: The RIPASA score with 8.5 as the optimal cutoff value: ROC curve (area .595), sensitivity (93.3%), specificity (8.3%), PPV (91.8%), NPV (10.1%). Modified Alvarado score with 6 as the optimal cutoff value: ROC curve (area .719), sensitivity (75%), specificity (41.6%), PPV (93.7%), NPV (12.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The RIPASA score showed no advantages over the modified Alvarado score when applied to patients presenting with suspected acute appendicitis.

Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Costa Rica.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in marine mammals is of interest because of mortality and mode of transmission. It has been suggested that marine mammals become infected with T. gondii oocysts washed from land to the sea. We report the isolation and genetic characterization of viable T. gondii from a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the first time from this host. An adult female dolphin was found stranded on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and the animal died the next day. The dolphin had a high (1:6400) antibody titer to T. gondii in the modified agglutination test. Severe nonsuppurative meningoencephalomyelitis was found in its brain and spinal cord, but T. gondii was not found in histological sections of the dolphin. Portions of its brain and the heart were bioassayed in mice for the isolation of T. gondii. Viable T. gondii was isolated from the brain, but not from the heart, of the dolphin. A cat fed mice infected with the dolphin isolate (designated TgSdCol) shed oocysts. Genomic DNA from tachyzoites of this isolate was used for genotyping at 10 genetic loci, including SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico, and this TgSdCo1 isolate was found to be Type II.

[Executive dysfunction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood]. / Disfunción ejecutiva en el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en la infancia.

INTRODUCTION: The principal problem of ADHD is the difficulty to execute inhibitory control. The inhibition is an executive function that is develop during childhood. AIM: To know if other executive functions shower a lower performance in ADHD versus control group and these were different between ADHD-I and ADHD-C. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty three children, between 7 to 10 years old, participated and were assess with EMIC and Simon task. RESULTS: The results showed similar profile in working memory and verbal span. In contrast, ADHD-C showed lower performance in Simon task and more impulsively. On an other hand, ADHD-I showed lower performance in memory working tasks and planning. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest differences in the executive profile between ADHD-I and ADHD-C and these support the hypothesis of Barkley about the necessity to differ both clinical subtypes.

Variability and trends in the consumption of drugs for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Castile-La Mancha, Spain (1992-2015). / Variabilidad y tendencias en el consumo de fármacos para los trastornos por déficit de atención e hiperactividad en Castilla-La Mancha, España (1992-2015).

INTRODUCTION: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioural disorders of childhood; its prevalence in Spain is estimated at 5-9%. Available treatments for this condition include methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and lisdexamfetamine, whose consumption increases each year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of ADHD was estimated by calculating the defined daily dose per 1,000 population per day of each drug and the total doses (therapeutic group N06BA) between 1992 and 2015 in each of the provinces of Castile-La Mancha (Spain). Trends, joinpoints, and annual percentages of change were analysed using joinpoint regression models. RESULTS: The minimum prevalence of ADHD in the population of Castile-La Mancha aged 5 to 19 was estimated at 13.22 cases per 1,000 population per day; prevalence varied across provinces (p<.05). Overall consumption has increased from 1992 to 2015, with an annual percentages of change of 10.3% and several joinpoints (2000, 2009, and 2012). methylphenidate represents 89.6% of total drug consumption, followed by lisdexamfetamine at 8%. CONCLUSIONS: Analysing drug consumption enables us to estimate the distribution of ADHD patients in Castile-La Mancha. Our data show an increase in the consumption of these drugs as well as differences in drug consumption between provinces, which reflect differences in ADHD management in clinical practice.

Molecular studies of Mendelian disorders, embryonic neoplasias, and polymorphisms in selected samples of the general population. A contribution to the genetic characterization of the Mexican population.

Molecular studies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzymes, as well as intragenic STRs and newly designed primers, were performed in patients with Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, retinoblastoma, and nephroblastoma. The usefulness of these methodologies in the precise identification of mutational changes, in carrier detection and in the understanding of neoplastic transformations, as well as its applications in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis, are discussed. In addition, genetic polymorphisms in the beta globin gene cluster and in mtDNA were investigated. All these studies, the first performed in our population, contribute to establish the genetic origin and to a better characterization of the Mexican population.

Subjective global assessment of nutritional status: further validation.

Subject global assessment of nutritional status was performed on 175 patients admitted to the medical-surgical gastroenterology service of a general hospital by a first-year resident and a specialist in clinical nutrition who were not aware of each other's evaluation. Patients were classified as well nourished or moderately or severely undernourished. Simultaneously, anthropometry was performed, serum albumin measured, and two units of PPD inoculated. A 79% concordance between the global subjective assessments made by the residents and the specialists was found. Patients in the three groups had significantly different weight, midarm circumference, triceps skinfold, and serum albumin values, whereas the total lymphocyte count and the percentage of negative PPD reactions were not significantly different. Subjective global assessment is a useful tool for the evaluation of nutritional status, even when used by inexperienced professionals.

[Malignant digestive tumor mortality in Castilla-La Mancha (1975-1990)]. / Mortalidad por tumores digestivos malignos en Castilla-La Mancha (1975-1990).

BACKGROUND: The study investigates the temporary trend of the mortality by digestive malignant tumours in Castilla-La Mancha from 1975 to 1990. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardized rates were calculated by direct method, using world and european population as standard, truncated rates (35-64 years old) and cumulative rates (0-74 years old) according to tumoral location and sex. RESULTS: In both sexes the mortality by colon cancer has increased whereas the mortality by stomach cancer has decreased. These changes observed are similar with those observed in other epidemiologic studies. CONCLUSION: Driving a 15 year period a significant change in mortality due to colonic and gastric cancer has occurred in Castilla-La Mancha.

[Variability and tendencies in the consumption of methylphenidate in Spain. An estimation of the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]. / Variabilidad y tendencias en el consumo de metilfenidato en España. Estimación de la prevalencia del trastorno por deficit de atención con hiperactividad.

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequently occurring behavioural disorders in childhood; its prevalence in Spain is estimated to be around 3-6%. Methylphenidate (MPH) is the only medication available on the Spanish market. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prevalence of ADHD was estimated by calculating the daily doses of MPH defined per 1000 inhabitants per day (Therapeutic group N06B A04), over the period 1992-2001, for each of the provinces in Spain. Figures for the number of prescriptions made out were obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. The odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval were calculated, as was the linear tendency c2. RESULTS: A minimum prevalence of ADHD was estimated to be 0.63 per 1000 inhabitants per day for the overall Spanish population. MPH use and consumption does, however, vary with a north-south slope, and higher prevalence in Catalonia than in Andalusia. Taken as a whole, the consumption of MPH has undergone a uniform 8% increase annually since 1992, with a rising variation in the OR from 0.19 up to the year 2001 (OR = 1), and every year it has been statistically significant (c 2 = 78.246; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of MPH enables us to estimate the distribution of ADHD in Spain. The figures obtained do not yet allow us to offer an accurate estimate of the prevalence of the disease, despite the increase in consumption. Nevertheless, they do enable us to establish the variations that exist in medical practice regarding this disease.

[Factors associated with the degree of disability among patients of the Spanish Multiple Sclerosis Association of the Community of Madrid]. / Factores asociados al grado de incapacidad de los enfermos de la Asociación Española de Esclerosis Múltiple de la Comunidad de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes a degree of disability in young adults which hampers everyday activities. The aetiology and predisposing factors are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To find the degree of disability (DD) and index of progression (IP) together with the possible associated prognostic factors in MS patients of the Spanish Multiple Sclerosis Association (AEDEM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transverse design based on the population (AEDEM) by means of a representative sample (N = 158), taken randomly from those not suffering an exacerbation of MS. A telephone survey was carried out using the 'Minimum Dossier of Invalidity of MS' (eliminating variables concerning neurological dysfunction). The relationship between DD and IP, with different variables, was compared using parametric and non-parametric tests. Variables associated with the evolution of DD were measured in terms of the Odds Ratio. RESULTS: The response rate was 150 (94.9%), 10 (6.7%) were rejected, giving a total of 140 patients. 55% of the patients considered themselves to be independent to some degree, in that they had no difficulty with everyday activities. Difficulty with walking was the 'most disabling problem' of 47.1%. Progression of the disorder (IP) depended on the frequency of exacerbations (r = 0.63). The variables associated with a raised DD are: suffer more than 5 exacerbations (OR: 3.73), have had the illness for more than 15 years (OR = 3.29) and a current age of over 35 years old (OR = 2.86). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in number and frequency of exacerbations or their prevention may reduce progression of the disorder and disability in daily life.

[Use of antiparkinsonian agents in Castilla-La Mancha. Estimate of prevalence of Parkinson disease]. / Consumo de antiparkinsonianos en Castilla-La Mancha. Estimación de la prevalencia de la enfermedad de Parkinson.

INTRODUCTION: Research concerning the prevalence of Parkinson disease (PD) are scarce; in addition with different methodologies. Therefore it is not possible to determine its true impact on public health in Castilla-La Mancha (CLM), Spain. OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence of PD in CLM (332.0 and 332.1 of the ICD-9th revision) by the consumption of antiparkinsonian drugs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Calculating the daily defined doses (DDD) per 100,000 inhabitants (10(5)) for each of the prescribed antiparkinsonian drugs (Therapeutic Group, N04A), during 1994-1996 for each of the province of CLM. The data from prescriptions have been obtained from the Pharmaceutical Service of the Health and Consume Ministry of Spain, which cover 100% of the population. RESULTS: The DDD determination's of L-Dopa per 10(5) inhabitants, a prevalence of 270.24 (IC 95%: 239.2-304.7) is estimated for the whole population. The consumption of L-Dopa by provinces and years (1994-1996) allows to know the distribution of PD in CLM. CONCLUSIONS: The numbers obtained place to CLM in a middle-high prevalence; although methodological differences do not allow definitive conclusions.

Corneal endothelium: developmental strategies for regeneration.

The main treatment available for restoration of the corneal endothelium is keratoplasty. This procedure is faced with several difficulties, including the shortage of donor tissue, post-surgical complications associated with the use of drugs to prevent immune rejection, and a significant increase in the occurrence of glaucoma. Recently, surgical procedures such as Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty have focused on the transplant of corneal endothelium, yielding better visual results but still facing the need for donor tissue. The emergent strategies in the field of cell biology and tissue cultivation of corneal endothelial cells aim at the production of transplantable endothelial cell sheets. Cell therapy focuses on the culture of corneal endothelial cells retrieved from the donor, in the donor's cornea, followed by transplantation into the recipient. Recently, research has focused on overcoming the challenge of harvesting human corneal endothelial cells and the generation of new biomembranes to be used as cell scaffolds in surgical procedures. The use of corneal endothelial precursors from the peripheral cornea has also demonstrated to be effective and represents a valuable tool for reducing the risk of rejection in allogeneic transplants. Several animal model reports also support the use of adult stem cells as therapy for corneal diseases. Current results represent important progresses in the development of new strategies based on alternative sources of tissue for the treatment of corneal endotheliopathies. Different databases were used to search literature: PubMed, Google Books, MD Consult, Google Scholar, Gene Cards, and NCBI Books. The main search terms used were: 'cornea AND embryology AND transcription factors', 'human endothelial keratoplasty AND risk factors', '(cornea OR corneal) AND (endothelium OR endothelial) AND cell culture', 'mesenchymal stem cells AND cell therapy', 'mesenchymal stem cells AND cornea', and 'stem cells AND (cornea OR corneal) AND (endothelial OR endothelium)'.