Isolation, characterization, and experimental infection of Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus from commercial turkeys with acute septicemia: a pilot study.

Streptococcus gallolyticus (SG) is a Gram-positive cocci found as commensal gut flora in animals and humans. SG has emerged as a cause of disease in young poults between 1 and 3 wk of age. SG is associated with septicemia resulting in acute mortality with no premonitory signs in turkeys. Three SG isolates were obtained from clinical field cases of acute septicemia of commercial turkeys and used in three independent experiments. In Experiment 1, embryos were inoculated 25 d of embryogenesis with varying concentrations of SG1, SG2, or SG3. In Experiment 2, day of hatch, poults were inoculated with varying concentrations using different routes of administration of SG1, SG2, or SG3. In Experiment 3, day of hatch, poults were inoculated with only isolate SG1 using different paths. Poults were randomly selected for necropsy on d 8 and d 15 and sampled to collect spleen, heart, and liver for SG on d 21, the remaining poults were necropsied and cultured. Samples were plated on Columbia nalidixic acid and colistin agar (CNA) (40°C, 18-24 h). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) confirmed suspect colonies. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test of independence, testing all possible combinations to determine significance (P < 0.05). Weight data were subjected to ANOVA using JMP with significance (P < 0.05). No differences were found in BW or BWG on d 0, 8, 15, or 22. Splenomegaly, focal heart necrosis, and pericarditis were observed in all groups in experiments 1 through 3. In Experiment 3, only airsacculitis was observed in a negative control in separate isolation (P > 0.05). On d 21 of Experiment 3, increased (P < 0.05) recovery of SG from spleens were observed in co-housed negative controls, as well as poults challenged by oral gavage (P > 0.05 for d 7 and d 14). These results confirm numerous previous studies indicating that SG subsp. pasteurianus is a primary infectious microorganism that causes septicemia in young poults.

Analysis of the Fragile X Trinucleotide Repeat in Basques: Association of Premutation and Intermediate Sizes, Anchoring AGGs and Linked Microsatellites with Unstable Alleles.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is associated with an unstable CGG repeat sequence in the 5' untranslated region in the first exon of the FMR1 gene which resides at chromosome position Xq27.3 and is coincident with the fragile site FRAXA. The CGG sequence is polymorphic with respect to size and purity of the repeat. Interpopulation variation in the polymorphism of the FMR1 gene and consequently, in the predisposition to FXS due to the prevalence of certain unstable alleles has been observed. Spanish Basque population is distributed among narrow valleys in northeastern Spain with little migration between them until recently. This characteristic may have had an effect on allelic frequency distributions. We had previously reported preliminary data on the existence of FMR1 allele differences between two Basque valleys (Markina and Arratia). In the present work we extended the study to Uribe, Gernika, Durango, Goierri and Larraun, another five isolated valleys enclosing the whole area within the Spanish Basque region. We analyzed the prevalence of FMR1 premutated and intermediate/grey zone alleles. With the aim to complete the previous investigation about the stability of the Fragile X CGG repeat in Basque valleys, we also analyzed the existence of potentially unstable alleles, not only in relation with size and purity of CGG repeat but also in relation with DXS548 and FRAXAC1 haplotypes implicated in repeat instability. The data show that differences in allele frequencies as well as in the distribution of the mutational pathways previously identified are present among Basques. The data also suggest that compared with the analyzed Basque valleys, Gernika had increased frequency of susceptibility to instability alleles, although the prevalence of premutation and intermediate/grey zone alleles in all the analyzed valleys was lower than that reported in Caucasian populations.

Circadian rhythms of plasma corticosterone at different times after induction of diabetes. Responses to corticoadrenal stimulation in light and dark phases.

In this study we have tried to determine the effects of streptozotocin-induced (50 mg/kg) diabetes (15 and 30 day duration) on circadian rhythms of plasma corticosterone concentrations and on the responsiveness of the adrenal glands to exogenously administered ACTH at the time of maximum and minimum levels of plasma corticosterone. Rats were kept under controlled lighting 12h light/12h dark (12L/12D) and fed ad libitum. The corticosteroid circadian pattern in control (C) rats is characterized as one in which peak corticosterone concentrations occur at the beginning of the dark phase (activity period), with a decrease over the remainder of the 24h period. Circadian rhythmicity of plasma corticosterone concentration was absent in the diabetic rats 15 days after induction (D15 rats), with higher mean levels than the C. However, in the diabetic rats 30 days after induction (D30 rats) there is a recovery of this rhythm with similar acrophase and amplitude to the C rats. One hour after stimulation by ACTH (5 IU/kg) at the time of maximum and minimum levels of plasma corticosterone, the C rats showed similar plasma corticosterone levels. In the D15 rats, levels of corticosterone in the light phase one hour after ACTH administration were higher than in the dark phase; being lower than C in this phase. The loss of capacity to respond during the dark phase may be due to adrenal blunting in this phase with high levels of plasma corticosterone. In D30 rats, there is a more noticeable loss of capacity for adrenal response in the light than in the dark phase, with values lower than C and D15 rats in both phases. These findings suggest that the duration of diabetes has a significant role in both plasma corticosterone rhythms and adrenal sensitivity to ACTH administration.

Plasma corticosterone, motor activity and metabolic circadian patterns in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Experiments were conducted in male rats to study the effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on circadian rhythms of (a) plasma corticosterone concentrations; (b) motor activity; and (c) metabolic patterns. Animals were entrained to LD cycles of 12:12 hr and fed ad libitum. A daily rhythm of plasma corticosterone concentrations was found in controls animals with peak levels at 2400 hr and low values during the remaining hours. This rhythm was statistically confirmed by the cosinor method and had an amplitude of 3.37 micrograms/100 ml and the acrophase at 100 hr. A loss of the normal circadian variation was observed in diabetic animals, with a nadir at the onset of light period and high values throughout the remaining hours; cosinor analysis of these data showed no circadian rhythm, delete and a higher mean level than controls. As expected, normal rats presented most of their motor activity during the dark period with 80% of total daily activity; the cosinor method demonstrated a circadian rhythm with an amplitude of 60% of the mean level and the acrophase at 0852 hr. Both diabetic and control rats showed a similar activity during the light phase, but diabetic animals had less activity than controls during the night and their percentage of total daily activity was similar in both phases of the LD cycle (50% for each one). With the cosinor method we were able to show the persistence of a circadian rhythm in the motor activity of diabetic rats, but with a mesor and amplitude lower than in controls (amplitude rested at 60% of the mean level) and its acrophase advanced to 0148 hr.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Evolution of the new number of diagnoses of HIV infection in Asturias, Navarra and La Rioja]. / Evolución del número de nuevos diagnósticos de infección por el VIH en Asturias, Navarra y La Rioja.

BACKGROUND: To describe the time-trend of people diagnosed with HIV infection in Asturias, Navarra and La Rioja up to 1998. METHODS: HIV case reports since the beginning of the epidemic have been analysed. Only the first positive confirmed result for each patient was taken into account. RESULTS: In the three regions a total of 7,870 HIV infections had been diagnosed by 1998 (4 cases per 1,000 inhabitants). New diagnoses decreased 60% since 1991 to 1998, with the greatest fall among intravenous drug users, and the lowest fall in sexually transmitted infections. CONCLUSIONS: This time-trend supports a reduction in HIV transmission in these three regions; however, the number of new diagnosed infections remains high.

[Gradenigo syndrome as the form of presentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma]. / Síndrome de Gradenigo como forma de presentación de carcinoma nasofaríngeo.

INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a condition which usually has an insidious onset and non-specific features in the initial stages, so it is difficult to make an early diagnosis. The most usual presenting features are otological (serous otitis media) and involvement of adjacent cranial nerves. We report a case of Gradeningo's syndrome due to the tumour spreading towards the base of the skull. We review the literature on the aetiology of this syndrome. CLINICAL CASE: A 53 year old patient required neurological assessment for a clinical condition which was compatible with Gradenigo's syndrome that involved both right V and VI cranial nerves. This study permitted diagnosis of a nasopharyngeal carcinoma which had been undetected because of its non-specific features, until this complication occurred. Otorhinolaryngological assessment proved the presence of a neoplasm in the cavum. Biopsy of the lesion showed it to be a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed extension of the tumour to the base of the skull, adjacent to the right sinus cavernosus. The cerebrospinal fluid was normal. Treatment by radiotherapy was indicated. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma requires a high index of suspicion in view of its initial, sparse, non-specific symptoms. Although ideally the disease should be detected in its early stages, we believe that it is useful to recommend that in cases of Gradenigo's syndrome a full systematic otorhinolaryngological exploration be made so as to effectively rule out this disorder.

Assessment of viral interference using a chemical receptor blocker against avian influenza and establishment of protection levels in field outbreaks.

Avian influenza (AI) currently poses a serious problem for poultry farming worldwide. Its prevalence in Mexico, despite vaccination, has highlighted the need for new approaches to control AI and reduce the economic losses associated with its occurrence in susceptible birds. The different interactions between AI viruses (AIV) and cellular receptors have been described, along with the affinity of some viruses for certain types of species-specific receptors. This receptor-ligand specificity, combined with an understanding of viral interference processes and their relevance in different viral models, permits the assessment of new strategies for controlling AIV. The present study was designed to investigate the feasibility of using viral interference as a novel approach for AIV control, taking advantage of the high receptor-ligand specificity between AIV and animal cells. The results from field outbreak tests and cell culture analysis along with measurements of specific antibodies against AIV demonstrate that the mortality associated with AI infection can be reduced by using a receptor blocker against AIV. This receptor blocker approach also has the potential to be used on an industrial scale for the efficient control of AIV.

Transición hacia la edad adulta de pacientes con ventilación mecánica domiciliaria: descripción y resultados de una consulta multidisciplinar / No disponible

Introducción: Los avances en la medicina han aumentado la supervivencia de niños con neumopatías crónicas graves. Estos pacientes tienen riesgo de la interrupción de cuidados sanitarios si no son atendidos por programas de adultos. Describimos el funcionamiento general y características de pacientes de una Consulta de Transición de Ventilación Mecánica Domiciliaria (CTVMD). Métodos: Estudio observacional de la actividad de la CTVMD desde mayo del 2012, hasta diciembre del 2015. La CTVMD está conformada por dos pediatras neumólogos, dos neumólogos de adultos, un otorrinolaringólogo y una enfermera. Se registraron datos antropométricos, fecha de transición, de inicio de Ventilación Mecánica Domiciliaria (VMD), y datos clínicos. Desde los 14 años, y durante un periodo de 1 a 2 años, estos pacientes fueron valorados en la CTVMD de forma simultánea por profesionales pediátricos y de adultos hasta que fueron definitivamente transferidos a la consulta de adultos. Resultados: Durante este período 17 pacientes fueron valorados en la CTVMD. Catorce varones (82%), con 16,29 ± 1,49 años de edad en el momento de la transición, y 16,75 ± 1,98 años al inicio de la VMD. La patología subyacente más frecuente fue la neuromuscular (65%), luego la toracógena (17%), y la hipoventilación central (6%). Once pacientes recibían soporte respiratorio (64,7%), todos en modalidad no invasiva. De ellos en 7 (63,6%) se inició durante la transición. Conclusiones: La mayor parte de los pacientes han iniciado la VMD en la adolescencia o la edad adulta, cuando ya han pasado a la consulta de adultos. Un enfoque multidisciplinar de la transición puede evitar la pérdida de cuidados sanitarios en estos pacientes

Introduction: Medical advances have improved the supervivence of children with severe chronic respiratory diseases. These patients are in risk of sanitary care interruption if not adapted in adults programs. We describe the general functioning and characteristics of patients in a Home Mechanical Ventilation Transition Practice (HMVTP). Methods: Observational study about the activity of HMVTP, since May 2012 to December 2015. HMVTP team is conformed by two pediatricians pulmonologists, two adults pulmonologists, one ear nose throat specialist and one nurse. Anthropometric data, transition date, NIV adaptation date and clinical data were collected. Since age 14 and through a period of 1-2 years, these patients were evaluated in the HMVTP simultaneously by pediatricians and adults specialists, till theyre final transference to adults practice. Results: During the study period 17 patients were evaluated in HMVTP, 14 were male (82%), with 16,29 ± 1,49 years old in the momento of transition, and 16,75 ± 1,98 years old at the NIV adaptation. Undelying most frequent respiratory conditions were neuromuscular diseases (65%), thoracic anomalies (17%) and central hypoventilation (6%). 11 patients were treated with NIV (64,7%), and 7 of them were adapted to NIV after transition (63,6%). Conclusions: Most patients have been adapted to MV in the adulthood, after they have been transitioned from pediatrics to adults practice. A multidisciplinary approach of this transition may avoid the loss of sanitary care in these patients

Fragile X gene stability in Basque Valleys: prevalence of premutation and intermediate alleles.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation. The molecular basis is usually the unstable expansion of a CGG repeat in the FMR1 gene. We previously analyzed a sample of two Basque valleys. In the present work we extend the study to another five isolated valleys. The results show that differences in factors implicated in CGG repeat instability--CGG repeat size, XS548/FRAXAC1 haplotypes, and AGG interspersion pattern-are present in the Basque populations analyzed.

Irritable bowel syndrome in Mexico.

The current review includes all the available original data on irritable bowel syndrome in Mexico. Data were organized in items of interest such as prevalence and gender distribution, health care utilization, psychosocial factors, diagnostic criteria, bowel habit predominance, physiological studies, clinical trials and quality of life assessment. After a systematic review, a total of 18 papers were included, the majority published between 1996 and 2000. We can conclude that irritable bowel syndrome in Mexico is similar to that reported in the international literature with regard to the areas analyzed, and therefore it is suitable to run clinical trials with similar outcomes as has been done in other populations.

Complicaciones de la otitis media / No disponible

No disponible