Toxicity assessment of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles on wheat plants.

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their widespread therapeutic and agricultural applicability. In the environmental field, dry powder- and ferrofluid-suspended cobalt ferrite NPs were found to be useful for removing heavy metals and metalloids from water, while diluted suspensions of cobalt ferrite NP have been promisingly applied in medicine. However, the potential toxicological implications of widespread exposure are still unknown. Since cobalt ferrite NPs are considered residual wastes of environmental or medical applications, plants may serve as a point-of-entry for engineered nanomaterials as a result of consumption of these plants. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of dry powder and fresh cobalt ferrite NP on wheat plants. Seven-day assays were conducted, using quartz sand as the plant growth substrate. The toxicity end points measured were seed germination, root and shoot lengths, total cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe) accumulation, photosynthetic pigment production, protein (PRT) production, and activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). Increasing total Co and Fe in plant tissues indicated that wheat plants were exposed to cobalt ferrite NP. Seed germination and shoot length were not sufficiently sensitive toxicity end points. The effective concentration (EC50) that diminished root length of plants by 50% was 1963 mg/kg for fresh ferrite NPs and 5023 mg/kg for powder ferrite NP. Hence, fresh ferrite NPs were more toxic than powder NP. Plant stress was indicated by a significant decrease in photosynthetic pigments. CAT, APX, and GPX antioxidant enzymatic activity suggested the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage induced by cobalt ferrite NP. More studies are thus necessary to determine whether the benefits of using these NPs outweigh the risks.

Morphology of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) embryos in the first third of pregnancy.

The breeding of South American camelids is the main economic activity of the high Andean region of South America and it, is potentially, the most profitable resource in of the Puna environmental conditions of the Puna. The duration of the gestation in alpaca is 339.7 ± 12 days. The objective of the present work was to macroscopically and microscopically describe the ontogenic development of the splanchnic cavities of the alpaca and to determine the gestational time in which the post-cranial ossification centers are observed in the embryos/fetuses of this species, from day 21 to 107 of gestation. The documentation of normal ontogenic development, which is vacant for this period, is of the utmost importance to understand the consequences of the alterations at the different gestational times, as well as for the estimation of the gestational age in the case of abortions. Forty-seven alpaca specimens of both sexes, at different times of their gestational development, collected during slaughter at local slaughterhouses of the Department of Huancavelica, Peru, were evaluated. Specimens were assigned to seven groups according to their morphological characteristics. The embryogenesis in the alpaca was characterized by a series of changes comparable to those occurring in other mammals with similar gestational periods. Despite these similarities, species differences were found in some organs as stomach, which are observed too in adult individuals.

Prenatal diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries over a 20-year period: improved but imperfect.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate temporal trends in the prenatal diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum (TGA/IVS) and its impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We included in this study cohort newborns with TGA/IVS who were referred for surgical management to our center over a 20-year period (1992-2011). The study period was divided into five 4-year periods and the primary outcome was rate of prenatal diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included neonatal preoperative status and perioperative survival. RESULTS: Of the 340 patients with TGA/IVS, 81 (23.8%) had a prenatal diagnosis. The rate of prenatal diagnosis increased over the study period, from 6% in 1992-1995 to 41% in 2008-2011 (P < 0.001). Compared to patients with a postnatal diagnosis, balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) was performed earlier in patients with a prenatal diagnosis (0 days after delivery vs 1 day after delivery, respectively; P < 0.001) and fewer prenatally diagnosed neonates required mechanical ventilation (55.6% vs 68.0%; P = 0.03). Between patients with a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of TGA/IVS, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of preoperative acidosis (16.0% vs 25.5%; P = 0.1), need for preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2.5% vs 2.7%; P = 1.0) or mortality (one preoperative and no postoperative deaths among prenatally diagnosed patients compared with four preoperative and six postoperative deaths among postnatally diagnosed patients). CONCLUSIONS: The prenatal detection rate of TGA/IVS has improved but still remains below 50%, suggesting the need for strategies to increase detection rates. The mortality rate was not statistically significantly different between prenatally and postnatally diagnosed patients, however, there were significant preoperative differences with regard to earlier BAS and fewer neonates that required mechanical ventilation. Ongoing work is required to ascertain whether prenatal diagnosis confers long-term benefits.

Low rate of prenatal diagnosis among neonates with critical aortic stenosis: insight into the natural history in utero.

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the natural history and spectrum of fetal aortic stenosis (AS), we aimed to (1) determine the prenatal diagnosis rate of neonates with critical AS and a biventricular (BV) outcome, and (2) describe the findings at fetal echocardiography in patients diagnosed prenatally. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective study was performed on neonates who presented with critical AS and who were discharged with a BV outcome from 2000 to 2013. The prenatal diagnosis rate was compared with that reported for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). We reviewed fetal echocardiographic findings in patients who were diagnosed prenatally. RESULTS: In only 10 (8.5%) of 117 neonates with critical AS and a BV outcome was the diagnosis made prenatally, a rate significantly lower than that for HLHS in the contemporary era (82%; P < 0.0001). Of the 10 patients diagnosed prenatally, all had developed left ventricular dysfunction by a median gestational age of 33 (range, 28-35) weeks. When present, Doppler abnormalities such as retrograde flow in the aortic arch (n = 2), monophasic mitral inflow (n = 3) and left-to-right flow across the foramen ovale (n = 8) developed late in gestation (median 33 weeks). CONCLUSION: The prenatal diagnosis rate of critical AS and a BV outcome among neonates is very low, probably owing to a relatively normal four-chamber view in mid-gestation with development of significant obstruction in the third trimester. The natural history contrasts with that of severe mid-gestation AS with evolving HLHS and suggests that the gestational timing of development of significant AS has an important impact on subsequent left-heart growth in utero.

Mathematical decision theory applied to land capability: a case study in the community of madrid.

In land evaluation science, a standard data set is obtained for each land unit to determine the land capability class for various uses, such as different farming systems, forestry, or the conservation or suitability of a specific crop. In this study, we used mathematical decision theory (MDT) methods to address this task. Mathematical decision theory has been used in areas such as management, finance, industrial design, rural development, the environment, and projects for future welfare to study quality and aptness problems using several criteria. We also review MDT applications in soil science and discuss the suitability of MDT methods for dealing simultaneously with a number of problems. The aim of the work was to show how MDT can be used to obtain a valid land quality index and to compare this with a traditional land capability method. Therefore, an additive classification method was applied to obtain a land quality index for 122 land units that were compiled for a case study of the Community of Madrid, Spain, and the results were compared with a previously assigned land capability class using traditional methods based on the minimum requirements for land attributes.

[Consensus document on ultrasound training in Intensive Care Medicine. Care process, use of the technique and acquisition of professional skills]. / Documento de consenso para la formación en ecografía en Medicina Intensiva. Proceso asistencial, uso de la técnica y adquisición de competencias profesionales.

Ultrasound has become an essential tool in assisting critically ill patients. His knowledge, use and instruction requires a statement by scientific societies involved in its development and implementation. Our aim are to determine the use of the technique in intensive care medicine, clinical situations where its application is recommended, levels of knowledge, associated responsibility and learning process also implement the ultrasound technique as a common tool in all intensive care units, similar to the rest of european countries. The SEMICYUC's Working Group Cardiac Intensive Care and CPR establishes after literature review and scientific evidence, a consensus document which sets out the requirements for accreditation in ultrasound applied to the critically ill patient and how to acquire the necessary skills. Training and learning requires a structured process within the specialty. The SEMICYUC must agree to disclose this document, build relationships with other scientific societies and give legal cover through accreditation of the training units, training courses and different levels of training.

Enhancement of Mitochondrial Function by the Neurogenic Molecule NSI-189 Accompanies Reversal of Peripheral Neuropathy and Memory Impairment in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes.

Aims: Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to many forms of peripheral and central nervous system degeneration. Therapies that protect mitochondrial number and function have the potential to impact the progression of conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. We therefore assessed indices of mitochondrial function in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and brain cortex of the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat model of type 2 diabetes and tested the therapeutic impact of a neurogenic compound, NSI-189, on both mitochondrial function and indices of peripheral and central neurological dysfunction. Materials and Methods: ZDF rats were maintained for 16 weeks of untreated diabetes before the start of oral treatment with NSI-189 for an additional 16 weeks. Nerve conduction velocity, sensitivity to tactile and thermal stimuli, and behavioral assays of cognitive function were assessed monthly. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, mitochondrial protein levels, and respiratory complex activities were assessed in the DRG and brain cortex after 16 weeks of treatment with NSI-189. Results: Treatment with NSI-189 selectively elevated the expression of protein subunits of complexes III and V and activities of respiratory complexes I and IV in the brain cortex, and this was accompanied by amelioration of impaired memory function and plasticity. In the sensory ganglia of ZDF rats, loss of AMPK activity was ameliorated by NSI-189, and this was accompanied by reversal of multiple indices of peripheral neuropathy. Conclusions: Efficacy of NSI-189 against dysfunction of the CNS and PNS function in type 2 diabetic rats was accompanied by improvement of mitochondrial function. NSI-189 exhibited actions at different levels of mitochondrial regulation in central and peripheral tissues.

Patterns of proliferation and cell differentiation during hepatic ontogeny in the alpaca.

The liver has multiple functions that change throughout ontogeny. South American camelids (SAC) have unique characteristics related to adaptation to extreme environments and metabolism. However, the process of hepatic cell differentiation has not been studied in any SAC. We study the patterns of cell differentiation and proliferation in the liver of the alpaca at different times of the ontogeny, excluding the hematopoietic components. Immunohistochemical techniques were performed in 66 specimens, including embryos, fetuses, neonates and adults. Supplementary analyses were performed by lectinhistochemistry. The hepatocytic differentiation was performed by the identification of Hepatocyte (Clone: ​​OCH1ES Dako®). It began in the specimens of 1.8-2.5 cm of crown to rump length (CRL), from Days 25-29 (ovulation = Day 0), continued during gestation and intensified towards its end. The cholangiocytic differentiation was performed by the identification of cytokeratin 7 (CK7, Dako®). It was manifested at the final of gestation (specimens of 28.4 cm CRL, from Day 223 onwards). Parenchymal cells underwent a process of gradual differentiation (differentiation of hepatocytes preceded that of cholangiocytes). Cell proliferation was observed along gestation using the nuclear proliferation antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67. Hepatic organogenesis in the alpacas shares similar differentiation and proliferation mechanisms with other altricial, but phylogenetically distant, species.

Laboratory exposure to Coccidioides: lessons learnt in a non-endemic country.

Coccidioides is a primary pathogenic fungus, which infects humans through highly infectious arthroconidia, causing substantial morbidity including life-threatening disseminated infections. Due to the low infectious dose, laboratory personnel might become infected during diagnostic procedures. Accordingly, coccidioidomycosis is reported as the most frequent laboratory-acquired systemic mycosis worldwide. This risk is aggravated in non-endemic countries, where the diagnosis may not be suspected. We report on an inadvertent exposure of 44 persons to Coccidioides posadasii in a clinical microbiology laboratory in Chile, the measures of containment after rapid diagnosis with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and the lessons learnt in a non-endemic setting.

Lectin histochemistry for detecting cadmium-induced changes in the glycosylation pattern of rat placenta.

Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial and environmental pollutant that produces toxic effects on gametogenesis, pre- and post-implantation embryos, and the placenta. Because the effects of acute Cd intoxication on the placenta are not well understood, we investigated changes in its glycosylated components in Cd treated dams at days 4, 7, 10 and 15 of gestation using lectin histochemistry. CdCl2 was administered to pregnant rats; control animals received sterile normal saline. Placentas were processed for DBA, Con A, SBA, PNA, UEA-I, RCA-I and WGA lectin histochemistry to evaluate changes in the carbohydrate pattern of the placenta that might modify cell interactions and contribute to embryonic alterations. Lectin binding was analyzed in the yolk sac; trophoblast giant cells; trophoblast I, II and III; spongiotrophoblast cells and endovascular trophoblast cells in the chorioallantoic placenta. Our lectin binding patterns showed that Cd caused alteration of SBA and DBA labeling of trophoblast-derived cells, which suggested increased expressions of α and ß GalNAc. Cd also caused decreased UEA-1 binding affinity, which indicated fewer α-L-Fuc residues in placentas of Cd treated dams. The nonreactivity in trophoblast I of the control placentas incubated with Con-A contrasted with the labeling in placentas of experimental dams, which indicated increased expression of terminal α-D-Man, and α-D-Glc residues. We found that Cd altered the reactivity of placenta to several lectins, which indicated modification of the glycotype presented by the fetal component of the placenta. We report that Cd exerts a deleterious effect on the glycosylation pattern of the placenta.

[Dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to atrial ectopic tachycardia]. / Miocardiopatía secundaria a taquicardia auricular ectópica.

Ectopic atrial tachycardia is an uncommon cause of supraventricular tachycardia in children. It can resolve spontaneously or induce dilated cardiomyopathy. It is important to recognize this entity as a reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, characterized by the presence of an abnormal focus located in the atrial myocardium and distinct to sinus node. Treatment strategies include the use of antiarrhythmic drugs, radiofrequency ablation, and, in patients refractory to medical treatment, surgical resection of the ectopic focus. We describe a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy due to an atrial ectopic focus and its resolution after medical treatment.

[Identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of vaginal Candida spp. isolates to fluconazole, clotrimazole and nystatin]. / Identificación y sensibilidad antifúngica in vitro de Candida spp. de origen vaginal a fluconazol, clotrimazol y nistatina.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify and determine the in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing to clotrimazole, fluconazole, and nystatin of 145 clinical isolates of Candida spp. METHODS: M27-A3 microdilution method was used to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and partial MICs (MIC50 and MIC90) of drugs. A total of 145 isolates were studied, 126 were C. albicans, 16 C. glabrata, 2 C. parapsilosis y 1 C. tropicalis. RESULTS: MIC50 and MIC90 for FLZ against C. albicans were 0.25 mg/L and 1 mg/L respectively and for C. glabrata was achieved at 8 mg/L and 16 mg/L for fluconazole. Five isolates of C. albicans and one isolate of C. tropicalis were in vitro resistant to fluconazole (M27-S4). In C. albicans MIC50 and MIC90 for clotrimazole were of 0.03 mg/L and 0.06 mg/L, respectively. These values for C. glabrata were 0.25 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. Five C. glabrata and 1 C. tropicalis were in vitro resistant to clotrimazole. MIC50 and MIC90 of nystatin were of 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L, respectively for C. albicans and C. glabrata. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, C. albicans is the most frequently isolated yeast, followed by C. glabrata. The antifungals tested were found to be in vitro active for the isolates, except for 6 isolates for fluconazole and 6 to clotrimazole.

Magnetite nanoparticle (NP) uptake by wheat plants and its effect on cadmium and chromium toxicological behavior.

The aim of this work was to assess the uptake of citrate-coated magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) by wheat plants and its effect on the bioaccumulation and toxicity of individual and joint Cd(2+) and Cr(6+) levels. Seven-day assays were conducted using quartz sand as the plant growth substrate. The endpoints measured were seed germination, root and shoot lengths, and heavy metal accumulation. Magnetite exhibited very low toxicity, regardless of the wheat seedling NP uptake and distribution into roots and shoots. The seed germination and shoot length were not sensitive enough, while the root length was a more sensitive toxicity endpoint. The root length of wheat seedlings exposed to individual metals decreased by 50% at 2.67mgCd(2)(+)kg(-1) and 5.53mgCr(6+)kg(-1). However, when magnetite NPs (1000mgkg(-1)) were added, the root length of the plants increased by 25 and 50%. Cd(2+) and Cr(6+) showed similar and noninteractive joint action, but strongly impaired the wheat seedlings. In contrast, an interactive infra-additive or antagonistic effect was observed upon adding magnetite NPs. Thus, cadmium and chromium accumulation in vegetable tissues was considerately diminished and the toxicity alleviated.

Comparative study between living and cadaveric donors in pediatric liver transplantation.

UNLABELLED: We examined whether the results in living-related hepatic transplantation (LRLT) are better than those from a cadaveric donor (CDLT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The last 27 consecutive LRLT, performed from 1998 to 2005, were compared with 27 CDLT matched for age, weight, date, and diagnosis. Grafts in LRLT group were left lateral segment (n = 22), left lobe (n = 3), and right lobe (n = 2). In the CDLT group, the grafts were split in situ (n = 10), hepatic reduction (n = 9) and whole liver (n = 8). We analyzed the actuarial survivals (grafts and children), retransplantation, primary nonfunction, initial graft malfunction (liver enzymes >2000 U/L), surgical complications, rejection, and resource consumption. RESULTS: Patient survivals at 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years were 100%, 96%, and 96% in LRLT and 100%, 100%, and 100% in CDLT (P = NS). Graft survivals were 93%, 89%, and 89% versus 96%, 96%, and 96%, respectively (P = NS). Complications were biliary complications (LRLT, 25% vs CDLT, 3%; P = .021); portal vein thrombosis (LRLT, 7% vs CDLT, 3%; NS), and hepatic artery thrombosis (LRLT, 0% vs CDLT, 3%; NS). The overall incidence of acute rejection was slightly higher (NS) in LRLT (LRLT, 18% vs CDLT, 11%; NS). Liver enzyme levels were higher in the CDLT group, but initial malfunction rate was not statistically different. Regarding resource consumption: blood product needs were higher in LRLT (P < .05) and hospital stay and ICU stay were longer, although not significantly, among LRLT. CONCLUSIONS: The results in LRLT among children are similar to those obtained in CDLT. We found a trend towards less initial graft malfunction in LRLT. Blood product needs were higher in LRLT. Hospital and ICU stay were longer, but not significantly different in LRLT. The benefits of LRLT are saving a scarce resource: a cadaveric donor liver graft.

[Conjunctival blistering associated with pemphigus vulgaris: report of a case]. / Ampolla conjuntival en el contexto de pénfigo vulgar: a propósito de un caso.

CLINICAL CASE: A patient with a conjunctival blister was diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris by immunofluorescence tests performed on a conjunctival biopsy. DISCUSSION: Pemphigus vulgaris is an uncommon but serious autoimmune disease that produces blisters of the skin and mucous membranes. Ocular findings are rare, but include conjunctivitis and marginal eyelid erosions. Conjunctival blisters and erosions related to this condition have not been previously reported in the literature. This diagnosis can be made through direct immunofluorescence tests performed on biopsy samples of affected tissue. Unless the condition is properly diagnosed and treated, it has a high mortality.

[Primary localized conjunctival amyloidosis: two case reports]. / Amiloidosis primaria conjuntival: análisis de dos casos.

CASE REPORTS: Two male patients, 21 and 61 years old presenting with hyperemia resistant to topical treatment. Ocular examination showed reddish conjunctival mass, painless, highly vascularized in bulbar conjunctiva. The conjunctival biopsy revealed the presence of amyloid within the conjunctiva itself. CONCLUSIONS: Primary localized conjunctival amyloidosis is a rare disease. Diagnosis consists of biopsy in order to detect amyloid material in the conjunctival tissue together with a systemic evaluation in order to rule out the presence of primary systemic amyloidosis.

Estrategia Integral para la Ampliación del Rol de Enfermería en la Atención Primaria de Salud / Primary Healthcare Nursing Role Enhancement Integral Strategy / Estratégia Integral para a Ampliação do Papel de Enfermagem na Atenção Primária de Saúde

RESUMEN Introducción: Los desequilibrios entre la carga de enfermedades crónicas y la insuficiente respuesta del sistema de salud, agudizan las desigualdades en cobertura así como el acceso efectivo a los servicios. La Secretaría de Salud, integró grupos de trabajo para diseñar una estrategia que contribuya a la solución de esta problemática a través de la optimización y distribución de las funciones de enfermería. Objetivo: Explicar la Estrategia Integral para la Ampliación del Rol de Enfermería, con el fin de establecer la política de formación de recursos humanos e incorporar este nuevo rol al sistema público de salud en México. Metodología: Este documento describe cómo se realizó la Estrategia, su proceso de desarrollo y los componentes que la integran; así como el Marco Mexicano de Competencias para la Ampliación del Rol de Enfermería. Resultados: Se identificaron las acciones necesarias para la implementación de la Estrategia y se clasificaron en tres componentes: Laboral, Educativo/formación y Legal/normativo; así como los ejes transversales de Abogacía y Difusión. Discusión: Las estrategias para fortalecer el modelo de prestación de servicios de salud a nivel comunitario no han cambiado en muchos años. La implementación de la Estrategia proyecta la transformación hacia un modelo resolutivo donde los recursos humanos se desplieguen a la comunidad activamente. Conclusiones: La Estrategia busca adaptar la composición de la fuerza laboral en el Primer Nivel de Atención y optimizar su desempeño, para contribuir a mejorar la respuesta a las necesidades progresivas de salud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Disparities between the burdens resulting from chronic illnesses and the corresponding responses by the health systems increase the inequalities in terms of coverture and effective access to the health services. In response to this situation, the Secretaría de Salud de México integrated diverse groups to work with the aim of designing strategies which can contribute to finding solutions to this problematic through the optimization and distribution of the nursing functions. Objective: To Inform on the Nursing Role Enhancement Integral Strategy in order to establish corresponding policies related to human resources formation, and incorporate this new role into the health public system in Mexico. Methodology: This document informs on how this Strategy was designed, its development process, and the components which integrate it, all within the Mexican Framework on Competencies to the Enhancement of the Nursing Role. Results: The needed actions to implement this Strategy were identified and further classified into three components: Work-related, Education-formation-related, and Legal-normative-related. Advocacy and Diffusion were determined as the transversal axes. Discussion: Strategies to strengthen the health service provision model in a community level have not changed in many years. The implementation of the Strategy, matter of this document, projects a transformation towards a resolutive model in that human resources are actively deployed into the community. Conclusions: This Strategy seeks adapting the composition of the primary healthcare working force and optimizing its performance in order to better address the health needs of the community.

RESUMO Introdução: Os desequilíbrios entre a carga de doenças crónicas e a resposta insuficiente do sistema de saúde, agudizam as desigualdades na cobertura e acesso efetivo aos serviços. O Secretaría de Salud integrou grupos de trabalho para traçar uma estratégia que contribua para a solução desta problemática, através da otimização e distribuição de funções de enfermagem. Objetivo: Explicar a Estratégia Integral para a Ampliação do Papel de Enfermagem, para estabelecer a política de formação de recursos humanos e incorporar este novo rolo ao sistema público de saúde no México. Metodologia: Este documento descreve como se realizou a Estratégia, seu processo de desenvolvimento e os componentes que a compõem, bem como o Quadro Mexicano de Competências para a Ampliação do Papel de Enfermagem. Resultados: Foram identificadas as ações necessárias para a implementação da Estratégia e classificaram-se em três componentes: Trabalhista, Educacional/formativo e Jurídica/normativo; bem como os eixos transversais de Advocacia e Difusão. Discussão: As estratégias para fortalecer o modelo de prestação de serviços de saúde a nível comunitário não cambiou em muitos anos. A implementação da Estratégia projeta a transformação para um modelo de resolução onde os recursos humanos ativamente direcionam-se à comunidade. Conclusões: A Estratégia busca adaptar a composição da força laboral no Primeiro Nível de Atenção e otimizar seu desempenho, para contribuir a melhorar a resposta às necessidades progressivas de saúde.