Eutrombicula cochinocaensis infestation in llamas (Lama glama) in the Puna region of Argentina.

This paper aims to describe a case of trombiculosis in llamas from the Puna region of Argentina caused by Eutrombicula cochinocaensis. Trombiculosis is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of trombiculid mites, commonly known as chigger mites. Six adult llamas out of eighteen (33%) were infested and showed dermatitis, hyperemia, and crusts together with an orange-dotted pattern. The chigger mites were found mainly in the hind limbs and the abdomen. Microscopic identification of E. cochinocaensis was made by phase-contrast microscopy. Then, a histopathological study of the affected animals' skin was performed. Histological findings included dermatitis withmainly lymphocytic infiltrate, pustules, crusts, hyperkeratosis, and the mites' stylostomes in the dermis and epidermis. This is the first report of trombiculosis caused by E. cochinocaensis in llamas from Argentina. Mites of the family Trombiculidae are vectors of certain diseases to humans and animals and are therefore of sanitary and productive importance.

Characterization of lesions of nutritional congenital goitre in cattle.

There are few studies that classify and characterize the morphometric and immunohistochemical features of goitre in bovine thyroid glands (TGs). We investigated 39 bovine TGs (fetuses [9], stillbirths [18], neonates [12]) born to dams with low T4 hormone levels and no iodine supplementation and 10 (fetuses [3], stillbirths [3], neonates [4]) born to dams with normal T4 levels and supplemented with iodine. Body weight (BW), TG weight (TGW), TGW:BW ratio and histological lesions were determined. The TGs were classified histopathologically as normal gland (G0), mild goitre (G1), moderate goitre (G2) or severe goitre (G3). Various morphological and morphometric parameters were calculated from microscopic images using image analysis software. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). There were significant differences in the TGW:BW ratio among groups (P <0.05): 0.3 ± 0.1 in G0, 0.5 ± 0.3 in G1, 0.8 ± 0.3 in G2 and 1.3 ± 0.7 in G3. In G0, large homogeneous follicles with eosinophilic colloid were seen. In the groups with lesions (G1, G2 and G3), heterogeneity in follicle shape and size, height and area of thyroid follicular cells, height of thyroid follicular epithelium and PCNA immunolabelling were directly related to histopathological grade, with significant differences among groups (P <0.001), gradually increasing from G1 to G3 compared with G0. The TGW:BW ratio and histological grade were positively correlated (P = 0.008).

Determination of ptaquiloside in ten species of Pteris in northwestern Argentina.

The toxic effect of ferns of the genus of Pteris in bovines is caused by ptaquiloside, the main carcinogenic toxin. In this study, ten species of Pteris fern in different phenologic stages and plant conditions were collected in northwest Argentina. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of Pt in the recent collected samples (adults and young plants) but not in the herbarium specimens. The results show a great variation of Pt concentration that depends on the phenologic stage, plant condition, and collection site. Pt was measured in 6-4326 µg/g concentration, with a mean concentration of 644 µg/g. No Pt was detected in eight species of Pteris collected from herbarium samples; such results may be a false negative. It is important to notice that analysis of herbarium samples for Pt may not be a reliable method to determine its presence. It is important to further understand the potential toxicity caused by these ferns because of their effect on animals, public health, and the environment.

Shrimp Glucose-6-phosphatase 2 (G6Pase 2): a second isoform of G6Pase in the Pacific white shrimp and regulation of G6Pase 1 and 2 isoforms via HIF-1 during hypoxia and reoxygenation in juveniles.

Animals suffer hypoxia when their oxygen consumption is larger than the oxygen available. Hypoxia affects the white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei, both in their natural habitat and in cultivation farms. Shrimp regulates some enzymes that participate in energy production pathways as a strategy to survive during hypoxia. Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) is key to maintain blood glucose homeostasis through gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. We previously reported a shrimp G6Pase gene (G6Pase1) and in this work, we report a second isoform that we named G6Pase2. The expression of the two isoforms was evaluated in oxygen limited conditions and during silencing of the transcription factor HIF-1. High G6Pase activity was detected in hepatopancreas followed by muscle and gills under good oxygen and feeding conditions. Gene expression of both isoforms was analyzed in normoxia, hypoxia and reoxygenation in hepatopancreas and gills, and in HIF-1-silenced shrimp. In fed shrimp with normal dissolved oxygen (DO) (5.0 mg L- 1 DO) the expression of G6Pase1 was detected in gills, but not in hepatopancreas or muscle, while G6Pase2 expression was undetectable in all three tissues. In hepatopancreas, G6Pase1 is induced at 3 and 48 h of hypoxia, while G6Pase2 is down-regulated in the same time points but in reoxygenation, both due to the knock-down of HIF-1. In gills, only G6Pase1 was detected, and was induced by the silencing of HIF-1 only after 3 h of reoxygenation. Therefore, the expression of the two isoforms appears to be regulated by HIF-1 at transcriptional level in response to oxygen deprivation and subsequent recovery of oxygen levels.

Pascalia glauca poisoning in ruminants: Report of 12 outbreaks in northwestern Argentina.

Pascalia glauca, a perennial herb known for its toxicity in ruminants, is one of the most important toxic plants in northwestern Argentina. This work describes several outbreaks of natural intoxication with P. glauca from different sources affecting cattle, sheep and goats in different production systems, with morbidity varying between 1% and 100%. Clinical signs included tremors in the hindquarters, recumbency and death. The liver showed swelling, congestion and a mottled appearance. Histopathologic findings included centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis with hemorrhage.

The anaplerotic pyruvate carboxylase from white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei: Gene structure, molecular characterization, protein modelling and expression during hypoxia.

Hypoxic zones are spreading worldwide in marine environments affecting many organisms. Shrimp and other marine crustaceans can withstand environmental hypoxia using several strategies, including the regulation of energy producing metabolic pathways. Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) catalyzes the first reaction of gluconeogenesis to produce oxaloacetate from pyruvate. In mammals, PC also participates in lipogenesis, insulin secretion and other processes, but this enzyme has been scarcely studied in marine invertebrates. In this work, we characterized the gene encoding PC in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, modelled the protein structure and evaluated its gene expression in hepatopancreas during hypoxia, as well as glucose and lactate concentrations. The PC gene codes for a mitochondrial protein and has 21 coding exons and 4 non-coding exons that generate three transcript variants with differences only in the 5'-UTR. Total PC expression is more abundant in hepatopancreas compared to gills or muscle, indicating tissue-specific expression. Under hypoxic conditions of 1.53 mg/L dissolved oxygen, PC expression is maintained in hepatopancreas, indicating its key role even in energy-limited conditions. Finally, both glucose and lactate concentrations were maintained under hypoxia for 24-48 h in hepatopancreas.

cDNA Characterization and Expression of Selenium-Dependent CqGPx3 Isoforms in the Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus under High Temperature and Hypoxia.

Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) is the only extracellular selenoprotein (Sel) that enzymatically reduces H2O2 to H2O and O2. Two GPx3 (CqGPx3) cDNAs were characterized from crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. The nerve cord CqGPx3a isoform encodes for a preprotein containing an N-terminal signal peptide of 32 amino acid residues, with the mature Sel region of 192 residues and a dispensable phosphorylation domain of 36 residues. In contrast, the pereiopods CqGPx3b codes for a precursor protein with 19 residues in the N-terminal signal peptide, then the mature 184 amino acid residues protein and finally a Pro-rich peptide of 42 residues. CqGPx3 are expressed in cerebral ganglia, pereiopods and nerve cord. CqGPx3a is expressed mainly in cerebral ganglia, antennulae and nerve cord, while CqGPx3b was detected mainly in pereiopods. CqGPx3a expression increases with high temperature and hypoxia; meanwhile, CqGPx3b is not affected. We report the presence and differential expression of GPx3 isoforms in crustacean tissues in normal conditions and under stress for high temperature and hypoxia. The two isoforms are tissue specific and condition specific, which could indicate an important role of CqGPx3a in the central nervous system and CqGPx3b in exposed tissues, both involved in different responses to environmental stressors.

Retrospective analysis of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa roth) poisoning in Argentina (2004-2019).

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) poisoning in cattle is characterized by a systemic granulomatous inflammatory response that resembles a type-IV hypersensitivity reaction. Hairy vetch toxicity has been described in cattle worldwide. The aim of this paper was to describe 10 outbreaks of hairy vetch poisoning in cattle studied at INTA EEA Salta and INTA EEA Balcarce, Argentina, from 2004 to 2019. Clinical signs included weakness, pyrexia, dermatitis, alopecia, and progressive weight loss, which leads to death over a clinical course of approximately two weeks. A total of 12 necropsies were performed and tissue samples were collected for histopathology. The main gross changes were observed in skin, lymph nodes, liver, heart, spleen and kidneys. Other tissues, such as pancreas, thyroid, and adrenal glands, were also affected. Histological lesions consisted of multifocal to diffuse granulomatous inflammation in those organs. The toxicity of hairy vetch has been described in several countries of the world. In Argentina, the use of hairy vetch as a cover crop has become common in some regions during the past years. The data suggest that hairy vetch poisoning is an important disease in cattle. More studies are needed to contribute with further information.

The gluconeogenic glucose-6-phosphatase gene is expressed during oxygen-limited conditions in the white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei: Molecular cloning, membrane protein modeling and transcript modulation in gills and hepatopancreas.

The white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei is the most economically important crustacean species cultivated in the Western Hemisphere. This crustacean shifts its metabolism to survive under extreme environmental conditions such as hypoxia, although for a limited time. Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) is a key enzyme contributing to maintain blood glucose homeostasis through gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. To our knowledge, there are no current detailed studies about cDNA or gene sequences of G6Pase from any crustacean reported. Herein we report the shrimp P. (L.) vannamei cDNA and gene sequences. The gene contains seven exons interrupted by six introns. The deduced amino acid sequence has 35% identity to other homolog proteins, with the catalytic amino acids conserved and phylogenetically close to the corresponding invertebrate homologs. Protein molecular modeling predicted eight transmembrane helices with the catalytic site oriented towards the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. G6Pase expression under normoxic conditions was evaluated in hepatopancreas, gills, and muscle and the highest transcript abundance was detected in hepatopancreas. In response to different times of hypoxia, G6Pase mRNA expression did not change in hepatopancreas and became undetectable in muscle; however, in gills, its expression increased after 3 h and 24 h of oxygen limitation, indicating its essential role to maintain glycemic control in these conditions.

Factors associated with dehiscence of intestinal anastomosis.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados a dehiscencia de anastomosis de intestino delgado y grueso. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 92 anastomosis de intestino delgado y grueso, en mayores de 18 años, realizadas en 2012-2016. Se evaluaron factores asociados en el preoperatorio, el transoperatorio y el posoperatorio. RESULTADOS: Se presentó dehiscencia de anastomosis en el 13% de los casos. Se encontró una asociación significativa con ingesta previa de medicamentos (p = 0.05; odds ratio [OR]: 1.17; IC 95%) y con anastomosis primaria (p = 0.05; OR: 3.6; 0.92-14.5). En los pacientes con dehiscencia se incrementó la estancia intrahospitalaria. CONCLUSIÓN: La presencia de dehiscencia de anastomosis fue similar a lo reportado en la literatura. Los factores asociados fueron la ingesta previa de medicamentos y la anastomosis primaria. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with dehiscence of anastomosis of the small and large intestine. METHOD: 92 anastomoses of the small and large intestine were included in patients over 18 years of age, performed in 2012-2016. Associated factors were evaluated in pre, trans and postoperative. RESULTS: Anastomosis dehiscence was presented in 13%. A significant association was found for previous medication intake (p = 0.05; odds ratio [OR]: 1.17; 1.024-1.33) and primary anastomosis (p = 0.05, OR: 3.6; 0.92-14.5). In patients with dehiscence, the hospital stay was increased. CONCLUSION: The presence of dehiscence of anastomosis was similar to that reported in the literature. The associated factors were previous medication intake, and primary anastomosis.

Diagnostic utility of the serum-ascites albumin gradient in Mexican patients with ascites related to portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Analysis of ascitic fluid is necessary to determine the etiology and to distinguish portal hypertension (PH)-related and unrelated ascites. Numerous diagnostic parameters have been studied, but no single parameter has completely distinguished these. We aimed to validate the serum albumin-ascites gradient (SAAG) for the diagnosis of ascites secondary to PH and to establish cutoff points to predict PH using its sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on patients diagnosed with ascites of any etiology. The SAAG and albumin concentration in ascitic fluid (AFA) were measured to establish their sensitivity and specificity for determining the presence or absence of PH. Cutoff points and levels of statistical significance were established based on the area under the curve. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were evaluated, of whom 74 (84%) were men, with an average age of 54.0 ± 13.6 years. Seventy-two (83%) were diagnosed at admission with PH-related ascites and 15 (17%) with non-PH-related ascites. SAAG correctly classified 48 (67%) patients, but 24 (33%) were classified incorrectly, while AFA classified 59 (82%) correctly and only 13 (17%) incorrectly. The diagnostic accuracy of SAAG was 57 versus 73% for AFA. AFA had a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 66% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-0.93), while SAAG had a sensitivity of 66% but a specificity of 86% (95% CI: 0.72-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: The SAAG showed poor diagnostic performance with low sensitivity but high specificity. The diagnostic accuracy of AFA is superior to that of SAAG in discriminating between PH and non-PH ascites.

Gender Differences in Postoperative Pain, Nausea and Vomiting After Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although reports suggest that pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) may be more frequent in women, the evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this study was to investigate whether women are more sensitive to pain and PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: A total of 370 women and 275 men were included in a retrospective cohort study. All underwent LC under standardized general anesthesia. The variables analyzed included clinical and anthropometric parameters. End points were the incidence of nausea, vomiting, pain, and the requirement for additional pain relievers and antiemetics to control these. RESULTS: The women were younger and had lower body weight than the men (p < 0.001). Body mass index was within the normal range for 50% of women and 30% of men (p < 0.001). Pain was more common in women at 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery (p < 0.02). Narcotics in addition to the doses used to lessen pain intensity (p = 0.01) were required in 60 women and 19 men (p < 0.001). PONV was more frequent in women at 1 and 6 h after surgery (p < 0.01). Rescue antiemetics were required in 35 women and 11 men (p = 0.008). Hospital stay was shorter for men (p < 0.001). Four patients in each group developed postoperative complications (p = 0.14). There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting after LC were more common in women, who more frequently required analgesic and antiemetic rescue medication.

[Anxiety in the presence of food in schoolchildren of Baja California Sur]. / Ansiedad en presencia de alimentos en escolares de Baja California Sur.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: many obese children will be obese adults unless they adopt and maintain healthy eating and physical activity patterns. Anxiety has been described in overweight and obese children with dysfunctional family environments, with impact on their quality of life; risk for some eating disorder was also found. Objective: to identify anxiety in the presence of food in schoolchildren in Baja California Sur. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study in 406 schoolchildren, from 8 to 13 years of age, was performed: nutritional status calculation, measurements of attitudes towards food (cut-off point > 20), socioeconomic level, type of family, and intake of junk food were collected. Descriptive statistics and association measures were performed using Student's t-test and the chi-squared test. Parents provided their informed consent, and children provided their assent. Results: a total of 406 schoolchildren were evaluated, with ages of 10.4 ± 1.2. Of these, 53 % had healthy weight, 44 % had overweight or obesity, and 3 % were underweight. Functional families predominated at 67 %. A middle socioeconomic level was found in 64 %. In all, 94 % consumed junk food. There is an association between anxiety in the presence of food and socioeconomic status, and anxiety in the presence of food and nutritional status (p = 0.01). In overweight and obese schoolchildren no association was found between study variables. There is anxiety in the presence of food in 40 % of the sample due to external factors, in 5 % because of tiredness or boredom, in 11 % because of negative feelings. Conclusion: there is an association between anxiety, socioeconomic status, and nutritional status. Anxiety in the presence of food occurred in 54.7 % of cases.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: muchos niños obesos serán adultos obesos a menos que adopten y mantengan patrones saludables de alimentación y actividad física. Se han descrito: ansiedad en niños con sobrepeso y obesidad en ambientes de familias disfuncionales, repercusión en la calidad de vida y riesgo de algún desorden alimenticio. Objetivo: identificar la ansiedad en presencia de alimentos en escolares de Baja California Sur. Material y métodos: estudio de tipo encuesta trasversal en 406 escolares de 8 a 13 años de edad; se realizó un cálculo del estado nutricional y se efectuó una medición del test de actitudes hacia la alimentación (punto de corte de > 20); se recopilaron el nivel socioeconómico, el tipo de familia y la ingesta de comida chatarra. Se realizó una estadística descriptiva con medidas de asociación mediante la prueba t de Student y prueba de chi2. Se obtuvieron el consentimiento informado de los padres y el asentimiento del menor. Resultados: se evaluaron 406 escolares con edades de 10,4 ± 1,2. El 53 % presentaron peso saludable, el 44 % sobrepeso y obesidad, y el 3 % bajo peso. Predominó la familia funcional con un 67 %. Se consttó un nivel socioeconómico medio en el 64 %. El 94 % consumen alimentos chatarra. Existe asociación entre ansiedad en presencia de alimentos y nivel socioeconómico, y entre ansiedad en presencia de alimentos y estado nutricional (p = 0,01). En los escolares con sobrepeso y obesidad no se encontró asociación entre las variables del estudio. Existe ansiedad en presencia de alimentos en el 40 % por factores externos, en el 5 % por cansancio o aburrimiento y en el 11 % por sentimientos negativos. Conclusión: existe asociación entre ansiedad, nivel socioeconómico y estado nutricional. La ansiedad en presencia de alimentos se presentó en el 54,7 % de los casos.

Detection and first molecular characterization of bovine papular stomatitis virus in dairy calves in Argentina.

Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) is a parapoxvirus associated with papular and erosive lesions on the muzzle, lips, and oral mucosa of cattle. BPSV infection occurs worldwide; however, it has still not been unequivocally diagnosed. The present report describes an outbreak of BPSV infection affecting dairy calves in northwestern Argentina and provides the first molecular characterization of this virus in the country. The disease was detected in a dairy farm, affecting 33 calves between 2 and 20 days of age. The signs included reddish papules, ulcers, and scabby proliferative lesions on muzzle, lips, and oral mucosa. The affected calves resisted to being fed due to severe local pain. Two necropsies were performed; papulas and ulcers were observed in ruminal and omasal mucosa. Histologically, the affected areas of the skin showed acanthosis, spongiosis, and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis with adjacent focally extensive ulcers and multifocal inflammatory infiltrate in the epidermis. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were detected in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. DNA extracted from scab samples was analyzed by PCR using pan-parapoxvirus primers for the B2L gene. The sequence analysis revealed 99%, 85%, and 84% similarity with BPSV, Pseudocowpox virus, and Orf virus, respectively. A phylogenetic tree constructed using the B2L sequence showed that the virus clustered with BPSV isolates. Although clinical cases compatible with BSPV infection have been frequently described in Argentina, the present report is the first to identify the agent associated with cattle disease in the country.

Factores asociados a la sobrevida en pacientes con tumor de Wilms / Factors associated with survival in patient with Wilms tumor

Introducción. El tumor de Wilms es el segundo tumor abdominal más frecuente en la edad pediátrica y responde por más del 90 % de los tumores renales en pediatría. A pesar de que la sobrevida descrita es mayor del 90 %, en nuestro medio encontramos que solo alcanza al 70 %, por lo que deseamos evaluar cuáles son los factores asociados con dichos resultados desfavorables, con el fin de implementar medidas para mejorar la sobrevida de nuestros pacientes. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal, en dos centros de alto nivel de atención, que incluyó una muestra de 84 pacientes menores de 15 años, con diagnóstico de tumor de Wilms. Resultados. Los factores que se asociaron significativamente con un aumento en la probabilidad de morir fueron: no completar el protocolo de quimioterapia, (OR 34; IC95% 3,7-312; p 0,000) y presentar recidiva tumoral (OR 35,7; IC95% 6,9-184; p 0,000). Otros factores que aumentaron esta probabilidad sin alcanzar a ser significativos, pero mostrando una evidente tendencia fueron: presentación bilateral (OR 4,1; IC95% 0,6-5,5; p 0,147), complicaciones quirúrgicas (OR 3,2; IC95% 0,7-14,6; p 0,136), compromiso de ganglios linfáticos en tomografía (OR 2,4; IC95% 0,7-8,4; p 0,139) y las metástasis a distancia (OR 2,5; IC95% 0,7-9; p 0,143). Discusión. La sobrevida de nuestros niños con tumor de Wilms es menor que la reportada en la literatura mundial, siendo la falla en terminar la quimioterapia, la recidiva y la necesidad de cirugía bilateral, los factores asociados con este desenlace

Introduction. Wilms tumor is the second most frequent abdominal tumor in pediatric age, and it accounts for more than 90% of kidney tumors in pediatrics. Although the described survival is greater than 90%, in our set-ting we find that it only reaches 70%. Our objective was to evaluate the factors associated with these unfavorable results, in order to implement measures to improve the survival of our patients.Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary medical centers, which included a sample of 84 patients under 15 years of age with a diagnosis of Wilms tumor.Results. The factors that were significantly associated with an increase in the probability of dying were not com-pleting the chemotherapy protocol (OR 34; 95%CI 3.7-312; p 0.000) and presenting tumor recurrence (OR 35.7; 95%CI 6.9-184; p 0.000). Other factors that increased this probability without being significant, but showing an evident trend were: bilateral presentation (OR 4.1; 95%CI 0.6-5.5; p 0.147), surgical complications (OR 3.2; 95%CI 0.7-14.6; p 0.136), lymph node involvement in tomography (OR 2.4; 95%CI 0.7-8.4; p 0.139) and distant metastases (OR 2.5; 95%CI 0.7-9; p 0.143).Discussion. The survival of the children with Wilms tumor in our study was lower than that reported in the world literature, with failure to complete chemotherapy, recurrence and the need for bilateral surgery being the factors associated with this outcome

Tumor de Wilms: experiencia de 12 años en dos hospitales de alto nivel en Medellín, Colombia / Wilms Tumor: 12 years' experience in two high level hospitals in Medellín, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir la epidemiología y los resultados en el manejo de los niños menores de 15 años con el diagnóstico de tumor de Wilms (TW) en dos hospitales de alto nivel de complejidad en un período de 12 años. Métodos: estudio de seguimiento a una cohorte retrospectiva. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de TW entre enero de 2005 y mayo de 2017, buscando información centrada en edad, forma de presentación, confirmación histopatológica y estratificación del tumor, tipo de tratamiento ofrecido y desenlaces en el seguimiento relacionados con recaída y supervivencia. Resultados: en total se encontraron 84 pacientes con el diagnóstico de TW, con un promedio de edad de presentación de 3 años. Predominó el estadio III al momento del diagnóstico y la principal presentación fue masa abdominal. El 8,3 % de los pacientes tuvieron histología desfavorable. El tiempo promedio de supervivencia libre de recaída fue 97 meses. A los 108 meses después del diagnóstico, la supervivencia fue del 71 %. En nuestros hospitales se realiza nefrectomía inicial (protocolo COG/NWTS). El 39 % de los pacientes fueron sometidos a quimioterapia prequirúrgica, la cual se rigió en el 72,7 % con el protocolo SIOP y 27,3 % con el COG/NWTS. Conclusiones: en los dos hospitales analizados, el manejo del TW se rige por el protocolo del COG/NWTS con nefrectomía inicial y posterior quimioterapia. Un grupo de pacientes son llevados a quimioterapia prequirúrgica con las mismas indicaciones descritas en el protocolo americano. El diagnóstico de nuestros pacientes es con mayor frecuencia en estadios avanzados. La supervivencia en esta serie, 71 %, es menor que la reportada en la literatura mundial, 93 %.

SUMMARY Objective: To describe the epidemiology and results of Wilms Tumor management in children <15 years old in two quaternary care hospitals over a period of 12 years. Methods: A retrospective follow-up cohort study of the clinical records of patients diagnosed with WT between January 2005 and May 2017, focusing on collecting data on age, clinical presentation, histopathological confirmation and tumor classification, the type of treatment and follow-up outcome in terms of relapse and survival. Results: 84 patients diagnosed with WTs were found; their average age of presentation was 3 years old. Stage III prevailed at diagnosis and the main clinical presentation was abdominal mass. 8.3% patients had unfavorable histology. The average time of relapsefree survival was 97 months and at 108 months after diagnosis survival was 71%. Our hospitals, perform primary nephrectomy (COG / NWTS protocol). 39% of patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy, 72.7% were managed under the SIOP protocol and 27.3% under the COG / NWTS protocol. Conclusions: In the two hospitals analyzed, WTs is managed with the COG / NWTS protocol, using primary nephrectomy followed by chemotherapy. A group of patients undergoes preoperative chemotherapy following the American protocol. The diagnosis of our patients is more frequent in advanced stages. Survival in this series is 71 %, while the survival reported in the international literature is 93%.

Experimental poisoning by Heterophyllaea pustulata Hook. f. (Rubiaceae) in goats. Clinical, biochemical and toxicological aspects.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, biochemical and toxicological findings of the experimentally poisoning induced by Heterophyllaea pustulata in goats. Ten healthy adult female Saanen breed goats were used in the experiment. The goats were randomly assigned to two groups of five individuals: control and experimental group (CG and EG). Both groups were kept in the same enclosure devoid of shade for 8 h daily. The EG received only H. pustulata samples (leaves and thin steam) and water ad libitum. The CG received lucerne hay. Blood samples were taken at different times after oral administration of vegetal samples, and level of hepatic enzymes, total bilirubin, conjugated and non-conjugated bilirubin was measured, together with the detection of anthraquinones (AQs) and phylloerythrin by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detector and Mass Spectrometry with Electron Spray Ionization and Quadrupole Time Of Fly analysis. At the same time, skin biopsy samples were collected for AQs determinations. For histopathological examination, hepatic biopsy samples were collected on day 8. Clinically, all goats of the EG revealed photophobia, dermatitis and photosensitization. None of these goats developed jaundice or died during the experiment (15 days). In addition, affected goats exhibited a significant elevation in the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin. Microscopic examination of the liver samples revealed slight degenerative lesions. Although phylloerythrin was not detected in sera, a high level of two predominant AQs in H. pustulata (rubiadin/soranjidiol) were noted between 24 and 72 h after plant consumption, which coincided with the period in which the clinical signs were more obvious. Since those AQs were not identified in skin samples, the clinical findings were supported by the presence of AQs in sera. Finally, toxicological studies of the AQs are important, since many current works suggest their potential use in the photodynamic therapy.

Preliminary readings of antimicrobial susceptibility panels: A simple, fast and inexpensive way to detect bacterial resistance and enhance antibiotic treatment of bloodstream infections.

Increasing incidence of resistant bacteria needs faster identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) in order to improve antimicrobial treatment of severe infections. We propose a preliminary reading of the AST MicroScan® panels coupled with mass spectrometry ID. A total of 157 bacterial clinical isolates were processed for routine ID and AST (in 22 cases, ID and AST were performed directly from positive blood culture bottles). For gram-negatives, data from the initial and final readings were recorded and compared [89.9% category agreement (CA), 6.9% very major errors (VME)]. In adition all the 32 ESBL producers were detected at 5.3-8.6 hours. For Staphylococcus aureus, all the 16 MRSA isolates were detected at 4.5 to 7.5 hours. Thus, we find our preliminary readings approach as a simple, inexpensive and reliable way to detect and identify the most prevalent resistant bacteria in our institution on the same day that ID/AST is performed.

Acute heart failure in rabbits by avocado leaf poisoning.

The aim of this paper was to report an outbreak of avocado poisoning in rabbits in Salta, Argentina. Fourteen rabbits died of congestive heart failure within 30 h of ingesting fresh avocado leaves from pruned trees. They showed clinical signs of respiratory and cardiac distress. Full necropsies of four rabbits were performed and samples were collected for histopathology. The gross pathological observation included pleural and pericardial effusion, pulmonary oedema, slight ascites; the hearts appeared flabby and markedly pale. In addition, the stomach content consisted mostly of green feed with large amounts of avocado leaves. Epidermal fragments of Persea americana were identified by microhistological analysis of gastric content to get most efficiently to a correct diagnosis. Histopathological examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of myocytes and a mononuclear cellular infiltration mainly involving the myocardium and, to a lesser extent, the liver, lung and kidneys. Our observations indicate that avocado leaves should be avoided in the green diet of rabbits.

Optimización de una técnica de PCR convencional para detección de virus de papiloma humano tipo 16 y 18 / Optimization of a conventional PCR technique for detection of human papillomavirus type 16 and 18

El cáncer de cuello uterino es el segundo cáncer femenino más común a nivel mundial. El agente causal es el virus de papiloma humano (VPH). Se han identificado 13 tipos de virus de papiloma humano de alto riesgo oncogénico (VPH-AR), entre los cuales el VPH 16 y VPH 18 son los más frecuentemente detectados en cáncer de cuello uterino, siendo en Paraguay detectados en el 70% de casos de cáncer invasor. Por ello, el objetivo fue estandarizar y determinar el límite de detección de una técnica de PCR convencional para la detección de VPH 16 y 18. Para la detección de ADN de VPH 16 y 18, se observaron mejores resultados con 2mM de MgCl2 y 60°C para la temperatura de alineamiento. El límite de detección para las PCR fue de 14,6x10-11ng/µL para VPH 16 y 21,7x10-12ng/µL para VPH 18. Este trabajo servirá de base a otros estudios de detección e identificación de estos tipos virales por PCR, con miras a identificar un grupo de mujeres positivas para VPH-AR que poseen mayor riesgo de desarrollo de lesión y cáncer de cuello uterino y precisan de un seguimiento más cercano(AU

Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide. It is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Thirteen genotypes of high oncogenic risk human papilloma viruses (HPV-HR) have been identified, among which types 16 and 18 are the most frequently detected in cervical cancer. In Paraguay, they are detected in 70% of the invasive cancer cases. Therefore, the objective was to standardize and determine the detection limit of a conventional PCR technique for the detection of HPV 16 and 18. Better results were observed with 2mM MgCl2 and 60°C for the alignment temperature in detection of HPV 16 and 18 DNA. The limit of detection was 14.6x10-11ng/µL for HPV 16 and 21.7x10-12ng/µL for HPV 18. This work will help other studies for the detection and identification of these viral types by PCR in order to identify a group of HPV-HR positive women who have higher risk for the development of lesions and cervical cancer and need a closer follow-up(AU)