Hyperglycemia Is Associated With Computed Tomography Perfusion Core Volume Underestimation in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Large-Vessel Occlusion.

Background: CT Perfusion (CTP) predictions of infarct core play an important role in the determination of treatment eligibility in large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Prior studies have demonstrated that blood glucose can affect cerebral blood flow (CBF). Here we examine the influence of acute and chronic hyperglycemia on CTP estimations of infarct core. Methods: From our prospectively collected multi-center observational cohort, we identified patients with LVO AIS who underwent CTP with RAPID (IschemaView, Stanford, CA) post-processing, followed by endovascular therapy with substantial reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) within 90 minutes, and final infarct volume (FIV) determination by MRI 48-72 hours post-treatment. Core volume over- and under-estimations were defined as a difference of at least 20 mL between CTP-RAPID predicted infarct core and DWI FIV. Primary outcome was the association of presentation glucose and HgbA1c with underestimation (UE) of core volume and was measured using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for comorbidities and presentation characteristics. Secondary outcomes included frequency of overestimation (OE) of infarct core. Results: Among 256 patients meeting inclusion criteria, median age was 67 [IQR 57-77], 51.6% were female, and 132 (51.6%) and 93 (36.3%) had elevated presentation glucose and elevated HgbA1c, respectively. Median CTP-predicted core was 6 mL [IQR 0-30], median DWI FIV was 14 mL [IQR 6-43] and median difference was 12 mL [IQR 5-35]. Twenty-eight (10.9%) patients had infarct core OE and 68 (26.6%) had UE. Compared to those with no UE, patients with UE had elevated blood glucose (median 119 [103-155] vs 138 [117-195], p=0.002) and HgbA1c (median 5.80 [5.40-6.40] vs 6.40 [5.50-7.90], p=0.009). In multivariable analysis, UE was independently associated with elevated glucose (aOR 2.10, p=0.038) and HgbA1c (aOR 2.37, p=0.012). OE was associated with lower presentation blood glucose (median 109 [ 99-132] in OE vs 127 [107-172] in no OE, p=0.003) and HgbA1c (5.6 [IQR 5.1 - 6.2] in OE vs 5.90 [5.50-6.70] in no OE, p=0.012). Conclusions: Acute and chronic hyperglycemia were strongly associated with CTP UE in patients with LVO AIS undergoing EVT. Glycemic state should be considered when interpreting CTP findings in patients with LVO AIS.

Factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection in indigenous communities of Colombia / Factores asociados con la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en comunidades indígenas de Colombia.

Introduction. Colombia is home to 2 million indigenous people who live in conditions of poverty and with health deficiencies, making them vulnerable to contracting hepatitis B (HBV). Amazonas has a high virus prevalence, and there are barriers to accessing vaccination; thus, part of the population is susceptible to infection. Objective. To identify factors associated with HBV in Colombian indigenous people. Materials and Methods. A case-control study of people over 18 years from four departments of Colombia. Cases were identified through the national hepatitis B notification registry (2015-2022). Controls were selected and matched to cases (2:1) by age, sex, ethnicity, and department. Sociodemographic characteristics, factors associated with contact with body fluids, cultural practices, and vaccination history were identified by means of a survey. The ethics committee of the Universidad de Antioquia approved the project. Results. Seventy five cases and 150 controls from 13 ethnic groups were surveyed. Amazonas contributed 49% of participants, 83% were women, and the median age of cases was 30 years (IQ range: 27-37). The associated factors were a family history of hepatitis B [adjusted OR: 2.61 (95% CI: 1.09-6.27)] and, in women, the number of pregnancies [adjusted OR: 1.61 (95% CI 1.02- 2.54)]. The vaccination history showed a protective effect, but the association was not significant. Conclusion. Aspects associated with family life and unprotected sexual relations seem to be responsible for the potential transmission of the virus. It was not possible to identify associated cultural practices. Innovative and differential strategies are required for indigenous people to achieve a reduction of HBV.

Introducción. Colombia alberga dos millones de indígenas, que viven en condiciones de pobreza y tienen deficiencias en salud, por lo cual están expuestos a contraer infecciones virales como la hepatitis B. El departamento del Amazonas presenta una gran prevalencia del virus y barreras para acceder a la vacunación; por esto, parte de la población es propensa a la infección. Objetivo. Identificar factores asociados con la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en indígenas colombianos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de casos y controles en mayores de 18 años de cuatro departamentos del país. Los casos se identificaron mediante el registro nacional de notificación de hepatitis B (2015-2022). Los controles seleccionados de manera concurrente fueron pareados con los casos por edad, sexo, etnia y departamento. En una encuesta se consignaron las características sociodemográficas, los factores asociados con el contacto con sangre y fluidos, las prácticas socioculturales y los antecedentes de vacunación. El proyecto fue aprobado por Comité de Ética de la Universidad de Antioquia. Resultados. Participaron 75 casos y 150 controles de 13 grupos étnicos. El departamento del Amazonas aportó el 49 % de los participantes (83 % mujeres) con una mediana de edad de 30 años (RIC = 27-37). Los factores asociados con una mayor probabilidad de contraer la infección fueron el antecedente de algún familiar infectado con el virus de la hepatitis B (OR ajustado = 2,61) (IC95%: 1,09-6,27) y número de embarazos en mujeres, (OR ajustado = 1,61) (IC95%: 1,02-2,54). La vacunación mostró un efecto protector sin asociación significativa. Conclusión. Los aspectos asociados con la convivencia familiar y el número de embarazos contribuyen a una potencial transmisión vertical y horizontal del virus. No se identificaron prácticas culturales asociadas. Se requieren estrategias novedosas y diferenciales para reducir la transmisión del virus de la hepatitis B en poblaciones indígenas.

Immobilised Inulinase from Aspergillus niger for Fructose Syrup Production: An Optimisation Model.

Fructose is a carbohydrate with essential applications in the food industry, mainly due to its high sweetness and low cost. The present investigation focused on optimising fructose production from commercial inulin using the enzymatic immobilisation method and applying the response surface methodology in a 12-run central composite design. The independent variables evaluated were the pH (-) and temperature (°C). The substrate consisted of a commercial inulin solution at a concentration of 1 g/L, while the catalyst consisted of the enzyme inulinase from Aspergillus niger (EC 232-802-3), immobilised in 2% m/v sodium alginate. A stirred vessel reactor was used for 90 min at 120 rpm, and quantification of reducing sugars was determined using DNS colorimetric and UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods at a 540 nm wavelength. After applying the response surface methodology, it was determined that the catalytic activity using the immobilisation method allows for a maximum total productivity of 16.4 mg/h under pH and temperature of 3.9 and 37 °C, respectively, with an efficiency of 96.4%. The immobilised enzymes' reusability and stability compared to free enzymes were evaluated, obtaining activity up to the fifth reuse cycle and showing significant advantages over the free catalyst.

Factores asociados con la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en comunidades indígenas de Colombia / Factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection in indigenous communities of Colombia

Resumen Introducción. Colombia alberga dos millones de indígenas, que viven en condiciones de pobreza y tienen deficiencias en salud, por lo cual están expuestos a contraer infecciones virales como la hepatitis B. El departamento del Amazonas presenta una gran prevalencia del virus y barreras para acceder a la vacunación; por esto, parte de la población es propensa a la infección. Objetivo. Identificar factores asociados con la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en indígenas colombianos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de casos y controles en mayores de 18 años de cuatro departamentos del país. Los casos se identificaron mediante el registro nacional de notificación de hepatitis B (2015-2022). Los controles seleccionados de manera concurrente fueron pareados con los casos por edad, sexo, etnia y departamento. En una encuesta se consignaron las características sociodemográficas, los factores asociados con el contacto con sangre y fluidos, las prácticas socioculturales y los antecedentes de vacunación. El proyecto fue aprobado por Comité de Ética de la Universidad de Antioquia. Resultados. Participaron 75 casos y 150 controles de 13 grupos étnicos. El departamento del Amazonas aportó el 49 % de los participantes (83 % mujeres) con una mediana de edad de 30 años (RIC = 27-37). Los factores asociados con una mayor probabilidad de contraer la infección fueron el antecedente de algún familiar infectado con el virus de la hepatitis B (OR ajustado = 2,61) (IC95%: 1,09-6,27) y número de embarazos en mujeres, (OR ajustado = 1,61) (IC95%: 1,02-2,54). La vacunación mostró un efecto protector sin asociación significativa. Conclusión. Los aspectos asociados con la convivencia familiar y el número de embarazos contribuyen a una potencial transmisión vertical y horizontal del virus. No se identificaron prácticas culturales asociadas. Se requieren estrategias novedosas y diferenciales para reducir la transmisión del virus de la hepatitis B en poblaciones indígenas.

Abstract Introduction. Colombia is home to 2 million indigenous people who live in conditions of poverty and with health deficiencies, making them vulnerable to contracting hepatitis B (HBV). Amazonas has a high virus prevalence, and there are barriers to accessing vaccination; thus, part of the population is susceptible to infection. Objective. To identify factors associated with HBV in Colombian indigenous people. Materials and Methods. A case-control study of people over 18 years from four departments of Colombia. Cases were identified through the national hepatitis B notification registry (2015-2022). Controls were selected and matched to cases (2:1) by age, sex, ethnicity, and department. Sociodemographic characteristics, factors associated with contact with body fluids, cultural practices, and vaccination history were identified by means of a survey. The ethics committee of the Universidad de Antioquia approved the project. Results. Seventy five cases and 150 controls from 13 ethnic groups were surveyed. Amazonas contributed 49% of participants, 83% were women, and the median age of cases was 30 years (IQ range: 27-37). The associated factors were a family history of hepatitis B [adjusted OR: 2.61 (95% CI: 1.09-6.27)] and, in women, the number of pregnancies [adjusted OR: 1.61 (95% CI 1.02- 2.54)]. The vaccination history showed a protective effect, but the association was not significant. Conclusion. Aspects associated with family life and unprotected sexual relations seem to be responsible for the potential transmission of the virus. It was not possible to identify associated cultural practices. Innovative and differential strategies are required for indigenous people to achieve a reduction of HBV.

Lefort I Osteotomy With and Without Osteogenic Distraction in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: Experience at Hospital Universitario Infantil De San José.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft lip and cleft palate (CLP) are congenital diseases that lead to several secondary craniofacial anomalies, such as hypoplasia of the middle third of the face, which can be treated with different surgical techniques to help improve functional and esthetic alterations associated with the maxilla. This article reports the results of patients managed with LeFort I osteotomy in the same craniofacial surgery center for 10 years. OBJECTIVE: To determine the postoperative results regarding recurrence rates, malocclusion, and speech status after surgical treatment, in patients with retrusion of the midface with CLP, who underwent LeFort I osteotomy with or without osteogenic distraction (OD). METHODS: A descriptive cohort study was performed at the Hospital Infantil Universitario de San José in Bogotá, Colombia, between 2010 and 2020, evaluating 38 patients with CLP who met the inclusion criteria, all managed by LeFort I osteotomy with and without OD. The authors reported the sociodemographic information, as well as data related to speech before and after surgery, recurrence, complications, and cephalometric characteristics. The recurrence of the patients was described at 6 and 12 months after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 20 patients were managed with conventional LeFort I osteotomy, and 23 with LeFort I osteotomy with OD; 5 patients were excluded due to lack of data in the medical records, with a final sample of 38 patients. The distribution based on sex was: 57.8% men and 42.1% women. Regarding laterality, we have 7 patients with right CLP (18.42%), 11 patients with left CLP (28.9%), and 20 patients with bilateral CLP (52.63%), 100% of patients with a class III bite in Angle's classification. In group 1 (OD), 55% of the patients did not present changes in speech before surgery, 30% presented improvement in speech, and 15% worsened it. In group 2 (conventional advancement), 66% of the patients did not present changes in speech, 5.5% presented improvement, and 27.7% presented worsening of speech based on the preoperative condition, with a clinical recurrence at 6 months of 15% for group 1 and of 33% for group 2, and at 1 year of 20% for group 1 and 16% for group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Osteogenic distraction is a safe method that can be applied in patients with CLP depending on the clinical characteristics. According to what is described in the literature, those patients who require advancement of up to 6 mm treated without OD have obtained good results, showing esthetic improvement by increasing the projection of the middle third of the face, without worsening of velopharyngeal insufficiency and achieving an adequate occlusal class (Angle I) in the immediate postoperative period or after the postoperative orthodontic management. However, in patients who require advances ≥7 mm, it is clear that OD is the best option, given its association with a lower recurrence rate, minimal changes in the speech, achieving occlusion edge-to-edge at the end of the distraction or Angle's class I, which is corroborated by the results obtained in this study.

Cancer Stem Cells and Androgen Receptor Signaling: Partners in Disease Progression.

Cancer stem cells exhibit self-renewal, tumorigenesis, and a high differentiation potential. These cells have been detected in every type of cancer, and different signaling pathways can regulate their maintenance and proliferation. Androgen receptor signaling plays a relevant role in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer, promoting cell growth and differentiation processes. However, in the case of prostate cancer stem cells, the androgen receptor negatively regulates their maintenance and self-renewal. On the other hand, there is evidence that androgen receptor activity positively regulates the generation of cancer stem cells in other types of neoplasia, such as breast cancer or glioblastoma. Thus, the androgen receptor role in cancer stem cells depends on the cellular context. We aimed to analyze androgen receptor signaling in the maintenance and self-renewal of different types of cancer stem cells and its action on the expression of transcription factors and surface markers associated with stemness.

Cesarean scar pregnancy, the importance of immediate treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an uncommon entity, with high morbidity. Its diagnosis is difficult and delays in management are frequent. We report a series of cases of CSP and analysis of the differences in the outcomes depending on the moment of pregnancy in which they are treated. CASE REPORT: Twelve patients with a diagnosis of CSP. Seven of them were diagnosed and treated in the first trimester, often required more than one type of management, but were not transfused or presented complications. The five patients diagnosed lately in the pregnancy, always required cesarean section and emergency hysterectomy, with massive bleeding, transfusions, urinary or vascular complications. DISCUSSION: CSP can be complicated by abnormal placental invasion when pregnancy continuity is allowed. The ideal management is the termination of pregnancy shortly after the diagnosis is made. Our series highlights the diagnostic difficulties that lead to late treatment with frequent complications. CONCLUSION: It is essential to perform routine analysis of the site of implantation of the gestational sac in the first-trimester ultrasonography and the CSP suspected cases should be handled by interdisciplinary teams in experienced centers.

Leptospirosis and rickettsiosis, a diagnostic challenge for febrile syndrome in endemic areas / [Leptospirosis y rickettsiosis, reto diagnóstico para el síndrome febril en zonas endémicas].

This is the case of a 50-year-old male from the region of Urabá, Colombia, with a mixed infection by Rickettsia rickettsii and Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni ST78 and negative test for malaria and dengue fever. The patient presented with febrile syndrome and was unresponsive to systemic antibiotic treatment, who finally died in the intensive care unit. We established the postmortem diagnosis through molecular typification of the two etiological agents. In the inspection at the patient's home, we found a Rattus rattus specimen infected with L. interrogans of the same serovar found in him. We found no ticks parasitizing the domestic animals cohabitating with the patient. This case of a mixed infection with progressive and fatal symptoms in a patient with occupational risk in a tropical disease endemic zone highlights the importance of considering the potential presentation of simultaneous etiologies in patients with multiple medical visits for unresolved febrile syndromes associated with risky exposure during agricultural activities.

Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 50 años de edad proveniente de la región de Urabá, Colombia, con una infección mixta por Rickettsia rickettsii y Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni ST78, y pruebas negativas para malaria y dengue. El paciente presentó un síndrome febril que no mejoró con el tratamiento antibiótico sistémico y, finalmente, falleció en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. El diagnóstico post mortem se hizo mediante tipificación molecular de los dos agentes etiológicos. En la inspección del domicilio del paciente, se encontró un ejemplar de Rattus rattus infectado con L. interrogans del mismo serovar detectado en él. No se encontraron garrapatas en los animales domésticos que habitaban con el paciente. Se reporta una infección mixta con síntomas clínicos progresivos y fatales en un paciente con antecedentes laborales de riesgo en una zona endémica para enfermedades tropicales, lo que obliga a tener presente la posibilidad de infecciones simultáneas en personas procedentes de áreas endémicas que consulten reiteradamente por síndrome febril sin resolución y tengan riesgo laboral relacionado con actividades agrícolas.

Ixodes tropicalis (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting a human and molecular detection of Rickettsia bellii, Colombia. / Infestación de Ixodes tropicalis (Acari: Ixodidae) en un humano y detección molecular de Rickettsia bellii, Colombia

INTRODUCTION: Ixodes tropicalis is a little-known tick species reported parasitizing wild rodents only in Colombia and Perú. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of I. tropicalis infesting a human in the south of the metropolitan area of the Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia, Colombia, and to report the molecular detection of Rickettsia bellii in this species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tick was identified using a morphological key and sequencing of tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA. Additionally, bacterial and protozoa pathogens were evaluated using PCR for the detection of Rickettsia spp., family Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp., and piroplasmid. RESULTS: We identified the tick as an I. tropicalis female according to Kohls, 1956, description and to partial 16S rRNA sequences showing a minimum of 5% divergencies compared to Ixodes sequences. We also detected the gltA gene of R. bellii in the tick with 99.87% of identity. CONCLUSION: This is the first report in Colombia of a species of the Ixodes genus parasitizing a human and the first report of the detection of R. bellii in this tick species.

Introducción. Ixodes tropicalis es una especie de garrapata poco conocida que se había reportado parasitando únicamente roedores silvestres en Colombia y Perú. Objetivo. Reportar un caso de infestación por I. tropicalis en un ser humano del sur del área metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá (Antioquia) y reportar la detección molecular de Rickettsia bellii en esta especie. Materiales y métodos. La garrapata se identificó usando claves morfológicas y mediante la secuenciación de su gen 16S ARNr mitocondrial. Además, se evaluó la presencia de agentes patógenos bacterianos y protozoos usando PCR para la detección de Rickettsia spp., la familia Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp. y piroplásmidos. Resultados. La garrapata se identificó como una hembra de I. tropicalis, según la descripción de Kohls, 1956, y la secuencia parcial del gen 16S ARNr, la cual mostró una divergencia de mínimo 5 % en la comparación con las secuencias de Ixodes. Además, se detectó el gen gltA de R. bellii en esta garrapata con una similitud del 99,87 %. Conclusión. Este es el primer reporte en Colombia de una especie del género Ixodes parasitando a un humano y el primer reporte de la detección de R. bellii en esta especie de garrapata.

Leptospirosis y rickettsiosis, reto diagnóstico para el síndrome febril en zonas endémicas / Leptospirosis and rickettsiosis, a diagnostic challenge for febrile syndrome in endemic areas

Resumen. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 50 años de edad proveniente de la región de Urabá, Colombia, con una infección mixta por Rickettsia rickettsii y Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni ST78, y pruebas negativas para malaria y dengue. El paciente presentó un síndrome febril que no mejoró con el tratamiento antibiótico sistémico y, finalmente, falleció en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. El diagnóstico post mortem se hizo mediante tipificación molecular de los dos agentes etiológicos. En la inspección del domicilio del paciente, se encontró un ejemplar de Rattus rattus infectado con L. interrogans del mismo serovar detectado en él. No se encontraron garrapatas en los animales domésticos que habitaban con el paciente. Se reporta una infección mixta con síntomas clínicos progresivos y fatales en un paciente con antecedentes laborales de riesgo en una zona endémica para enfermedades tropicales, lo que obliga a tener presente la posibilidad de infecciones simultáneas en personas procedentes de áreas endémicas que consulten reiteradamente por síndrome febril sin resolución y tengan riesgo laboral relacionado con actividades agrícolas.

Abstract. This is the case of a 50-year-old male from the region of Urabá, Colombia, with a mixed infection by Rickettsia rickettsii and Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni ST78 and negative test for malaria and dengue fever. The patient presented with febrile syndrome and was unresponsive to systemic antibiotic treatment, who finally died in the intensive care unit. We established the postmortem diagnosis through molecular typification of the two etiological agents. In the inspection at the patient's home, we found a Rattus rattus specimen infected with L. interrogans of the same serovar found in him. We found no ticks parasitizing the domestic animals cohabitating with the patient. This case of a mixed infection with progressive and fatal symptoms in a patient with occupational risk in a tropical disease endemic zone highlights the importance of considering the potential presentation of simultaneous etiologies in patients with multiple medical visits for unresolved febrile syndromes associated with risky exposure during agricultural activities.

Ixodes tropicalis (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting a human and molecular detection of Rickettsia bellii, Colombia / Infestación de Ixodes tropicalis (Acari: Ixodidae) en un humano y detección molecular de Rickettsia bellii, Colombia

Abstract | Introduction: Ixodes tropicalis is a little-known tick species reported parasitizing wild rodents only in Colombia and Perú. Objective: To report a case of I. tropicalis infesting a human in the south of the metropolitan area of the Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia, Colombia, and to report the molecular detection of Rickettsia bellii in this species. Materials and methods: The tick was identified using a morphological key and sequencing of tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA. Additionally, bacterial and protozoa pathogens were evaluated using PCR for the detection of Rickettsia spp., family Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp., and piroplasmid. Results: We identified the tick as an I. tropicalis female according to Kohls, 1956, description and to partial 16S rRNA sequences showing a minimum of 5% divergencies compAred to Ixodes sequences. We also detected the gltA gene of R. bellii in the tick with 99.87% of identity. Conclusion: This is the first report in Colombia of a species of the Ixodes genus parasitizing a human and the first report of the detection of R. bellii in this tick species.

Resumen | Introducción. Ixodes tropicalis es una especie de garrapata poco conocida que se había reportado parasitando únicamente roedores silvestres en Colombia y Perú. Objetivo. Reportar un caso de infestación por I. tropicalis en un ser humano del sur del área metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá (Antioquia) y reportar la detección molecular de Rickettsia bellii en esta especie. Materiales y métodos. La garrapata se identificó usando claves morfológicas y mediante la secuenciación de su gen 16S ARNr mitocondrial. Además, se evaluó la presencia de agentes patógenos bacterianos y protozoos usando PCR para la detección de Rickettsia spp., la familia Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp. y piroplásmidos. Resultados. La garrapata se identificó como una hembra de I. tropicalis, según la descripción de Kohls, 1956, y la secuencia parcial del gen 16S ARNr, la cual mostró una divergencia de mínimo 5 % en la compAración con las secuencias de Ixodes. Además, se detectó el gen gltA de R. bellii en esta garrapata con una similitud del 99,87 %. Conclusión. Este es el primer reporte en Colombia de una especie del género Ixodes parasitando a un humano y el primer reporte de la detección de R. bellii en esta especie de garrapata.

Inclusion of kaolin in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle / Caulim na alimentação de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo produtivo

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the inclusion of kaolin levels in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle. A completely randomized design involved the distribution of 288 brown egg layers into six treatments of eight replications, with six birds per replication. When the birds reached the age of 63 weeks, the feeding of the experimental diets began. Diets differed by the inclusion of increasing levels of kaolin: Control (no additive), and the inclusion of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% kaolin. The performance, egg quality, intestinal morphometry, and excreta moisture were evaluated. The inclusion of kaolin promoted improvement in the jejunum villus height, enabling less feed intake; however, there were no significant differences in egg quality. The excreta moisture decreased linearly as the kaolin level in the diet increased. The inclusion of 5% kaolin in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle improved intestinal morphometry and the quality of excreta through a reduction of moisture.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a inclusão de níveis de caulim na dieta de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo de produção. Foram utilizadas 288 galinhas semipesadas distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos de oito repetições, contendo seis aves por repetição. Quando as aves atingiram a idade de 63 semanas, foi iniciada a alimentação com as dietas experimentais. As dietas diferiam entre si pela inclusão de níveis crescentes de caulim: controle (sem aditivo); e a inclusão de 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5% de caulim na dieta. Foram avaliados o desempenho, a qualidade dos ovos, a morfologia intestinal e a umidade das excretas. A inclusão de caulim promoveu melhora na altura das vilosidades do jejuno, possibilitando menor consumo de ração. Não houve diferenças significativas para a qualidade dos ovos. A umidade das excretas diminuiu com o aumento do nível de caulim na dieta, respondendo de forma linear. A inclusão de caulim ao nível de 5% nas rações de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo de produção melhorou a morfometria intestinal e a qualidade dos excrementos por meio da redução de sua umidade.

Fiber levels in laying quail diets.

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of inclusion levels of dietary fiber in the Japanese quail diets. 480 Japanese quail were distributed in a completely randomized design, with 5 treatments and 12 replicates composed of 8 birds each. The treatments were constituted by five increasing levels of fiber in the diet: 2.78; 3.08; 3.38; 3.68; 3.98%. The parameters of productive performance, water consumption, egg quality, total lipids in the egg, excreta humidity, weight of digestive organs and intestinal morphology were evaluated. There was no significant effect of the use of different fiber levels on feed intake, egg production, viability, live weight, relative and absolute weight of gizzard, small intestine and cecum, and in excreta moisture of Japanese quais. Higher dietary fiber levels resulted in improvements in feed conversion per mass and per dozen eggs and higher water consumption. There was no significant difference for egg quality, except fot the color of the yolk where it was observed higher pigmentation of this structure with higher levels of fiber inclusion, and the lipid concentration in the buds was influenced in a quadratic manner. The inclusion of fiber promoted improvement in the villi of the duodenum and cecum.

Designing Microflowreactors for Photocatalysis Using Sonochemistry: A Systematic Review Article.

Use of sonication for designing and fabricating reactors, especially the deposition of catalysts inside a microreactor, is a modern approach. There are many reports that prove that a microreactor is a better setup compared with batch reactors for carrying out catalytic reactions. Microreactors have better energy efficiency, reaction rate, safety, a much finer degree of process control, better molecular diffusion, and heat-transfer properties compared with the conventional batch reactor. The use of microreactors for photocatalytic reactions is also being considered to be the appropriate reactor configuration because of its improved irradiation profile, better light penetration through the entire reactor depth, and higher spatial illumination homogeneity. Ultrasound has been used efficiently for the synthesis of materials, degradation of organic compounds, and fuel production, among other applications. The recent increase in energy demands, as well as the stringent environmental stress due to pollution, have resulted in the need to develop green chemistry-based processes to generate and remove contaminants in a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. It is possible to carry out the synthesis and deposition of catalysts inside the reactor using the ultrasound-promoted method in the microfluidic system. In addition, the synergistic effect generated by photocatalysis and sonochemistry in a microreactor can be used for the production of different chemicals, which have high value in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The current review highlights the use of both photocatalysis and sonochemistry for developing microreactors and their applications.

Encefalocele frontonasal: reporte de un caso con diagnóstico prenatal / Frontonasal encephalocele: report of a case with prenatal diagnosis

El encefalocele es un defecto congénito mayor que se caracteriza por la herniación del tejido nervioso y las meninges a través de un defecto de la bóveda craneal. Esto se debe a alteraciones del cierre del tubo neural ocurridas en la cuarta semana de gestación. El diagnóstico prenatal es posible realizarlo a través de ecografía 2D y 3D. Se presenta el caso de un neonato con encefalocele anterior, entidad poco frecuente dentro de los defectos del cierre del tubo neural. Se realizó el diagnóstico presuntivo prenatal por ecografía 2D y 3D, y se confirmó al nacimiento por los hallazgos clínicos y escanografía(AU)

The encephalocele is a major birth defect characterized by herniation of neural tissue and meninges through a defect in the skull, due to alterations of neural tube closure occurring in fourth week of pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis is possible through 2D and 3D ultrasound. We report a case of anterior encephalocele, a rare disease among the defects of neural tube closure, with diagnosis by 3D and 2D ultrasonography, which was confirmed at birth by clinical findings and scan(AU)

Flux balance analysis in the production of clavulanic acid by Streptomyces clavuligerus.

In this work, in silico flux balance analysis is used for predicting the metabolic behavior of Streptomyces clavuligerus during clavulanic acid production. To choose the best objective function for use in the analysis, three different optimization problems are evaluated inside the flux balance analysis formulation: (i) maximization of the specific growth rate, (ii) maximization of the ATP yield, and (iii) maximization of clavulanic acid production. Maximization of ATP yield showed the best predictions for the cellular behavior. Therefore, flux balance analysis using ATP as objective function was used for analyzing different scenarios of nutrient limitations toward establishing the effect of limiting the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and oxygen sources on the growth and clavulanic acid production rates. Obtained results showed that ammonia and phosphate limitations are the ones most strongly affecting clavulanic acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, it was possible to identify the ornithine flux from the urea cycle and the α-ketoglutarate flux from the TCA cycle as the most determinant internal fluxes for promoting clavulanic acid production.

Síndrome cerebro-óculo-nasal con diagnóstico prenatal / Cerebro-óculo-nasal syndrome with prenatal diagnosis

El síndrome cerebro-óculo-nasal se caracteriza por anomalías del sistema nervioso central, oculares y nasales. La prevalencia de este síndrome es muy baja, y aún no se ha identificado la etiología de esta condición. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con sospecha cínica de este síndrome con diagnóstico prenatal por ecografía 2D y 3D. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura de los casos previamente reportados.

The cerebro-óculo-nasal syndrome is characterized by central nervous system abnormalities, ocular and nasal. The prevalence of this syndrome is very low, and has not yet identified the etiology of this condition. We report the case of a patient with suspected PJS cynical prenatal diagnosis by 2D and 3D ultrasound. A review of the literature of previously reported cases.

Down syndrome passed from mother to child.

Down syndrome is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability; it is characterized by mental retardation associated to physical growth delay and certain physical traits or features. It is caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21, being this trisomy the most common chromosomal aneuploidy. Women with Down syndrome are less fertile, and pregnancy in these women is rare, although the information on exact statistics of reproduction in these patients is very limited, and they often have difficulties with miscarriage, premature birth, and difficult labor. We report the case of a preterm newborn with Down syndrome passed from her mother; this pregnancy was a result of sexual assault, which is an event that can and should be prevented in this population.

Down syndrome passed from mother to child / Transmisión de síndrome de Down de madre a hijo

Down syndrome is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability; it is characterized by mental retardation associated to physical growth delay and certain physical traits or features. It is caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21, being this trisomy the most common chromosomal aneuploidy. Women with Down syndrome are less fertile, and pregnancy in these women is rare, although the information on exact statistics of reproduction in these patients is very limited, and they often have difficulties with miscarriage, premature birth, and difficult labor. We report the case of a preterm newborn with Down syndrome passed from her mother; this pregnancy was a result of sexual assault, which is an event that can and should be prevented in this population.

El síndrome de Down es la principal causa de discapacidad intelectual congénita; se caracteriza por retraso mental asociado a retardo del crecimiento y del desarrollo psicomotor, así como a algunas características físicas típicas. Se debe a la presencia de una tercera copia del cromosoma 21, siendo esta trisomía la aneuploidía cromosómica más común. Las mujeres con síndrome de Down tienden a ser menos fértiles y el embarazo en ellas es poco frecuente, aunque los datos estadísticos de este evento son limitados, y se asocia, además, a dificultades que terminan en aborto, parto prematuro y parto difícil. Se reporta el caso de un recién nacido prematuro con síndrome de Down, hijo de madre con el mismo diagnóstico, producto de un embarazo resultado de violación, evento que debe ser prevenido de forma oportuna en esta población de alto riesgo.