Comparative pattern of genetic structure in two Mediterranean killifishes Aphanius fasciatus and Aphanius iberus inferred from both mitochondrial and nuclear data.

In this study, genetic variation was assessed in Aphanius fasciatus and Aphanius iberus characterized by similar ecological traits but with very different distribution ranges in the Mediterranean area. Five populations of A. iberus and five of A. fasciatus were analysed using five polymorphic microsatellite loci and partial mitochondrial control region (D-loop) sequences. Congruent results were found with both nuclear and mitochondrial molecular markers. The results showed that similar levels of genetic divergence, based on mitochondrial control region sequences, are present among populations of A. iberus and among populations of A. fasciatus despite the very different geographic distance existing among the examined populations of the two species (low geographic distance in A. iberus and high in A. fasciatus). A possible explanation could be that the populations of A. iberus were isolated for a longer time than the populations of A. fasciatus supporting the hypothesis that the split in the lineage leading to A. iberus is older than the split in the lineage leading to A. fasciatus. The possibility that the wide circum-Mediterranean distribution of A. fasciatus ensures the high connectivity of its populations, preventing, in some cases, local differentiation, however, cannot be ruled out.

Role of 5-HT2 receptors family in the allergy-induced increased aorta contractile responses to 5-HT.

Asthma poses an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders, suggesting that allergy, which is an underlying process in asthma, causes atypical functioning of organs other than lungs. In a previous study in a guinea pig asthma model, we concluded that allergic sensitization increased aorta contractile responses to 5-HT. To further characterize these responses, here we explored the role of the 5-HT2 receptors family. We found that TCB-2 (5-HT2A agonist) and WAY161503 (5-HT2C agonist) induced aorta contractions resembling those elicited by 5-HT but less intense (~43 % and ~25 %, respectively). In these experiments, aortas from sensitized guinea pigs showed increased contractions to TCB-2, but not to WAY161503. In turn, MDL 100907 (5-HT2A antagonist) and RS-102221 (5-HT2C antagonist) caused a notably and a mild reduction of the 5-HT-induced contractions, respectively, with no differences seen between sensitized and non-sensitized tissues. BW723C86 (5-HT2B agonist) did not induce contractile responses and RS-127445 (5-HT2B antagonist) did not modify the contractile responses to 5-HT. In non-sensitized aortas, the pattern of protein expression of receptors was 5HT2B>5-HT2A=5-HT2C, which did not change in sensitized animals. In conclusion, we found that allergic sensitization increased the aorta contractile responses to 5-HT, partly mediated by enhanced responses of 5-HT2A receptors, which was unrelated to changes in the expression of these receptors.

[Helicobacter pylori eradication frequency with the conventional triple therapy in adult patients at the Centro Médico Issemym]. / Frecuencia de erradicación del Helicobacter pylori con triple esquema convencional en pacientes adultos del Centro Médico Issemym.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is high. The bacterial eradication rate with the administration of antibiotic regimens recommended by international guidelines is not yet clear. AIMS: To determine the eradication frequency of H. pylori infection in the adult Mexican population that underwent treatment with the conventional triple regimen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out that evaluated the effectiveness of the triple regimen in individuals with confirmed infection that received consensual treatment and then underwent tests to corroborate eradication. RESULTS: From a total of 249 potential case records, 26 did not meet the inclusion criteria. Two hundred and twenty-three patients were enrolled for analysis, 64,00% women and 36,00% men, with a mean age of 49,4 years (range 17-86). Comorbidities presented in 55,60% of the patients and 28,60% referred to chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bacterial eradication with the triple regimen was 65,50% (146/223); of the 77 patients with no eradication, 11 received a quadruple regimen as second-line treatment resulting in bacterial eradication in 5/11 (45,45%) patients, for an overall eradication of 67,70%. CONCLUSIONS: The eradication rate in our study population was suboptimal due to the probability of multiple factors that are difficult to identify, given the retrospective design of the study. A prospective and controlled evaluation of the recommended regimens needs to be carried out in order to determine their true effectiveness.

Localization in the frontal plane is not susceptible to manipulation of afferent feedback via the Jendrassik Maneuver.

We have previously shown that registered vergence eye position is altered while participants perform the Jendrassik Maneuver (JM). We proposed that the altered eye position signal registration is due to the effect of the JM which changes the gain of the sensory feedback from the eye muscles, possibly via the activity of non-twitch motoneurons. We conducted two studies to further extend and clarify one of our previous findings by examining whether the JM also affects registered eye position during localization in the frontal plane. Since the non-twitch motoneurons do not receive premotor input from areas involved in the programming of saccades, we hypothesized that localization responses associated with the saccadic system should not be affected by the JM. The data confirmed our prediction. We propose that the non-twitch motoneurons are involved in parametric adjustment of the proprioceptive feedback loops of the vergence but not the version eye movements.

Manipulation of extraocular muscle afference has no effect on higher order perceptual judgments.

Observers perceive targets as farther while performing the Jendrassik Maneuver (JM) suggesting that eye position is registered as more divergent. We examined the effects of the JM perturbation in three studies of perceptual judgment that rely on accurate registration of absolute distance: size constancy, stereoscopic depth, and the magnitude of the Pulfrich illusion. The data showed no significant differences between the JM and control conditions. The lack of an effect may be due to the fact that vergence is not a perfect cue to distance. Furthermore, the relative contribution of extraocular muscle afference to registered eye position may be less significant for higher order perceptual judgments.

Human optokinetic nystagmus in response to moving binocularly disparate stimuli.

Physiological and behavioral evidence shows that the directionally preponderant subcortical control of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) in lower mammals is supplemented in higher mammals by bidirectional cortical control. It is hypothesized that this cortical control allows higher mammals to cope with the parallactic movement of the scene produced by linear motion of the body. In particular, it is hypothesized that a coupling between OKN and stereopsis allows higher mammals to stabilize the images of objects within the plane of fixation while ignoring motion signals from objects at other distances. According to this hypothesis the gain of the slow phase of OKN should be highest for binocularly fused moving stimuli and attenuated for binocularly disparate displays. The results of Experiment 1 confirmed this prediction although the effects of accommodation were not ruled out completely. In Experiment 2 a display moving in one direction was presented across the central retina at the same time as one moving in the opposite direction was presented in the upper and lower periphery. It was found that subjects do not show OKN in the direction of the peripheral display unless it is binocularly fused and the central display is disparate. In Experiment 3 a stationary display of dots was superimposed on a moving display. It was found that OKN is not inhibited by the stationary display when it has a horizontal disparity and the moving display is fused. Experiment 4 found that horizontal OKN is disrupted by the sudden introduction of a vertical disparity in the stimulus. Since accommodative state was kept constant in the last three experiments, the data show that binocular disparities can help a person to stabilize selectively the image of one moving display while ignoring conflicting motion signals from another display.

Somatosensory evoked potentials as an aid in the diagnosis and intraoperative management of spinal stenosis.

The use of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in localizing the level, extent, and laterality of nerve root entrapment is clinically important. In patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, this is especially true. This study defines a prospective investigation of 20 patients with preoperative SEPs of which 11 patients had intraoperative SEPs correlated with their computed tomographic (CT) scan and/or myelographic findings. The results confirm a high incidence of 4th and 5th lumbar and 1st sacral nerve root involvement. The posterior tibial nerve was abnormal in 95%, the peroneal in 90%, and the sural in 60% in the symptomatical lower extremity. Upper lumbar segments were barely affected as evident by the low incidence of saphenous nerve abnormality in only 12% of the patients. The posterior tibial nerve had the highest yield and was useful for screening. Bilateral lower extremity abnormalities were found in seven of 20 cases studied with two patients having bilateral symptoms and findings. Therefore, bilateral lower extremity SEP evaluation can reveal previously unsuspected pathology and is strongly recommended in preoperative evaluations. SEPs can serve as a useful intraoperative tool to guide the surgeon during a decompressive surgical procedure. SEPs are specifically helpful in spinal stenosis with a paucity of clinical findings and equivocal CT scan or myelographic studies. SEPs seem much more sensitive and effective than conventional electrodiagnostic tests in detecting spinal nerve root compression secondary to spinal stenosis.

Microbial sensor for new-generation cephalosporins based in a protein-engineered beta-lactamase.

A protein-engineered beta-lactamase, constructed by site-directed mutagenesis in Escherichia coli (E104M/G238S), and having broadened specificity, was able to degrade cephalosporins of first, second, and third generations. Manipulations of culture conditions allowed an increase in beta-lactamase specific activity by up to twofold. The resultant bacteria were used to construct an immersable whole-cell biosensor for the detection of new-generation cephalosporins. Cells were immobilized on agar membranes, which in turn were attached to the surface of a flat pH electrode, thus constituting a biosensor based on the detection of pH changes. The sensor was able to detect second- and third-generation cephalosporins: cefamandole (0.4-4 mM), cefotaxime (0.4-3.5 mM), and cefoperazone (0.3-1.85 mM). Response times were between 3.5 and 11 min, depending on the kind of cephalosporin tested. The biosensor was stable for at least 7 d, time during which up to 100 tests were performed.

[A technical evaluation of 5 brands of O2 concentrators. The Asturias Project]. / Evaluación técnica de 5 marcas de concentradores de O2. Proyecto Asturias.

To check the technical specifications of 5 O2 concentrators pertaining to 5 different brands: Mark 4, Zefir, Puritan-Bennet, Drager and MHF prototype. The concentrators worked continuously for 37 days. External filters were cleaned after 400 hours and measurements were taken when theoretical flows were between 1 and 3 l/min. One-way analysis of variance and Scheffe's method were used to compare the different brands. Flow measurements were taken with Costrema and Drager debitmeters. O2 concentrations were measured with Drager, Cepo and Oxidig oximeters. Emitted sound was measured with Cel, Spyri Ag Thun, Bruel Kjaer and General Radio meters. Electrical consumption was determined with a Siemens counter. All the concentrators produced flows that were under theoretical values, though the Zefir and MHF models came the closest. Accuracy and precision of flow varied from 1% to -32%, and from 1.1% to 11.7%, respectively. The value of 4 expressing linearity of flows oscillated between 0.959 and 0.991. When flow was 2 l/min or less, all achieved O2 concentrations greater than 90%, but this level was reached only by the Drager and MHF concentrators when flows were 3 l/min. With the exception of the MHF prototype, all the models emitted noise over 50 dB, the Drager machine being the noisiest. Electrical consumption was similar in all models. O2 concentrators can be recommended as sources of oxygen supply, but they have their limitations. Improvements must be made in accuracy of flow and monitoring of the apparatus ability to concentrate; noise must be reduced as well.

Egocentric localization: visually directed alignment to projected head landmarks in binocular and monocular observers.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy and precision with which humans align moving, non-moving, point-like and linear stimuli to three head landmarks projected to a frontal plane. Monocularly enucleated and binocularly normal subjects, performing monocularly, were tested. METHODS: Experimental tasks consisted of aligning the stimulus, a luminescent target, using a remote steering wheel control, to three projected landmarks; the nose, and the outside edge of each ear. Experiments were performed with a fixed [static] linear stimulus and a small dynamic stimulus, and then with a fixed stimulus at both a very close and an intermediate distance. RESULTS: The data from the monocular enucleated observers showed better accuracy in some conditions but their variable errors were larger than those of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that, for the alignments of the enucleated monocular subjects, a) the increase in accuracy is consistent with a shift of the egocenter in the direction of the remaining eye, and b) the decrease in precision may be due to the fact that the egocenter does not correspond to the mid-sagittal or median plane. This disparity would require adjustments to be learned in order to perform tasks involving visually directed alignments to the self.

[Noise and machine failures: determining factors in the acceptance and behavior of O2 concentrator. The Asturias project]. / Ruidos y averías: factores determinantes en la aceptación y comportamiento del concentrador de O2. Proyecto Asturias.

PURPOSE: Prospective study of compliance and performance with De Vilbiss concentrator (De Vo/44), in patients with COLD and domiciliary O2 therapy. METHODS: 54/136 severe COLD patients who used de Vo/44 concentrator were followed-up for 1 year, with home interviews every 2 months. Physiological measurements: FVC, FEV1, PF, Hemoglobin, ECG, blood gas tension(breathing air), smoking habits, drug therapy, and De Vo/44 performance(machine failure, flow rate and oxygen concentration accuracy). RESULTS: During the 1 year study 9 patients (16.6%) died and 16 (29.6%) refused the concentrator. 18 devices needed to be changed due to machine failure. Flow rates measured at De Vo/44 were 58.15 +/- 12.9 l/hour vs a theorical of 56.60 +/- 15.4 l/hour, and the purity of O2 was 94.19 +/- 0.3%. The power consumption was 1.9 +/- 0.01/ampers/hour. CONCLUSION: Almost 1/3 of COLD patients refused O2 concentrators due to excessive noise, and 1/3 of the machines needed to be replaced due to malfunction. Thus level of noise and proper functioning of concentrator are two important factors, affecting compliance and performance of these machines.

[Absorption of fat from three dietary sources in rats with lactose induced diarrhea]. / Absorción de grasa proveniente de tres fuentes dietarias en ratas con diarrea inducida con lactosa.

Low energy intake is one the most important factors related to nutritional wasting during diarrheal episodes and fat is the macronutrient with the highest energy value. So we intended to seek dietary fat sources, with the highest bioavailability during diarrheal episodes. Three basal (control) and three 42.8% lactose containing diets, used to induce diarrhea, were prepared with corn oil, butterfat or lard. The assay included 48 Sprague-Dawley rats, 28 d of age, initial weights of 65.5 +/- 5.2 g, distributed in 6 groups that received the diets during 15 d. The different types of fat did not affect diet intake, weight gain or fecal losses in rats without diarrhea (control). Low weight gain was found in rats with diarrhea regardless of the type of fat consumed and was related to low diet consumption. Mean fat absorption during diarrhea was as follows: butterfat 84%, lard 87% and corn oil 91%. The latter was related to lower fecal losses and higher fat absorption during the 15 d study. Considering that the three fat sources evaluated are easily purchased and widely accepted, and that nutritional management of subjects with diarrhea includes the intake of energy dense diets, it seems that the use of corn oil in these formulations could offer greater advantages.

Permanent genetic resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 December 2010-31 January 2011.

This article documents the addition of 238 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Alytes dickhilleni, Arapaima gigas, Austropotamobius italicus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Cobitis lutheri, Dendroctonus ponderosae, Glossina morsitans morsitans, Haplophilus subterraneus, Kirengeshoma palmata, Lysimachia japonica, Macrolophus pygmaeus, Microtus cabrerae, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus, Pulmonaria officinalis, Salminus franciscanus, Thais chocolata and Zootoca vivipara. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Acanthina monodon, Alytes cisternasii, Alytes maurus, Alytes muletensis, Alytes obstetricans almogavarii, Alytes obstetricans boscai, Alytes obstetricans obstetricans, Alytes obstetricans pertinax, Cambarellus montezumae, Cambarellus zempoalensis, Chorus giganteus, Cobitis tetralineata, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, Glossina pallidipes, Lysimachia japonica var. japonica, Lysimachia japonica var. minutissima, Orconectes virilis, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus clarkii, Salminus brasiliensis and Salminus hilarii.

Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the critically endangered Balearic shearwater, Puffinus mauretanicus.

Ten novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), a critically endangered seabird. The developed loci revealed a relatively low number of alleles per locus, as well as low levels of polymorphism (H(O)  = 0.377 ± 0.241). One of the loci appeared to be W-linked. All polymorphic loci were successfully amplified in its closely related species, the Yelkouan shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan). These microsatellite markers would be useful for assessing population structure in the Balearic shearwater and the possible hybridization process between both shearwaters species.

[Social security nursing in Costa RICA]. / La enfermería en la seguridad social en Costa Rica.

This article reviews the development of social security in Costa Rica throughout the various stages of its growth starting in 1941, with special reference to the scope of the health and maternity insurance system and to disability, old-age, and life insurance. After describing the institutional setting of the social security system, the authors analyze the changes that have taken place in the training and performance of duties of nursing staff in the health services, all of which are now part of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund. Lastly, they present the two-year curriculum for training the graduate nurse, and refer to the practice of nursing in the social security system and to the duties performed by the nurse in health education, the actual care of the well and the sick, administration, and research.

Femoral fractures in patients with lower extremity amputations.

Femoral fracture in patients with lower extremity amputations is relatively rare (reported incidence in 341 amputee patients, 2.35%). Lack of adequate support and balance, and osteoporosis on the amputation side, may explain the predisposition to fracture of the ipsilateral extremity. The prosthesis was in use at the time of the accident in only 3 of 9 cases studied, most falls occurring during transfer activity without a prosthesis. Proximal femoral fractures in below-knee amputee patients responded to open reduction with internal fixation and early ambulation. Others were treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Overall union was 100%, with all patients regaining their previous ambulatory levels and prosthesis skills.

Physiatric practice characteristics: report of a membership survey.

In 1986 the Board of Governors of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation commissioned a survey of the Academy's membership to determine the practice patterns of physiatrists. Responses were received from 1,115 members (75%). Approximately 65% of respondents are under 43 years old; 64% are graduates of American medical schools. Fifty-six percent practice in communities with populations of 500,000 or more persons; only 9% practice in communities of less than 50,000 people. Nearly 53% practice in a single setting and the average work week is 50.6 hours, with most of those hours spent in some aspect of patient care. The most frequent diagnosis in all practice settings is pain syndrome; consultation is the primary activity. Survey results show that physiatry is still primarily a hospital-based specialty, although significant time is spent in office-based settings. Data gleaned from this first attempt at an extensive analysis of physiatric practice characteristics will be utilized in planning how to meet future needs of the specialty, its practitioners and their patients.

The use of somatosensory evoked potential during revision or reoperation for total hip arthroplasty.

Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) was used to continuously monitor the sciatic nerve intraoperatively during revision or reoperation for total hip arthroplasty. Of 25 cases monitored, eight patients (32%) exhibited 12 instances of SSEP deterioration, indicating neurologic compromise. These neurologic problems were due to retraction in seven cases and limb positioning in five. No postoperative neurologic deficits were noted in this group. Two of 35 patients (5.7%) not monitored had postoperative neurologic deficits. SSEP monitoring is a useful method for minimizing the intraoperative risks of clinical neurologic deficits during revisions or difficult reoperations.

Quantification of intraoperative somatosensory evoked potential.

Cortical (C) and spinal (S) somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were measured and quantified in 30 patients undergoing scoliosis surgery during the following periods: I, preincision; II, hypotension; III, instrumentation; IV, postinstrumentation; and V, skin closure. Paired two-tailed t tests were performed on all commonly measured SEP parameters comparing values obtained at periods I and II with each subsequent period. CSEP were obtained with Cz-Fz recording sites of the international 10-20 system while SSEP were obtained with recording electrodes at C7-Fz, following bilateral posterior tibial nerve stimulation at the ankles. From period I, CSEP P1 prolonged significantly across all periods but not from period II to subsequent periods. N1 remained stable from either period I or II until period V when latencies increased. P1-N1 amplitude decreased significantly between period I and other periods until period V when near base value was regained. Compared to period II however, P1-N1 amplitude did not differ significantly until period V when it increased beyond base. CSEP P2 and N2 latencies and amplitudes were less distinct and had high variability under our anesthetic technique which consisted of N2O-O2 and isoflurane 0.25%-0.50%, narcotics, nondepolarizing blocking agents, and induced hypotension. When attainable, they behaved in a similar pattern to the early CSEP. SSEP were obtained in 23 cases. The stability of latencies and amplitudes compared favorably with CSEP P1 and N1. Graphs of relative percent changes were developed for clinical use. It is concluded that the noninvasive monitoring technique described is practical, and that P1 and N1 CSEP and SSEP values are reliable monitoring parameters.