Masticatory myology of the llama (Lama glama, Camelidae) and comparisons with other camelids and euungulates.

Camelids are the only living representatives of the Suborder Tylopoda, and present a unique set of osteo-myological masticatory features, differing from all other extant euungulates. They combine selenodont dentition and rumination with a fused symphysis, and roughly plesiomorphic muscle proportions. Despite its potential relevance as an euungulate model in comparative anatomy studies, the available data is strikingly scarce. The present study represents the first description of the masticatory muscles of a Lamini, analyzing the functional morphology of Lama glama and other camelids in a comparative framework. Both sides of the head of three adult specimens from Argentinean Puna were dissected. Descriptions, illustrations, muscular maps, and weighing of all masticatory muscles were performed. Some facial muscles are also described. The myology of llamas confirms that camelids possess relatively large temporalis muscles, with Lama being less extreme than Camelus. This plesiomorphic feature is also recorded in suines and some basal euungulates. Conversely, the direction of the fibers of the M. temporalis is mainly horizontal, resembling grinding euungulates such as equids, pecorans, and some derived suines. Although the M. masseter of camelids and equids do not reach the particularly modified configuration of pecorans, in which it is rostrally extended and arranged horizontally, the posterior sectors of Mm. masseter superficialis and pterygoideus medialis have acquired relatively horizontal disposition in the former lineages, suitable for protraction. The pterygoidei complex presents several bundles, and its relative size is intermediate between suines and derived grinding euungulates. The whole masticatory muscles are relatively light when compared to jaw weight. The evolution of the masticatory muscles and chewing of camelids implied that grinding abilities were reached with less extreme modifications of the topography and/or proportions than pecoran ruminants and equids. A relatively large M. temporalis recruited as a powerful retractor during the power stroke is a key feature of camelids. The relaxed pressure on chewing derived from the acquisition of rumination explains the slenderer build masticatory musculature of camelids compared to other euungulates except ruminants.

Comparative cranial ontogeny of Tapirus (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Tapiridae).

Skull morphology in tapirs is particularly interesting due to the presence of a proboscis with important trophic, sensory and behavioral functions. Several studies have dealt with tapir skull osteology but chiefly in a comparative framework between fossil and recent species of tapirs. Only one study examined an aspect of cranial ontogeny, development of the sagittal crest (Holbrook. J Zool Soc Lond 2002; 256; 215). Our goal is to describe in detail the morphological changes that occur during the postnatal ontogeny of the skull in two representative tapir species, Tapirus terrestris and Tapirus indicus, and to explore possible functional consequences of their developmental trajectories. We compared qualitative features of the skull on a growth series of 46 specimens of T. terrestris ordered on the basis of the sequence of eruption and tooth wear, dividing the sample into three age classes: class Y (very young juvenile), class J (from young juvenile to young adult) and class A (full and old adult). The qualitative morphological analysis consisted of describing changes in the series in each skull bone and major skull structure, including the type and degree of transformation (e.g. appearance, fusion) of cranial features (e.g. processes, foramina) and articulations (sutures, synchondroses, and synovial joints). We then measured 23 cranial variables in 46 specimens of T. terrestris that included the entire ontogenetic series from newborn to old adults. We applied statistical multivariate techniques to describe allometric growth, and compared the results with the allometric trends calculated for a sample of 25 specimens of T. indicus. Results show that the skull structure was largely conserved throughout the postnatal ontogeny in T. terrestris, so class Y was remarkably similar to class A in overall shape, with the most significant changes localized in the masticatory apparatus, specifically the maxillary tuber as a support of the large-sized permanent postcanine dentition, and correlated changes in diastemata, mandibular body, and sagittal and nuchal crests. In the nasal region, ontogenetic remodeling affected the space for the meatal diverticulum and the surfaces for the origin of the proboscis musculature. Overall, ontogenetic trajectories exhibited more negative allometric components in T. indicus than in T. terrestris, and they shared 47.83% of allometric trends. Tapirus indicus differed most significantly from T. terrestris in the allometry of postcanine toothrows, diastemata and mandibular body. Thus, some allometric trends seem to be highly conserved among the species studied, and the changes observed showed a strong functional and likely adaptive basis in this lineage of ungulates.

Yeasts isolated from figs (Ficus carica L.) as biocontrol agents of postharvest fruit diseases.

Fresh fruit is highly perishable during postharvest life, mainly due to fungal growth. Thus, fungal control is an important goal for the fruit industry. In this work, a selection of antagonistic yeasts isolated from fig and breba crops were screened in vitro. The isolated yeasts were challenged with three moulds isolated from decayed figs and breba crops, identified as Penicillium expansum M639 and Cladosporium cladosporioides M310 and M624, and pathogenic moulds Botrytis cinerea CECT20518 and Monilia laxa CA1 from culture collections. Two yeast isolates, Hanseniaspora opuntiae L479 and Metschnikowia pulcherrima L672, were selected for their ability to inhibit the growth of aforementioned moulds. These yeasts reduced the radial growth of moulds on PDA by between 45.23% and 66.09%. Antagonistic activity was associated with the interaction of live yeast cells with moulds. M. pulcherrima L672 apparently parasitised C. cladosporioides isolates. In addition, challenges were assayed using wounded apples and nectarines, with significant reductions in percent infection and lesion size for all moulds tested. To our knowledge, this is the first report identifying H. opuntiae as an antagonist against different pathogenic moulds.

Application of ISSR-PCR for rapid strain typing of Debaryomyces hansenii isolated from dry-cured Iberian ham.

Yeast populations of dry-cured Iberian ham isolated from seven industries in the province of Badajoz were characterized by ISSR-PCR using the (CAG)4 primer and PCR-RFLP of the ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 fragment, and identified by DNA sequencing. A total of 242 isolates were analyzed, indicating the primary species present was Debaryomyces hansenii at 80.9% of the isolates followed by Candida zeylanoides at 10.3% of the isolates. The remainders of isolates were identified as Yamadazyma triangularis, Sporobolomyces roseus, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Rhodotorula slooffiae, and Cryptococcus victoriae. The ISSR-PCR method was a fast and reliable method which was able to discriminate species at a level comparable to restriction analyses of the ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 region. This method allowed for strain typing of D. hansenii, yielding 29 different PCR patterns within 196 isolates. Moreover, ISSR-PCR using the (CAG)4 primer indicated that this technique could be a promising tool for rapid discrimination of yeast starter cultures and spoilage species in dry-cured Iberian ham.

Activation of the EGFR/ERK pathway in high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the salivary glands.

BACKGROUND: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) shows differences in biological behaviour depending mainly on its histological grade. High-grade tumours usually have an aggressive biological course and they require additional oncological treatment after surgery. METHODS: In a series of 43 MECs of the salivary glands, we studied the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene by using dual-colour chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH). Moreover, we assessed the protein expressions of the EGFR and the activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK1/2) by using immunohistochemistry. These results were correlated with the histological grade of the tumours and the outcome of the patients. RESULTS: The CISH study demonstrated a high-EGFR gene copy number, with balanced chromosome 7 polysomy, in 8 out of 11 high-grade MECs (72.7%), whereas 27 low-grade and 15 intermediate-grade tumours had a normal EGFR gene copy number (P<0.001). The EGFR gene gains correlated with disease-free interval (P=0.003) and overall survival of the patients (P=0.019). The EGFR protein expression had a significant correlation with the histological grade of the tumours but not with the outcome of the patients. The pERK1/2 expression correlated with histological grade of tumours (P<0.001), disease-free interval (P=0.004) and overall survival (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The EGFR/ERK pathway is activated in high-grade MECs with aggressive behaviour. Patients with these tumours who require oncological treatment in addition to surgery could benefit from EGFR and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitors.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in HIV-positive patients: lack of association with human papillomavirus infection.

OBJECTIVES: Neoplasms associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection occur at increased frequency in patients with HIV infection/AIDS. Although laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs) in HIV-positive patients are uncommon, a higher incidence of this malignancy in HIV-positive patients than in the general population has been reported. As a proportion of LSCCs are associated with HPV in the general population, the clinicopathological features of a series of LSCCs developing in HIV-positive patients were evaluated to investigate the possible relationship with HPV infection, and infection with other oncogenic viruses. METHODS: All HIV-positive patients with LSCC diagnosed at a single institution from 1998 to 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. The clinicopathological features were analysed and tissues were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using the short PCR fragment 10 (SPF10) primer, a highly sensitive method for HPV DNA detection. Immunohistochemical studies for HIV p24, p16(INK4a) and p53 were performed. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) were also investigated. RESULTS: Six out of 4987 HIV-infected patients seen in this period in the Infectious Diseases Department developed LSCC (median age 41.5 years; male to female ratio 1:1). All patients were heavy smokers and the tumours presented at an advanced clinical stage. HPV was not detected in any tumour, not even in two patients with coexisting HPV-associated gynaecological neoplasm. Staining for HIV p24 and p16(INK4a) was negative, whereas p53 was positive in half the cases. EBV and HHV-8 were also negative. CONCLUSION: LSCC developing in HIV-positive patients is an infrequent neoplasm, not usually associated with HPV infection. It develops in young, heavy smokers and presents at an advanced clinical stage.

Comparative myology of the ankle of Leopardus wiedii and L. geoffroyi (Carnivora: Felidae): functional consistency with osteology, locomotor habits and hunting in captivity.

Leopardus wiedii (margay) is the only arboreal Neotropical felid able to climb head-first down trees, due to its ability to rotate its tarsal joint 180°. A closely related, similar-sized species, L. geoffroyi (Geoffroy's cat) exhibits more typical terrestrial habits and lacks the arboreal capabilities of L. wiedii. There is osteological evidence that supports a mechanical specialization of L. wiedii's tarsal joint for inversion, but there have been no studies on the myology of this specialization. Based on comparative gross-anatomy dissections of zeugo- and autopodial muscles related to the ankle joint of one margay specimen and two Geoffroýs cats, we identified myological specializations of L. wiedii that support its arboreal abilities. In addition, we documented both species hunting the same prey (domestic pigeon Columba livia, Aves: Columbidae) in captivity, to complement. We report differences in the origin, insertion and belly in 8 of the 10 dissected muscles. At least 3 of these interspecific variations can be associated with strengthening of the main muscles that command inversion/eversion movements of the tarsal joint and support the body weight in the head-down climbing position typical of L. wiedii. Frame-by-frame video reconstructions depict the sequence of movements in these species while hunting and highlight the advantages of the arboreal abilities of L. wiedii.

Spoilage yeasts: What are the sources of contamination of foods and beverages?

Foods and beverages are nutrient-rich ecosystems in which most microorganisms are able to grow. Moreover, several factors, such as physicochemical characteristics, storage temperature, culinary practices, and application of technologies for storage, also define the microbial population of foods and beverages. The yeast population has been well-characterised in fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, dairy products, dry-cured meat products, and beverages, among others. Some species are agents of alteration in different foods and beverages. Since the most comprehensive studies of spoilage yeasts have been performed in the winemaking process, hence, these studies form the thread of the discussion in this review. The natural yeast populations in raw ingredients and environmental contamination in the manufacturing facilities are the main modes by which food contamination occurs. After contamination, yeasts play a significant role in food and beverage spoilage, particularly in the alteration of fermented foods. Several mechanisms contribute to spoilage by yeasts, such as the production of lytic enzymes (lipases, proteases, and cellulases) and gas, utilisation of organic acids, discolouration, and off-flavours. This review addresses the role of yeasts in foods and beverages degradation by considering the modes of contamination and colonisation by yeasts, the yeast population diversity, mechanisms involved, and the analytical techniques for their identification, primarily molecular methods.

Combined effect of antagonistic yeast and modified atmosphere to control Penicillium expansum infection in sweet cherries cv. Ambrunés.

Fruit decay caused by pathogenic moulds is a major concern in the postharvest quality and shelf life of fruit. Blue mould decay is caused by Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) and is one of the most important postharvest diseases in cherries (Prunus avium L.). Synthetic fungicides are the main medium used to control pathogenic moulds. However, alternative approaches are available for developing safer technologies to control postharvest disease. An integrated approach that combines biological control, using antagonistic yeasts and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with cold storage is a promising alternative to synthetic fungicide treatment. In this work, two microperforated films (M10 and M50) and two antagonistic yeast strains (Hanseniaspora opuntiae L479 and Metschnikowia pulcherrima L672) were evaluated for their effectiveness to control the development of P. expansum in wounded cherries stored at 1°C. Results showed that the microperforated films had fungistatic effects, particularly M50, due to the level of CO2 achieved (mean CO2 of 11.2kPa at 35days), and the decrease in disease severity. Antagonistic yeasts, particularly Metschnikowia pulcherrima L672, delayed the development of P. expansum and decreased disease incidence and severity. The combination of MAP and antagonistic yeasts was the most effective approach to control P. expansum, during cold storage.

Activity/inactivity circadian rhythm shows high similarities between young obesity-induced rats and old rats.

The objective of the present study was to compare differences between elderly rats and young obesity-induced rats in their activity/inactivity circadian rhythm. The investigation was motivated by the differences reported previously for the circadian rhythms of both obese and elderly humans (and other animals), and those of healthy, young or mature individuals. Three groups of rats were formed: a young control group which was fed a standard chow for rodents; a young obesity-induced group which was fed a high-fat diet for four months; and an elderly control group with rats aged 2.5 years that was fed a standard chow for rodents. Activity/inactivity data were registered through actimetry using infrared actimeter systems in each cage to detect activity. Data were logged on a computer and chronobiological analysis were performed. The results showed diurnal activity (sleep time), nocturnal activity (awake time), amplitude, acrophase, and interdaily stability to be similar between the young obesity-induced group and the elderly control group, but different in the young control group. We have concluded that obesity leads to a chronodisruption status in the body similar to the circadian rhythm degradation observed in the elderly.

Acute and chronic effects of MDMA on molecular mechanisms implicated in memory formation in rat hippocampus: surface expression of CaMKII and NMDA receptor subunits.

Acute 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") treatment induces learning deficits in different animal models. In a passive avoidance learning task in rats, previous studies suggested a role for Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the acute learning impairment. As cognitive deficits by "ecstasy" in humans have been only reported in frequent recreational users, we examined whether a repeated MDMA treatment could induce in rats lasting molecular changes related to memory consolidation of passive avoidance. In rats with a pronounced 5-HT depletion by MDMA, the effect of another drug challenge was also examined. The surface expression in the hippocampus of NMDA receptor subunits, the scaffolding postsynaptic density protein PSD-95, phosphorylated CaMKII and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) was measured. In rats repeatedly treated with MDMA (10 mg/kg) twice daily for 4 consecutive days, hippocampal 5-HT levels were markedly reduced 1 week later. At this time, neither learning performance was affected nor changes in membrane levels of NMDA receptor subunits, PSD-95, CaMKII and PP1 were found. In these rats, however, another drug challenge produced a rapid reduction in PSD-95 immunoreactivity and prevented the learning-specific increase in the NMDA receptor NR1 subunit and phosphorylated CaMKII. The results show no lasting change in learning-associated molecular events after a neurotoxic MDMA treatment. This drug only produces transient effects on early molecular events involved in memory consolidation, which do not appear to depend on endogenous 5-HT levels.

NMDA receptor subunit and CaMKII changes in rat hippocampus induced by acute MDMA treatment: a mechanism for learning impairment.

RATIONALE: Cognitive deficits have been reported in recreational 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") users. In rats and other animal species, acute MDMA administration produces an impairment in passive avoidance and other learning tasks. Different studies have shown that this learning deficit is not strictly related to the pronounced serotonin (5-HT) depletion induced by the drug. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at determining if acute MDMA administration induces in the rat hippocampus early molecular changes related to memory impairment in a passive avoidance task. The membrane expression of key molecules in memory consolidation, such as the NR1 and NR2B subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) was measured. Some of these studies were also performed after 5-HT depletion induced by the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). METHODS: Neurochemical studies were performed in rats treated with MDMA and killed 90 min later and also in rats subjected to passive avoidance 30 min after MDMA treatment. Western blotting was used for measuring the levels of NMDA receptor subunits, CAMKII and PP1. Enzyme activity assays were also performed. RESULTS: In hippocampal membrane extracts, passive avoidance training increased NMDA receptor NR1 subunit expression as well as CaMKII levels and phosphorylated CaMKII. In untrained rats, MDMA reduced NR1 and NR2B protein levels, membrane CaMKII levels and enzyme activity, and enhanced PP1 levels and activity. In trained rats, MDMA prevented the learning-specific increase in NR1 subunit expression and membrane CaMKII/pCaMKII levels. After pronounced 5-HT depletion by PCPA, MDMA impaired passive avoidance retention to a similar extent and also prevented the training-associated changes in NR1 levels and CaMKII activity. CONCLUSIONS: Diminished function of hippocampal CaMKII and reduced levels of synaptic NMDA receptor subunits appear to be involved in the impairment of passive avoidance learning induced in rats by acute MDMA treatment.

Composting of fish offal and biosolids in northwestern Patagonia.

Composting of fish processing wastes and biosolids with wood by-products and yard trimmings was conducted during the summer of 1996 and winter of 1997 in NW Patagonia using: (i) static piles for fish offal and (ii) turning piles for biosolids. Fish offal was mixed with sawdust + wood shavings (FOC) at 3:1 ratio by weight and biosolids with wood shavings (BCw) and yard trimmings (BCt) at 1:1 ratio by volume. Samples were taken at six dates during the composting period and analyzed to determine the factors that predict compost maturity. Composting of biosolids was affected by the type of bulking agent during winter. Thermophilic temperatures > or = 55 degrees C were sustained long enough to satisfy the USEPA requirements for processes to further reduce pathogens (PFRP) in FOC and BCt, and for processes to significantly reduce pathogens (PSRP) in summer BCw, while in winter BCw temperatures were lower than those recommended for effective pathogen reduction. However, coliform fecal content in all BC treatments was less than 10 most probable number (MPN) g(-1) dry sample at the end of the process. The ratio of water soluble carbon (WSC) to total nitrogen (TN) appeared to be a more adequate index to predict compost maturity than the ratio of total organic carbon to nitrogen.

[Klebocins K6 and K150: production and activity in various experimental conditions]. / Klebocinas K6 y K150: producción y actividad en diferentes condiciones experimentales.

Klebsiella is a common agent in hospital-acquired infections and its importance in disease transmission was evident in the isolation obtained in a health center in the city of Rio Cuarto. Bacteriocinogenic strains by the cross-streak method in tryptic-soy agar were investigated. Two Klebsiella produced bacteriocins with broad patterns of sensitivity among the tested strains. The K150 klebocin was more active than the K6 klebocin, but this one was more heat-stable than K150. The klebocins were not detected in the synthetic media employed and they caused inhibitory areas in complex media, except in triptose-beef extract. K150 was not active in eosine-methylene blue and nutrient agar. The bacteriocins were associated to lipase activity and hemolytic effect on chicken erythrocytes. The strains 6 and 150 were multiresistant to antimicrobial agents, with a pattern of sensitivity different from that of other multiresistant strains.

[Autoimmune pancreatitis: Report of 10 cases]. / Pancreatitis autoinmune: Experiencia clínica y revisión de la literatura.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune pancreatitis is a special form of chronic pancreatitis, more common in men and usually presenting as obstructive jaundice or abdominal pain. It may be associated with other immunological disorders and sometimes it is possible to find positive serological markers. Typical images show pancreatic enlargement with focal or diffuse stenosis of the pancreatic duct but sometimes it presents as a focal pancreatic mass that is difficult to differentiate from pancreatic carcinoma. AIM: To report ten cases of autoimmune pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records of 10 patients aged 26 to 56 years (six males) with autoimmune pancreatitis. RESULTS: The clinical presentation was obstructive jaundice in six cases, acute pancreatitis in two, persistent increase in serum amylase and Upase in one, and permanent abdominal pain and weight loss in one. On imaging studies, a circumscribed mass was founded in six patients. An endoscopic retrograde colangiopancreatography was performed in four patients showing an abnormal pancreatic duct in all. Six patients were operated and tissue for pathological study was obtained in five, showing inflammatory infiltration. Vive patients were treated with steroids with a good clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune pancreatitis must be borne in mind in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.

Mastitis granulomatosa idiopática: 10 años de experiencia en el Centro de Imagenología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: 10 years of experience at the Imaging Center of the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile

La mastitis granulomatosa idiopática es una patología inflamatoria de la mama poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida. Dado su forma de presentación clínica e imágenes puede simular tanto patología infecciosa como neoplásica, por lo que es importante sospecharla con el fin de realizar un diagnóstico adecuado y oportuno. La mayoría de los reportes en la literatura sobre esta patología corresponden a series de pocos casos. En este estudio se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los aspectos clínicos, histopatológicos, ima-genológicos y de manejo de 36 casos diagnosticados mediante biopsia Core bajo ecografía en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre los años 2004 y 2014. En este reporte, al igual que en la literatura, los hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos de la mastitis granulomatosa se superponen con los de la patología maligna e infecciosa. Si bien no observamos hallazgos patognomónicos, existen signos que hacen sospechar esta patología. En nuestro estudio encontramos que la presentación clínica más frecuente fue la masa o nódulo palpable, seguida de fístulas a la piel y engrosamiento cutáneo. Imagenológicamente el hallazgo mamográfico más frecuente fue la asimetría y en ecografía fue el área irregular con extensiones tubulares hipoecogénicas. Se revisan además aspectos histológicos, fisiopatológicos y del manejo de esta patología.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is an infrequent inflammatory disease of the breast, with etiology still unknown. Clinical presentation and images can simulate both infectious and neoplastic disease so it's important to suspect it to make a proper and timely diagnosis. Most reports in the literature on this topic correspond to small case series. This study is a retrospective analysis of the clinical, histopathological and imaging features and its management of 36 cases diagnosed by core biopsy under ultrasound at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile between 2004 and 2014. In this report, as in the literature, clinical and imaging findings in idiopathic granulomatous mastitis overlap with malignant and infectious diseases. Although we observed no pathognomonic findings, there are signs that make you suspect this condition. In our study we found that the most common clinical presentation was a palpable mass or nodule, followed by cutaneous fistula. Radiologically the most common mammographic finding was lobulated or irregular area and in ultrasound the most frecuent is the distorted breast parenchyma with posterior acoustic shadowing. Histological, pathophysiological and management aspects of this pathology was also reviewed.

Efecto de edulcorantes no calóricos en la calidad sensorial de jugo de naranja / Effect of non caloric sweeteners in sensory quality of orange juice

The consumption of non-caloric sweeteners is increasing in Chile being present in a wide variety of foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of distinct non-caloric sweeteners in the sensory qualities of orange juice as compared to sugar. The sweeteners selected were stevia, sucralose, saccharin and aspartame. These were added to natural juices in amounts equivalent to sugar in sweetness. Sensory analysis was performed with a group of youths of both sexes. An acceptability test was applied with an hedonic scale of 5 points evaluating aroma and flavor. The results indicate that the juice aroma is not affected by the use of sugar or sweeteners rated 3.5 to 3.7 (corresponding to "I like"). However, in the evaluation of flavor, significant differences were found, the best results corresponding to juice sweetened with sugar and sucralose (3,5 y 3,6 respectively).

El consumo de edulcorantes no calóricos es cada vez más masivo en nuestro país y están presentes en una gran variedad de alimentos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de edulcorantes no calóricos en la calidad sensorial de jugo de naranja, en comparación con el azúcar. Los edulcorantes seleccionados fueron estevia, sucralosa, sacarina y aspartamo. Se adicionaron a jugos naturales en cantidades equivalentes de dulzor respecto al azúcar. El análisis sensorial se realizó con un grupo de jóvenes de ambos sexos. Se aplicó una prueba de aceptabilidad con escala hedónica de 5 puntos, evaluando los parámetros de aroma y sabor. Los resultados indican que el aroma de los jugos no se ve afectado por la utilización de azúcar o edulcorantes, con calificación entre 3,5 a 3,7 (que corresponde a "me gusta"). Sin embargo, en la evaluación de sabor las muestras significativamente mejor evaluadas corresponden a jugos endulzados con azúcar y sucralosa (3,5 y 3,6 respectivamente).

Estimate of mercury and methyl mercury intake associated with fish consumption from Sagua la Grande River, Cuba.

This paper provides an estimate of the weekly intake of total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) from consumption of fish from the Sagua la Grande River, Villa Clara, Cuba, by determining the THg levels in different fish species. The levels varied between 0.143 and 0.484 µ g g(-1) on a fresh weight basis. None of the analysed fish was found to have levels above the national and international regulatory levels, although THg levels over 0.2 µ g g(-1), the threshold concentration established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the consumption by vulnerable population groups, were found in 75% of samples. The MeHg level was found to be 84% of the THg content. A Food Frequency Survey was given to 127 townspeople to estimate river fish consumption. The weekly intake of MeHg was found to be greater than the value established by the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) in 50% of children, in 80% of pregnant women, and in 75% of women in childbearing age. These weekly intakes can represent an important risk to the population's health, especially for vulnerable groups.

Detección inmunohistoquímica de parafibromina en patología de paratiroides / Immunohistochemical detection of parafibromin in parathyroid pathology

Introduction: The definitive diagnosis of parathyroid cancer is extremely difficult, from the clinical approach to the molecular diagnosis. A gene mutation was detected recently in patients with parathyroid cancer. It is a suppressor tumor gene called HRPT2, which codifies for a protein that participates in PAF1 complex, the parafibromin. It has been observed that the expression of this protein it's altered in parathyroid cancer, what would serve like method of diagnosis by immunohystochemistry, with a sensitivity and specificity of 73-96 percent and 99-100 percent respectively. Material and Method: The anti-parafibromin immunohysto-chemistry staining was made in 23 parathyroids tissue samples (5 adenomas, 6 hyperplasia, 7 normal and 5 carcinomas). Results: A positive pattern is observed in almost 100 percent of benign pathology and 100 percent in normal tissue. In the cases of carcinoma only 2 of 5 had a strong positivity. Conclusions: The pathological clinical correlation does not allow the association of the loss of parafibromin immunoreactivity in some unequivocal cases of parathyroid cancer. The parafibromin immunostaining does not allow to discriminate between benign or malign pathologies.

Introducción: El diagnóstico definitivo de cáncer de paratiroides es extremadamente difícil, desde el acercamiento clínico hasta el diagnóstico molecular. Se detectó recientemente en pacientes con cáncer de paratirodes un gen supresor de tumor mutado (HRPT2), que codifica para una proteína que participa en el complejo PAF1, la parafibromina. Se ha observado que la expresión de esta proteína está alterada en los casos de cáncer de paratiroides, lo que serviría como método de diagnóstico por inmunohistoquímica, con una sensibilidad y especificidad de 73-96 por ciento y 99-100 por ciento, respectivamente. Material y Método: Se realizó tinción inmunohistoquímica anti parafibromina en 23 muestras de tejido paratiroideo (5 adenomas, 6 hiper-plasias, 7 normales y 5 carcinomas). Resultados: Se observa un patrón positivo fuerte en casi 100 por ciento de la patología benigna y 100 por ciento en tejido normal. En los casos de carcinoma sólo 2 de 5 tenían positividad fuerte. Conclusiones: La correlación clínico patológica no permite asociar la pérdida de tinción de parafibromina en algunos casos de cáncer inequívocos. La tinción de parafibromina no permite discriminar entre patología benigna y maligna.

Caracterización de línea celular de paratiroides humana (RCPTH) y evaluación de tumorigenicidad en ratones NOD/SCID / Characterization of human parathyroid cell line (RCPTH) and tumorigenicity evaluation in NOD/SCID

Background: Cell therapy could be an alternative for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Therefore efforts have been made to establish a cell line of parathyroid cells. Aim: To establish a continuous functional and non-tumorigenic human parathyroid cell line. Material and Methods: Nineteen tissue samples from 15 patients subjected to parathyroidectomy due to primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism were obtained. Functional, morphological and tumorigenic properties of the obtained cells were analyzed. Results: After two months of culture in conditions of immortalization, cells had an exponential growth without experiencing senescence. Therefore, more than 200 sub cultures have been performed. The cell line was denominated RCPTH. Morphological characterization showed monolayer growth with contact inhibition and a duplication time of 30 hours. On light microscopy, pleomorphism and low number of mitoses were observed. Cells accumulated glycogen, expressed calcium sensing receptor and had positive PTH cytoplasmic clusters. The line secreted PTH initially but subsequently, PTH production became undetectable. The cell line did not have tumor or metastatic growth. Conclusions: A parathyroid cell line has been established. The lack of PTH production is a problem that will require the search for mechanisms to activate it.