Characterization of the first bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 strain isolated from an aborted bovine fetus in Argentina.

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is increasingly believed to be responsible for several disorders of the bovine reproductive tract. The first characterization of BoHV-4 in Argentina was from samples from an aborted fetus. Argentinean isolates are highly diverse and are phylogenetically grouped in three genotypes. In this study, we describe the isolation of BoHV-4 from a bovine fetus with a gestational age of 8 months and without macroscopic lesions. Genetic analyses revealed that the isolated strain belongs to genotype 2. This is the first report on the presence of infectious BoHV-4 in tissues from an aborted bovine fetus.

Uptake and metabolism of carbamazepine (CBZ) by clam Ruditapes decussatus and its effects in biochemical responses.

1. Laboratory experiments were carried out to assess uptake and metabolism of the epilepsy drug, carbamazepine and its consequent biological responses in marine clam (Ruditapes decussatus) a model non-target organism in ecotoxicology. 2. Clams were exposed to two nominal concentrations (C1 = 30 µg/L and C2 = 50 µg/L) of CBZ for a maximum period of 14 days. Analysis of CBZ and their metabolites in clam and water after exposure to two nominal concentrations of the pharmaceutical drug were performed using UPLC-HRMS analysis. CBZ accumulation reached an average tissue concentration of 1241.59 ng/g dw and 1664.33 ng/g dw at low and high nominal concentration, respectively. 3. Furthermore, a metabolite (3-hydroxy-CBZ) was detected in tissues indicating carbamazepine translocation and metabolism inside clam, suspect screening of CBZ glucuronides was also performed by accurate mass extraction but it could not be detected. 4. Activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthatione-S-transferase generally increased. Change in the contents of glutathione, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were also studied. 5. Results indicated that the bioaccumulation of CBZ resulted in the changes of the antioxidant defense system and the production of ROS with the oxidative stress, ultimately induced alteration in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl.

First Report of a New Isolate of Metarhizium rileyi from Maize Fields of Quivicán, Cuba.

Metarhizium rileyi (Farlow) Samson is an important entomopathogenic fungus of more than 30 species of Lepidoptera larvae. The aim of this research was to characterize isolate of M. rileyi from Quivicán, Cuba on the basis of morphological and molecular approaches. The fungus was isolated from samples of S. frugiperda larvae collected from maize fields of Quivicán municipality, Mayabeque province, Cuba, and it was cultured on PDA + Ampicillin solid media for morphological characterization. The DNA was isolated using CTAB method and internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, ITS4) were used as the primers for the amplification. The amplified products of 1335 bp were purified and sequenced at CINVESTAV-IPN in both the directions using the above primers. A consensus sequence was obtained by alignment of the forward and reverse sequences for this region and deposited in GenBank (MG637450). The fungus produced slightly cottony colony of pale green color and dispersed conidia and septal mycelium were observed under the optical microscope. A BLAST search of the sequence in GenBank revealed a 99% of identity with several strains of N. rileyi (e.g., AF368501.1, AB268359.1 and EU553337.1) and M. rileyi (e.g., KY436756.1). This is the first report of M. rileyi isolate from maize fields of Quivicán in Cuba and this is important for biodiversity studies and is another possibility for Integrated Pest Management.

Results of the prophylactic surgery of lumbosacral lipomas 20 years of experience in the Paediatric Neurosurgery Department La Timone Enfants Hospital, Marseille, France.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a retrospective study of children with lumbosacral lipomas treated in the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery hospital Timone Enfants in the last 20 years. We selected patients with lipomas of the conus medullaris who underwent preventive surgery. 86 ,4 % of the patients remained asymptomatic during the follow-up. Worse results were observed in children older than one year old at surgery with transitional lipoma, with the conus medullaris was below L5 and when the resection had been partial. In view of the results, the authors recommend the preventive surgery before the first year of life under neurophysiologic monitoring in order to perform a total near-total resection with a neural plate reconstitution.

Extradural abscess secondary to Salmonella enteritidis in a child following fronto-orbital facial advancement and remodeling surgery.

Intracranial infections caused by Salmonella are rare. We describe the first case of a child undergoing craniofacial surgery for trigonocephaly and subsequently developing an extradural abscess secondary to likely community-acquired Salmonella enteritidis. He underwent surgical washout but returned to theater for a further 2, alongside a prolonged course of intravenous ciprofloxacin. We observed extensive anterior skull bone loss at 78 days postoperatively. At 1 year 11 months, extensive anterior skull bone remodeling had taken place, and the child is currently well.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score (ETVSS) predicting success in a series of 50 pediatric patients. Are the outcomes of our patients predictable?

PURPOSE: In our series of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), we sought to establish the relationship between the preoperative prediction using the Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score (ETVSS) and the postsurgical success rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive analytical study comprised 50 pediatric patients who underwent 58 ETV procedures between 2003 and 2011. Data regarding clinical, surgical, and radiological findings were obtained from a continuously updated database. For each patient, we calculated the ETVSS, based on the patient's age, hydrocephalus etiology, and presence of a previous shunt. We considered success to be an established or improved clinical state and at least one of the following radiological criteria: (a) reduction in ventricular size or stable ventricles with disappearance of periventricular edema and increased subarachnoid space over cerebral convexities, (b) flow artifact in sagittal T2FSE MR, or (c) bidirectional flow signal in 2D-CPC MR. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Six months was the minimum postoperative follow-up required. RESULTS: The ETV was successful in 29 patients (58 %). Patients aged over 1 year achieved the best results (p < 0.019). For those who underwent successful ETV, the mean ETVSS was 71.03 (95 % CI, 66.23-75.84). In those for whom the ETV was not successful, the mean ETVSS was 60 (95 % CI, 53.09-66.90); (p < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The success of ETV in our series could have been predicted by ETVSS. Predictability could help establish stricter surgical selection criteria, thereby obtaining higher success rates, as well as preparing the patients and their families for expected outcomes.

Psychometric properties of the Purpose-In-Life Test and age-related differences among women diagnosed with eating disorders.

The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Purpose-In-Life Test (PIL), as well as the age-related differences in meaning in life in women diagnosed with eating disorders. Participants were 250 Spanish women diagnosed with eating disorders who ranged from 12 to 60 years old. Confirmatory Factor Analysis, descriptive analyses, estimation of the internal consistency of the PIL, correlations between the PIL and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Overweight Preoccupation Scale (OPS), and Body Investment Scale (BIS), and age differences were calculated. A 19-item model that showed a good fit and internal consistency, a negative correlation between the PIL and both the BHS and OPS, and a positive correlation with the BIS, as well as significant differences between the adolescents and the mature adults, were found. It would be advisable to increase the inclusion of meaning in life in psychotherapeutic interventions with women diagnosed with eating disorders.

Expression analysis and biochemical characterization of beans plants biofortificated with zinc.

The present work was carried out in greenhouse conditions at the Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo AC in Delicias, Chihuahua, México. Four different concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100 µM L-1) of Zn chelate and sulfate were used to study the antioxidant system of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Three genes related with antioxidant activity [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT)] were selected for expression study. Results showed that when Zn chelate at 50 and 100 µM L-1 were applied SOD was repressed and GSH-Px expression was low at 0, 25 and 100 µM L-1 while with sulfate form SOD expression was low and GSH-Px expression was strong in all treatment. CAT was highly expressed in all form and treatments. For a biochemical study the same enzymes were spectrophotometrically measured. SOD activity shows differences in both forms of Zn, chelate form was different at 25, 50 and 100 µM L-1 with less activity at 100 µM L-1 and sulfate treatment shows differences in all concentrations used. GSH-Px activity shows significant differences with sulfate form at 25, 50 µM L-1 where at 50 µM the activity was higher and low at 100 µM L-1, CAT does not exhibit significant differences but with chelate treatment at 50-100 µM L-1 the activity was higher compared to sulfate. Finally, to raise the Zn concentration in bean under biofortification program is a promising strategy in cropping systems in order to increase the ingestion of zinc and antioxidant capacity in the general population and provided the benefits that this element offered in human health.

Comunicação do diagnóstico de câncer de mama / Breast cancer diagnosis comunication

Talvez mais do que qualquer outro câncer, o câncer de mama expõe a paciente não só a um abalo emocional e psicológico, mas também a uma possível modificação da autoestima. A comunicação do câncer de mama ocorre em um momento importante do diagnóstico da enfermidade. Esta revisão tem o objetivo de verificar se existe um padrão de comunicação do diagnóstico de câncer de mama e avaliar os aspectos envolvidos. Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e Biblioteca Cochrane por meio dos descritores “breast neoplasms”, “disclosure”, “persuasive communication”, “diagnosis” e “physician-patient relations”, através da qual foram selecionados oito estudos. Dentre estes, seis abordaram aspectos da comunicação; dois classificam tipos de comunicação; e um analisa as pacientes após o diagnóstico. A conclusão é que não há um padrão único e fixo para a comunicação do diagnóstico do câncer de mama tendo em vista a imensa complexidade e variabilidade de preferências das pacientes.

Perhaps more than any other cancer, breast cancer not only exposes the patient to a psychological and emotional upheaval, but also a possible modification of self-esteem. The communication of breast cancer occurs at an important time of diagnosis of disease. This review aims to establish whether there is a communications standard for the diagnosis of breast cancer and evaluate the issues involved. Was searched in Medline, Lilacs and Cochrane Library using the keywords "breast neoplasms," "disclosure," "persuasive communication", "diagnosis" and "physician-patient relations, through which eight studies were selected . Six of these dealt with aspects of communication, two classified types of communication, and one examines the patients after diagnosis. The conclusion is that there is a single, fixed standard for the communication of the diagnosis of breast cancer in view of the immense complexity and variability of preferences of patients.