Effect of progesterone on the vaccination and immune response against Chlamydia abortus in sheep.

Chlamydia abortus produces ovine enzootic abortion (OEA). Symptoms are not observed until the organism colonises the placenta, eventually causing abortion. Infected animals become carriers and will shed the organism in the following oestruses. This process suggests that sex hormones might play an important role in the physiopathology of OEA, affecting the success of chlamydial clearance and also jeopardising the effectiveness of vaccination. However, the mechanisms through which sex hormones are involved in chlamydial pathogenicity remain unclear. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the effect of progesterone on the immune response against C. abortus and on the protection conferred by an experimental inactivated vaccine in sheep. Eighteen sheep were ovariectomised and divided into four groups: vaccinated and progesterone-treated (V-PG), vaccinated and non-treated (V-NT), non-vaccinated and non-treated (NV-NT) and non-vaccinated and progesterone-treated sheep (NV-PG). Animals from both PG groups were treated with commercial medroxyprogesterone acetate impregnated intravaginal sponges before and during the vaccination (V-PG) or just before challenge (NV-PG). The animals from both V groups were subcutaneously immunised with an experimental inactivated vaccine, which was seen to confer high protection in previous studies. All sheep were challenged intratracheally with C. abortus strain AB7 and were sacrificed on day 8 post-infection. Morbidity was measured as the variation in rectal temperature and samples of sera were collected for antibody and cytokine (IFN-γ and IL-10) analysis by commercial ELISA. In addition, lung and lymph node samples were collected for chlamydial detection by qPCR and for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Sheep from the V-PG group showed less severe or no lesions and lower morbidity than the other groups. They also had the highest abundance of regulatory T-cells. The sheep from V-NT also manifested high antibody levels against C. abortus and less severe lesions than those observed in non-vaccinated sheep, which showed high morbidity, low antibody levels and severe lesions, especially in NV-NT. These results confirm the effectiveness of the experimental vaccine employed and suggest that progesterone could enhance the effect.

Corticotherapy vs. Corticotherapy Plus Immunosuppressive Therapy in Acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease. / Corticoterapia vs. corticoterapia con inmunosupresores en el tratamiento de la fase aguda del síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada.

INTRODUCTION: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease is a multisystem disorder characterized by a bilateral granulomatous panuveitis. Multiple therapeutic regimens have been used to control inflammation in acute uveitic stage to prevent irreversible visual loss. The purpose of this paper is to compare the effect, on functional and anatomic outcomes, of early treatment with standard corticotherapy vs. corticotherapy plus immunosuppressive (IMT) therapy in acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (Group A vs Group B). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, with an evolution time of 2 weeks or less, who attended the Inflammatory Eye Disease Clinic, from 2001 to 2015. Data collected included demographic information, presenting features, treatment and improvement in visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: Sixteen charts were reviewed; 15 females (93.75%). Mean age: 30.81±10.53 years, follow-up time (months): 54.94±43.43. Ten patients (66.6%) had IMT, azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. In group A, initial VA<20/200 in 66.7%; final VA was ≥20/40 in 9 eyes (75%). In group B, initial VA<20/200 in 65%; final VA≥20/40 in 15 eyes (75%). In group A, VA improved faster at one and 3 months (ANOVA P<.057). Clinical characteristics in convalescent stage and complications were similar. Anterior chamber recurrences occurred in both groups and posterior pole recurrences were observed in group A. Time to first recurrence was similar (P<.279). Frequency of recurrence was 2.33±1.80 vs 1.5±0.79 (P<.01). At recurrence 15 patients were still having oral steroids, nine in group A, 6 in Group B. In group A, prednisone was given during more time: mean 15.17±12.08 months, and time to reach to 10mg dose was longer: 8.60±11.7 (P<.008 and P<.046). CONCLUSIONS: Adding IMT as first line therapy to corticosteroids, do not matter significantly in terms of final VA or development of visually significant complications. In the IMT plus corticosteroids group number of recurrences was significantly lower, and a steroid sparing effect was evident.

Analysis of the evolution of cortical and trabecular bone compartments in the proximal femur after spinal cord injury by 3D-DXA.

Marked trabecular and cortical bone loss was observed at the proximal femur short-term after spinal cord injury (SCI). 3D-DXA provided measurement of vBMD evolution at both femoral compartments and cortical thinning, thereby suggesting that this technique could be useful for bone analysis in these patients. INTRODUCTION: SCI is associated with a marked increase in bone loss and risk of osteoporosis development short-term after injury. 3D-DXA is a new imaging analysis technique providing 3D analysis of the cortical and trabecular bone from DXA scans. The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of trabecular macrostructure and cortical bone using 3D-DXA in patients with recent SCI followed over 12 months. METHODS: Sixteen males with recent SCI (< 3 months since injury) and without antiosteoporotic treatment were included. Clinical assessment, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by DXA, and 3D-DXA evaluation at proximal femur (analyzing the integral, trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD [vBMD] and cortical thickness) were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: vBMD significantly decreased at integral, trabecular, and cortical compartments at 6 months (- 8.8, - 11.6, and - 2.4%), with a further decrease at 12 months, resulting in an overall decrease of - 16.6, - 21.9, and - 5.0%, respectively. Cortical thickness also decreased at 6 and 12 months (- 8.0 and - 11.4%), with the maximal decrease being observed during the first 6 months. The mean BMD losses by DXA at femoral neck and total femur were - 17.7 and - 21.1%, at 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Marked trabecular and cortical bone loss was observed at the proximal femur short-term after SCI. 3D-DXA measured vBMD evolution at both femoral compartments and cortical thinning, providing better knowledge of their differential contributory role to bone strength and probably of the effect of therapy in these patients.

1º Congreso AADYND: Categoría Premio Congreso / Gasto energético y hemodiálisis crónica / Valoración nutricional cualitativa de los menús y diseño de la carta de restaurantes / Ferias Municipales: Viabilidad como canal de comercialización / Prueba piloto para conocer aceptabilidad, preferencia y saciedad de colaciones dulces con baja densidad energética y alto aporte proteico en mujeres perimenopáusicas / Rol de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en la regulación hormonal del apetito y el índice de masa corporal / Incursionando nuevas áreas de trabajo: "El licenciado en nutrición en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales" / Diseño y proyección de audiovisuales animados como estrategia comunicativa / Proceso de mejora de las bases y condiciones para la concesión del servicio de confitería de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud (FCS). Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa) / Consumo de frutas en estudiantes universitarios

Introducción: Existen controversias sobre el comportamiento del gasto energético en reposo (GER) en pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD), algunos autores señalan que la HD aumenta el GER, mientras que otros no hallaron diferencias significativas. Objetivos: Determinar si el GER en pacientes en HD es superior al de individuos que no dializan. Determinar si el GER en pacientes en HD es mayor durante el momento de diálisis en comparación al momento que no dializan. Materiales y método: Para el objetivo 1, diseño comparativo a muestras independientes, observacional, prospectivo, transversal; para el objetivo 2, comparativo a muestras relacionadas, observacional, prospectivo, longitudinal. La muestra quedó conformada por 30 individuos en HD crónica y 30 controles apareados por edad, sexo, actividad física y estado nutricional. Se midió el GER utilizando un calorímetro indirecto móvil. Para el análisis estadístico se aplicaron test de diferencias (p < 0,05). Resultados: El GER de los individuos en HD no fue significativamente mayor al del grupo control (test de medias 56,8kcal, IC -76,6/190,2, p=0,1955; test de medianas 49,9kcal, IC -84,9/189,9, p=0,2142; test de signos 56,6%, IC 37,4/74,5, p=0,292). En los individuos en HD, el GER aumentó significativamente durante la sesión (test de medias 173kcal, IC -83,6/262,4, p=0,00022; test de medianas 170kcal, IC 85/255, p=0,00024; test de signos 83,33%, IC 65,3/94,3, p=0,00016). Al subdividir este grupo según presencia o ausencia de diabetes, se mantuvo el incremento del GER durante la diálisis. (test de medias 210kcal, IC 75,1/344,9, p 0,0044; test de medianas 212,5kcal, IC 65/340, p 0,0028; test de signos 85,71%, IC 42,1/99,6, p 0,06). Conclusiones: El GER de pacientes en HD no está incrementado con respecto a individuos sanos. En el paciente en HD crónica el GER aumenta durante el procedimiento dialítico en comparación al día que no asiste a diálisis.

Introducción: La carta de menú del restaurante, aparece como el elemento de comunicación más fuerte y a veces el único que se establece entre el restaurante y el consumidor. La tendencia creciente de comer fuera de casa convierte a los restaurantes en establecimientos cruciales para la promoción de un patrón alimentario saludable para toda la población. Una oferta alimentaria variada y equilibrada desde el punto de vista nutricional es el camino adecuado para mejorar la calidad de los menús, y con ello llevar mensajes nutricionales para mejorar la salud poblacional. Objetivos: Analizar el valor nutricional cualitativo de los menús y el diseño de la carta en los restaurantes de la ciudad de Mar del Plata en el año 2014. Materiales y método: La selección de restaurantes se llevó a cabo al azar por estratificación en zonas geográficas. Se realizó un análisis de valoración nutricional cualitativa de los menús con los datos recolectados. Simultáneamente, se analizó el diseño de las cartas de menús a través de una grilla de observación planteada específicamente para tal fin. Es un estudio descriptivo; no experimental y de tipo transversal. Resultados: Del menú se analizó un total de 258 entradas, 1186 platos principales, 137 guarniciones y 198 postres. La mayoría de las entradas y los platos principales ofrecidos están compuestos por proteínas animales, representado el 84% y el 70%, respectivamente. El promedio por restaurante es de 28 platos principales con papas fritas de guarnición. El diseño de la carta en su mayoría es sencillo y claro, sin elementos de comunicación visual llamativos. Conclusiones: Los menús analizados presentan un desequilibrio en su valor nutricional, con un exceso en proteína animal y poca oferta de platos con carbohidratos bajos.

Introducción: La perimenopausia se asocia con mayor probabilidad de padecer trastornos de la alimentación, destacándose la compulsión glucídica, que lleva a consumir fundamentalmente alimentos con alto contenido de carbohidratos entre comidas. Objetivos: evaluar aceptabilidad, preferencia y saciedad de colaciones dulces de baja densidad energética (DE) y alto aporte proteico en muestra de mujeres adultas perimenopáusicas. Materiales y método: A partir de receta estándar de merengues, se desarrollaron tres variantes con disminución de DE y sacarosa (Muestra A y C se reemplazó sacarosa por azúcar light y sucralosa en diferentes proporciones; Muestra B se disminuyó sacarosa y se agregó sucralosa). Se realizó ensayo de aceptabilidad y preferencia en 75 evaluadoras no entrenadas y prueba de saciedad a 27 evaluadoras no entrenadas, utilizando encuesta autoadministrada y escala hedónica de Likert de 9 puntos. Análisis estadístico: medidas de tendencia central, ANOVA, prueba de Friedman y Software "Statgraphics Centurion XVII" para pruebas de aceptabilidad. Resultados: Se desarrollaron merengues para las tres muestras de 1 g. cada uno, con disminución del 31% en la DE y 1,03 mg. de triptófano por unidad. La muestra B (se disminuyó la sacarosa al 88,7% y se agregó sucralosa en 11,3%), fue la de mayor preferencia y aceptabilidad por sus características sensoriales. Sobre esta muestra se aplicó el test de saciedad (libre demanda), obteniendo una media de ingesta de 10 unidades (Rango: 3-15). El 22,2% de las mujeres consumió 3 a 8 merengues; 51,8% 9 a 12 merengues y 25,9% más de 12 merengues. Se pudo observar que las mujeres estaban plenamente saciadas a los primeros 30 minutos, manifestando que a los 120 minutos tuvieron apetito. Conclusiones: La colación más aceptada y preferida fue la que mantuvo sacarosa y una proporción fue sustituida por edulcorante no calórico. El test de saciedad demostró que la colación seleccionada logró saciedad a corto plazo.

Introducción: Helicobacter pylori coloniza la mucosa gástrica y se asocia con el desarrollo de patologías gastrointestinales, pudiendo afectar la secreción de hormonas moduladoras del apetito. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre la colonización gástrica por H. pylori, las concentraciones séricas de grelina y leptina y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en pacientes con sintomatología digestiva. Materiales y método: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal que incluyó 163 pacientes dispépticos (18 - 70 años) derivados al Hospital de Gastroenterología "Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo". Se realizó una encuesta sociodemográfica, recordatorio de 24 horas y se midió circunferencia de cintura (CC), peso y talla para el cálculo del IMC. La presencia de H. pylori se diagnosticó mediante 13C-Test del Aire Espirado (13C-UBT). Las concentraciones séricas de grelina y leptina se determinaron mediante enzimoinmunoensayo. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron los Tests de χ2, Mann-Whitney, correlación de Spearman y regresión lineal (SPSS19.0). Resultados: La prevalencia de la infección por H. pylori fue de 53,4% (IC95%;45,7-65,8%). La ingesta promedio de energía, carbohidratos, proteínas y lípidos no se asoció a la infección. Las prevalencias de sobrepeso/ obesidad y adiposidad central no difirieron significativamente entre H. pylori positivos y negativos (p=0.09 y p=0.87, respectivamente). La mediana de la concentración de grelina fue 306.5 pg/mL (RIC;230.0- 385.5) en H. pylori positivos y 358.3 pg/mL (RIC;253.8-547.8) en negativos. La infección se asoció con menores concentraciones séricas de grelina (p=0.016) aún ajustando por IMC y género (p=0.019), no habiéndose encontrado asociación entre los valores de leptina y la infección (p=0,76). Los niveles de grelina sérica se correlacionaron negativamente con el IMC (r=-0,25; p=0,0013), mientras que la correlación leptina-IMC fue positiva (r=0,56; p<0,00001) en la población total. Conclusiones: La colonización por H. pylori en pacientes con sintomatología digestiva se asoció con menores concentraciones séricas de grelina, enfatizando su rol en la regulación hormonal del apetito.

Introducción: La alimentación del recién nacido de pretérmino (RNPT) es un gran desafío. La administración óptima de nutrientes requiere de una infraestructura organizada y profesionales de distintas áreas que trabajen en forma conjunta. A partir de la necesidad de cumplir con estándares de calidad respecto del estado nutricional de pacientes neonatales, la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN) del Hospital Universitario Austral (HUA) sugirió la incorporación de un licenciado en nutrición para colaborar en diferentes aspectos del cuidado nutricional de los mismos. Objetivos: Promover la inserción del licenciado en nutrición como parte del equipo colaborador del cuidado nutricional del neonato. Evaluar posibles herramientas que el licenciado en nutrición pudiera aportar dentro de una UCIN. Materiales y método: Se trabajó con monitoreo continuo de pacientes ingresados en la UCIN del HUA de Pilar durante el periodo de diciembre 2012 hasta la actualidad. Se diseñó una planilla para cargar datos de los pacientes que ingresan a la Unidad obtenidos de la historia clínica informatizada de la institución (Pectra Digital Gate®). Resultados: A partir de los datos recolectados se obtuvo información sobre: días de recuperación del peso de nacimiento; número de días para cubrir requerimientos propuestos; número de días que recibe NPT; aumento de peso de los últimos 7 días; monitoreo de soporte nutricional indicado y recibido; porcentaje de leche materna vs fórmula recibida. Se colaboró en el diseño de planillas de fraccionamiento de leches, protocolos de inicio de alimentación del recién nacido de bajo peso al nacer y uso de fortificadores de la leche materna; se optimizó el registro de la alimentación enteral y parenteral recibida en la historia clínica; se realizó asesoramiento de productos y búsqueda bibliográfica para la incorporación de nuevas fórmulas dentro del Vademécum de la institución. Conclusión: La existencia de protocolos básicos actualizados, cálculo de los requerimientos energéticos en función de la situación clínica y el estado nutricional, monitoreo de la alimentación enteral y parenteral, cumplimento del objetivo calórico, son algunos indicadores que pueden utilizarse como herramienta para medir la calidad de la actividad asistencial. El asesoramiento y monitoreo del cuidado nutricional del neonato son parte de las funciones que los nutricionistas pueden cumplir dentro de dichas unidades. La inclusión en la enseñanza de grado y postgrado del cuidado nutricional de este grupo es de vital importancia dentro del aprendizaje continuo del licenciado en nutrición.

Introducción: El proyecto se enmarca en el Programa de Ciudadanía Porteña, programa de asistencia alimentaria implementado por el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, basado en transferencia directa de ingresos a familias en situación de vulnerabilidad Objetivos: Realizar educación alimentaria nutricional en 3 mensajes: lactancia materna, alimentación complementaria e hidratación a usuarios del programa en salas de espera de las sedes en que realizan trámites. Materiales y método: Se diseñaron y proyectaron 3 animaciones audiovisuales de corta duración, cada una con contenidos de cada mensaje principal de los objetivos. Se entregaron 3 folletos para complementar la información del video. Se realizaron 148 encuestas directas a los beneficiarios que asistieron a las sedes del programa para evaluar la incorporación de los mensajes. Resultados: Se analizaron las encuestas por mensaje. Lactancia materna: 98% vio el video; 81,6 % recordó el tema principal; el beneficio de defensas fue el mayor con el 33%; 28% leyó el folleto; 42% opinó es bueno amamantar hasta los 2 años y más. Alimentación complementaria: 87% vio el video; 47,5% respondió como tema principal: Primeras comidas del bebé; 24% y el 17% según sede leyeron el folleto; 60% respondió como tema del folleto: Qué alimentos dar a los bebés por edades; 31% opinó en comenzar la alimentación complementaria antes de los 6 meses. Hidratación y consumo: 76% vio el video; 86% respondió correctamente el tema principal del video; 44% respondió como principal beneficio del agua saca la sed; 6% tomó el folleto. Conclusiones: Los mensajes fueron comprendidos satisfactoriamente. La implementación de la animación es un recurso práctico y moderno que facilita la incorporación de los mensajes. Su proyección repetitiva permite llegar a mayor cantidad de beneficiarios, el material gráfico tuvo menor recepción.

Introducción: El pliego de condiciones para la concesión de un servicio de confitería establece la calidad requerida. Por tal motivo es esencial especificar adecuadamente las condiciones del servicio que se espera recibir para brindar satisfacción a los usuarios y partes interesadas.Objetivos: Analizar el proceso y el pliego de bases y condiciones para la concesión del servicio de confitería de la FCS de la UNSa. Proponer mejoras para orientar las actividades futuras en relación a la compra, selección, preparación distribución y control del servicio. Materiales y Método: Se realizó una encuesta de satisfacción para conocer la calidad percibida por los usuarios de la confitería de la FCS. Se analizaron el proceso y los subprocesos de concesión del servicio, el pliego de condiciones mediante el cual se rige la actual concesión. Se aplicó el diagrama de Espina de Pescado para determinar la causa raíz el problema. Resultados: Los clientes manifestaron insatisfacción en relación a la variedad de preparaciones y la omisión de alimentos saludables como vegetales, pescados, lácteos descremados, jugos de frutas, cereales integrales. Problema raíz: pliego de condiciones incompleto y poco detallado. Conclusiones: El plan de mejoras en relación al pliego de bases y condiciones requiere tener en cuenta aspectos tales como: calidad de la materia prima, plan de menú, tipo y cantidad de comidas, ingredientes, formas de preparación, características físico químicas de las preparaciones saludables, porción estándar, presentación y tipos de vajilla.

Introducción: La importancia del consumo de frutas es vital debido a sus propiedades nutritivas, por su aporte de vitaminas, minerales, fibra y agua. Las Guías Alimentarias para la Población Argentina (GAPA) recomiendan el consumo diario de 2 a 3 frutas. Objetivos: Estimar la prevalencia de consumo inadecuado de frutas y determinar la prevalencia de dicho consumo por exceso o déficit, en estudiantes. Estimar la prevalencia de los motivos por los cuales no se consumen frutas en estudiantes. Materiales y método: Diseño descriptivo, observacional y transversal. La muestra quedó conformada por 486 estudiantes universitarios y terciarios. Se midió el consumo de frutas a través de una encuesta diseñada para tal fin. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el paquete VCCstat V.Beta 2.0. Resultados: El 23,5% de la muestra pertenecía a alguna carrera de ciencias de la salud. El 74% (IC95% 69,9-77,9) de los estudiantes no cumplió con la recomendación diaria de las GAPA. De este porcentaje, un 96,4% (IC95% 93,8-98) no llegó a consumir al menos dos frutas diarias, mientras que solo un 3,6% (IC95% 1,9-6,1) de los encuestados superó dicha recomendación. Se encontró un 34,6% (IC95%30,3-38,9) de estudiantes con consumo nulo. Entre los motivos de este hallazgo, un 72% (IC95% 64,5-78,6) lo adjudicó a la "falta de hábito". Entre los motivos restantes se destacan "no me gusta" con el 10,7% (IC95%6,4-16,4) y "falta de practicidad" con el 9,5% (IC95%,5-15). Conclusión: La mayoría de los estudiantes consume menos cantidad de frutas que la recomendada. Debido a la falta de hábito, un gran porcentaje de estudiantes no incorpora frutas en su alimentación diaria.

Effects of testosterone treatment on bone mineral density in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome.

The decline in testosterone levels found in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). To study the safety profile and efficacy of testosterone treatment on BMD in patients with TDS. In this 2-year prospective open-label study, patients were administered 50 mg of testosterone gel daily (adjustable after 3 months up to 75-100 mg or down to 25 mg) for 12 months, followed by treatment with 1000 mg of testosterone undecanoate every 2-3 months from months 12-24. Outcome measures were as follows: (i) Changes in clinical chemistry safety parameters and total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and calculated free testosterone (cFT) levels; (ii) Changes in Aging Males' Symptoms Scale (AMS) and International Prostate Symptom Score scores; and (iii) Changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD. A total of 50 men aged 50-65 years with TDS (AMS >26 and cFT <0.250 nmol/mL) took part in the study. There was no significant impact of testosterone on safety. Prostate-specific antigen and haematopoietic parameters increased significantly, although the changes were not clinically significant. Total and cFT increased significantly after 3 months (p < 0.001) and there were significant improvements after 3 months in AMS scores (p < 0.001). BMD improved significantly in L2-L4 (2.90 and 4.5%), total femur (0.74 and 3%) and trochanter (1.09 and 3.2%) at 12 and 24 months respectively. Testosterone treatment in men with TDS has a good safety profile, leads to significant improvement in lumbar spine and hip BMD, and improves symptoms, as assessed by the AMS questionnaire.

[Ischial osteomyelitis in children. Two case reports]. / Osteomielitis del isquion en la infancia. A propósito de dos casos.

UNLABELLED: Ischial osteomyelitis is a bone infection that is very infrequent during childhood and is diagnosed by excluding other more frequent conditions. The definitive diagnosis is made with puncture biopsy, which allows instituting targeted antibiotic therapy. We present herein two clinical cases of two children who had a favorable course. In both cases the findings of the initial X-rays were unremarkable. The physical exam did not show total limitation of the coxofemoral joint but it did show ischial tenderness. The MRI showed images compatible with ischial osteitis. The ischial puncture biopsy was diagnostic in both cases. At the 24-month follow-up both children are leading a normal life. CONCLUSIONS: Ischial osteomyelitis is an entity to consider in children with coxalgia once other more frequent conditions have been ruled out. The diagnosis is possible with a thorough iconographic study toget.

Tinnitus and quality of life following vestibular schwannoma surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study on patients undergoing surgery for vestibular schwannoma investigated tumour (i) the effect of pre-operative factors on tinnitus, (ii) the effect of translabyrinthine or hearing preservation surgical approaches on tinnitus, and (iii) the effect of postoperative tinnitus status on the patient's quality of life (QOL). METHODOLOGY: Seventy-nine patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma (VS) excision between 2001 and 2005 were selected. Postoperative tinnitus status was evaluated using a standard questionnaire for tinnitus, and QOL was measured using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). RESULTS: Overall, 58% of patients noted tinnitus before tumour removal. Pre-operative tinnitus was not associated with age, gender, tumour size, or hearing thresholds. The total percentage of patients suffering postoperative tinnitus was 64%. Hearing preservation approaches showed no difference in terms of changes in tinnitus compared to the translabyrinthine approach. Twenty-one patients (30%) reported better QOL, 40 patients (56%) reported worse QOL, and 10 patients (14%) reported the same QOL. A significant association was found between tinnitus worsening as measured by GBI score and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients do not report significant changes in their tinnitus status after surgery. Tinnitus evolution is unpredictable and not related to the type of surgical approach. Thus, tinnitus should not be used as a criterion for selecting the surgical approach. Tinnitus worsening appears to influence QOL following surgery for VS.

Evaluating the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde and Echinacea purpurea plant extract in broilers against Eimeria acervulina.

Coccidiostats could be phased out as feed additives before 1 January 2013 for public health and food safety reasons, and, as a replacement, bioactive compounds found in plants are currently being investigated since they are more likely to be found acceptable by consumers. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and Echinacea purpurea plant extract (EP) as additives by analyzing the performance traits, oocyst excretion and intestinal lesions following experimental infection with Eimeria acervulina. A total of 72 Ross male broilers were raised from 1 to 35 d and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: control, without additives (C); 150 mg kg(-1) cinnamaldehyde (CIN); 1000 mg kg(-1)E. purpurea plant extract (EP); 150 mg kg(-1) cinnamaldehyde plus 1000 mg kg(-1)E. purpurea plant extract (CIN+EP). At 25 d, 12 chickens per treatment were orally infected with E. acervulina. Coccidia infestation led to lower performance but with no significant differences between the infected groups. Oocyst output reached its peak from 6 to 9 d post-infection in all treatments. At duodenal level, gross lesion scores were lower for cinnamaldehyde diets (P<0.05). A similar trend was observed in the microscopic lesion scores, with a non-significant reduction as a result of cinnamaldehyde addition (P>0.05). Scoring methods for macro- and microscopic lesions showed a positive linear relationship (G=+0.70). Further studies are necessary to assess the possible anticoccidian action of the cinnamaldehyde and its value as an alternative or adjunct in therapeutic or prophylactic strategies.

Microscopical and immunological features of tuberculoid granulomata and cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis in naturally infected goats.

Caprine tuberculosis is caused by bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae). Although typical tuberculoid granulomata are usually observed in the lungs and lymph nodes of infected goats, the presence of cavitary lesions with exuberant mycobacterial growth is also a common feature in this species. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunological mechanisms that lead to liquefaction and cavity formation by comparing granulomata and cavitary lesions. Samples from animals positive by skin testing were collected for microscopical and immunohistochemical examination. Samples were also collected for analysis of cytokine gene expression in the lesions by real time polymerase chain reaction. There were marked differences between granulomata and cavitary lesions. In cavitary lesions there was a substantial population of neutrophils and a significant decrease in the number of CD4(+) T cells, with concomitant increases in other T-cell populations (CD8(+) and cells expressing the γδ form of the T-cell receptor). The enzyme iNOS was strongly expressed by macrophages in the cavitary lesions. There was no difference in the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in the lesions. These findings suggest that cavitary lesions are reactivation sites, where conditions are optimal for Mycobacterium proliferation and that immunological mechanisms may underlie the severe destruction of lung tissue that characterizes the cavitary pathology.

[Clinical tumoral size dissociation in acoustic neuroma: reality or measure distortion?]. / Disociación clínica-tamaño tumoral en el neurinoma del acúistico: realidad o problema de medida?

INTRODUCTION: In this study we have analyzed (i) the audiometric frequencies more often affected in acoustic neuroma (AN), (ii) the percentage of patients presenting normal hearing and those with sudden hearing loss, (iii) if there is a correlation between tumor size and hearing loss, and (iv) the relationship between clinical and radiological parameters and audiological data. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Retrospective study of 81 patients undergoing surgical removal of a sporadic AN. RESULTS: The highest threshold in the tumor's ear was found at 8000 Hz, and the highest interaural difference at 4000 Hz. The percentage of patients presenting normal hearing and sudden hearing loss was 2.5% and 9%, respectively. No significant association was found between tumor size and hearing loss, preoperative facial palsy or Vth cranial nerve deficit. There was a significant association between the degree of hearing loss and Vth cranial nerve deficit, and between hearing loss and preoperative facial palsy. CONCLUSIONS: The association between hearing loss and Vth cranial nerve deficit, and between hearing loss and preoperative facial palsy is independent the size of the tumour.

CXCR2 deficiency confers impaired neutrophil recruitment and increased susceptibility during Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Neutrophil migration to the site of infection is a critical early step in host immunity to microbial pathogens, in which chemokines and their receptors play an important role. In this work, mice deficient in expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 were infected with Toxoplasma gondii and the outcome was monitored. Gene-deleted animals displayed completely defective neutrophil recruitment, which was apparent at 4 h and sustained for at least 36 h. Kit(W)/Kit(W-v) animals also displayed defective polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration, suggesting mast cells as one source of chemokines driving the response. Tachyzoite infection and replication were accelerated in CXCR2(-/-) animals, resulting in establishment of higher cyst numbers in the brain relative to wild-type controls. Furthermore, serum and spleen cell IFN-gamma levels in infected, gene-deleted mice were reduced 60-75% relative to infected normal animals, and spleen cell TNF-alpha was likewise reduced by approximately 50%. These results highlight an important role for CXCR2 in neutrophil migration, which may be important for early control of infection and induction of immunity during Toxoplasma infection.

Cadmium-induced changes in the growth and oxidative metabolism of pea plants.

The effect of growing pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants with CdCl(2) (0-50 microM) on different plant physiological parameters and antioxidative enzymes of leaves was studied in order to know the possible involvement of this metal in the generation of oxidative stress. In roots and leaves of pea plants Cd produced a significant inhibition of growth as well as a reduction in the transpiration and photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll content of leaves, and an alteration in the nutrient status in both roots and leaves. The ultrastructural analysis of leaves from plants grown with 50 microM CdCl(2), showed cell disturbances characterized by an increase of mesophyll cell size, and a reduction of intercellular spaces, as well as severe disturbances in chloroplast structure. Alterations in the activated oxygen metabolism of pea plants were also detected, as evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation and carbonyl-groups content, as well as a decrease in catalase, SOD and, to a lesser extent, guaiacol peroxidase activities. Glutathione reductase activity did not show significant changes as a result of Cd treatment. A strong reduction of chloroplastic and cytosolic Cu,Zn-SODs by Cd was found, and to a lesser extent of Fe-SOD, while Mn-SOD was only affected by the highest Cd concentrations. Catalase isoenzymes responded differentially, the most acidic isoforms being the most sensitive to Cd treatment. Results obtained suggest that growth of pea plants with CdCl(2) can induce a concentration-dependent oxidative stress situation in leaves, characterized by an accumulation of lipid peroxides and oxidized proteins as a result of the inhibition of the antioxidant systems. These results, together with the ultrastructural data, point to a possible induction of leaf senescence by cadmium.

Limited role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in a pregnant mouse model of secondary infection by Chlamydophila abortus (Chlamydia psittaci serotype 1).

The aim of this work was to study the role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the clearance of infection, and in the development of specific immunity against Chlamydophila abortus (Chlamydia psittaci serotype 1) secondary infection. A pregnant mouse model depleted of neutrophils by the RB6-8C5 monoclonal antibody was used. No clinical signs were observed in depleted or non-depleted mice after secondary infection and no significant differences were observed in the litter size between the infected and control groups. In PMN-depleted mice C. abortus was not detected in the materno-fetal unit but merely produced low, persistent levels of infection in spleen and liver. In the non-depleted mice the level of infection was significantly lower, being resolved during the first few days post-reinfection. In both infected mice groups the immune response in the liver was quickly established and was seen to be composed mainly of CD4(+)T lymphocytes and macrophages. A Th1 response characterized by the presence of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in serum was observed during early infection, with significantly higher levels in the non-depleted animals. Our results suggest that PMNs have little influence on the control of C. abortus secondary infection, although they are a first line of defense and may influence the early production of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma.

Identification of porin-like polypeptide(s) in the boundary membrane of oilseed glyoxysomes.

A 36-kDa polypeptide of unknown function was identified by us in the boundary membrane fraction of cucumber seedling glyoxysomes. Evidence is presented in this study that this 36-kDa polypeptide is a glyoxysomal membrane porin. A sequence of 24 amino acid residues derived from a CNBr-cleaved fragment of the 36-kDa polypeptide revealed 72% to 95% identities with sequences in mitochondrial or non-green plastid porins of several different plant species. Immunological evidence indicated that the 36-kDa (and possibly a 34-kDa polypeptide) was a porin(s). Antiserum raised against a potato tuber mitochondrial porin recognized on immunoblots 34-kDa and 36-kDa polypeptides in detergent-solubilized membrane fractions of cucumber seedling glyoxysomes and mitochondria, and in similar glyoxysomal fractions of cotton, castor bean, and sunflower seedlings. The 36-kDa polypeptide seems to be a constitutive component because it was detected also in membrane protein fractions derived from cucumber leaf-type peroxisomes. Compelling evidence that one or both of these polypeptides were authentic glyoxysomal membrane porins was obtained from electron microscopic immunogold analyses. Antiporin IgGs recognized antigen(s) in outer membranes of glyoxysomes and mitochondria. Taken together, the data indicate that membranes of cucumber (and other oilseed) glyoxysomes, leaf-type peroxisomes, and mitochondria possess similar molecular mass porin polypeptide(s) (34 and 36 kDa) with overlapping immunological and amino acid sequence similarities.

Differences in the immune response against ruminant chlamydial strains in a murine model.

CBA/J mice were used in the present study to establish differences between the immune response to three chlamydial strains: AB7 (Chlamydia psittaci wild-type strain), 1B (C. psittaci vaccinal strain) and iB1 (C. pecorum). The evolution of chlamydial infection was evaluated in each strain by studying the clinical signs, the number of bacteria isolated from the spleen and the pathology of the liver. Three aspects of the immune response were then studied: the characterization of the infiltrate of leukocytes in the liver, the percentages of T- and B-cells, macrophages and neutrophils in the spleen, and the presence of cytokines in the serum. Infection followed a different course in the C. psittaci-infected mice; 1B-infected mice showed milder levels in all the parameters analysed than their AB7-infected counterparts. The resolution of infection was earlier in 1B-infected mice and, although the immune response to both strains was Th1-like, a more intense CD8+ T-cell response and an earlier presence of TNF-alpha in serum were observed in this group. C. pecorum infection was controlled mainly by a non-specific immune response, since these mice showed no signs of a systemic specific immune response. Neutrophil depletion experiments showed that these cells play a very limited role in the non-specific response against C. pecorum.

Characterization of membrane polypeptides from pea leaf peroxisomes involved in superoxide radical generation.

The production of superoxide radicals (O2(-).) and the activities of ferricyanide reductase and cytochrome c reductase were investigated in peroxisomal membranes from pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves using NADH and NADPH as electron donors. The generation of O2(-). by peroxisomal membranes was also assayed in native polyacrylamide gels using an in situ staining method with NitroBlue Tetrazolium (NBT). When peroxisomal membranes were assayed under native conditions using NADH or NADPH as inducer, two different O2(-).-dependent Formazan Blue bands were detected. Analysis by SDS/PAGE of these bands demonstrated that the NADH-induced NBT reduction band contained several polypeptides (PMP32, PMP61, PMP56 and PMP18, where PMP is peroxisomal membrane polypeptide and the number indicates molecular mass in kDa), while the NADPH-induced band was due exclusively to PMP29. PMP32 and PMP29 were purified by preparative SDS/PAGE and electroelution. Reconstituted PMP29 showed cytochrome c reductase activity and O2(-). production, and used NADPH specifically as electron donor. PMP32, however, had ferricyanide reductase and cytochrome c reductase activities, and was also able to generate O2(-). with NADH as electron donor, whereas NADPH was not effective as an inducer. The reductase activities of, and O2(-). production by, PMP32 were inhibited by quinacrine. Polyclonal antibodies against cucumber monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) recognized PMP32, and this polypeptide is likely to correspond to the MDHAR reported previously in pea leaf peroxisomal membranes.

Differential response of antioxidative enzymes of chloroplasts and mitochondria to long-term NaCl stress of pea plants.

In this work the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione (ASC-GSH) cycle were investigated in chloroplasts and mitochondria from leaves of Pisum sativum L. cv. Puget after 15 days treatment with 0-130 mM NaCl. The main chloroplastic SOD activity was due to CuZn-SOD II, which was increased significantly (about 1.7-fold) by NaCl, although during severe NaCl stress (110-130 mM) chloroplastic Fe-SOD exhibited a stronger enhancement in its activity (about 3.5-fold). A sudden induction in chloroplastic APX, DHAR and GR was also caused by NaCl (70-110 mM), but not by the highest salt concentration (130 mM), at which GR and DHAR activities were similar to the control values and APX decreased. In addition, the H2O2 concentration and lipid peroxidation of membranes increased significantly, 3.5- and 7-fold, respectively, in chloroplasts under severe NaCl stress. In purified mitochondria DHAR and GR were significantly induced only at 90 and 130 mM NaCl, respectively, although DHAR activity was below control values in the highest NaCl concentrations. APX and MDHAR activities started their response to salt in mild NaCl conditions (70 mM) and increased significantly with the severity of the stress. Mn-SOD was induced only under severe NaCl concentrations. The mitochondrial H2O2 and lipid peroxidation were increased at the highest NaCl concentration although to a lesser extent (about 2-2.5-fold) than in chloroplasts, whereas the increase in carbonyl protein contents was higher in mitochondria. The results suggest that the degree of enhanced tolerance to NaCl seems to require the induction of specific isoforms, depending on the different organelles.

Cadmium toxicity and oxidative metabolism of pea leaf peroxisomes.

The effect of growing pea plants with 50 microM CdCl2 on the activated oxygen metabolism was studied at subcellular level in peroxisomes isolated from pea leaves. Cadmium treatment produced proliferation of peroxisomes as well as an increase in the content of H2O2 in peroxisomes from pea leaves, but in peroxisomal membranes no significant effect on the NADH-dependent O2*- production was observed. The rate of lipid peroxidation of membranes was slightly decreased in peroxisomes from Cd-treated plants. This could be due to the Cd-induced increase in the activity of some antioxidative enzymes involved in H2O2 removal, mainly ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase, as well as the NADP-dependent dehydrogenases present in these organelles. The activity of xanthine oxidase did not experiment changes by Cd treatment and this suggests that O2*- production in the peroxisomal matrix is not involved in Cd toxicity. This was supported by the absence of changes in plants treated with Cd in the Mn-SOD activity, responsible for O2*- removal in the peroxisomal matrix. Results obtained indicate that toxic Cd levels induce imbalances in the activated oxygen metabolism of pea leaf peroxisomes, but its main effect is an enhancement of the H2O2 concentration of these organelles. Peroxisomes respond to Cd toxicity by increasing the activity of antioxidative enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and the NADP-dependent dehydrogenases located in these organelles.