Comparison of Oil Content and Fatty Acids Profile of Western Schley, Wichita, and Native Pecan Nuts Cultured in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Two different extraction processes, Soxhlet and ultrasound, were used to obtain the oil extracts of Western Schley, Wichita, and Native pecan nuts cultured in Chihuahua, Mexico. The aspects evaluated in this study were the extraction yield of the processes and fatty acids' profile of the resulting extracts. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify and determine the composition percentage of fatty acids present in pecan nuts oils extracted. The results obtained show that higher oil extraction yields were obtained by Soxhlet method with hexane (69.90%) in Wichita varieties. Wichita, Western Schley, and Native pecan nuts from Chihuahua are rich in PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) and have low levels of SFA (saturated fatty acids). The predominant fatty acid present in all pecan nuts oils was linoleic acid followed by oleic acid. Myristic acid, palmitic acid, and linolenic acid were also identified in representative quantities. The results from this study suggest that there are statistically significant differences in the chemical composition of the pecan nuts oils extracted from the varieties cultured in Chihuahua, Mexico, and those cultivated in other regions of the world.

Short communication. Characterization of chloroplast region rrn16-rrn23S from the tropical timber tree Cedrela odorata L. and de novo construction of a transplastomic expression vector suitable for Meliaceae trees and other economically important crops.

The forest tree Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) is well-known for its high-value timber; however, this species is attacked by the shoot borer (Hypsipyla grandella) during its early years of development, resulting in branched stems and making the plants useless for high-quality wood production. The generation of resistant varieties expressing entomotoxic proteins may be an alternative to pesticide treatments. The use of plastid transformation rather than nuclear transformation should be used because it reduces the risk of transgene dissemination by pollen. Chloroplast transformation vectors require an expression cassette flanked by homologous plastid sequences to drive plastome recombination. Thus, C. odorata plastome sequences are a prerequisite. The rrn16-rrn23 plastome region was selected, cloned, and characterized. When the sequence identity among the rrn16-rrn23 regions from C. odorata and Nicotiana tabacum was compared, 3 inDels of 240, 104, and 39 bp were found that might severely affect transformation efficiency. Using this region, a new transformation vector was developed using pUC19 as a backbone by inserting the rrn16-trnI and trnA-rrn23 sequences from C. odorata and adding 2 independent expression cassettes into the trnI-trnA intergenic region, conferring spectinomycin resistance, the ability to express the gfp reporter gene, and a site that can be used to express any other gene of interest.

Evaluación y tratamiento de la luxación protésica de cadera / Evaluation and treatment of prosthetic hip dislocation

La luxación de cadera es la segunda complicación más frecuente de una artroplastía total de cadera, seguida del aflojamiento aséptico que es la segunda complicación más frecuente de una ATC, presentándose con una incidencia de 2.4-3.9% en procedimientos primarios y una incidencia de hasta 28% en cirugías de revisión. Las luxaciones de cadera pueden clasificarse en 3 grupos: temprana, intermedia y tardía. De manera general las luxaciones tempranas responden de manera favorable a tratamiento no quirúrgico y tienen bajo índice de recurrencia. En este caso la necesidad de realizar una cirugía de revisión es mucho mayor. El diagnóstico de una luxación de cadera es relativamente sencillo de realizar ya que el cuadro clínico es muy típico. Una vez identificada una luxación de cadera el primer paso a seguir es realizar un intento por reducirla de manera cerrada. Dentro las opciones encontramos las siguientes: cambio de los componentes modulares, avances trocantéricos, revisión de la orientación de los componentes y, en última instancia, el uso de componentes constreñidos. Uno de los problemas más frecuentes por los que el paciente presenta inestabilidad recurrente temprana es la inadecuada orientación de los componentes protésicos. La ATC es una de las cirugías más útiles y con mayor éxito de los últimos 100 años, sin embargo, exige una técnica quirúrgica depurada, adecuada planeación y selección del paciente para poder cumplir las expectativas de la misma. Actualmente se cuenta con una gran gama de posibles tratamientos para la resolución del problema, con la intención de restablecer una cadera estable y funcional.

Hip dislocation is the second most common complication of Total Hip Arthroplasty followed by aseptic loosening, is the second most common complication of THA presenting with an incidence of 2.4-3.9% in primary procedures and an incidence of up to 28% in revision surgeries. The hip dislocations can be classified into 3 groups: Early, middle and late. Generally early dislocations respond favorably to nonsurgical treatment and have low recurrence rate. In this case the need for revision surgery is much higher. The diagnosis of a dislocated hip is relatively easy to perform because the clinical picture is very typical. Having identified a dislocated hip the first step is to make an attempt to reduce a closed manner. Among the options are the following: Change of modular components, trochanteric progress, review of component orientation and ultimately the use of constrained components. One of the most common problems for which the patient presents early recurrent instability is inadequate orientation of the prosthetic components. The THA is one of the most useful and most successful surgeries the last 100 years, however requires a refined surgical technique, proper patient selection and planning to meet the expectations of it. It currently has a range of possible treatments for problem resolution, with the intent of restoring a stable and functional hip.

[Evaluation and treatment of prosthetic hip dislocation]. / Evaluación y tratamiento de la luxación protésica de cadera.

Hip dislocation is the second most common complication of total hip arthroplasty followed by aseptic loosening, is the second most common complication of THA presenting with an incidence of 2.4-3.9% in primary procedures and an incidence of up to 28% in revision surgeries. The hip dislocations can be classified into 3 groups: Early, middle and late. Generally early dislocations respond favorably to nonsurgical treatment and have low recurrence rate. In this case the need for revision surgery is much higher. The diagnosis of a dislocated hip is relatively easy to perform because the clinical picture is very typical. Having identified a dislocated hip the first step is to make an attempt to reduce a closed manner. Among the options are the following: Change of modular components, trochanteric progress, review of component orientation and ultimately the use of constrained components. One of the most common problems for which the patient presents early recurrent instability is inadequate orientation of the prosthetic components. The THA is one of the most useful and most successful surgeries the last 100 years, however requires a refined surgical technique, proper patient selection and planning to meet the expectations of it. It currently has a range of possible treatments for problem resolution, with the intent of restoring a stable and functional hip.

Antitumoral efficacy of DNA nanoparticles in murine models of lung cancer and pulmonary metastasis.

Polyethylenimine (PEI)-DNA complexes are nanoparticles that are able to efficiently transfer plasmids to the lungs. Interleukin-12 (IL12) gene transfer using PEI may represent an important strategy for lung cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated the antitumoral efficacy of the administration of PEI-DNA nanoparticles carrying IL12 gene (PEI-IL12) for the treatment of lung cancer and pulmonary metastases in animal models. After inoculation of tumor cells, mice were treated intravenously with a single dose of PEI-IL12, PEI nanoparticles carrying the reporter gene beta-galactosidase (PEI-LacZ) or vehicle. Transgene expression, survival rates and immune response were analyzed in both models. Administration of PEI-LacZ and PEI-IL12 nanoparticles controlled tumor growth and prolonged survival times in both animal models. Although PEI-IL12 and PEI-LacZ administration showed similar antitumoral effects in the lung cancer model, the efficacy of PEI-IL12 was significantly superior in the inhibition of the development of pulmonary metastases. Furthermore, the administration of PEI-DNA nanoparticles results in the production of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Our results showed that PEI-DNA nanoparticles are an efficient vector for mediating gene transfer to the lungs, are a potent inducer of the innate immune response and represents an interesting strategy for the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma and metastatic lung carcinoma.

A phase I, pharmacokinetic and biologic correlative study of oblimersen sodium (Genasense, G3139) and irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and antitumor activity of oblimersen sodium, an antisense oligonucleotide directed to the Bcl-2 mRNA, combined with irinotecan in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma, characterize the pharmacokinetic behavior of both oblimersen sodium and irinotecan, and examine Bcl-2 protein inhibition in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were treated with escalating doses of oblimersen sodium administered by continuous intravenous infusion (CIVI) days 1-8, and irinotecan administered intravenously on day 6 once every 3 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty patients received a total of 84 courses at doses ranging from 3 to 7 mg/kg/day for oblimersen sodium and from 280 to 350 mg/m2 for irinotecan. Febrile neutropenia and diarrhea limited escalation of oblimersen sodium and irinotecan to 5 mg/kg/day and 350 mg/m2, respectively. Other toxicities included nausea, vomiting, fever and fatigue. Steady-state plasma concentrations were achieved within 48 h of beginning oblimersen sodium treatment and the agent was undetectable 24 h after the discontinuation of the infusion. Reduction in levels of Bcl-2 protein in PBMC was documented following treatment with oblimersen sodium. One patient experienced a partial response and 10 additional patients had stable disease lasting 2.5-10 months. CONCLUSIONS: The combination is well tolerated at the recommended phase II oblimersen sodium dose of 7 mg/kg/day CIVI days 1-8 with irinotecan 280 mg/m2 intravenously on day 6 every 3 weeks.

Performance of a hybrid central venous catheter utilized for both peripheral blood stem cell harvest and transplant support of patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSC) frequently require the sequential insertion of two central venous catheters, one for leukapheresis and one for transplant support. Hybrid catheters suitable for leukapheresis and long-term use have been increasingly used, but there is limited information regarding their performance and complication rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of the Pheres-Flow hybrid catheter when utilized for both leukapheresis and transplant support, with particular emphasis on the incidence of infectious and occlusive complications. We prospectively analyzed the performance of 92 catheters in 82 consecutive patients who underwent autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Occlusion was the most frequent complication of this catheter with 29% of the patients experiencing difficulty drawing blood or infusing fluids. Infection was another frequent complication. Twenty-two percent of patients developed catheter-related bloodstream infections and 15 catheters had to be removed because of proven or suspected infection that did not respond to antibiotic therapy. Nevertheless, 77% of patients were able to complete leukapheresis and transplant support with only one catheter. We conclude that the utilization of the Pheres-Flow catheter for both leukapheresis and transplant support is feasible, but that new strategies need to be developed to decrease the incidence of occlusive and infectious complications of hybrid catheters.

Utilidad de la cirugía endoscópica en el tratamiento de la epistaxis / Use of endoscopic surgery for the treatment of epistaxis

La epistaxis sigue siendo una de las urgencias más frecuentes y difíciles en el tratamiento de la otorrinolaringología. Nuevas perspectivas en la utilización de la fibra óptica nos acercan a procedimientos con baja morbilidad y con una mejor y mas rápida recuperación. En este trabajo fueron tratados19 pacientes con control endoscópico para epistaxis con un resultado del 100 por ciento y sin recidivas ni complicaciones posteriores

Loci geneticos asociados al trastorno bipolar: estudios en poblacion colombiana / Genetic loci associated to bipolar disorder: studies in colombian population

Objetivos: Caracterizar una muestra de familias y tríos de una población colombiana aislada para mapear loci involucrados en la vulnerabilidad al Trastorno Afectivo Bipolar tipo I (TAB- I). Métodos: Se recolectan tríos y genealogías utilizando las entrevistas FIGS-DIGS en miembros de las familias y posibles afectados. El poder para detectar ligamiento (PDL) se estima por simulación. El modelo utilizado asume una frecuencia para el alelo afectado de 0.003, penetrancias de 0.01,0.81 y 0.9 y un marcador de cuatro alelos a 5cM del locus. Resultados: Se identificaron 28 familias con TAB-I, con 3.603 individuos y 160 afectados, y 246 tríos. Asumiendo homogeneidad genética y teniendo en cuenta la evidencia genética del mestizaje, las simulaciones mostraron PDL significativos de 100 por ciento para un LOD-score>3. Estamos examinando el desequilibrio promedio en tríos y tamizando en familias los cromosomas 12,18 y 21. Conclusión: Tenemos un grupo significativo de familias y trios pertenecientes a una población aislada con un poder para detectar ligamiento al Trastorno Afectivo Bipolar. Esto permite realizar estudios de ligamiento buscando genes involucrados en la vulnerabilidad al TAB-I en población Colombiana

Amigdalectomía en adultos: electrodisección con bisturí monopolar y disección roma. Comparación de ambos métodos / Donsilectomy in adults: electrodissection with monopolar bistoury and flat dissection. Comparison of both methods

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 97 de 104 pacientes adultos, a quienes se les practicó amigdalectomía entre enero de 1997 y diciembre de 1999, que comparaba las ventajas y los resultados quirúrgicos al realizar el procedimiento con técnica roma y con electrodisección con bisturí monopolar. Hubo 65 mujeres y 32 hombres con edades entre 16 y 48 años (promedio: 27,3), Las indicaciones para el procedimiento fueron amigdalitis crónica (82,7 por ciento), abscesos periamigdalinos previos (7,7por ciento), hipertrofia severa (6,7 por ciento) y halitosis (2,9 por ciento). Se evaluaron variables tales como incidencia de sangrado tanto inmediato como tardío y dolor post-operatorio en dichos pacientes. Además, se comparó la duración promedio de cada procedimiento. En los pacientes a quienes se les realizó amigdalectomía con electrobisturí, se encontró que tuvieron mayor dolor comparados con los que tuvieron el procedimiento con técnica roma, principalmente durante el quinto día post-operatorio. Tres pacientes del grupo de electrodisección presentaron episodio de sangrado tardío que les obligó a consultar al hospital; no obstante éste cedió con medidas locales. El tiempo promedio de duración del procedimiento fue 23,4 minutos para la técnica de disección roma y 16,3 minutos para la electrodisección. Todos los pacientes retornaron a sus labores cotidianas a los siete días luego de la amigdalectomía

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of a combined oral formulation of eniluracil, an inactivator of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, and 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced solid malignancies.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, and feasibility of a combined oral formulation of 5-flurouracil (5-FU) and eniluracil (Glaxo Wellcome Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina), an inactivator of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). The rationale for developing a combined eniluracil/5-FU formulation oral dosing form is to simplify treatment with these agents, which has been performed using separate dosing forms, and decrease the probability of severe toxicity and/or suboptimal therapeutic results caused by inadvertently high or conversely insufficient 5-FU dosing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The trial was a randomized, three-way crossover bioequivalence study of three oral dosing forms of eniluracil/5-FU tablets in adults with solid malignancies. Each period consisted of two days of treatment and a five- to seven-day washout phase. Eniluracil at a dose of 20 mg, which results in maximal DPD inactivation, was administered twice daily on the first day and in the evening on the second day of each of the three treatments. On the morning of the second day, all patients received a total eniluracil dose of 20 mg orally and a total 5-FU dose of 2 mg orally as either separate tablets (treatment A) or combined eniluracil/5-FU tablets in two different strengths (2 tablets of eniluracil/5-FU at a strength (mg/mg) of 10/1 (treatment B) or 8 tablets at a strength of 2.5/0.25 (treatment C)). The pharmacokinetics of plasma 5-FU, eniluracil, and uracil, and the urinary excretion of eniluracil, 5-FU, uracil, and alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (FBAL), were studied. To determine the bioequivalence of the combined eniluracil/5-FU dosing forms compared to the separate tablets, an analysis of variance on pharmacokinetic parameters reflecting eniluracil and 5-FU exposure was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with advanced solid malignancies had complete pharmacokinetic studies performed during treatments A, B, and C. The pharmacokinetics of eniluracil and 5-FU were similar among the three types of treatment. Both strengths of the combined eniluracil/5-FU dosing form and the separate dosing forms were bioequivalent. Mean values for terminal half-life, systemic clearance, and apparent volume of distribution for oral 5-FU during treatments A/B/C were 5.5/5.6/5.6 hours, 6.6/6.6/6.5 liters/hour, and 50.7/51.5/50.0 liters, respectively. The intersubject coefficient of variation for pharmacokinetic variables reflecting 5-FU exposure and clearance in treatments ranged from 23% to 33%. The urinary excretion of unchanged 5-FU over 24 hours following treatments A, B, and C averaged 52.2%, 56.1%, and 50.8'%, of the administered dose of 5-FU, respectively. Parameters reflecting DPD inhibition, including plasma uracil and urinary FBAL excretion following treatments A, B, and C were similar. Toxicity was generally mild and similar following all three types of treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacokinetics of 5-FU and eniluracil were similar and met bioequivalence criteria following treatment with the separate oral formulations of 5-FU and eniluracil and two strengths of the combined formulation. The availability of a combined eniluracil/5-FU oral dosing form will likely simplify dosing and decrease the probability of severe toxicity or suboptimal therapeutic results caused by an inadvertent 5-FU overdose or insufficient 5-FU dosing in the case of separate oral formulations, thereby enhancing the overall feasibility and 0therapeutic index of oral 5-FU therapy.

Enfermedad inmuno-mediada del oído interno: una actualización / Inner ear immuno-mediated disease: an update

La enfermedad inmuno-mediada del oído interno (EIOI) incluye una serie de situaciones clínicas asociadas con hipoacusia sensorineural súbita y rápidamente progresiva. Pacientes con hipoacusia fluctuante, vértigo episódico, desequilibrio y presión aural, también son incluidos en este grupo de patologías del oído interno, diferenciándose de una enfermedad de Ménière clásica en que no presenta una remisión completa de los síntomas vestibulares durante las intercrisis y la hipoacusia muestra un carácter más progresivo. La existencia de una enfermedad autoinmune sistémica en la tercera parte de los pacientes dificulta el diagnóstico de las formas aisladas de la EIOI. La importancia de esta enfermedad estriba en que es una de las escasas formas de hipoacusia sensorineural que puede ser reversible con una terapia inmunosupresora. De ahí, que el otólogo debe mantener un alto índice de sospecha, que complementará con los tests de laboratorio , para instaurar precozmente un tratamiento que permita conservar la función cocleovestibular. El propósito del presente trabajo consiste en la búsqueda de un perfil de paciente típico de EIOI basado en el cuadro clínico y las pruebas inmunológicas que permiten detectar autoanticuerpos órgano y no órgano-específicos del oído interno así como la participación de las diversas subpoblaciones linfocitarias en la respuesta inmune

[A multidisciplinary approach to the management of cerebral vascular malformations]. / Enfoque multidisciplinario en el manejo de las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral vascular malformations (CVM) are a heterogeneous group of lesions. One way of classifying them is according to histological criteria, clinical features, imaging findings, electroencephalography and distinctive pathology. OBJECTIVES: To report the results obtained in 16 patients clinically diagnosed as having CVM and operated on in the Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica (La Habana, Cuba) between March 1995 and October 1998. We also consider the usefulness of diagnostic tools for neurosurgical management and anatomo-pathological diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We review the clinical findings, images, electroencephalograms and diagnostic histology of 16 patients. The gender distribution was 10 men and 6 women who were aged between 9 and 48 years. Stereotaxic resection guided by CAT and angiography was done in all cases. RESULTS: The predominant symptoms were headache and generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. CAT and angiography were helpful in determining the clinical diagnosis and location. The most frequent electroencephalographic finding was focal slowing associated with inactive epileptiform disorders. Histological study showed that there were 3 cases of arteriovenous malformations (AVM), one angioma cavernosa and one mixed vascular malformation (AVM plus angioma cavernosa). The malformation was not resected (it was treated with a clip) in the remaining case. CONCLUSION: Our results show the importance of structural imaging studies and their relationship to functional studies in the presumptive diagnosis of CVM corroborated by post-operative histological diagnosis.

A 42 bp fragment of the pmas1' promoter containing an ocs-like element confers a developmental, wound- and chemically inducible expression pattern.

Synthesis of mannopine in plant tissues infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens is controlled by a divergent promoter (pmas2' and pmas1') that in 479 bp contains all the cis-acting elements necessary to direct tissue-specific and wound-inducible expression. In this report, using transgenic tobacco plants harboring a pmas1'-beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene fusion, we investigated the developmental expression pattern directed by pmas1' in the early stages of development and the responses of pmas1' to different chemical inducers. It was found that this promoter can respond to auxins, cytokinins, methyl jasmonate (MJ), salicylic acid (SA) and its analogue 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (iNA). Treatment with chemical inducers also showed that the effects of iNA are organ-dependent, that wound-induction is a complex response mediated by at least two different chemical signals, and that MJ stimulates changes in the tissue-specific and developmental expression pattern directed by the ptmas1' promoter. Using chimeric promoters we demonstrate that an ocs-like element (ocs+1) directs MJ responses in an orientation-dependent manner and that sequences around the ocs+1 are important to maintain the inducible and developmental properties of this cis-regulatory element.

[Electroencephalogram findings in lesionectomies: preliminary results]. / Hallazgos del electrocorticograma en lesionectomías: resultados preliminares.

INTRODUCTION: Use of the electrocorticogram (EcoG) in planning lesionectomies is a controversial subject at present. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe a series of 5 patients with epileptic crises, 3 with arteriovenous malformations in whom the lesion was completely resected, followed by postoperative angiography, and two with gliomas with low grade malignancy in whom iridium 192 was implanted. RESULTS: 1. The most frequent reason for consultation was convulsions. 2. In our series of patients the commonest site was the frontal zone of the right hemisphere. 3. Potentials with epileptiform characteristics were registered at the edges of the lesions and occasionally over the lesion itself. In two cases electro-clinical crises were seen. 4. The lesions were resected from normal tissue independently of the EcoG results. CONCLUSION: Although they are preliminary findings, the results of the study support the usefulness of this technique to guide the surgical procedures used for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.

[Central neurocytoma]. / Neurocitoma central.

INTRODUCTION: A central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare tumor, of neuronal origin, well-differentiated and found intraventricularly. It mainly affects young adults. Firm diagnosis is made on immunohistochemical (IHQ) and ultrastructural studies, since on optic microscopy it is similar in appearance to an oligodendroglioma or to an ependymoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 4 cases, three after surgical resection and one on autopsy. The average age was 29, ranging from 3 to 63. Both sexes were equally affected. In all cases IHQ techniques were used (GFAP, neurofilament, synaptophysin and specific neuronal enolase) and they were studied by electron microscopy. RESULTS: IHQ was negative for GFAP and neurofilament, but intensely positive for synaptophysin and specific neuronal enolase. On ultrastructural study there were few neurofilaments, microtubules and dense central granules typical of neural differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in our cases lead to diagnosis of NC and confirm that this tumor is a distinct clinicopathological entity.

Right and left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of right and left ventricular dysfunction in a prescreened population of patients with severe pulmonary disease, and to analyze the relationship between right and left ventricular function. DESIGN: Retrospective record review of 434 patients with severe pulmonary disease. PATIENTS: Patients with end-stage pulmonary disease, including alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema, COPD, cystic fibrosis (CF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension (primary and Eisenmenger's syndrome), who were evaluated for lung transplantation between January 1993 and December 1995. MEASUREMENTS: Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, radionuclide ventriculography, two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary hemodynamics, coronary angiography. RESULTS: Right ventricular dysfunction (right ventricular ejection fraction [RVEF] <45%) was present in 267 patients (66%), but the prevalence was highest (94%) in patients with pulmonary vascular disease. Among the patients with airway or parenchymal lung disease, the prevalence ranged from 59% in COPD to 66% in CF. In contrast, left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <45%) was present in only 6.4%, but it, too, was most common in the group with pulmonary hypertension (19.6%). In the groups with parenchymal or airway disease, the prevalence was 3.6%, and there was no statistical difference among the four diagnoses (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency emphysema; COPD; CF; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). LVEF showed a significant correlation with RVEF (r=0.44; p<0.05), and left ventricular dysfunction was associated with the presence of moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation but not with coronary artery disease. In a subset of patients with both right and left ventricular dysfunction who subsequently underwent lung transplantation, RVEF and LVEF increased pari passu after transplantation. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction is high in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease, but the prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction is relatively low. Left ventricular dysfunction appears to be related to right ventricular dysfunction, perhaps through ventricular interdependence.

[Effect of cyclophosphamide in experimental histoplasmosis in the rat]. / Acción de la ciclofosfamida en la histoplasmosis experimental de la rata.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease caused by the dimorphous fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc). Cyclophosphamide (Cy) was used as an immunomodulator capable of modifying the course of the disease, as well as of regulating the mechanisms involved in T-lymphocyte mediated immune response. Rats were subjected to intracardiac inoculation of Hc followed by a fractionated treatment with a 100 mg/kg body weight dose of Cy on days +4, +5, +6, +7 and +11 pi. Until day 26 pi, treatment with Cy caused 85% mortality whereas no mortality was observed among animals only inoculated with Hc. On day 14 pi, the group of Hc animals showed a delayed hypersensitivity test (DH) of 26.60 + 13.96 as determined by the swelling of the leg. Conversely, DH was significantly depressed in rats inoculated with Hc and treated with Cy: 3.88 +/- 1.00 (p < 0.01). Colony forming units count in this group was 2020 CFU/g of spleen, and 24 CFU/g of spleen (p < 0.01) in controls. A macroscopic study of the organs revealed that the animals in the Hc+Cy group had spleenomegaly and lungs with granuloma and hemorrhagic spots. The controls only presented small lung abscesses. These findings lead to the conclusion that Cy causes a deterioration of cell mediated immune response which results in the manifestation of an acute, fatal experimental mycosis.

Neurocitoma central / Central neurocitoma

Introducción. El neurocitoma central (NC) es un tumor raro, de origen neuronal, bien diferenciado y de localización intraventricular; afecta preferentemente a adultos jóvenes. El diagnóstico definitivo se establece por el estudio inmunohistoquímico (IHQ) y ultraestructural debido a su semejanza con el oligodendroglioma y el ependimoma al microscopio óptico. Pacientes y métodos. Se procesaron 4 casos, 3 procedentes de resección quirúrgica y 1 de autopsia. La edad media fue de 29 años, con un rango entre 3 y 63 años; ambos sexos se afectaron por igual. A todos los casos se les realizó técnicas de IHQ (GFAP, neurofilamento, sinaptofisina y enolasa neuronal específica) y se estudiaron por microscopía electrónica. Resultados. La IHQ resultó negativa para la GFAP y para el neurofilamento, y fue intensamente positiva para la sinaptofisina y la enolasa neuronal específica. El aspecto ultraestructural evidenció escasos neurofilamentos, microtúbulos y gránulos de centro denso propios de la diferenciación neural. Conclusiones. Los hallazgos encontrados en nuestros casos permitieron realizar el diagnóstico de NC y confirmaron a este tumor como una entidad clinicopatológica distintiva