Transcriptional regulation of esophageal, intestinal, and branchial solute transporters by salinity, growth hormone, and cortisol in Atlantic salmon.

In marine habitats, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) imbibe seawater (SW) to replace body water that is passively lost to the ambient environment. By desalinating consumed SW, the esophagus enables solute-linked water absorption across the intestinal epithelium. The processes underlying esophageal desalination in salmon and their hormonal regulation during smoltification and following SW exposure are unresolved. To address this, we considered whether two Na+ /H+ exchangers (Nhe2 and -3) expressed in the esophagus contribute to the uptake of Na+ from lumenal SW. There were no seasonal changes in esophageal nhe2 or -3 expression during smoltification; however, nhe3 increased following 48 h of SW exposure in May. Esophageal nhe2, -3, and growth hormone receptor b1 were elevated in smolts acclimated to SW for 2.5 weeks. Treatment with cortisol stimulated branchial Na+ /K+ -ATPase (Nka) activity, and Na+ /K+ /2Cl- cotransporter 1 (nkcc1), cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator 1 (cftr1), and nka-α1b expression. Esophageal nhe2, but not nhe3 expression, was stimulated by cortisol. In anterior intestine, cortisol stimulated nkcc2, cftr2, and nka-α1b. Our findings indicate that salinity stimulates esophageal nhe2 and -3, and that cortisol coordinates the expression of esophageal, intestinal, and branchial solute transporters to support the SW adaptability of Atlantic salmon.

Scaphoid Fractures in Athletes.

Scaphoid fractures are common injuries in athletes. Most can be treated with cast immobilization, with an expected rate of union of 90% to 95%. Cast treatment, however, has the disadvantages of longer immobilization time, joint stiffness, reduced grip strength, and longer time to return to manual work or athletics. Closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation generally are preferred in athletes to allow a quicker return to sport; if closed reduction cannot be obtained, open reduction and internal fixation may be required.

Integrable Floquet Hamiltonian for a Periodically Tilted 1D Gas.

An integrable model subjected to a periodic driving gives rise generally to a nonintegrable Floquet Hamiltonian. Here we show that the Floquet Hamiltonian of the integrable Lieb-Liniger model in the presence of a linear potential with a periodic time-dependent strength is instead integrable and its quasienergies can be determined using the Bethe ansatz approach. We discuss various aspects of the dynamics of the system at stroboscopic times and we also propose a possible experimental realization of the periodically driven tilting in terms of a shaken rotated ring potential.

Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of the Midfoot Presenting as Charcot Arthropathy: A Case Report.

CASE: Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue malignancy that very seldomly presents in the foot or ankle and as a result is not commonly in the differential of patients presenting with foot pain. We cite a case of EMC presenting in the atypical location of the midfoot. Because of its location and similarities, this tumor was initially misdiagnosed and mistreated by multiple medical providers as midfoot Charcot arthropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Neoplastic etiologies, including EMC, should remain in the differential for atypical, refractory foot pain that presents in a manner similar to Charcot foot.

Desarrollo de lenguaje en niños con implante coclear en centro terciario de salud: serie clínica / Language development in children with cochlear implant at a tertiary health care center: clinical series

Resumen Introducción: Desde la década de los 90, los implantes cocleares han progresado desde aplicaciones experimentales a un uso clínico estandarizado en niños con pérdida auditiva severa y profunda. Las investigaciones han producido cambios en la tecnología de los implantes y ha dado lugar a la expansión de los candidatos a implante para incluir a los niños menores de 2 años de edad. El objetivo principal de la implantación coclear pediátrica es facilitar el desarrollo del lenguaje hablado. A pesar de los avances en la tecnología de implantes y los cambios en el manejo de la pérdida auditiva, los resultados de lenguaje en niños son todavía muy variables, participando de este proceso tanto el tratamiento oportuno, la red familiar y nivel socioeconómico entre algunos de ellos. Objetivo: Describir resultados de niños menores 6 años sometidos a cirugía de implante coclear en un centro terciario de salud. Material y método: Estudio longitudinal de cohorte retrospectivo, análisis a 99 pacientes implantados en centro terciario de salud desde inicio programa en 1994 a 2015. Resultados: 99 pacientes, 57% hombres 43% mujeres, edad promedio implantación 16,3 meses. 54,8% casos origen congénito no especificado o prematurez. En 74,4% se objetivó presencia de lenguaje auditivo verbal. El nivel socioeconómico (NSE) mostró asociación con no desarrollo de lenguaje (p =0,009) evidenciando que pacientes de bajo NSE 20% no desarrolla lenguaje. La variable discapacidad asociada (p <0,001) y la variable NSE (p =0,036) se asociaron de manera independiente a lenguaje de señas o no desarrollo de lenguaje oral. Conclusión: Los implantes cocleares ofrecen una opción en la rehabilitación auditiva en hipoacusia sensorio neural profunda, para candidatos de todo el espectro de edad, sin embargo los resultados dependen en gran medida del entorno en el que se utilizan los implantes cocleares.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Since the 90s, cochlear implantation has progressed from experimental to standard clinical practice for children with severe and profound hearing loss. Research has produced changes in implant technology and has led to the expansion of implant candidacy to include children younger than 2 years of age. The primary goal of pediatric cochlear implantation is to facilitate spoken language development. Despite the advances in implant technology and the changes to the management of hearing loss, language outcomes for children are still highly variable, participating in this process both timely treatment, the family network and socio economic level among others. Aim: describe outcomes of patients younger than 6 years undergoing cochlear implant surgery in a tertiary care center. Material and method: retrospective longitudinal cohort study, 99 patients implanted in a tertiary health center since the program's inception in 1994 to 2015 was analyzed. Results: 99 patients, 57 % men 43 % women, average age of implantation 16.3 months. 54.8 % of cases were congenital or prematurity. In 74.4 % they had auditory verbal language. Socioeconomic status (SES) showed association with the lack of language development (p =0.009) demonstrating that low SES patients (20%) do not develop language. The disability associated variable (p <0.001) and the SES variable (p =0.036) were independently associated with sign language or no oral language development. Conclusions: Cochlear implants offer an option for hearing rehabilitation in profound hearing loss, for candidates of all ages, however the results depend largely on the environment in which cochlear implants are used.

Resultados del programa de implantes cocleares de Clínica Las Condes a 20 años de su inicio: serie clínica 1994-2015 / Cochlear implant program results in Clinica Las Condes 20 years since the beginning: clinical series 1994-2015

RESUMEN Introducción: La hipoacusia sensorioneural es la tercera causa de discapacidad en Chile, con incidencia en recién nacidos de 1 a 3 casos cada 1.000 recién nacidos vivos, y prevalencia en adultos de hasta 70%, siendo muchos casos susceptibles de ser tratados mediante implante coclear. Objetivo: Describir resultados de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de implante coclear en Clínica Las Condes (CLC). Material y método: Estudio longitudinal de cohorte retrospectiva, se analizaron a 237 pacientes implantados en Clínica Las Condes desde 1994 al año 2015. Resultados: Se analizan 237 pacientes, 106 mujeres (44,7%) y 131 hombres (55,3%). El 65,5% de los pacientes se implantaron entre los 2-6 años de vida. Las etiologías más frecuentes fueron hipoacusia congénita no sindrómica (45,9%), genética tardía (11,8%) y posmeningitis (11,4%). Se encontró asociación significativa entre promedio tonal de la palabra (PTP) y presencia de malformación coclear (p =0,008). Sólo 9,9% de los pacientes presentaron otra discapacidad asociada a la hipoacusia. La tasa de reimplante fue 16,3% y sólo la variable malformación coclear se asoció a ella (p =0,016). Conclusión: El implante coclear es una herramienta beneficiosa en pacientes hipoacúsicos que no se benefician de otros dispositivos auditivos ofreciendo la posibilidad de reinsertarlos social y laboralmente con bajo riesgo quirúrgico y alta tasa de éxito.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss is the third leading cause of disability in Chile, with incidence in infants 1 to 3 cases per 1,000 newborn and prevalence in adult up to 70%, with many cases that can be treated with cochlear implant. Aim: to describe outcomes of our series of patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery at Clinica Las Condes (CLC). Material and method: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study, 237 patients implanted in our center since 1994 to 2015 were analyzed. Results: 237 patients, 106 women (44.7%) and 131 men (55.3%) received a cochlear implant during this period. 65.5% of patients were implanted between 2-6 years of age. The most common etiologies were; non-syndromic congenital deafness (45.9%), late genetic onset (11.8%) and meningitis (11.4%). A significant association between the average pure tone average and presence of cochlear malformation (p =0.008) was demonstrated. Only 9.9% of patients had other disabilities associated with hearing loss. Re-implantation rate was 16.3% and only the variable cochlear malformation was associated to it (p =0.016) Conclusions: The cochlear implant provides clear benefits to patients with hearing impairment who do not benefit from other hearing devices offering the possibility of social and labor reintegrating, with low surgical risk and high success rate.

The Second Victim Experience and Support Tool: Validation of an Organizational Resource for Assessing Second Victim Effects and the Quality of Support Resources.

OBJECTIVES: Medical errors and unanticipated negative patient outcomes can damage the well-being of health care providers. These affected individuals, referred to as "second victims," can experience various psychological and physical symptoms. Support resources provided by health care organizations to prevent and reduce second victim-related harm are often inadequate. In this study, we present the development and psychometric evaluation of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), a survey instrument that can assist health care organizations to implement and track the performance of second victim support resources. METHODS: The SVEST (29 items representing 7 dimensions and 2 outcome variables) was completed by 303 health care providers involved in direct patient care. The survey collected responses on second victim-related psychological and physical symptoms and the quality of support resources. Desirability of possible support resources was also measured. The SVEST was assessed for content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis results suggested good model fit for the survey. Cronbach α reliability scores for the survey dimensions ranged from 0.61 to 0.89. The most desired second victim support option was "A respected peer to discuss the details of what happened." CONCLUSIONS: The SVEST can be used by health care organizations to evaluate second victim experiences of their staff and the quality of existing support resources. It can also provide health care organization leaders with information on second victim-related support resources most preferred by their staff. The SVEST can be administered before and after implementing new second victim resources to measure perceptions of effectiveness.

Programa de screening auditivo neonatal universal: experiencia de más de 10 años / Universal newborn hearing screening program: experience over 10 years

Introducción: La implementación de Programas de Evaluación Auditiva Neonatal (PEAN) eficientes permite mejorar la pesquisa de recién nacidos (RN) con hipoacusia congénita (HC), facilitando una intervención temprana. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del PEAN universal llevado a cabo por el Departamento de Otorrinolaringología de Clínica Las Condes. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se estudiaron los resultados del programa y las variables: género, edad de diagnóstico, edad gestational al parto y factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de HC en RN evaluados entre mayo 2001 y junio 2012. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 18.224 RN. Reprobaron esta evaluación 809 RN (4,43%). Se diagnostican 70 HC (56% varones, 44% mujeres), con una incidencia general estimada de 3-4 cada 1.000 RN en este establecimiento. 54,3% correspondió a HC unilaterales y 45,7% a bilaterales, siendo éstas en 90% leves a moderadas. El factor de riesgo mayormente asociado fue presencia de anomalías craneofaciales en 38,5% seguido de un peso nacimiento <1.500 gr. en 10%. Discusión y conclusiones: Es imperativo la realización de PEAN universales para diagnosticar a la población general susceptible a desarrollar HC y más aún en aquellas poblaciones donde se concentran los factores de riesgo.

Introduction: Efficient universal newborn hearing screening program (UNHSP) Implementation allows the inquest improvement of newborns with congenital hearing loss (CHL), facilitating an early intervention. Aim: To describe the results of the UNHSP carried out by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Clinica Las Condes. Material and method: Descriptive, retrospective study. We studied the program results and variables: sex, diagnosis age, birth age in weeks and risk factors associated with development CHL in newborns evaluated between May, 2001 and June, 2012. Results: 18.224 newborns were evaluated. 809 reproved this evaluation (4.43%). We diagnosed 70 CHL (56% males, 44% women), with an incidence estimated of 3-4 cases every 1.000 newborns. 54.3% corresponded to unilateral CHL and 45.7% bilateral, 90% of this CHL were slight to moderate. The presence of craniofacial anomalies was the main associate risk factor in 38,5% followed by a weight birth <1.500 gr. in a 10%. Discussion and conclusions: Is imperative the accomplishment of UNHSP to diagnose the population at risk of developing CHL and even more in those populations where the risk factors are concentrated.

Estrategias para mejorar el seguimiento del Programa de Evaluación Auditiva Neonatal Universal / Strategies to improve follow-up of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program

Introducción: El Programa de Evaluación Auditiva Neonatal (PEAN) en Clínica Las Condes se inició el 2001 y ha evaluado más de 18.000 niños. Nuestro desafío actual es lograr que aquellos cuyo examen se encuentre alterado reciban precozmente evaluación y derivación oportuna. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de estrategias para mejorar el seguimiento del programa por medio de la reducción del porcentaje de pérdida de seguimiento. Material y método: Durante 2010 se implementaron nueve estrategias para mejorar el seguimiento del PEAN. Mediante una cohorte retrospectiva se evaluaron los resultados de PEAN 12 meses previos y posteriores a la implementación de éstas. Resultados: El 2009 se evaluaron 1.797 niños, completaron el protocolo 71,1%, perdiéndose en el seguimiento 28,9%. El 2011, posterior a la implementación de las medidas, se evaluaron 1.823 niños, completaron el protocolo 85,1%, perdiéndose en el seguimiento sólo 14,9%. La diferencia del porcentaje de pérdidas de seguimiento entre el2009y 2011 fue de 13.87% (p: 0.042). Discusión y conclusiones: Es necesario descubrir las causas de pérdida de seguimiento para establecer estrategias que ayuden a mejorar estas cifras y permitir que todo niño pesquisado sea diagnosticado a tiempo. La implementación de estrategias como las planteadas en este trabajo son una forma práctica y efectiva para mejorar el seguimiento del PEAN.

Introduction: The Newborn Hearing Screening Program (NHSP) at Clinica Las Condes began in 2001 and up to date, has evaluated over 18.000 children. Our current challenge is to achieve that children with referred screening, receive early evaluation and intervention. Aim: To analyze the Impact of strategies to Improve program's follow-up reducing the percentage of follow-up losses. Material and method: During 2010 nine NHSP strategies were implemented to improve the follow-up. By a retrospective cohort NHSP's results were evaluated 12 months previous and after the implementation of these strategies. Results: In 20091.797 children were evaluated, 71,1% completed the protocol, with 28,9% lost in the follow-up. In 2011, after strategies' implementation, 1.823 children were evaluated, 85,1 %, completed the protocol and only 14,9 % were lost in the follow-up. The difference in the percentage lost between 2009 and 2011 was 13.87 % (p: 0.042). Discussion and conclusions: It is necessary to discover the reasons of loss to follow-up, in order to establish strategies that may allow every referred child to be diagnosed in time. Implementation of strategies like the raised in this investigation is a practical and effective way to improve the follow-up of NHSP.

Uso de corticoide intralesional en histiocitosis de langerhans crónica focal: reporte de un caso / Use of intralesional corticoids in focal chronic langerhans cell histiocytosis: A case report

El término Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) comprende a un grupo de enfermedades que son el resultado de una alteración a nivel del sistema fagocítico mononuclear. En función de los hallazgos clínicos la HCL, se clasifican en tres grupos por fines pronósticos y terapéuticos: 1.- Crónica Focal, por lo general lesión solitaria de un hueso, sin afectación de otros órganos ni partes blandas (ex Granuloma Eosinófilo); 2.- Crónica Diseminada, (ex Hand-Schuller-Christian); 3.- Aguda Diseminada (ex Letterer-Siwe). La etiología de este grupo de lesiones permanece incierta, aunque se han propuesto: infección, inflamación y reacciones inmunológicas. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente de género femenino, de 12 años de edad, que consulta por aumento de volumen en la zona del ángulo mandibular derecho con un mes de evolución, no doloroso. Se realiza ortopantomografía y TAC, observando destrucción de cortical vestibular y lingual. Se realiza la biopsia, se somete a estudio inmunohistoquímico, dando el diagnóstico de HCL Crónica Focal, fue tratado con Triancinolona de 40 mg (Kenalog - 40) en 2 dosis, con control de 3 años y sin recidivas a la fecha.

The term Histiocitosis of Langerhans's cells (LCH) covers a group of diseases that are the result of an alteration to the mononuclear phagocyte system. According to the clinical findings, the HCL is classified in three groups for predictable and therapeutic purposes: 1.- Focal Chronic, in general a lone injury of a bone, without affecting other organs or soft parts (Ex-Eosinophilic granuloma); 2.-Spread Chronic, (ex-Hand-Schuller-Christian); 3.- Spread Acute (ex-Letterer-Siwe).The etiology of this group of injuries remains unknown, eventhough it has been proposed: infection, inflammation and immunological reactions. Here, we present a clinical case: A 12-year-old female patient that consults for increase of volume in mandibular right back area, with a one month of evolution, not painful. Panoramic radiograph and TAC images are showing, observing destruction of vestibular and lingually bone. The biopsy was submitted to immunohystochemical study, giving the diagnosis of Chronic Focal LCH, it was treated with Triancinolona 40 mg (Kenalog - 40) in 2 doses, after 3 years of following up there is not signs of recurrence at the date.

Evaluación auditiva neonatal universal: revisión de 10.000 pacientes estudiados / Universal newborn hearing screening: review of 10. 000 evaluations

Introducción: La hipoacusia es la discapacidad congénita más frecuente entre los recién nacidos vivos y su diagnóstico precoz e intervención temprana permiten un desarrollo social y educacional normal en el niño. Objetivo: Revisar la experiencia del programa de evaluación auditiva universal de nuestra institución. Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los recién nacidos evaluados entre mayo de 2001 y diciembre de 2007. El tamizaje auditivo se realizó mediante emisiones otoacústicas y potenciales evocados auditivos automatizados. Resultados: En el período de estudio fueron evaluados 10.095 recién nacidos, pesquisándose 30 casos de hipoacusia congénita. La mayoría de éstas (80 por ciento) correspondieron a hipoacusias leves a moderadas. El diagnóstico de hipoacusia estaba confirmado antes de los 3 meses de vida en el 88,5 por ciento de los casos. Se calculó una tasa de hipoacusia congénita de 2,8 por cada 1.000 recién nacidos en sala cuna y de 21 por cada 1.000 recién nacidos de alto riesgo (UTI neonatal). Discusión: En nuestros resultados destacan la amplia cobertura lograda y la precocidad del diagnóstico, lo que ha permitido realizar una oportuna intervención y rehabilitación.

Introduction: Hearing loss is the most common congenital disability, and its early recognition and treatment is important for the normal social and educational development of the child. Aim: To review the results of the universal newborn hearing screening program at our institution. Material and method: Retrospective study of all newborns examined between May 2001 and December 2007. Hearing screening was carried out by otoacoustic emissions and automated auditory brainstem potentials. Results: 30 cases of congenital hearing loss were detected among the 10.095 newborns that were examined during the study period. Most hearing impairments (80 percent) were mild to moderate. Diagnosis of hearing loss was confirmed by the age of 3 months in88.5 percent> of the patients. We estimated a congenital hearing loss rate of 2.8 cases in 1000 newborns at the nursery, and of 21 cases In 1000 high-risk newborns (neonatal ICU). Discussion: From our results, it is noteworthy the high coverage and the early diagnosis achieved, which enabled us to make timely interventions and rehabilitation.

Cadmium causes delayed effects on renal function in the offspring of cadmium-contaminated pregnant female rats.

In the adult rat, chronic cadmium intoxication induces nephropathy with Fanconi-like features. This result raises the question of whether intoxication of pregnant rats has any deleterious effects on renal function in their offspring. To test this hypothesis, we measured the renal function of 2- to 60-day-old postnatal offspring from female rats administered cadmium chloride by the oral route (0.5 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) throughout their entire gestation. Investigations of rat offspring from contaminated pregnant rats showed the presence of cadmium in the kidney at gestational day 20. After birth, the cadmium kidney concentration increased from postnatal day 2 to day 60 (PND2 to PND60), presumably because of 1) milk contamination and 2) neonatal liver cadmium content release. Although the renal parameters (glomerular filtration, U/P inulin, and urinary excretion rate) were not significantly affected until PND45, renal failure appeared at PND60, as demonstrated by a dramatic decrease of the glomerular filtration rate associated with increased excretion of the main ions. In parallel, an immunofluorescence study of tight-junction protein expression of PND60 offspring from contaminated rats showed a disorganization of the tight-junction proteins claudin-2 and claudin-5, specifically expressed in the proximal tubule and glomerulus, respectively. In contrast, expression of a distal claudin protein, claudin-3, was not affected. In conclusion, in utero exposure of cadmium leads to toxic renal effects in adult offspring. These results suggest that contamination of pregnant rats is a serious and critical hazard for renal function of their offspring.

Producción de juveniles de erizo rojo Strongylocentrotus franciscamus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) en Baja California, México / Juvenile production of the red sea urchin Strongylocentrotus franciscanus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) in Baja California, Mexico

The red sea urchin Strongylocentrotusfranciscanus (Agassiz 1863) is harvested commercially in Baja California, Mexico, since 1970; however, in the last ten years the capture per unit effort (CPUE) has decreased from 310 kg/fishing unit/day to 120 kg/fishing unit/day. For this reason, actions were taken to develop a culture technology allowing massive production of juveniles for re-stocking natural populations or for growing them commercially. We summarize some of the basic studies and main achievements in this effort. In Baja California, considerably faster larval development (approximately 21 days) has been attained than in the US northwest coast (62 days). Spawning of red sea urchins was routinely induced with KCI while egg fertilization was performed using a 100,000-sperm/ml solution. Six microalgae species were tested and Rhodomonas sp. produced the best larval development. The mean survival rate at the end of the larval period was 25%, but results varied widely with bactch. From the feed ratios tested, best results were obtained using 7000 cel/ml during the first week of larval development, followed by 10,000 cel/ml during the second and 15,000 cel/ml during the third week. KCl proved the most consistent metamorphic inducer, regularly yielding metamorphosis percentages higher than 90%. Metamorphosis was considered complete when the functional jaw that juveniles use for first benthic feeding appeared (as soon as 20 days after induction). With this method several thousands of red sea urchin juveniles were produced. They reached up to 1.5 mm in size during the first 50 days of culture after metamorphosis, showing the great potential for mass production of this species in the laboratory

Imágenes del abdomen postoperatorio / Images of the postoperated abdomen

Los estudios radiológicos no se han desarrollado de manera rutinaria como forma de vigilar los diferentes procedimientos quirúrgicos del tubo digestivo, sino con el fin de valorar la integridad de los órganos o para investigar las complicaciones postoperatorias de la cirugía. La adecuada interpretación de las imágenes implica tener el profundo co¬nocimiento, tanto de las diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas como del tiempo de evolución postoperatorio, para, en un momento dado, determinar las posibles complicaciones. Son muchas las técnicas empleadas para facilitar una interpretación correcta, de las cuales las más utilizadas son la radiografía convencional (simple o con medios de contraste), la ecografía y la escanografía.

Lesiones del tubo digestivo superior por ingestión de sustancias cáusticas / Upper digestive tract lesions secondary to ingestion of caustic substances

La ingesta de cáusticos es un problema de salud pública que puede presentarse en niños o en población adulta. En el primer grupo suelen ser lesiones accidentales, mientras que en el segundo usualmente se asocian con intentos de suicidio. En este artículo se revisan la fisiopatología de las lesiones del tubo digestivo superior por ingesta de cáus¬ticos, el mecanismo de acción de los agentes cáusticos ácidos y básicos sobre la mucosa digestiva, así como los hallazgos radiográficos en el esófago y el estómago.

Automated extraction of aortic and pulmonary components of the second heart sound for the estimation of pulmonary artery pressure.

The second heart sound, S2, is generally believed to be comprised of aortic (A2) and pulmonary (P2) components. Previously, the normalized splitting interval (NSI) between the A2 and P2 components has been shown to be proportional to the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). A set of fully automated algorithms based on adaptive modeling of A2/P2 components using chirplets were developed to provide real-time estimates of PAP. The method was tested on 16 pigs which were administered drugs to induce pulmonary hypertension. Simultaneous reference pressure measurements were obtained with a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). Estimation of PAP in pigs using the new techniques resulted in a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.84 and standard error (SEE) of 9.2 mm Hg. This is in line with echocardiography studies, which have a performance ranging from r=0.69-0.91 and SEE from 5 to 12 mm Hg when compared to PAC measurements. It is also consistent with previous results based on a manual estimation of PAP derived through image processing methods. Based on these findings, this method has the potential to offer continuous noninvasive monitoring of PAP.

Bacteriostatic activity of human lactoferrin against Staphylococcus aureus is a function of its iron-binding properties and is not influenced by antibiotic resistance.

The in vitro antistaphylococcal activity of lactoferrin and the antibiotic resistance of clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from three different sites of infection were examined. Antibiotic, but not lactoferrin resistance correlated with selective antibiotic pressure, and nosocomial and most community isolates were antibiotic resistant, whereas only a third of each group was resistant to lactoferrin. The antimicrobial activity of lactoferrin, both in defined medium and in normal human plasma serum, was dependent upon its ferrochelating properties. Therapeutic approaches based on the use of ferrochelating agents such as lactoferrin combined with antimicrobial drugs may help to counteract the reduced efficacy of current antibiotics.

Utilidad de la transcripción reversa-reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RT-PCR) para la vigilancia proactiva y el diagnóstico clínico del dengue / Utility of everse-reaction transcrptions in chain of polimerase (RT-PCR) to the proactive surveillance and clinical diagnoses of dengue

Un sistema de vigilancia proactiva efectivo para dengue requiere de técnicas de laboratorio rápidas y confiable que puedan detectar tempranamente la transmisión viral para predecir las epidemias con suficiente anticipación. En este sentido, la técnica de reverso transcripción-reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RT-PCR) es una alternativa que ha sido utilizada exitosamente en sistema de vigilancia proactiva de centro y Sur América. En este estudio comparamos las cualidades del diagnóstico confirmatorio temprano del dengue de las técnicas RT-PCR, aislamiento viral en células C6/36 y serotipificación con anticuerpos con monoclonales antidengue (AIV), ensayo inmunoenzimático de captura de IgM anti-dengue (MAC-ELISA) y la inhibición de la hemaglutinación (IHA). Para el estudio utilizamos 1.019 sueros de pacientes atendidos por el sistema de vigilancia proactiva del estado Aragua, Venezuela. Los resultados desmotraron que la RT_PCR tuvo: a)mayores tasas de positividad que el AIV, el MAC-ELISA y la IHA, b)Alta sensibilidad (100 por ciento) y aceptable especificidad (73,5 por ciento) respecto al AIV y c)buena eficacia y rapidez en obtener resultados en los cuatros días iniciales de la enfermedad. Estas cualidades la convierte en una poderosa herramienta para la vigilancia proactiva del dengue(au)