Manufacturing parameter analysis for alumina coating on steel substrate by automated image processing of isolated splats samples.

Thermal spray technology, which involves the Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS), encompasses a category of coating processes that supply surface properties to protect or improve the performance of a substrate or component. The coating produced by this technology is built by overlapped splats, whose morphology determines the coating properties. In the same way, the splats obtained in a separated distribution by interposing a perforated mask but using the same thermal spray parameters, has a relationship with the overlapped splats inside the coating. The samples with isolated splats have the advantage of being faster and cheaper to generate and analyse. This article analyses alumina plasma-sprayed splats on steel substrates by image processing techniques, which recognize individual splats and their corresponding morphology (doughnut and pancake) parameters. These parameters allow the user to efficiently classify the splats. After that classification, a quality control can be implemented by comparison between the original and checked sample of isolated splats and a new sample obtained during a small interruption in the normal operation. Additionally, these parameters obtained in an automated way can be used to evaluate the effect of different selections of spraying process parameters.

In vitro inactivation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) by use of copper ions.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis, a contagious infectious disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants causing chronic inflammation of the intestine. MAP has proven to be very resistant to both physical and chemical processes, making it difficult to control this pathogen. Based on the recognized antimicrobial properties of copper, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of copper ions to reduce MAP numbers and/or MAP viability in a fluid matrix. Besides, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli were used as controls of the effectiveness of copper ions. MAP-spiked PBS was subjected to copper ions treatment at 24 V for 5 min and the PBS suspensions were sampled before and after treatment. MAP viability and quantification were determined using three complementary techniques: a phage amplification assay, MGIT culture and qPCR. RESULTS: Moderate numbers (103 CFU ml-1) of the two control bacteria were completely eliminated by treatment with copper ions. For MAP, copper ions treatment reduced both the viability and numbers of this pathogen. Phage assay information quickly showed that copper ions (24 V for 5 min) resulted in a significant reduction in viable MAP. MGIT culture results over time showed statistically significant differences in time-to-detection (TTD) values between PRE and POST treatment. MAP genome equivalent estimates for PBS suspensions indicated that MAP numbers were lower in samples POST-treatment with copper ions than PRE-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of copper ions resulted in a significant reduction of MAP in a liquid matrix, although some MAP survival on some occasions was observed.

Vitamin transporters in mice brain with aging.

Its high metabolic rate and high polyunsaturated fatty acid content make the brain very sensitive to oxidative damage. In the brain, neuronal metabolism occurs at a very high rate and generates considerable amounts of reactive oxygen species and free radicals, which accumulate inside neurons, leading to altered cellular homeostasis and integrity and eventually irreversible damage and cell death. A misbalance in redox metabolism and the subsequent neurodegeneration increase throughout the course of normal aging, leading to several age-related changes in learning and memory as well as motor functions. The neuroprotective function of antioxidants is crucial to maintain good brain homeostasis and adequate neuronal functions. Vitamins E and C are two important antioxidants that are taken up by brain cells via the specific carriers αTTP and SVCT2, respectively. The aim of this study was to use immunohistochemistry to determine the distribution pattern of these vitamin transporters in the brain in a mouse model that shows fewer signs of brain aging and a higher resistance to oxidative damage. Both carriers were distributed widely throughout the entire brain in a pattern that remained similar in 4-, 12-, 18- and 24-month-old mice. In general, αTTP and SVCT2 were located in the same regions, but they seemed to have complementary distribution patterns. Double-labeled cell bodies were detected only in the inferior colliculus, entorhinal cortex, dorsal subiculum, and several cortical areas. In addition, the presence of αTTP and SVCT2 in neurons was analyzed using double immunohistochemistry for NeuN and the results showed that αTTP but not SVCT2 was present in Bergmann's glia. The presence of these transporters in brain regions implicated in learning, memory and motor control provides an anatomical basis that may explain the higher resistance of this animal model to brain oxidative stress, which is associated with better motor performance and learning abilities in old age.

PEGylated Nanoemulsions for Oral Delivery: Role of the Inner Core on the Final Fate of the Formulation.

Since the past decade, there has been growing interest to grant nanoparticles with diffusion properties across mucosae. In this sense, the nonionic block copolymer Pluronic F127 (PF127) has emerged as a promising coating agent to formulate mucus-penetrating particles. In the journey to find efficient coating agents, researchers have focused more on the effect of the coating agent architecture rather than on the role of the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticle used as the substrate. The current knowledge about mucodiffusive particles is in general based on model-like nanoparticles, such as polystyrene or poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles, but there is a lack of information about the potential of PF127 on other colloidal systems. This work aims to shed some light on this issue by selecting three oils, palm (solid), coconut (semisolid), and wheat germ (liquid), with different physicochemical properties to formulate PF127-coated nanoemulsions. The obtained nanoemulsions were characterized, and their colloidal stability was tested. Their diffusion capacity was determined by particle tracking after challenging the nanoemulsions across an intestinal porcine mucus layer. In accordance with the evidence of model-like nanoparticles, our results state that PF127 allows mucodiffusion, but its effectiveness as a coating agent clearly depends on the physicochemical properties of the nanostructure core over which PF127 is placed. Among other physicochemical properties, the results certainly showed that the hydrophobic character of the nanostructure core emerges as a critical factor in the formulation of successful PF127 coatings.

Freeze-dried dog sperm: Dynamics of DNA integrity.

Freeze-drying (FD) has been proposed as an alternative method to preserve spermatozoa. During the FD procedure, sperm DNA might become damaged by both freezing and drying stresses caused by the endonucleases, the oxidative stress and the storage conditions. We examined the DNA integrity of dog sperm freeze-dried with two kinds of chelating agents in FD buffers and storage at two different temperatures. Ejaculated sperm from four dogs were suspended in basic medium (10 mM Tris-HCl buffer+50 mM NaCl) supplemented with 50 mM EGTA or with 50 mM EDTA and then freeze-dried. Sperm samples were stored at 4°C as room temperature, and the analysis of DNA damage was performed after a month and 5 months of storage using a Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test. We found four different sperm populations according to the size of the halos around the sperm head: (1) absent halo, (2) <6 µm, (3) 6-10 µm, (4) >10 µm. All of them coexisted in each freeze-dried dog semen samples and differed significantly among different treatments. The highest percentage of spermatozoa with halo >10 µm was obtained when the semen samples were freeze-dried in EDTA medium and stored at room temperature for five months. Results suggested that both, the kind of chelating agent as well as storage temperature and period, influenced DNA integrity of freeze-dried dog sperm.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) improve cryopreserved boar epididymal semen quality study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fennel and sage extracts and the influence of the egg yolk source (fresh or pasteurized) on the success of freezing boar epididymal spermatozoa. In experiment 1, epididymal sperm was recovered by flushing and cryopreserved in a lactose-egg yolk solution supplemented with various concentrations (10, 5 and 2.5 g/L) of sage or fennel. Sperm quality was evaluated (motility, viability, HOST and acrosome integrity) at 0 h and 2 h after thawing. Fennel 10 g/L and sage 5 g/L and control (no extracts) were selected for experiment 2 which also compared fresh or pasteurized egg yolk in the freezing extender and measured DNA integrity of the frozen sperm. Results showed that the interaction between fennel and sage antioxidants with fresh egg yolk significantly improved post thaw sperm quality and protected boar epididymal spermatozoa from cryopreservation damage as a result of oxidative stress.

Effect of Camellia sinensis supplementation and increasing holding time on quality of cryopreserved boar semen.

Cryopreservation of boar semen is still considered suboptimal due to the low fertility when compared with fresh semen. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) supplementation of the freezing extender at different concentration (0, 2.5%, 5%, 10%) and also to determine the influence of increasing holding time from 2 to 24 h at 15 °C. Seventeen ejaculates from nine boars were used to make pools of three of them and then cryopreserved. Sperm motility, viability, acrosome integrity, membrane functionality (HOST) and capacitation status were determined before freezing and at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after thawing. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated just after thawing. The main findings emerging from this study were the following: (i) no improvement in quality of thawed spermatozoa with addition of tea to the freezing extender, (ii) no improvement in quality of thawed spermatozoa with prolonged holding time, (iii) lower peroxidation rate in presence of tea 5% and (iv) a decrease in the number of uncapacited viable spermatozoa with any tea supplementation. We conclude that amplification of holding time in semen cryopreservation process does not vary results, facilitating freezing protocol. Tea supplementation reduces lipoxidation but did not improve quality parameters.

Programa de prevención y control de la transmisión vertical del VIH en Cuba: Enero de 1986 - diciembre de 2007 / Prevention and control of vertical HIV transmission program in Cuba: January 1986 - December 2007

La epidemia del VIH/SIDA sigue aumentando significativamente a pesar de las estrategias desarrolladas, incluyendo el desarrollo de la terapia anti-retroviral (TARV) altamente activa. Una de las poblaciones vulnerables a esta infección es los hijos de madres con infección por VIH, que no sólo están expuestos a la infección sino también a quedar huérfanos. En Cuba, desde el año 1986 se implementó un programa de prevención y control que tiene entre sus objetivos disminuir la transmisión vertical (TV) del VIH. En este estudio se analizaron los 314 niños nacidos de madres infectadas por VIH/SIDA desde el 1º de enero de 1986 al 31 de diciembre de 2007 en las diferentes maternidades del país, con el objetivo de determinar, mediante un estudio de corte transversal, la relación entre el cumplimiento de las medidas implantadas por el programa de prevención y la TV de la enfermedad. De los 314 niños nacidos, 248 tenían los estudios concluidos estando 32 niños infectados, 216 no infectados por el VIH y 66 niños se encontraban aún en estudio. La mortalidad por causas relacionadas al SIDA fue del 31,2 por ciento, y 60 por ciento de ellos fallecieron antes de arribar al primer año de vida. La tasa de TV se redujo considerablemente (de 50,0 a 14,6 por ciento) a partir de la instauración del parto por cesárea como medida profiláctica dentro del programa de control y 99 mujeres tuvieron 2,2 por ciento de TV cuando se cumplieron las últimas medidas del programa. La eficacia de la combinación del parto por cesárea y la administración de TARV fue de 95,2 por ciento. Se concluyó que el programa de prevención y control del VIH/SIDA con su componente materno infantil y las distintas medidas que se le han ido adicionando ha sido efectivo en la reducción de la TV comportándose conforme a lo descrito internacionalmente.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to increase in spite of the strategies developed, including the use of HAART. One of the vulnerable populations is the child of HIV+ mothers. In Cuba, a prevention and control program of HIV infection was implemented in 1986 and one of the key aims was to reduce perinatal infection. In this study, the medical records of all 314 children born to HIV/AIDS positive mothers between January 1986 to December 2007 are described. Our aim was to determine the relationship between Program compliance and prevention of vertical transmission (VT). A total of 248/314 infants completed a full virological evaluation at the time of this report 32 (12.9 percent) were HIV-infected. In these 32 children, mortality due to AIDS related events was 31.2 percent, of which 60 percent died before their first year of life. VT rate decreased from 50,0 percent to 14,6 percent after implementation of prophylactic caesarean section and to 2.2 percent in 99 women complying with the new adopted program including HAART antiviral therapy in pregnant woman, caesarean section, and AZT to the newborn. The effectiveness of combining a caesarean section and HAART was 95.2 percent. The prevention program for HIV/AIDS vertical transmission implemented in Cuba has been effective in reducing VT, similar to other worldwide reports.

Anti-oxidant supplementation improves boar sperm characteristics and fertility after cryopreservation: comparison between cysteine and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Anti-oxidants partially ameliorated the detrimental effects of reactive oxidative substances produced during cryopreservation. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of anti-oxidant addition to the freezing extender on boar semen qualities and fertility capacity. Ejaculates were collected from a previously selected boar and semen samples were processed using the straw freezing procedure. In experiment 1, semen samples were cryopreserved in lactose-egg yolk solution supplemented with various concentrations of cysteine (0, 5 and 10mM) to determinate a cysteine concentration capable of producing a protective effect during cryopreservation. Semen quality (total motility, progressive motility, viability, acrosome integrity and hypoosmotic swelling test) was evaluated after freezing and thawing and then every hour for 3h. In experiment 2, ejaculates were cryopreserved with lactose-egg yolk extender with or without the following anti-oxidants: cysteine, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and cysteine plus rosemary. Semen quality was evaluated. In the experiment 3, fertility capacity of semen frozen in anti-oxidant supplementation extenders was examined in vitro. A total of 2232 oocytes were in vitro matured and inseminated with frozen-thawed sperm. In summary: (i) the effective concentration of cysteine in freezing extender was 10mM; (ii) the addition of exogenous rosemary or cysteine to the freezing extender positively affected post-thawed viability and acrosome integrity. Only rosemary supplementation improved total motility at 3h and progressive motility at any time; (iii) the inclusion of rosemary into the extender was effective in penetration and cleavage rate and also in the efficiency of the fertilization system.

[Comparative study of the effectiveness two of hyperoxygenated fatty acids in the treatment of grade I ulcers in geriatric hospitalized patients]. / Estudio comparativo de efectividad de dos ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados en el tratamiento de úlceras de grado I en pacientes geriátricos hospitalizados.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether there is equivalence between two treatments for grade I ulcers with a base of hyperoxygenated fatty acids, AGHO and Mepentol: AGHO and phytotherapy. METHOD: A randomized, controlled, triple blind clinical trial was conducted with patients admitted at the Elderly Ward at San Carlos Hospital in Madrid between November 2006 and January 2008. There were two treatment groups: Experimental and control. A theoretical limit of 15% was determined between both groups. We took a random sample of patients admitted to the Elderly Ward, which produced a sample of 151 sores. The control group received treatment with Mepentol and the experimental group received AGHO. The assignment to the group was at random. The output variable was healing of erythema within the first 72h. We calculated the absolute difference in the incidence of healing between both treatments with a level of confidence of 95%. RESULTS: The sample at the end of the study was 148 (72 control and 76 experimental). There was a healing incidence of 55.6% in the control group and 69.7% in the experimental group (p=0.074). The difference in the incidence of healing between both treatments was 14% (95% CI: 29% to -1%). The upper limit of the confidence interval of the difference is outside the margin of equivalence. CONCLUSIONS: We cannot conclude that the treatment with AGHO fatty acids is equivalent to Mepentol treatment. With both treatments the healing is clinically significant.

Estudio comparativo de efectividad de dos ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados en el tratamiento de úlceras de grado I en pacientes geriátricos hospitalizados / Comparative study of the effectiveness two of hyperoxygenated fatty acids in the treatment of grade I ulcers in geriatric hospitalized patients

Objetivo. Evaluar si existe equivalencia entre dos tratamientos con base de ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados, AGHO y Mepentol®: AGHO y fitoterapia. Método. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado con triple enmascaramiento, en pacientes hospitalizados en la Unidad de Geriatría del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, entre noviembre de 2006 y enero de 2008, con dos grupos de tratamiento: intervención y control. Se determinó un límite de equivalencia teórico del 15% entre ambos. El muestreo accidental de pacientes ingresados que desarrollaron úlceras grado I. La muestra calculada de 151 úlceras. Método. La intervención fue la aplicación de Mepentol® al grupo control y AGHO al grupo intervención, la asignación al grupo fue aleatoria; la variable de resultado la curación: desaparición del eritema al menos 72h. Se calcula la diferencia absoluta de incidencia de curación entre ambos tratamientos y su IC del 95%. Resultados. Finalizaron el estudio 148 úlceras (72 control y 76 intervención). Curaron 40 úlceras (55,6%) en el grupo control y 53 (69,7%) en el grupo intervención p=0,074. La diferencia de incidencia de curación entre ambos grupos de tratamiento fue del 14% (IC del 95% 29% a –1%). El límite superior del intervalo de confianza de la diferencia se encuentra fuera del margen de equivalencia. Conclusiones. No podemos concluir que el tratamiento de ácidos grasos AGHO sea equivalente al tratamiento de Mepentol®. Con ambos tratamientos la curación es clínicamente relevante(AU)

Objective.To evaluate whether there is equivalence between two treatments for grade I ulcers with a base of hyperoxygenated fatty acids, AGHO® and Mepentol®: AGHO and phytotherapy. Method. A randomized, controlled, triple blind clinical trial was conducted with patients admitted at the Elderly Ward at San Carlos Hospital in Madrid between November 2006 and January 2008. There were two treatment groups: Experimental and control. A theoretical limit of 15% was determined between both groups. We took a random sample of patients admitted to the Elderly Ward, which produced a sample of 151 sores. Method. The control group received treatment with Mepentol® and the experimental group received AGHO®. The assignment to the group was at random. The output variable was healing of erythema within the first 72h. We calculated the absolute difference in the incidence of healing between both treatments with a level of confidence of 95%. Results. The sample at the end of the study was 148 (72 control and 76 experimental). There was a healing incidence of 55.6% in the control group and 69.7% in the experimental group (p=0.074). The difference in the incidence of healing between both treatments was 14% (95% CI: 29% to −1%). The upper limit of the confidence interval of the difference is outside the margin of equivalence. Conclusions. We cannot conclude that the treatment with AGHO fatty acids is equivalent to Mepentol® treatment. With both treatments the healing is clinically significant(AU)

Actividad larvicida de extractos vegetales acuosos en larvas de Aedes aegypti (primeros ensayos) / Larvicidal activity of aqueous plants extracts on Aedes aegypti larva (first trials)

El dengue es una enfermedad epidémica muy común en regiones tropicales y sub tropicales. La eliminación de criaderos y el control vectorial se encuentran entre las medidas en la lucha contra la enfermedad. Se han desarrollado diversas estrategias para mantener bajo índice poblacional del mosquito. Diversas investigaciones se han enfocado a la búsqueda de nuevos productos naturales, con actividad insecticida y larvicida, que puedan controlar la población de mosquitos, sin presentar riesgos al humano y animales domésticos. Realizamos una serie de bioensayos con extractos acuosos de plantas paraguayas, Annona muricata (chirimoya); Bulnesia sarmentoi (palo santo); Melia azederach (paraíso); Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. Angustifolium (tembetary hú) y Bixa orellana (urukú), para comprobar en cada planta, su actividad y eficacia como larvicida, contralarvas del mosquito Aedes agypti. Dichas larvas, fueron colectadas de diversas zonas de Asunción y el Gran Asunción, durante la epidemia de fiebre amarilla del año 2007. Las semillas de la Annona mucricata (chirimoya), presentaron una buena actividad larvicida, ya que a la mínima concentración del 5%, han tenido un efecto mortal para las larvas, comparable al observado en los controles positivos (que contenían temefos 1%). En cambio, M. aezsederach (paraíso) y Z. chiloperone (tembetary hú) no mostraron actividad larvicida a esa dosis, ni aún a otras superiores. Por otro lado B. sarmientoi (palo santo) y B. orellana (urukú), presentaron cierto efecto larvicida, eliminando al 18% de larvas a las 72 horas post-exposición. Se observó una marcada diferencia de actividad, entre el extracto de semillas chirimoya con los demás extractos probados

Dengue is an common epidemic disease in tropical and subtropical regions. The elimination of breeding sites and vector control are among the most widely used measures in the fight against the disease. Many strategies have been developed to keep low rates of mosquito populations. Several research studies have been focused on finding natural products with insecticide and larvicide activity that could effectively control these mosquito populations without risks for the human populations and domestic animals. In this work, we have performed a series of bioassays with aqueous extracts of Paraguayan plants: Annona muricata (cherimoya), Bulnesia sarmentoi (palo santo), Melia azederach (paradise), Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. Angustifolium (tembetary hú) and Bixa orellana (uruku) in order to check the effectiveness and activity as larvicide of each plant gainst Aedes aegypti larvae. The larvae were collected in various areas of Asuncion and Great Asuncion during the yellow fever outbreak of 2007. The seeds of A. mucricata (cherimoya or custard apple) showed good larvicidal activity, i.e. at the minimum concentration of 5%, showed lethality against larvae comparable to that observed in positive controls (containing 1% temephos). On the other hand, M. azederach (paradise) and Z. chiloperone (tembetary hú) did not show any larvicidal activity at the same dose and even at higher doses. B. sarmientoi (palo santo) and Bixa orellana (uruku) showed some larvicidal effect killing larva (18%) at 72 hours post-exposure. There was a marked difference in activity between the cherimoya seeds extract and the other extracts tested

Fetal and neonatal habituation in infants of diabetic mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether maternal diabetes alters the habituation ability of fetuses and newborns. STUDY DESIGN: Two nonrandomized clinical trials were performed. First, we studied prenatal fetuses of women with pregestational diabetes, and control subjects matched for gestational age, and then we studied infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) and control subjects matched for gestational age and mode of delivery. Fetus and newborns were stimulated with vibroacoustic stimulus. RESULTS: In fetuses of diabetic mothers, the ability to habituate was lower, and the habituation rate was higher than in control subjects to all habituation tests. In the neonatal period, ability to habituate was lower (59% vs 100%; P< .001), and the habituation rate was higher (18 [14-21] vs 4 [1.2-6.8]; P< .001) in the IDM than in the control infants. We found a significant negative correlation between maternal glycosylated hemoglobin in each trimester of pregnancy and habituation ability in IDM. CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses and infants of diabetic mothers have impaired habituation ability, which is related to the degree of maternal metabolic control.

Impact of millennial mining activities on sediments and microfauna of the Tinto River estuary (SW Spain).

In this paper, we analyze two short cores collected in the Tinto estuary (SW Spain), and describe the palaeoenvironmental evolution of this area during the last two millennia, along with the influence of historical mining activities and recent industrial pollution on sediments and microfauna (foraminifera and ostracoda). Although there were no significant changes in the distribution of microorganisms, a first pollution period (0-150 AD) was recorded in high sediment pollution by Cu in the shallow palaeochannels of the middle estuary. During this period and the following 1700 years, tolerant pioneer species of both foraminifera and ostracoda were found predominantly in the inner, protected areas of the estuary, while the bottom sediments were subjected to high hydrodynamic gradients, and consequently showed lower density and diversity of organisms. In the last 150 years, acid mine drainage processes, introduction of a new mining period, and the polluted inputs derived from two industrial processes resulted in increased heavy metal contamination of the bottom sediments, and corresponding extirpation of ostracodes and restriction of foraminifers to the inner zones of the estuary.

Actividad larvicida de extractos vegetales acuosos en larvas de Aedesaegypti: primeros ensayos / Larvicidal activity of aqueous plants extracts on Aedes aegypti larva: first trials

El dengue es una enfermedad epidémica muy común en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. La eliminación de criaderos y el control vectorial se encuentran entre las medidas en la lucha contra la enfermedad. Se han desarrollado diversas estrategias para mantener bajo índice poblacional del mosquito. Diversas investigaciones se han enfocado a la búsqueda de nuevos productos naturales, con actividad insecticida y larvicida, que puedan controlar la población de mosquitos, sin presentar riesgos al humano y animales domésticos. Realizamos una serie de bioensayos con extractos acuosos de plantas paraguayas, Annona muricata (chirimoya); Bulnesia sarmentoi (palo santo); Melia azederach (paraíso); Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. Angustifolium (tembetary hú) y Bixaorellana (urukú), para comprobar en cada planta, su actividad y eficacia como larvicida, contra larvas del mosquito Aedes agypti. Dichas larvas, fueron colectadas de diversas zonas de Asunción y el Gran Asunción, durante la epidemia de fiebre amarilla del año 2007. Las semillas de la Annona mucricata (chirimoya), presentaron una buena actividad larvicida, ya que a la mínima concentración del 5%, han tenido un efecto mortal para las larvas, comparable al observado en los controles positivos (que contenían temefos 1%). En cambio, M. aezsederach (paraíso) y Z. chiloperone (tembetary hú) no mostraron actividad larvicida a esa dosis, ni aún a otras superiores. Por otro lado B. sarmientoi (palo santo) y B. orellana (urukú), presentaron cierto efecto larvicida, eliminando al 18% delarvas a las 72 horas post-exposición. Se observó una marcada diferencia de actividad, entre el extracto de semillas chirimoya con los demás extractos probados.

Dengue is an common epidemic disease in tropical and subtropical regions. Theelimination of breeding sites and vector control are among the most widely usedmeasures in the fight against the disease. Many strategies have been developed to keep low rates of mosquito populations. Several research studies have been focused on findingnatural products with insecticide and larvicide activity that could effectively control these mosquito populations without risks for the human populations and domestic animals. In this work, we have performed a series of bioassays with aqueous extracts of Paraguayan plants: Annona muricata (cherimoya), Bulnesia sarmentoi (palo santo), Melia azederach (paradise), Zanthoxylum chiloperone var. Angustifolium (tembetary hú) and Bixa orellana(uruku) in order to check the effectiveness and activity as larvicide of each plant gainst Aedes aegypti larvae. The larvae were collected in various areas of Asuncion and Great Asuncion during the yellow fever outbreak of 2007. The seeds of A. mucricata (cherimoya or custard apple) showed good larvicidal activity, i.e. at the minimum concentration of 5%, showed lethality against larvae comparable to that observed in positive controls(containing 1% temephos). On the other hand, M. azederach (paradise) and Z. chiloperone (tembetary hú) did not show any larvicidal activity at the same dose and even at higher doses. B. sarmientoi (palo santo) and Bixa orellana (uruku) showed somelarvicidal effect killing larva (18%) at 72 hours post-exposure. There was a marked difference in activity between the cherimoya seeds extract and the other extracts tested.

Hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal. Consideraciones diagnósticas y de actitud clínica / Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage. Diagnostic considerations and clinical attitude

Se presenta una serie de 3 casos diagnosticados en nuestro Servicio de hemorragia suprarrenal unilateral. En dos de los casos el diagnóstico es en período neonatal y en el tercer caso se sospecha de forma retrospectiva, por encontrar en una radiografía abdominal calcificaciones suprarrenales. En los dos recién nacidos, la causa de ingreso es ictericia, acompañada en uno de ellos de masa abdominal. Los dos casos son varones sin antecedentes familiares de interés, procedentes de una primera gestación a término y sin incidencias. Parto prolongado en ambos, siendo instrumental en el primero. El período neonatal inmediato, somatometría y exploraciones complementarias al ingreso son normales. En ambos niños se realiza ecografía abdominal en la que se detecta masa suprarrenal con áreas anecoicas, compatible con hemorragia suprarrenal derecha. En ambos casos se mantiene una actitud expectante, con observación clínica estricta y centrada en la aparición de signos de insuficiencia suprarrenal (hipotensión, hipoglucemia, hipercaliemia, hiponatremia, acidosis, convulsiones, coma), hemorragia masiva o signos de indicación quirúrgica. La determinación de hormonas adrenales y el ionograma en suero y orina son normales. Los dos niños permanecen asintomáticos, no precisando otro tratamiento que fototerapia. Se realizan controles ecográficos seriados, que constituyen la base de la confirmación del diagnóstico y del diagnóstico diferencial con otras entidades como el neuroblastoma quístico, quiste cortical o absceso adrenal. Hemos querido añadir un tercer caso de diagnóstico retrospectivo probable. Es un varón de 8 años con calcificaciones suprarrenales derechas de hallazgo casual, sugerentes de antigua hemorragia suprarrenal, que presentó en período neonatal ingreso por ictericia sin sospecha de hemorragia suprarrenal. Los tres casos clínicos nos permiten revisar una entidad relativamente frecuente en el recién nacido, que cursa habitualmente de forma unilateral y asintomática, si bien en ocasiones puede producir un importante compromiso clínico con insuficiencia suprarrenal aguda, hemorragia masiva o muerte neonatal, obligando a un tratamiento precoz y enérgico (AU)

Three cases diagnosed at our Service of unilateral adrenal hemorrhage are presented. The diagnosis was at neonatal period in two cases and the third case should be suspected later by abdominal radiography revealed an adrenal calcifications. The first and second newborn was admitted to hospital by jaundice and the abdominal examination revealed a palpable mass in the first. Both cases are men. Families’ histories were no pertinent; they have been born at term after a normal pregnancy. The childbirth course was complicated by prolonged labor; it was Instrumental childbirth in the first. The neonatal period, anthropometric and laboratory studies were normal. In both children abdominal ultrasound revealed adrenal mass with anechoic areas, it is suggesting adrenal hemorrhage. In both cases was conservative man-agement, and clinical observation in the appearance of signs of adrenal insufficiency (hypotension, hypoglycemia, hyperkaliema, hyponatremia, acidose, convulsions, and comma), massive hemorrhage or signs of surgical indication. The hormonal determination, levels electrolytes blond and urine were normal. Both young they remain asymptomatic, treatment was phototherapy and serial ultrasounds. Follow up ultrasound is needed for diagnosis and differential diagnosis with neuroblastoma, cortical cyst or adrenal abscess. A third case the diagnosis was made later incidentally, suggestive adrenal calcifications of old adrenal hemorrhage. He was 8 years old boy. He was admitted to hospital by jaundice at newborn period. The three clinical cases allow to review an usually common disorder in the newborn period, that attends habitually an asyntomatic form; however sometimes it can produce an important clinical commitment with acute adrenal insufficiency, Massive adrenal hemorrhage or neonative death, forcing a precocious and energetic treatment (AU)

Persistence of fetal memory into neonatal life.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that fetal memory persists into the neonatal period. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-one newborns that had been repeatedly stimulated by using fetal vibroacoustic stimulation were compared with 31 controls. The same vibroacoustic stimulator was used for both fetal and neonatal stimulation tests. For the neonatal test the stimulus was applied against the mastoid of the newborn with the interposition of a specifically designed solid-liquid interface to simulate intrauterine conditions. Student's t-test was used. RESULTS: Neonatal habituation rate (the number of consecutive stimuli applied before a baby stopped responding) was significantly higher in those newborns who had not participate in the fetal habituation study (7.0+/-5.4 stimuli) than in those who had (4.1+/-4.1 stimuli), p=0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Newborns who were stimulated in utero habituated earlier than those who had not previously experienced the stimulation. These results suggest that fetal memory persists into neonatal life.

Origin of the anomalies in light and middle REE in sediments of an estuary affected by phosphogypsum wastes (south-western Spain).

Sc, Y, Th, Cu and rare earth elements (REE) concentrations have been analyzed in 14 samples of surface sediments and in two gravity cores by means of ICP-MS. Mean concentrations of Sc, Y and Th in surface sediments are 6.23, 4.76 and 16.30 ppm, respectively, lower than those present in the Upper Continental Crust (UCC). Cu concentration in these sediments is very high, 1466 ppm, and is caused by inputs from the Odiel and Tinto rivers, affected by acid mine drainage. SigmaREE mean concentration is 106.8 ppm, lower than that observed in other rivers and estuaries. In the cores, Sc, Y and Th concentrations show a significant increase in the intermediate levels, between 10 and 40 cm depth. The same pattern exists with Cu, where concentrations of 4440 ppm can be reached. Vertical evolution patterns for Sc, Y, Cu and heavy REE (HREE) are similar, and contrary to those shown by Th, light REE (LREE) and middle REE (MREE). Plots of North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized REE data of surface sediments show a slight depletion in REE concentrations. Most samples present with middle REE enrichment relative to light REE and heavy REE. Conversely, samples of the intermediate levels of the cores show significant enrichment of REE relative to NASC and high values in the (La/Gd)NASC and (La/Yb)NASC ratios. These anomalies in the fractionation patterns caused by enrichments in LREE and MREE concentrations is related to the presence of high concentrations of Th. They were generated by effluents from fertilizer factories between 1968 and 1998 which used phosphorite as source material.

Evaluation of pancreatic proteolytic enzyme treatment of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, with nutrition and detoxification support.

Historically, large doses of proteolytic enzymes, along with diet, nutritional supplements, and "detoxification" procedures, have been used in alternative therapies to treat all forms of cancer, without formal clinical studies to support their use. A 2-year, unblinded, 1-treatment arm, 10-patient, pilot prospective case study was used to assess survival in patients suffering inoperable stage II-IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with large doses of orally ingested pancreatic enzymes, nutritional supplements, "detoxification" procedures, and an organic diet. From January 1993 to April 1996 in the authors' private practice, 10 patients with inoperable, biopsy-proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma were entered into the trial. After one patient dropped out, an 11th patient was added to the study (however, all 11 are considered in the data tabulation). Patients followed the treatment at home, under the supervision of the authors. As of 12 January 1999, of 11 patients entered into the study, 9 (81%) survived one year, 5 (45%) survived two years, and at this time, 4 have survived three years. Two patients are alive and doing well: one at three years and the other at four years. These results are far above the 25% survival at one year and 10% survival at two years for all stages of pancreatic adenocarcinoma reported in the National Cancer Data Base from 1995. This pilot study suggests that an aggressive nutritional therapy with large doses of pancreatic enzymes led to significantly increased survival over what would normally be expected for patients with inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Influence of long-term, low-dose, diuretic-based, antihypertensive therapy on glucose, lipid, uric acid, and potassium levels in older men and women with isolated systolic hypertension: The Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program. SHEP Cooperative Research Group.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies often of short duration have raised concerns that antihypertensive therapy with diuretics and beta-blockers adversely alters levels of other cardiovascular disease risk factors. METHODS: The Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program was a community-based, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in men and women aged 60 years and older. This retrospective analysis evaluated development of diabetes mellitus in all 4736 participants in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program, including changes in serum chemistry test results in a subgroup for 3 years. Patients were randomized to receive placebo or treatment with active drugs, with the dose increased in stepwise fashion if blood pressure control goals were not attained: step 1, 12.5 mg of chlorthalidone or 25.0 mg of chlorthalidone; and step 2, the addition of 25 mg of atenolol or 50 mg of atenolol or reserpine or matching placebo. RESULTS: After 3 years, the active treatment group had a 13/4 mm Hg greater reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the placebo group (both groups, P<.001). New cases of diabetes were reported by 8.6% of the participants in the active treatment group and 7.5% of the participants in the placebo group (P=.25). Small effects of active treatment compared with placebo were observed with fasting levels of glucose (+0.20 mmol/L [+3.6 mg/dL]; P<.01), total cholesterol (+0.09 mmol/L [+3.5 mg/dL]; P<.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.02 mmol/L [-0.77 mg/dL]; P<.01) and creatinine (+2.8 micromol/L [+0.03 mg/dL]; P<.001). Larger effects were seen with fasting levels of triglycerides (+0.9 mmol/L [+17 mg/dL]; P<.001), uric acid (+35 micromol/L [+.06 mg/dL]; P<.001), and potassium (-0.3 mmol/L; P<.001). No evidence was found for a subgroup at higher risk of risk factor changes with active treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Antihypertensive therapy with low-dose chlorthalidone (supplemented if necessary) for isolated systolic hypertension lowers blood pressure and its cardiovascular disease complications and has relatively mild effects on other cardiovascular disease risk factor levels.