Microencapsulation of probiotics by efficient vibration technology.

The target site of action of probiotics is the intestine. They must be surviving the stomach acidic condition before reaching the target site. Three probiotic bacteria were microencapsulated in sodium alginate beads using a sophisticated microencapsulation technology provided by BÜCHI B-390. This study reports the tolerance of the different microencapsulated Lactobacillus at low pH using simulated gastric juice, comparing it with the tolerance of free bacteria. The three microencapsulated strains displayed time-dependent acid sensitivity at pH values under 3.0. At pH 2.0, a dramatic reduction in bacterial survival occurred after 5 min, with only L. casei surviving after 30 min, with 75% survival. At pH 2.5 microencapsulated L. casei survived for 90 , L. reuteri survived for 60 and L. bulgaricus survived for only 30 min, respectively. The microencapsulation technology used in this study may effectively protect Lactobacillus from gastric conditions and permit comparisons between strains.

Use of chemostat cultures mimicking different phases of wine fermentations as a tool for quantitative physiological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most relevant yeast species conducting the alcoholic fermentation that takes place during winemaking. Although the physiology of this model organism has been extensively studied, systematic quantitative physiology studies of this yeast under winemaking conditions are still scarce, thus limiting the understanding of fermentative metabolism of wine yeast strains and the systematic description, modelling and prediction of fermentation processes. In this study, we implemented and validated the use of chemostat cultures as a tool to simulate different stages of a standard wine fermentation, thereby allowing to implement metabolic flux analyses describing the sequence of metabolic states of S. cerevisae along the wine fermentation. RESULTS: Chemostat cultures mimicking the different stages of standard wine fermentations of S. cerevisiae EC1118 were performed using a synthetic must and strict anaerobic conditions. The simulated stages corresponded to the onset of the exponential growth phase, late exponential growth phase and cells just entering stationary phase, at dilution rates of 0.27, 0.04, 0.007 h-1, respectively. Notably, measured substrate uptake and product formation rates at each steady state condition were generally within the range of corresponding conversion rates estimated during the different batch fermentation stages.Moreover, chemostat data were further used for metabolic flux analysis, where biomass composition data for each condition was considered in the stoichiometric model. Metabolic flux distributions were coherent with previous analyses based on batch cultivations data and the pseudo-steady state assumption. CONCLUSIONS: Steady state conditions obtained in chemostat cultures reflect the environmental conditions and physiological states of S. cerevisiae corresponding to the different growth stages of a typical batch wine fermentation, thereby showing the potential of this experimental approach to systematically study the effect of environmental relevant factors such as temperature, sugar concentration, C/N ratio or (micro) oxygenation on the fermentative metabolism of wine yeast strains.

[Thoraco-abdominal pseudotumor associated with Bartonella henselae and Eikenella corrodens in an immunocompetent patient]. / Pseudotumor toraco-abdominal asociado a Bartonella henselae y Eikenella corrodens en un paciente pediátrico inmunocompetente.

Inflammatory pseudotumors are a rare pathology and scarcely reported in the literature and have been associated with polymicrobial infections. Here, we present the case of a 9 years old boy from Bolivia, who presented with abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting, who was diagnosed with a thoraco-abdominal pseudotumor. The micro-biology and molecular laboratories in tissue allowed the identification of one of the probable etiological agents.

Viability dataset on microencapsulated probiotics: Sodium alginate viscosity effect.

Probiotics must be delivered alive to exert a positive health effects in site of action. But, they must survive different extreme condition through intestinal tract. Microencapsulation techniques have received considerable attention and facilitate a suitable carrier system to reach the target site. The encapsulation techniques applied to probiotics can be classified into two groups, depending on the method used to form the beads: extrusion (droplet method) and emulsion or two-phase system [1], where extrusion is evolved in the vibration technology and in particular, when the wavelength of an asymmetric disturbance exceeds the jet circumference, the break-up occurs. Droplet size depends on nozzle (jet) diameter, viscosity of fluid, surface tension, jet velocity and frequency of disturbance [2,3]. The data presented in this article evaluated the performance of microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei (probiotic bacteria) using vibration technology and using two kinds of sodium alginate gel matrix (low and medium viscosity) and compare the effect over viability. The best conditions for higher viability of probiotics were at a concentration of sodium alginate (medium viscosity) at 2%, with a nozzle of 450 µm and a frequency of 1000 Hz. The data are related to the research article entitled "Microencapsulation of probiotics by efficient vibration technology" [3], where Microencapsulator provide by BÜCHI (Encapsulated B-390) was used.

Pseudotumor toraco-abdominal asociado a Bartonella henselae y Eikenella corrodens en un paciente pediátrico inmunocompetente / Thoraco-abdominal pseudotumor associated with Bartonella henselae and Eikenella corrodens in an immunocompetent patient

Resumen Los pseudotumores inflamatorios son poco frecuentes y escasamente descritos en la literatura y han sido asociados a infecciones polimicrobianas. Se presenta el caso de un niño de 9 años, procedente de Bolivia, quien consultó por dolor abdominal, baja de peso y vómitos, diagnosticándose un pseudotumor tóraco-abdominal. El laboratorio clínico, mediante el estudio de biología molecular en tejido, permitió la identificación de uno de los probables agentes etiológicos.

Abstract Inflammatory pseudotumors are a rare pathology and scarcely reported in the literature and have been associated with polymicrobial infections. Here, we present the case of a 9 years old boy from Bolivia, who presented with abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting, who was diagnosed with a thoraco-abdominal pseudotumor. The micro-biology and molecular laboratories in tissue allowed the identification of one of the probable etiological agents.

One-pot synthesis of imidazoles from aromatic nitriles with nickel catalysts.

Nickel(0) catalysts were used to produce substituted imidazoles in good to high yields using benzonitrile, p-substituted benzonitriles and 4-cyanopyridine as starting materials.

Manipulating the molecular weight of alginate produced by Azotobacter vinelandii in continuous cultures.

Alginate production by Azotobacter vinelandii in chemostat cultures was evaluated at different dilution rates (D) and inlet sucrose concentrations of 5 and 20 g l(-1). At the low inlet sucrose concentration, the molecular weight of alginate increased from 800 to 1800 kDa when D increased from 0.05 to 0.10 h(-1), whereas the opposite trend was observed with the high inlet sucrose concentration. This behaviour can be explained by changes in specific sucrose uptake rate. Thus, a decrease in alginate molecular weight was dependent on the specific sucrose uptake rate when this rate was higher than 0.42 g g(-1) h(-1). The manipulation of the D can be used to select the molecular weight of alginate in continuous culture.

Toll-like receptors are key participants in innate immune responses.

During an infection, one of the principal challenges for the host is to detect the pathogen and activate a rapid defensive response. The Toll-like family of receptors (TLRs), among other pattern recognition receptors (PRR), performs this detection process in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. These type I transmembrane receptors identify microbial conserved structures or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Recognition of microbial components by TLRs initiates signaling transduction pathways that induce gene expression. These gene products regulate innate immune responses and further develop an antigen-specific acquired immunity. TLR signaling pathways are regulated by intracellular adaptor molecules, such as MyD88, TIRAP/Mal, between others that provide specificity of individual TLR- mediated signaling pathways. TLR-mediated activation of innate immunity is involved not only in host defense against pathogens but also in immune disorders. The involvement of TLR-mediated pathways in auto-immune and inflammatory diseases is described in this review article.

[Suspicion of systemic diseases through nails abnormalities]. / Sospecha de patologías sistémicas a través de alteraciones ungueales.

Nails are protective, thin, horny growth at the end of fingers and toes. Abnormalities of the fingernails and toenails can provide both subtle and obvious clues to common medical problems or severe systemic diseases. Inheritance, minor injuries, common habits, the use of cosmetics and a variety of infections account for many changes in the appearance of nails. Awareness of normal nail variants, abnormalities and their disease associations will be beneficial to detect systemic diseases.

[Study of variables associated with skin cancer in Chile using principal component analysis]. / Estudio de variables asociadas al cáncer de piel en Chile mediante análisis de componentes principales.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of skin cancer in Chile has increased in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To associate variables with skin cancer in Chile through indices generated using multivariate descriptive statistical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHOD: During May 2004, information was gathered from demographic, meteorological and clinical data from Chile corresponding to fiscal year 2001, the latest complete, official information available for the country's Health Services as a whole. The variables developed by the following were studied: the National Statistics Institute (INE), the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), the Ministry of Planning and Cooperation (MIDEPLAN), the National Health Fund (FONASA), the Chilean Meteorological Directorate, Federico Santa María Technical University and the Directorate-General for Water. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was then performed on the data obtained. RESULTS: The first three principal components were selected, with a cumulative explained variance percentage of 54.48 %. The first principal component explains 24.92 % of the variance, and is related to climatic and geographic variables. The second principal component explains 15.77 % of the variance, and is mainly related to FONASA's beneficiary population and the poverty rate. The mortality rate from skin cancer runs significantly against this component. The third principal component explains 13.79 % of the variance, and is related to population characteristics, such as total catchment population, female population and urban population. CONCLUSION: Performing PCA is useful in studying the factors associated with skin cancer.

[Sun exposure behaviors and knowledge among Chileans]. / Conocimientos y hábitos de exposición solar de la población Chilena.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet light exposure has a pathogenic effect on the development of skin cancer, whose prevalence increases worldwide. In Chile and the rest of the world, preventive educational campaigns are carried out to change high risk sun exposure behaviors. AIM: To study the behavior of the Chilean population towards skin cancer prevention and to identify erroneous preventive practices and concepts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey containing 17 questions about sun exposure behaviors, photoprotective measures and knowledge about ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer was used. It was applied during January and February 2004, to 1,143 subjects (mean age 30 years, 409 males), taking vacations in beach resorts in Chile. RESULTS: The hours of higher sun exposure ranged from 12 AM to 4 PM. Thirty seven percent of subjects were exposed more than 2 hours during this high risk lapse. Women and subjects aged less than 25 years were those with the riskiest behaviors. Fifty four percent used some type of photoprotection and 50% used ocular protection. Seventy percent used creams with sun screen and 74% used a sun protection factor higher than 15. Seventy percent applied the sun screen as recommended. Thirty eight percent had at least one sun burn in the last two years. More than 90% of subjects were aware of the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer but 60% did not know the hours of higher ultraviolet radiation. The information about sun exposure was obtained from television in 57% of surveyed individuals. CONCLUSIONS: More educational campaigns about the risk of sun exposure are needed to reduce risky behaviors in the Chilean population.

[Indices of public health services and resource allocation from the Health Ministry of Chile]. / Indicadores de gestión de servicios de salud públicos y asignación de recursos desde el Ministerio de Salud de Chile.

BACKGROUND: Chile has a National Health Services System, formed by 29 Health Services. An efficient resource distribution among this services is crucial for an efficient health care delivery. AIM: To obtain indices from the Chilean Public Health Services, that could improve allocation of resources. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information from the Chilean Public Health Services, corresponding to activities during 2001 budgetary period, was collected. This is the latest complete and official information for the totality of Health Services in the country. Seventeen variables generated or monitored by the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (INE), the Ministerio de Salud (MINSAL), the Ministerio de Hacienda, the Ministerio de Planificación y Cooperación (MIDEPLAN) and the Fondo Nacional de Salud (FONASA) were studied. The Main Components Analysis (ACP) was used, obtained from the R correlation matrix. RESULTS: The first two main components were selected, with an accumulated percentage of explained variability of 63.05%. The first component is related to the population assigned to each Health Service. This corresponds to the number of people needed to treat in the hospitals of these Services and their answer to this demand, justified by the expenses in which each Health Service incurs. There is an inverse relation of the first component with health indicators, measured by burden of disease and death. The second main component would represent the social and economic characteristics of the population, poor and very poor populations and public health insurance beneficiaries, to take care of in each Health Service. CONCLUSIONS: Health indicators in each Health Service are not considered a priority for resource distribution among Health Services in the country. The transference is done considering the indices contained in the two main components defined.

Toll-like Receptors are Key Participants in Innate Immune Responses

During an infection, one of the principal challenges for the host is to detect the pathogen and activate a rapid defensive response. The Toll-like family of receptors (TLRs), among other pattern recognition receptors (PRR), performs this detection process in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. These type I transmembrane receptors identify microbial conserved structures or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Recognition of microbial components by TLRs initiates signaling transduction pathways that induce gene expression. These gene products regulate innate immune responses and further develop an antigen-specific acquired immunity. TLR signaling pathways are regulated by intracellular adaptor molecules, such as MyD88, TIRAP/Mal, between others that provide specificity of individual TLR- mediated signaling pathways. TLR-mediated activation of innate immunity is involved not only in host defense against pathogens but also in immune disorders. The involvement of TLR-mediated pathways in auto-immune and inflammatory diseases is described in this review article.

Diseño de una metodología para el cálculo de los costos de calidad / Desing of a methodology for calculating quality costs

Se estableció una metodología para el cálculo y análisis de los costos de calidad y a partir de ésta se pudo calcular y analizar los costos de prevención, evaluación y por fallos de 1995, en la que se utilizó para el cumplimiento de los objetivos diferentes técnicas gráficas, como diagrama circular, Pareto, flujo informativo y otras. Se compararon los valores obtenidos con 3 indicadores económicos

Encuesta sobre conocimientos acerca de la Loxoceles Laeta / Survey on knowledge about the Loxoceles Laeta

En Chile existe una amplia variedad de arañas, siendo las más peligrosas las pertenecientes al género Loxoceles y Lactrodectus, siendo la Loxoceles laeta la que habita en la mayor parte de las casas del territorio nacional. Es importante una adecuada identificación de la mordedura de esta araña para una consulta y tratamiento precoz, sin llegar a producir una sobrealarma y saturación de los servicios de urgencia. El objetivo de este artículo es evidenciar el grado de conocimiento sobre el tema en la población ambulante del consultorio Bernardo Leighton de Puente Alto, Santiago.

Actividad de diterpenoides de azorella compacta, llareta, sobre amastigotes de trypanosoma cruzi / Activity of dipernoids isolated from azorella compacta, llareta, on trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes

The trypanocidad activity against amastigote forms of SPA-14, Tulahuen and G strains and CL Brener clone of Trypanosoma cruzi of diterpenoids isolated from Azorella compacta. Phil. (Llareta), a plant with ethnomedicinal prestige from prespanish age, was investigated. Amastigocidal activity was shown in azorellanol (2), diterpene isolated by first time, with an inhitory concentration 50 (IC) that varied between 60 M (CL Brener clone) and 84 M (SPA-14 strain), and in mulin -11,13 -dien-20-oico acid (5) with IC between 41 µM (G strain) and 87 mM (CL Brener clone). The cytotoxicity levels of both compounds against Hela and Vero cells and macrophages J144 are lower than nifurtimox and similar to gentian violet

Prevalencia de hipertensión arterial y nefropatía en pacientes con diabetes mellitus no insulinodependientes / Prevalence of arterial hypertension and nephropathy in patients with non-insulindependent diabetes mellitus

La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en la población de pacientes diabéticos estudiada fue de 53,6 por ciento , superior a la encontrada en otros estudios, sin diferencias de sexo. La edad promedio de diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial en esta población es de 57 años, siendo, en promedio 6 años posterior al diagnóstico de la DMNID. La frecuencia de hipertensión arterial se mantiene constante en 50 por ciento hasta los 20 años de evolución de la DMNID con un aumento posterior a mayor de edad. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial aumenta cuando hay mal control metabólico ee IMC más altos. Las prevalencia de nefropatía en lapoblación de pacientes diabéticos fue de 14,4 por ciento . No se encontró asociación entre control metabólico y nefropatía, ni entre esta última e hipertensión arterial