The Biosynthesis of Penicillin and Cephalosporin C are Regulated by ROS at Transcriptional Level.

In a recent work we showed that, besides lovastatin, ROS also accumulate during the production phase in Pencillium chrysogenum and in Acremonium chrysogenum, and that these ROS regulate the biosynthesis of penicillin and cephalosporin C. In the present study, we investigated the level at which this positive regulation is exerted. Internal ROS levels were manipulated, i.e., increased or decreased, in the production phase of the respective fermentations. Penicillin production decreased by 51.2% when internal ROS concentration was diminished by 50%, while a 62% production increase was observed when ROS were increased (62%). Similarly, Cephalosporin production decreased (35%) with antioxidants and increased (54.1%) with exogenous ROS. Expression analysis of the respective pcbAB genes, encoding the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase enzymes, was performed. Results showed down regulation of these genes in fermentations with lower ROS content, and upregulation in the cultures with higher ROS content, in both species. This showed that ROS regulation of penicillin in P. chrysogenum and of cephalosporin C in A. chrysogenum, is exerted at transcriptional level. In silico analysis of the pcbAB gene promoters in both species, suggested that this regulation could be mediated by stress-response transcription factors like Yap1, SrrA and/or MsnA, and/or by the Hap complex.

Initial experience with intraoperative testing and repair of colorectal anastomosis using a TAMIS approach after a positive leak test.

Anastomotic leak is one of the most feared complications of colorectal anastomosis. Different techniques have been described for intraoperative testing of anastomotic integrity. These include air insufflation, methylene blue and endoscopic visualisation. If an anastomotic leak is identified intraoperatively, there are various management options. Redo anastomosis is a possibility, but may be difficult in some cases. Defunctioning is another option, but there is an associated morbidity and signficant detrimental effect on quality of life. Direct transanal repair is only possible when a low anastomosis has been performed. When the anastomotic leak occurs high in the rectum or a partial mesorectal excision is performed a transanal approach is technically very challenging. We present our experience with transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach for anastomotic assessment and repair in four patients. In all cases, a colorectal anastomosis was performed and the air insufflation test was positive. We assessed the anastomosis with TAMIS. In three cases, a defect was found and subsequently sutured. In one case, a scar in the rectal mucosa was found and reinforced with a suture. A protective ileostomy was performed in two cases, while in the other two cases, no stoma was added. All four patients were discharged with no further complications. Both protective ileostomies were taken down after radiological and endoscopic confirmation of anastomotic integrity and all 4 anastomoses remain intact after follow-up. TAMIS intraoperative assessment and repair of anastomotic leak is a safe and feasible technique whcih may avoid the need for a defunctioning stoma.

A NEW OBSERVATION OF 13q DELETION SYNDROME: SEVERE UNDESCRIBED FEATURES.

A new observation of 13q deletion syndrome: severe undescribed features: 13q deletion syndrome is characterized by a wide phenotypic spectrum resulting from a partial deletion-of the long arm of chromosome 13. It consists predominantly of mental and motor retardation, craniofacial dysmorphia, growth retardation, and several congenital malformations. We present a new case with 13q deletion syndrome phenotypically characterized by severe major malformations, some of them still undescribed, consisting of left diaphragmatic hernia, right pulmonary sequestration, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pancreatic agenesis, polysplenia, and catastrophic central nervous system malformations: semilobar holoprosencephaly, occipital myelomeningocele, partial agenesis of the corpus callosum and agenesis of olfactory bulbs. Fluorescence in situ hybridization technique using the probe LSI D13S319 (13q1l4) SO/ LSI 13q34 SG determined partial monosomy of chromosome 13 in 39/100 cells (mosaicism).

The development of human digital Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles.

Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles are cutaneous mechanoreceptors responsible for different modalities of touch. The development of these sensory formations in humans is poorly known, especially regarding the acquisition of the typical immunohistochemical profile related to their full functional maturity. Here we used a panel of antibodies (to specifically label the main corpuscular components: axon, Schwann-related cells and endoneurial-perineurial-related cells) to investigate the development of digital Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles in a representative sample covering from 11 weeks of estimated gestational age (wega) to adulthood. Development of Pacinian corpuscles starts at 13 wega, and it is completed at 4 months of life, although their basic structure and immunohistochemical characteristics are reached at 36 wega. During development, around the axon, a complex network of S100 positive Schwann-related processes is progressively compacted to form the inner core, while the surrounding mesenchyme is organized and forms the outer core and the capsule. Meissner's corpuscles start to develop at 22 wega and complete their typical morphology and immunohistochemical profile at 8 months of life. In developing Meissner's corpuscles, the axons establish complex relationships with the epidermis and are progressively covered by Schwann-like cells until they complete the mature arrangement late in postnatal life. The present results demonstrate an asynchronous development of the Meissner's and Pacini's corpuscles and show that there is not a total correlation between morphological and immunohistochemical maturation. The correlation of the present results with touch-induced cortical activity in developing humans is discussed.

Pressurized liquid extraction of Neochloris oleoabundans for the recovery of bioactive carotenoids with anti-proliferative activity against human colon cancer cells.

In recent years, the green microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans have demonstrated to be an interesting natural source of carotenoids that could be used as potential food additive. In this work, different N. oleoabundans extracts obtained by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) have been analyzed in depth to evaluate the influence of different culture conditions (effect of nitrogen, light intensity or carbon supplied) not only on the total carotenoid content but also on the carotenoid composition produced by these microalgae. Regardless of the cultivation conditions, lutein and carotenoid monoesters were the most abundant carotenoids representing more than 60% of the total content in all extracts. Afterwards, the effect of the different N. oleoabundans extracts and the dose-effect of the most potent algae extracts (namely, N9, PS and CO2 (-)) on the proliferation of human colon cancer cells lines (HT-29 and SW480) and a cell line established from a primary colon cancer cell culture (HGUE-C-1) were evaluated by an MTT assay whereas a stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to get additional evidences on the relationship between carotenoid content and the antiproliferative activity. Results revealed that, as a general trend, those extracts with high total carotenoid content showed comparably antiproliferative activity being possible to establish a high correlation between the cell proliferation values and the carotenoid constituents. Monoesters showed the highest contribution to cell proliferation inhibition whereas lutein and violaxanthin showed negative correlation and diesters and zeaxanthin showed a positive significant contribution to cell proliferation.

[Tumors of the carotid body. A case report]. / Tumores del glomus carotídeo. A propósito de un caso.

Tumors of the carotid body are uncommon. This primary neoplasm arises from the paraganglionar cells located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. They are usually multicentric and bilateral. Most patients consult for a painful, pulsatile mass situated in the angle of the jaw. Diagnosis is based on contrast CT, MRI and angiography. The treatment of choice is selective embolization followed by surgery.

[Orbit complication of sinusitis. A report of 7 cases]. / Complicaciones orbitarias de las sinusitis. Estudio de siete casos.

Orbital complications of sinusitis were reviewed. Seven cases seen in a 6-year period from 1989 to 1994 were classified following Chandler. The pathogenesis, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of orbital complications, which are rare and steadily decreasing in frequency, are discussed. Because of its possible consequences, this complication should not be overlooked.

[Small cell carcinoma of the parotid gland. A case report]. / Carcinoma de células pequeñas de glándula parótida. A propósito de un caso.

A case of small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the parotid gland in an 82-year-old woman is reported. SCC arising in major salivary glands are extremely rare. By immunohistochemical study, this case was classified as a small-cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. These neoplasms seem to have a far better prognosis than those arising from the bronchial tree. Treatment is mainly local and regional surgery with complementary radiotherapy.

Protective effects of citrus and rosemary extracts on UV-induced damage in skin cell model and human volunteers.

Ultraviolet radiation absorbed by the epidermis is the major cause of various cutaneous disorders, including photoaging and skin cancers. Although topical sunscreens may offer proper skin protection, dietary plant compounds may significantly contribute to lifelong protection of skin health, especially when unconsciously sun UV exposed. A combination of rosemary and citrus bioflavonoids extracts was used to inhibit UV harmful effects on human HaCaT keratinocytes and in human volunteers after oral intake. Survival of HaCaT cells after UVB radiation was higher in treatments using the combination of extracts than in those performed with individual extracts, indicating potential synergic effects. The combination of extracts also decreased UVB-induced intracellular radical oxygen species (ROS) and prevented DNA damage in HaCaT cells by comet assay and decreased chromosomal aberrations in X-irradiated human lymphocytes. The oral daily consumption of 250 mg of the combination by human volunteers revealed a significant minimal erythema dose (MED) increase after eight weeks (34%, p<0.05). Stronger protection was achieved after 12 weeks (56%, p<0.01). The combination of citrus flavonoids and rosemary polyphenols and diterpenes may be considered as an ingredient for oral photoprotection. Their mechanism of action may deserve further attention.

Patterns of ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) richness and relative abundance along an aridity gradient in Western Venezuela.

In xeric ecosystems, ant diversity response to aridity varies with rainfall magnitude and gradient extension. At a local scale and with low precipitation regimes, increased aridity leads to a reduction of species richness and an increased relative abundance for some ant species. In order to test this pattern in tropical environments, ant richness and relative abundance variation were evaluated along 35 km of an aridity gradient in the Araya Peninsula, state of Sucre, Venezuela. Three sampling stations comprising five transects each were set up. Pitfall traps and direct collecting from vegetation were assessed per transect. Overall, 52 species, 23 genera, and 7 subfamilies of ants were recorded in the peninsula. The total number of species and genera recorded by both sampling stations and transects decreased linearly with increasing aridity. Total relative abundance was highest in the most arid portion of the peninsula, with Crematogaster rochai (Forel) and Camponotus conspicuus zonatus (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) being the numerically dominant species. Spatial and multivariate analyses revealed significant changes in ant composition every 11 km of distance, and showed a decrease of ant diversity with the increase of harsh conditions in the gradient. Here, we discuss how local geographic and topographic features of Araya originate the aridity gradient and so affect the microhabitat conditions for the ant fauna.

[Repeat consultations in pediatric hospital emergencies]. / Consultas reiterativas en la urgencia hospitalaria pediátrica.

The objectives of this study were to analyze the social and clinical aspects of the infant and child population who excessively utilize the hospital emergency services. To this end, the clinical histories of 130 children admitted to a pediatric hospital have been analyzed. These children were between the ages of 2 months and 10 years and had 10 or more visits to the emergency room or had more than 4 visits during the same year. The control group was arbitrarily composed of 270 children admitted to the same service during the same period of time. We found that in the study group the sociocultural level was low in 71% and 17% had serious social deprivation (significant differences with the control population, p < 0.05). Twenty percent had at least one previous febrile convulsion (p < 0.001) and 33% had more than four hospital admissions. No significant differences in the number of urgent consultations were found between the different days of the week no between the different months. The most frequent diagnosis was upper respiratory tract infections. The number of consultations was higher (p < 0.05) in children with serious social deprivation, chronic pathology, multiple hospital admissions and whose home was near the hospital. We conclude that children with reiterative consultations to the hospital emergency services usually have a social level lower than the control group. Most of these consultations are caused by banal problems and the children are subjected to an excessive number of analytical and radiological tests. Therefore, adequate health education is necessary among these sociocultural level groups in order to avoid using the emergency services as primary attendance consultations.

Acción de la pomada anestésica EMLA en gasometrías arteriales / Action of EMLA anesthetic cream in arterial blood gas measurements

Resumen. Introducción: La gasometría arterial es una técnica muy dolorosa. Objetivo: Decidimos hacer un estudio para comprobar la eficacia de la pomada anestésica EMLA. Material y Métodos: Estudio aleatorizado y doble ciego sobre 51 pacientes. Aunos se les puso pomada anestésica y a otros una crema hidratante. Se registraron las varibles: edad, PaCO2, dificultad, número de pinchazos, dolor en comparación con previas y dolor cuantificado por escala analógica visual (0- 10). Se comparó con la U de Mann-Whitney la PaCO2 y el dolor y con una chi-cuadrado la comparación con previas. Resultados: La edad media fue de 76 años, la PaCO2 media 43 y el dolor medio 2,68. Hombres 33 y mujeres 17. No hubo diferencias significativas para la pCO2 (p=0,6) ni el dolor (p=0,78), tampoco para la comparación con previas con una significación de: 0,82, ni si separamos los grupos con respecto a la edad(>o<75). Conclusiones: La pomada anestésica local no produce un efecto significativo con respecto a placebo (AU)

Abstract. Introduction: Arterial gasometria is a very painful technique. Objetive: We decide to do a study to verify the efficiency the anesthesic ointment EMLA. Material and Methods: randomized and double blind Study on 51 patients. We put on some of them anesthesic ointment and to others a moisturizing cream. The varibles were registered: age, PaCO2, impede, number of pricks, pain in comparison with previous and pain quantified by analogical visual scale (0-10). It was compared with U of Mann-Whitney PaCO2 and the pain and with the chi-squared the comparison with previous. Results: The middle ages are 76, PaCO2 43 and the average pain 2,68. Men were 33 and women 17. There were not significant differences for PaCO2 (p=0,6) pain (p=0,78), for the comparison with previous with a significance of 0,82 and not if we separate the groups with regard to the age (> or <75). Conclusions: The local anesthesic ointment does not produce a significant effect with regard to placebo (AU)

Encefalopatía hiperamoniémica inducida por ácido valproico en período neonatal / Hyperammonaemic encephalopathy due to valproic acid in the neonatal period

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