Head-space gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for the assessment of the contamination of mayonnaise by yeasts.

Head-space (HS) gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) is proposed for the assessment of the contamination of mayonnaise as an alternative to plate counting, which is the technique commonly used for evaluating microbial contamination. More specifically, this method was applied in the detection of Candida metapsilosis and Zygosaccharomyces bailii, both of great importance in term of food spoilage since they are resistant to many of the common methods of food preservation. Different chemometric models were investigated using the data obtained by GC-MS (m/z profile, area of the chromatographic peaks and entire chromatographic profile), in order to obtain the highest classification success. The best results were obtained using the chromatographic profile (success rate of 92%). Contaminated samples could also be classified according to the concentration of yeast, obtaining a success rate of 87.5%. Finally, a chemometric model was constructed in an attempt to differentiate between strains.

Antiphospholipid antibodies, steroid dose, arterial hypertension, relapses, and late-onset predict organ damage in a population of Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Organ damage predicts mortality, increased accrual of detriment, and poor quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. The objective of this study is to determine the damage-free survival and its predictive factors in a population of Colombian subjects. The method used in this study is the retrospective follow-up of a cohort; damage was measured with SLICC/ACR index. Predictors of impairment were assessed by logistic regression and survival analysis. One hundred sixty-one individuals were included; 28.9% suffered damage, primarily neuropsychiatric, renal, and vascular. Arterial hypertension, antiphospholipid antibodies, prednisone dose, and number of relapses were all predictors of detriment. Onset after age 50 and daily prednisone dose higher than 7.5 mg determined earlier occurrence of damage.

Morphologic and Cytochemical Characteristics of the Blood Cells of the Yellow-Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta).

The increasing prevalence of yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) as pets in the European Union and also its utilization as animal models for experimental purposes makes crucial an accurate classification of their blood cells. The aim of this work was to provide a morphologic classification based on the cytochemical characteristics of the blood cells of 15 yellow-bellied sliders. Cytochemical stains included benzidine peroxidase, chloroacetate esterase, alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase (with and without sodium fluoride), acid phosphatase (with and without tartaric acid), Sudan black B, periodic acid-Schiff and toluidine blue. Nuclear and cellular dimensions were also measured based on quick Romanowsky-type stained smears. Besides erythrocytes and thrombocytes, five types of white blood cells were identified: heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. The cytochemical patterns of heterophils, eosinophils and basophils were unique compared to those described for other chelonians. This paper provides a useful guideline for clinical settings and further haematological studies of this species.

Reasons why erupted third molars are extracted in a public university in Mexico.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for which erupted third molars (3M) are extracted in a sample of Mexican patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 83 patients attending exodontia (minor oral surgery) clinics of a public university in Mexico (Autonomous University of Hidalgo State). The outcome variable was the reason for extractions using Kay and Blinkhorn's classification. The independent variables were age, gender, arch and tooth number according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For statistical analysis, we used the Chi-squared test in Stata 9.0. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients underwent 150 3M extractions. Mean age was 38.67 ± 13.96 years, and 71.1% were female. The four reasons for 3M extraction were prosthetic (44.0%), followed by orthodontic (24.7%), dental caries (20.0%) and periodontal disease (11.3%). Differences were observed in the reasons for 3M extractions across age groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between men and women (p > 0.05), or the WHO tooth number (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Women and patients 18 to 34 years of age had erupted 3M extracted more frequently, primarily for prosthetic reasons. The age profile indicated a trend in demand for services that differ from those of overall tooth extractions, but not for the trend across gender.

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton spp. in a Tenerife Lizard (Gallotia galloti): an immunohistochemical study.

Reports of dermatophytosis in reptiles are rare. This report describes the microscopical and immunohistochemical findings in a case of dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton spp. in a 2-year-old Tenerife lizard (Gallotia galloti) with ulcerative and pustular skin lesions. Microscopically, the lesions were characterized by superficial epidermal pustules containing heterophils with numerous fungal hyphae that stained by periodic acid-Schiff and Grocott's stain. Fungal culture was not performed, but a panel of polyclonal antibodies specific for different fungal genera was applied to tissue sections. These immunohistochemical studies demonstrated reactivity of the hyphae only with antiserum specific for Trichophyton spp.

Morphometric analysis of potential osteochondral autografts for resurfacing unicondylar defects of the proximal phalanx in PIP joint injuries.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to morphometrically assess the base of the little and ring finger metacarpals as potential osteochondral donors to resurface distal condylar defects of the proximal phalanx. METHODS: The proximal phalanges were dissected from all 4 fingers in 10 cadaveric hands and the following measurements were obtained from the distal condylar surface: anteroposterior height, radial-ulnar width, and radius of curvature. Measurements were obtained from posteroanterior and lateral radiographic views, which were digitized and analyzed using digital imaging software. Comparable measurements were obtained from the base of the small and ring metacarpals. RESULTS: The anteroposterior dimension of both potential donor metacarpals was large enough to resurface the distal condyles of each of the proximal phalanges; however, this was not true for the radial-ulnar dimensions. The distal ulnar condyle of the long finger proximal phalanx was largest, measuring 4.9 (+/- 0.) mm dorsally and 6.2 (+/- 0.5) mm volarly in the radial-ulnar dimension. Only the small metacarpal base had sufficient stock in the radial-ulnar dimension (9.4 [+/- 1.7]) mm dorsally and 10.6 [+/- 2.0] mm volarly) to resurface this condyle. With respect to radius of curvature (ROC), the donor-to-recipient ROC ratio was 1.43 for the small metacarpal base versus 2.12 for the ring metacarpal base. Linear regression analysis revealed a stronger relationship in ROC between donor and recipient condyle when the small metacarpal base served as the donor (R = 0.96 vs R = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: As determined from morphometric measurements of the 2 potential donor sites tested, the base of the small metacarpal provides the best match for resurfacing distal condylar defects of the proximal phalanges.

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia. Open vs. laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: paraesophageal hiatal hernia represents 5-10% of hiatal hernias. Its importance is based on the severe complications it may have, including gastric volvulus, and surgical treatment is recommended when a diagnosis is established. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective study of all patients who underwent surgery for paresophageal hernia between 1985 and 2007. RESULTS: we studied 90 cases, 68 females and 22 males with a median age of 67.6 years (37-96). Forty-five patients reported pyrosis, 34 epigastric postprandial pain, and 15 dysphagia; eight patients were diagnosed with gastric volvulus. Eighty-one patients underwent elective surgery and 9 emergency surgery. Forty-seven cases underwent an open procedure and 43 a laparoscopic one; 5 (11.6%) of them required conversion. The techniques performed were D Or fundoplication in 35 cases, Nissen in 35, Toupet in 14, simple hiatal closure in 2, Narbona in 1, and Lortat-Jakob in 1; in 10 patients a mesh was placed. The complication rate for open procedure was 10.6 and 9.5% for the laparoscopic one (p > 0.05). Median hospital stay was 9.1 days for the open procedure and 3.4 for the laparoscopic one (p < 0.05). As follow-up, we analyzed 84 patients. After a median follow-up of 12 years (1-19), 15 patients were still symptomatic (17.8%), with recurrence in 8 cases (5 required reoperation). The satisfaction rate was 95.5%. CONCLUSION: equivalent results were observed after laparoscopic and open surgery and a significant shorter hospital stay in the laparoscopic one. Therefore, we think that laparoscopic surgery should be considered as the election procedure for paraesophageal hiatal hernia.

The characterization of lactic acid producing bacteria from the rumen of dairy cattle grazing on improved pasture supplemented with wheat and barley grain.

AIMS: To identify and characterize the major lactic acid bacteria in the rumen of dairy cattle grazing improved pasture of rye grass and white clover and receiving a maize silage and grain supplement with and without virginiamycin. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-five bacterial isolates were obtained from the rumen of 16 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. The isolates were initially grouped on the basis of their Gram morphology and by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the PCR amplified 16S rDNA. A more definitive analysis was undertaken by comparing the 16S rDNA sequences. Many of the isolates were closely related to other previously characterized rumen bacteria, including Streptococcus bovis, Lactobacillus vitulinus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Prevotella bryantii and Selenomonas ruminantium. The in vitro production of L- and/or D-lactate was seen with all but five of the isolates examined, many of which were also resistant to virginiamycin. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of grain with virginiamycin may reduce the risk of acidosis but does not prevent its occurrence in dairy cattle grazing improved pasture. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study shows that lactic acid production is caused, not only by various thoroughly researched types of bacteria, but also by others previously identified in the rumen but not further characterized.

[Anterior approach for the surgical treatment of a laryngotracheoesophageal cleft]. / Abordaje anterior para el tratamiento quirúrgico de la hendidura laringotraqueoesofágica.

Laryngotracheoesophageal clefts (LTEC) are rare and potentially lethal malformations. Their therapeutic approach is still controversial. We report on a one month old infant with a type III LTEC who presented with aspiration and was fed through an orogastric tube for three weeks. Rigid endoscopy assessed the defect precisely. A percutaneous transendoscopic gastrostomy was done one week before the one stage anterior translaryngeal approach of the defect with a two-layer repair. The patient was orotracheally intubated, sedated and relaxed for four days after the repair. Three years later, his larynx and esophagus function normally. Rigid endoscopy and an anterior translaryngeal surgical approach were helpful in his management.

Galectin-1 induces nuclear translocation of endonuclease G in caspase- and cytochrome c-independent T cell death.

Galectin-1, a mammalian lectin expressed in many tissues, induces death of diverse cell types, including lymphocytes and tumor cells. The galectin-1 T cell death pathway is novel and distinct from other death pathways, including those initiated by Fas and corticosteroids. We have found that galectin-1 binding to human T cell lines triggered rapid translocation of endonuclease G from mitochondria to nuclei. However, endonuclease G nuclear translocation occurred without cytochrome c release from mitochondria, without nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor, and prior to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Galectin-1 treatment did not result in caspase activation, nor was death blocked by caspase inhibitors. However, galectin-1 cell death was inhibited by intracellular expression of galectin-3, and galectin-3 expression inhibited the eventual loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Galectin-1-induced cell death proceeds via a caspase-independent pathway that involves a unique pattern of mitochondrial events, and different galectin family members can coordinately regulate susceptibility to cell death.

The benefits of stereoscopic vision in robotic-assisted performance on bench models.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have failed to establish clear advantages for the use of stereoscopic visualization systems in minimal-access surgery. The aim of this study was to objectively assess whether stereoscopic visualization improves performance on bench models using the da Vinci robotic system. METHODS: Eleven surgeons carried out a series of four tasks. Positional data streamed from the da Vinci system was analyzed by means of a previously validated custom-designed software-package. An independent blinded observer scored errors. Statistical analysis included the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A p < 0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS: We found significant improvements in all tasks and for all parameters (p < 0.05). In addition, a significantly lower number of errors was scored using the stereoscopic mode as compared to the standard two-dimensional image (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted performance on bench models is more efficient and accurate using stereoscopic visualization.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the learning curve of a simulated surgical task on the da Vinci system.

BACKGROUND: Robotic telemanipulation systems provide solutions to the problems of less dexterity and visual constraints of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). However, their influence over surgeons' dexterity and learning curve needs to be assessed. We present motion analysis as an objective method to measure performance and learning progress.METHODS. Thirteen surgeons completed five synthetic small bowel anastomoses using the da Vinci system. Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) allowed qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis used API software of the system to retrieve real-time robotic signal data of time, path length, and number of movements. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS. OSATS global scores were 18.6 points for the first attempt and 26 for the fifth attempt ( p < 0.02, Cronbach's alpha = 0.894). Paired data of motion analysis for attempts 1 vs 5 showed significant change: time taken 3507 sec and 2287 sec ( p < 0.008), total number of movements 2411 and 1387 ( p = 0.01), total path length 21,630 cm and 13,941 cm ( p = 0.01).CONCLUSIONS. A rapid learning curve to a competent level using the da Vinci system is possible aided by the system's intuitive motion. Motion analysis is a useful tool to measure performance in the da Vinci system compared to OSATS and time alone.

Estudio y tratamiento racionales de la vía biliar en pancreatitis aguda / Rational study and treatment of biliary duct in acute pancreatitis

Se presenta el estudio y tratamiento de la via biliar en 67 pacientes con pancreatitis aguda y patologia biliar asociada. La colangiopancreatografia retrograda endoscopica (CPRE), tuvo las siguientes indicaciones : I. Temprana urgente, cuando el episodio fue considerado grave al ingreso y se acompanaña de signos de obstruction biliar o colangitis (n=2). II. Tardia urgente, cuando el episodio al ingreso era considerado leve, pero evolucionaba rápidamente y presentaba signos de obstruccion biliar o colangitis ( n=3 ). III. Electiva, cuando el episodio era leve y de recuperacion rápida pero habia signos de obstruccion biliar persistente (n= 12). Si el episodio era leve y sin ningun signo que indicara obstruccion biliar persistente o colangitis, los pacientes eran llevados a colecistectomia y colangiografia intraoperatoria ( CIO ) (n= 40) La gravedad se estimo con APACHE II. La coledocolitiasis estuvo presente solamente en 9 casos ( 13,4 por ciento). La CIO fue normal en los 40 casos que se realizó. La mortalidad en general fue de 8 casos (12 por ciento) pero solamente 4 murieron por causa directa de la pancreatitis (6 por ciento). Conclusion: La CPRE en pancreatitis aguda biliar debe ser usada en forma selectiva, ya que tiene indicaciones precisas; la CIO es de mucho valor en pacientes en quienes no está indicada la CPRE; la colangiopancreatografia por resonancia magnetica (CPRM) y la ultrasonografia endoscopica ( UE) no están al alcance de nuestras manos; sin embargo, señalamos que no son terapeuticas pero si muy costosas.

Grindelane diterpenoids from Stevia subpubescens.

Four new 9R,13R-epoxylabdane diterpenes (1-4) and a known clerodane derivative, 3,4beta-epoxy-5beta,10beta-cis-17alpha, 20alpha-clerod-13(14)-en-15,16-olide, were isolated from the leaves of Stevia subpubescens. The structures, which correspond to the grindelane class of diterpenoids, were elucidated by NMR data, chemical correlation, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of monoacetate 5. The absolute configuration of 1-4 is based on the optical activity of ketone 3 as compared with data of closely related substances.

Longipinane derivatives from Stevia connata.

The hexane extracts of the roots of Stevia connata afforded three new longipinene derivatives, longipinane-7beta,8alpha, 9alpha-triol-1-one 7-angelate-8-methylbutyrate (1), longipin-2-ene-7beta,8alpha,9alpha-triol-1-one 8,9-diangelate (6), and longipin-2-ene-7beta,8alpha,9alpha-triol-1-one 8-angelate-9-methylbutyrate (8), together with the known longipinane-7beta,8alpha,9alpha-triol-1-one 8,9-diangelate (2), longipinane-7beta,8alpha,9alpha-triol-1-one 7,9-diangelate (3), longipinane-7beta,8alpha,9alpha-triol-1-one 7,8-diangelate (4), longipin-2-ene-7beta,8alpha,9alpha-triol-1-one 7,8-diangelate (5), longipin-2-ene-7beta,8alpha,9alpha-triol-1-one 7-angelate-8-methylbutyrate (12), and stigmasterol. The structures of the new compounds were determined by chemical transformations and spectral methods including 2D NMR measurements. Spontaneous intramolecular transesterifications starting from the 8-angelate-9-methylbutyrate 8 provided an equilibrated mixture of the 7-angelate-9-methylbutyrate 10, the 7-angelate-8-methylbutyrate 12 and the starting material when stored in MeOH-H(2)O solution, while the 8,9-diangelate 6 only provided a binary mixture of the 7, 9-diangelate 7 and the starting material under the same conditions. The structures of 6-8, 10, and 12 and those of the nonisolable reaction intermediates 9, 11, and 14 were further evaluated by AM1 semiempirical calculations.

Clinical recognition and management of pediatric blunt abdominal trauma without ultrasound or computed tomography scan in community hospitals in Mexico.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the evaluation and clinical course of children with blunt abdominal trauma in second-level hospitals. METHODS: The authors reviewed the medical records of children, age 1 to 17 years, admitted with blunt abdominal trauma between the years 1988 to 1998. The initial evaluation included a Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS) ABCD clinical assessment, resuscitation, diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), x-ray, and laboratory values. Surgical indications included active bleeding, perforated hollow viscus, or traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Sixty-four children with blunt abdominal trauma were divided into 4 major groups: group I, obtunded children who required abdominal surgery; group II, obtunded children that did not require abdominal surgery; group III, responsive children that required abdominal surgery; group IV, responsive children that did not require abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Analyses of each group determined that the PTS, the GCS, and ABCD assessments accurately reflected the degree of injury and outcome. Jointly with DPL they may obviate the need of ultrasound and CT scan in hospitals of second level that do not have access to these resources. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of blunt abdominal trauma in children may be complicated by associated multisystem injury. Systematic evaluation minimizes missed diagnosis and facilitates rapid and effective treatment. The benefit of data acquired from a good ABCD assessment, PTS, GCS, clinical and radiological, and DPL evaluation, facilitates the decision to conduct a rapid laparotomy, and they help to predict the outcome of this kind of patient.

Expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7 mRNA in normal and ischemic adult rat kidney.

BMP-7, a member of the bone morphogenic protein subfamily (BMPs) of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of secreted growth factors, is abundantly expressed in the fetal kidney. The precise role of this protein in renal physiology or pathology is unknown. A cDNA that encodes rat BMP-7 was cloned and used as a probe to localize BMP-7 mRNA expression by in situ hybridization in the adult rat kidney. The highest expression of BMP-7 mRNA could be seen in tubules of the outer medulla. In glomeruli, a few cells, mainly located at the periphery of the glomerular tuft, showed specific and strong signals. Also, high BMP-7 mRNA expression could be localized to the adventitia of renal arteries, as well as to the epithelial cell layer of the renal pelvis and the ureter. Preliminary evidence suggests that BMP-7 enhances recovery when infused into rats with ischemia-induced acute renal failure. We examined BMP-7 mRNA expression in kidneys with acute renal failure induced by unilateral renal artery clamping. BMP-7 mRNA abundance as analyzed by solution hybridization was reduced in ischemic kidneys after 6 and 16 h of reperfusion compared with the contralateral kidney. In situ hybridization in ischemic kidneys showed a marked decrease of BMP-7 mRNA in the outer medulla and in glomeruli. Utilizing rat metanephric mesenchymal cells in culture, we also demonstrate that BMP-7 induces epithelial cell differentiation. Taken together, these data suggest that BMP-7 is important in both stimulating and maintaining a healthy differentiated epithelial cell phenotype.

Shiga toxin 1 elicits diverse biologic responses in mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND: Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) is a causative agent in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Its receptor, the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), is expressed on cultured human endothelial and mesangial cells. Mesangial cell injury in HUS ranges from mild cellular edema to severe mesangiolysis and eventual glomerulosclerosis. We hypothesized that, in addition to endothelial cells, mesangial cells are targets of Stx1. METHODS: Human mesangial cells were exposed to Stx1. Protein synthesis was measured using [35S]-methionine/cysteine. Cell viability was measured as the lysosomal uptake of Neutral Red. Monocyte chemotactic peptide (MCP-1) mRNA and protein were analyzed by Northern blotting and ELISA. RESULTS: Stx1 (0.25 to 2500 ng/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of protein synthesis. This effect of Stx1 was potentiated by preincubation of the cells with interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha; 2 ng/ml) or tumor necrosis-alpha (TNF-alpha; 500 U/ml). Stx1 had little effect on mesangial cell viability during the first 24 hours of exposure to Stx1. However, prolonged incubation with Stx1 for 48 and 72 hours resulted in a 68% and 80% decrease in cell-viability, respectively. Stx1 elicited a dose and time dependent increase in the levels of MCP-1 mRNA, an effect that was potentiated by preincubation with IL-1alpha. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that mesangial cells are susceptible to the effects of Stx1 in vitro. Stx1 exerts a spectrum of biologic effects on mesangial cells ranging from activation of chemokine genes to a lethal toxic injury. Immunoinflammatory cytokines potentiate the effects of Stx1. Thus, glomerular pathology in HUS may also result from a direct effect of Stx1 on mesangial cells.