Variants of human DECTIN-1 rs16910526 are linked to differential reactive oxygen species production and susceptibility to tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Dectin-1 is a transmembrane receptor that plays a pivotal role in recognising fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). A specific variant, DECTIN-1 rs16910526, results in a truncated receptor that disrupts membrane expression and ligand binding and is clinically associated with recurrent cutaneous mycoses. Previous research has clarified the role of Dectin-1 in boosting immune defenses against mycobacteria by enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in neutrophils (PMNs). Here, we investigated the association between the rs16910526 variant and Dectin-1 expression in PMNs, as well as intracellular ROS production in response to Mtb. Furthermore, we explored the potential link between the rs16910526 gene variant and TB outcomes in Argentina. METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from a cohort of 178 TB patients and healthy subjects (HS) in Argentina. PCR amplification and sequencing were performed to identify the rs16910526 variant. Flow cytometry was utilised to assess Dectin-1 expression on the PMN plasma membrane and to measure intracellular ROS levels, as indicated by the oxidation of DHR123 in response to the Mtb antigen. RESULTS: PMNs carrying the rs16910526 variant exhibited diminished Dectin-1 expression and ROS production in response to Mtb (p < 0.0001). In a case‒control study, the rs16910526 variant had an allelic frequency of 0.112 in TB patients and 0.051 in HS. Notably, 10 out of 88 HS and 18 out of 62 TB patients harboured the variant (odds ratio [OR]: 2.55 [95% CI 1.1-5.9, p = 0.03]), indicating a potential association with TB disease. Furthermore, TB patients with the rs16910526 variant exhibited a delayed sputum smear conversion time (p < 0.004) and 100% positivity for acid-fast bacilli smears (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Our study identified a significant association between the SNP variant rs16910526 in the DECTIN-1 gene and Dectin-1 expression in the PMN, leading to altered ROS production. The higher frequency of this variant in TB patients compared to HS suggests a possible link with susceptibility to TB disease in Argentina.

Surfing the tide: Homeward migration of sea trout (Salmo trutta) in a Patagonian river.

This study evaluates the influence of marine and freshwater conditions on the timing of river entry and upstream migration of sea trout (Salmo trutta) in the Grande River of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia. We analysed the in-river catch-and-release records from a group of fishing lodges that dominate the Grande River fishery during January-April 2008 (n = 5029 fish) as a function of environmental variables: tidal amplitude, stage in the lunar cycle, river discharge, and river water temperature along the homeward migration season. We discuss the value of the daily catch rate as an abundance index in the Grande river, then analyse the temporal structure of the tidal cycle in the Grande River estuary, a macro-tidal environment with a mean tidal amplitude of 5.7 m, and analyse the fit of a generalized additive model to trout catches on a daily basis in four sections along the river to identify the environmental variables that may affect trout abundance throughout the homeward migration. Fish catches in each section of the river were differentially affected by specific environmental variables: tidal amplitude had a positive and significant effect on catches in the lower river sections, whereas water temperature and river discharge significantly affected catches in upper sections (positive effect of temperature; negative effect of discharge). Catches in the lower section clearly reflect the river entry stage of the homeward migration, with a bi-modal shape significantly correlated with the tidal cycle. The first peak was composed mainly of larger multi-sea-winter trout that move upstream, whereas the second one had a wider range of fish lengths, including a large proportion of small and maybe nonreproductive trout that overwinter in the lower river. Based on our results, we conclude that the large tides in the Grande River estuary strongly affect the river entry timing of sea trout. The underlying mechanisms of this effect may be a combination of increased olfactory recognition and increased tidal transport modulated by the seasonal tidal cycle, which operates on trout during coastal migration to produce the pulses observed in the Grande River sea trout run. In the middle and upper sections of the river, where the tidal effect at river entry was dissipated as upstream migration progressed, trout catches increased with water temperature and decreased with river discharge, which may operate through their influence on in-river migration rate and abundance, but also through changes in catchability.

Peripheral Neural Sheath Breast Sarcoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

Primary sarcomas of the breast are heterogeneous neoplasms derived from the non-epithelial elements of the mammary gland. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors comprise 5-10% of all malignant soft tissue sarcomas. Its heterogeneity and low incidence (1 in 100,000) limit the performance of prospective studies. Therefore, most published articles include individual reports and case series with a small number of patients, making it impossible to determine clear treatment standards in this scenario. A 36-year-old young woman with no personal history consulted the National Cancer Institute of Colombia with a 1-year progression of a rapidly growing mass in her left breast until reaching an approximate tumor size of 20 × 20 cm. Histopathological analysis with a tru-cut biopsy taken from the lesion revealed the presence of a breast sarcoma with positive staining for SOX-10 and S-100. A radical mastectomy as her first treatment included the resection of a costal arch and, therefore, the reconstruction of the chest wall with coverage of the defect with an extended latissimus dorsi flap followed by consolidation therapy with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy. Evidence regarding malignant peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma of the breast treatment corresponds to retrospective analyses and case reports with high heterogeneity and variability about strategies in surgical procedures and adjunctive therapy such as complementary chemotherapy and RT; therapeutic approach should always include a multidisciplinary team.

Síndrome de absceso hepático invasor por Klebsiella pneumoniae, serie de casos / Invasive liver abscess syndrome caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, case series

Resumen Introducción: Los abscesos hepáticos primarios producidos por Klebsiella pneumoniae y las implicancias sistémicas relacionadas constituyen el síndrome de absceso hepático invasor por Klebsiella pneumoniae. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y la evolución de esta entidad en nuestro centro. Pacientes y Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes adultos internados en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos aires entre el 1 de enero de 2001 y el 1 de mayo de 2020. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de absceso en cualquier órgano con aislamiento en cultivo de absceso o hemocultivo positivo para Klebsiella pneumoniae para ser analizadas las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y la evolución de aquellos con localización primaria hepática. Resultados: 10 pacientes fueron incluidos. Dos (20%) pacientes fueron orientales. La mediana de edad fue 69 años (IIC 64-79), nueve (90%) fueron hombres. La co-morbilidad más frecuente fue diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (40%). Cuatro (40%) pacientes tuvieron diseminación a otros órganos. La mediana de internación fue 21,5 días (IIC 15-43), 60% (n: 6) requirió internación en unidad de cuidados intensivos y 30% (n: 3) de los pacientes falleció. Conclusión: El síndrome de absceso hepático invasor por Klebsiella pneumoniae es una enfermedad infrecuente, potencialmente mortal. Este estudio intenta reportar las características de los pacientes con esta patología en nuestra población.

Abstract Background: Primary liver abscesses caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and their related systemic complications produce the invasive liver abscess syndrome due to Klebsiella pneumoniae. Aim: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and evolution characteristics in our center. Methods: A retrospective cohort of hospitalized adults in Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between January 1st, 2001 and May 1st, 2020. We included patients with diagnosis of abscess in any organ with rescue in culture or positive blood culture for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Epidemiological, clinical characteristics and prognosis of those with hepatic primary localization were analyzed. Results: 10 patients were included. Two (20%) patients were Oriental. Median age was 69 years (interquartile range 64-79), nine (90%) were men. The most frequent comorbidity was type 2 diabetes (40%). Four (40%) patients had spread to other organs. The median hospitalization was 21.5 days (IIC 15-43), 60% (n: 6) were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and 30% (n: 3) died. Conclusions: The invasive liver abscess syndrome due to Klebsiella pneumoniae is a rare life-threatening disease. Our study reports the characteristics of patients with this syndrome in our population.

Medidas de contingencia en un servicio de neumonología intervencionista para la realización de procedimientos de broncoscopía rígida durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Contingency Measures in an Interventional Pulmonology Service for Rigid Bronchoscopy Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic

El día 30 de enero de 2020 la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) reconoce la condición de pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV2 responsable de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-CoV2 por su denominación en inglés). Se ha demostrado que la vía respiratoria de pacientes infectados por COVID-19 tiene una alta carga viral, especialmente en nariz, garganta y tráquea. Los procedimientos que involucran el tracto aerodigestivo superior, como la broncoscopía, se consideran de alto riesgo de infección. Recomendaciones de diferentes sociedades establecen lineamientos para la realización de estos procedimientos, recomendando medidas de seguridad específicas evitando en lo posible la realización de broncoscopía rígida. Nuestra unidad corresponde a un servicio de neumonología intervencionista del sistema de salud público. Para hacer frente a la demanda de atención, necesidad de realizar procedimientos impostergables y una limitación en infraestructura y recursos, se inició un plan de contingencia y prueba de elementos alternativos orientados a potenciar la seguridad del personal y sus pacientes. Se presentan en este trabajo las medidas generales y nuevos dispositivos incluidos en nuestra secuencia de trabajo con el fin de mejorar la bioseguridad para el personal de salud y el paciente ante la necesidad de continuar realizando procedimientos.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the pandemic of SARS-CoV2, responsible for the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-CoV2). It has been shown that the airways of patients infected with COVID-19 have a high viral load, especially in the nose, throat and trachea. Procedures involving the upper aerodigestive tract, such as the bronchoscopy, are considered to carry a high risk of infection. Recommendations from different societies establish certain guidelines for these procedures, suggesting specific safety measures and, where possible, avoiding the performance of rigid bronchospies. Our unit belongs to an interventional pulmonology service of the Public Health System. In order to be able to meet the demand for medical care, the need to perform urgent procedures and the limitation to infrastructure and resources, we began a contingency plan and testing of alternative elements intended to increase the safety of the staff and the patients. This study introduces general measures and new devices included in our work sequence with the purpose of improving biosafety for the health staff and the patient when there is still a need to follow the procedures.

[Invasive liver abscess syndrome caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, case series]. / Síndrome de absceso hepático invasor por Klebsiella pneumoniae, serie de casos.

BACKGROUND: Primary liver abscesses caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and their related systemic complications produce the invasive liver abscess syndrome due to Klebsiella pneumoniae. AIM: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and evolution characteristics in our center. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of hospitalized adults in Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between January 1st, 2001 and May 1st, 2020. We included patients with diagnosis of abscess in any organ with rescue in culture or positive blood culture for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Epidemiological, clinical characteristics and prognosis of those with hepatic primary localization were analyzed. RESULTS: 10 patients were included. Two (20%) patients were Oriental. Median age was 69 years (interquartile range 64-79), nine (90%) were men. The most frequent comorbidity was type 2 diabetes (40%). Four (40%) patients had spread to other organs. The median hospitalization was 21.5 days (IIC 15-43), 60% (n: 6) were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and 30% (n: 3) died. CONCLUSIONS: The invasive liver abscess syndrome due to Klebsiella pneumoniae is a rare life-threatening disease. Our study reports the characteristics of patients with this syndrome in our population.

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 - Association with Breast Cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin, and Low-Grade Peripheral Nerve Sheath Sarcoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare medical condition that raises the probability of having distinct types of malignant and benign neoplasms. Nevertheless, the association with breast cancer is rare, and metachronic neoplasia with a distinct histologic subtype is an association that has never been reported before. Here we describe a case of a primary breast tumor, with posterior development of basal cell carcinoma of the skin, and a low-grade peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma.

Primary Gastrointestinal Kaposi's Sarcoma in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in HIV patients secondary to coinfection by HHV8 and development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare complication even if no skin lesions are detected on physical examination. This article indicates which patients might develop this type of clinical sign and also tries to recall that absence of skin lesions never rules out the presence of KS, especially if gastrointestinal involvement is documented. Gastrointestinal bleeding in terms of hematemesis has rarely been reported in the literature. We review some important clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment approach. We present the case of an HIV patient who presented to the emergency department with hematemesis and gastrointestinal signs of KS on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy without any dermatological involvement.

Encapsulation of Chemotherapeutic Drug Melphalan in Cucurbit[7]uril: Effects on Its Alkylating Activity, Hydrolysis, and Cytotoxicity.

The formation of inclusion complexes between drugs and macrocycles has proven to be an effective strategy to increase solubilization and stabilization of the drug, while in several cases improving their biological activity. In this context, we explored the formation of an inclusion complex between chemotherapeutic drug Melphalan (Mel) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), and studied its effect on Mel alkylating activity, hydrolysis, and cytotoxicity. The formation of the inclusion complex (Mel@CB[7]) was proven by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, docking studies, and molecular dynamics simulations. The binding constant for Mel and CB[7] was fairly high at pH 1 ((1.7 ± 0.7) × 106 M-1), whereas no binding was observed at neutral pH. The Mel@CB[7] complex showed a slightly decreased alkylating activity, whereas the cytotoxicity on the HL-60 cell line was maintained. The formation of the complex did not protect Mel from hydrolysis, and this result is discussed based on the simulated structure for the complex.

Induction of ABCG2/BCRP restricts the distribution of zidovudine to the fetal brain in rats.

Safety concerns for fetus development of zidovudine (AZT) administration as prophylaxis of vertical transmission of HIV persist. We evaluated the participation of the ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter ABCG2 in the penetration of AZT into the fetal brain and the relevance for drug safety. Oral daily doses of AZT (60mg/kg body weight) or its vehicle were administered between post gestational days 11 (E11) and 20 (E20) to Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats. At E21, animals received an intravenous bolus of 60mg AZT/kg body weight in the presence or absence of the ABCG2 inhibitor gefitinib (20mg/kg body weight, ip) and AZT in maternal plasma and fetal brain were measured by HPLC-UV. ABCG2 protein expression in placenta and fetal brain, as well as mitochondrial function and ultrastructure in fetal brain were also analyzed. In utero chronic exposure to AZT markedly induced ABCG2 expression in placenta and fetal brain whereas did not significantly alter mitochondrial functionality in the fetal brain. The area-under-the-concentration-time-curve of AZT significantly decreased in fetal brains isolated from AZT-exposed fetuses compared to control group, but this effect was abolished by ABCG2 inhibition. Our results suggest that the absence of mitochondrial toxicity in the fetal brain after chronic in utero administration of AZT could be attributed to its low accumulation in the tissue caused, at least in part, by ABCG2 overexpression. We propose that any interference with ABCG2 activity due to genetic, pathological or iatrogenic factors would increase the amount of AZT reaching the fetal brain, which could increase the risk of toxicity of this drug on the tissue.

Acquired Resistance to Erlotinib in EGFR Mutation-Positive Lung Adenocarcinoma among Hispanics (CLICaP).

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) all eventually develop acquired resistance to the treatment, with half of the patients developing EGFR T790M resistance mutations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess histological and clinical characteristics and survival outcomes in Hispanic EGFR mutated lung cancer patients after disease progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer patients (n = 34) with acquired resistance to the EGFR-TKI erlotinib were identified from 2011 to 2015. Post-progression tumor specimens were collected for molecular analysis. Post-progression interventions, response to treatment, and survival were assessed and compared among all patients and those with and without T790M mutations. RESULTS: Mean age was 59.4 ± 13.9 years, 65% were never-smokers, and 53% had a performance status 0-1. All patients received erlotinib as first-line treatment. Identified mutations included: 60% DelE19 (Del746-750) and 40% L858R. First-line erlotinib overall response rate (ORR) was 61.8% and progression free survival (PFS) was 16.8 months (95% CI: 13.7-19.9). Acquired resistance mutations identified were T790M mutation (47.1%); PI3K mutations (14.7%); EGFR amplification (14.7%); KRAS mutation (5.9%); MET amplification (8.8%); HER2 alterations (5.9%, deletions/insertions in e20); and SCLC transformation (2.9%). Of patients, 79.4% received treatment after progression. ORR for post-erlotinib treatment was 47.1% (CR 2/PR 14) and median PFS was 8.3 months (95% CI: 2.2-36.6). Median overall survival (OS) from treatment initiation was 32.9 months (95% CI: 30.4-35.3), and only the use of post-progression therapy affected OS in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib continued to be sensitive to other treatments after progression. The proportion of T790M+ patients appears to be similar to that previously reported in Caucasians.

High-Grade Left Atrial Pleomorphic Sarcoma: Case Report and Review.

Primary pleomorphic sarcoma of the left atrium is a rare tumor. There is no actual evidence of the management of this pathological entity, so the main treatment is individualized, surgical management being the cornerstone of the treatment. We present a 78-year-old female who had a clinical picture of heart failure, documenting an atrial mass of the left atrium, with high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma revealed in histopathology. The tumor was surgical removed, with no clinical evidence of residual mass. The tumor recurred again within 3 years, to which the patient succumbed.

Dimensionamiento del impacto de las internaciones innecesariamente prolongadas en hospitales con internación de la provincia y ciudad de Buenos Aires / Dimensioning of the impact of unnecessarily prolonged hospitalizations in hospitals with hospitalization in the province and city of Buenos Aires

La hipótesis planteada es que una ineficiente gestión de las camas de internación impacta negativamente aumentando los costos por paciente. El presente trabajo se propone, como objetivo general, analizar el impacto en términos económicos de las internaciones innecesariamente prolongadas detectadas en el período 1/7/2016 al 31/1/2017 en los hospitales Austral, Fernández y El Cruce. Se incluirá a todo paciente que por razones no relacionadas con su patología, permanezca internado más allá del momento en que el profesional o servicio actuante lo considere en condiciones de alta o transferencia a otro nivel de atención. OBJETIVOS 1. Identificar los principales motivos por los cuales se prolongan las internaciones, 2. Realizar un seguimiento de los pacientes con decisión del alta que permanezcan internados. Dicho seguimiento consta de la identificación del motivo de permanencia en la internación y la fecha de alta real. 3. Determinar los costos de internación en los diferentes servicios del hospital, a valores del 31 de diciembre de 2015 en los hospitales Austral, Fernández y El Cruce. Se trata de un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo observacional descriptivo. La metodología propuesta es iniciar un registro diario sobre el listado de pacientes que se encuentra en condiciones de alta identificando las causas que prolongan la internación. RESULTADOS En base a la información analizada se infiere que el HUA presenta un desborde de demanda no satisfecha vía la capacidad de internación limitada, en términos de oferta actual, considerando que el principal inductor de los DI presentadas se origina de la consideración de las internaciones en el área de EME como prolongaciones en las internaciones. Es decir, la institución en cuestión amplía su capacidad de internación a través de dar inicio a las internaciones en dicha área pero hasta no tener camas disponibles en las unidades de destino, los pacientes son identificados como prolongaciones bajo la causa "Cama en unidad cerrada" en la categoría "Administrativa". En las instituciones con financiamiento público, el HEC y el HFER se observa un punto de convergencia muy claro respecto al motivo por el cual se prolongan innecesariamente la amplia mayoría de los episodios registrados, aproximadamente el 50% es por cuestiones sociales, aunque la composición al interior de esta categoría varía entre ambos hospitales. Por otro lado, como contrapartida a estas grandes diferencias respecto a los motivos, vale la pena resaltar que se notan similitudes entre las tres instituciones al momento de analizar proporción de días innecesarios respecto a los días totales por categoría, en este punto tanto el HEC, el HFER como el HUA presentan valores que rondan el 10%. DISCUSIÓN Es necesario tomar medidas que permitan reducir estas ineficiencias y disminución de los costos hospitalarios sin limitar prestaciones, consecuentemente realizar una mejor utilización de los fondos públicos, pero para ello es fundamental realizar inversiones que permitan fortalecer la equidad en el acceso efectivo de todos los individuos el sistema de salud, para así incrementar en la disponibilidad de camas y contribución efectiva en la disminución del riesgo y el daño para los pacientes hospitalizados. Por consiguiente surge la recomendación de hacer todos los esfuerzos con el fin de reducir las internaciones innecesarias definidas en el presente trabajo, siendo las causas administrativas aquellas abordables en el corto plazo y pasibles de intervenir por acciones internas a las organizaciones. Por otro lado, las causas sociales deberán ser tratadas a un nivel macro de gestión, con cambios a largo plazo y consecuentes a la redefinición de política pública

Inusual presentación infecciosa oportunista en pulmón secuelar: reporte de un caso clínico / A Rare Opportunist Infectious Complication in a Lung with Sequelae; Report of a Clinical Case

El aspergiloma se considera la forma clínica más frecuente y mejor reconocida de la aspergilosis pulmonar, que surge como resultado de la colonización por el hongo de una cavidad, quiste o bulla ya existentes, como consecuencia de enfermedades crónicas tales como tuberculosis, bronquiectasias, enfisema bulloso, fibrosis pulmonar o sarcoidosis en estadios avanzados. La presentación de múltiples aspergilomas es infrecuente, lo más común es la presencia de una sola bola fúngica.

Aspergilloma is considered the most common and best known cause of pulmonary aspergillosis, which arises by the fungal colonization of a lung cavity, a cyst or existing bullae resulting from chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, bullous emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis in advanced stages. The presentation of multiple aspergillomas is infrequent. A single fungal ball-like mass is the most common presentation.

Echinoderm diversity in the Southwestern Atlantic / Diversidad de equinodermos del Atlántico suroccidental

Abstract Studies of biodiversity of echinoderms from South America have increased in recent years. Here we summarize sampling done on three expeditions along the Argentinean coast (35º - 55º S) and near the Antarctic Peninsula. The first campaign, Mejillón II (M-II; 2009), was carried out between 35º - 39º S and covered a depth range between 10 to 140 m. The second was part of the Summer Antarctic Campaign 2011 (CAV-III; 2011) that took place around the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland and South Orkney Islands (depth range between 67 to 754 m). The last cruise was the final stretch of the Summer Antarctic Campaign 2011 (CAV-IV; 2011), from 39º - 55º S and between 30 - 140 m depth. As result, 74 stations have been studied, of which 68 had at least one echinoderm specimen. From the total number of stations, the occurrence percentages for each class were Asteroidea (68 %), Echinoidea (64 %), Ophiuroidea (55 %), Holothuroidea (51 %) and Crinoidea (20 %). In the M-II campaign, echinoderms were presented in 94 % of the sampled stations, with Echinoidea most frequent (74 %). In the CAV-III campaign echinoderms were presented in all the stations; Ophiuroidea were found in all stations. The lowest occurrence of echinoderms was found in the CAV-IV campaign (82 %), where Asteroidea was present in the 73 % of the samples, and crinoids were absent. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 115-120. Epub 2015 June 01.

Resumen En los últimos años se han incrementado los estudios sobre la biodiversidad de equinodermos de Latinoamérica. En el presente trabajo, se exponen los resultados sobre muestras obtenidas en tres expediciones a lo largo de la costa argentina (35 - 55º S) y cerca de la Península Antártica. La primera campaña analizada, Mejillón II (M-II; 2009), se llevó acabo entre 35º - 39º S cubriendo profundidades entre 10 y 140 m. La segunda, parte de la Campaña Antártica de Verano 2011 (CAV-III; 2011), tuvo lugar en el área de la Península Antártica, Shetland del Sur e islas Orcadas del Sur (profundidad entre 67 hasta 754 m). La última expedición analizada en este trabajo fue el último tramo de la Campaña Antártica de Verano (CAV-IV; 2011) desde 39º - 55º S y entre 30 - 140 m de profundidad. Como resultado, 74 estaciones fueron estudiadas, en las cuales en 68 se encontró al menos un espécimen del Phylum Echinodermata. Considerando todas las estaciones, el porcentaje de encuentro para cada clase fue Asteroidea (68 %), Echinoidea (64 %), Ophiuroidea (55 %), Holothuroidea (51 %) and Crinoidea (20 %). En la campaña M-II, los equinodermos estuvieron presentes en el 94 % de las estaciones muestreadas, siendo Echinoidea el más frecuente (74 %). En relación a la Campaña CAV-III, los equinodermos estuvieron presentes en todas las estaciones muestreadas; Ophiuroidea fue la clase más representativa en número de estaciones (100 %). El valor más bajo de aparición de equinodermos fue encontrado en la campaña CAV-IV (82 %), donde Asteroidea estuvo presente en el 73 % de las muestras, y los crinoideos estuvieron ausentes.

Intervenção na depressão geriátrica através da reminiscência / Intervention in geriatric depression through reminiscence

Actualmente, a depressão é a problemática em termos de saúde mental com maior prevalênciaentre as pessoas idosas. Considerando a evolução verificada nas últimas décadas, as intervençõesfarmacológicas e psicoterapêuticas, como a cognitivo-comportamental, mostraram ser instrumentoseficazes de tratamento. Não obstante, outras estratégias, consideradas como não-tradicionais, devemtambém ser consideradas como estratégias válidas de intervenção na depressão das pessoas idosas.Assim, têm despertado um assinalado interesse, em parte por não terem as limitações das intervençõesfarmacológicas, como os efeitos secundários, e cognitivo-comportamentais, como o elevado graude exigência cognitiva. A mais conhecida deste conjunto de estratégias é a terapia da reminiscência.O propósito deste artigo é analisar a reminiscência enquanto estratégia de intervenção junto deidosos com sintomatologia depressiva por meio duma revisão da literatura acerca deste tópicotanto em termos de estudos de sínteses, nomeadamente a meta-análise, e estudos empíricosdesenvolvidos nos últimos dez anos. A terapia da reminiscência é apresentada enquanto instrumentoterapêutico e avaliada a sua eficácia enquanto estratégia de intervenção precoce na sintomatologiadepressiva de idosos, assim como a sua função na capacidade que tem de atribuição de significadode vida e preparação para a morte. Como conclusão, são destacadas algumas linhas de investigaçãoa realizar neste âmbito(AU)

Intervenção na depressão geriátrica através da reminiscência / Intervention in geriatric depression through reminiscence

Actualmente, a depressão é a problemática em termos de saúde mental com maior prevalênciaentre as pessoas idosas. Considerando a evolução verificada nas últimas décadas, as intervençõesfarmacológicas e psicoterapêuticas, como a cognitivo-comportamental, mostraram ser instrumentoseficazes de tratamento. Não obstante, outras estratégias, consideradas como não-tradicionais, devemtambém ser consideradas como estratégias válidas de intervenção na depressão das pessoas idosas.Assim, têm despertado um assinalado interesse, em parte por não terem as limitações das intervençõesfarmacológicas, como os efeitos secundários, e cognitivo-comportamentais, como o elevado graude exigência cognitiva. A mais conhecida deste conjunto de estratégias é a terapia da reminiscência.O propósito deste artigo é analisar a reminiscência enquanto estratégia de intervenção junto deidosos com sintomatologia depressiva por meio duma revisão da literatura acerca deste tópicotanto em termos de estudos de sínteses, nomeadamente a meta-análise, e estudos empíricosdesenvolvidos nos últimos dez anos. A terapia da reminiscência é apresentada enquanto instrumentoterapêutico e avaliada a sua eficácia enquanto estratégia de intervenção precoce na sintomatologiadepressiva de idosos, assim como a sua função na capacidade que tem de atribuição de significadode vida e preparação para a morte. Como conclusão, são destacadas algumas linhas de investigaçãoa realizar neste âmbito.

Depression is the most prevalent mental illness amongst the elderly. Considering the amount of work produced on the last decades, the pharmacological interventions and cognitive-behavioural psychotherapies have shown to be effective treatments. Nevertheless, other strategies considered non-traditional should also be measured as valid strategies of intervention for depressive older people because of the fact of these therapies not having the limitations of the pharmacological and cognitivebehavioural interventions, such as side effects and cognitive demands. From this group of strategies the reminiscence therapy is the most used. The purpose of this article is to analyse the reminiscence therapy as a strategy of intervention amongst elders that have symptoms of depression, by using a literature review about this topic, namely meta-analysis and empirical studies developed over the past ten years. The reminiscence therapy is a therapeutic instrument and as such its effectiveness is evaluated in different ways. It is evaluated as an early intervention strategy in the elderly that suffer from depressive symptoms, as well as its capacity to bring meaning to life and preparation for death. In conclusion, we propose some additional research variables in this domain

Effect of total food deprivation on the proteoglycans of rat hyaline cartilage and bone

Hay hipótesis que sugieren que el efecto de la privación total de alimentos sobre el hueso ocurre por alteraciones en la síntesis de la matriz orgánica. Este trabajo se llevó a cabo con el propósito de caracterizar las posibles alteraciones en las propiedades de los proteoglucanos de cartílago hialino y hueso de rata como resultado de un ayuno total. Ratas macho de la cepa Wistar fueron separadas aleatoriamente y asignadas a un grupo control que comió y bebió "ad libitum" o a un grupo experimental que únicamente bebió agua. Los animales fueron pesados y sacrificados a los 4 u 8 días de iniciada la experiencia después de administrarles una dosis de 35S(-SO4-). Se aislaron los PG de los fémures y cartílagos xifoides y se determinó la captación de 35S, el patrón de distribución de los GAG, el peso molecular y densidad de los PG y el largo de las cadenas laterales. Todos los parámetros analizados disminuyeron significativamente después de 4 y 8 días mostró una disminución de la fracción correspondiente al Congroitin-4-Sulfato. Estos resultados podrían indicar una alteración en el proceso de osificación como consecuencia de las modificaciones en las propiedades de los PG que alterarían su unión con el colágeno, molécula que desempeña un papel muy importante en el mencionado proceso

Effect of total food deprivation on the proteoglycans of rat hyaline cartilage and bone

Hay hipótesis que sugieren que el efecto de la privación total de alimentos sobre el hueso ocurre por alteraciones en la síntesis de la matriz orgánica. Este trabajo se llevó a cabo con el propósito de caracterizar las posibles alteraciones en las propiedades de los proteoglucanos de cartílago hialino y hueso de rata como resultado de un ayuno total. Ratas macho de la cepa Wistar fueron separadas aleatoriamente y asignadas a un grupo control que comió y bebió "ad libitum" o a un grupo experimental que únicamente bebió agua. Los animales fueron pesados y sacrificados a los 4 u 8 días de iniciada la experiencia después de administrarles una dosis de 35S(-SO4-). Se aislaron los PG de los fémures y cartílagos xifoides y se determinó la captación de 35S, el patrón de distribución de los GAG, el peso molecular y densidad de los PG y el largo de las cadenas laterales. Todos los parámetros analizados disminuyeron significativamente después de 4 y 8 días mostró una disminución de la fracción correspondiente al Congroitin-4-Sulfato. Estos resultados podrían indicar una alteración en el proceso de osificación como consecuencia de las modificaciones en las propiedades de los PG que alterarían su unión con el colágeno, molécula que desempeña un papel muy importante en el mencionado proceso (AU)