Full-spectrum cannabidiol reduces UVB damage through the inhibition of TGF-ß1 and the NLRP3 inflammasome.

The thermodynamic characteristics, antioxidant potential, and photoprotective benefits of full-spectrum cannabidiol (FS-CBD) against UVB-induced cellular death were examined in this study. In silico analysis of CBD showed antioxidant capacity via proton donation and UV absorption at 209.09, 254.73, and 276.95 nm, according to the HAT and SPLET methodologies. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced bacterial death for 30 min. FS-CBD protected against UVB-induced cell death by 42% (1.5 µg/mL) and 35% (3.5 µg/mL) in an in vitro keratinocyte cell model. An in vivo acute irradiated CD-1et/et mouse model (UVB-irradiated for 5 min) presented very low photoprotection when FS-CBD was applied cutaneously, as determined by histological analyses. In vivo skin samples showed that FS-CBD regulated inflammatory responses by inhibiting the inflammatory markers TGF-ß1 and NLRP3. The docking analysis showed that the CBD molecule had a high affinity for TGF-ß1 and NLRP3, indicating that protection against inflammation might be mediated by blocking these proinflammatory molecules. This result was corroborated by the docking interactions between CBD and TGF-ß1 and NLRP3, which resulted in a high affinity and inhibition of both proteins The present work suggested a FS-CBD moderate photoprotective agent against UVB light-induced skin damage and that this effect is partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity.

Homogeneous colleters in Myrteae (Myrtaceae).

Colleters are secretory structures characteristic of the apices of more than 60 botanical families. In the Myrtaceae, three types of colleters were previously described: petaloid, conical, and euriform. In Argentina, most species of the Myrtaceae family grow in subtropical regions and a few in the temperate-cold zones of Patagonia. We evaluated the vegetative buds of five species of the subfamily Myrtoideae, tribe Myrtea: Amomyrtus luma, Luma apiculata, and Myrceugenia exsucca, native to the temperate rainforests of Patagonia and Myrcianthes pungens and Eugenia moraviana from the riparian forest of northwestern Corrientes, in order to analyze the presence and morphological types and main secretion products of colleters. Optical and scanning electron microscopy was used to identify the presence of colleters in vegetative organs. Histochemical tests were performed to identify the main secretion products in these structures. The colleters are on the inner side of the leaf primordia and cataphylls and on the edge of the petiole, where they replace the stipules. They are classified as homogeneous because they consist of epidermis and internal parenchyma, both formed by cells with similar characteristics. They lack vascularization and originate from the protodermis. The colleters are of the conical type in L. apiculata, M. pungens, and E. moraviana and of the euriform type in A. luma and M. exsucca, the latter being identified by its dorsiventrally flattened shape. Histochemical tests showed the presence of lipids, mucilage, phenolic compounds, and proteins. This is the first time that colleters have been described in the analyzed species; the taxonomical and phylogenetic importance of this structures is discussed in relation to the Myrtaceae family.

3D scaffolds of caprolactone/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite stabilized by physical bonds seeded with swine dental pulp stem cell for bone tissue engineering.

Bone Regeneration represents a clinical need, related to bone defects such as congenital anomalies, trauma with bone loss, and/or some pathologies such as cysts or tumors This is why a polymeric biomaterial that mimics the osteogenic composition and structure represents a high potential to face this problem. The method of obtaining these materials was first to prepare a stabilized hydrogel by means of physical bonds and then to make use of the lyophilization technique to obtain the 3D porous scaffolds with temperature conditions of -58 °C and pressure of 1 Pa for 16 h. The physicochemical and bioactive properties of the scaffolds were studied. FTIR and TGA results confirm the presence of the initial components in the 3d matrix of the scaffold. The scaffolds exhibited a morphology with pore size and interconnectivity that promote good cell viability. Together, the cell viability and proliferation test, Alamar BlueTM and the differentiation test: alizarin staining, showed the ability of physically stabilized scaffolds to proliferate and differentiate swine dental pulp stem cell (DPSCs) followed by mineralization. Therefore, the Cs-PCL-PVA-HA scaffold stabilized by physical bonds has characteristics that suggest great utility for future complementary in vitro tests and in vivo studies on bone defects. Likewise, this biomaterial was enhanced with the addition of HA, providing a scaffold with osteoconductive properties necessary for good regeneration of bone tissue. Graphical abstract.

[Virtual reality rehabilitation in paediatric patients with hemophilia. Retrospective study]. / Rehabilitación con realidad virtual en pacientes pediátricos con hemofilia. Estudio retrospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Joint affection is a frequent complication of hemophilia. Virtual reality programs offer the patient a dynamic plan with maximum functional benefit. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of a rehabilitation program combined with conventional therapy and virtual reality on joint function, in patients with hemophilic arthropathy and the impact on the gait. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven pediatric patients with hemophilia and history of hemophilic arthropathy grade I or II were evaluated. An 8-week rehabilitation program was carried out with Xbox KinectTM and mechanotherapy. Movement analysis laboratory to evaluate the gait pattern and the Joint Health Scale was performed at the beginning and end of the program. RESULTS: A reduction of 50% (p = 0.000), 68% (p = 0.016) and 48% (p = 0.000) were observed in the Total Joint Health score (STA), Global Gait Score (PMG) and Total Score of the Joint Health Scale (P-HJHS-T) respectively. There is a decrease in the support phase and right stride, and increase in cadence, step length, left stride and swing phase. CONCLUSIONS: The overall improvement of the patients makes us conclude that this pilot study opens a window of opportunity to continue the study of an integral rehabilitation program based on the use of virtual reality in pediatric patients with hemophilic arthropathy.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La afección articular es una complicación frecuente de la hemofilia. Los programas de realidad virtual ofrecen al paciente pediátrico un esquema dinámico con máximo beneficio funcional. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el efecto de un programa de rehabilitación combinado con terapia convencional y realidad virtual sobre la función articular en pacientes con artropatía hemofílica y el impacto sobre el patrón de la marcha. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron 11 pacientes pediátricos con hemofilia A o B y antecedente de artropatía hemofílica en grado I o II. Se sometieron a un programa de rehabilitación de ocho semanas con Xbox KinectTM y mecanoterapia. Se utilizó el laboratorio de análisis de movimiento para evaluar el patrón de marcha y la escala de salud articular al inicio y término del programa. RESULTADOS: Se redujo 50% (p = 0.000), 68% (p = 0.016) y 48% (p = 0.000) el puntaje de la escala de salud total articular (STA), puntaje marcha global (PMG) y puntaje total de la escala de salud articular (P-HJHS-T) respectivamente. Se observó disminución en la fase de apoyo y zancada derecha y aumento en cadencia, longitud de paso, zancada izquierda y fase de balanceo. CONCLUSIONES: La mejoría global de los pacientes nos hace concluir que este estudio piloto abre una ventana de oportunidades para continuar el estudio de un programa integral de rehabilitación con base en el uso de la realidad virtual en pacientes pediátricos con artropatía hemofílica.

Favorable Long-term Outcome in Patients Submitted to Liver Transplantation After Downstaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma According to a Brazilian Selection Protocol.

BACKGROUND: In October 2008, the Brazilian Ministry of Health authorized listing of downstaged hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for liver transplantation, according to a standardized protocol. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients submitted to liver transplantation after downstaging of HCC with the results other standard indications in Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 2,667 adult 1st elective deceased-donor liver transplantations registered at the database of the Transplant Notification Center of the São Paulo State Health Secretariat. These cases are classified into 3 groups: "cirrhosis," including 1,709 patients transplanted because of end-stage liver disease; "Milan-HCC," including 873 HCC patients initially meeting the Milan criteria; and "downstaging" group, including 85 HCC patients submitted to tumor downstaging to the Milan criteria before liver transplantation. RESULTS: One-, 3-, 5-, and 6-year patients survivals were, respectively, 82.7%, 72.0%, 66.1%, and 66.1%, in the "downstaging" group and 76.7%, 68.4%, 63.9%, and 63.5% in the "Milan-HCC" group (P = .483). At the same time intervals, patient survivals were 67.8%, 62.9%, 60.9%, and 60.2% in the "cirrhosis" group. These probabilities were significantly lower than those of both "downstaging" (P = .047) and "Milan-HCC" (P = .001) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients submitted to liver transplantation after downstaging of HCC, according to a Brazilian selection protocol, present long-term outcomes similar to HCC patients initially within the Milan criteria and better survival than recipients with end-stage liver disease.

Grade IV fibrosis interferes in biliary drainage after Kasai procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common cause of liver transplantation in children. The earlier the treatment is done, the better the prognosis. The aim is to evaluate the impact of late diagnosis in children with BA, including the histopathological findings and success rate of biliary drainage in patients submitted to hepatic portoenterostomy (HPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of cases of BA in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) between 1998-2011. We found 63 cases of BA; of these, 42 underwent HPE and 21 were referred for liver transplantation. Clinic and pathologic data were evaluated. RESULTS: The HPE was performed with a mean age of 86.5 days, with 16.6% having the operation at 60 days or earlier; 59.2% between 61 and 90 days; and 23.8% after 90 days. Successful biliary drainage occurred in 31% of surgeries, Mean days when HPE drained was 69.1 days, and 94.3 days when the surgery did not drain (P = .05). All patients who were successfully drained, did not have grade IV fibrosis on histology. In cases in which surgery was performed after 60 days that had not drained, 25% had grade IV fibrosis on biopsy (P = .0469). CONCLUSION: The age of HPE relates to better prognosis of the disease. It was found that the rate of grade IV fibrosis is higher in no drainage patients. All patients with grade IV fibrosis had no biliary drainage.

Risk factors of pancreatic graft loss and death of receptor after simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplantation.

Simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplants require a long graft survival and the recipient to present with more benefits than risks. We evaluated the risk factors of receptor's death and pancreatic graft loss on 2 occasions (3 and 12 months' postoperatively) in 292 transplants in whom 22 variables were evaluated. Variables were selected, 9 receivers, 8 donors, and 5 variables related to the surgical procedure. All independent variables were compared with the dependent variables of pancreatic graft losses and patient deaths. Those considered significant according to univariate analysis were analyzed by using multiple logistic regression techniques in an attempt to develop a mathematical model capable of predicting both pancreatic graft and patient losses. Lastly, based on the resulting models with all significant variables, scores were created to determine the risk of patient death and pancreatic graft loss. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, the significant variables were donor age, receiver's body mass index, initial pancreas implant, iliac venous drainage, and use of induction therapy related to pancreatic loss within 3 months after transplantation. Independent risk factors regarding the loss of patients within 12 months were body mass index and receptor induction therapy. The variables related to pancreatic graft loss within 3 months were donor age, receiver body mass index, initial use of pancreatic graft, iliac venous drainage, and induction therapy; these variables can be used for creating a risk score. The donor body mass index and the induction therapy were independently related to patient loss within 12 months after the transplant.

Delayed kidney allograft function after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is one of the treatments for insulin-dependent chronic renal failure patients. METHODS: One-year patient and kidney allograft survival rates of 150 patients undergoing SPKT were subjected to Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Uni- and multivariate methods identified risk factors involved in allograft and patient survival. RESULTS: One-year patient and kidney allograft survival rates were 82% and 80%, respectively. Delayed graft function (DGF) (P = .001; hazard ratio [HR]5.41) and acute kidney rejection episodes (P = .016; HR 3.36) were related to 1 year patient survival as well as intra-abdominal infection (IAI) rates. (IAI). One-year kidney allograft survival was related to DGF (P = .013; odds ratio [OR] 3.39), acute rejection (P = .001; OR 4.74), and IAI (P = .003, OR 6.29). DGF was related to a time on dialysis >27 months (P = .046; OR 2.59), cold kidney ischemia time >14 hours (P = .027; OR 2.94), donor age >25 years (P = .03; OR 2.82), and donor serum sodium concentration >155 mEq/L (P < .0001; OR 1.09). Female kidney to male recipient in 17% of the cases did not increase the risk of DGF. We observed an important correlation between donor serum sodium and creatinine (P < .0001), which suggested undertreatment of diabetes insipidus secondary to brain death. CONCLUSIONS: DGF, acute rejection, and IAI were the main determinants of survival after SPKT. Improving the care of deceased donors may reduce DGF occurrence.

Impact of liver ex situ transection on pediatric liver transplantation.

UNLABELLED: Ex situ hepatic transection (ESHT) has allowed transplantation of younger and smaller patients than whole liver grafts. Liver transection is a technical challenge due to the prolonged back table time, possible graft lesions, and increased surgical bleeding from the cut surface. We compare the outcomes of whole versus transected liver grafts in pediatric liver transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 41 pediatric patients who underwent 42 consecutive liver transplants (1 retransplant) from cadaveric donors. The study included all patients <18 years old who were transplanted at our institution from December 2001 to September 2009. Patients were distributed into 2 groups: whole organ (WO; n = 20) and transected liver grafts (TLG; n = 21). The ESHT grafts included 17 splits and 5 reduced size livers. We evaluated the age, weight, blood component transfusions, 1-year survival, laboratory tests at 2nd and 7th days postoperatively, surgical complications, reoperations, rejection episodes, cold ischemia time, biliary reconstruction type, and donor laboratory tests. Data were analyzed using Fisher and Student's t-tests. RESULTS: The mean age was 115 months (range, 7 months to 17.6 years) in the WO group and 43.3 months (range, 5 months to 16.25 years) in the TLG group (P = .0003). Mean weight was 19.8 kg (range, 5.8-67) and 9.7 Kg (range, 5.2-57) in the WO and TLG groups, respectively (P = .0079). Red blood cell transfusion was higher in the TLG group (P = .0479). Laboratory tests showed no difference between the 2 groups considering hepatic lesions or function markers. One-year patient survivals were 90% and 85.8% among the WO and LTG, respectively (P = .588). The overall 1-year survival rate was 88.8%. CONCLUSION: ESHT allowed smaller and younger children to be transplanted. There was an increased necessity of red blood cell transfusions after hepatic transection. There was no impact on liver function or 1-year patient or graft survival after ESHT.

Multivariate analysis of risk factors for early loss of pancreas grafts among simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants.

UNLABELLED: To evaluate the risk factors for pancreas graft loss within 3 months postoperatively among 170 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) we examined 38 variables. METHODS: Twenty-two variables were related to recipients; 12 to donors and 4 to the surgical procedure. In addition the latest follow-up dates as well as the transplant and/or death dates. Independent variables were examined with reference to the dependent pancreatic loss variable, excluding losses owing to deaths. Variables with statistical significance were analyzed to predict early graft loss. RESULTS: Univariate analyses determined the following significant variables: kidney cold ischemia time, older donors, non-white donors, death cause related to vascular disease, wound infection, and length of extended hospitalization. However, multivariate analysis showed that only donor age and kidney cold ischemia time were significant predictors for early pancreatic graft loss. CONCLUSION: Donor age and kidney cold ischemia time were independently related to pancreatic loss after SPKT within 3 months posttransplantation.

Extreme subcutaneous, intramuscular and inhaled insulin resistance treated by pancreas transplantation alone.

Diabetes mellitus with resistance to insulin administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly (DRIASM) is a rare syndrome and is usually treated with continuous intravenous insulin infusion. We present here two cases of DRIASM in 16 and 18 years female patients that were submitted to pancreas transplantation alone (PTA). Both were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as young children and had labile glycemic control with recurrent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. They had prolonged periods of hospitalization and complications related to their central venous access. Exocrine and endocrine drainages were in the bladder and systemic, respectively. Both presented immediate graft function. In patient 1, enteric conversion was necessary due to reflux pancreatitis. Patient 2 developed mild postoperative hyperglycemia in spite of having normal pancreas allograft biopsy and that was attributed to her immunosuppressive regimen. Patient 1 died 9 months after PTA from septic shock related to pneumonia. In 8 months of follow-up, Patient 2 presented optimal glycemic control without the use of antidiabetic agents. In conclusion, PTA may be an alternative treatment for DRIASM patients.

Mycophenolate mofetil versus enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse gastrointestinal events are frequent after mycophenolate use. The objectives of the present study were to report the incidence of acute noninfectious diarrhea, to determine the risk factors, and to compare the severity of reactions between mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) after simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation (SPKT). METHODS: We included 165 SPKT patients from December 2000 to May 2007. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed, using acute noninfectious diarrhea as the dependent variable. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean age and duration of dialysis and of diabetes were 34.9 +/- 8.2 years, 27.3 +/- 18.3 months, and 21.9 +/- 16.2 years, respectively. Sixty-three percent used MMF, 36.4% used EC-MPS, and 0.6% used azathioprine. Multivariate analysis showed that the duration of diabetes (P = .049, confidence interval [CI] 1.0- 1.13) and MMF use (P = .013, 95% CI 0.2-0.82) were the main determinants of acute diarrhea after SPKT. MMF dose reduction (79.2% vs 62.3%, P = .024) and severity of diarrhea associated with orthostatic hypotension were more pronounced among MMF than EC-MPS patients (42.4% vs 15.1%, P = .001). There was no difference between MMF and EC-MPS after dose reduction in relation to the occurrence of acute kidney rejection (30.8% vs 26.7%, P = .53). CONCLUSIONS: Acute noninfectious diarrhea after SPKT was related to the duration of diabetes and to prescription of MMF. Preferential use of EC-MPS was associated with a lower necessity of dose reduction and less severe episodes of acute diarrhea compared with MMF, although dose reduction was equally associated with acute episodes of kidney rejection.

Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

A simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is the best treatment option for type I diabetic patients with advanced chronic renal failure. Infectious complications affect 7-50% of the patients receiving this procedure. We conducted a nested case-control study to assess the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients receiving SPKT at our centre between 2000 and 2006. Of the 119 evaluated transplant recipients, 55 (46.2%) developed SSIs and the 30 day mortality was 11.8%. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant organisms isolated from SSIs. After multivariate logistic regression, the variables independently associated with SSI were: acute tubular necrosis, post-transplant fistula and graft rejection. This study demonstrated a high incidence of SSI in this patient cohort and variables related to the surgical procedure were closely associated with the development of SSI.

Asynchronous kidney allograft loss after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: impact on pancreas allograft outcome at a single center.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the clinical evolution of pancreas allografts in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) cases after asynchronous kidney allograft loss and kidney retransplantation at a single non-United States center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 168 SPKT from December 2000 to June 2007. RESULTS: The 5-year kidney allograft survival rate was 71%. Excluding cases of death with a functioning graft after SPKT (n = 35; 74.4%), 12 kidney allografts were lost due to acute rejection (n = 7; 15%) or chronic allograft nephropathy (n = 5; 10.6%). Delayed graft function contributed to kidney allograft loss. Five of 12 patients underwent kidney retransplantation. Sixty percent of pancreas allografts were lost after this procedure, which was attributed to either the diabetogenic effects of the immunosuppressive regimen or to the perioperative stress. Oral glucose tolerance tests performed before kidney retransplantation identified patients with good pancreas allograft function versus those with intolerance on glucose tests who received reduced glucocorticoid doses. CONCLUSIONS: In SPKT, pancreas allograft function was seriously affected by kidney retransplantation. Oral glucose tolerance tests performed before kidney retransplantation were helpful to assess beta-cell function and suggest prescription of lower steroid doses to decrease the pancreas allograft dysfunction.

Growth and laccase production by Pleurotus ostreatus in submerged and solid-state fermentation.

Pleurotus ostreatus showed atypical laccase production in submerged vs. solid-state fermentation. Cultures grown in submerged fermentation produced laccase at 13,000 U l(-1), with a biomass production of 5.6 g l(-1) and four laccase isoforms. However, cultures grown in solid-state fermentation had a much lower laccase activity of 2,430 U l(-1), biomass production of 4.5 g l(-1), and three laccase isoforms. These results show that P. ostreatus performs much better in submerged fermentation than in solid-state fermentation. This is the first report that shows such atypical behavior in the production of extracellular laccases by fungi.

Characterization and crystal structure of 2R-(-)-6-hydroxytremetone from Xenophyllum poposum (Phil.) V.A. Funk.

2R-(-)-6-Hydroxytremetone (C13H14O3) is a bioactive metabolite isolated from Xenophyllum poposum (Phil.) V.A. Funk. (ex. Werneria poposa Phil.), a member of the Asteraceae. Various pharmacological properties attributed by popular medicine to benzofurane derivatives prompted their physical and chemical characterization. The obtained substance was characterized by melting point, optic rotation, ultraviolet spectrum, 1HRMN, 13CRMN, infrared spectroscopy, and thermo-analytical techniques. The molecular structure of 2R-(-)-6-hydroxytremetone was determined by single crystal X-rays diffraction methods. The substance crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1) with a = 8.767(2) A, b = 5.423(1) A, c = 24.301(4) A, beta = 90.52(2) degrees , and two independent but very similar molecules of the same handedness per asymmetric unit (Z = 4). Both molecules have the phenyl ring and its attached oxydryl and methyl ketone groups nearly co-planar to one another and are stabilized by a strong OH ... Oketone intra-molecular bond (Ohydroxyl ... Oketone distances of 2.529 and 2.536 A; O-H ... Oketone angles of 146.4 and 143.9 degrees , respectively).

Mycelial growth of strains of Pleurotus ostreatus developed on agar and its correlation with the productivity in pilot production farm

Radial growth rate, intracellular laccases and proteases activities, and protein content were evaluated in five strains of Pleurotus ostreatus, grown on starch-based and glucose-based agar media containing different concentrations of the glucose analogue 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Productivity of the strains in pilot scale cultivation was also determined. The mycelium of four strains had approximately between 0.6- to 3-fold higher protein content when grown on glucose medium containing 0.01 g/L of 2-DG than when grown on glucose medium. The radial growth rate and intracellular laccases activity of some strains showed a positive and a negative correlation with the productivity, respectively. These results suggest that the strains with high radial growth rate and low intracellular laccases activity on glucose without 2-DG, on starch without 2-DG or on glucose containing 0.01 g/L of 2-DG are highly productive in pilot production farm.

Avaliou-se o crescimento radial, as atividades de proteases e lacases e o conteúdo protéico de cinco cepas de Pleurotus ostreatus cultivado em agar à base de amido e à base de glicose contendo diferentes concentrações de 2-deoxiglicose (2-DG), um análogo da glicose. A produtividade das cepas em cultivo em escala piloto foi também determinada. Em quatro cepas o conteúdo protéico do micélio foi aproximadamente 0,6 a 3 vezes maior quando foram cultivadas em meio à base de glicose contendo 0,01g/L de 2-DG. O crescimento radial e a atividade de lacases apresentaram correlação positiva e negativa, respectivamente, com a produtividade. Esses resultados sugerem que as cepas com elevada taxa de crescimento radial e baixa atividade de lacases em glicose sem 2-DG, ou em amido sem 2-DG, ou em glicose com 0,01 g/L de 2-DG, são altamente produtivas em cultivo em escala piloto.

[Detection of genetic variability in Cercospora kikuchii isolates from a single soybean field]. / Detección de variabilidad genética en aislamientos de Cercospora kikuchii contaminantes de un mismo sembradío de soja.

Detection of genetic variability in Cercospora kikuchii isolates from a single soybean field. Current knowledge about epidemiology and population structure of Cercospora kikuchii is little developed and no studies regarding this subject have been reported in Argentina. The aim of this work was to select primers to study genetic variability in C. kikuchii isolated from the same soybean field using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA). RAPD was applied to the DNA of 5 C. kikuchii, isolated from diseased tissue of the soybean in the same field, another isolate, from a strain collection. Out of seven primers, five of them proved to be useful to study the population of C. kikuchii isolates.

Detección de variabilidad genética en aislamientos de Cercospora kikuchii contaminantes de un mismo sembradío de soja / Detection of genetic variability in Cercospora kikuchii isolates from a single soybean field

El conocimiento de la epidemiología y la estructura poblacional de Cercospora kikuchii está poco desarrollado y no se han comunicado estudios al respecto en la Argentina. El objetivo de este trabajo fue seleccionar oligonucleótidos que permitan detectar variabilidad genética en aislamientos de C. kikuchii obtenidos a partir de soja proveniente de un mismo sembradío, mediante la aplicación de RAPD. Se trabajó con 6 aislamientos de C. kikuchii, 5 de ellos se obtuvieron a partir de trozos de tejido enfermo y el restante provenía de una colección de cultivos. De los 7 oligonucleótidos empleados, 5 resultaron útiles para el estudio poblacional de los aislamientos de C. kikuchii.

Current knowledge about epidemiology and population structure of Cercospora kikuchii is little developed and no studies regarding this subject have been reported in Argentina. The aim of this work was to select primers to study genetic variability in C. kikuchii isolated from the same soybean field using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA). RAPD was applied to the DNA of 5 C. kikuchii, isolated from diseased tissue of the soybean in the same field, another isolate, from a strain collection. Out of seven primers, five of them proved to be useful to study the population of C. kikuchii isolates.

Liver transplantation from deceased donors serologically positive for Chagas disease.

The high mortality rates among patients waiting for liver transplantation has motivated the use of "marginal livers", among which are included livers from deceased donors serologically positive for Chagas disease (CD). The present work describes the outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation in six patients with severe liver disease (Child Pugh C), with livers from donors serologically positive for CD. Transplantations were performed from November 2000 to January 2005, and the patients received prophylactic treatment with benznidazole for 60 days, as a recommended by the Brazilian Consensus in Chagas Disease. The transplantation procedures presented no technical problems, and all the patients were discharged from hospital. Five of them did not present side effects demanding interruption of the prophylactic treatment. Four of the patients were clinically well over 1 year after transplantation (mean follow-up of 42.1 months), with negative serological results for CD. Two patients died, one of them 6 months post surgery of sepsis due to biliary complication and other one due to pulmonary (tuberculosis) complications. They were both serologically negative for CD. These results suggest that liver transplantation from CD donors, followed by benznidazole prophylactic treatment, is an important therapeutic alternative for severe liver disease.