Arsenic removal procedure for the electrolyte from a hydro-pyrometallurgical complex.

Commercial copper (Cu) is obtained by a hydro-pyrometallurgical process, where the Cu anodes obtained in the furnaces (Cu > 99.5%) are enriched up to 99.99% in "cathodes" by electrorefining at an electrolysis plant. During this process, some impurities accumulate in the electrolyte, mainly arsenic (As), which decrease the quality of the Cu cathode. For this reason, the electrolyte is sent to an electrolyte cleaning plant (ECP) for its purification. Electrolyte sludge (ES) is produced in the last stage of purification and is recirculated back to the furnace due to the high Cu content. This recirculation involves a severe problem of As accumulation in the industrial process. The objective of this work was to develop a procedure to fully dissolve the ES, removing the As and recovering its Cu content. The ES dissolution process was optimised (dissolution efficiency > 99%) in H2SO4 (1.4 M)/HNO3 (1.8 M) medium using a 1:20 g mL-1 solid-to-liquid ratio. As was removed from the ES solution by its precipitation as iron (III) arsenate, with high efficiency (more than 70%). After As removal, the Cu can be precipitated as copper sulphate, which is used in several applications.

Impacto de la implementación de un algoritmo en el tratamiento de niños hospitalizados por asma agudo / Impact of the implementation of an algorithm in the treatment of children hospitalized by acute asthma

Patients hospitalized for acute asthma treated with a pre-established algorithm could decrease hospital stay and critical bed (PICU) requirement. The objective of this article was to implement and evaluate the impact of a pre-established algorithm to treat children hospitalized for acute asthma. It is a cross-sectional and comparative study, with a prospective sample for convenience, of asthmatic children between 5 and 15 years admitted during 2017 without response to the first line of treatment in the emergency department. Patients with cardiorespiratory comorbidities and with direct admission to PICU were excluded. An algorithm was applied for 2 hours and its effectiveness was evaluated by a clinical score (PAS: English Pediatric Asthma Score). 55 patients were admitted, mean age 8.02 years, 41.8% female. The PAS decreased from 8 to 5 points at the end of the algorithm (p <0.001). When comparing the results obtained with the group treated the previous year, without algorithm application in 51 patients with similar demographic characteristics, a shorter hospitalization was observed (0.6 days versus 0.95 days (p <0.0368)). The algorithm in acute asthma unified treatment criteria and times in its application. A rapid decrease in clinical score and a shorter hospital stay were observed.

Los pacientes hospitalizados por asma agudo tratados con un algoritmo preestablecido, podrían disminuir la estancia hospitalaria y requerimiento de cama crítica (UCIP). El objetivo de este trabajo fue el de implementar y evaluar el impacto de un algoritmo preestablecido para tratar a niños hospitalizados por asma aguda. Es un estudio transversal y comparativo, con una muestra prospectiva por conveniencia, de niños asmáticos entre 5 y 15 años ingresados durante el 2017 sin respuesta a la primera línea de tratamiento en el servicio de urgencia. Se excluyeron pacientes con comorbilidades cardiorespiratorias y con ingreso directo a UCIP. Se aplicó un algoritmo durante 2 horas evaluando su efectividad mediante puntaje clínico (PAS, por su sigla en inglés Pediatric Asthma Score). Ingresaron 55 pacientes, edad media 8,02 años, 41,8% sexo femenino. El PAS disminuyó de 8 a 5 puntos al finalizar algoritmo (p <0,001). Al comparar los resultados obtenidos con el grupo tratado el año anterior, sin aplicación de algoritmo en 51 pacientes con similares características demográficas, se observó una hospitalización más breve (0,6 días versus 0,95 días (p < 0,0368)). El algoritmo en asma aguda unificó criterios de tratamiento y los tiempos en su aplicación. Se observó una rápida disminución del puntaje clínico y menor estancia hospitalaria.

Perfil de utilización de antibióticos en hospitales de tercer y cuarto nivel de atención de tres departamentos de Paraguay, 2017 / Profile of antibiotic use in hospitals of third and fourth level of care of three departments of Paraguay, 2017

Introducción: Los antibióticos constituyen uno de los grupos farmacológicos de mayor prescripción y uso, ocupando el primer o segundo lugar en los gastos de farmacia de un hospital. Se estima que el 70% el uso de los antibióticos es inadecuado. Objetivo: Determinar el perfil de utilización de antibióticos en hospitales de tercer y cuarto nivel de atención de tres departamentos de Paraguay durante el 2017. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal con muestreo probabilístico. El diseño muestral considera como estratos los niveles de atención: cuarto y de tercer nivel de atención donde se seleccionaron hospitales en forma aleatoria en 3 departamentos. Se realizó un corte de prevalencia de una semana y se contabilizó la proporción bajo tratamiento con antibióticos y en caso de estar recibiendo ATB el motivo de indicación, tipo de antibiótico, vía de administración , dosis , intervalo , tiempo de antibioticoterapia. Resultados: Fueron incluidos en el estudio, 638 pacientes, el 63,67%(403) fueron mujeres, y el 26,09% (162) tenía una edad mayor a 50 años. El 70,69% (451) utilizó antibiótico, el 53,27% (236) de los casos se utilizó con fines profilácticos. El 34,60% (219) no usó de manera adecuada el antibiótico. Conclusión: La proporción de uso de antibiótico y uso inadecuado fueron elevados. En su mayoría fueron con fines profilácticos Considerando la elevada utilización de antimicrobianos es imperativo desarrollar estrategias de control de prescripciones a través de comisiones de control de infección además de proporcionar una educación continua a los profesionales de salud a nivel hospitalario. Palabras claves : Profilaxis Antibiótica, Farmacorresistencia Microbiana, Uso Racional de los Medicamentos.

Introduction :Antibiotics are one of the pharmacological groups of greater prescription and use, occupying the first or second place in the pharmacy expenses of a hospital. It is estimated that 70% of the use of antibiotics is inadequate. Objective: To determine the profile of antibiotic use in hospitals of third and fourth level of attention of three departments of Paraguay during 2017. Material and methods: Observational study, descriptive cross section with probabilistic sampling. The sample design considers levels of care as strata: fourth and third level of care where hospitals were randomly selected in 3 departments of Paraguay during 2017. A prevalence cut of one week was carried out and the proportion under treatment was counted with antibiotics and in case of receiving ATB the indication reason, type of antibiotic, route of administration, dose, interval, time of antibiotic therapy. Results: Sixty-eight patients were included in the study, 63.67% (403) were female, and 26.09% (162) were older than 50 years. 70.69% (451) used antibiotics, 53.27% (236) of the cases were used for prophylactic purposes. 34.60% (219) did not use the antibiotic properly. Conclusion: The proportion of antibiotic use was 70.69%, most were for prophylactic purposes and the highest proportion of the indications of antibiotics in hospitals is inadequate, in turn 34.60% of antibiotics are used improperly. For all the above, it is imperative to implement intervention strategies and control the use of antibiotics to reduce the use of antibiotics in hospitals. Key words: Antibiotic Prophylaxis, Microbial drug resistanc, Rational use of medicines.

[Cannabidiol: its use in refractory epilepsies]. / Cannabidiol: uso en epilepsias refractarias.

INTRODUCTION: Some epileptic syndromes are characterised by seizures that are difficult to control and are associated to delayed neuropsychomotor development, which results in a deterioration in the patient's quality of life as well as in that of his or her family. AIM: To evaluate the use of cannabidiol as adjuvant therapy in patients with refractory epilepsies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted by means of a survey addressed to the patient's caregiver. Data collected included information about the patient and the caregiver, changes observed in the seizures, neuropsychological effects, side effects and the family's overall perception following the use of cannabidiol. RESULTS: The evaluation examined 15 patients with refractory epilepsies, who received cannabidiol over a period ranging from one month to one year. The frequency of seizures decreased in 40% of the patients, 60% of the patients were seen to have control over 50% of their seizures and in 27% of them the seizures disappeared completely. Neurocognitive changes were also reported: behaviour improved in 73%; 60% reported an improvement in language; in 50% sleep improved; 43% reported improvements in eating habits; and 100% said their mood had improved. The overall perception of the illness was that there had been improvements in 73% of respondents. The most common side effects were drowsiness and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible beneficial effect of cannabidiol on the control of seizures and on the improvement of certain neurocognitive aspects in patients with refractory epilepsies.

TITLE: Cannabidiol: uso en epilepsias refractarias.Introduccion. Algunos sindromes epilepticos se caracterizan por crisis de dificil control y asocian un retraso en el desarrollo neuropsicomotor, lo que conlleva un deterioro en la calidad de vida del paciente y su familia. Objetivo. Evaluar el uso del cannabidiol como tratamiento adyuvante en pacientes con epilepsias refractarias. Pacientes y metodos. Se realizo un estudio observacional por medio de una encuesta dirigida a la persona cuidadora del paciente. Se valoro la informacion sobre el paciente y el cuidador, cambios observados sobre las crisis, efectos neuropsicologicos, efectos adversos y percepcion global de la familia tras el uso del cannabidiol. Resultados. Se evaluo a 15 pacientes con epilepsias refractarias, quienes recibieron cannabidiol durante un periodo de un mes a un año. En el 40% de los pacientes hubo una disminucion en la frecuencia de las crisis, en el 60% de los pacientes se observo un control de mas del 50% de las crisis y en el 27% las crisis desaparecieron totalmente. Tambien se comunicaron cambios neurocognitivos: en el 73% hubo una mejoria del comportamiento; el 60% notifico una mejoria en el lenguaje; el 50%, en el sueño; el 43%, en la alimentacion; y el 100%, en el estado de animo. La percepcion global sobre la enfermedad notifico una mejoria en el 73%. Los efectos adversos mas frecuentes fueron somnolencia y fatiga. Conclusiones. Estos resultados sugieren un posible efecto beneficioso del cannabidiol sobre el control de las crisis y en la mejoria de ciertos aspectos neurocognitivos en pacientes con epilepsias refractarias.

[Neuropsychological alterations are frequent in rolandic epilepsy and its atypical developments]. / Las alteraciones neuropsicologicas son frecuentes en la epilepsia rolandica y sus evoluciones atipicas.

INTRODUCTION: Rolandic epilepsy or benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is called benign because its seizures are usually favourable and due to the spontaneous normalisation of the electroencephalogram on reaching puberty. Nevertheless, evidence has been found of the impact on cognitive development with the presence of heterogeneous cognitive deficits, especially related to persistent intercritical discharges during non-REM sleep. The aim of this study is to examine the epileptogenic networks involved in the neuropsychological disorders of this pathology. DEVELOPMENT: A common feature of the atypical developments is persistent epileptic activity during slow sleep, which plays an important role in the development of the neurocognitive deficits that are associated to this pathology. Factors such as the age at onset of the epilepsy, the onset of the atypical development, the location of the interictal discharges and the continuous epileptic activity during sleep that persists for more than two years can trigger changes in the functioning of the neurocognitive networks. This may result in deficits in the neuropsychological functions, which may even be irreversible. CONCLUSIONS: A close clinical and electroencephalographic follow-up is necessary. Moreover, formal neuropsychological studies must be conducted as of the onset of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. This is even more necessary in cases in which there is an obvious atypical development in order to detect and prevent the neuropsychological deficits before they establish themselves on a definitive basis.

TITLE: Las alteraciones neuropsicologicas son frecuentes en la epilepsia rolandica y sus evoluciones atipicas.Introduccion. La epilepsia rolandica o epilepsia benigna de la infancia con puntas centrotemporales se denomina benigna debido a lo favorables que suelen ser sus crisis y a la espontanea normalizacion del electroencefalograma al llegar a la pubertad, aunque se ha demostrado el impacto sobre el desarrollo cognitivo con la presencia de deficits cognitivos heterogeneos, relacionados especialmente con las descargas intercriticas persistentes durante el sueño no REM. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar las redes epileptogenas involucradas en los trastornos neuropsicologicos de esta patologia. Desarrollo. Las evoluciones atipicas tienen en comun una actividad epileptica persistente durante el sueño lento, que desempeña un papel importante en el desarrollo de los deficits neurocognitivos que se asocian a esta patologia. Factores como la edad de inicio de la epilepsia, el inicio de la evolucion atipica, la localizacion de las descargas interictales y la actividad epileptica continua durante el sueño que persista durante mas de dos años pueden provocar cambios en el funcionamiento de las redes neurocognitivas, con los consecuentes deficits en las funciones neuropsicologicas, que incluso pueden resultar irreversibles. Conclusiones. Es necesario un seguimiento cercano tanto clinico como electroencefalografico; ademas, deben realizarse estudios neuropsicologicos formales desde el inicio de la epilepsia benigna de la infancia con puntas centrotemporales y mas en los casos que es evidente una evolucion atipica para detectar y prevenir los deficits neuropsicologicos antes de que se instauren definitivamente.

Improve intra-uterine insemination in rabbits using ultra-high temperature skim milk as extender to keep semen at room temperature.

Two experiments were carried out to examine in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of rabbit semen diluted in ultra-high temperature (UHT) skim milk. In the first experiment, pooled ejaculates of 10 adult rabbits were divided in three aliquots. Each aliquot was diluted in saline solution, TrisC or UHTm extender and kept at room temperature for 24 h. Sperm quality assessment was performed during all the incubation periods. In the second experiment, 27 adult rabbit does were inseminated with semen incubated for 5 h. Embryo recovery was performed 96 h after insemination. Results showed that treatments diluted in UHTm registered the highest values of spermatozoon with total motility, intact and functional plasma membrane and greater number of embryos recovered in rabbit does. We conclude that UHT skim milk would be a good extender for improved intra-uterine insemination in rabbits and to keep sperm cells for several hours at room temperature.

Correlación genotipo-fenotipo cardiovascular de la dopamina B- hidroxilasa (DBH) / Cardiovascular correlation genotype-phenotype of dopamine B-hydroxylase (DBH)

Introducción. Al convertir dopamina en norepinefrina la dopamina β-hidroxilasa (DβH) regula el tono dopaminérgico y adrenérgico. Los alelos rs1989787, rs1611115 y rs1108580 del gen DβH se asocian con actividad deficiente de la enzima y por eso evaluamos sus influencias sobre variables cardiovasculares clínicas, bioquímicas y farmacológicas. Métodos: A 44 voluntarios sanos con los haplotipos triple homocigoto nativo (CC/CC/AA), triple heterocigoto (CT/CT/AG), doble homocigoto mutado (TT/CC/GG) y homocigoto mutado para el rs1611115 (CC/TT/AA) les medimos presión arterial sistólica (PAS), presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y frecuencia cardíaca (FC) en posición decúbito, sentado, de pie, bajo estímulo de frío, con la maniobra de Valsalva y post ingestión de clonidina; adicionalmente medimos actividad enzimática por espectrofotometría y concentraciones séricas de dopamina y norepinefrina por ELISA. Resultados: Edad promedio 21,6±3,5 años, 54,5 porciento mujeres. No hubo diferencias de PAS, PAD y FC obtenidas bajo diferentes condiciones; sólo encontramos cambios significativos en los descensos de la PAS y la PAD postingestión de clonidina. No hubo relación de las variables clínicas, bioquímicas y farmacológicas mencionadas con los alelos rs1989787 y rs1108580, pero los portadores del alelo mutado T del rs1611115 sí tenían frecuencias cardíacas estadísticamente inferiores a los portadores del alelo nativo C. La actividad enzimática y las concentraciones de dopamina y norepinefrina no se correlacionaron con las variables cardiovasculares, pero se encontró correlación directa entre la actividad de la enzima y las concentraciones de norepinefrina. Conclusión: El polimorfismo -970C>T del gen DβH es el único asociado con menores frecuencias cardíacas en portadores del alelo mutado T.

Introduction. To the converting dopamine in norepinephrine the enzymedopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH) regulates dopaminergic and adrenergictone. The alleles rs1989787, rs1611115 and rs1108580 of the gene DβH areassociated with deficient activity of the enzyme and thus the influence ofthese SNPs in clinical, biochemical and pharmacological variables relatedwith the cardiovascular system was evaluated. Methods: 44 healthy volunteerswith homozygous triple native (CC/CC/AA), triple heterozygous (CT/CT/AG), double mutated homozygous (TT/CC/GG) and mutated homozygoushaplotypes for the rs1611115 (CC/TT/AA) were subjected to measurementsof systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate(HR) in the positions prone, sitting, standing, under cold stimulus, with theValsalva maneuver and after clonidine ingestion; additionally the enzymaticactivity of the DβH and the concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrinewere determined by spectrophotometry and ELISA, respectivelly. Results: Theaverage age of the group was 21.6±3.5 years, and 54.5% were women. Therewere no differences in SBP, DBP and HR obtained under different conditions;we only found significant changes in SBP and DBP decrease after clonidineingestion. There were no associations between clinical, biochemical andpharmacological variables with the rs1989787 and rs1108580 alleles, however,carriers of the mutant allele T of the rs1611115 had heart rates statisticallylower than the native C allele carriers. Neither enzymatic activity nor dopamineand norepinephrine levels were correlated with cardiovascular variables, but adirect correlation between enzyme activity and norepinephrine concentrationswas found. Conclusion: The-970C>T polymorphism of DβH gene is the onlyone associated with lower heart rates in carriers of the mutated allele T.

Effect of seminal plasma on post-thaw quality and functionality of corriedale ram sperm obtained by electroejaculation and artificial vagina.

We have already shown that seminal collection method affects seminal plasma composition and sperm quality in Corriedale rams. In this study, we evaluated the effect of seminal plasma collected by electroejaculation or artificial vagina on sperm resistance to cryodamage. Seminal plasma of five rams of the Corriedale breed collected by artificial vagina or electroejaculation was added before freezing to sperm cells collected by the two methods, and post-thaw quality parameters were evaluated. We found that seminal plasma has no effect on sperm resistance to cryodamage. However, we observed significantly higher percentages of sperm with intact and functional plasma membrane, intact acrosome and greater fertilizing potential after thawing in samples obtained by electroejaculation. This study demonstrates that sperm collected by electroejaculation are more resistant to damage caused by cryopreservation than those collected by artificial vagina.

Combined epidermal growth factor and hyaluronic acid supplementation of in vitro maturation medium and its impact on bovine oocyte proteome and competence.

The conditions for in vitro oocyte maturation impact on cytoplasmic and nuclear processes in the oocyte. These events are differentially influenced by the nature of the maturation inducer and the presence of intact cumulus in cumulus-oocyte complexes. Epidermal growth factor is the main growth factor promoting oocyte maturation. Also, hyaluronic acid (HA) produced by cumulus cells is known to be responsible for the correct structural and functional organization of the cumulus during oocyte maturation. Therefore, we evaluated the developmental competence of bovine oocytes matured in vitro in a maturation medium supplemented with both EGF and HA, compared to FSH and fetal bovine serum (FBS). In addition, the impact of IVM conditions on the proteomic profile of metaphase II bovine oocytes was analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured in two media: (1) 10 ng/mL EGF, 15 µg/mL HA, and 100-µM cysteamine and (2) 0.01 UI/mL rh-FSH and 10% FBS. The percentages of first polar body and embryo production and the kinetics of embryo development and oocyte proteomic profiles were analyzed. Oocytes matured in the presence of EGF-HA showed an increase (6%, P < 0.05) in the percentage of polar body extrusion. The blastocyst rate was 3% (P < 0.05) higher in the FSH-FBS group, but no differences were found in the rate of expanded blastocyst neither in total embryo production between IVM conditions. Cleavage rate of oocytes matured with FSH-FBS was 5% higher (P < 0.05) with respect to EGF-HA-matured oocytes when evaluated 30 hours after fertilization. However, at Day 7, those inseminated oocytes that underwent division at a correct timing showed that although there are still early blastocysts in the FSH-FBS condition, EGF-HA embryos have developed completely into blastocysts. Still, the production rate of those embryos that achieved expansion was similar between both maturation conditions. On the other hand, noncleaved presumptive zygotes at Day 7 developed into the different stages with similar rates (∼4%) independently of the medium condition. Modifications of IVM medium composition markedly affected protein profile of bovine oocytes in a differential manner. The proteomic approach revealed the presence of 68 spots in both treatments, 41 exclusively found in the FSH-FBS group and 64 exclusive for the EGF-HA group. Taken together, these results indicate that combined EGF-HA supplementation of in vitro maturation medium could be used to improve oocyte meiotic competence and ensure a better timing to develop into the blastocyst stage.

Linoleic acid stimulates neutral lipid accumulation in lipid droplets of maturing bovine oocytes.

Linoleic acid (LA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid present in high concentrations in bovine follicular fluid; when added to maturation culture media, it affects oocyte competence (depending on the type and concentration of LA used). To date, little is known about the effective level of incorporation of LA and there is apparently no information regarding its esterification into various lipid fractions of the oocyte and its effect on neutral lipid storage. Therefore, the objective was to assess the uptake and subcellular lipid distribution of LA by analyzing incorporation of radiolabeled LA into oocyte polar and neutral lipid classes. The effects of various concentrations of LA on the nuclear status and cytoplasmic lipid content of bovine oocytes matured in vitro was also analyzed, with particular emphasis on intermediate concentrations of LA. Neutral lipids stored in lipid droplets were quantified with a fluorescence approach. Linoleic acid at 9 and 43 µM did not affect the nuclear status of oocytes matured in vitro, and 100 µM LA inhibited germinal vesicle breakdown, resulting in a higher percentage of oocytes arrested at the germinal state (43.5 vs. 3.0 in controls; P < 0.05). Bovine oocytes actively incorporated LA from the maturation medium (83.4 pmol LA per 100 oocytes at 22 hours of incubation; P < 0.05) and metabolized it mainly into major lipid classes, e.g., triacylglycerols and phospholipids (61.1% and 29.3%, respectively). Supplementation of the maturation medium with LA increased triacylglycerol accumulation in cytoplasmic lipid droplets at all concentrations assayed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LA added to a defined maturation medium at concentrations that did not alter the nuclear status of bovine oocytes matured in vitro (9 and 43 µM) improved their quality by increasing the content of neutral lipids stored in lipid droplets. By directing the free fatty acid (LA) to triacylglycerol synthesis pathways and increasing the degree of unsaturation of membrane phospholipids, the oocyte was protected from lipotoxic effects (with an expectation of improved cryotolerance).

Estimación del intervalo post-emersión de un cadáver hallado en un embalse en Granada (España) / Estimation of post-emersion interval of a corpse found in a reservoir in Granada (Spain)

El período de actividad de los insectos es un parámetro que ha demostrado ser de gran utilidad a la hora de realizar aproximaciones a distintos fenómenos cronológicos relacionados con la descomposición cadavérica. Exponemos el caso de un cadáver hallado a finales de enero de 2011 en la orilla de un embalse en la provincia de Granada. Por la zona en la que se recuperaron los restos, la presencia de saponificación en la parte dorsal del tórax y la maceración de manos y pies, se sospechó inmediatamente de una sumersión de los restos y posterior emersión de los mismos. Tras recoger las evidencias entomológicas, se pudo determinar que consistían en larvas en diferentes fases de desarrollo de Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus, 1758), siendo las más antiguas recogidas en el cadáver las larvas en fase de desarrollo III migratoria. A partir del tratamiento estadístico de la información meteorológica recogida en dos estaciones agroclimáticas cercanas y del conocimiento del desarrollo y de la distribución de esta especie necrófaga, se pudo estimar que el tiempo mínimo que transcurrió desde que el cuerpo emergió del agua hasta que se encontró fue de 22 días. El díptero de la especie antes mencionada es compatible con la zona biogeográfica donde fue hallado el cadáver (AU)

Period of insect activity is a parameter that has been shown to be of great usefulness at the moment of making approximations to different chronological phenomena related to cadaveric decomposition. We expose the case of human remains found at the ending of January 2011 in the shore of a reservoir in the province of Granada. Because of the zone in which the remains were recovered, saponification in the dorsal area of the thorax, feet and hands maceration, submersion and a later emersion of the remains were immediately suspected. After collecting the entomological evidences, it was possible to determine that they were consisting of different developmental stages larvae of Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus, 1758), being the most aged ones recovered from the corpse corresponding to the larva III postfeeding developmental stage. From the statistical treatment of the meteorological data registered in two nearby agroclimatic stations and the knowledge of development and distribution of this necrophagous specie, it was possible to estimate that the minimum time elapsed from the moment when body emerged from the water until it was recovered was of 22 days. Diptera of the species previously mentioned is compatible with the biogeographic zone where the corpse was found (AU)

Effect of container, vitrification volume and warming solution on cryosurvival of in vitro-produced bovine embryos.

The aim of the present research was to develop a low cost and easy to perform vitrification method for in vitro-produced cattle embryos. Effect of container material was evaluated (plastic straw compared to glass capillary, experiment 1), two volume sample (1 compared to 0.5 microL, experiment 2) and warming solution composition medium (Tissue Culture Medium 199 (TCM-199) compared to phosphate buffered saline (PBS), experiment 3) as modifications of the open pulled straw (OPS) system in order to reduce embryo damage caused by exposure to cold. In all experiments, day 7 and expanded blastocysts of cattle were exposed to the vitrification solution 1 for 3 min and 30s in solution 2. After this, embryos were placed in a droplet and loaded in a narrow end container, and immediately submerged into liquid nitrogen. For warming, vitrified embryos were plunged into warming solution 1 for 3 min, and transferred into warming solution 2 for 1 min. Fresh embryos kept in culture were used as control group. Hatching rates were recorded in all cases at day 13. In experiment 1 there was no significant effect of container material on hatching rates. Postwarming survival rate of vitrified embryos was lower than control (27.5% plastic straws, 18.9% glass capillary and 80.5% control, P<0.05). In experiment 2, there was no significant effect of volume in hatching rates (58.3% 1 microL, 61.3% 0.5 microL and 80.5% control, P<0.05). In experiment 3, the composition of the holding medium of warming solution influenced hatching rates (84.1% TCM-199, 74.8% PBS and 91.1% control P<0.05). These data suggest that neither glass capillaries nor reduced sample volume could improve hatching rates after vitrification-warming with open pulled straw (OPS) procedure, and that PBS can replace TCM-199 in warming solutions, but lesser hatching rates should be expected.

Transvaginal follicular aspiration and embryo development in superstimulated early postpartum beef cows and subsequent fertility after artificial insemination.

This study was conducted to investigate in early postpartum suckled beef cows with and without FSH pre-stimulation: (i) the influence of the postpartum period on the number and quality of oocytes recovered by ovum pick-up (OPU), (ii) the overall efficiency of the OPU/IVP embryos from days 30 to 80 postpartum and (iii) if repeated OPU negatively affect fertility following a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol. After parturition suckled Angus cows (n = 30) were divided in three groups (n = 10 group(-1)). All cows were anestrous at the commencement of experimental treatments (30.0 +/- 3.2 days postpartum, mean +/- SD; range 25-34 days). Group 1 treatments included: dominant follicle ablation (DFA), FSH treatment and OPU procedure 5 days after DFA. A total of 9 mg FSH (Ovagen) was administered s.c. once a day over 2 days at equal doses (4.5 + 4.5mg). For fertility test the cows received an intravaginal progesterone treatment from Days 78 to 86 postpartum and were fixed-time artificially inseminated (FTAI) at 56 and 72 h after device removal. Group 2: as cited for Group 1 with no FSH treatment. In both groups, OPU was repeated four times (Days 35, 49, 63 and 77 postpartum) and the collected oocytes classified as viable were in vitro matured, fertilized and presumptive embryos cultured for 8 days. Group 3 (Control FTAI): cows that had not previously aspirations were FTAI as Groups 1 and 2. Pregnancy was diagnosed by means ultrasonography 39 days after FTAI. The numbers (mean +/- SEM) of follicles visible and aspirated at the time of OPU in FSH-treated cows were greater (P < 0.05) than in non-treated cows (10.6 +/- 0.6 and 8.4 +/- 0.4 vs. 8.0 +/- 0.5 and 4.6 +/- 0.3, respectively). Following FSH treatment, the number (mean +/- SEM) of recovered oocytes per cow per OPU session and percentage of viable oocytes were greater in the treated (P < 0.05) than in non-treated animals (3.0 +/- 0.1 and 39.5% vs. 1.5 +/- 0.1 and 30.0%). The cleavage and embryo development rates were similar (P > 0.05) for both groups (14.8 and 6.4% vs. 16.6 and 5.5%). After FTAI the pregnancy rates were not different (P > 0.05) among groups (70, 60 and 90% for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). We can conclude that (1) FSH-treated suckled postpartum cows can be a source of oocytes for in vitro fertilization and (2) repeated DFA/OPU applied during postpartum period did not affect the subsequent fertility following FTAI.

Impact of durum wheat milling on deoxynivalenol distribution in the outcoming fractions.

The milling behaviour of two naturally infected samples of durum wheat grain with contrasting levels of mycotoxins was studied. Although the two samples showed a similar milling behaviour, an increase of approximately 20% in deoxynivalenol (DON) levels was found in semolina from the sample containing the higher level of mycotoxin. However, even if the highest concentration of DON was found in fractions originating from the grain outer layers, the mycotoxin contamination in semolina and flours were not related to the amount of two compounds (ash or phytic acid) used to monitor these external tissues. The presence of the trichothecene-producing fungi in the inner-most semolina fraction was also shown using specific DNA primers and PCR amplification. Comparison of DON concentrations in the feed stock and corresponding output at each milling step or grinding of semolina fractions followed by sizing showed that concentration of mycotoxin occurs in the finest particles at the first processing steps. Therefore, DON contamination of milling fractions is not simply due to the presence of peripheral grain tissues.

Genetic differences among Staphylococcus aureus isolates from dairy ruminant species: a single-dye DNA microarray approach.

Staphylococcus aureus is recognized worldwide as a major pathogen causing clinical or subclinical intramammary infections in lactating sheep, goats and cows. The present study was carried out to compare 65 S. aureus isolates mainly obtained from nasal carriage and subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep and 43 isolates obtained from subclinical mastitis from 22 goats and 21 cows. A DNA microarray, containing probes against 190 true or putative virulence factors, was used to detect the presence of the virulence genes. Their presence/absence was independently assessed by PCR for the genes of interest. Sheep isolates obtained from the nostrils or the udders did not show any significant tissue specific virulence factor. The dominant pulse-field electrophoresis profile (OV/OV'), associated with spa clonal complex spa-CC 1773, matched mainly with the agr group III and was only found in ovine and caprine isolates. This clone was more specifically characterized by the prevalence of the following virulence genes: lpl4, ssl6, bsaA1, bsaB, bsaP, SAV0812. Moreover, seven virulence-associated genes (lpl1, sel, sec, tst, lukF-PV-like component, lukM, SAV0876) were associated with isolates from small ruminants, while the egc cluster, fhuD1, abiF and SAV2496 with bovine isolates. This genomic study suggests the existence of lineage- and host-specific genes leading to the development of host-specific pathogenic traits of S. aureus isolates.

Sistemas de Acreditación Hospitalaria en la búsqueda continua de la calidad asistencial. El reto de la medicina actual / Hospital accreditation systems in the on-going search for healthcare quality. The challenge for today´s medicine

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar un análisis comparativo de algunos de los modelos de acreditación hospitalaria existentes en el mundo con el fin de que se pueda utilizar como guía para la elaboración de instrumentos de evaluación, para así con ello contribuir a la mejora del sistema de gestión sanitario tomando en cuenta las características sociables, políticas, religiosas y económicas de cada país en el que se aplica. Para ello se analizan las diferentes características de los modelos de acreditación y se identifican de forma comparativa las fortalezas y debilidades de cada modelo (AU)

The objective of this work is to make a comparative analysis of some of the hospital accreditation models in existence in the world to be able to use as a guide for developing assessment tools and thus contributing to improving the health management system, taking into account the social, political, religious and economic characteristics of each country in which they are applied. To do this, the different characteristics of the accreditation models are analysed and the strengths and weaknesses of each model are identified in comparison with others (AU)

Recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.

To assess bladder function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). A convenience sample of consecutive patients with SLE (American College of Rheumatology criteria), with recurrent UTIs (>/=3 events in the preceding 12 months), without history of central nervous system involvement, urolithiasis or preceding tuberculosis were studied. Disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), damage (SDI), lower urinary tract symptoms [Pelvic pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) and the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index (ICSPI) scales] and Autonomic Symptom Profile (ASP) were assessed. All patients underwent urological examination and urodynamic assessment with cystometry, uroflow, micturition and urethral pressure profile. Ten patients (nine women) were included. The majority of the patients reported urinary symptoms: urgency (n = 8), frequency (n = 8), nocturia (n = 9) and pain (n = 10). The patients had a mean (SD) ICSPI score of 18.4 (9.8), PUF score of 17.4 (5.3) and ASP weighted score of 31.7 (16.1). Abnormal urodynamics findings were identified in seven of the 10 patients, including small bladder capacity (two patients), reduced bladder sensation (four patients), subnormal urinary flow rate (one patient) and a significant amount of residual urine (two patients). The urodynamics findings suggest that bladder dysfunction could be one of the mechanisms involved on the occurrence of recurrent UTIs in patients with SLE. These findings have potential implications for the proper assessment and management of SLE patients with recurrent UTIs. Further studies are needed to corroborate our results.

Quark-mass dependence of the rho and sigma mesons from dispersion relations and chiral perturbation theory.

We use the one-loop chiral perturbation theory pipi-scattering amplitude and dispersion theory in the form of the inverse amplitude method to study the quark-mass dependence of the two lightest resonances of the strong interactions, the f(0)(600) (sigma) and the rho meson. As the main results, we find that the rhopipi coupling constant is almost quark mass independent and that the rho mass shows a smooth quark-mass dependence while that of the sigma shows a strong nonanalyticity. These findings are important for studies of the meson spectrum on the lattice.

Phase I clinical trial in healthy adults of a nasal vaccine candidate containing recombinant hepatitis B surface and core antigens.

BACKGROUND: The nasal vaccine candidate (NASVAC), comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (HBsAg) and core antigens (HBcAg), has been shown to be highly immunogenic in animal models. METHODS: A phase I double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was carried out in 19 healthy male adults with no serologic markers of immunity/infection to HBV. This study was aimed at exploring the safety and immunogenic profile of nasal co-administration of both HBV recombinant antigens. The trial was performed according to Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 45 years and were randomly allocated to receive a mixture of 50 microg HBsAg and 50 microg HBcAg or 0.9% physiologic saline solution, as a placebo, via nasal spray in a five-dose schedule at 0, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days. A total volume of 0.5 ml was administered in two dosages of 125 microl per nostril. Adverse events were actively recorded 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 days and 30 days after each dose. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc titers were evaluated using corresponding ELISA kits at days 30 and 90. RESULTS: The vaccine candidate was safe and well tolerated. Adverse reactions included sneezing (34.1%), rhinorrhea (12.2%), nasal stuffiness (9.8%), palate itching (9.8%), headache (9.8%), and general malaise (7.3%). These reactions were all self-limiting and mild in intensity. No severe or unexpected events were recorded during the trial. The vaccine elicited anti-HBc seroconversion in 100% of subjects as early as day 30 of the immunization schedule, while a seroprotective anti-HBs titer (>or=10 IU/l) was at a maximum at day 90 (75%). All subjects in the placebo group remained seronegative during the trial. CONCLUSION: The HBsAg-HBcAg vaccine candidate was safe, well tolerated and immunogenic in this phase I study in healthy adults. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of safety and immunogenicity for a nasal vaccine candidate comprising HBV antigens.

Cytotoxic proteins combined with prodigiosin obtained from Serratia marcescens have both broad and selective cytotoxic activity on tumor cells.

Cytotoxic proteins and prodigiosin obtained from Serratia marcescens strains are known to induce tumor cell death, nevertheless its combination has not been studied. In this paper we evaluate the combined effects of these molecules in a panel of tumor cell lines. The results showed a marked inhibitory effect on the growth of tumor cell lines derived from tumors (i.e., melanoma) which are highly resistant to conventional anticancer drugs, while normal cells were less sensitive than tumor cells. TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) and electrophoresis of HEp-2 cell DNA treated with MG2327 preparation [containing the P50 protein belonging to the serralysins and prodigiosin, from S. marcescens CMIB4202] showed a pattern of DNA fragments typically associated with apoptosis. Interestingly, prodigiosin enhanced by 1.6-fold the cytotoxic effect of P50 when acting in combination on HEp-2 cells. The broad cytotoxic activity of the combination on tumor cells as well as its selectivity open new frontiers in cancer therapy.