Properties of Oaxaca Cheese Elaborated with Ultrasound-Treated Raw Milk: Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters.

The effect of ultrasound-treated fresh raw milk upon yield, physicochemical and microbiological quality of Oaxaca cheese was evaluated under a factorial design. The ultrasound frequencies tested were 25 and 45 kHz, during 15 or 30 min. The cheeses made with the ultrasonicated milk (30 min, high-intensity ultrasound, HIU) had greater luminosity without significant changes in hue or chroma, as compared to the controls with no HIU. The yield improved significantly (by up to 2.8 kg/100 L of milk), as the ultrasound treatment time increased. Such cheese yield is attributable to the higher protein content, which was up to 1.5% higher, after sonication. Long-treatment time (30 min) at 25 kHz significantly lowered mesophilic bacteria counts down to limits allowed by current regulations and favors the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) while lowering mold and yeast counts. The absence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. and the decrease in S. aureus counts in Oaxaca cheese were attributed to the mixing of the paste with hot water, inherent to the traditional elaboration process, and to the antagonistic effect of the ultrasound-triggered increased LAB on pathogenic bacteria. Since the artisanal elaboration of Oaxaca cheese does not comply with the current Mexican regulations regarding mesophiles, ultrasound could be a suitable technology to protect its genuine elaboration process with raw milk.

Epidemiología de los ataques isquémicos transitorios en el hospital médico-quirúrgico y hospital general del ISSS de enero de 2008 a diciembre de 2010 / Epidemiology of transient ischemic attacks in the medical-surgical hospital and general hospital of the ISSS from January 2008 to December 2010

Actualmente la enfermedad cerebrovascular es considerada la tercera causa de muerte en los países desarrollados, y su prevalencia alcanza cifras de 794 por 100,000 habitantes. Además, la salida de las personas afectadas de la población económicamente productiva, así como su prolongada estadía hospitalaria vuelven esta entidad una de las más devastadoras para el sector economía y salud. Dentro del espectro de enfermedad cerebrovascular se incluyen procesos que afectan el flujo sanguíneo del cerebro, los cuales pueden ser: a) intrínsecos a los vasos sanguíneos, b) originados de forma remota a ellos, c) por inadecuada perfusión sanguínea cerebral, ya sea por disminución de la presión de perfusión o por incremento de la viscosidad sanguínea, o d) por ruptura de un vaso en el espacio subaracnoideo o tejido intracerebral. De estos, los tres primeros pueden conducir ya sea a un ataque isquémico transitorio o un infarto, mientras que el último se expresa como un evento cerebrovascular hemorrágico. Los ataques isquémicos transitorios (AITs), son episodios breves de disfunción neurológica que resulta de la isquemia cerebral focal no asociada con infarto cerebral. Actualmente, pese a los avances en diagnóstico por neuroimágenes, la prevalencia de este tipo de eventos es difícil de determinar, por un lado, debido a la falta de reconocimiento por parte de los sistemas de salud y por otro lado, debido a la variedad de criterios empleados por los distintos estudios epidemiológicos

Measurement of the Ecological Integrity of Cerrado Streams Using Biological Metrics and the Index of Habitat Integrity.

Generally, aquatic communities reflect the effects of anthropogenic changes such as deforestation or organic pollution. The Cerrado stands among the most threatened ecosystems by human activities in Brazil. In order to evaluate the ecological integrity of the streams in a preserved watershed in the Northern Cerrado biome corresponding to a mosaic of ecosystems in transition to the Amazonia biome in Brazil, biological metrics related to diversity, structure, and sensitivity of aquatic macroinvertebrates were calculated. Sampling included collections along stretches of 200 m of nine streams and measurements of abiotic variables (temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, and discharge) and the Index of Habitat Integrity (HII). The values of the abiotic variables and the HII indicated that most of the streams have good ecological integrity, due to high oxygen levels and low concentrations of dissolved solids and electric conductivity. Two streams showed altered HII scores mainly related to small dams for recreational and domestic use, use of Cerrado natural pasture for cattle raising, and spot deforestation in bathing areas. However, this finding is not reflected in the biological metrics that were used. Considering all nine streams, only two showed satisfactory ecological quality (measured by Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP), total richness, and EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) richness), only one of which had a low HII score. These results indicate that punctual measures of abiotic parameters do not reveal the long-term impacts of anthropic activities in these streams, including related fire management of pasture that annually alters the vegetation matrix and may act as a disturbance for the macroinvertebrate communities. Due to this, biomonitoring of low order streams in Cerrado ecosystems of the Northern Central Brazil by different biotic metrics and also physical attributes of the riparian zone such as HII is recommended for the monitoring and control of anthropic impacts on aquatic communities.

In vitro manganese-dependent cross-talk between Streptococcus mutans VicK and GcrR: implications for overlapping stress response pathways.

Streptococcus mutans, a major acidogenic component of the dental plaque biofilm, has a key role in caries etiology. Previously, we demonstrated that the VicRK two-component signal transduction system modulates biofilm formation, oxidative stress and acid tolerance responses in S. mutans. Using in vitro phosphorylation assays, here we demonstrate for the first time, that in addition to activating its cognate response regulator protein, the sensor kinase, VicK can transphosphorylate a non-cognate stress regulatory response regulator, GcrR, in the presence of manganese. Manganese is an important micronutrient that has been previously correlated with caries incidence, and which serves as an effector of SloR-mediated metalloregulation in S. mutans. Our findings supporting regulatory effects of manganese on the VicRK, GcrR and SloR, and the cross-regulatory networks formed by these components are more complex than previously appreciated. Using DNaseI footprinting we observed overlapping DNA binding specificities for VicR and GcrR in native promoters, consistent with these proteins being part of the same transcriptional regulon. Our results also support a role for SloR as a positive regulator of the vicRK two component signaling system, since its transcription was drastically reduced in a SloR-deficient mutant. These findings demonstrate the regulatory complexities observed with the S. mutans manganese-dependent response, which involves cross-talk between non-cognate signal transduction systems (VicRK and GcrR) to modulate stress response pathways.

A biochemical characterization of the DNA binding activity of the response regulator VicR from Streptococcus mutans.

Two-component systems (TCSs) are ubiquitous among bacteria and are among the most elegant and effective sensing systems in nature. They allow for efficient adaptive responses to rapidly changing environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the biochemical characteristics of the Streptococcus mutans protein VicR, an essential response regulator that is part of the VicRK TCS. We dissected the DNA binding requirements of the recognition sequences for VicR in its phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms. In doing so, we were able to make predictions for the expansion of the VicR regulon within S. mutans. With the ever increasing number of bacteria that are rapidly becoming resistant to even the antibiotics of last resort, TCSs such as the VicRK provide promising targets for a new class of antimicrobials.

[Assessment of dot blot tests and latex agglutination for cysticercosis diagnostic in Peru]. / Evaluación de las pruebas dot blot y aglutinación de látex para el diagnóstico de cisticercosis en Perú

In order to evaluate dot blot tests and latex agglutination for the detection of human cysticercosis with liquid antigen of Taenia solium cysticerci, 125 human sera were used, of which 60 were from people with cysticercosis confirmed by Western Blot, 45 with other parasitic diseases and 20 apparently healthy. The optimal concentration of antigen to impregnate dot blot strips was 0.01 ug/uL, and to impregnate the latex particles was 0.092 ug/uL. For the dot blot test, a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.7% was found. For latex agglutination, a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 89.2% was found. Both tests may be useful and feasible to implement alternatives of serological diagnosis in laboratories in endemic areas of Peru.

Evaluación de las pruebas dot blot y aglutinación de látex para el diagnóstico de cisticercosis en Perú / Assessment of dot blot tests and latex agglutination for cysticercosis diagnostic in Peru

Con el objetivo de evaluar las pruebas dot blot y aglutinación de látex para la detección de cisticercosis humana con antígeno de líquido de cisticerco de Taenia solium, se usaron 125 sueros humanos, de los cuales 60 procedían de personas con cisticercosis confirmada por Western Blot, 45 de personas con otras enfermedades parasitarias y 20 de personas aparentemente sanas. La concentración óptima del antígeno para impregnar las tiras dot blot fue de 0,01 ug/uL, y para impregnar las partículas de látex fue de 0,092 ug/uL. Para la prueba dot blot se encontró una sensibilidad del 100% y especificidad del 87,7%; para la aglutinación de látex una sensibilidad del 93,3% y especificidad del 89,2%. Ambas pruebas podrían ser de utilidad y factibles de implementar como alternativas de diagnóstico serológico en laboratorios de áreas endémicas del Perú.

In order to evaluate dot blot tests and latex agglutination for the detection of human cysticercosis with liquid antigen of Taenia solium cysticerci, 125 human sera were used, of which 60 were from people with cysticercosis confirmed by Western Blot, 45 with other parasitic diseases and 20 apparently healthy. The optimal concentration of antigen to impregnate dot blot strips was 0.01 ug/uL, and to impregnate the latex particles was 0.092 ug/uL. For the dot blot test, a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.7% was found. For latex agglutination, a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 89.2% was found. Both tests may be useful and feasible to implement alternatives of serological diagnosis in laboratories in endemic areas of Peru.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la teniosis-cisticercosis en una comunidad altoandina rural peruana, año 2012 / Knowledge, attitudes and practices about teniosis-cysticercosis in a rural highland community of Peru, 2012

Objetivo: determinar el estado basal de los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas (CAP) en los pobladores de un distrito alto andino rural de la región Ayacucho. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional de tipo transversal en pobladores residentes del distrito de Luricocha, Ayacucho. Se enroló una cuota de 40 participantes de cada una de las 14 localidades del distrito mediante selección muestral no probabil¡stico por conveniencia. Personal de salud aplicó un cuestionario de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas previo consentimiento informado oral. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 426 participantes. 63,6% de pobladores conoce el modo de infecció del cerdo, 66,7% conoce que el cisticerco puede ser visualizado a nivel sub-lingual y 58,0% sabe que la forma de infección humana es la v¡a fecal-oral. El 74,4% refiere haber visto carne de cerdo con “triquina”, 31,3% refiere sospecha de haber comido carne con “triquina”. Respecto a las prácticas, 77,1% refiere sacrificar y enterrar al cerdo cuando se le detecta “triquina”. Un 80,1% dejar¡a que las autoridades decomisen un cerdo afectado con “triquina”, y 4,2% considera que est  bien que los cerdos coman heces de humano. Conclusiones: Existe una brecha cognitiva, actitudinal y pragmática entre los pobladores estudiados que favorecer¡a la persistencia de la endemicidad de la teniosis/cisticercosis. Entre las personas con mejores niveles de conocimiento se observan prácticas y actitudes puntuales que facilitar¡an la adherencia a intervenciones de eliminación de este problema de salud pública.

Objective: To determine the baseline of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in residents of a highland andean rural district of Ayacucho. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational study in residents of Luricocha district, Ayacucho. We joined a quota of 40 participants from each of the 14 villages of the district by a non-probability sample selection by convenience. Health personnel administered a questionnaire of knowledge, attitudes and practices after oral informed consent. Results: The study included 426 participants. 63,6% of people know the mode of infection of pigs, 66,7% know that the cysticerci can be viewed at the sub-lingual and 58,0% know that the way of human infection is the fecal-oral route. 74,4% reported having seen pork with "trichina", 31,3% reported having eaten meat suspected to "trichina". Regarding practices, 77,1% refers to the pig slaughter and bury when he detects "trichina". A 80,1% would let the authorities to confiscate a pig affected with "trichina", and 4,2% think it's okay that pigs eat human feces. Conclusions: There is a cognitive, attitudinal and pragmatic gap among the people surveyed that would favor the persistence of endemicity of taeniasis/cysticercosis. Among people with higher levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices that facilitate adherence to interventions for eliminating this public health problem are observed.

Characterization of DNA binding sites of the ComE response regulator from Streptococcus mutans.

In Streptococcus mutans, both competence and bacteriocin production are controlled by ComC and the ComED two-component signal transduction system. Recent studies of S. mutans suggested that purified ComE binds to two 11-bp direct repeats in the nlmC-comC promoter region, where ComE activates nlmC and represses comC. In this work, quantitative binding studies and DNase I footprinting analysis were performed to calculate the equilibrium dissociation constant and further characterize the binding site of ComE. We found that ComE protects sequences inclusive of both direct repeats, has an equilibrium dissociation constant in the nanomolar range, and binds to these two direct repeats cooperatively. Furthermore, similar direct repeats were found upstream of cslAB, comED, comX, ftf, vicRKX, gtfD, gtfB, gtfC, and gbpB. Quantitative binding studies were performed on each of these sequences and showed that only cslAB has a similar specificity and high affinity for ComE as that seen with the upstream region of comC. A mutational analysis of the binding sequences showed that ComE does not require both repeats to bind DNA with high affinity, suggesting that single site sequences in the genome may be targets for ComE-mediated regulation. Based on the mutational analysis and DNase I footprinting analysis, we propose a consensus ComE binding site, TCBTAAAYSGT.

[Evaluation of two immunoblot tests with goat and sheep hydatid antigen for human echinococcosis diagnosis]. / Evaluación de dos pruebas de inmunoblot con antígeno hidatídico de caprino y ovino para el diagnóstico de equinococosis humana.

To estimate the diagnosis value of goat and ovine antigen for echinococcosis immunoblot test, 135 serums were used, of which 70 were coming from patients with hydatid disease confirmed by the finding of proto scolex and membrane in the pathology study of surgical piece, 45 from patients with other parasitic diseases and 20 apparently healthy people. The sensitivity, the specificity, positive and negative predictive value of immunoblot test, with hidatyd antigen of goat was of 92.8%, 100%, 100%, 92.8%, respectively, than for ovine antigen was 91.4%, 95.3%, 95.5%, 91.1%, respectively. Kappa index was 0.93 for goat antigen and 0.86 with sheep in relation to the pathological study. We recommended the use of both antigens for the serologic diagnosis of human echinococcosis.

Regulation of ciaXRH operon expression and identification of the CiaR regulon in Streptococcus mutans.

The ciaRH operon in Streptococcus mutans contains 3 contiguous genes, ciaXRH. Unlike the CiaRH system in other streptococci, only the ciaH-null mutant displays defective phenotypes, while the ciaR-null mutant behaves like the wild type. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of this unusual property. We demonstrate that the ciaH mutation caused a >20-fold increase in ciaR transcript synthesis. A ciaRH double deletion reversed the ciaH phenotype, suggesting that overexpressed ciaR might be responsible for the observed ciaH phenotypes. When ciaR was forced to be overexpressed by a transcriptional fusion to the ldh promoter in the wild-type background, the same ciaH phenotypes were restored, confirming the involvement of overexpressed ciaR in the ciaH phenotypes. The ciaH mutation and ciaR overexpression also caused transcriptional alterations in 100 genes, with 15 genes upregulated >5-fold. Bioinformatics analysis identified a putative CiaR regulon consisting of 8 genes/operons, including the ciaXRH operon itself, all of which were upregulated. In vitro footprinting on 4 of the 8 promoters revealed a protected region of 26 to 28 bp encompassing two direct repeats, NTTAAG-n5-WTTAAG, 10 bp upstream of the -10 region, indicating direct binding of the CiaR protein to these promoters. Taken together, we conclude that overexpressed CiaR, as a result of either ciaH deletion or forced expression from a constitutive promoter, is a mediator in the CiaH-regulated phenotypes.

Evaluación de dos pruebas de inmunoblot con antígeno hidatídico de caprino y ovino para el diagnóstico de equinococosis humana / Evaluation of two immunoblot tests with goat and sheep hydatid antigen for human echinococcosis diagnosis

Para estimar el valor diagnóstico del antígeno hidatídico de caprino y de ovino en la prueba de inmunoblot para echinococosis quística, se usó 135 sueros, de los cuales 70 procedían de pacientes con hidatidosis confirmada por el hallazgo de protoescólices y membrana en el estudio anatomopatológico con la pieza quirúrgica; 45 a pacientes con otras enfermedades parasitarias y 20 a personas aparentemente sanas. La sensibilidad, la especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo y negativo de la prueba de inmunoblot, con antígeno hidatídico de caprino fue de 92,8%, 100%, 100% y 92,8%, respectivamente; mientras que de ovino fueron 91,4%, 95,3%, 95,5% y 91,1%, respectivamente. El índice kappa fue de 0,93 para el antígeno caprino y de 0,86 con el ovino en relación con el estudio anatomopatológico. Se recomienda el uso de ambos antígenos para el diagnóstico serológico de la equinococosis quística humana.

To estimate the diagnosis value of goat and ovine antigen for echinococcosis immunoblot test, 135 serums were used, of which 70 were coming from patients with hydatid disease confirmed by the finding of proto scolex and membrane in the pathology study of surgical piece, 45 from patients with other parasitic diseases and 20 apparently healthy people. The sensitivity, the specificity, positive and negative predictive value of immunoblot test, with hidatyd antigen of goat was of 92.8%, 100%, 100%, 92.8%, respectively, than for ovine antigen was 91.4%, 95.3%, 95.5%, 91.1%, respectively. Kappa index was 0.93 for goat antigen and 0.86 with sheep in relation to the pathological study. We recommended the use of both antigens for the serologic diagnosis of human echinococcosis.

Evaluación de una prueba de aglutinación de látex para el diagnóstico serológico de la equinococosis quística / Evaluation of agglutination latex test for serologic diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis

Se evaluó una prueba de aglutinación de látex estandarizada para el diagnóstico serológico de la echinococosis quística. Se utilizó partículas de látex de 0,25 um de diámetro, las cuales fueron sensibilizadas con antígeno total de líquido liofilizado de quiste hidatídico de ovino. Se usaron 80 sueros, 40 de pacientes operados por enfermedad hidatídica confirmada patología,20 de pacientes con otras enfermedades parasitarias como cisticercosis, fasciolosis, toxoplasmosis, teniosis, enfermedad de chagas y malaria y 20 de personas sanas. Se encontró que de los 40 sueros de pacientes con hidatidosis uno dio resultado negativo y de los 40 sueros de pacientes o personas sin hidatidosis cuatro dieron resultados positivo obteniéndose una sensibilidad de 97,5 por ciento, una especificidad de 90,0 por ciento, un valor predictivo positivo de 90,7 por ciento y negativo de 97,3 por ciento, siendo la concordancia encontrada al evaluar la repetibilidad y reproducibilidad del 100 por ciento en laboratorios de zonas endémicas. Se recomienda el uso de esta prueba para el descarte de hidatidosis en regiones endémicas del país, así como prueba de tamizaje en estudios epidemiológicos.

We evaluated a latex agglutination test standardized for serological diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis. We used latexparticles of 0.25 um in diameter, which were sensitized with antigen lyophilized total of hydatid cyst fluid of sheep. Weused 80 serum samples, 40 patients operated on pathology confirmed hydatid disease, 20 patients with other parasitic diseases such as cysticercosis, fascioliasis, toxoplasmosis, taeniosis, Chagas disease and malaria, and 20 healthy people. It was found that of 40 serum samples from patients with hydatidosis was negative and one of the 40 serum samples from hydatidosis patients or people with no positive results four gave a sensitivity of 97.5 por ciento, specificity of 90.0 por ciento, predictive value 90.7 por ciento positive and negative 97.3 por ciento, with the agreement found to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of 100 por ciento in laboratories in endemic areas. We recommend the use of this test for the diagnosis of hydatiddisease in endemic regions of Peru, also as a screening test in epidemiological studies.

Pénfigo herpetiforme asociado a carcinoma de esófago / Herpetiform pemphigus associated with esophageal carcinoma

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 63 años con un pénfigo herpetiforme y un carcinoma de esófago diseminado que comenzaron a manifestarse de forma simultánea. Se han comunicado previamente algunos casos de pénfigo herpetiforme asociados con neoplasias, pero éstas han sido fundamentalmente broncopulmonares. La asociación de cualquier variedad de pénfigo y cáncer de esófago es muy infrecuente. Debemos estar atentos ante las variedades infrecuentes de pénfigo y las enfermedades ampollosas atípicas, porque a veces no cumplen los criterios diagnósticos de pénfigo paraneoplásico, pero son la primera manifestación de una neoplasia subyacente

We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with herpetiform pemphigus and disseminated esophageal carcinoma which began to manifest themselves simultaneously. Some cases of herpetiform pemphigus associated with neoplasms have previously been reported, but these have primarily been bronchopulmonary. The association of any type of pemphigus with esophageal cancer is very infrequent. We should be alert to the infrequent varieties of pemphigus and atypical bullous diseases, because they sometimes do not meet the diagnostic criteria of paraneoplastic pemphigus, but are the first manifestation of an underlying neoplasm

[Herpetiform pemphigus associated with esophageal carcinoma]. / Pénfigo herpetiforme asociado a carcinoma de esófago.

We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with herpetiform pemphigus and disseminated esophageal carcinoma which began to manifest themselves simultaneously. Some cases of herpetiform pemphigus associated with neoplasms have previously been reported, but these have primarily been bronchopulmonary. The association of any type of pemphigus with esophageal cancer is very infrequent. We should be alert to the infrequent varieties of pemphigus and atypical bullous diseases, because they sometimes do not meet the diagnostic criteria of paraneoplastic pemphigus, but are the first manifestation of an underlying neoplasm.

Forma cutánea difusa de erisipeloide / Diffuse cutaneous form of erysipeloid

El erisipeloide es una infección ocupacional causada por Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. El organismo es ubicuo, pero el reservorio más común es el cerdo. Existen tres formas clínicas principales descritas en humanos: el erisipeloide, la forma cutánea difusa y la sistémica. Es importante considerar la posible existencia de endocarditis asociada. Presentamos el caso de una forma cutánea difusa de erisipeloide en un varón de 63 años, ganadero, que presentaba lesiones cutáneas anulares en dorso de mano derecha y región dorsolumbar (AU)

Recuperacion secundaria por inyeccion de agua

Contenido: Cap.1 Consideraciones generales.Tipos de control o empuje.Sistemas de recuperacion Cap.2 Inyeccion de agua.Generalidades.Factores que deben considerarse.factores geologicos.factores fisicos.Provision y tratamiento de agua.Modelos o arreglos de inyeccion.Arreglos geometricos.Inyeccion de agua marginal.Barrido de principio a fin.Inyeccion de la cresta cap.3 campo Bermejo-Horizonte Tupambi.Descripcion.Caracteristicas del Yacimiento.Datos calculados Cap.4 Volumen recuperable por inyeccion de agua.Volumen original de hidrocarburos.Produccion acumulada de petroleo.Volumen remanente en el yacimiento.Curvas de declinacion-Reservas.Volumen recuperable por inyeccion de agua.Volumen recuperable del yacimiento Cap.5 Aplicacion del proceso de inyeccion de agua.Analisis y posibilidades.Arreglo de inyeccion 3.Aplicacion-calculo de datos.Calculo de permeabilidades relativas.Ecuacion de flujo fraccional.Calculo de la presion de inyeccion Cap.7 Comportamiento de flujo.Generalidades.Zona de flujo radial.Zona intermedia.Zona estabilizada.Indice de inyectividad.Varaciones de la presion de inyeccion.Programa de instalacion Cap.7 Analisis economico y de costos.Depreciacion.Costos de instalacion, adquisicion y depreciacion del equipo.Costos de mantenimiento.gastos fijos.Ingresos.Ganancia Cap.8 Conclusiones y recomendaciones.