Valoración e indicaciones quirúrgicas: cirugía separación / Preoperative assessment and surgical indications: Separation surgery

La compresión neurológica se presenta entre el 10-20% de los pacientes que desarrollan una metástasis vertebral. En la última década, la evolución de las técnicas diagnósticas y médicas oncológicas, el cambio de la radiación convencional externa a la radiocirugía y los nuevos instrumentales quirúrgicos, han hecho que el tratamiento de estos pacientes deba de ser indicado de forma personalizada y en consenso, de forma multidisciplinar, en comisiones específicas.Hoy, el estado biológico del paciente, la presencia de inestabilidad mecánica, la valoración neurológica y el grado de compresión epidural, así como la mejor categorización pronóstica del tumor, se establecen como los factores de decisión previa a la indicación del tratamiento quirúrgico, tratamiento que ha pasado de un concepto «citorreductor» al de «separador» o «preparador» de la médula para asegurar una radiocirugía segura.(AU)

Neurological compression occurs in 10%-20% of patients who develop spinal metastases. In the last decade, the evolution of oncological diagnostic and medical techniques, the change from conventional external radiation to radiosurgery and the new surgical instruments have meant that the treatment of these patients must be indicated in a personalized manner and by consensus, multidisciplinary way, in specific commissions.Today, the biological state of the patient, the presence of mechanical instability, the neurological assessment and degree of epidural compression, as well as the best prognostic categorization of the tumor, are established as decision factors prior to the indication of surgical treatment, treatment that has passed from a cytoreductive concept to that of a spinal cord release from tumor in order to ensure safe radiosurgery.(AU)

[Translated article] Preoperative assessment and surgical indications: Separation surgery / Valoración e indicaciones quirúrgicas: cirugía de separación

La compresión neurológica se presenta entre el 10-20% de los pacientes que desarrollan una metástasis vertebral. En la última década, la evolución de las técnicas diagnósticas y médicas oncológicas, el cambio de la radiación convencional externa a la radiocirugía y los nuevos instrumentales quirúrgicos, han hecho que el tratamiento de estos pacientes deba de ser indicado de forma personalizada y en consenso, de forma multidisciplinar, en comisiones específicas.Hoy, el estado biológico del paciente, la presencia de inestabilidad mecánica, la valoración neurológica y el grado de compresión epidural, así como la mejor categorización pronóstica del tumor, se establecen como los factores de decisión previa a la indicación del tratamiento quirúrgico, tratamiento que ha pasado de un concepto «citorreductor» al de «separador» o «preparador» de la médula para asegurar una radiocirugía segura.(AU)

Neurological compression occurs in 10%-20% of patients who develop spinal metastases. In the last decade, the evolution of oncological diagnostic and medical techniques, the change from conventional external radiation to radiosurgery and the new surgical instruments have meant that the treatment of these patients must be indicated in a personalized manner and by consensus, multidisciplinary way, in specific commissions.Today, the biological state of the patient, the presence of mechanical instability, the neurological assessment and degree of epidural compression, as well as the best prognostic categorization of the tumor, are established as decision factors prior to the indication of surgical treatment, treatment that has passed from a cytoreductive concept to that of a spinal cord release from tumor in order to ensure safe radiosurgery.(AU)

[Translated article] Preoperative assessment and surgical indications: Separation surgery.

Neurological compression occurs in 10%-20% of patients who develop spinal metastases. In the last decade, the evolution of oncological diagnostic and medical techniques, the change from conventional external radiation to radiosurgery and the new surgical instruments have meant that the treatment of these patients must be indicated in a personalized manner and by consensus, multidisciplinary way, in specific commissions. Today, the biological state of the patient, the presence of mechanical instability, the neurological assessment and degree of epidural compression, as well as the best prognostic categorization of the tumor, are established as decision factors prior to the indication of surgical treatment, treatment that has passed from a cytoreductive concept to that of a spinal cord release from tumor in order to ensure safe radiosurgery.

Preoperative assessment and surgical indications: Separation surgery. / Valoración e indicaciones quirúrgicas: cirugía separación.

Neurological compression occurs in 10%-20% of patients who develop spinal metastases. In the last decade, the evolution of oncological diagnostic and medical techniques, the change from conventional external radiation to radiosurgery and the new surgical instruments have meant that the treatment of these patients must be indicated in a personalized manner and by consensus, multidisciplinary way, in specific commissions. Today, the biological state of the patient, the presence of mechanical instability, the neurological assessment and degree of epidural compression, as well as the best prognostic categorization of the tumor, are established as decision factors prior to the indication of surgical treatment, treatment that has passed from a cytoreductive concept to that of a spinal cord release from tumor in order to ensure safe radiosurgery.

Comparison of two configurations of a Stokes polarimeter measuring three wavelengths simultaneously.

In this paper, we study two configurations of a full-Stokes polarimeter that measures three wavelengths simultaneously. A recently developed fitting calibration process is used to reduce the error in the final Stokes vector. The first configuration uses an optimized setup for the central wavelength that fixes the non-optimized setups for the other two wavelengths. The second configuration is the result of a search for the best simultaneous setups for all three wavelengths. It is found that this second setup gives smaller errors in the measured Stokes parameters before calibration, but the first configuration gives smaller errors after calibration. These results demonstrate the need for a method of finding the best polarimeter configuration for this type of measurement. It seems clear that the condition number by itself is not a metric that provides sufficient information to determine whether a particular configuration is better by giving smaller errors. It is also important to point out that the results presented here are for the particular calibration scheme used. Additionally, it may be that a different calibration method is required to give better results, but that is outside the scope of the present work.

Histoplasmosis en pacientes con infección por VIH en Paraguay: Casuística del Laboratorio Central del Ministerio de Salud Pública en el período 1993-2017

Resumen Introducción: La histoplasmosis es una micosis sistémica en pacientes inmunodeprimidos y su epidemiología es desconocida en el país. Objetivo: Describir los datos demográficos y clínicos de pacientes con infección por VIH (IpVIH) e histoplasmosis diagnosticadas en el Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Asunción-Paraguay. Pacientes yMétodos: Estudio retrospectivo y transversal de pacientes con muestras positivas a Histoplasma capsulatum diagnosticados en el período 1993-2017. Resultados: Fueron diagnosticados 162 pacientes con IpVIH e histoplasmosis. El origen de los pacientes en orden de prevalencia fue: la capital Asunción, Central, Cordillera y San Pedro. La relación hombre/mujer fue 4:1 y la edad media 34,1 ± 7,7 años con un rango de 18 a 61 años. La fiebre, las lesiones en piel y las úlceras en mucosa fueron los síntomas y manifestaciones más frecuentes. Los métodos para diagnósticos más utilizados fueron las escarificaciones de piel, úlceras muco-cutáneas y las punciones de médula ósea. Conclusión: Por ser el primer reporte nacional de histoplasmosis en pacientes con IpVIH, consideramos este trabajo relevante para la base de otros estudios de micosis profunda.

Abstract Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis in immunosuppressed patients and its epidemiology is unknown in the country. Aim: To describe the demographic and clinical data of patients with HIV infection and histoplasmosis diagnosed in the Central Public Health Laboratory, Asunción-Paraguay. Methods: Retrospective and cross-sectional study of patients with Histoplasma capsulatum positive samples diagnosed in the period 1993-2017. Results: 162 patients with HIV infection were diagnosed as histoplasmosis. The origin of the patients in order of prevalence were the capital Asunción, Central, Cordillera and San Pedro departments. The male/female ratio was 4: 1 and the mean age was 34.1 ± 7.7 years with a range of18 to 61 years. Fever, skin lesions and mucosal ulcers were the most frequent symptoms and manifestations. The most widely used diagnostic methods were scarification of skin, mucocutaneous ulcers and bone marrow punctures. Conclusion: As it is the first national report of histoplasmosis in patients with HIV infection, we consider this work relevant for the basis of other studies of deep mycosis.

Cacalol Acetate, a Sesquiterpene from Psacalium decompositum, Exerts an Anti-inflammatory Effect through LPS/NF-KB Signaling in Raw 264.7 Macrophages.

Inflammatory diseases remain critical health problems worldwide. The search for anti-inflammatory drugs is a primary activity in the pharmaceutical industry. Cacalol is a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory potential that is isolated from Psacalium decompositum, a medicinal plant with several scientific reports supporting its anti-inflammatory activity. Cacalol acetate (CA) is the most stable form. Nevertheless, the participation of CA in the main signaling pathway associated with inflammation is unknown. Our aim was to study the anti-inflammatory effect of CA and to determine its participation in NF-κB signaling. In TPA-induced edema in mice, CA produced 70.3% inhibition. To elucidate the influence of CA on the NF-κB pathway, RAW 264.7 macrophages were pretreated with CA and then stimulated with LPS, evaluating NF-ΚB activation, IKK phosphorylation, IΚB-α, p65, cytokine expression, and COX-2 release and activity. CA inhibited NF-κB activation and its upstream signaling, decreasing phosphorylation IKB-α and p65 levels. CA also reduced expression and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Additionally, it decreased the activity and expression of COX-2 mRNA. These data support that CA regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway, which might explain, at least in part, its anti-inflammatory effect. CA is a bioactive molecule useful for the development of anti-inflammatory agents with innovative mechanisms of action.

Evolution of Gaussian wave packets in capillary jets.

A temporal analysis of the evolution of Gaussian wave packets in cylindrical capillary jets is presented through both a linear two-mode formulation and a one-dimensional nonlinear numerical scheme. These analyses are normally applicable to arbitrary initial conditions but our study focuses on pure-impulsive ones. Linear and nonlinear findings give consistent results in the stages for which the linear theory is valid. The inverse Fourier transforms representing the formal linear solution for the jet shape is both numerically evaluated and approximated by closed formulas. After a transient, these formulas predict an almost Gaussian-shape deformation with (i) a progressive drift of the carrier wave number to that given by the maximum of the Rayleigh dispersion relation, (ii) a progressive increase of its bell width, and (iii) a quasiexponential growth of its amplitude. These parameters agree with those extracted from the fittings of Gaussian wave packets to the numerical simulations. Experimental results are also reported on near-Gaussian pulses perturbing the exit velocity of a 2-mm diameter water jet. The possibility of controlling the breakup location along the jet and other features, such as pinch-off simultaneity, are demonstrated.

Análisis morfométrico e índices corporales del capitán de la sabana / Morphometric analysis and body indexes of the catfish (Eremophilus mutisii)

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de caracterizar la morfometría e índices corporales de Eremophilus mutisii, se usaron treinta y tres peces (27 hembras y 6 machos) provenientes del río Bogotá, específicamente de la región de Suesca. La relación de aspecto de la aleta caudal se determinó mediante el software de análisis de imágenes ImageJ®. Se calculó el índice gonadosomático, hepatosomático y rendimiento en canal para cada pez. Para el análisis de los datos se usaron correlaciones, regresiones y técnicas de análisis multivariado (análisis discriminante canónico). Como resultado del estudio se encontró que el sexo no afecta la forma del cuerpo de los peces. La relación entre la longitud y el peso se ajustó para cada sexo. La relación de aspecto de la aleta caudal presentó un promedio de 1,57 lo que sugiere que la especie presenta hábito sedentario o de natación lenta. El índice gonadosomático de las hembras en maduración (media: 14,43%, rango: 8,84% a 23,22%) aumentó en función del peso corporal y fue mayor que el de los machos (media: 5,32%, rango: 2,31% a 8,29%). Por lo tanto, el rendimiento de la carcasa fue menor en las hembras en maduración. La media del índice hepatosomático para hembras fue 0,86% (rango: 0,43% a 1,88%) y para machos fue 0,63% (rango: 0,39% a 1,09%). En conclusión, Eremophilus mutisii es una especie sedentaria y las hembras se caracterizarán por presentar mayor índice gonadosomático y menor rendimiento en carcasa que los machos.

ABSTRACT With the aim of characterizing the morphometry and body indexes of Eremophilus mutisii, thirty-three fishes (27 females and 6 males) coming from the Bogotá river, specifically of the Suesca region, were used. The aspect ratio of the caudal fin was determined with the aid of the image analysis software ImageJ®. Gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes and carcass yield were determined for each fish. Correlation, regression and multivariate (canonical discriminant analysis) techniques were used for data analysis. Results indicated that sex does not affect the body shape of the fishes. The relationship between length and weight was fitted for each sex. The average aspect ratio of the caudal fin was 1.57, which suggests that the species has sedentary habits or slow swimming. The gonadosomatic index of the maturing females (mean: 14.43 %; range: 8.84 % to 23.22 %) increased as a function of body weight and was greater than in males (mean: 5.32 %; range: 2.31 % to 8.29 %). Therefore, the carcass yield was lower in maturing females than in males. The mean of the hepatosomatic index for females was 0.86 % (range: 0.43 % to 1.88 %) and for males was 0.63 % (range: 0.39 % to 1.09 %). As a conclusion, Eremophilus mutisii is a sedentary fish species, and females exhibit greater gonadosomatic index and lower carcass yield than males.

Two fluid model in low energy excited states within spin-ice systems.

Excitations in magnetic structures of the so-called spin-ice materials generate two different peaks in the specific heat and anomalies in entropy in the temperature interval between 0 and 1 K. These points are due to the existence of two low-energy excited global states which seem to transit from a bosonic condensate towards a magnetic neutral plasma in a narrow temperature interval between 0.05 ≤ T ≤ 1 K. In this paper, we determine the characteristic features of two states and we analyze the possibilities of existence of a BEC state and its phase transition to the magnetic plasma state from a model of two magnetic charge fluids. From the structural analysis of the many-body excitation states, we obtain theoretical results about entropy and specific heat since these two key physical magnitudes announce the phase transitions. We give criteria for distinguishing if some of these phase transitions is of either first or second order.

Beetle (Ulomoides dermestoides) fat improves diabetes: effect on liver and pancreatic architecture and on PPARγ expression.

Ulomoides dermestoides is a beetle traditionally consumed to treat diabetes. In this study, we performed a composition analysis of U. dermestoides to obtain the principal fractions, which were used to assess the effect on glycemia, liver and pancreatic architecture, and PPARγ and GLUT4 expression. Normal mice and alloxan-induced diabetic mice were administered fractions of chitin, protein or fat, and the acute hypoglycemic effect was evaluated. A subacute study involving daily administration of these fractions to diabetic mice was also performed over 30 days, after which the liver and pancreas were processed by conventional histological techniques and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate morphological changes. The most active fraction, the fat fraction, was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and PPARγ and GLUT4 mRNA expressions were determined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The protein and fat fractions exhibited hypoglycemic effects in the acute as well as in the 30-day study. Only the fat fraction led to elevated insulin levels and reduced glycemia, as well as lower intake of water and food. In the liver, we observed recovery of close hepatic cords in the central lobule vein following treatment with the fat fraction, while in the pancreas there was an increased density and percentage of islets and number of cells per islet, suggesting cellular regeneration. The GC-MS analysis of fat revealed three fatty acids as the major components. Finally, increased expression of PPARγ and GLUT4 was observed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, indicating an antidiabetic effect.

[Asymmetries in the hospital treatment of acute ischemic stroke]. / Asimetrías en el tratamiento hospitalario del ictus isquémico en fase aguda.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the degree of implementation of the protocolized care for acute stroke in the Spanish emergency departments and to discuss the territorial differences in the treatment of stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicenter national survey conducted to evaluate the current treatment of ischemic stroke in emergency departments. The main variables analyzed were focused at evaluating the participation of ERs in the performance of thrombolysis, interventional treatment and destination of patients with stroke. RESULTS: 42 emergency services participated. 90.5% have stroke protocol. In 52.4% is identified an emergency physician referent in cerebrovascular pathology. In 2016 2090 thrombolysis were performed, we observe a great variability in the number of treatments per hospital [0-222]. 11.9% were admitted in the Observation area. Only one-third of the hospitals currently treat stroke with thrombectomy. 31% have a telemedicine service available. CONCLUSIONS: Urgencies plays a fundamental role in the chain of care of stroke treatment. There is a worrying variability between centers in the management of the stroke.

CHRONIC UNPREDICTABLE MILD STRESS PROGRESSIVELY DISTURBS GLUCOSE METABOLISM AND APPETITE HORMONES IN RATS.

CONTEXT: Chronic stress is characterized by increased release of catecholamines, glucocorticoids and other neurohumoral factors, predisposing individuals to obesity, insulin resistance and vascular disease, pathologies considered priority health problems. Study of alterations induced by stress on metabolism in association with food intake modulatory hormones (insulin, leptin and ghrelin) is mandatory. OBJECTIVE: This research studied temporal course during 60 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on glucose and lipids metabolism, and on the neuroendocrine system that regulates appetite-satiety balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were exposed to CUMS for 20, 40 and 60 days. Corticosterone stayed high during 60 days of CUMS; after 40 days, body weight, cholesterol and triglycerides decreased and glucose intolerance was evident at day 60; insulin and ghrelin increased at 20 and 40 days, respectively; leptin decreased after day 20. Data suggest that 60 days of CUMS progressively disturb metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids as well as food intake regulatory hormones, affecting the metabolism, and can lead to the development of chronic degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Effects of CPAP in patients with obstructive apnoea: is the presence of allergic rhinitis relevant?

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to compare the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the nasal cavities of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and with or without allergic rhinitis (AR/nonAR). METHODS: This paper is a prospective, longitudinal study. Thirty-four consecutive CPAP treatment-adherent patients with OSA (17 AR and 17 nonAR) were evaluated before and 2 months after treatment, by means of clinical (otorhinolaryngological symptoms, daytime sleepiness, overall and rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life), anatomical (otorhinolaryngological examination), functional (auditory function, tubal function, nasal airflow, and mucociliary clearance), and biological variables (nasal cytology). No humidifier or anti-allergy medicines were used during treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, patients with AR presented a higher score, compared to nonAR in rhinitis symptoms (4.82 ± 2.53 vs. 0.93 ± 1.02, p = 0.000), otologic symptoms (2.06 ± 1.95 vs. 0.44 ± 0.72, p = 0.004), cutaneous/ocular symptoms (2.12 ± 2.17 vs. 0.65 ± 1.17, p = 0.052), immunoglobulin E (181.82 ± 126.09 vs. 66.13 ± 97.97, p = 0.004), and nasal neutrophils (14.42 ± 31.94 vs. 0.16 ± 0.39, p = 0.031). After treatment, nonAR and AR groups improved in daytime sleepiness (11.53 ± 4.60 vs. 7.53 ± 2.87, p = 0.000 and 13.76 ± 4.93 vs. 7.53 ± 4.41, p = 0.001) respectively and increased nasal neutrophil (0.16 ± 0.39 vs. 5.78 ± 9.43, p = 0.001 and 14.42 ± 31.94 vs. 79.47 ± 202.08, p = 0.035). The symptoms and quality of life improved in patients with AR. NonAR patients, significantly increase nasal dryness (1.65 ± 1.27 vs. 0.00, p = 0.002) and mucociliary clearance times (38.59 ± 24.90 vs. 26.82 ± 23.18, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: CPAP produces inflammation with increased nasal neutrophil levels in AR and nonAR patients. Nevertheless, patients with AR observed an improvement in nasal symptoms and quality of life, whereas in patients without AR, a relevant worsening of nasal dryness and mucociliary transport was observed.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, wound-healing effectiveness and chemical characterization of the latex of Jatropha neopauciflora Pax.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jatropha neopauciflora Pax is an endemic species to Mexico, and its latex is used in traditional medicine to treat mouth infections when there are loose teeth and to heal wounds. In this research, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity, wound healing efficacy and chemical characterization of J. neopauciflora latex in a murine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antibacterial activity was determined using Gram positive and negative strains, the antifungal activity was determined using yeast and filamentous fungi, and the wound healing efficacy of the latex was determined using the tensiometric method. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the plantar oedema model in rats, administering the latex orally and topically. Cytotoxic activity was determined in vitro in two different cell lines. Antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, total flavonoids, reducing carbohydrates and latex proteins were quantified. The latex analysis was performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Finally, molecular exclusion chromatography was performed. RESULTS: The latex demonstrated antibacterial activity. The most sensitive strains were Gram positive bacteria, particularly S. aureus (MIC=2mg/mL), and the latex had bacteriostatic activity. The latex did not show antifungal activity. The latex demonstrated a wound-healing efficacy, even the positive control (Recoveron). The orally administered latex demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory activity and was not toxic to either of the 2 cell lines. The latex had a high antioxidant capacity (SA50=5.4µg/mL), directly related to the total phenolic (6.9mg GAE/mL) and flavonoid (12.53µg QE/mL) concentration. The carbohydrate concentration was 18.52µg/mL, and fructose was the most abundantly expressed carbohydrate in the latex (14.63µg/mL, 79.03%). Additionally, the latex contained proteins (7.62µg/mL) in its chemical constitution. As secondary metabolites, the HPLC analysis indicated the presence of phenols and flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS: The J. neopauciflora latex promotes the wound healing process by avoiding microorganism infections, inhibiting inflammation and acting as an antioxidant.

BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF JATROPHA NEOPAUCIFLORA PAX.

BACKGROUND: Ethnopharmacological relevance. Jatropha neopauciflora (Pax) is an endemic species of the Tehuacan- Cuicatlan Valley, Mexico. This species has long been used as a remedy to alleviate illnesses of bacterial, fungal and viral origin. Aim of the study. Experimentally test the traditional use of Jatropha neopauciflora in Mexican traditional medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methanol extract (MeOH1), of Jatropha neopauciflora (Euphorbiaceae) was obtained by maceration. Next, the methanol (MeOH2) and hexane (H) fractions were obtained. The essential oil was obtained by hydro- distillation. The extract, fractions and essential oil were analyzed by GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity was measured by the disc diffusion agar and radial inhibition growth methods. RESULTS: The extract and fractions showed antibacterial activity against eleven strains (five Gram-positive and six Gram- negative) and a bacteriostatic effect in the survival curves for Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae. The extract and fractions were also shown to have antifungal activity, particularly against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (CF50 = MeOH1: 1.07 mg/mL, MeOH2: 1.32 mg/mL and H: 1.08 mg/mL). The antioxidant activity of MeOH1 (68.6 µg/mL) was higher than for MeOH2 (108.1 µg/mL). The main compounds of the essential oil were ß-pinene, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, ledene, m- menthane, linalyl acetate and 3-carene. The main compounds of MeOH1 were ß-sitosterol, lupeol and pyrogallol; the main compounds of MeOH2 were ß-sitosterol, spathulenol, coniferyl alcohol and lupeol; and the main compounds of H were ß-sitostenone, γ-sitosterol and stigmasterol. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that Jatropha neopauciflora is a potential antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Analytic model for low energy excitation states and phase transitions in spin-ice systems.

Low energy excitation states in magnetic structures of the so-called spin-ices are produced via spin flips among contiguous tetrahedra of their crystal structure. These spin flips generate entities which mimic magnetic dipoles in every two tetrahedra according to the dumbbell model. When the temperature increases, the spin-flip processes are transmitted in the lattice, generating so-called Dirac strings, which constitute structural entities that can present mimetic behavior similar to that of magnetic monopoles. In recent studies of both specific heat and ac magnetic susceptibility, two (even possibly three) phases have been shown to vary the temperature. The first of these phases presents a sharp peak in the specific heat and another phase transition occurs for increasing temperature whose peak is broader than that of the former phase. The sharp peak occurs when there are no free individual magnetic charges and temperature of the second phase transition coincides with the maximum proliferation of free deconfined magnetic charges. In the present paper, we propose a model for analyzing the low energy excitation many-body states of these spin-ice systems. We give analytical formulas for the internal energy, specific heat, entropy and their temperature evolution. We study the description of the possible global states via the nature and structure of their one-body components by means of the thermodynamic functions. Below 0.37 K, the Coulomb-like magnetic charge interaction can generate a phase transition to a condensation of pole-antipole pairs, possibly having Bose-Einstein structure which is responsible for the sharp peak of the first phase transition. When there are sufficient free positive and negative charges, the system tends to behave as a magnetic plasma, which implies the broader peak in the specific heat appearing at higher temperature than the sharper experimental peak.

Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) modulates inflammatory cytokines and IFN-γ in obese mice.

This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on systemic chronic inflammation in an obesity model induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) via modulating the expression of adipokines (TNF-α, IL-6, resistin, and adiponectin) and immune-regulatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10). Cucurbita ficifolia extract was administered daily by gavage to lean and MSG-obese mice for 30 days. At the end of treatment, cytokine mRNA expression in adipose tissue was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the protein levels of these cytokines were also quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cucurbita ficifolia extract decreased body mass and inflammation in MSG-obese mice by reducing the expression of TNF-α and IL-6; these decreases were parallel to significant reductions in protein levels. The extract also increased protein levels of IL-10 in lean mice and IFN-γ in both lean and MSG-obese mice. In conclusion, C. ficifolia extract modulates systemic chronic inflammation in MSG-obese mice and could have a beneficial effect on the adaptive immune system in obesity.

Early effects of continuous positive airway pressure in a rodent model of allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most commonly used treatment in obstructive sleep apnea. In a previous rat model study, we demonstrated that nasal CPAP induces early rhinitis expressed by nasal neutrophil extravasation. Here we hypothesized that nasal CPAP would worsen nasal inflammation on a previously inflamed mucosa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early nasal CPAP effects of allergic rhinitis (AR) in a rodent model. METHODS: Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were sensitized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA). Nasal inflammation was induced by the administration of intranasal OVA during consecutive days. The same procedure was performed in 20 control rats treated with saline solution. The allergic (AR) and non-allergic (NAR) rats were then randomized to nasal CPAP at 10 cm H2O for five hours or to sham CPAP. The degree of nasal inflammation was assessed by evaluating the percentage of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes in the nasal mucosa. An unpaired Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze differences between groups. RESULTS: The greatest inflammation was observed in the group of AR without CPAP (1.24% ± 0.94%), followed by NAR with CPAP (0.64% ± 0.30%), AR with CPAP (0.64% ± 0.40%), and NAR without CPAP (0.21% ± 0.29%). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of nasal CPAP or allergy sensitization can produce, individually, neutrophil extravasation on the nasal mucosa of a rat model. The application of both stimuli is not responsible for increased inflammation. Therefore, this study suggests that rhinitis is not a major limitation for CPAP administration.

Antidepressant-like activity of Tagetes lucida Cav. is mediated by 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors.

It has been demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Tagetes lucida Cav. shows an antidepressant-like effect on the forced swimming test (FST) in rats. The aim of this study was to analyze the participation of the serotoninergic system in the antidepressant-like effect of the aqueous extract of T. lucida. Different doses of the extract of T. lucida were administered at 72, 48, 24, 18 and 1 h before FST. The animals were pretreated with a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (WAY-100635, 0.5 mg/kg), a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist (ketanserin, 5 mg/kg), a ß-noradrenergic receptor antagonist (propranolol, 200 mg/kg), and with a α2-noradrenergic receptor antagonist (yohimbine, 1 mg/kg) alone or combined with the extract and pretreated with a serotonin synthesis inhibitor (PCPA) before treatment with 8-OH-DPAT + the extract of T. lucida. In addition, suboptimal doses of the 5-HT1A agonist (8-OH-DPAT) + non-effective dose of extract was analyzed in the FST. To determine the presence of flavonoids, the aqueous extract of T. lucida (20 µl, 4 mg/ml) was injected in HPLC; however, a quercetin concentration of 7.72 mg/g of extract weight was detected. A suboptimal dose of 8-OH-DPAT + extract of T. lucida decreased immobility and increased swimming and climbing. An antidepressant-like effect with the aqueous extract of T. lucida at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg was observed on the FST with decreased immobility behavior and increased swimming; however, this effect was blocked by WAY-100635, ketanserin and PCPA but not by yohimbine and propranolol, suggesting that the extract of T. lucida could be modulating the release/reuptake of serotonin.