A Census of X-ray gas in NGC 1068: Results from 450ks of Chandra HETG Observations.

We present models for the X-ray spectrum of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068. These are fitted to data obtained using the High Energy Transmission Grating (HETG) on the Chandra X-ray observatory. The data show line and radiative recombination continuum (RRC) emission from a broad range of ions and elements. The models explore the importance of excitation processes for these lines including photoionization followed by recombination, radiative excitation by absorption of continuum radiation and inner shell fluorescence. The models show that the relative importance of these processes depends on the conditions in the emitting gas, and that no single emitting component can fit the entire spectrum. In particular, the relative importance of radiative excitation and photoionization/recombination differs according to the element and ion stage emitting the line. This in turn implies a diversity of values for the ionization parameter of the various components of gas responsible for the emission, ranging from log(ξ)=1 - 3. Using this, we obtain an estimate for the total amount of gas responsible for the observed emission. The mass flux through the region included in the HETG extraction region is approximately 0.3 M⊙ yr-1 assuming ordered flow at the speed characterizing the line widths. This can be compared with what is known about this object from other techniques.

Genetic diversity of indigenous rhizobial symbionts of the Lupinus mariae-josephae endemism from alkaline-limed soils within its area of distribution in Eastern Spain.

The genomic diversity of a collection of 103 indigenous rhizobia isolates from Lupinus mariae-josephae (Lmj), a recently described Lupinus species endemic to alkaline-limed soils from a restricted habitat in Eastern Spain, was investigated by molecular methods. Isolates were obtained from soils of four geographic locations in the Valencia province that harbored the known Lmj plant populations. Using an M13 RAPD fingerprinting technique, 19 distinct RAPD profiles were identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA and the housekeeping genes glnII, recA and atpD showed a high diversity of native Bradyrhizobium strains that were able to establish symbiosis with Lmj. All the strains grouped in a clade unrelated to strains of the B. canariense and B. japonicum lineages that establish symbioses with lupines in acid soils of the Mediterranean area. The phylogenetic tree based on concatenated glnII, recA and atpD gene sequences grouped the Lmj isolates in six different operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the 93% similarity level. These OTUs were not associated to any specific geographical location, and their observed divergence predicted the existence of different Bradyrhizobium genomic species. In contrast, phylogenetic analysis of symbiotic genes based on nodC and nodA gene sequences, defined only two distinct clusters among the Lmj strains. These two Lmj nod gene types were largely distinct from nod genes of bradyrhizobia nodulating other Old World lupine species. The singularity and large diversity of these strains in such a small geographical area makes this an attractive system for studying the evolution and adaptation of the rhizobial symbiont to the plant host.

How to reduce avoidable admissions due to acute diabetes complications? Interrelation between primary and specialized attention in a diabetes unit / ¿Cómo reducir los ingresos evitables por complicaciones agudas de la diabetes? Interrelación entre atención primaria y especializada en una unidad de diabetes

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a serious health problem. In the year 2030 it will affect 366 million people around the world. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed intervention and reducing the amount and seriousness of acute complications in diabetics from our Health Area. Materials and method: Protocols of action as well as information documents were produced. Diabetes Unit coordinated educational activities in the different support levels of the Area VII of Murcia. Information talks were provided for the people in charge of the Diabetes Unit in every Care Center and Service of the Health Area. Personalized training was provided for patients treated in the differet Care levels. The study comprised three stages. Information leaflets were spread and talks offered to the patient regarding in house handling of hypo and hyper glycemia. Results: A reduction of 39% of the emergencies due to acute non complicated diabetes was achieved, as well as a reduction of 47.6% of hospital admissions. There was a reduction of 67.8% of the amount of total hospital stays for the group of patients under 35 years who were admitted into the hospital due to type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus that didn't show any complications (GRD295). Conclusions: There was a reduction of more than thirty percent in the emergencies due to acute decompensations in the disease and a significant reduction in the avoidable hospital stays in the young adult, thus improving the patients' life quality and reducing the social cost of the diabetic patient (AU)

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 es un problema de salud grave. En el año 2030 afectará a 366 millones de personas en todo el mundo. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de una intervención mixta y reducir la cantidad y gravedad de las complicaciones agudas de la diabetes en nuestra Área de Salud. Material y método: Se diseñaron protocolos de actuación y documentos de información. La Unidad de Diabetes coordinó las actividades educativas en los diferentes niveles de soporte de la VII Zona de Murcia. Se realizaron charlas de información para los responsables de la Unidad de Diabetes en cada Centro de Atención y Servicio del Área de Salud. Se dio formación personalizada a los pacientes tratados en los distintos niveles de atención. El estudio constó de tres etapas. Se entregaron folletos informativos y charlas al paciente con respecto a la manipulación domiciliaria de hipo e hiperglucemia. Resultados: Se logró una reducción del 39% de las emergencias debidas a diabetes aguda no complicada, así como una reducción del 39% de las emergencias debidas a diabetes aguda no complicada, así como una reducción del 47,6% de los ingresos hospitalarios. Hubo una reducción del 67,8% de la estancia hospitalaria total para el grupo de pacientes menores de 35 años que fueron ingresados en el hospital debido a diabetes tipo 1 o 2 que no mostraron ningún tipo de complicaciones (GRD295). Conclusiones: Se observó una reducción de más del treinta por ciento en los casos de urgencias por descompensaciones agudas de la enfermedad y una reducción significativa en las estancias hospitalarias evitables en el adulto joven, mejorando así la calidad de vida de los pacientes y reduciendo el costo social del paciente diabético (AU)

How to reduce avoidable admissions due to acute diabetes complications?: interrelation between primary and specialized attention in a diabetes unit.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a serious health problem. In the year 2030 it will affect 366 million people around the world. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed intervention and reducing the amount and seriousness of acute complications in diabetics from our Health Area. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Protocols of action as well as information documents were produced. Diabetes Unit coordinated educational activities in the different support levels of the Area VII of Murcia. Information talks were provided for the people in charge of the Diabetes Unit in every Care Center and Service of the Health Area. Personalized training was provided for patients treated in the different Care levels. The study comprised three stages. Information leaflets were spread and talks offered to the patient regarding in house handling of hypo and hyper glycemia. RESULTS: A reduction of 39% of the emergencies due to acute non complicated diabetes was achieved, as well as a reduction of 47.6% of hospital admissions. There was a reduction of 67.8% of the amount of total hospital stays for the group of patients under 35 years who were admitted into the hospital due to type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus that didn't show any complications (GRD295). CONCLUSIONS: There was a reduction of more than thirty percent in the emergencies due to acute decompensations in the disease and a significant reduction in the avoidable hospital stays in the young adult, thus improving the patients' life quality and reducing the social cost of the diabetic patient.

Desprendimiento de proplaquetas en el sinuoside a través de las fenestraciones / Projections of platelets throught fenestrations to sinuosoidal circulation

Los megacariocitos producen formaciones citoplasmáticaspseudopódicas grandes llamadas proplaquetas. En nuestroestudio ultraestructural en microscopía electrónica de biopsiasde médula ósea en personas normales, hemos encontrado quelas proplaquetas son muy ricas en membranas de demarcacióny gránulos y tienen una estructura microfibrilar única alojada enel interior, pasan a la circulación sinusoidal a través de lasfenestraciones, que son poros funcionales del endotelio. Unavez en la circulación las membranas de demarcación de las proplaquetasse abren y estas sufren una elongación en forma arosariada,es decir con estructuras esferoidales secuenciales,cada una de esas esferas se separa y forma la plaqueta. Laestructura microfibrilar en la proplaqueta es única y se polimerizapara formar un anillo microfibrilar periférico en cada plaqueta,que le da su forma discoide

In our study in electron microscopy of bone marrow biopsiesof normal persons, we found that the megakaryocytes developedmultiple pseudopodal-projections derived from their peripheralzone, called proplatelets. These projections passthrough the pores of the endothelium, called fenestrations, andreached the sinusoidal circulation. Once in the lumen the proplateletssuffer elongations. The beaded elongations are rich ingranules, and demarcation membranes, which delimit the plateletterritories during fragmentation. The microtubular structureis scarce, appears as a single structure inside the cytoplasmof the proplatelet, acts as a nucleation center, and whenthe beaded elongations are produced this structure polymerizesand grows, forming peripheral coiles in the platelets thatgive them the discoid shape

Tratamiento de la taquicardia supraventricular fetal precoz complicada con hidrops / Treatment of early fetal supraventricular tachycardia with hydrops

Describimos un caso de taquicardia supraventricular (TPSV) fetal asociado a hidrops grave y polihidramnios diagnosticado en la semana 23. Tras fracasar el tratamiento instaurado con digoxina v.o., se produjo la cardioversión con flecainida v.o. administrada a la madre y la progresiva resolución del hidrops y el polihidramnios. En la semana 34 nació un varón que, tras 6 meses de seguimiento, se encuentra sano sin tratamiento. Al no poder monitorizar en nuestro laboratorio los valores plasmáticos de flecainida se vigiló la posible aparición de toxicidad con electrocardiogramas seriados. Diversas publicaciones recomiendan la flecainida como fármaco de primera elección en caso de TPSV fetal asociada a hidrops. (AU)

An unusual case of herniation of small bowel through an iatrogenic defect of the falciform ligament.

Internal herniation through a congenital defect in the falciform ligament is extremely rare. We report an unusual observation of small bowel obstruction through an iatrogenic defect of the falciform ligament. Prompt diagnosis was made by helical CT, permitting a rapid surgical procedure to preserve the viability of the obstructed segment.

Role of the microtubular system in platelet aggregation.

1. Four structural systems are involved in the process of platelet activation that leads to aggregation: 1) the membrane system, i.e., the cytoplasmic membrane, the dense tubular structure and the open canalicular structure; 2) alpha and dense granules; 3) the peripheral microtubular coils; 4) the microfibrillar meshwork of actin-myosin bundles. 2. We added four compounds which modify cell ultrastructure to normal platelet-rich plasma to analyze the behavior of the structural systems of platelet activation: vinblastine (100 micrograms/ml) and cimetidine (100 micrograms/ml) that act on the membrane system, ticlopidine (200 micrograms/ml) and colchicine (100 micrograms/ml) that affect primarily the microtubular structure, cytochalasin B (30 micrograms/ml) and phorbol myristate acetate (100 ng/ml) that act upon the granular system, and cytochalasin D (30 micrograms/ml) and concanavalin A (50 micrograms/ml) that influence the microfibrillar structure. Platelet aggregation was stimulated by epinephrine or thrombin. 3. Cimetidine and ticlopidine prevented aggregation. However, neither substance affected the microtubular structure. Colchicine and cytochalasin B only partially impaired aggregation, because pieces of microtubules remained in the presence of these substances. The other substances did not present anti-aggregant activity and did not preserve the microtubules. 4. We infer that the disappearance of the microtubules is necessary to produce aggregation. When they remain intact no aggregation is produced, even though the other structural systems are activated.

Role of the microtubular system in platelet aggregation

1. Four structural systems are involved in the process of platelet activation that leads to aggregation: 1) the membrane system, i.e., the cytoplasmic membrane, the dense tubular structure and the open canalicular structure; 2) alpha and dense granules; 3) the peripheral microtubular coils; 4) the microfibrillar meshwork of actin-myosin bundles. 2. We added four compounds which modify cell ultrastructure to normal platelet-rich plasma to analyze the behavior of the structural systems of platelet activation: vinblastine (100 micrograms/ml) and cimetidine (100 micrograms/ml) that act on the membrane system, ticlopidine (200 micrograms/ml) and colchicine (100 micrograms/ml) that affect primarily the microtubular structure, cytochalasin B (30 micrograms/ml) and phorbol myristate acetate (100 ng/ml) that act upon the granular system, and cytochalasin D (30 micrograms/ml) and concanavalin A (50 micrograms/ml) that influence the microfibrillar structure. Platelet aggregation was stimulated by epinephrine or thrombin. 3. Cimetidine and ticlopidine prevented aggregation. However, neither substance affected the microtubular structure. Colchicine and cytochalasin B only partially impaired aggregation, because pieces of microtubules remained in the presence of these substances. The other substances did not present anti-aggregant activity and did not preserve the microtubules. 4. We infer that the disappearance of the microtubules is necessary to produce aggregation. When they remain intact no aggregation is produced, even though the other structural systems are activated.

Thrombocytopathy due to a defect of the platelet membrane complex.

A new type of primary thrombocytopathy is described. Three main alterations were found: (1) a defect of the aggregation reaction with ADP, epinephrine and collagen and a normal response to ristocetin and arachidonic acid; (2) a moderate deficiency of platelet procoagulant activity, and (3) a combined hypertrophy of the two membrane systems of the platelet--the open canalicular and the dense tubular. The latter defect is shown as an abnormal membrane complex situated on one of the platelet poles. This thrombocytopathy is discussed as a new variety of primary platelet disorder.

Analysis of the ultrastructure of the platelets during the process of aggregation, with emphasis in the cytoskeleton and membranous changes

In this paper we presetn our findings in relation to the ultrastructural changes that are produced in the platelets during the hemostatic activation process. When the platelets are in the resting stage they have a discoid form with are a peripheral microtubular structure that encloses numerous granules, showing an open canalicular system spreading throughout the cytoplasm. Once they are activated, sequential morphological changes take place. First of all, the microtubular structure desintegrates and is replaced by a membranous pseudotubular membranous complex which fuses itself to the granules enhancing the open canalicular system which grows until it takes a sacular-canalicular appearance. Degranulation takes place at the same time. The from of the platelets becomes spherical and irregular. Later on, a microfilament organization appears, specially in the peripheral zozne projecting into the pseudopodical prolongations which are formed in the surface, giving the platelets a very irregular filopoidal form. Finally they loose all their structure becoming hyaline and vacuolated. We believe that the pseudopodical stage is the last step of the activation, prvious to the final vacuolization and destruction

Analysis of the ultrastructure of the platelets during the process of aggregation, with emphasis in the cytoskeleton and membranous changes

In this paper we presetn our findings in relation to the ultrastructural changes that are produced in the platelets during the hemostatic activation process. When the platelets are in the resting stage they have a discoid form with are a peripheral microtubular structure that encloses numerous granules, showing an open canalicular system spreading throughout the cytoplasm. Once they are activated, sequential morphological changes take place. First of all, the microtubular structure desintegrates and is replaced by a membranous pseudotubular membranous complex which fuses itself to the granules enhancing the open canalicular system which grows until it takes a sacular-canalicular appearance. Degranulation takes place at the same time. The from of the platelets becomes spherical and irregular. Later on, a microfilament organization appears, specially in the peripheral zozne projecting into the pseudopodical prolongations which are formed in the surface, giving the platelets a very irregular filopoidal form. Finally they loose all their structure becoming hyaline and vacuolated. We believe that the pseudopodical stage is the last step of the activation, prvious to the final vacuolization and destruction (AU)

Prevalence of different types of anemia in Ecuador.

1. We present the results of a study of the prevalence of anemia and its causes in the population of Ecuador. The following parameters were used: blood cytology, reticulocyte count, serum iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B 12 concentration. 2. The study was carried out on 4 groups: 426 individuals of both sexes and all ages from the rural population of the lowlands, with a warm and humid climate; 226 individuals from the highlands, with a cold and dry climate; 1000 individuals of the urban working group from the lowlands; and 1000 individuals of the urban working group from the highlands. All subjects were chosen randomly. 3. The prevalence of anemia was 31.4% in the rural group from the lowlands, 27.9% in the rural group from the highlands, 5.5% in the urban group from the lowlands, and 2.7% in the urban group from the highlands, with an overall estimated prevalence of 20.6% for the population of Ecuador as a whole. Iron deficiency was the most frequent cause of anemia (91.3%; 18.7% of the total population), followed by bone marrow failure (6%; 1.2% of the total population), hemolysis (2.2%; 0.5% of the total population), and finally megaloblastic anemia (0.5%; 0.1% of the total population). 4. Since iron deficiency with and without anemia is very frequent, we believe it is justified to establish mechanisms for food iron enrichment for liable groups such as children and pregnant women from marginal areas.

Prevalence of different types of anemia in Ecuador

1. We present the results of a study of the prevalence of anemia and its causes in the population of Ecuador. The following parameters were used: blood cytology, reticulocyte count, serum iron, iron biding capacity, ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B 12 concentration. 2. The study was carriede out on 4 groups: 426 individuals of both sexes and all ages from the rural population of the lowlands, with a warm and humild climate; 226 individuals from the highlands, with a cold and dry climate; 1000 individuals of the urban working group from the lowlands; and 1000 individuals of the urban working group from the highlands. All subjects were chosen randomly. 3. The prevalence of anemia was 31.4% in the rural group from the lowlands, 27.9% in the rural group from the highlands, 5.5% in the urban group from the lowlands, and 2.7% in the urban group from the highlands, with an overall estimated prevalence of 20.6% for the population of Ecuador as a whole. Iron deficiency was the most frequent cause of anemia (91.3%); 18.7% of the total population), followed by bone marrow failure (6%; 1.2% of the total population), hemolysis (2.2%); 0.5% of the total population), and finally megaloblastic anemia (0.5%; 1.1% of the population). 4. Since iron deficiency with and without anemia is very frequent, we believe it is justified to establish mechanisms for food iron enrichment for liable groups such as children and pregnant women from marginal areas