Extracellular acidosis enhances Zika virus infection both in human cells and ex-vivo tissue cultures from female reproductive tract.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, but unlike other flaviviruses, ZIKV can be sexually transmitted by vaginal intercourse. The healthy vaginal pH ranges from 4.0 to 6.0, reaching values of 6.0-7.0 after semen deposition. Here, we report that low extracellular pH values (range 6.2-6.6) dramatically increase ZIKV infection on cell lines of different origin including some derived from the female genital tract and monocyte-derived macrophages. Furthermore, low pH significantly increased ZIKV infection of human ectocervix and endocervix cultured ex-vivo. Enhancement of infection by low pH was also observed using different ZIKV strains and distinct methods to evaluate viral infection, i.e. plaque assays, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Analysis of the mechanisms involved revealed that the enhancement of ZIKV infection induced by low pH was associated with increased binding of the viral particles to the heparan sulphate expressed on the target cell surface. Acidosis represents a critical but generally overlooked feature of the female genital tract, with major implications for sexual transmission diseases. Our results suggest that low vaginal pH might promote male-to-female transmission of ZIKV infection.

Exposure to bisphenol A differentially impacts neurodevelopment and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster from distinct genetic backgrounds.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental chemical that has been linked to behavioral differences in children and shown to impact critical neurodevelopmental processes in animal models. Though data is emerging, we still have an incomplete picture of how BPA disrupts neurodevelopment; in particular, how its impacts may vary across different genetic backgrounds. Given the genetic tractability of Drosophila melanogaster, they present a valuable model to address this question. Fruit flies are increasingly being used for assessment of neurotoxicants because of their relatively simple brain structure and variety of measurable behaviors. Here we investigated the neurodevelopmental impacts of BPA across two genetic strains of Drosophila-w1118 (control) and the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) model-by examining both behavioral and neuronal phenotypes. We show that BPA induces hyperactivity in larvae, increases repetitive grooming behavior in adults, reduces courtship behavior, impairs axon guidance in the mushroom body, and disrupts neural stem cell development in the w1118 genetic strain. Remarkably, for every behavioral and neuronal phenotype examined, the impact of BPA in FXS flies was either insignificant or contrasted with the phenotypes observed in the w1118 strain. This data indicates that the neurodevelopmental impacts of BPA can vary widely depending on genetic background and suggests BPA may elicit a gene-environment interaction with Drosophila fragile X mental retardation 1 (dFmr1)-the ortholog of human FMR1, which causes Fragile X Syndrome and is associated with autism spectrum disorder.

A pilot study of a stepped-care brief intervention to help psychologically-distressed women displaced by conflict in Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Colombia's 6.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been exposed to trauma, loss, and hardships. Common mental disorders (CMDs) are prevalent in this group, yet there are few evidence-based psychosocial interventions for this population. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a stepped-care intervention for women IDPs in Bogota, Colombia. METHODS: Feasibility to recruit participants for an intervention trial, to screen for CMDs and displacement-related traumas, to refer high-risk cases to professional consultation, to implement evidence-based interpersonal counseling (IPC) for women with diagnosed CMDs, to retain participants in the intervention, and to conduct follow-up assessments was assessed. Assessment instruments were validated. The intervention was delivered by trained outreach personnel. Intervention acceptability was assessed by monitoring session attendance, dropout rates, and satisfaction. Potential efficacy was evaluated with pre- and post-intervention measures of CMDs. RESULTS: We recruited 279 women IDPs into the intervention. On screening, 177 (63.4%) had symptom levels suggesting a CMD. Participants endorsed a wide range of displacement-related exposures. Most participants receiving IPC decreased their symptom levels at follow-up. Many participants did not complete the recommended number of IPC sessions; loss to follow-up was 30%. The performance of the outreach personnel improved after the initial intervention team was replaced with community members trained to deliver the intervention. The Bogotá health system was unable to reliably accommodate emergency psychiatric referrals. CONCLUSIONS: The IPC intervention shows promise, but significant challenges remain for improving reach, adherence, and participant retention. We identified strategies and partnerships to redress some of the main study limitations.

Seminal vesicle fluid increases the efficacy of intravaginal HSV-2 vaccination.

Once considered merely as a vehicle for spermatozoa, it is now clear that seminal plasma (SP) induces a variety of biological actions on the female reproductive tissues able to modulate the immune response against paternal antigens. To our knowledge, the influence of SP on the immune response against sexually transmitted pathogens has not been yet evaluated. We here analyzed whether the seminal vesicle fluid (SVF), which contributes almost 60% of the SP volume in mice, could modulate the immune response against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). We found that SVF does not modify the course of primary infection, but markedly improved protection conferred by vaginal vaccination with inactivated HSV-2 against a lethal challenge. This protective effect was shown to be associated to a robust memory immune response mediated by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in both the lymph nodes draining the vagina and the vaginal mucosa, the site of viral replication. In contrast with the widespread notion that SP acts as an immunosuppressive agent, our results suggest that SVF might improve the female immune response against sexually transmitted pathogens.

A new rush schedule for cotrimoxazole desensitization: a report of 2 cases

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Acetylcholine polarizes dendritic cells toward a Th2-promoting profile.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research shows a reciprocal regulation between the neural and immune systems. Acetylcholine (ACh) is the most important parasympathetic neurotransmitter, and increasing evidence indicates that it is able to modulate the immune response. Interestingly, in recent years, it has become clear that immune cells express a non-neuronal cholinergic system, which is stimulated in the course of inflammatory processes. We have previously shown that dendritic cells (DC) express muscarinic receptors, as well as the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of ACh. Here, we analyzed whether ACh could also modulate the functional profile of DC. METHODS: Dendritic cells were obtained from monocytes cultured for 5 days with GM-CSF+IL-4 or isolated from peripheral blood (CD1c+ DC). The phenotype of DC was evaluated by flow cytometry, the production of cytokines was analyzed by ELISA or intracellular staining and flow cytometry, and the expression of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors was evaluated by flow cytometry or qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Treatment of DC with ACh stimulated the expression of the Th2-promoter OX40L, the production of the Th2-chemokines MDC (macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22) and TARC (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17), and the synthesis of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 by T cells, in the course of the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Moreover, we found that the stimulation of OX40L, HLA-DR, and CD83 expressions in DC induced by the Th2-promoting cytokine TSLP, as well as the production of IL-13, IL-4, and IL-5 by T cells in the course of the MLR, was further enhanced when DC were treated with TSLP plus ACh, instead of TSLP or ACh alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest that ACh polarizes DC toward a Th2-promoting profile.

Evaluation of the efficacy of intramuscular versus intramammary treatment of subclinical Streptococcus agalactiae mastitis in dairy cows in Colombia.

A randomized controlled trial was performed in 17 Colombian dairy herds to determine the cure risk among cows subclinically infected with Streptococcus agalactiae exposed to 2 antibiotic therapies. Composite milk samples were collected before milking at the onset of the trial (pretreatment) and 2 subsequent times over a period of approximately 63 d. The intramammary application (IMM) of ampicillin-cloxacillin was compared with the intramuscular application (IM) of penethamate hydriodide, and cure risks after an initial and retreatment application were assessed. Cure risk after the initial treatment was higher (82.4%) for the IMM treatment than for IM therapy (65.8%). However, no difference was observed in the cure risk of refractory cases after retreatment (IMM=52.6% vs. IM=51.2%). The cumulative cure risk (both initial and retreatment) was 90.4 and 82.9% for the IMM and IM products, respectively. A 2-level random effects logistic model that controlled for pretreatment cow-level somatic cell count, indicated that IM treatment (odds ratio=0.37) had a lower cure risk than IMM and a tendency for a lower cure risk with increasing baseline somatic cell count. Our findings suggest that both products and administration routes can reduce the prevalence of S. agalactiae in affected herds, but the IMM product had a better efficacy in curing the infection. In addition to the treatment protocol, the cow somatic cell count should be considered when making management decisions for cows infected with S. agalactiae.

Fucosylated clusterin in semen promotes the uptake of stress-damaged proteins by dendritic cells via DC-SIGN.

STUDY QUESTION: Could seminal plasma clusterin play a role in the uptake of stress-damaged proteins by dendritic cells? SUMMARY ANSWER: Seminal plasma clusterin, but not serum clusterin, promotes the uptake of stress-damaged proteins by dendritic cells via DC-SIGN. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Clusterin is one of the major extracellular chaperones. It interacts with a variety of stressed proteins to prevent their aggregation, guiding them for receptor-mediated endocytosis and intracellular degradation. The concentration of clusterin in semen is almost 20-fold higher than that found in serum, raising the question about the role of seminal plasma clusterin in reproduction. No previous studies have analyzed whether seminal plasma clusterin has chaperone activity. We have previously shown that seminal plasma clusterin, but not serum clusterin, expresses an extreme abundance of fucosylated glycans. These motifs enable seminal plasma clusterin to bind DC-SIGN with very high affinity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the ability of seminal plasma clusterin to inhibit the precipitation of stressed proteins, promoting their uptake by dendritic cells via DC-SIGN (a C-type lectin receptor selectively expressed on dendritic cells (DC)). Moreover, the ability of seminal plasma clusterin to modulate the phenotype and function of DCs was also assessed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Clusterin was purified from human semen and human serum. Catalase, bovine serum albumin, glutathione S-transferase, and normal human serum were stressed and the ability of seminal plasma clusterin to prevent the precipitation of these proteins, guiding them to DC-SIGN expressed by DCs, was evaluated using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Endocytosis of stressed proteins was analyzed by confocal microscopy and the ability of seminal plasma clusterin-treated DCs to stimulate the proliferation of CD25+FOXP3+CD4+ T cells was also evaluated by FACS. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Seminal plasma clusterin interacts with stressed proteins, inhibits their aggregation (P < 0.01) and efficiently targets them to dendritic cells via DC-SIGN (P < 0.01). DCs efficiently endocytosed clusterin-client complexes and sorted them to degradative compartments involved in antigen processing and presentation. Moreover, we also found that the interaction of seminal plasma clusterin with DC-SIGN did not change the phenotype of DCs, but stimulates their ability to induce the expansion of CD25+FOXP3+CD4+ T lymphocytes (P < 0.05 versus control). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: All the experiments were performed in vitro; hence the relevance of our observations should be validated in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results suggest that by inducing the endocytosis of stress-damaged proteins by DCs via DC-SIGN, seminal plasma clusterin might promote a tolerogenic response to male antigens, thereby contributing to female tolerance to seminal antigens. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The present research was supported by the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, the Buenos Aires University School of Medicine, and the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (Argentina). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Loiasis ocular en paciente con hipereosinofilia crónica / Ocular loiasis in a patient with chronic hypereosinophilia

CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta un caso de loiasis ocular con una filaria subconjuntival de 5,5 cm de longitud y una microfilaremia grave de una microfilaria/ml, en una paciente previamente asintomática, procedente de Guinea Ecuatorial, con antecedente de hipereosinofilia crónica en estudio. DISCUSSIÓN: La loiasis ocular es una infestación importada y poco frecuente en nuestro medio. No obstante, las parasitaciones crónicas procedentes de inmigrantes de zonas endémicas de África, pueden convertir la loiasis en una enfermedad emergente en nuestro medio

CASE REPORT: We present a case of ocular loiasis with a subconjunctival filaria, 5.5 cm long, and a severe microfilaremia, 1 microfilaria/ml, on a previously asymptomatic woman from Equatorial Guinea, with a past medical history of hypereosinophilia of unknown origin. DISCUSSIÓN: Ocular loiasis is an imported infestation with a very low rate in our country. Nevertheless, chronic infestation in immigrants coming from endemic areas of Africa may increase the rate of this disease in our country (AU)

Prostaglandins in semen compromise the immune response against sexually transmitted pathogens.

Seminal plasma is not just a spermatozoa carrier. It induces the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and a massive infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells in the female genital mucosa after coitus, enabling the innate immune system to fight against sexually transmitted pathogens. However, exposure to seminal plasma not only turns on an inflammatory response but also induces regulatory mechanisms that allow the fetus (a semiallograft) to grow and develop in the uterus. In mouse models it has been shown that seminal plasma induces the expansion of regulatory T cells specific to seminal Ags in the receptive partner, thus promoting tolerance to paternal alloantigens and avoiding allogeneic fetal rejection. These mechanisms appear to be mainly induced by prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) and TGF-ß, which are present at huge concentrations in the seminal plasma. Moreover, we have recently shown that exposure to seminal plasma induces the differentiation of dendritic cells into a tolerogenic profile through a mechanism dependent on the activation of the prostanoid receptors EP2 and EP4 by seminal PGE. Our hypothesis proposes that this tolerogenic response induced by seminal PGE, while promoting fertility by inducing tolerance toward paternal alloantigens, might also compromise the development of the adaptive immune response against sexually transmitted pathogens in the receptive partner.

[Ocular loiasis in a patient with chronic hypereosinophilia]. / Loiasis ocular en paciente con hipereosinofilia crónica.

CASE REPORT: We present a case of ocular loiasis with a subconjunctival filaria, 5.5cm long, and a severe microfilaremia, 1 microfilaria/ml, on a previously asymptomatic woman from Equatorial Guinea, with a past medical history of hypereosinophilia of unknown origin. DISCUSSION: Ocular loiasis is an imported infestation with a very low rate in our country. Nevertheless, chronic infestation in immigrants coming from endemic areas of Africa may increase the rate of this disease in our country.

[Open surgery, laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy and embolization in children with varicocele]. / Cirugía abierta, Palomo laparoscópico y embolización en niños con varicocele.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to prove the outcomes in varicocele treatment during last 10 years in our institution regarding to the recurrence rate and reactive hydrocele in children and adolescents treated with open technique, laparoscopic approach or embolization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical charts of patients with varicocele younger than 17 years old were reviewed. Age, weight, surgery indications, treatment (open surgery, laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy or embolization), location, varicocele grade, hospital stays, recurrence, postoperative hydrocele, genitofemoral nerve damage, infection, bleeding, postoperative incisional hernia and re-do varicocelectomy were collected. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, 98 boys with varicocele diagnosis were treated in our institution. Mean age of patients was 12 years. The varicocele location in all cases was on the left side. Grade III varicocele was found in 94 boys and grade II in 4 patients. Indications for surgery were high grade in 81, chronic pain in 16 and testicular hypotrophy in 1. Treatment approach was as follows: 12 patients underwent open surgery (Palomo or Ivanissevich technique), 32 underwent embolization and laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy was performed in 54. We found a global recurrence rate of 14.3% and an overall postoperative hydrocele of 24.5% Recurrence rate was higher in the embolization group than the open surgery and laparoscopic group. Three patients presented intraoperative bleeding in the laparoscopic group and there was one conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective review proves that laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy is a safe and efficient approach to treat varicocele in pediatric population, because of its low recurrence rate without any major adverse outcome. Due to our high secondary hydrocele formation, lymphatic sparing laparoscopic procedure should be taken into account in order to decrease this complication.

Cirugía abierta, Palomo laparoscópico y embolización en niños con varicocele / Open surgery, laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy and embolization in children with varicocele

Objetivos. El objetivo del presente estudio es examinar los resultados en el tratamiento del varicocele en nuestro hospital durante los últimos 10 años, valorando la de tasa de recurrencia y de hidrocele reactivo en los niños y adolescentes tratados mediante cirugía abierta, embolización o varicocelectomía laparoscópica. Pacientes y métodos. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes menores de 17 años intervenidos de varicocelectomía. Las variables recogidas fueron peso, edad, localización, grado de varicocele, indicación de cirugía, tratamiento, estancia hospitalaria, recurrencia, hidrocele postoperatorio, lesión de nervio genitofemoral, infección, sangrado, hernia incisional y necesidad de nueva varicocelectomía. Resultados. 98 pacientes con diagnóstico de varicocele fueron tratados en nuestra institución entre los años 2000 a 2010. La edad media fue de 12 años. Todos los casos fueron de localización izquierda. 94 pacientes tenían varicocele grado III y 4 varicocele grado II. Las indicaciones de cirugía fueron varicocele de alto grado (grado III) en 81 pacientes, dolor crónico en 16 e hipotrofia testicular en 1. Se realizó cirugía abierta en 12 pacientes, embolización en 32 casos y varicocelectomía laparoscópica en 54 pacientes. La tasa global de recurrencia fue de 14,3% y el porcentaje de hidrocele reactivo fue del 24,5% La tasa de recurrencia fue mayor en el grupo tratado con embolización, que en el de cirugía abierta y en el de laparoscopia. En el grupo de tratamiento laparoscópico, tres pacientes presentaron sangrado postquirúrgico y hubo una conversión a cirugía abierta. Conclusiones. Nuestra revisión retrospectiva indica que la varicocelectomía laparoscópica es un tratamiento seguro y eficaz en el manejo del varicocele en los (..) (AU)

Objectives. Our aim was to prove the outcomes in varicocele treatment during last 10 years in our institution regarding to the recurrence rate and reactive hydrocele in children and adolescents treated with open technique, laparoscopic approach or embolization. Patients and Methods. Medical charts of patients with varicocele younger than 17 years old were reviewed. Age, weight, surgery indications, treatment (open surgery, laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy or embolization), location, varicocele grade, hospital stays, recurrence, postoperative hydrocele, genitofemoral nerve damage, infection, bleeding, postoperative incisional hernia and re-do varicocelectomy were collected. Results. From 2000 to 2010, 98 boys with varicocele diagnosis were treated in our institution. Mean age of patients was 12 years. The varicocele location in all cases was on the left side. Grade III varicocele was found in 94 boys and grade II in 4 patients. Indications for surgery were high grade in 81, chronic pain in 16 and testicular hypotrophy in 1. Treatment approach was as follows: 12 patients underwent open surgery (Palomo or Ivanissevich technique), 32 underwent embolization and laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy was performed in 54. We found a global recurrence rate of 14.3% and an overall postoperative hydrocele of 24.5% Recurrence rate was higher in the embolization group than the open surgery and laparoscopic group. Three patients presented intraoperative bleeding in the laparoscopic group and there was one conversion to open surgery. Conclusions. Our retrospective review proves that laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy is a safe and efficient approach to treat varicocele in pediatric population, because of its low recurrence rate without any major adverse outcome. Due to our high secondary hydrocele formation, lymphatic sparing laparoscopic procedure should be taken into account in order to decrease this complication (AU)

Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad de Sevilla: 4 Años de plan piloto para la adaptación al EEES. Actividades docentes realizadas para una mejora en la calidad de enseñanza y su repercusión en el alumnado / Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Seville: 4 years of pilot plan - EHEA. Teaching activities for a better quality in the education and students repercussion

Debido a la entrada en vigor del nuevo modelo de aprendizaje propio del EEES, la Facultad de Farmaciade la US vio necesaria la adaptación del sistema actual a estos nuevos paradigmas, participando en un PlanPiloto que facilitara tanto a Profesores como a Alumnos y a PAS este proceso de cambio. Después deestudiar los datos estadísticos recopilados por los becarios designados por la Universidad de Sevilla paraapoyo a este proceso, así como del análisis de las distintas actividades recogidas en las guías docentes decada asignatura, se comprobó que la realización de estas actividades beneficiaba positivamente la calidadde la enseñanza. Se hizo patente el aumento del dinamismo en las clases, viéndose mejorada con laparticipación del alumnado. Como resultado se obtuvo un aumento de asistencia a los exámenes y unmayor índice de aprobados. Con ello, se ha comprobado cómo este sistema ayuda a fomentar unaprendizaje de calidad, y lo que es más importante, proporciona al alumno las cualidades necesarias yespecíficas que demanda el mundo laboral, propias de competencias transversales, como son liderazgo,iniciativa, trabajo en grupo, conocimiento de nuevas tecnologías, así como conocimientos generales yespecíficos de nuestra rama. Con los datos procesados, se puede evaluar la mejora en la calidad de laenseñanza, y poner de manifiesto la efectividad de la experiencia(AU)

Before entering into the Degree of Pharmacy (EHEA), the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University ofSeville has worked in a Pilot Plan for the implementation of the EHEA. This has helped teachers andstudents to the process of adaptation. The analysis of (i) statistical data and (ii) innovation teachingactivities developed in the several subjects have pointed out the positive impact of this Pilot Plan over thequality of the teaching procedures. More dynamic classes, more assistance to the exams and moresuccessful results have been produced. The Pilot Plan have helped to achieve a more quality learning.Moreover, this experience have allowed to develop several generic skills of great interest for our students.The processed data obtained during this 4 years has allowed us to evaluate the impact of Pilot Plan for theimplementation of the ECTS system, as well as to highlight the effectiveness of the process. It have beenidentified improvement points before the full incorporation of our Faculty of Pharmacy into the EHEA(AU)

Impacto del Plan Piloto para el EEES en la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad de Sevilla / Impact of the Pilot Plan for the EHEA in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville

La Facultad de Farmacia de la US ha comenzado (2009/10) los estudios de “Grado en Farmacia” (1º curso), que irá sustituyendo gradualmente al actual Plan de Estudios de la Licenciatura. Previo a ello, nuestra Facultad ha participado en un Plan Piloto de adaptación al EEES (4 años) que ha supuesto un efectivo entrenamiento para el Profesorado, Alumnado y PAS, en todo lo relativo al EEES. El éxito de esta acción se ha debido a la estrecha colaboración entre la Facultad, considerando tanto todos sus Departamentos como la Dirección del Centro, y el Rectorado de la US. Con objeto de facilitar estas tareas, contamos con la ayuda de Becarios para el Plan Piloto (1/curso). Funciones: colaborar en las iniciativas propuestas por los Profesores Coordinadores de las asignaturas implicadas (1º-4º) relacionadas con el EEES. Entre otras, elaborar y analizar encuestas para recabar información (alumnado y profesorado) sobre el seguimiento del Plan Piloto (visión más completa de la acción). Esta información se traduce en gráficas explicativas que reflejan la evolución del proyecto. Hoy disponemos de material para evaluar la progresión de esta iniciativa. Esto ha facilitado la detección de necesidades previas a la implantación de los nuevos planes de estudio según ECTS.Resultados muy positivos: no sólo ha aumentado el número de actividades destinadas a facilitar el aprendizaje, sino la motivación y mejora en los resultados académicos. El procesamiento de los datos permite hacer una evaluación aproximada de la mejora que ha supuesto la acción, poniendo de manifiesto la efectividad de la experiencia(AU)

The Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Seville has started (2009/10) the studies of the "Degree in Pharmacy” (EHEA) (1st year), which will gradually replace the actual Plan of Studies. Prior to that, our Faculty has participated in a Pilot Plan for adaptation to the EHEA, which has provided an effective training for teachers, students and PAS, in all matters relating to the EHEA. The success of this action was due to close collaboration between the Faculty, considering all their Departments and its Deanship, and the Government Team of the University of Seville. To facilitate these tasks, we have the help of Scholarship for the Pilot Plan (1/course). Duties: to assist in the initiatives proposed by Professors Coordinators of the subjects, related to the EHEA. Among others, to develop and to analyze surveys to gather information (students and teachers) on the Monitoring of the Pilot. This information is translated into explanatory graphs showing the development of the project. Now, we have material to assess the progression of thisinitiative. This has facilitated the detection of needs prior to introducing the new Degree according to ECTS.Results are positive: the number of activities to facilitate learning as well as the motivation has been increased; furthermore, it has been improved academic outcomes. The processing of data allows a rough assessment of the improvement that has brought the action, highlighting the effectiveness of the experience(AU)

Alteraciones estructurales del músculo liso y de la expresión de EGFR y C-kit en la estenosispieloureteral congénita. Relación con su patogénesis / Structural alterations of the smooth muscle and of the egfr expression and c-kit in congenital pyelouretheral stenosis. relationship with its pathogenesis

Objetivos. Evaluar el papel que la displasia muscular, el factor de crecimiento epidérmico (EGFR) y las células intersticiales de Cajal(CIC) C-kit+ pueden tener en la fisiopatología de la estenosis pieloureteral (EPU).Material y Método. Se estudian 30 muestras de UPU (unión pieloureteral), 25 con EPU y 5 controles. Se realizan tinciones con Tricrómico de Masson y técnicas de inmunohistoquímica para Actina de músculo liso, EGFR (factor de crecimiento epidérmico) y CD117(C-kit)(Dako). Comparamos los resultados estadísticamente Resultados. El grupo control expresó positividad difusa de EGFR en la capa muscular; en las muestras de EPU fue positiva en el 4%, débil en el 16% y negativa en el 80%. Los controles muestran CIC C-kit+entre las células musculares, evidenciándose una densidad disminuida en las muestras de obstrucción. El tricrómico de Masson resaltó aumento del colágeno inter e intramuscular y fibras musculares atenuadas, más finas e individualizadas, en la capa muscular interna de los casos de (..) (AU)

Purpose. To assess the role that the muscular dysplasia, epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) C-kit +, may have in the pathophysiology of pyeloureteral stenosis (EPU).Materials and Methods. 30 samples were studied UPJ (ureteropelvic junction), with 25 UPJ obstruction and 5 controls. Performed with Masson’s trichrome staining and immunohistochemical techniques for smooth muscle actin, EGFR (epidermal growth factor) and CD117(C-kit) (Dako). We compared the results statistically. Results. The control group was diffuse positivity of EGFR in the muscle layer in samples of EPU was positive in 4%, weak in 16% and negative in 80%. The controls are C-kit + ICC between the muscle cells showed a decreased density in the samples of obstruction. Masson’strichrome highlighted the increase of inter-and intramuscular collagen and attenuated muscle fibers, thinner and individualized, in the inner (..) (AU)

Barium selenate supplementation and its effect on intramammary infection in pasture-based dairy cows.

A significant proportion of cattle receive inadequate dietary Se because of its low content in soils and pastures of various regions of the world. Several economically important diseases in dairy cows, such as mastitis, have been associated with Se deficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single injection of a long-acting form of Se at drying off on the risk and incidence rate of new intramammary infections and on milk somatic cell count in the subsequent lactation in pasture-based dairy cows. Forty-nine Chilean Holstein-Friesian cows were fed a diet containing <0.05 mg of Se/kg of ration dry matter. During the dry period, cows were allocated to 1 of 2 groups, a supplemented (n=24) group treated with a single subcutaneous injection of barium selenate 2 mo before calving and a control group (n=25) that remained unsupplemented. Duplicate foremilk samples were aseptically collected within 6 d after calving and every 2 wk until drying-off for bacteriological culture. Milk samples were also collected monthly for somatic cell count evaluation. Blood samples were collected before treatment and at 30, 90, 180, and 270 d after treatment for analysis of blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. The activity of glutathione peroxidase was higher in supplemented cows 30 d after the injection until the end of the study. The risk and incidence rate of new intramammary infections was not affected by supplementation. A progressive increase in somatic cell count was observed throughout lactation, but there was no effect of supplementation. In conclusion, a one-time injection of barium selenate 2 mo before calving in these pasture-based dairy cows did not affect udder health in the subsequent lactation, indicating that Se basal intake was adequate for preventing subclinical mastitis in pasture-based cows in southern Chile.

[Structural alterations of the smooth muscle and of the EGFR expression and C-kit in congenital pyeloureteral stenosis. Relationship with its pathogenesis]. / Alteraciones estructurales del músculo liso y de la expresión de EGFR y C-kit en la estenosis pieloureteral congénita. Relación con su patogénesis.

PURPOSE: To assess the role that the muscular dysplasia, epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) C-kit +, may have in the pathophysiology of pyeloureteral stenosis (EPU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 samples were studied UPJ (ureteropelvic junction), with 25 UPJ obstruction and 5 controls. Performed with Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemical techniques for smooth muscle actin, EGFR (epidermal growth factor) and CD117 (C-kit) (Dako). We compared the results statistically. RESULTS: The control group was diffuse positivity of EGFR in the muscle layer in samples of EPU was positive in 4%, weak in 16% and negative in 80%. The controls are C-kit + ICC between the muscle cells showed a decreased density in the samples of obstruction. Masson's trichrome highlighted the increase of inter-and intramuscular collagen and attenuated muscle fibers, thinner and individualized, in the inner muscular layer of the cases of EPU also evident with the actin. Differences between groups were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that dysplastic changes in the muscle layer, the low expression of EGFR and the decrease or absence of C-kit + ICC, may participate in the pathophysiology of UPJ obstruction.

[Traumatic dissection of the internal carotid artery by a safety belt: a report of two cases]. / Disección traumática de la arteria carótida interna por el cinturón de seguridad: descripción de dos casos.

Traumatic internal carotid artery dissection secondary to blunt trauma is a rare event accounting for 0.08 to 0.4% of all traumatic lesions. The spectrum of traumatic lesions that can affect the internal carotid artery includes minor lesions like spasm, intimal tears, or mural contusions and serious lesions like pseudoaneurysms and complete occlusion. Delayed clinical presentation is typical and can include headache, hemiparesis, partial Horner's syndrome, and cranial nerve palsy. Embolization secondary to the dissection can have devastating effects because it may cause ischemic stroke. Traumatic internal carotid artery dissection after safety belt trauma is very rare; it is usually due to direct cervical trauma on the side of the shoulder fixation point, which causes external bruising along the pathway of the safety belt. We present two cases of traumatic internal carotid artery dissection with concomitant cerebral infarcts caused by safety belts; we discuss the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of this lesion.