Brimonidine-LAPONITE® intravitreal formulation has an ocular hypotensive and neuroprotective effect throughout 6 months of follow-up in a glaucoma animal model.

Intravitreal administration is widely used in ophthalmological practice to maintain therapeutic drug levels near the neuroretina and because drug delivery systems are necessary to avoid reinjections and sight-threatening side effects. However, currently there is no intravitreal treatment for glaucoma. The brimonidine-LAPONITE® formulation was created with the aim of treating glaucoma for extended periods with a single intravitreal injection. Glaucoma was induced by producing ocular hypertension in two rat cohorts: [BRI-LAP] and [non-bri], with and without treatment, respectively. Eyes treated with brimonidine-LAPONITE® showed lower ocular pressure levels up to week 8 (p < 0.001), functional neuroprotection explored by scotopic and photopic negative response electroretinography (p = 0.042), and structural protection of the retina, retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer (p = 0.038), especially on the superior-inferior axis explored by optical coherence tomography, which was corroborated by a higher retinal ganglion cell count (p = 0.040) using immunohistochemistry (Brn3a antibody) up to the end of the study (week 24). Furthermore, delayed neuroprotection was detected in the contralateral eye. Brimonidine was detected in treated rat eyes for up to 6 months. Brimonidine-LAPONITE® seems to be a potential sustained-delivery intravitreal drug for glaucoma treatment.

Inflammatory potential of monospecies biofilm matrix components.

AIM: To assess the inflammatory potential of biofilm matrix constituents of Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa monospecies biofilms on macrophages. METHODOLOGY: In vitro biofilms of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa were grown (7 days) in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The biofilm matrix components: exopolysaccharides (EPS) and extracellular DNA (eDNA) were extracted and quantified. The inflammatory potential of EPS and eDNA was assessed on macrophage cell lines (RAW 267.4) using nitric oxide (NO), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressions. LPS from P. aeruginosa and planktonic bacteria were positive controls. One-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Extracted EPS from both biofilm strains was associated with higher levels than eDNA in both growth conditions (P < 0.05). The biofilm components had less inflammatory potential compared to planktonic bacteria and LPS. EPS produced higher levels of inflammatory response compared to eDNA for both strains (P < 0.05). IL-6 and TNF-α, and NO expression showed no difference for E. faecalis EPS (P ≥ 0.05). In contrast, P. aeruginosa EPS and eDNA had significant levels of IL-6 compared to TNF-α and NO (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Monospecies biofilm matrix EPS and eDNA from the bacterial strains tested had the ability to induce a low-grade inflammatory response when compared to planktonic bacteria and LPS. This study highlights the potential of biofilm matrix/components, devoid of bacteria to induce low-grade chronic inflammation.

Characterization of the respiratory pattern in patients with chronic heart failure applying joint symbolic dynamics / Caracterización del patrón respiratorio de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca crónica mediante análisis de dinámica simbólica conjunta

Abstract: This work proposes a method to characterize the respiratory pattern of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) to determine non-periodic breathing (nPB), periodic breathing (PB) and Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) through non-linear, symbolic analysis of biological signals. A total of 43 patients were examined for their cardiorespiratory profiles, their ECG and respiratory pattern signals were processed, analyzed and studied for parameters that could be of potential use in clinical decision making, specifically in patient classification. Patients in the study were characterized through their cardiorespiratory signals, applying joint symbolic dynamics (JSD) analysis to cardiac beat and respiratory interval durations. The most statistically significant parameters across all groups were identified through a Kruskal-Wallis two tailed test (α = 0.05) and a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classification method based on such parameters was developed. The best result achieved with this classification method uses 10 features to discriminate patients with a 97.67% Accuracy (Acc). The best features to discriminate among groups are related to cardiorespiratory interaction rather than just respiration patterns alone. Results further support the idea that abnormal breathing patterns derive from physiological abnormalities in chronic heart failure.

Resumen: El trabajo propone un método para identificar el patrón respiratorio de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica (CHF) con la finalidad de determinar respiración no periódica (NPB), respiración periódica (PB) y respiración de Cheyne-Stokes (CSR) a través de análisis simbólico no lineal de señales biológicas. Se examinaron los perfiles cardiorrespiratorios de 43 pacientes; sus señales de ECG y patrón respiratorio fueron procesados, analizados y estudiados en busca de parámetros que pudieran ser de utilidad, específicamente en la clasificación de pacientes. Estos pacientes se caracterizaron por medio de sus señales cardiorrespiratorias, aplicando un análisis de dinámica simbólica de conjuntos al ritmo cardíaco y a la duración de los intervalos respiratorios. Los parámetros de mayor significancia estadística entre todos los grupos se identificaron a través de una prueba Kruskal-Wallis de dos colas ( α = 0,05) y mediante un método de clasificación por análisis discriminante lineal (LDA). El mejor resultado conseguido con este método utiliza 10 características para discriminar a los pacientes con una precisión de 97,67% (Acc). Las características para discriminar entre grupos estuvieron relacionados con la interacción cardiorrespiratoria más que con solo los patrones de respiración, respaldando así la idea de que los patrones de respiración anormales derivan de anomalías fisiológicas presentes en la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en estudiantes de enfermería de una universidad pública / Cardiovascular risk factors among nursing students of a public university / Fatores de risco cardiovascular em estudantes de enfermagem de uma universidade pública

Introducción: Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular son aquellos signos biológicos y hábitos adquiridos identificados en la población general; por tanto, los jóvenes estudiantes no están exentos a presentarlos. Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en estudiantes de la licenciatura en enfermería de una universidad pública del estado de Oaxaca. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, realizado en la licenciatura en enfermería. La muestra obtenida fue de 286 seleccionados por un muestreo aleatorio simple. Los datos se recabaron con la cédula de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en jóvenes universitarios. Resultados: Los jóvenes universitarios tienen antecedentes familiares ligados a factores de riesgo cardiovascular: 45.8% de hipertensión, 43.4% de hipercolesterolemia y 39.8% de diabetes; el 55.9% realizan actividad física leve; el 60.1% rara vez o nunca consumen bebidas gaseosas; el 51.8% solo realizan una o dos comidas al día. Discusión y conclusión: El factor heredofamiliar con mayor prevalencia fue la hipertensión arterial; otros factores identificados fueron la inactividad física, las dietas inadecuadas y el ayuno prolongado. Es relevante propiciar que los participantes mejoren su calidad de vida durante su estancia universitaria para disminuir la evolución de estos factores de riesgo y desarrollar estrategias conducentes a la reducción de estos, como un autocuidado responsable, expresado en una dieta sana y la práctica de ejercicio físico regular.

Introduction: Cardiovascular risk factors are diverse biological signs and acquired habits which the general population can have; and therefore young students are not exempt of them. Objective: To identify the presence of cardiovascular risk factors among baccalaureate-level nursing students of a public university in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Methodology: This is a descriptive and transversal study. The sample of 286 individuals was constituted by simple random sampling. Data were recorded in specific risk factors charts. Results: Some of these university students have familial backgrounds which could be linked to cardiovascular risks: 45.8% hypertension; 43.4% hypercholesterolemia, and 39.8% diabetes. Also related, 55.9% perform mild physical activity; 60.1% rarely or never consume carbonated beverages, and 51.8% have only one or two meals a day. Discussion and conclusion: The most prevalent familial risk factor was arterial hypertension; while other identified risk factors were physical inactivity, inadequate diets, and prolonged fasting. It is relevant to encourage young university students to improve their lifestyles in order to lower their cardiovascular risk factors. Among the addressing strategies can be a responsible self-care reflected by healthy diets and physical activity in an ongoing basis.

Introdução: Os fatores de risco cardiovascular são aqueles signos biológicos e hábitos adquiridos que se identificam na população geral; portanto, os jovens estudantes não estão isentos de apresentá-los. Objetivo: Identificar a presencia de fatores de risco cardiovascular em estudantes da licenciatura em enfermagem de uma universidade pública do estado de Oaxaca. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, transversal, realizou-se na licenciatura em enfermagem, a amostra obtida foi de 286 selecionados em uma amostragem aleatória simples. Os dados coletaram-se com a cédula de fatores de risco cardiovascular em jovens universitários. Resultados: Os jovens universitários têm antecedentes familiares relacionados com fatores de risco cardiovascular: 45.8% de hipertensão, 43.4% de hipercolesterolemia e 39.8% de diabetes, 55.9% realiza atividade física leve, 60.1% alguma vez ou nunca consome bebidas gasificadas, só 51.8% realiza uma ou duas refeições ao dia. Discussão e conclusão: O fator hereditário com maior prevalência foi a hipertensão arterial, os fatores identificados foram a inatividade física, as dietas inadequadas e o jejum prolongado. É relevante propiciar que os participantes melhorem sua qualidade de vida durante sua estadia universitária, para diminuir a evolução destes fatores de risco, e desenvolver estratégias que conduzam à redução dos mesmos como um autocuidado responsável, expressado em uma dieta saudável e a prática do exercício físico regular.

Técnicas de aspirado endotraqueal en neonatos: una revisión de la literatura / Endotracheal aspiration techniques in neonates: a literature review / Técnicas de aspirado endotraqueal em neonatos: uma revisão da literatura

Introducción: Para el neonato con ventilación mecánica asistida la técnica de aspiración a través del tubo endotraqueal se hace indispensable para conservarlo libre de secreciones, de esta forma, se mantiene la vía aérea permeable. En el área hospitalaria, la práctica para realizar este procedimiento contempla una técnica cerrada y otra abierta. Ambas son indispensables en el manejo correcto del paciente, cuando se usan adecuadamente. Objetivo: Analizar a través de la evidencia científica disponible, las ventajas y/o desventajas de las técnicas cerrada y abierta en el paciente neonato intubado. Metodología: Se llevó a cabo una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos de Pubmed, CUIDEN, Cochrane y LILACS. Además, se examinaron las listas de referencias de los artículos seleccionados. Desarrollo: Tras la revisión de los resultados y la aplicación de los criterios de inclusión fueron seleccionados seis artículos para el análisis en profundidad de los mismos. Resultados y conclusiones: En el recién nacido que está intubado, la literatura establece que la técnica cerrada ofrece mayores ventajas a los neonatos. Los autores concluyen esto, debido a que la técnica cerrada mantiene el volumen pulmonar y la presión intracraneana en parámetros estables, asimismo, mediante esta técnica se previene la hipoxia e hipoxemia por lo cual se conserva adecuadamente la saturación de oxígeno, el llenado capilar y la frecuencia cardiaca durante el procedimiento.

Introduction: In neonates under assisted ventilation, the endotracheal aspiration techniques become necessary in order to maintain the baby's airway free of secretions. Within the hospital area, the practice of these procedures includes a closed and an open technique. Both are crucial for the correct management of these patients and should always be properly performed. Objective: To analyze, through available scientific evidence, the advantages and disadvantages of the open and closed endotracheal aspiration techniques in the neonatal patient under assisted ventilation. Methodology: A bibliographical review was conducted on the PubMed, CUIDEN, Cochrane, and LILACS databases. In addition, the reference lists of the selected articles were also examined. Development: After the review and application of the inclusion criteria, a total of six articles were selected for in-depth analysis. Results and conclusions: The literature on the neonate under assisted ventilation suggests that the closed endotracheal aspiration technique offers more advantages because it maintains the pulmonary volume and the intracranial pressure within stable ranges, and also, it prevents hypoxia and hypoxemia, adequately maintaining the oxygen saturation, the capillary refill, and the cardiac frequency during the procedure.

Introdução: Para o neonato com ventilação mecânica assistida a técnica de aspiração através do tubo endotraqueal se faz indispensável para conservá-lo livre de secreções, mantendo assim, a via aérea permeável. Na área hospitalar, a prática para realizar este procedimento contempla uma técnica fechada e outra aberta. Ambas são indispensáveis no funcionamento correto do paciente, quando se usam adequadamente. Objetivo: Analisar através da evidencia científica disponível, as vantagens e/ou desvantagens das técnicas técnica fechada e aberta no paciente neonato intubado. Metodologia: Levou-se a cabo uma revisão bibliográfica nas bases de dados de Pubmed, CUIDEN, Cochrane e LILACS. Além disso, examinaram-se nas listas de referências dos artigos selecionados. Desenvolvimento: Após da revisão dos resultados e da aplicação dos critérios de inclusão, foram selecionados seis artigos para a análise exaustiva dos mesmos. Resultados e conclusões: No recém-nascido que está intubado, a literatura estabelece que a técnica fechada oferece maiores vantagens nos neonatos. Os autores concluem isto, devido a que a técnica fechada mantem o volume pulmonar e a pressão ointracraneana em parâmetros estáveis, assim mesmo, mediante esta técnica previne-se a hipóxia e hipoxemia, conservando adequadamente a saturação do oxigênio, o enchimento capilar e a frequência cardíaca durante o procedimento.

Peptide reactivity associated with skin sensitization: The QSAR Toolbox and TIMES compared to the DPRA.

The molecular initiating event (MIE) of skin sensitization is the binding of a hapten to dermal proteins. This can be assessed using the in chemico direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA) or in silico tools such as the QSAR Toolbox and TIMES SS. In this study, the suitability of these methods was analyzed by comparing their results to in vivo sensitization data of LLNA and human studies. Compared to human data, 84% of non-sensitizers and sensitizers yielded consistent results in the DPRA. In silico tools resulted in 'no alert' for 83%-100% of the non-sensitizers, but alerted only 55%-61% of the sensitizers. The inclusion of biotic and abiotic transformation simulations yielded more alerts for sensitizers, but simultaneously dropped the number of non-alerted non-sensitizers. In contrast to the DPRA, in silico tools were more consistent with results of the LLNA than human data. Interestingly, the new "DPRA profilers" (QSAR Toolbox) provided unsatisfactory results. Additionally, the results were combined in the '2 out of 3' prediction model with in vitro data derived from LuSens and h-CLAT. Using DPRA results, the model identified 90% of human sensitizers and non-sensitizers; using in silico results (including abiotic and biotic activations) instead of DPRA results led to a comparable high predictivity.

Importance of salt fingering for new nitrogen supply in the oligotrophic ocean.

The input of new nitrogen into the euphotic zone constrains the export of organic carbon to the deep ocean and thereby the biologically mediated long-term CO2 exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. In low-latitude open-ocean regions, turbulence-driven nitrate diffusion from the ocean's interior and biological fixation of atmospheric N2 are the main sources of new nitrogen for phytoplankton productivity. With measurements across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, we show that nitrate diffusion (171±190 µmol m(-2) d(-1)) dominates over N2 fixation (9.0±9.4 µmol m(-2) d(-1)) at the time of sampling. Nitrate diffusion mediated by salt fingers is responsible for ca. 20% of the new nitrogen supply in several provinces of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Our results indicate that salt finger diffusion should be considered in present and future ocean nitrogen budgets, as it could supply globally 0.23-1.00 Tmol N yr(-1) to the euphotic zone.

Relationship between body mass index and the incidence of inguinal hernia repairs: a population-based study in Olmsted County, MN.

PURPOSE: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of inguinal hernia development is unclear. To explore the relationship, we determined whether the incidence of inguinal hernia repairs (IHR) varied across patients with different BMI categories. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based incidence study was undertaken. We reviewed all IHR performed on adult residents of Olmsted County, MN from 2004 to 2008. Cases were ascertained through the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a records-linkage system with more than 97% population coverage. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 1,168 IHR were performed on 879 men and 107 women. The median BMI of the cohort was 26.7 kg/m2 (range 14.9-58.1, interquartile range 23.9-28.9). Incidence rates varied significantly as a function of BMI (p<0.001). Rates were highest among men who were either normal weight or overweight (419.8 and 421.1 per 100,000 person-years for BMI<25 and BMI 25-29.9, respectively), and lowest for obese and morbidly obese men (273.5 and 99.4 per 100,000 person-years for BMI 30-34.9 and BMI C 35, respectively). Findings were similar across all age categories and in patients who had an IHR that was initial or recurrent, direct or indirect, and unilateral or bilateral. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of IHR decreased as BMI increased. Obese and morbidly obese patients had a lower incidence of IHR than those who were normal weight or overweight. The causal mechanisms leading to such a relationship are unclear and warrant further study.

Evaluación in vivo de Lactobacillus plantarum como alternativa al uso de antibióticos en lechones / in vivo evaluation of Lactobacillus plantarum as an alternative to antibiotics uses in piglets

Objetive. To evaluate the in vivo effect of Lactobacillus plantarum in piglets as an alternative to antibiotics. Materials and methods. Fifty piglets were allocated into 5 (n=10) treatment groups (T0: without probiotics; T1:with L. plantarum 1 H1; T2:with L. plantarum 1 H2; T3: with commercial probiotics; T4:without commercial probiotics). The strains were molecularly identified. The inoculate preparation used was 10 g/L white sugar, 15 g/L soy milk, 150 g/L whey, 15 g/L wheat bran, analyzing their feasibility at room temperature and refrigeration. The probiotics inoculate were evaluated in weight gain, survival and presentation of diarrhea. Immunoglobulin A was evaluated by turbidimetry, total cholesterol and BUN by spectrophotometry. The count of neutrophils by blood extension. Results. The Lactobacillus plantarum strains corresponded molecularly. The production of inoculate for the case of L. plantarum 1 H1 and L. plantarum 1 H2 was stored for 21 and 12 days in a refrigerated environment while maintaining high viabilities. T1 and T2 had no episodes of diarrhea and higher final live weight gain and higher concentrations of IgA, and polymorphonuclear neutrophil. Total cholesterol and BUN were lower in T1 and T2. We confirmed the accession of L. plantarum 1 H1 and L. plantarum 1 H2 in the intestine. Conclusions. The use of probiotic L. plantarum 1 showed a positive effect on the health, survival and weight gain of the piglets treated.

Objectivo. Evaluar el efecto in vivo de Lactobacillus plantarum como alternativa al uso de antibióticos en lechones. Materiales y métodos. 50 lechones fueron distribuidos en 5 tratamientos (n=10). (T0: sin probiótico; T1: con L. plantarum 1 H1; T2: con L. plantarum 1 H2; T3: con probiótico comercial; T4: sin probiótico comercial). Las cepas fueron identificadas molecularmente. Para la elaboración de los inóculos se utilizaron 10 g/L azúcar blanco; 15 g/L leche de soya; 150 g/L suero de leche; 15 g/L salvado de trigo y se analizó la viabilidad a temperatura ambiente y refrigeración. El efecto de los inóculos probióticos se evaluó en ganancia de peso, sobrevivencia y presentación de diarrea. La determinación del contenido de inmunoglobulina A se hizo por turbidimetría; colesterol total y BUN por espectofotometría. El recuento de polimorfonucleares neutrófilos mediante extendido de sangre. Resultados. Las cepas correspondieron molecularmente a Lactobacillus plantarum. La producción de los inóculos, para el caso de L. plantarum 1 H1 y L. plantarum 1 H2 se almacenaron por 21 y 12 días a temperatura de refrigeración manteniendo viabilidades altas. Los animales sometidos a los tratamientos T1 y T2 no presentaron episodios de diarrea y la mayor ganancia de peso vivo final, así como las concentraciones más altas de IgA, polimorfonucleares neutrófilos, colesterol total y BUN fueron menores en T1 y T2. Se comprobó la adherencia de L. plantarum 1 H1 y L. plantarum 1 H2 en el intestino grueso. Conclusiones. La utilización de probióticos con L. plantarum 1 mostraron un efecto positivo en la salud, sobrevivencia y ganancia de peso de los lechones tratados.

Xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme activities in cells used for testing skin sensitization in vitro.

For ethical and regulatory reasons, in vitro tests for scoring potential toxicities of cosmetics are essential. A test strategy for investigating potential skin sensitization using two human keratinocytic and two human dendritic cell lines has been developed (Mehling et al. Arch Toxicol 86:1273­1295, 2012). Since prohaptens may be metabolically activated in the skin, information on xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme (XME) activities in these cell lines is of high interest. In this study, XME activity assays, monitoring metabolite or cofactor, showed the following: all three passages of keratinocytic (KeratinoSens® and LuSens) and dendritic (U937 und THP-1) cells displayed N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) activities (about 6­60 nmol/min/mg S9-protein for acetylation of para-aminobenzoic acid). This is relevant since reactive species of many cosmetics are metabolically controlled by cutaneous NAT1. Esterase activities of about 1­4 nmol fluorescein diacetate/min/mg S9-protein were observed in all passages of investigated keratinocytic and about 1 nmol fluorescein diacetate/min/mg S9-protein in dendritic cell lines. This is also of practical relevance since many esters and amides are detoxified and others activated by cutaneous esterases. In both keratinocytic cell lines, activities of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were observed (5­17 nmol product/min/mg cytosolic protein). ALDH is relevant for the detoxication of reactive aldehydes. Activities of several other XME were below detection, namely the investigated cytochrome P450-dependent alkylresorufin O-dealkylases 7-ethylresorufin O-deethylase, 7-benzylresorufin O-debenzylase and 7-pentylresorufin O-depentylase (while NADPH cytochrome c reductase activities were much above the limit of quantification), the flavin-containing monooxygenase, the alcohol dehydrogenase as well as the UDP glucuronosyl transferase activities.

Rearrangement of the dendritic morphology in limbic regions and altered exploratory behavior in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a blocker of histone deacetylase widely used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorders, and migraine; its administration during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the child. Thus, prenatal VPA exposure has emerged as a rodent model of ASD. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal administration of VPA (500mg/kg) at E12.5 on the exploratory behavior and locomotor activity in a novel environment, as well as on neuronal morphological rearrangement in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), in the hippocampus, in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), and in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) at three different ages: immediately after weaning (postnatal day 21 [PD21]), prepubertal (PD35) and postpubertal (PD70) ages. Hyper-locomotion was observed in a novel environment in VPA animals at PD21 and PD70. Interestingly, exploratory behavior assessed by the hole board test at PD70 showed a reduced frequency but an increase in the duration of head-dippings in VPA-animals compared to vehicle-treated animals. In addition, the latency to the first head-dip was longer in prenatal VPA-treated animals at PD70. Quantitative morphological analysis of dendritic spine density revealed a reduced number of spines at PD70 in the PFC, dorsal hippocampus and BLA, with an increase in the dendritic spine density in NAcc and ventral hippocampus, in prenatal VPA-treated rats. In addition, at PD70 increases in neuronal arborization were observed in the NAcc, layer 3 of the PFC, and BLA, with retracted neuronal arborization in the ventral and dorsal hippocampus. Our results extend the list of altered behaviors (exploratory behavior) detected in this model of ASD, and indicate that the VPA behavioral phenotype is accompanied by previously undescribed morphological rearrangement in limbic regions.

Trends in emergent inguinal hernia surgery in Olmsted County, MN: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that watchful waiting of inguinal hernias (IH) is safe because the risk of acute strangulation requiring an emergent repair is low. However, population-based incidence rates are lacking, and it is unknown whether the incidence of emergent inguinal hernia repairs (IHR) has changed over time. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of all IHR performed on adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1989 to 2008 was performed using the Rochester epidemiology project, a record-linkage system that covers more than 97 % of the population (2010 US Census = 146,466). Incidence rates/100,000 person-years were calculated, and trends over time were evaluated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: A total of 4,026 IHR were performed on 3,599 patients; 136 repairs (3.8 %) were emergent. Of these, 19 patients (14 %) had bowel resection and three (2 %) died within 30 days of the repair. Rates/100,000 person-years yielded an overall incidence of 7.6 for emergent IHR and 200.0 for elective IHR. Emergent IHR rates increased with age. Overall emergent IHR rates declined from 18.2 to 12.4 in men and from 6.4 to 2.4 in women from 1989 to 2008 (p > 0.05). Older age, obesity, a high ASA risk score, a femoral and/or a recurrent hernia were more likely to be associated with an emergent IHR (all p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of emergent IHR is low. This risk has decreased over the past 20 years. However, patients who are either ≥70 years old, obese, with a high ASA score, or with a femoral or recurrent hernias are more likely to require an emergent IHR and could benefit from elective operative intervention if deemed adequate surgical candidates.

Comparative study of BCR-ABL1 quantification: Xpert assay, a feasible solution to standardization concerns.

The level of BCR-ABL1 reached after treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an effective marker of the therapeutic response and a good survival predictor in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. However, no agreement has yet been achieved about either the standardization of the technique to determine BCR-ABL1 or the interpretation of the results. The aim of this study was to compare the method currently recommended by the European Leukemia Net, which includes the application of a conversion factor to express the results in international scale, with an automated method (Xpert BCR-ABL™, Cepheid). BCR-ABL1 transcript quantification was performed in 117 samples from CML patients in two different laboratories by both methods, and the results were compared by statistical procedures. A high linear correlation was obtained in the results between the two methods. The concordance at logarithmic intervals reached 62 %. When the major molecular response (MMR) was analyzed, 85 % agreement was achieved. The automated method provides reproducible results and does not show significant differences compared with the traditional method. As a clinical tool, Xpert correctly classified the patients in MMR and can be considered a useful alternative for the molecular follow-up of CML patients.

Experimental design for the optimization of copper biosorption from aqueous solution by Aspergillus terreus.

An experimental design methodology was applied to study the effects of temperature, pH, biomass dose, and stirring speed on copper removal from aqueous solutions by Aspergillus terreus in a biosorption batch system. To identify the effects of the main factors and their interactions on copper removal efficiency and to optimize the process, a full 2(4) factorial design with central points was performed. Four factors were studied at two levels, including stirring speed (50-150 min(-1)), temperature (30-50°C), pH (4-6) and biosorbent dose (0.01-0.175 g). The main factors observed were pH and biomass dose, along with the interactions between pH and biomass, and stirring speed. The optimal operational conditions were obtained using a response surface methodology. The adequacy of the proposed model at 99% confidence level was confirmed by its high adjusted linear coefficient of determination (R(Adj)(2)=0.9452). The best conditions for copper biosorption in the present study were: pH 6, biosorbent dose of 0.175 g, stirring speed of 50 min(-1) and temperature of 50°C. Under these conditions, the maximum predicted copper removal efficiency was 68.52% (adsorption capacity of 15.24 mg/g). The difference between the experimental and predicted copper removal efficiency at the optimal conditions was 4.8%, which implies that the model represented very well the experimental data.

First Report of Dolabra nepheliae Associated with Corky Bark Disease of Rambutan and Pulasan in Honduras.

In the last decade, rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L., Sapindaceae) and pulasan (N. mutabile Blume) have been cultivated in Honduras to produce exotic fruits for export to North America (2). Recently, a disease was observed that produces dark brown to black fissured cankers from 1 to 3 cm long and 1 to 4 cm wide. The infected bark tissue becomes swollen with the middle region 3 to 8 mm thick. Symptoms appear when the trees are approximately 3 years old. As the trees mature, the cankers increase in size and weaken the branches, often resulting in breakage with the weight of the fruit causing substantial plant damage and fruit loss. In August 2010, fissured branch samples of rambutan and pulasan were collected from 6- to 8-year-old trees from the Humid Tropical Demonstrative Agroforestry Center in Honduras, Atlantida, La Masica (15°33'47.4″N, 87°05'2.5″W, elevation 106 m). A fungus associated with the cankers was identified as Dolabra nepheliae. It produces black, stipitate, elongate ascomata, 312 to 482 × 250 to 281 µm with broadly cylindric, bitunicate asci, 120 to 138 × 11.2 to 15.0 µm, and filiform, hyaline ascospores, 128 to 135 × 2.8 to 3.2 µm. Fungi from rambutan and pulasan were isolated on cornmeal agar plus 0.5% dextrose and antibiotics. On potato dextrose agar, the ascospores produced slow-growing colonies, 5 mm per week. In culture, isolates from both hosts produced pycnidia with elongated, slightly to strongly curved or S-shaped, hyaline conidia, 22.8 to 46.4 × 2.8 to 3.7 µm. This fungus was first reported on rambutan and pulasan from Malaysia (1,4), and later reported on rambutan and litchi in Hawaii and Puerto Rico (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. nepheliae on pulasan and rambutan from Honduras. Specimens have been deposited at the U.S. National Fungus Collections (BPI 882442 on N. lappaceum and BPI 882443 on N. mutabile). Cultures were deposited at the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS) as CBS 131490 on N. lappaceum and CBS 131491 on N. mutabile. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 intergenic spacers were deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JQ004281 on N. lappaceum and Accession No. JQ004280 on N. mutabile). A BLAST search and pairwise comparison using the GenBank web server were used to compare ITS sequence data and recovered the following results: (i) CBS 131490 on N. lappaceum is 99% (538 of 544) identical to D. nepheliae CBS 123297 on Litchi chinensis from Puerto Rico; and (ii) CBS 131491 on N. mutabile is 99% (527 of 533) identical to the same strain of D. nepheliae. On the basis of the ITS sequence data, the isolates from Honduras were confirmed as the same species, D. nepheliae from Puerto Rico. Efforts to develop resistant germplasm and management strategies to control this disease have been initiated. References: (1) C. Booth and W. P. Ting. Trans. Brit. Mycol. Soc. 47:235, 1964. (2) T. Ramírez et al. Manual Para el Cultivo de Rambutan en Honduras. Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola. La Lima, Cortes, Honduras, 2003. (3) A. Y. Rossman et al. Plant Dis. 91:1685, 2007. (4) H. Zalasky et al. Can. J. Bot. 49:559, 1971.

Evaluación de Lactobacillus plantarum en intestino grueso de lechones por microscopía electrónica y química sanguínea / Evaluation of Lactobacillus plantarum in large intestine of piglets by transmission microscopy and blood chemistry

Objetivo. Evaluar la presencia de Lactobacillus plantarum en intestino grueso de lechones. Materiales y métodos. 50 lechones fueron asignados al azar a 5 tratamientos (n=10). (T0: sin probiótico; T1: con L. plantarum 1 H1; T2: con L. plantarum 1 H2; T3: con probiótico comercial; T4: sin probiótico comercial). Después de los tratamientos, 3 lechones de cada grupo fueron seleccionados aleatoriamente para obtener muestras de intestino grueso para análisis por microscopía electrónica y suero para química sanguínea. La inmunoglobulina A (IgA) se hizo por turbidimetría; colesterol total y nitrógeno ureico (BUN) por espectofotometría. El recuento diferencial de leucocitos y polimorfonucleares (PMN) neutrófilos mediante extendido de sangre. Resultados. Se comprobó la adhesión de L. plantarum 1 H1 y y L. plantarum 1 H2 en el intestino grueso. Se observó secreción de mucina y en la lámina propia inflamación y edema del tejido conectivo. La IgA mostró concentraciones altas en T2 (L. plantarum 1 H1) con 333 mg/100 mL y T3 (L. plantarum 1 H2) con 300 mg/100 mL. Los valores en T3 y T2 en los polimorfonucleares neutrófilos fueron elevados (65% y 55% respectivamente). El colesterol total fue menor en T2 y T3 con valores de 113.83 y 93.8 mg% respectivamente. El BUN para T2 y T3 fue el más bajo con 7.83 y 8.76 mg% respectivamente. Conclusiones. La utilización de probióticos con L. plantarum 1 adicionado en la ración mostró un efecto positivo en la colonización y adhesión en el intestino grueso, así como, una respuesta positiva en su sistema inmune.

Preliminary study of the inflammatory response to subcutaneous implantation of three root canal sealers.

AIM: To evaluate the kinetics of the inflammatory tissue response to three root canal sealers using a physicochemical method for quantification of the enhanced vascular permeability and histopathological analysis. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats randomly assigned to four groups according to the evaluation periods (1, 3, 7 and 14 days) were used to assess the vascular permeability and histopathological reaction to RoekoSeal, AH Plus and Sealapex (new formulation) sealers, using saline and Chloropercha as negative and positive controls, respectively. Seven rats were sacrificed per period. The biocompatibility of the sealers was evaluated spectrophotometrically and histopathologically. RESULTS: At day 14, Sealapex produced significantly more inflammatory exudate than AH Plus and RoekoSeal (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between AH Plus and RoekoSeal (P > 0.05). Sealapex (new formulation) was the most irritating sealer, producing severe inflammation with the presence of multinucleated giant cells. RoekoSeal was the most biocompatible sealer, producing the least amount of inflammatory exudate. CONCLUSIONS: RoekoSeal root canal sealer was biocompatible when implanted in connective tissue.

Características dentales, cefalométricas y antropométricas en pacientes condisplasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica / Dental, cefalometric and anthropometric characteristics in patients with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

Introducción: el objetivo de esta investigación fue describir las características faciales, cefalométricas y determinar cuáles dientes estaban presentes o ausentes tanto clínica como radiográficamente en dieciséis pacientes con displasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica (DEH) de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Antioquia, en edades entre cinco y diecinueve años. La displasia ectodérmica hipohidrótica (DEH) es un síndrome de tipo hereditario que afecta principalmente los tejidos de origen ectodérmico, se manifiesta como una tríada que incluye: hipotricosis, hipohidrosis e hipodoncia; se presenta en uno de cada cien mil nacidos vivos. Intraoralmente se observa retraso en la erupción, dientes con formas conoides, afectando ambos maxilares. Otras características son: frente, labios prominentes, puente nasal hundido, retrusión del maxilar superior y protrusión mandibular. Métodos: se realizó un análisis descriptivo univariado, utilizando tablas de frecuencia, medidas descriptivas, promedio, gráficos de barras y pastel para las variables cualitativas, e histogramas de frecuencia o polígonos para las variables cuantitativas. El análisis estadístico se realizó con la base de datos SPSS versión 15.0. Resultados y conclusiones: las medidas antropométricas disminuidas fueron: ancho facial (85,5%), alturas mandibular, cutánea del labio superior (75%) y total del labio superior (56,3%). Las medidas que se encontraron aumentadas fueron: altura facial superior (81,3%), distancia intercantal externa (68,8%) yancho de la frente (50%). En el esqueleto las medidas cefalométricas mostraron en general maloclusiones clase III con maxilares hipoplásicos (62,5%), retrusivos (81,3%), mandíbulas de tamaño y posición adecuada, con perfiles cóncavos (75%). Los dientes que más tuvieron ausencias fueron: laterales superiores e inferiores, primeros premolares superiores y centrales inferiores.

Introduction: the objective of this study was to describe the facial and cephalometric characteristics of 16 patients with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) being treated at the College of Dentistry of the University of Antioquia and to clinically and radiographically determine which teeth were present or absent; the age of the patients ranged between 5 and 19 years. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic syndrome that mainly affects the embryonic ectodermal originated tissues, it is manifested as a triad which includes: hypotricosis, hypohidrosis and hypodontia; it is present in one of every one hundred thousand born alive. Intraorally, a delay in tooth eruption and conoid shaped teeth are observed, affecting both jaws. Other characteristics are: prominent front and, sunken nasal bridge, retrusion of the maxilla and, protrusion of the mandible. Methods: an univariate descriptive analysis was done using frequency tables, descriptive measurements, average, bar and piegraphs for the qualitative variables and frequency histograms for the quantitative variables. The statistical analysis was done with the SPSS data base, version 15.0. Results and conclusions: the decreased anthropometric measurements were: facial width (85.5%), cutaneous mandibular height for the upper lip (75%) and total upper lip height (56.3%). The increased measurements were: upper face height (81.3%), external inter canthal distance (68.8%) and forehead width (50%). At the skeletal level the cephalometric measurements showed Class III malocclusions with hypoplastic maxillas (62.5%), retrusion (81.3%), mandibles with adequate size and position and concave profiles (75%). The most commonly absent teeth were: upper and lower lateral incisors, upper first bicuspids and lower central incisors.

Perforaciones de las paredes radiculares en la preparación de las cavidades para alojar pernos metálicos en pacientes que acudieron a la Cátedra Integrada de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción entre los años 2006 al 2009 / Perforations of the root walls in the preparation of the cavities to accommodate metal bolts in patients who attended the integrated Chair of the Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Asunción between 2006 to 2009

La perforación radicular se define como una lesión que comunica la cavidad pulpar con el ligamento periodontal o tejido óseo circundante que puede tener origen iatrogénico o patológico. En general las perforaciones iatrogénicas son provocadas durante la praxis del cirujano dentista; mientras que las patológicas proceden de caries y reabsorciones dentales. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de perforaciones de las paredes radiculares en preparaciones cavitarías para alojar pernos metálicos en pacientes que acudieron a la Cátedra de Clínica Integrada de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción entre los años 2006 al 2009, por medio de un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, temporalmente retrospectivo. Los datos fueron extraídos de las fichas y radiografías panorámicas de los pacientes tratados de dicha cátedra. No teniendo conocimiento, hasta la fecha, de investigaciones sobre el tema de nuestro medio, se planteó este estudio en el que se encontró que 9 (8,3%) de 108 dientes con postes radiculares presentaban perforaciones, estando localizadas el 88,9% de las mismas en el tercio medio. En cuanto al tipo de poste según su fabricación, el 55,6% de los postes de las piezas dentarias peroradas eran coladas y 7 de ellos (78%) tenían más de un tercio de diámetro radicular en cervical. Se destaca la importancia del estudio radiográfico antes, durante y después de las preparaciones para alojar pernos metálicos a fin de evitar esta complicación, el fracaso de las restauraciones final y el mantenimiento de la pieza dentaria en la cavidad bucal.