LysR-type transcriptional regulators: state of the art.

The LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) are DNA-binding proteins present in bacteria, archaea, and in algae. Knowledge about their distribution, abundance, evolution, structural organization, transcriptional regulation, fundamental roles in free life, pathogenesis, and bacteria-plant interaction has been generated. This review focuses on these aspects and provides a current picture of LTTR biology.

Significados sobre el arte del cuidado desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes de Licenciatura en Enfermería / Meanings of art of care from the perspective of bachelor's in nursing students / Significados sobre a arte do cuidado desde a perspectiva dos estudantes de Licenciatura em Enfermagem

Objetivo Comprender los significados sobre el arte del cuidar desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Enfermería de la ENEO-UNAM en el marco del enfoque humanístico que construyen durante su formación. Metodología Estudio cualitativo fenomenológico-hermenéutico desde la óptica de Heidegger y Gadamer, respectivamente, mediante la técnica de grupo focal, realizado con estudiantes de 2º, 6º y 8º semestre de la Licenciatura de Enfermería de la ENEO-UNAM, tras obtener el consentimiento informado, se inició el trabajo grupal con una guía de preguntas generadoras. Resultados Se identificaron cinco categorías generales y diecisiete subcategorías; las primeras son: 1) Autopercepción de la enfermería, 2) Arte del cuidado, 3) Interacción enfermera-persona, 4) Conducta profesional y 5) Espiritualidad vs. Religiosidad, estas denotan los significados que le asignan los estudiantes al cuidado y al arte del cuidado en su proceso formativo. Conclusiones Para los estudiantes el arte del cuidado significa desarrollo de la sensibilidad, creatividad en el cuidado a la salud, autoconocimiento, reconocimiento del otro en una relación de alteridad, respeto a la dignidad de la persona, desarrollo de la espiritualidad en el contexto de la conducta profesional. Se destaca que la formación humanística se centra en cualificar al cuidado como holístico, con extensión a la familia, donde se reconocen los sentimientos implicados; hacen énfasis en el desarrollo de la identidad profesional-personal, como componente esencial de la enfermería.

Objective To understand the meanings of the art of care from the perspective of students of bachelor's in nursing of ENEO-UNAM within the framework of their own formation's humanistic focus. Methodology This is a qualitative phenomenological-hermeneutical study based on Heidegger and Gadamer optics using the focus groups technique with nursing students from the 2nd, 6th, and 8th semesters. The corresponding informed consents were obtained and a questions guide was followed. Results Five general categories with seventeen sub-categories were identified: 1) self-perception of nursing; 2) the art of care; 3) nurses-persons interaction; 4) professional conduct; and 5) spirituality vs religiosity. Conclusions For students, the art of care means the development of sensitivity, creativity of care, self-appraisal, acknowledgement of the other as a unique person, respect for the dignity of the person, and spirituality within professional behavior. It was also highlighted that the humanistic formation is focused on regarding healthcare as an holistic process which encompasses the family, where, feelings are made conscious, and where the development of the personal-professional identity is an essential component.

Objetivo Compreender os significados sobre a arte do cuidar desde a perspectiva dos estudantes da Licenciatura em Enfermagem da ENEO-UNAM, no marco do enfoque humanístico que constroem durante sua formação. Metodologia Estudo qualitativo fenomenológico-hermenêutico desde a óptica de Heidegger e Gadamer, respectivamente, mediante a técnica de grupo focal, realizado com estudantes de 2º, 6º e 8º semestre da Licenciatura de Enfermagem da ENEO-UNAM, após obter o consentimento expresso, iniciou-se o trabalho grupal com uma guia de perguntas geradoras. Resultados Identificaram-se cinco categorias gerais e dezessete subcategorias; as primeiras são: 1) Autopercepção da enfermagem, 2) Arte do cuidado, 3) Interação enfermeira-pessoa, 4) Conduta profissional e 5) Espiritualidade vs. Religiosidade, estas denotam os significados que lhe assignam os estudantes ao cuidado e à arte do cuidado em seu processo formativo. Conclusões Para os estudantes a arte do cuidado significa desenvolvimento da sensibilidade, criatividade no cuidado à saúde, autoconhecimento, reconhecimento do outro em uma relação de alteridade, respeito à dignidade da pessoa, desenvolvimento da espiritualidade no contexto da conduta profissional. Destaca-se que a formação humanística centra-se em qualificar ao cuidado como holístico, com extensão à família, onde se reconhecem os sentimentos envolvidos; fazem ênfase no desenvolvimento da identidade profissional-pessoal, como componente essencial da enfermagem.

Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells in bovine endometrium during follicular phase of oestrous cycle.

Stem cells have been postulated as responsible for cell regeneration in highly and continuously regenerative tissues such as the endometrium. Few studies in cattle have identified and specified the presence of stem cells in the endometrium during the oestrous cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the bovine endometrium during the follicular phase (FP) of the oestrous cycle. Uterine tissue was collected in the time-frame comprising day 18 of the cycle and ovulation (day 0). We isolated, cultured and expanded four primary cell lines from endometrium and identified byRT-qPCR the expression of OCT4, SOX2 but not NANOG (undifferentiated/embryonic markers), CD44 (MSCs marker) and c-KIT (stem cell marker) genes; and the encoded Oct4, Sox2 and Cd44 proteins by Western blot or immunostaining of paraffin-embedded tissue in endometrium. We demonstrated that cells isolated from bovine endometrium displayed essentially the same gene expression pattern; however, at the protein level, Oct4 and Cd44 were not detected. Besides, they showed typical functional characteristics of MSCs such as fibroblast-like morphology, plastic adherence, high proliferative capacity, clone formation in vitro and the ability to differentiate into chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. We obtained for the first time an extensive characterization of undifferentiated cells populations contained in the bovine endometrium during the FP of the oestrous cycle.

Cambios en el pH sanguíneo en los pacientes críticos durante la hospitalización en Cuidados Intensivos / Changes in blood pH in critical patients during Hospitalization in Care Intensive

Objetivo: Determinar los cambios que se desarrollan en el pH sanguíneo de pacientes críticos en Cuidados Intensivos, según el tipo de trastorno. Diseño: Estudio cuantitativo, de observación, analítico, de tipo cohorte retrospectivo. Ámbito: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos polivalente. Participantes, intervenciones y variables: 753 pacientes con pH normal, después de excluir a aquellos con registros insuficientes o antecedente de acidosis tubular renal. Se analizó la información de la base de datos clínica durante 21 meses. Mediante un análisis de supervivencia, se observó el cambio del pH, estratificando grupos de acuerdo con la alteración primaria y, luego, por morbilidad de ingreso. Se estimó la diferencia entre los grupos mediante la prueba del rango logarítmico. Los factores determinantes de acidemia metabólica se evaluaron mediante regresión de Cox. Resultados: Se evaluó a 753 pacientes (mediana de la edad 60 años [RIQ: 40- 71]). La mediana de estancia fue de 8 días (RIQ: 6-13). El 42% tenía alteración del pH. Predominó la acidemia, con más frecuencia en pacientes sépticos. La causa principal de acidemia parece ser la hipoperfusión. El desenlace es similar en pacientes alcalémicos. Conclusiones: Durante la estancia en la UCI, es frecuente el cambio del pH con igual proporción de acidemia y alcalemia. La mortalidad fue similar en pacientes con ambos trastornos. En pacientes acidémicos, la hipoperfusión parece ser el factor desencadenante más importante.(AU)

Abstract Objective: To determine which changes are seen in serum pH in critical care patients, during their stay in the Intensive Care Unit, stratifying findings according to the main disorder. Design: Quantitative, observational, analytical study of a retrospective cohort. Setting: Polyvalent Intensive Care Unit. Patients, interventions, variables: 753 patients with normal pH after excluding those with insufficient records and history of tubular acidosis. Data was gathered from the clinical database during a 21-month interval. Using a survival analysis, serum pH changes were stratified in their relation to the basic alteration and morbidity. Difference between groups was estimated using the log-rank test. In patients with metabolic acidosis Cox regression was used to search for determining factors. Results: A total of 753 patients were evaluated (median age: 60 years [IQR: 40-71]). The median length of stay was 8 days (IQR: 6-13). pH was abnormal in 42% of the population. Metabolic acidosis was the predominant finding being more frequent in septic patients. The main cause of acidosis seems to be hypoperfusion; outcomes were similar in alkalotic patients. Conclusions: Changes in pH are frequent in patients admitted to intensive care unit, with an equal proportion of acidosis and alkalosis. Mortality was similar in both disorders. pH can be related with a negative outcome in both alkalosis and acidosis. In the latter group hypoperfusion seems to be the major trigger.(AU)

[Neurotoxic manifestations of black widow spider envenomation in paediatric patients]. / Manifestaciones de neurotoxicidad en el envenenamiento por mordedura de araña «viuda negra¼ en edades pediátricas.

INTRODUCTION: Envenomation by black widow spiders manifests clinically with signs of neurotoxicity in paediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: Identify typical neurological signs and symptoms in paediatric patients of different ages, and describe treatment and outcomes in a paediatric hospital in northwest Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 70 clinical records of patients hospitalised due to black widow spider bite between 1978 and 2014. We divided the total into 2 groups: Group 1, infants and preschool children; and Group 2, school-age children and adolescents. The demographic variables were age, sex, birthplace, place where envenomation occurred, body part(s) affected, degree of envenomation according to signs and symptoms, treatment, clinical outcome, and statistical differences. RESULTS: Boys accounted for 61.4% of all cases, and infants younger than one year old made up 14.2%. Most patients (70%) were bitten by the spider at home; the anatomical areas most frequently affected were the legs, neck, thorax, and abdomen. The neurological signs and symptoms displayed by Group 1 were irritability, constant crying, sialorrhoea, nausea, tachycardia, arrhythmias, fatigue when walking, agitation, muscle spasms paraesthesia, tetany, seizures, and nystagmus. Signs in Group 2 included localized pain, headache, sialorrhoea, paraesthesia, profuse sweating, anxiety, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and fine tremor. The predominant autonomic sign in Group 1 was sialorrhoea (P<.0001) and in Group 2, paraesthesia (P<.0001). Patients who received Fab antivenom treatment displayed better outcomes and shorter hospital stays than those who did not. No deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The neurological signs and symptoms caused by black widow spider bite are predominantly autonomic, and identifying them permits early diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Dispositivo intrauterino parcialmente migrado e incrustado en serosa de rectosigmoides tras 8 años de inserción / Partially migrated intrauterine device embedded in the rectosigmoid serosa after 8 years of insertion

Se presenta el caso clínico de un dispositivo intrauterino parcialmente migrado a cavidad pélvica e incrustado en serosa de rectosigmoides luego de 8 años de su inserción. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante ecografía transvaginal y retiro del dispositivo por laparoscopia. Se realizó rafia de serosa rectal y de útero. La paciente tuvo un postoperatorio sin complicaciones.

It is shown the clinical case of an intrauterine device partially migrated to the pelvic cavity and embedded in the serous rectosigmoid eight years after insertion. The diagnosis was made by transvaginal ultrasound and laparoscopy removal of the device by laparoscopy. Suture of rectum serous and uterus were performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course.

The antidepressant-like effect of ethynyl estradiol is mediated by both serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the forced swimming test.

17α-Ethynyl-estradiol (EE2, a synthetic steroidal estrogen) induces antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test (FST) similar to those induced by 5-HT and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (dual antidepressants). However, the precise mechanism of action of EE2 has not been studied. In the present study, the participation of estrogen receptors (ERs) and the serotonergic and the noradrenergic presynaptic sites in the antidepressant-like action of EE2 was evaluated in the FST. The effects of the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (10 µg/rat; i.c.v.), the serotonergic and noradrenergic terminal destruction with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT; 200 µg/rat, i.c.v.), and N-(2-chloro-ethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP4; 10mg/kg, i.p.) were studied in ovariectomized rats treated with EE2 and subjected to the FST. In addition, the participation of α2-adrenergic receptors in the antidepressant-like action of EE2 was explored using the selective α2-receptor antagonist idazoxan (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0mg/kg, i.p.). EE2 induced an antidepressant-like action characterized by a decrease in immobility behavior with a concomitant increase in swimming and climbing behaviors. The ER antagonist, 5,7-DHT, DSP4, and idazoxan blocked the effects of EE2 on the immobility behavior, whereas ICI 182,780 and 5,7-DHT affected swimming behavior. The noradrenergic compound DSP4 altered climbing behavior, while Idazoxan inhibited the increase of swimming and climbing behaviors induced by EE2. Our results suggest that the antidepressant-like action of EE2 implies a complex mechanism of action on monoaminergic systems and estrogen receptors.

Diversas formas del tratamiento temprano de la maloclusión Pseudo Clase III. Reporte de casos / Various forms of early treatment of Pseudo Class III malocclusion. Reporting of cases

Es de considerar que la maloclusión Pseudo Clase III puede desarrollase en los niños como resultado de la presencia de contactos oclusales prematuros que provocan un desplazamiento anterior de la mandíbula. Para establecer un tratamiento adecuado de esta maloclusión es importante hacer el diagnóstico diferencial correcto. Cabe mencionar que varios aparatos se han diseñado para el tratamiento precoz de una Pseudo Clase III; aquí presentamos tres casos tratados con diferentes aparatologías teniendo como resultado final el éxito del tratamiento.

The Pseudo Class III malocclusion can develop in children as a result of the presence of premature occlusal contacts, causing the move up the jaw. To establish an adequate treatment of the malocclusion is important to make the correct diagnosis. It is worth mentioning that several devices were designed for early treatment of pseudo Class III malocclusion, here we present three cases treated with different appliances resulting finally in the treatment successful.

Reduction in the latency of action of antidepressants by 17 beta-estradiol in the forced swimming test.

RATIONALE: Antidepressants (ADs) are slow to produce their therapeutic effect. This long latency promotes the development of new strategies to short their onset of action. Previous reports indicated that 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) promotes the antidepressant-like activity of fluoxetine (FLX) and desipramine (DMI) in the forced swimming test (FST). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work was to analyze if E(2) reduces the antidepressant-like onset of action of venlafaxine (VLX), FLX, and DMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Independent groups of ovariectomized female Wistar rats were tested in the FST and in the open field after chronic (1 to 14 days) treatment with VLX (20 mg/kg/day), FLX (1.25 mg/kg/day), or DMI (1.25 mg/kg/day) alone or in combination with a single injection of E(2) (2.5 microg/rat sc, 8 h before FST). RESULTS: VLX, FLX, or DMI by themselves at these doses did not induce changes in the FST at short intervals after their injection (from 1 to 7 days). The addition of E(2) promoted the antidepressant-like effect of VLX and DMI as early as day 1. Such action was also evident after 3, for FLX, and 14 days for both FLX and DMI, but not for VLX. The behavioral actions of these ADs combined with E(2) were not accompanied by increases in general activity in the open-field test. CONCLUSION: E(2) clearly reduced the latency to the onset of action for these ADs in the FST. These results represent an interesting therapeutic strategy for the treatment of depression in perimenopausal women.

The effect of dietary supplementation with 9-cis:12-trans and 10-trans:12-cis conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for nine months on serum cholesterol, lymphocyte proliferation and polymorphonuclear cells function in Beagle dogs.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), 9-cis:11-trans and 10-trans:12-cis, have been shown to be able to modify some immune cells parameters and plasma lipids in a variety of experiment models. Since lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNC) have a large spectrum functions in the immune response, the knowledge in this field has to be expanded. Beagle dogs were fed a control diet or a CLA supplemented diet for nine months. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis and lymphocyte and PMNC isolation. PMNC were assayed for lysosome content, phagocytic activity and superoxide anion production. A lymphocyte proliferation capacity assay was done. The CLA fed dogs had a 34% reduction in total cholesterol (P < 0.05), 28% in LDL (P < 0.05) and 28% non-HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05). Neither of the PMNC parameters evaluated demonstrated significant alteration. Lymphocytes from CLA group increased by 45% their mitotic capacity (P < 0.05). Our study demonstrates that CLA can successfully modify the lipid profile of dogs (monogastrics) when fed at reasonable levels, but did not significantly alter inflammatory function as would generally predicted. Further, we had some indication that CLA modulated T cell responsiveness.

Prescripción de antihipertensivos en la atención primaria de salud / Prescription of antihipertensive in the APS

La Hipertensión Arterial (HTA) constituye uno de los problemas médico- sanitarios más importantes de le medicina contemporánea en los países desarrollados y en Cuba. El control de la misma es la piedra angular sobre la que hay que actuar para disminuir, en forma significativa la morbimortalidad por cardiopatía coronaria, enfermedades cerebrovasculares y renales. Según datos estadísticos de la Farmacia Principal del área de salud donde se realizó este estudio, se registró un incremento de la tasa de consumo de medicamentos antihipertensivos y teniendo en cuenta que esta variable es proporcional a la prescripción de estos medicamentos nos propusimos evaluar su calidad, que involucra factores como el cumplimiento del tratamiento por parte del paciente y la efectividad terapéutica que inciden en la evolución y pronóstico de esta enfermedad. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para evaluar la calidad de la prescripción de Antihipertensivos en dos consultorios del médico de la familia en el área de salud “Emilio Daudinot” del municipio Guantánamo en el período comprendido del 1ro de Junio del 2003 al 30 de mayo del 2004. La muestra estuvo constituida por 200 pacientes mayores de 18 años y que sólo tenían tratamiento farmacológico y por los facultativos del área de atención primaria de salud de dichos consultorios (especialistas en Medicina General Integral, cardiología ginecobstetricia y geriatría). Predominaron las prescripciones con calidad, la adherencia de los pacientes al tratamiento farmacológico fue buena y se definieron como controlados la mayoría de éstos. Se les aplicó un examen de competencia a los facultativos responsables de la prescripción de antihipertensivos en los consultorios obteniendo calificación para alta competencia un especialista en Medicina General Integral y los facultativos de las otras especialidades, mientras que el resto de los médicos generales integrales fueron evaluados de mediana competencia. Teniendo en cuenta que en el mayor número de pacientes el tratamiento fue adecuado, la adherencia terapéutica fue buena, predominaron los pacientes controlados y el nivel de competencia de los facultativos estuvo entre medio y alto, podemos concluir que la calidad de la prescripción de medicamentos antihipertensivos fue adecuada en los pacientes estudiados.

Nitazoxanide in the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides in a rural zone of Colima, Mexico.

Intestinal parasites in Mexico are an endemic problem. A study was conducted in children, teenagers and adults in a rural community in Colima, Mexico to examine the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection and to evaluate the parasitological and clinical efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ). Two hundred and eighty children, teenagers and adults participated in this study. Parasitological diagnosis from faeces was confirmed by three consecutive stool samples using the floatation concentration Faust method. Egg counts were performed as described by the Kato-Katz technique before and after treatment. A questionnaire was systematically applied to obtain information about socio-economic status and hygienic habits. One hundred and six participants (38%) were diagnosed as harbouring intestinal parasites, and 86 of them (81%) were infected with A. lumbricoides. All patients with ascariasis infections underwent a complete physical examination before and after NTZ treatment. NTZ resolved 88% of the ascariasis cases, with a 89% clinical efficacy, and there was a 97.5% reduction in the levels of morbidity. The most intense infections for A. lumbricoides were found in housewives, and statistically significant associations were found between ascariasis and the absence of drainage and living in houses with dirt floors.

Cortisol y dehidroepiandrosterona nocturnos como marcadores pronósticos en pacientes críticos / Nocturnal cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone like prognostic markers in critical patients

El cortisol plasmático guarda correlación con la severidad y duración del estado crítico, y el papel de la Dehidroepiandrosterona sulfato (DHEA-S) no ha sido identificado claramente. El paciente crítico muestra una activación máxima inicial del eje suprarrenal, si la situación crítica se prolonga, se puede producir una insuficiencia suprarrenal relativa. Midiendo cortisol y DHEA-S durante la noche de las 24 primeras horas críticas se podría hacer más evidente esta insuficiencia resultando una mejor correlación entre estas hormonas, APACHE II y mortalidad. Diseño: Estudio observacional en pacientes críticos de la UTI del Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública. Cuarenta y ocho (48) pacientes (30 hombres y 18 mujeres) sin antecedentes de: insuficiencia suprarrenal, uso de fenitoína, anticonvulsivantes, rifampicina, ketoconazol, corticosteroides, síndrome de Cushing, patología pituitaria, daño hepático crónico, insuficiencia renal crónica, alcoholismo activo crónico o readmisiones. EL APACHE II fue evaluado al ingreso. Cortisol y DHEA-S fueron medidos a las 00.00 de las primeras 24 h de su ingreso a UTI. Resultados: EL APACHE II (25,1±6,7 contra 16,3±7, p=0,001) y edad (59,5±15,8 contra 44,4±18,1, p 0,011) fueron significativamente más elevados en los fallecidos. En los fallecidos el cortisol mostró una tendencia a niveles más elevados. El DHEA-S mostró niveles considerablemente más altos en los sobrevivientes (5450,9±3824,0 contra 2980,3±2159,3 p= 0,03) junto como el índice DHEA-S/cortisol (12,66±14,19 contra 3,91±4,06, p= 0,004). Conclusiones: La tendencia a niveles más altos de cortisol nocturno observado en las 24 primeras horas induce para pensar que la insuficiencia suprarrenal relativa no desempeñaría un papel en las 24 primeras horas del estado crítico. Los niveles de DHEA-S y el índice DHEA-S/Cortisol son marcadores de sobrevida en nuestra población estudiada.

[Dietary changes in Mexico]. / Transición alimentaria en México.

Although the Mexican population has traditionally been malnourished, the prevalence of obesity in children and adults has increased by almost 50 % in the last 10 years. Recent studies show substantial changes in the nutritional status of Mexicans, especially in the pediatric population. Among the factors associated with the development of obesity are overeating, sedentariness, and genetics. The apparent economic development in Mexico, as well as the influence of dietary patterns from other countries, have contributed to modifying lifestyle. Despite measures taken by the health system, iron- and zinc-deficiency anemia continue to be prevalent. The present review aims to describe the changes that have taken place in Mexico in the last few decades leading to a generation of short and obese children, as well as to determine the associated factors in order to promote healthier eating patterns among the Mexican population.

[Choroid fundus as protective factor in the development of diabetic retinopathy]. / Fondo coroideo como factor protector en el desarrollo de retinopatía diabética.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether tessellated fundus unrelated to myopia modifies the rate of diabetic patients with retinopathy. METHOD: Diabetic patients evaluated ophthalmoscopically for the first time from September 1998 to December 1999 were retrospectively reviewed, and the presence of diabetic retinopathy was compared with those with tessellated fundus (group 1) and without (group 2). Duration of diabetes and presence of retinopathy were evaluated. Differences were analysed with x2. RESULTS: 621 patients were evaluated, 138 of whom (22%) had tessellated fundus. The rate of patients with diabetic retinopathy was statistically lower in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.00); this difference was maintained after correction for cumulated diabetes duration. DISCUSSION: The presence of tessellated fundus was associated with a lower rate of patients with diabetic retinopathy and with delayed onset. Manifestations of diabetic retinopathy in patients with tessellated fundus might have a different expression, and this expression might not necessarily reflect the microvascular status of the patient.

[In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains: isolation of strains resistant to clarithromycin]. / Susceptibilidad in vitro de cepas de Helicobacter pylori: aislamiento de cepas resistentes a claritromicina.

BACKGROUND: Our laboratory has carried out an epidemiological surveillance of Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial susceptibility since 1997. AIM: To report the antimicrobial susceptibility of H pylori strains, isolated in Chile from August 1997 to August 2000. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety one H pylori strains, obtained from antral gastric biopsies during upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were studied. Susceptibility towards clarithromycin, amoxicillin, bismuth subcitrate and metronidazole was studied by an agar diffusion technique. RESULTS: All strains were susceptible to amoxicillin and two strains were resistant to clarithromycin. Forty two percent of strains were resistant to metronidazole and 13% were resistant to bismuth subcitrate. CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the need to maintain an epidemiological surveillance of H pylori antimicrobial susceptibility, to modify its eradication therapy accordingly.

[Analysis of complex segregation in a large family with hereditary cerebrovascular disease in Antioquia, Colombia]. / Análisis de segregación compleja de una familia numerosa con enfermedad cerebrovascular hereditaria en Antioquia (Colombia).

INTRODUCTION: Among different kinds of cerebrovascular diseases, few of them are caused by genetic disturbances, such as CADASIL (caused by Notch3 mutations), CARASIL, mitochondrial encephalopathy, MELAS and dementia typed Binswanger. However, to describe these type of cerebrovascular diseases related with genetic mutations could permit to determinate the causes of both hereditary and sporadic cerebrovascular diseases and then lead solutions. OBJECTIVE: To describe the genetic, environmental and cohort factors that determinate the presence of many affected people by a several cerebrovascular diseases in the pedigree of a large family from Antioquia (Colombia). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed one pedigree (268 individuals), through singular recruit and then complex segregation analysis with POINTER program. RESULTS: The model that more close to data is autosomal dominant mayor locus without influence of environmental factors. Frequency of allele of susceptibility to develop stroke or subcortical vascular dementia was 0.0006. Mayor gene is over epistatic effects or interactions with other gene. CONCLUSIONS: Described an autosomal dominant hereditary model through complex segregation analysis in a pedigree of patients with hereditary cerebral vascular diseases characterized by recurrent strokes, early onset subcortical dementia, hearing loss, antecedent of migraine and MRI signal abnormalities, subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. In this family the parameter calculated, autosomal dominant model, and clinical feature strongly support the diagnostic of CADASIL, linkage analysis and sequentiation will be performed to determinate if mutant gene is Notch3.

Cisapride and QTc interval in children.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports about cisapride have raised some concerns about the safety and efficacy of this medication in children. The aim of this study was to identify electrocardiographic changes and a predisposition to develop arrhythmias in children. METHODS: Patients were divided in 2 groups: 1) 63 children (mean age: 29 months) who received cisapride (0.2 mg/kg/dose 3 times/day), and 2) 57 children (mean age: 27 months) who did not receive cisapride (they served as controls). Both groups did not have any associated disease. Electrocardiogram (EKG) was performed to children when they were included in the study. The QT interval was corrected using Bazett's formula. Twenty-four-hour Holter recording was performed in children with prolonged QT interval (PQTI). When PQTI was identified in group 1, cisapride was discontinued and a new EKG was performed. RESULTS: Five children from group 1 and 6 from group 2 had PQTI. In 3 children with PQTI, the QTc interval returned to normal values when cisapride was discontinued. In children under 4 months of age, a statistical difference was found, with QTc interval being longer in group 2 (without cisapride) than in group 1. Holter recordings were normal in all children with PQTI. CONCLUSION: PQTI can be found in normal children with or without cisapride. In our study PQTI was not associated with any life-threatening event.

[Cyclosporosis. Report of a clinical case in Concepción, Chile]. / Ciclosporosis: informe de un caso clínico en Concepción, Chile.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a newly recognized parasite widely distributed throughout the world, and isolated from children, immunocompetent adults and HIV infected individuals. The clinical manifestations of the infection are watery prolonged diarrhea, anorexia, fatigue, nausea, bloating and weight loss. In immunocompetent individuals, diarrhea is usually self limited but may last several weeks. In immunocompromised hosts it is prolonged, severe and can be associated with biliary tract involvement. We report a 50 years old female that, five days after returning from Cuba, presented with low grade fever, anorexia, fatigue, explosive diarrhea and weight loss. Physical examination was normal. A stool specimen contained many organisms with morphological features of Cyclospora caetanensis. The diagnosis was confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta Ga).