Polyunsaturated ω3 fatty acids prevent the cardiac hypertrophy in hypertensive rats.

It has been demonstrated that supplementation with the two main omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3 FAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), leads to modifications in the cardiac physiology. ω3 FAs can affect the membrane's lipid composition, as well as proteins' location and/or function. The Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE1) is an integral membrane protein involved in the maintenance of intracellular pH and its hyperactivity has been associated with the development of various cardiovascular diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy. Our aim was to determine the effect of ω3 FAs on systolic blood pressure (SBP), lipid profiles, NHE1 activity, and cardiac function in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) using Wistar rats (W) as normotensive control. After weaning, the rats received orally ω3 FAs (200 mg/kg body mass/day/ 4 months). We measured SBP, lipid profiles, and different echocardiography parameters, which were used to calculate cardiac hypertrophy index, systolic function, and ventricular geometry. The rats were sacrificed, and ventricular cardiomyocytes were obtained to measure NHE1 activity. While the treatment with ω3 FAs did not affect the SBP, lipid analysis of plasma revealed a significant decrease in omega-6/omega-3 ratio, correlated with a significant reduction in left ventricular mass index in SHR. The NHE1 activity was significantly higher in SHR compared with W. While in W the NHE1 activity was similar in both groups, a significant decrease in NHE1 activity was detected in SHRs supplemented with ω3 FAs, reaching values comparable with W. Altogether, these findings revealed that diet supplementation with ω3 FAs since early age prevents the development of cardiac hypertrophy in SHR, perhaps by decreasing NHE1 activity, without altering hemodynamic overload.

Una revisión de técnicas básicas de neuroimagen para el diagnóstico de enfermedades neurodegenerativas / A review of basic neuroimaging techniques in diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases

RESUMEN Actualmente los trastornos neurodegenerativos representan un grave problema de salud pública con una prevalencia en ascenso mundial, si bien se ha tratado de armonizar criterios de diagnóstico para estas enfermedades, aún existen obstáculos que dificultan su correcta diferenciación, dando lugar a errores posteriores en etapas terapéuticas. El objeto de esta revisión pretende mostrar el potencial de tres técnicas de neuroimagen (tomografía por emisión de positrones, resonancia magnética de difusión, resonancia magnética estructural), en la identificación de biomarcadores que apoyen el proceso diagnóstico, en tres de las afecciones neurodegenerativas más comunes (enfermedad de Alzheimer, deterioro cognitivo leve, demencia frontotemporal). Se realizó una revisión mediante búsqueda electrónica de literatura. Se destaca el uso de bases de datos como ScienceDirect, PubMed, SciELO, IEEE, para localizar información sobre hallazgos estructurales y funcionales representativos y el poder diagnóstico de estas técnicas. Como lo confirman los estudios, las neuroimágenes ponen en evidencia su potencial para el establecimiento de patrones en la diferenciación de trastornos neurodegenerativos. La resonancia magnética estructural permanece como herramienta central de diagnóstico, en la identificación de patrones de atrofia corticales y subcorticales. Por otro lado, los avances en la tomografía por emisión de positrones han abierto la puerta a un diagnóstico ante-mortem, y una identificación preclínica temprana. Asimismo, el enfoque reciente de la resonancia magnética de difusión posibilita la caracterización de la integridad microestructural de la materia blanca cerebral y su relación con el deterioro cognitivo en el contexto de la enfermedad neurodegenerativa. Al integrar información de diferentes dominios se apoya las herramientas clínicamente aceptadas, garantizando mejor precisión del diagnóstico y la predicción de la aparición de la enfermedad. Los resultados demuestran que, a través de enfoques multimodales, colaboraciones multicentro, armonización de las metodologías y parámetros de adquisición, es posible incluir estas herramientas en el arsenal clínico para la identificación de estas enfermedades.

ABSTRACT Currently, neurodegenerative disorders represent a serious public health problem, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Even though there has been an attempt to harmonize the diagnostic criteria for these disorders, there are still obstacles that hinder their correct differentiation, leading to subsequent errors in therapeutic stages. This review aims to demonstrate the potential of three neuroimaging techniques (positron emission tomography, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance, and structural magnetic resonance) in the identification of discriminating biomarkers that support the diagnostic process in three of the most common neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, frontotemporal dementia). A review was done via an electronic literature search. The use of ScienceDirect, PubMed, SciELO, and IEEE databases to find information on representative structural and functional findings, as well as the diagnostic power of these techniques, is highlighted. As the studies confirm, neuroimages show their potential to establish patterns in the differentiation of neurodegenerative disorders. The structural magnetic resonance remains as a central tool in the identification of cortical and subcortical atrophy patterns. On the other hand, advances in positron emission tomography have enabled not only antemortem diagnosis but also early preclinical identification. Likewise, the recent approach of diffusion magnetic resonance allows to characterizing the microstructural integrity of the cerebral white matter and its relationship with cognitive deterioration in the context of the neurodegenerative disorder. By integrating information from different domains, the clinically accepted tools are supported, guaranteeing better diagnostic accuracy and the prediction of the onset of the disorder. The results show that through multimodal approaches, multicenter collaborations, harmonization of methodologies and acquisition parameters it is possible to include these tools in the clinical repertoire for the identification of these disorders.

Toxicity in semiarid sediments influenced by tailings of an abandoned gold mine.

The mining district of El Triunfo (ET-MD) has an estimated 800,000 t of mine wastes scattered in the environment, contaminating the sediment with potentially toxic elements such as As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. In order to estimate the toxicity of the sediment to the adjacent biota, the aims of our study are to calculate the mortality and inhibition through bioassays, using sediment, and test organisms such as Daphnia magna and Selenastrum capricornutum (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), respectively. The D. magna mortality was 31 ± 12% and the S. capricornutum growth inhibition was 53 ± 24%. The contamination of the sediment determines the high mortality of D. magna and the high inhibition of S. capricornutum in the system, indicating risk for the biota in the contaminated system.

Parálisis Parcial del Nervio Oculomotor Secundaria a Zoster Sine Herpete: Reporte de Un Caso / Partial Palsy of the Oculomotor Nerve Due to Zoster Sine Herpete: A Case Report

Introducción: Herpes Zoster es la reactivación del Virus Varicela Zóster en los ganglios sensoriales y/o autonómicos, típicamente caracterizado por dolor profundo de distribución dermatómica y erupciones vesiculares en piel. De manera infrecuente, puede presentarse el Zoster Sine Herpete, condición en la cual se presenta la distribución dermatómica del dolor en ausencia de lesiones dérmicas, convirtiendo el diagnóstico en un reto clínico. Caso clínico: Hombre de 69 años con dolor periorbitario, epifora, ptosis y pérdida de la aducción del ojo derecho. Los estudios imagenológicos y de laboratorio fueron normales, descartando así las principales causas de parálisis del nervio oculomotor. Se hizo diagnóstico presuntivo de Zoster Sine Herpete y se inició prueba terapéutica con valaciclovir, observándose resolución total de la sintomatología seis semanas después. Discusión: Este caso puede ser el primero en describir una parálisis parcial dolorosa del nervio oculomotor como única manifestación clínica de la reactivación del Virus Varicela Zóster y busca alertar al personal médico sobre una enfermedad latente que hace de sus reapariciones una gama de presentaciones no siempre fáciles de identificar.

Introduction: Herpes zoster is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the sensorial and/ or autonomic ganglia, typically characterized by cutaneous vesicular eruptions and deep pain with dermatomal distribution. Infrequently can occur the Zoster Sine Herpete; condition in which there is dermatomal distribution of the pain in absence of dermic injuries, making the diagnosis a challenge for the clinician. Case report: 69 years old man with periorbital pain, epiphora, ptosis and loss of adduction of the right eye. The imaging and laboratory studies were normal, excluding with this the main causes of oculomotor nerve palsy. A presumptive diagnosis of Zoster Sine Herpete was done and a therapeutic test with valacyclovir was initiated, showing complete resolution 6 weeks later without sequelaes. Discussion: This case may be the first in describing partial painful oculomotor nerve palsy as the only manifestation of the varicella zoster virus reactivation and seeks to aware the medical staff about a latent disease that makes from his reappearances a wide range of presentations not always easily to identify.

Oleoylethanolamide affects food intake and sleep-waking cycle through a hypothalamic modulation.

Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous molecule related to endocannabinoids (eCBs) that induces satiety. It binds to the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha). PPAR alpha is involved in feeding regulation and it has been proposed to play a role in sleep modulation. The objective of the present work is to show if this molecule modifies the sleep-waking cycle through central mechanisms. We have found that the peripheral administration of OEA reduces food intake and increases waking with a concomitant reduction of rapid eye movement sleep. Additionally, this treatment produces deactivation of the lateral hypothalamus, as inferred from the c-Fos expression evaluation. Finally, intra-lateral hypothalamus injection of OEA has mirrored the effects induced by this molecule when it is peripherally administered. In conclusion, we show for the very first time that OEA can modify the sleep-waking cycle and food intake, apparently mediated by the lateral hypothalamus.

Parametric sensibility study of the sinoatrial node math model.

The results of the parametric sensibility study to the sinoatrial node math model was presented. The model was proposed by H. Zhang, A. V. Holden and M.R. Boyett. The sensitivity analysis indicates that the sodium and potassium ionic concentrations need to be controlled in order to maintain the normal behavior of the node. The calcium concentrations changes simulated don't produce significant effects over the operation of the node. One response surface model was developed as a simplification of original model. The diastolic depolarization rate was redefined in order to allow its measure in potential waves for peripheral node cells.

[Comparative evaluation of the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay in milk for the detection of cattle infected with Brucella abortus, in herds located in the province of Cundinamarca, Colombia]. / Evaluación comparativa del método inmunoenzimático indirecto en leche para la detección de bovinos infectados con Brucella abortus, en hatos del departamento de Cundinamarca, Colombia.

To perform a comparative evaluation of the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) in milk, for the detection of Brucella abortus in cattle, 1,523 milk samples were taken from individual animals and bulk milk belonging to 200 herds in the province of Cundinamarca, Colombia. All these herds were part of the official programme of monitoring free herds and determining herd prevalence in the province. The samples were submitted simultaneously to the milk ring test and the iELISA. A total of 584 individual and 497 bulk milk samples taken from free herds were considered negative, and served to determine the initial ELISA cut-off point. An optimised determination of the cut-off point involved an operational analysis, using a statistical programme. In the analysis, the total population was considered: 756 individual positive and negative samples, as defined by herd history and previously established serologies. The cut-off point was set at > 0.20 optical density units, which, expressed in percentage positivity, corresponded to 20.5% against the controls, with a sensitivity of 95.3%, a specificity of 95.1%, and a confidence interval of 95%. Indirect confirmation of the state of infection was made with competitive ELISA in the serum of the individual animals considered positive, and an attempt was made to determine bacterial presence by isolation in culture and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results confirm that the indirect ELISA is highly sensitive and specific, provides confirmed results in strict quality-control conditions, and may be used to test a large number of herd or individual samples, thus enhancing the efficiency of surveillance programmes and control campaigns.

Sepsis intra-abdominal: análisis de la experiencia inicial en el Hospital Simón Bolívar Bogotá, Colombia / Intraadbominal sepsis

Se discuten las Historias Clinicas de 102 pacientes con diagnóstico de Peritonitis, admitidos en el Hospital Simón Bolívar apenas éste abría sus puertas a la comunidad, en el período comprendido entre Febrero de 1983 y Julio de 1986. Se encontraron 71 casos con Peritonitis Generalizada y 31 con Peritonitis Localizada. La edad promedio fué de 30 años (0-97). El 60 por ciento eran mujeres. Una cuarta parte de los pacientes presentaban enfermedades asociadas previas. Otra cuarta parte acudieron al Hospital antes de las 24 horas del inicio de sus síntomas. Los demás lo hicieron en un tiempo que osciló entre 24 horas y 8 días. Se demuestra una relación adversa entre el tiempo que permanece el paciente en Hospital en fase de "preparación" y el inicio de la cirugía. Las principales causas fueron apendicitis perforada, perforación de víscera hueca, trauma, enfermedades de origen ginecológico y peritonitis primaria. Las complicaciones fueron dadas principalmente por el absceso de pared, peritonitis residual o recidivante, síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda del adulto (SDRAA), evisceración e insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA). La mayoría de los pacientes fueron tratados con 4 esquemas de antibióticos diferentes: Penicilina-Gentamicina, Penicilina-Gentamicina-Metronidazol, Clindamicina-Gentamicina, Penicilina-Cloranfenicol. Solamente 11 recibieron Nutrición Parenteral Total. se realizaron cultivos en 25 casos que mostraron la E. Coli como aerobio mas frecuente. La mortalidad global fue del 13 por ciento y la estancia hospitalaria de 11 dias en promedio

Tratamiento quirurgico de pie equino varo congenito en ninos menores de 2 anos / Surgical treatment of the congenital equinovarus foot in children younger than two years

El pie equino-varo congenito aparece en la literatura medica desde 1830. Como etiologia se han propuesto factores extrinsecos, herencia poligenica o mendeliana, anormalidades citogeneticas, causas miogenicas o neurogenicas; pero continua siendo una deformidad idiopatica caracterizada por: inversion y adduccion del antepie, varo del retropie y equino del pie; que evoluciona en 3 fases: desplazamiento de las superficies oseas, retracciones de las partes blandas hasta fijar la posicion viciosa y finalmente irreductibilidad absoluta. Anatomopatologicamente se han descrito alteraciones posicionales oseas en tibia, calcaneo, astragalo, escafoides y cuboides; modificaciones de los tejidos blandos consistentes en retracciones en las superficies medial, dorsal y posterior del pie, y alargamientos en la superficie lateral; cambios articulares tibio-talares, talo-naviculares, calcaneo-cuboideas y subastragalina. Propone un protocolo de examen para precisar el Dx., controlar la evolucion y evaluar los resultados del tratamiento. Describe las tecnicas de valoracion clinica y radiologica y presenta una escala de analisis de datos referida a evaluacion de movilidad de la articulacion subtalar, equino, antepie, retropie y talon. Presenta la revision de 629 historias clinicas de 3 hospitales, con diagnostico de pie equino varo congenito operado entre enero de 1973 y junio de 1984, de las cuales se seleccionaron los ninos menores de 2 anos (132). Se encontro predominio del sexo masculino, del grado II (Harold Walker) y correlacion familiar en primer grado (3.0 por ciento ); no se establecio relacion con enfermedades o medicamentos en la gestacion