The Absence of Caspase-8 in the Dopaminergic System Leads to Mild Autism-like Behavior.

In the last decade, new non-apoptotic roles have been ascribed to apoptotic caspases. This family of proteins plays an important role in the sculpting of the brain in the early stages of development by eliminating excessive and nonfunctional synapses and extra cells. Consequently, impairments in this process can underlie many neurological and mental illnesses. This view is particularly relevant to dopamine because it plays a pleiotropic role in motor control, motivation, and reward processing. In this study, we analyze the effects of the elimination of caspase-8 (CASP8) on the development of catecholaminergic neurons using neurochemical, ultrastructural, and behavioral tests. To do this, we selectively delete the CASP8 gene in cells that express tyrosine hydroxylase with the help of recombination through the Cre-loxP system. Our results show that the number of dopaminergic neurons increases in the substantia nigra. In the striatum, the basal extracellular level of dopamine and potassium-evoked dopamine release decreased significantly in mice lacking CASP8, clearly showing the low dopamine functioning in tissues innervated by this neurotransmitter. This view is supported by electron microscopy analysis of striatal synapses. Interestingly, behavioral analysis demonstrates that mice lacking CASP8 show changes reminiscent of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Our research reactivates the possible role of dopamine transmission in the pathogenesis of ASD and provides a mild model of autism.

Criterios de evaluación de nuevas tecnologías en salud que utilizan en las Instituciones Prestadoras de Servicios de Salud en Antioquia, Colombia: estudio transversal / Criteria for evaluating new health technologies used by Health Institutions in Antioquia, Colombia: Cross-sectional study / Critérios de avaliação de novas tecnologias na saúde que utilizam nas Instituições Prestadoras de Serviços de Saúde em Antioquia, Colômbia: estudo transversal

Objetivo: una tecnología médica es el conjunto de técnicas, medicamentos, equipos y procedimientos utilizados por los profesionales de la salud en la atención médica. Este estudio busca identificar los criterios de evaluación de nuevas tecnologías en salud que utilizan algunos hospitales. Metodología: estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se incluyeron todos los directores de hospitales y clínicas del departamento de Antioquia que estuvieran interesados en participar en la investigación. Se aplicó una encuesta de 21 preguntas. Resultados: el 60 % de los encuestados dio la máxima importancia a la capacidad de producción de daños en la atención de los pacientes; el 90 % tiene en cuenta el criterio de seguridad clínica (éticos y jurídicos) y el 100 % lo hace con la evaluación de costo efectividad. En cuanto al orden de relevancia para la toma de decisiones en la adquisición de nuevas tecnologías, el perfil epidemiológico institucional tuvo mayor calificación. Conclusiones: las instituciones de salud encuestadas tienen protocolos establecidos para la evaluación de tecnologías. Se identificaron los temas a los que se les da mayor priorización, como son la producción de daños a la atención de pacientes, la seguridad clínica, aspectos éticos y jurídicos, y la evaluación de costo efectividad

Introduction: A medical technology is the set of techniques, drugs, equipment, and procedures used by health professionals in the delivery of medical care. Objective: to identify the criteria for evaluating new health technologies used by some hospitals. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out. All the directors of Hospitals and Clinics of the department of Antioquia who belonged to one and who were interested in participating in the research were included. A survey of 21 questions was applied. Results: 60 % of the respondents gave the maximum importance to the capacity to produce damages in the care of patients, 90 % consider the criteria of clinical, ethical, and legal safety; and 100 % do it with the evaluation of cost effectiveness. In relation to the order of relevance for decision-making in the acquisition of new health technologies, it was evidenced that the institutional epidemiological profile had a higher rating. Conclusions: The surveyed health institutions have established protocols in the evaluation of new health technologies. Likewise, the issues that are given the highest priority were identified, such as the issue of harm to patient care, clinical safety, ethical and legal aspects, and cost-effectiveness evaluation.

Objetivo: uma tecnologia médica é o conjunto de técnicas, medicamentos, equipamentose procedimentos utilizados pelos profissionais da saúde na atenção médica. Este estudobusca identificar os critérios de avaliação de novas tecnologias na saúde que utilizam alguns hospitais. Metodologia: estudo observacional de corte transversal. Se incluíram todos os diretoresde hospitais e clínicas do Departamento de Antioquia que estiveram interessados em participar na investigação. Se aplicou uma enquete de 21 perguntas. Resultados: 60 % dos entrevistados deram a máxima importância na capacidade de produção de danos na atenção dos pacientes; 90% têm em conta o critério de segurançaclínica (éticos e jurídicos) e 100% o fazem com a avaliação de custo efetividade. Enquantoà ordem de relevância para a toma de decisões na aquisição de novas tecnologias, o perfil epidemiológico institucional teve maior qualificação. Conclusões: as instituições de saúde entrevistadas têm protocolos estabelecidos para a avaliação de tecnologias. Se identificaram os temas aos quais se deve dar maior priorização, como são a produção de danos à atenção de pacientes, a segurança clínica, aspectos éticos jurídicos, a avaliação de custo efetividade.

Regulation of Antitumor Immune Responses by Exosomes Derived from Tumor and Immune Cells.

Exosomes are lipid membrane-enclosed vesicles released by all cell types that act at the paracrine or endocrine level to favor cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, organ remodeling and immune regulation. Their biosynthesis begins with a cell membrane invagination which generates an early endosome that matures to a late endosome. By inward budding of the late endosome membrane, a multivesicular body (MVB) with intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) is generated. The fusion of MVBs with the plasma membrane releases ILVs into the extracellular space as exosomes, ranging in size from 30 to 100 nm in diameter. The bilipid exosome membrane is rich in cholesterol, ceramides and phosphatidylserine and can be loaded with DNA, RNA, microRNAs, proteins and lipids. It has been demonstrated that exosome secretion is a common mechanism used by the tumor to generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that favors cancer development and progression, allowing tumor escape from immune control. Due to their ability to transport proteins, lipids and nucleic acids from the cell that gave rise to them, exosomes can be used as a source of biomarkers with great potential for clinical applications in diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic areas. This article will review the latest research findings on exosomes and their contribution to cancer development.

Modeling the Ethanol Tolerance of the Probiotic Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-745 for its Possible Use in a Functional Beer.

Saccharomyces yeasts are able to ferment simple sugars to generate levels of ethanol that are toxic to other yeasts and bacteria. The tolerance to ethanol of different yeasts depends also on the incubation temperature. In this study, the ethanol stress responses of S. cerevisiae and the probiotic yeast S. boulardii CNCM I-745 were evaluated at two temperatures. The growth kinetics parameters were obtained by fitting the Baranyi and Roberts model to the experimental data. The four-parameter logistic Hill equation was used to describe the ethanol tolerance of the yeasts at the temperatures of 28 and 37 °C. Adequate determination coefficients were obtained (R2 > 0.91) in all cases. S. boulardii grown at 28 °C was selected as the yeast with the best ethanol tolerance (6-8%) for use in the elaboration of functional craft beers.

Differences in staining intensities affect reported occurrences and concentrations of Giardia spp. in surface drinking water sources.

AIM: USEPA Method 1623, or its equivalent, is currently used to monitor for protozoan contamination of surface drinking water sources worldwide. At least three approved staining kits used for detecting Cryptosporidium and Giardia are commercially available. This study focuses on understanding the differences among staining kits used for Method 1623. METHODS AND RESULTS: Merifluor and EasyStain labelling kits were used to monitor Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst densities in New York City's raw surface water sources. In the year following a change to the approved staining kits for use with Method 1623, an anomaly was noted in the occurrence of Giardia cysts in New York City's raw surface water. Specifically, Merifluor-stained samples had higher Giardia cyst densities as compared with those stained with EasyStain. Side by side comparison revealed significantly lower fluorescence intensities of Giardia muris as compared with Giardia duodenalis cysts when labelled with EasyStain. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed very poor fluorescence intensity signals by EasyStain on G. muris cysts resulting in lower cyst counts, while Merifluor, with its broader Giardia cyst staining specificity, resulted in higher cyst counts, when using Methods 1623. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest that detected Giardia cyst concentrations are dependent on the staining kits used, which can result in a more or less conservative estimation of occurrences and densities of zoonotic Giardia cysts by detecting a broader range of Giardia species/Assemblages.

RESPUESTA DE FITONEMATODOS DE PLÁTANO Musa AAB SIMMONDS A ESTRATEGIAS DE MANEJO INTEGRADO DEL SUELO Y NUTRICIÓN / PLANTAIN Musa AAB SIMMONDS PHYTONEMATODES RESPONSE TO SOIL INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND NUTRITION

En Colombia el cultivo de plátano ocupa uno de los principales renglones de la economía; hace parte de la canasta familiar y es una fuente de empleo en las zonas donde se cultiva. La producción de este frutal se ve amenazada por el ataque de nematodos fitoparásitos que afectan el sistema radical, disminuyen la absorción de nutrientes y sirven como puerta de entrada a patógenos. Debido a esto, se requieren manejos que permitan la regulación de las poblaciones mediante estrategias que no atenten contra el equilibrio del ecosistema y que presenten una ventaja competitiva frente a los tratamientos tradicionales. En este estudio se evaluó la respuesta poblacional de fitonematodos del plátano Dominico Hartón, la presencia de hongos micorrícicoarbusculares (HMA) y la actividad de lombrices a la inoculación con HMA, lixiviado de compost de raquis de plátano y lombricompost. Los resultados obtenidos en la investigación sugieren que la respuesta de la población de fitonematodos a los tratamientos evaluados, mostró gran dependencia de las características parasíticas de cada género y que la aplicación de lombricompost, HMA y lixiviado de raquis de plátano pueden tener potencial en la regulación de las poblaciones de fitonematodos en el cultivo.

Plantain cultivation in Colombia occupies one of the main areas of the economy: plantain is part of the shopping basket and is a source of employment in the areas where it is cultivated. The production of this fruit is threatened by the attack of phytoparasitic nematodes affecting the root system, reducing the absorption of nutrients and serving as a gateway to pathogens. Because of this, maneuvers which allow the regulation of populations through strategies that do not threaten the balance of the ecosystem and that show a competitive advantage over traditional treatments. The phytonematodes population response of Dominico-Harton plantain, the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and earthworm activity to HMA inoculation, leachate from plantain compost rachis and earthworm compost were evaluated in this study. The results obtained from this research suggest that the phytonematodes population response to the treatments evaluated, showed strong dependence on parasitic characteristics of each gender and than the application of earthworm compost, AMF and leachate from plantain compost rachis may have a potential in the regulation of phytonematodes populations in cultivation.

Morphogenesis of the saccus vasculosus of turbot Scophthalmus maximus: assessment of cell proliferation and distribution of parvalbumin and calretinin during ontogeny.

The ontogenesis of the saccus vasculosus (SV) of turbot Scophthalmus maximus is described using histological and immunohistochemical methods to assess the general morphology, as well as the distribution of proliferative cells and several calcium-binding proteins (CaBP). The results reveal that the SV begins to differentiate on hatching, when immature coronet cells are morphologically distinguishable. Further morphogenesis involves the formation of a tubular avascular SV, which remains until premetamorphic larval stages. Folding and vascularization of the SV occurs mostly during metamorphosis, when S. maximus settle down on the bottom. Proliferative cells were placed within the SV itself and in the neighbouring infundibular hypothalamus. Their putative relationship with the growth of the SV is discussed. The CaBPs analysed are expressed in coronet cells. Parvalbumin is expressed in these cells from the beginning of their differentiation, while calretinin expression arises in the tubular SV and becomes more widespread over time. These data emphasize the importance of calcium buffering in the function of coronet cells.

The HERC1 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase is essential for normal development and for neurotransmission at the mouse neuromuscular junction.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a fundamental role in protein degradation in neurons, and there is strong evidence that it fulfills a key role in synaptic transmission. The aim of the present work was to study the implication of one component of the UPS, the HERC1 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase, in motor function and neuromuscular transmission. The tambaleante (tbl) mutant mouse carries a spontaneous mutation in HERC1 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase, provoking an ataxic phenotype that develops in the second month of life. Our results show that motor performance in mutant mice is altered at postnatal day 30, before the cerebellar neurodegeneration takes place. This defect is associated with by: (a) a reduction of the motor end-plate area, (b) less efficient neuromuscular activity in vivo, and (c) an impaired evoked neurotransmitter release. Together, these data suggest that the HERC1 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase is fundamental for normal muscle function and that it is essential for neurotransmitter release at the mouse neuromuscular junction.

Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin monotherapy in people with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled 102-week trial.

AIMS: To assess initial pharmacotherapy of Type 2 diabetes with the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, randomly allocated people with Type 2 diabetes aged 18-77 years and inadequate glycaemic control on diet and exercise [HbA1c 53-86 mmol/mol (7.0-10.0%)] to receive placebo (n = 75) or dapagliflozin monotherapy 2.5 mg (n = 65), 5 mg (n = 64) or 10 mg (n = 70) once daily in the morning. After 24 weeks, low-dose double-blind metformin 500 mg/day was added to the placebo group regimen (placebo+low-dose metformin group). Changes in HbA1c level, fasting plasma glucose and body weight, as well as adverse events, were assessed over 102 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 274 participants randomized, 167 completed the study (60.9%). At 102 weeks, significant differences vs placebo+low-dose metformin with dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg were observed for HbA1c (-5.8 mmol/mol [-0.53%], P = 0.018; and -4.8 mmol/mol [-0.44%], P = 0.048), respectively); and for FPG (-0.69 mmol/L, P = 0.044; and -1.12 mmol/l, P = 0.001, respectively). For body weight, the difference between the dapagliflozin 10-mg group and the placebo+low-dose metformin group was significant (-2.60 kg; P = 0.016). Hypoglycaemic events were uncommon, with rates of 5.3% for placebo+low-dose metformin group and 0-4.6% for the dapagliflozin groups. Genital infections and urinary tract infections were more common in the dapagliflozin groups than in the placebo+low-dose metformin group. CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin as monotherapy in treatment-naïve people with early Type 2 diabetes improved glycaemic control and reduced weight without increasing hypoglycaemia over 102 weeks. Dapagliflozin may provide an alternative initial pharmacotherapy in such people.

PCSK9 and LDLR The Yin-Yang in the Cellular Uptake of Cholesterol.

The intracellular concentration of cholesterol is a vital constant influenced by the uptake, metabolism and excretion of cholesterol. The synthesis and expression of the PCSK9-LDLR duo is one of the most important mechanisms to regulate this constant; in a physiological state, the yin-yang balance between PCSK9 and LDLR regulates the entry of cholesterol into the cell to keep the intracellular cholesterol concentration stable. The mapping of the human gene encoding the serine protease PCSK9, located at 1p32-3, has allowed the identification of mutations with "gain" and "loss" of protease functions. Gain of function mutations causes decreased LDLR resulting in increased LDL-C and increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Loss of function mutations have opposite effect, increased LDLR, decreased LDL-C and decreased incidence of cardiovascular events. The identification of human mutations with PCSK9 "loss" of function demostrated the benefit of decreased PCSK9 and opened the door to developing new anti-PCSK9 therapies. The goal of this research area is to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events beyond statins; the strategy is to mimic the state of PCSK9 "loss" of function by tactics as oligonucleotide therapies targeting PCSK9 mRNA and/or biological therapies with human monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9. This chapter reviews, the characteristics of the PCSK9, the physiological significance of the PCSK9-LDLR duo, and the therapeutic implications of the human genetic models of PCSK9 "loss" of function. The phase I-II clinical trial data of two promising monoclonal antibodies to PCSK9, Alirocumab formerly SAR236553/REGN727and AMG145 will be presented.

Coronary Atherosclerosis The Implications of Being a Woman.

The profile of ischemic heart disease by coronary atherosclerosis has been developed based on clinical, paraclinical and angiographic grounds inherent to the male gender. A man in his 40s - 50s with "classical" cardiovascular risk factors, angina pectoris and hemodynamically significant myocardial ischemia associated with angiographic stenosis (≥ 50% endovascular diameter reduction equivalent to ≥ 75% endovascular area reduction and determining a trans-stenotic pressure gradient) is the prototype over which guidelines for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease are structured. However, this "male" pattern of coronary atherosclerosis is not the rule in female gender. Therefore, in women, the frequent lack of a clinical, paraclinical and angiographic profile, classically masculine, results in a suboptimal medical approach, characterized by low implementation of the guidelines for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ischemic heart disease. The final consequence of this cycle, favored by other gender, social and environmental circumstances, is a high morbidity and mortality caused by this pathology in the female gender. In this chapter, which concludes with a review of the state-of-the-art knowledge of atheroma in females, the current concepts on the physiological level of c-LDL, oxidized c-LDL "a mimicked pathogen" and atherogenesis will be reviewed in sequence for didactic purposes.

Dyslipidemia, Hypertension and Diabetes Metaflammation. A Unique Mechanism for 3 Risk Factors.

The main current threat to the human race is the correlation and synergy between two determining triumvirates of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and death. The first triumvirate is constituted by obesity, metaflammation and insulin resistance; the second triumvirate is constituted by atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The etiopathogenic driving force for both triumvirates is the global epidemic of obesity. Metaflammation and insulin resistance are associated with obesity; in turn, insulin resistance determines a high risk for the development of atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the three of them being factors responsible for vascular endothelial injury and substrates involved in the genesis of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and death. The present chapter will address both triumvirates. Firstly, the current concepts of obesity, metaflammation and insulin resistance will be reviewed; emphasizing the second (metaflammation) for being a concept that has revolutionized and integrated our understanding of the harmful effects of obesity. Secondly, the impact of insulin resistance in the regulation of intermediary metabolism and endothelial function will be addressed; this will facilitate the understanding of the inextricable link between atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, this chapter aims to present to the clinician the best knowledge to link epidemics of obesity and cardiovascular death, through the sequence of metaflammation, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors (mixed dyslipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus).

Improved protease stability of the antimicrobial peptide Pin2 substituted with D-amino acids.

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted a great interest as novel class of antibiotics that might help in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. However, some AMPs with high antimicrobial activities are also highly hemolytic and subject to proteolytic degradation from human and bacterial proteases that limit their pharmaceutical uses. In this work a D-diastereomer of Pandinin 2, D-Pin2, was constructed to observe if it maintained antimicrobial activity in the same range as the parental one, but with the purpose of reducing its hemolytic activity to human erythrocytes and improving its ability to resist proteolytic cleavage. Although, the hydrophobic and secondary structure characteristics of L- and D-Pin2 were to some extent similar, an important reduction in D-Pin2 hemolytic activity (30-40 %) was achieved compared to that of L-Pin2 over human erythrocytes. Furthermore, D-Pin2 had an antimicrobial activity with a MIC value of 12.5 µM towards Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in agar diffusion assays, but it was half less potent than that of L-Pin2. Nevertheless, the antimicrobial activity of D-Pin2 was equally effective as that of L-Pin2 in microdilution assays. Yet, when D- and L-Pin2 were incubated with trypsin, elastase and whole human serum, only D-Pin2 kept its antimicrobial activity towards all bacteria, but in diluted human serum, L- and D-Pin2 maintained similar peptide stability. Finally, when L- and D-Pin2 were incubated with proteases from P. aeruginosa DFU3 culture, a clinical isolated strain, D-Pin2 kept its antibiotic activity while L-Pin2 was not effective.

Development and evaluation of an off-the-slide genotyping technique for identifying Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts directly from US EPA Method 1623 slides.

AIMS: This study developed and systematically evaluated performance and limit of detection of an off-the-slide genotyping procedure for both Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Slide standards containing flow-sorted (oo)cysts were used to evaluate the off-the-slide genotyping procedure by microscopy and PCR. Results show approximately 20% of cysts and oocysts are lost during staining. Although transfer efficiency from the slide to the PCR tube could not be determined by microscopy, it was observed that the transfer process aided in the physical lysis of the (oo)cysts likely releasing DNA. PCR detection rates for a single event on a slide were 44% for Giardia and 27% for Cryptosporidium, and a minimum of five cysts and 20 oocysts are required to achieve a 90% PCR detection rate. A Poisson distribution analysis estimated the relative PCR target densities and limits of detection, it showed that 18 Cryptosporidium and five Giardia replicates are required for a 95% probability of detecting a single (oo)cyst on a slide. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully developed and evaluated recovery rates and limits of detection of an off-the-slide genotyping procedure for both Cryptosporidium and Giardia (oo)cysts from the same slide. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This off-the-slide genotyping technique is a simple and low cost tool that expands the applications of US EPA Method 1623 results by identifying the genotypes and assemblages of the enumerated Cryptosporidium and Giardia. This additional information will be useful for microbial risk assessment models and watershed management decisions.

Detection of multiple waterborne pathogens using microsequencing arrays.

AIMS: A microarray was developed to simultaneously detect Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis in water. METHODS AND RESULTS: A DNA microarray was designed to contain probes that specifically detected C. parvum, C. hominis, Ent. faecium, B. anthracis and F. tularensis. The microarray was then evaluated with samples containing target and nontarget DNA from near-neighbour micro-organisms, and tap water spiked with multiple organisms. Results demonstrated that the microarray consistently detected Ent. faecium, B. anthracis, F. tularensis and C. parvum when present in samples. Cryptosporidium hominis was only consistently detected through the use of shared probes between C. hominis and C. parvum. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully developed and tested a microarray-based assay that can specifically detect faecal indicator bacteria and human pathogens in tap water. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The use of indicator organisms has become a practical solution for monitoring for water quality. However, they do not always correlate well with the presence of many microbial pathogens, thus necessitating direct monitoring for most pathogens. This microarray can be used to simultaneously detect multiple organisms in a single sample. More importantly, it can provide occurrence information that may be used in assessing potential exposure risks to waterborne pathogens.

Technique for interference reduction in battery powered physiological monitoring devices.

This paper presents a novel simple method to identify and remove systematic interference in battery powered physiological monitoring devices. This interference is very typically introduced via fluctuations in the power supply voltage, caused by the nonideal output resistance of small batteries, when a transceiver chip changes operating modes. The proposed method is designed to have low computational complexity in order to potentially allow for low cost, real-time implementations on low-power-based platforms, either in the system front or back end. Additionally, the paper provides guidelines on how to choose some of the operating conditions of the transceiver in order to minimize the effect of the interference through the application of the proposed method. Overall, successful performance is illustrated with experimental results obtained from an acoustic monitoring system, since this is considered to have specifications which are representative of most physiological monitoring devices.

Development of the olfactory system in turbot (Psetta maxima L.).

We have examined the histogenesis of the olfactory system during turbot development using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry was used to detect dividing cells, whereas calretinin (CR) immunohistochemistry was used to distinguish some neuronal components of the olfactory system. Around hatching, the olfactory placode of embryos transforms into an olfactory pit, which enlarges progressively during development. In metamorphic turbots, the right olfactory organ moves to the tip of the head. Each olfactory chamber opens to the external medium by two nostrils and accessory nasal sacs develop during metamorphosis. The order of birth of olfactory receptor cells in the sensory epithelium follows the pattern of most teleosts: ciliated cells differentiate prior to microvillous cells in turbot larvae, and crypt cells are generated during metamorphosis. Axons of olfactory sensory neurons reach the rostral forebrain by hatching, and calretinin-immunoreactive (CR-ir) glomerular fields were apparent during the subsequent larval development. During metamorphosis olfactory bulbs become strongly distorted by head torsion and glomeruli acquire asymmetric organization. The spatio-temporal course of proliferation in the olfactory system reveals changes in the distribution of dividing cells in the sensory epithelium throughout the developmental period investigated. In the olfactory bulb, proliferative activity becomes restricted to the ventral periventricular zone in turbot larvae, as well as in metamorphic specimens.

Actividades de enfermería como parte de un equipo de atención farmacéutica integral / Nursing interventions as part of an integral pharmaceutical care team

Objetivo Describir las intervenciones desarrolladas por la enfermera adscrita a la Unidad de Atención Farmacéutica al alta y en Consultas Externas (FACE) con el fin de promocionar una farmacoterapia efectiva, segura y eficiente en el paciente hospitalizado. Método Estudio descriptivo de la actividad de enfermería asignada a la Unidad FACE entre abril de 2008 y marzo de 2009. La enfermera tiene asignadas cinco actividades específicas y protocolizadas que son: clarificar diferencias en los registros de alergias/intolerancias a medicamentos, identificar discrepancias relativas al tratamiento farmacoterapéutico crónico, identificar oportunidades de mejora farmacoterapéutica, mejorar el conocimiento de los tratamientos prescritos al alta y evitar el acúmulo de medicación en los domicilios mediante la dispensación de tratamientos de duración limitada (inferior a 30 días).Resultados Durante el periodo de estudio la enfermera actuó en 1.360 (57,6%) pacientes de los 2.362 pacientes atendidos por la Unidad FACE. La enfermera realizó un total de 1.709 intervenciones de las cuales 111 fueron para resolver diferencias en el registro de alergias/intolerancias a medicamentos, 118 para solucionar discrepancias en el tratamiento crónico, 263 fueron por identificación de oportunidades de mejora farmacoterapéutica, 1.186 dispensaciones de tratamientos de duración limitada y 31 estuvieron orientadas a mejorar la educación farmacoterapéutica de los pacientes al alta hospitalaria. Conclusiones La enfermera contribuye a la consecución de los objetivos generales de la unidad FACE y por lo tanto a la mejora de la calidad farmacoterapéutica en términos de efectividad, seguridad y eficiencia (AU)

Objective To describe interventions carried out by nurses in the Pharmaceutical Care Unit upon admission and in Outpatient Consultation (FACE) with the aim of promoting effective, safe and efficient pharmacotherapy for hospitalised patients. Method A descriptive study of nursing activity carried out in the Outpatient Consultation Unit between April 2008 and March 2009. The nurse performs five specific, formalised activities: clarifying differences in the medical records related to drugs allergies or intolerances, identifying pharmacotherapy discrepancies between acute and chronic treatment, identifying opportunities for improving pharmacotherapy, contributing to patient education about his/her treatment upon discharge and dispensing limited duration drugs (less than 30 days) upon discharge to avoid accumulation of medication at home. Results During the study period the nurse took part in the pharmacotherapy administered to 1360 patients (57.6% of total patients treated by the integral pharmaceutical care team), for a total of 1709 individual interventions. These interventions were performed in order to clarify differences in medical records regarding drug allergies or intolerances (n=111), to identify pharmacotherapy discrepancies between acute and chronic treatment (n=118), to identify opportunities for improving pharmacotherapy (n=263), and upon discharge in order to educate the patient about his/her treatment (n=31) and to dispense limited duration drugs (n=1186).Conclusions The nurse's contribution to the integral pharmaceutical care team helps to improve the quality of pharmacotherapy in terms of effectiveness, safety and efficiency pharmacotherapy (AU)

Nursing interventions as part of an integral pharmaceutical care team.

OBJECTIVE: To describe interventions carried out by nurses in the Pharmaceutical Care Unit upon admission and in Outpatient Consultation (FACE) with the aim of promoting effective, safe and efficient pharmacotherapy for hospitalised patients. METHOD: A descriptive study of nursing activity carried out in the Outpatient Consultation Unit between April 2008 and March 2009. The nurse performs five specific, formalised activities: clarifying differences in the medical records related to drugs allergies or intolerances, identifying pharmacotherapy discrepancies between acute and chronic treatment, identifying opportunities for improving pharmacotherapy, contributing to patient education about his/her treatment upon discharge and dispensing limited duration drugs (less than 30 days) upon discharge to avoid accumulation of medication at home. RESULTS: During the study period the nurse took part in the pharmacotherapy administered to 1,360 patients (57.6% of total patients treated by the integral pharmaceutical care team), for a total of 1,709 individual interventions. These interventions were performed in order to clarify differences in medical records regarding drug allergies or intolerances (n=111), to identify pharmacotherapy discrepancies between acute and chronic treatment (n=118), to identify opportunities for improving pharmacotherapy (n=263), and upon discharge in order to educate the patient about his/her treatment (n=31) and to dispense limited duration drugs (n=1186). CONCLUSIONS: The nurse's contribution to the integral pharmaceutical care team helps to improve the quality of pharmacotherapy in terms of effectiveness, safety and efficiency pharmacotherapy.

Amino acid substitutions in an alpha-helical antimicrobial arachnid peptide affect its chemical properties and biological activity towards pathogenic bacteria but improves its therapeutic index.

Four variants of the highly hemolytic antimicrobial peptide Pin2 were chemically synthesized with the aim to investigate the role of the proline residue in this peptide, by replacing it with the motif glycine-valine-glycine [GVG], which was found to confer low hemolytic activity in a spider antimicrobial peptide. The proline residue in position 14 of Pin2 was substituted by [V], [GV], [VG] and [GVG]. Only the peptide variant with the proline substituted for [GVG] was less hemolytic compared to that of all other variants. The peptide variant [GVG] kept its antimicrobial activity in Muller-Hilton agar diffusion assays, whereas the other three variants were less effective. However, all Pin2 antimicrobial peptide variants, were active when challenged against a Gram-positive bacteria in Muller-Hilton broth assays suggesting that chemical properties of the antimicrobial peptides such as hydrophobicity is an important indication for antimicrobial activity in semi-solid environments.