Flow modeling and structural characterization in fungal pellets.

Fungal pellets are hierarchical systems that can be found in an ample variety of applications. Modeling transport phenomena in this type of systems is a challenging but necessary task to provide knowledge-based processes that improve the outcome of their biotechnological applications. In this work, an upscaled model for total mass and momentum transport in fungal pellets is implemented and analyzed, using elements of the volume averaging and adjoint homogenization methods departing from the governing equations at the microscale in the intracellular and extracellular phases. The biomass is assumed to be composed of a non-Newtonian fluid and the organelles impervious to momentum transport are modeled as a rigid solid phase. The upscaled equations contain effective-medium coefficients, which are predicted from the solution of adjoint closure problems in a three-dimensional periodic domains representative of the microstructure. The construction of these domains was performed for Laccaria trichodermophora based on observations of actual biological structures. The upscaled model was validated with direct numerical simulations in homogeneous portions of the pellets core. It is shown that no significant differences are observed when the dolipores are open or closed to fluid flow. By comparing the predictions of the average velocity in the extracellular phase resulting from the upscaled model with those from the classical Darcy equation (i.e., assuming that the biomass is a solid phase) the contribution of the intracellular fluid phase was evidenced. This work sets the foundations for further studies dedicated to transport phenomena in this type of systems.

Quiste de duplicación gástrica en el adulto. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Cyst of gastric duplication in adults. Case report and review of the bibliography

RESUMEN Las duplicaciones del tracto gastrointestinal son malformaciones congénitas poco frecuentes que pueden afectar cualquier segmento del tubo digestivo. Suelen presentarse en los primeros dos años de vida con síntomas de pobre ganancia de peso y masa abdominal palpable o pueden ser asintomáticos hasta la adultez. Reportamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 37 años que fue evaluado por epigastralgia y antecedente de hemorragia digestiva superior. La endoscopia alta reveló lesión subepitelial en fundus gástrico ulcerada con sospecha diagnóstica de tumor del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST). El ultrasonido endoscópico confirmó masa gástrica con focos de necrosis y calcificación, compatible con tumor estromal tipo GIST. Se realizó resección gástrica distal en cuña sin complicaciones. El informe de patología señaló duplicación gástrica.

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal tract duplications are rare congenital malformations that can affect any segment of the digestive tract. They usually occur in the first two years of life with symptoms of poor weight gain and palpable abdominal mass or may be asymptomatic until adulthood. We report the case of a 37-year-old male patient who was evaluated for epigastralgia and a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. High endoscopy revealed ulcerated subepithelial lesion in gastric fundus with diagnostic suspicion of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed gastric mass with foci of necrosis and calcification, compatible with stromal tumor type GIST. Distal gastric resection was performed in wedge without complications. The pathology report noted gastric duplication.

[Cyst of gastric duplication in adults. Case report and review of the bibliography]. / Quiste de duplicación gástrica en el adulto. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía.

Gastrointestinal tract duplications are rare congenital malformations that can affect any segment of the digestive tract. They usually occur in the first two years of life with symptoms of poor weight gain and palpable abdominal mass or may be asymptomatic until adulthood. We report the case of a 37-year-old male patient who was evaluated for epigastralgia and a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. High endoscopy revealed ulcerated subepithelial lesion in gastric fundus with diagnostic suspicion of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed gastric mass with foci of necrosis and calcification, compatible with stromal tumor type GIST. Distal gastric resection was performed in wedge without complications. The pathology report noted gastric duplication.

Glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa. Caso pediátrico / Postinfectious rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in a pediatric patient

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa es rara en la infancia, con una prevalencia estimada del 1-3 %. La mayoría debuta como insuficiencia renal aguda y su tratamiento se basa en el uso de corticoides y ciclofosfamida. Si se realiza diagnóstico precoz, el 70 % presenta una recuperación temprana de la función renal. En los últimos años, se han descrito "glomerulopatías por C3", que presentan características que se superponen. Son útiles, en el diagnóstico diferencial, la inmunofluorescencia y la determinación del factor nefrítico. Se presenta un varón de 4 años que acude por fiebre y cuadro respiratorio. Se observa microhematuria, proteinuria, descenso de filtrado glomerular y descenso de C3, y se sospecha glomerulonefritis aguda. Se realiza una biopsia, cuya microscopía óptica muestra la presencia de semilunas epiteliales, y la electrónica, depósitos subepiteliales en forma de joroba, por lo que se diagnostica glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa.

Postinfectious glomerulonephritis is rarely presented as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in children; the prevalence is approximately 1-3 %. Most children have acute onset of renal failure; initial treatment involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Early diagnosis improves prognosis. In recent years, an entity known as "C3 glomerulopathies" has been described, presenting characteristics that overlap. In the differential diagnosis, the immunofluorescence and the determination of the nephritic factor are useful. We report a 4-year-old boy with fever, respiratory symptoms and hyporexia. Microhematuria, proteinuria, decline in glomerular filtration and depressed C3 were found. Acute glomerulonephritis was suspected. Renal biopsy showed crescent formation, immunofluorescence staining for C3 and subepithelial humps. Therefore, postinfectious glomerulonephritis with crescent formations was diagnosed.

[Postinfectious rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in a pediatric patient]. / Glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa. Caso pediátrico.

Postinfectious glomerulonephritis is rarely presented as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in children; the prevalence is approximately 1-3 %. Most children have acute onset of renal failure; initial treatment involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Early diagnosis improves prognosis. In recent years, an entity known as "C3 glomerulopathies" has been described, presenting characteristics that overlap. In the differential diagnosis, the immunofluorescence and the determination of the nephritic factor are useful. We report a 4-year-old boy with fever, respiratory symptoms and hyporexia. Microhematuria, proteinuria, decline in glomerular filtration and depressed C3 were found. Acute glomerulonephritis was suspected. Renal biopsy showed crescent formation, immunofluorescence staining for C3 and subepithelial humps. Therefore, postinfectious glomerulonephritis with crescent formations was diagnosed.

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa es rara en la infancia, con una prevalencia estimada del 1-3 %. La mayoría debuta como insuficiencia renal aguda y su tratamiento se basa en el uso de corticoides y ciclofosfamida. Si se realiza diagnóstico precoz, el 70 % presenta una recuperación temprana de la función renal. En los últimos años, se han descrito "glomerulopatías por C3", que presentan características que se superponen. Son útiles, en el diagnóstico diferencial, la inmunofluorescencia y la determinación del factor nefrítico. Se presenta un varón de 4 años que acude por fiebre y cuadro respiratorio. Se observa microhematuria, proteinuria, descenso de filtrado glomerular y descenso de C3, y se sospecha glomerulonefritis aguda. Se realiza una biopsia, cuya microscopía óptica muestra la presencia de semilunas epiteliales, y la electrónica, depósitos subepiteliales en forma de joroba, por lo que se diagnostica glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa.

Deshidrogenasa láctica como factor pronóstico en neumonías / Lactic dehydrogenase as a prognostic factor in pneumonias

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: la pandemia de influenza en 2009 renovó el interés por identificar oportunamente casos sospechosos de influenza mediante estudios de laboratorio rutinarios, uno de los más estudiados es la deshidrogenasa láctica (DHL). OBJETIVO: determinar si los pacientes con neumonía por influenza A (H1N1) tienen alteraciones particulares en estudios rutinarios de laboratorio, particularmente en concentraciones de DHL y analizar la implicación pronóstica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio de casos y controles de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de neumonía por influenza A (H1N1) [caso], y pacientes con neumonía bacteriana (control) atendidos de diciembre de 2013 a julio de 2014. RESULTADOS: se analizaron 31 casos, 45% (n = 14) tenían diagnóstico de neumonía por el virus de la influenza A (H1N1), el 55% restante (n = 17) se consideró de causa bacteriana. La media de edad fue de 38 años (límites: 16-62). Las concentraciones de DHL al momento del diagnóstico fueron, en promedio, de 578.77 UI/L (límites: 191-1096), fue mayor en el grupo con neumonía por influenza A (H1N1) [573 vs 624.7 UI/L, p = 0.366]. En el análisis global las concentraciones de DHL > 350 UI/L al diagnóstico y fin del tratamiento repercutieron fuertemente de manera negativa en la mortalidad (OR: 84.0, IC95%: 4.4754-1576.6044 y OR: 154.0, 8.6261-2749.3255). La supervivencia general fue de 18 días, menor en el grupo de A (H1N1) [4 vs 25 días, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONES: las concentraciones de DHL > 350 UI/L pueden considerarse un biomarcador de gravedad y repercuten negativamente en la supervivencia de pacientes con neumonía, sin poder discriminar al posible agente etiológico.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The 2009 influenza pandemic renewed interest in timely identification of suspected influenza cases through routine laboratory studies, the most studied is lactic dehydrogenase (DHL). OBJECTIVE: To determine if patients with influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia present particular alterations inside routine laboratory studies, particularly in DHL levels and analyze the prognostic implication. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A case-control study of patients with confirmed diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia (case), and patients with bacterial pneumonia (control) treated from December 2013 to July 2014. RESULTS: Thirty-one cases were analyzed, 45% (n = 14) had a diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia, the remaining 55% (n = 17) was considered of bacterial etiology. The mean age was 38 (16-62) years old. The DHL level at diagnosis time was on average 578.77 IU/L (191-1096), higher in the group with influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia (573 IU/L vs 624.7 IU/L, p = 0.366). In the overall analysis, the levels of DHL > 350 IU/L at diagnosis time and at the end of treatment had a negative impact on mortality (OR: 84.0, 95%CI: 4.4754-1576.6044, and OR: 154.0, 8.6261-2749.3255). Overall survival was 18 days, lower in the A (H1N1) group (4 vs 25 days, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: DHL > 350 IU/L can be considered a severity biomarker, also has a negative impact on the survival of patients with pneumonia without being able to discriminate the possible etiological agent.

Reporte de dos casos de miocardiopatía periparto en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Obstétrica / Report of two cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy in the Intensive Care Unit Obstetric

La miocardiopatía periparto es una enfermedad poco frecuente de causa desconocida, que se caracteriza por la aparición de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda en embarazadas que cursan el último mes de gestación y en el puerperio. En las poblaciones estudiadas, la frecuencia más alta se observa en Haití, donde se estima 1 caso cada 299 nacidos vivos; Sudáfrica 1 caso cada 1000 nacidos vivos. Las frecuencias más bajas corresponden a los Estados Unidos (1 caso cada 4000 nacidos vivos) y Europa. La tasa de mortalidad hospitalaria estimada es del 1,36% y la tasa global de mortalidad, del 2,05%. Se desconoce su verdadera prevalencia e incidencia en la Argentina, probablemente como consecuencia de subregistros. En nuestra Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Obsté- trica, ingresaron dos casos de miocardiopatía periparto, en un período de dos años, que fueron abordados por el equipo multidisciplinario compuesto por intensivistas, cardiólogos, nefrólogos y obstetras.(AU)

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an unusual condition of unknown origin that is characterized by an acute heart failure during the last months of pregnancy and the puerperium. Most case studies show that Haiti has the highest rate of peripartum cardiomyopathy, 1 in 299 live births, followed by South Africa with 1 in 1,000 and the lowest rate is observed in United States (1 in 4,000 live births) and Europe. Hospital case mortality rate is 1.36% with a global mortality rate of 2.05%. Its prevalence and incidence in Argentina are unknown, perhaps as a result of underreporting cases. Two cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy were treated in our Obstetric Intensive Care Unit within a period of two years by a multidisciplinary team of intensivists, cardiologists, nephrologists and obstetricians.(AU)

First evidence of the interaction between deleted in malignant brain tumor 1 and galectin-3 in the mammalian oviduct.

The oviduct supports the transport and final maturation of gametes, and harbors fertilization and early embryo development. The oviductal epithelium is responsible for providing the correct environment for these processes. Deleted in malignant brain tumor 1 (DMBT1) is expressed by multiple organisms and several cell types, and the interaction of the rabbit ortholog of DMBT1 with galectin-3 (gal-3) modulates the polarity of epithelial cells. This interaction has not yet been shown in locations other than rabbit kidney and human-cultured endothelial cells. DMBT1 and gal-3 also protect epithelial layers from pathogens and trauma, and are innate immunity components. DMBT1 has been detected in the porcine oviduct, and gal-3 has been reported in the Fallopian tube and in the cow oviduct. Interaction between both proteins would show a probable physiological function in the female reproductive tract. This work describes the presence and co-localization of DMBT1 and gal-3 mainly in the apical region of the epithelial cells of the Fallopian tube and the porcine oviduct, and co-immunoprecipitation in membrane-enriched epithelial cell extracts from the porcine oviduct. The findings strongly support a functional interaction in the mammalian oviduct, suggestive of a role on epithelial protection and homeostasis, which might be related to epithelium-gamete interaction.

Subclinical ketosis in dairy cows: prevalence and risk factors in grazing production system.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Subclinical ketosis (SCK) between 4 and 19 days in milk (DIM) in a grazing production system and investigate the importance of potential risk factors for SCK. This cross-sectional study was conducted in dairy cows (n = 107), which had more of two parities. The concentration of ß-hydroxybutyric (BHB) in blood was quantified through a hand-held meter. Potential risk factors evaluated were calving interval (CI), milk yield in previous lactation, metritis, dystocia, calf sex (male), parity (≤3 vs. ≥4) and pre-partum body condition score (BCS ≤ 3.5 vs. ≥3.75). Prevalence of SCK was 10.3% (95% CI 4.7-15) between 4 and 19 DIM. Risk factors identified were the occurrence of both metritis and pre-partum BCS ≥ 3.75. Cows with metritis had 4.9 (95% CI 1.17-20.98) times more risk of developing SCK than cows without metritis. And the cows with pre-partum BCS ≥ 3.75 had 5.25 (95% CI 1.32-21.11) times more risk of developing SCK than cows with pre-partum BCS ≤ 3.5. Metritis could induce a lower feed intake and promote the development of SCK. High pre-partum BCS could induce a greater mobilization of body reserves altering liver function and aggravating post-partum NEB. The results are indicative of the expected prevalence of SCK in grazing production system. Factors associated could help to identify cattle at risk of SCK and improve the management of strategies to limit the effects.

Spectroscopic and thermodynamic evidence of dimer and trimer hydrogen bonded complex formation between chloroform and 2-butanone. Excess Molar enthalpy for the chloroform + 2-butanone binary system at 303 K.

FT-Raman and FT-infrared spectra of pure chloroform (A) and 2-butanone (B), as well as of the binary system chloroform + 2-butanone, were recorded to investigate the type and nature of the intermolecular complexes formed when both chemicals are mixed. The optimized structures and vibrational frequencies for 2-butanone, chloroform, and their 1:1 and 1:2 complexes were calculated by means of density functional theory (DFT) techniques using the B3LYP functional combined with the 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The recorded FTIR and Raman spectra confirm the existence of these types of hydrogen-bonded complexes, making it possible, furthermore, to calculate the heteroassociation constants. Heat of mixing at 303 K over the whole mole fraction range at atmospheric pressure was also measured. The excess molar enthalpy was fitted to a Redlich-Kister-type equation, using least-squares to obtain its dependence on concentration. The ideal associated solution model was also used to calculate these equilibrium constants among the chemical species in solution, which compare well with that calculated with the spectral determinations and the enthalpy of hydrogen bond formation. Furthermore, the McGlashan-Rastogi linearization test was also used to provide thermodynamic evidence about the stoichiometry of the formed complexes.

Cyanobacteria-containing biofilms from a Mayan monument in Palenque, Mexico.

Surfaces of buildings at the archaeological site of Palenque, Mexico, are colonized by cyanobacteria that form biofilms, which in turn cause aesthetic and structural damage. The structural characterization and species composition of biofilms from the walls of one of these buildings, El Palacio, are reported. The distribution of photosynthetic microorganisms in the biofilms, their relationship with the colonized substratum, and the three-dimensional structure of the biofilms were studied by image analysis. The differences between local seasonal microenvironments at the Palenque site, the bioreceptivity of stone and the relationship between biofilms and their substrata are described. The implications for the development and permanence of species capable of withstanding temporal heterogeneity in and on El Palacio, mainly due to alternating wet and dry seasons, are discussed. Knowledge on how different biofilms contribute to biodegradation or bioprotection of the substratum can be used to develop maintenance and conservation protocols for cultural heritage.

DFT calculation of the chromyl nitrate, CrO2(NO3)2 The molecular force field.

We have carried out a structural and vibrational theoretical study for chromyl nitrate. The density functional theory has been used to study its structure and vibrational properties. The geometries were fully optimised at the B3LYP/Lanl2DZ, B3LYP/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-311++G levels of theory and the harmonic vibrational frequencies were evaluated at the same levels. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies for chromyl nitrate are consistent with the experimental IR and Raman spectra in the solid and liquid phases. These calculations gave us a precise knowledge of the normal modes of vibration taking into account the type of coordination adopted by nitrate groups of this compound as monodentate and bidentate. We have also made the assignment of all the observed bands in the vibrational spectra for chromyl nitrate. The nature of the Cr-O and Cr<--O bonds in the compound were quantitatively investigated by means of Natural Bond Order (NBO) analysis. The topological properties of electronic charge density are analysed employing Bader's Atoms in Molecules theory (AIM).

[Choledocolithiasis predictors in high-risk population subjected to endoscopic retrograde pancreatocholangiography at "Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza"]. / Predictores de coledocolitiasis en población de alto riesgo sometida a pancreatocolangiografía retrógrada endoscópica en el Hospital Arzobispo Loayza.

INTRODUCTION: The choledocholithiasis is a frequent complication of gallstone disease. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is suitable for its diagnosis and treatment. That approach has both significative morbility and mortality so others methods of diagnosis have been proposed such as intraoperatorycholangiography (IOC) and magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), reserving ERCP only for therapy purpose. OBJECTIVES: Verify the utility of choledocholithiasis predictors described in literature MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a correlational observational transversal prospective approach. It was performed at the Arzobispo Loayza Hospital from August 2004 to January 2005. Many clinical, biochemical and ecographyc predictors of choledocholithiasis were analyzed in 151 patient underwent to ERCP. In all peopleunder study and analyzing separately patients underwent to cholecystectomy or not previous to ERCP, it was identified some risk factors for choledocholithiasis by means of both univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The univariate analysis showed a relationships among age, icterus, cholangytis, direct bilirrubin, amylase, lactic deshidrogenasa, ductal dilatation (>8 mm) and choledocholithiasis. In all groups, the multivariate analysis determined that ductal dilatation by ecography was the unique predictor for choledocholithiasis in the group of patients postoperated. CONCLUSIONS: None single indicator was able to predict with accuracy the choledocholithiasis. However, the parameters described in the literature are useful in our country.

[Isolation, characterization and typing of Escherichia coil 0157:H7 strains from beef products and milk]. / Aislamiento, caracterización y subtipificación de cepas de Escherichia coli O157: H7 a partir de productos cárnicos y leche.

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an emergent pathogen associated with foodborne diseases, especially foodstuffs of animal origin. A total of 250 beef samples (ground beef and hamburgers) obtained from retail outlets in Santa Fe and Santo Tomé cities, and 150 milk samples from bulk tank milk from dairy barns of the region were analyzed by selective enrichment and immunomagnetic separation. Escherichia coli O157:H7 stx2, eae and ehxA positive strains were isolated from three (1.2%) beef samples. The strains could be differentiated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, phagetyping and genotyping of stx. The milk samples were negative for STEC O157. These findings confirm the role of food of animal origin in the epidemiology of E. coli O157:H7 - associated diseases.

Aislamiento, caracterización y subtipificación de cepas de Escherichia coli O157:H7 a partir de productos cárnicos y leche / Isolation, characterization and typing of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains from beef products and milk

Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga (Stx) (STEC) O157:H7 es un patógeno asociado a enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos, fundamentalmente de origen animal. Se investigó la presencia de E. coli O157 en 250 muestras de carne picada y hamburguesas obtenidas de comercios de las ciudades de Santa Fe y Santo Tomé (Pcia. de Santa Fe) y en 150 muestras de leche provenientes de tanques de enfriado de tambos de la región, utilizando enriquecimiento selectivo y separación inmunomagnética. A partir de 3 muestras de carne (1,2%) se aislaron cepas E. coli O157:H7 stx2, eae, y ehxA positivas, que pudieron ser diferenciadas mediante electroforesis de campo pulsado, fagotipificación y genotipificación de stx. No se aislaron cepas STEC O157:H7 a partir de las muestras de leche. Estos hallazgos confirman la participación de los alimentos de origen animal en la epidemiología de las enfermedades producidas por E. coli O157:H7.

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an emergent pathogen associated with foodborne diseases, especially foodstuffs of animal origin. A total of 250 beef samples (ground beef and hamburgers) obtained from retail outlets in Santa Fe and Santo Tomé cities, and 150 milk samples from bulk tank milk from dairy barns of the region were analyzed by selective enrichment and immunomagnetic separation. Escherichia coli O157:H7 stx2, eae and ehxA positive strains were isolated from three (1.2%) beef samples. The strains could be differentiated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, phagetyping and genotyping of stx. The milk samples were negative for STEC O157. These findings confirm the role of food of animal origin in the epidemiology of E. coli O157:H7 - associated diseases.

Predictores de coledocolitiasis en población de alto riesgo sometida a pancreatocolangiografía retrógrada endoscópica en el Hospital Arzobispo Loayza / Predicting of choledocholithiasis in population of high risk submissive an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in yhe Hospital Arzobispo Loayza

Introducción: La coledocolitiasis es una complicación frecuente de la litiasis vesicular. La pancreatocolangiografía retrógrada endoscópica (PCRE) es el "gold Standard" para su diagnóstico y tratamiento, sin embargo debido a su significativa morbilidad y mortalidad, otros métodos diagnósticos han sido planteados, tales como la colangiografía intraoperatoria (CIO) y la colangioresonancia (CRMN), reservado a la PCRE sólo para fines terapéuticos. Objetivo: Verificar la utilidad de los predoctores de coledocolitiasis descritos en la literatura. Material y Método: Estudio correlacional, observacional, transversal prospectivo que se realizó entre agosto del 2004 y enero del 2005 en el Hospital Arzobispo Loayza. Conocidos criterios clínicos, bioquímicos y ecográficos predictores de coledocolitiasis fueron analizados en 151 pacientes sometidos a PCRE. Usando análisis univariado y multivariado, se identificaron los factores de riesgo para coledocolitiasis, en el total de pacientes del estudio, así como en los pacientes colecistectomizados o no antes de la PCRE. Resultados: El análisis univariado en el total de pacientes encontró que la edad, ictericia, colangitis, biblirrubina directa, amilasa, deshidrogenada láctica (DHL), dilatación del colédoco (>8mm) y coledocolitiasis por ecografía, estuvieron asociados con coledocolitiasis. Cuando se evaluó por separado, el análisis multivariado en los tres grupos se encontró que sólo la dilatación del colédoco por ecografía fue el único predictor de coledocolitiasis en el grupo de pacientes post-operados. Conclusiones: Ningún indicador único es capaz de predecir, con total exactitud, la presencia de coledocolitiasis. Pero los parámetros descritos en la literatura, son de utilidad en nuestro medio.

Introducction: The choledocholithiasis is a frequent complication of gallstone disease. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is suitable for its diagnosis and treatment. That approach has both significative morbility and mortality so others methods of diagnosis have been proposed such as intraoperatorycholangiography (IOC) and magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), reserving ERCP only for therapy purpose.OBJETIVES: Verify the utility of choledocholithiasis predictors described in literature MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a correlational observational transversal prospective approach. It was performed at the Arzobispo Loayza Hospital from August 2004 to January 2005. Many clinical, biochemical and ecographyc predictorsof choledocholithiasis were analyzed in 151 patient underwent to ERCP. In all people under study and analyzing separately patients underwent to cholecystectomy or not previous to ERCP, it was identified some risk factors for choledocholithiasis by means of both univariate and multivariate analysis.RESULTS: The univariate analysis showed a relationships among age, icterus, cholangytis, direct bilirrubin, amylase, lactic deshidrogenasa, ductal dilatation (minor 8mm) and choledocholithiasis. In all groups, the multivariate analysis determined that ductal dilatation by ecography was the unique predictor for choledocholithiasisin the group of patients postoperated.CONCLUSIONS: None single indicator was able to predict with accuracy thecholedocholithiasis. However, the parameters described in the literature are useful in our country.

Isolation and characterisation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 from calves in Argentina.

Four hundred and twenty-two calves were examined for intestinal carriage of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 using conventional plating. Two (0.5%) E. coli O157 were recovered. They were compared with 96 Argentine strains of different origin by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, phage typing and PCR-RFLP of stx2 genes. One strain isolated from a calf, was closely related with 18 strains of clinical origin.

Alginate production by an Azotobacter vinelandii mutant unable to produce alginate lyase.

Alginate is an industrially relevant linear copolymer composed of beta-1,4-linked D-mannuronic acid and its C-5 epimer L-guluronic acid. The rheological and gel-forming properties of alginates depend on the molecular weight and the relative content of the two monomers. Alginate produced by Azotobacter vinelandii was shown to be degraded towards the end of the culture, an undesirable situation in terms of potential alginate applications. A gene ( algL) encoding the alginate lyase activity AlgL is present within the alginate biosynthetic gene cluster of A. vinelandii. We constructed strain SML2, an A. vinelandii strain carrying a non-polar mutation within algL. No alginate lyase activity was detected in SML2. Under 3% dissolved oxygen tension, higher values of maximum mean molecular weight alginate were obtained (1240 kDa) with strain SML2, compared to those from the parental strain ATCC 9046 (680 kDa). These data indicate that AlgL activity causes the drop in the molecular weight of alginate produced by A. vinelandii.

[Neuropathological findings in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (E280a-PS1 mutation)]. / Hallazgos neuropatológicos en la enfermedad de Alzheimer de inicio temprano (mutación E280A-PS1).

INTRODUCTION AND MATERIAL: Nine brains belonging to early onset Alzheimer disease (E280A-PS1 mutation) affected individuals from Antioquia, Colombia, were analyzed by neuropathological standard techniques. All individuals were ascertained from genealogies descendents from a common ancestor that shows a dominant autosomical pattern of inheritance. RESULTS: All cases analyzed were carriers to the E280A-PS1 mutation. This type of mutation produce beta-amyloid deposits of 42 aminoacids in the CNS. The mean of onset age was 48.4 years with an average of evolution time of 7.55 years and a mean of death age of 56.55. Although, all the cases showed symmetrical atrophy and them was more severe in the hippocampal region, a definitive anterior pattern (temporo-frontal) was showed. The higher the time of evolution of disease the lower the brain weight. CONCLUSIONS: All types of senile plaques and abundant neurofibrillary tanggles were found. In the stem, similar lesions were found but they were in lower number. Only the mesencephalic region showed a significative positive correlation between the number of senile plaques and the number of neurofibrillary tanggels (p < 0.05, r = 0.76). Only the parietal region showed a significant positive correlation between the number of senile plaques and the disease evolution time (p < 0.02, r = 0.74). Particularly, the cerebellum only showed senile plaques but neurofibrillary degeneration was not observed. With the exception of the Hirano bodies, all findings traditionally described were observed.

[Ultrasonic measurement of the cerebellum in the newborn infant as a prognostic index of gestational age. (A preliminary study)]. / Medición del cerebelo por ultrasonido en el neonato como índice predictivo de edad gestacional. (Estudio preliminar).

This paper studies if cerebellum measurement by ultrasound is a point of prognostic value for evaluation of gestational age. Ninety-nine neonates of different age of gestation, were studied. Ultrasonographic study of the cerebellum was done in all the cases during the first 24 hours of life. It is suggested that the cerebellum measurement may be one indicator more for the evaluation of gestational age, and therefore of value to identify the products with growth disturbances.