Germination of Crotalaria and Lupinus (Fabaceae) seeds submitted to different pre-germination treatments and their effect on enzymatic activity during early germination / Germinação de sementes de Crotalaria e Lupinus (Fabaceae) submetidas a diferentes tratamentos pré-germinativos e o efeito da atividade enzimática na fase inicial da germinação

Abstract Most of the wild and native legume seeds has a hard and impermeable testa, which causes physical dormancy and prevents them from germinating even when environmental conditions are favorable. The study evaluated the effect of scarification treatments on germination and enzymatic activity of Crotalaria longirostrata (Cl) and Lupinus exaltatus (Le) seeds. After scarification treatments, germination percentage (GP) and rate (GR) were assessed during 30 days after seeding (DAS); and water absorption (WA) and specific enzymatic activity (SEA) during early germination (0, 6, 18, 36, 72, 120 h) in a growing chamber at 25 °C and photoperiod of 12 h. Scarification with 98% H2SO4 15 min increased GP and GR in both species. At 30 DAS, GP and GR of Le seeds were 34% and 0.97 seeds day-1, respectively. In Cl seeds, GP was 64% and GR 0.90 seeds day-1. Scarification with H2O at 80 °C 1 min also promoted germination in Cl (52%). At 120 h after seeding, Le and Cl seeds showed already a high GP with acid scarification (31% and 48%, respectively). In seeds of both species, scarification treatments affected WA and SEA during early germination. During this period, scarification treatments that increased GP also showed a higher α-D-galactosidase activity. The maximum enzyme activity was observed 72 h after hot water scarification in Cl (82.6 U/mg total protein), followed by acid scarification (54.5 U/mg total protein). In Le, the activity peak was 36 h after acid scarification (9.5 U/mg total protein). No relationship was observed between β-glucosidase activity and GP in both species. In conclusion, during early germination of both species, the increase in GP is accompanied by a rise in α-D-galactosidase activity between 36 and 72 h after seeding; and in Cl seeds, an alternative scarification treatment to increase GP may be the use of hot water.

Resumo A maioria das sementes de leguminosas nativas e selvagens têm um tegumento rígido e impermeável, ​​o que causa dormência física e impede a germinação, mesmo se as condições ambientais forem favoráveis. O estudo avaliou o efeito de tratamentos de escarificação sobre a germinação e a atividade enzimática de sementes de Crotalaria longirostrata (Cl) e Lupinus exaltatus (Le). Após os tratamentos de escarificação, a percentagem (PG) e a velocidade de germinação (VG) foram avaliadas durante 30 dias após a semeadura (DAS); absorção de água (AA) e atividade enzimática específica (AEE) na fase inicial da germinação (0, 6, 18, 36, 72 e 120 h) em uma câmara de crescimento a 25 °C e fotoperíodo de 12 h. A escarificação com 98% de H2SO4, durante 15 min aumentou PG e VG nas duas espécies. Aos 30 DDS, PG e VG de sementes de Le foram de 34% e 0,97 sementes dia -1, respectivamente. Em sementes de Cl, PG foi de 64% e VG 0,90 sementes dias-1. A escarificação com H2O a 80 °C 1 min também promoveu a germinação em Cl (52%). A 120 h após a semeadura, as sementes de Cl e Le já tinha atingido uma alta PG com escarificação ácida (31% e 48%, respectivamente). Nas sementes das duas espécies, os tratamentos de escarificação afetaram a AEE e a AA nafase inicial da germinação. Durante este período, os tratamentos de escarificação que aumentaram PG, também mostraram a atividade mais elevada de α-D-galactosidase. A atividade enzimática máxima foi observada 72 h após o tratamento com água quente em Cl (82,6 U/mg de proteína total), seguido por escarificação ácida (54,5 U/mg de proteína total). Em Le, o pico de atividade foi de 36 h após a aplicação do tratamento ácido (9,5 U/mg de proteína total). Em contraste, não foi observado nenhuma relação entre a actividade β-glicosidase e PG. Em conclusão, durante a germinação precoce das duas espécies, o aumento da GP é acompanhado por um aumento da atividade da α-D-galactosidase entre 36 e 72 h após a semeadura; e em sementes de Cl, um tratamento de escarificação alternativo para aumentar GP pode ser o uso de água quente.

Germination of Crotalaria and Lupinus (Fabaceae) seeds submitted to different pre-germination treatments and their effect on enzymatic activity during early germination.

Most of the wild and native legume seeds has a hard and impermeable testa, which causes physical dormancy and prevents them from germinating even when environmental conditions are favorable. The study evaluated the effect of scarification treatments on germination and enzymatic activity of Crotalaria longirostrata (Cl) and Lupinus exaltatus (Le) seeds. After scarification treatments, germination percentage (GP) and rate (GR) were assessed during 30 days after seeding (DAS); and water absorption (WA) and specific enzymatic activity (SEA) during early germination (0, 6, 18, 36, 72, 120 h) in a growing chamber at 25 °C and photoperiod of 12 h. Scarification with 98% H2SO4 15 min increased GP and GR in both species. At 30 DAS, GP and GR of Le seeds were 34% and 0.97 seeds day-1, respectively. In Cl seeds, GP was 64% and GR 0.90 seeds day-1. Scarification with H2O at 80 °C 1 min also promoted germination in Cl (52%). At 120 h after seeding, Le and Cl seeds showed already a high GP with acid scarification (31% and 48%, respectively). In seeds of both species, scarification treatments affected WA and SEA during early germination. During this period, scarification treatments that increased GP also showed a higher α-D-galactosidase activity. The maximum enzyme activity was observed 72 h after hot water scarification in Cl (82.6 U/mg total protein), followed by acid scarification (54.5 U/mg total protein). In Le, the activity peak was 36 h after acid scarification (9.5 U/mg total protein). No relationship was observed between ß-glucosidase activity and GP in both species. In conclusion, during early germination of both species, the increase in GP is accompanied by a rise in α-D-galactosidase activity between 36 and 72 h after seeding; and in Cl seeds, an alternative scarification treatment to increase GP may be the use of hot water.

Fiebre amarilla: revisión concisa ante el actual escenario epidemiológico / Yellow fever: A concise review given the current epidemiological scenario

Resumen: La fiebre amarilla es una infección viral ictérico-hemorrágica trasmitida por mosquitos del género Haemagogus en su ciclo selvático y Aedes aegypti en el urbano. En México hubo brotes y epidemias en puertos del Golfo de México y del litoral del Pacífico desde la Colonia hasta mediados del siglo XX. El médico cubano Carlos J Finlay en 1881 expuso la posibilidad de trasmisión por medio de vectores, lo que se corroboró en 1890 y en México, en 1903, se iniciaron trabajos de erradicación de vectores logrando el control de la enfermedad con el último caso urbano en 1923 y selvático en 1959. Sin embargo, ante el resurgimiento en nuestro continente es importante la revisión de la enfermedad y estar alertas ante la posible aparición de casos importados o autóctonos en nuestro país.

Abstract: Mosquitoes transmit yellow fever, a viral infection characterised by haemorrhage and jaundice. Currently, it is endemic in African and South American countries whereas our country has been declared free of the disease since 1959 following the latest outbreaks and epidemics occurred in coastal cities from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific coast that were registered from the Colony until the middle of century XX. In 1881, Carlos J Finlay, who was a Cuban physician, exposed the hypothesis concerning the transmission of yellow fever by vectors; such theory was corroborated in 1890. In 1903, Mexico started working to eradicate the disease through control of mosquitoes. Finally, in 1923 Mexico achieved the control of the disease with the last urban case registered, whereas the last jungle case was recorded in 1959. However, due to the resurgence of the disease in our continent, it is important to provide the clinician with a comprehensive review of the disease and to raise awareness of the possible occurrence of imported or autochthonous cases in our territory.

Germination of Crotalaria and Lupinus (Fabaceae) seeds submitted to different pre-germination treatments and their effect on enzymatic activity during early germination

Abstract Most of the wild and native legume seeds has a hard and impermeable testa, which causes physical dormancy and prevents them from germinating even when environmental conditions are favorable. The study evaluated the effect of scarification treatments on germination and enzymatic activity of Crotalaria longirostrata (Cl) and Lupinus exaltatus (Le) seeds. After scarification treatments, germination percentage (GP) and rate (GR) were assessed during 30 days after seeding (DAS); and water absorption (WA) and specific enzymatic activity (SEA) during early germination (0, 6, 18, 36, 72, 120 h) in a growing chamber at 25 °C and photoperiod of 12 h. Scarification with 98% H2SO4 15 min increased GP and GR in both species. At 30 DAS, GP and GR of Le seeds were 34% and 0.97 seeds day-1, respectively. In Cl seeds, GP was 64% and GR 0.90 seeds day-1. Scarification with H2O at 80 °C 1 min also promoted germination in Cl (52%). At 120 h after seeding, Le and Cl seeds showed already a high GP with acid scarification (31% and 48%, respectively). In seeds of both species, scarification treatments affected WA and SEA during early germination. During this period, scarification treatments that increased GP also showed a higher -D-galactosidase activity. The maximum enzyme activity was observed 72 h after hot water scarification in Cl (82.6 U/mg total protein), followed by acid scarification (54.5 U/mg total protein). In Le, the activity peak was 36 h after acid scarification (9.5 U/mg total protein). No relationship was observed between -glucosidase activity and GP in both species. In conclusion, during early germination of both species, the increase in GP is accompanied by a rise in -D-galactosidase activity between 36 and 72 h after seeding; and in Cl seeds, an alternative scarification treatment to increase GP may be the use of hot water.

Resumo A maioria das sementes de leguminosas nativas e selvagens têm um tegumento rígido e impermeável, o que causa dormência física e impede a germinação, mesmo se as condições ambientais forem favoráveis. O estudo avaliou o efeito de tratamentos de escarificação sobre a germinação e a atividade enzimática de sementes de Crotalaria longirostrata (Cl) e Lupinus exaltatus (Le). Após os tratamentos de escarificação, a percentagem (PG) e a velocidade de germinação (VG) foram avaliadas durante 30 dias após a semeadura (DAS); absorção de água (AA) e atividade enzimática específica (AEE) na fase inicial da germinação (0, 6, 18, 36, 72 e 120 h) em uma câmara de crescimento a 25 °C e fotoperíodo de 12 h. A escarificação com 98% de H2SO4, durante 15 min aumentou PG e VG nas duas espécies. Aos 30 DDS, PG e VG de sementes de Le foram de 34% e 0,97 sementes dia -1, respectivamente. Em sementes de Cl, PG foi de 64% e VG 0,90 sementes dias-1. A escarificação com H2O a 80 °C 1 min também promoveu a germinação em Cl (52%). A 120 h após a semeadura, as sementes de Cl e Le já tinha atingido uma alta PG com escarificação ácida (31% e 48%, respectivamente). Nas sementes das duas espécies, os tratamentos de escarificação afetaram a AEE e a AA nafase inicial da germinação. Durante este período, os tratamentos de escarificação que aumentaram PG, também mostraram a atividade mais elevada de -D-galactosidase. A atividade enzimática máxima foi observada 72 h após o tratamento com água quente em Cl (82,6 U/mg de proteína total), seguido por escarificação ácida (54,5 U/mg de proteína total). Em Le, o pico de atividade foi de 36 h após a aplicação do tratamento ácido (9,5 U/mg de proteína total). Em contraste, não foi observado nenhuma relação entre a actividade -glicosidase e PG. Em conclusão, durante a germinação precoce das duas espécies, o aumento da GP é acompanhado por um aumento da atividade da -D-galactosidase entre 36 e 72 h após a semeadura; e em sementes de Cl, um tratamento de escarificação alternativo para aumentar GP pode ser o uso de água quente.

rs3918242 MMP9 gene polymorphism is associated with myocardial infarction in Mexican patients.

Several studies have demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a major role in atherosclerotic plaque disruption and lead to myocardial infarction (MI). We investigated the association between the MMP1 -1607 1G/2G (rs1799750), MMP3 -1612 5A/6A (rs3025058), and MMP9 -1562 C/T (rs3918242) polymorphisms and the risk of developing MI in a Mexican mestizo cohort. The genotype analysis was performed using the restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction technique in a group of 236 patients with a history of MI and 285 healthy controls. Similar distributions of rs1799750 and rs3025058 were observed in both groups; however, the MMP9 rs3918242 T allele and the CT genotype were associated with the risk of developing MI (OR = 2.32, pC = 0.02 and OR = 2.40, pC = 0.02, respectively). Multiple logistic analysis was performed between MI patients and controls to estimate the risk, and after adjusting for identified risk factors, the CT + TT genotypes of MMP9 rs3918242 were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of developing MI than those with the CC genotype (OR = 2.88, P < 0.01). In summary, our results reveal that the rs3918242 polymorphism of the MMP9 gene plays a major role in the risk of developing MI.

Percepción en paciente y familia de la seguridad de la atención hospitalaria de en un Hospital Universitario / Perception of patients and families on the safety ofhospital care at a university hospital

ResumenObjetivo general: Describir la percepción de paciente y familia sobre la seguridad de la atención sanitaria brindada en un Hospital Universitario colombiano de alta complejidad durante su proceso de hospitalización.MetodologíaEstudio cuantitativo con abordaje descriptivo-transversal y muestreo estratificado no aleatorizado, con una muestra de 276 participantes de los servicios de hospitalización y urgencias; la recolección de datos se hizo con el cuestionario "Percepción de seguridad de la atención en salud en el ámbito hospitalario".ResultadosLas dimensiones indagadas fueron: 1. Información recibida por los pacientes con 88.8% de acuerdo; 2. Calidad en la atención en salud recibida con 88.2% de acuerdo; 3. El 97.2% no identificaron Eventos Adversos; 4. El 99,64% no identificaron incidentes en la atención de salud; y 5. Sensación de seguridad percibida en el 88,77% como segura y en el 4,35% como ligeramente segura. Discusión y conclusionesSe encontró una alta percepción positiva de la seguridad en la atención de salud brindada y baja cantidad de eventos adversos e incidentes, el comportamiento de los resultados fue en general similar entre las 3 categorías de participantes (paciente y cuidador, paciente únicamente y cuidador familiar únicamente) y por servicios participantes. Lo anterior muestra la importancia de implementar y mantener estrategias institucionales que van desde policitas, programas, procedimientos y actividades específicas en los servicios para que el paciente y su familia se sientan seguros frente a su situación de salud y tratamiento

AbstractObjective: To describe the patients and families ́ perception on the safety of health care provided at a highly complex Colombian University Hospital during the hospitalization process.Methodology: It was used a quantitative study with descriptive-transversal approach and non-randomized stratified sampling, with a sample of 276 participants from the hospitalization and emergency services. The data collection was done with the questionnaire "Perception of safety of health care in the hospital setting".Results: The dimensions investigated were: 1. Information received by patients with 88.8% of agreement; 2. Quality in health care received with 88.2% of agreement; 3. 97.2% did not identify adverse events; 4. 99.64% did not identify incidents in health care; and 5. Feeling of safety perceived by 88.77% as safe and at 4.35% as slightly safe.Discussion and conclusions: It was found a high positive perception of safety in health care provided and low number of adverse events and incidents. The behavior of the results was generally similar among the 3 categories of participants (patient and caregiver, patient only and family caregiver only) and by participating services. This shows the importance of implementing and maintaining institutional strategies that go from policies, programs, procedures and specific activities in the services so that patients and their families feel safe in front of their health situation and treatment

Circulating Adipokine Levels in Non-diabetic Subjects with High Normal Blood Pressure.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of the adipokines, resistin and adiponectin in normotensive and high normal blood pressure patients. METHODS: Circulating levels of the adipokines, resistin and adiponectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; R'D Systems, Minneapolis) in 20 high normal blood pressure patients and in 20 age-matched normotensive non-diabetic subjects. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The control group showed non-significantly decreased levels of resistin when compared with patients with high normal blood pressure [systolic 130-139 mmHg; diastolic 85-89 mmHg] (12.25 vs 14.38 pg/mL, p = 0.40). There were significantly higher levels of adiponectin in the control group when compared with high normal blood pressure patients (11.3 vs 7.51 µg/mL, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: High normal blood pressure patients have increased levels of resistin and lower values of adiponectin when compared with age-matched non-diabetic normotensive subjects. This may explain why those patients showed more progression to hypertension, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk than normotensive subjects.

Immunization of sea bream (Sparus aurata) juveniles against Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida by short bath: Effect on some pro-inflammatory molecules and the Mx gene expression.

Cytokines are a family of proteins derived from macrophages, lymphocytes, granulocytes, mast cells and epithelial cells and can be divided into interferons (IFNs), Interleukins (ILs) and Tumor Necrosis factors (TNFs) among others. The presence of cytokines in a wide number of fish species has been proved and several molecules types have been already cloned and sequenced. In this work some proinflamatory molecules and Mx gene were detected in the liver of vaccinated sea bream juveniles with an average body weight of 5 g. The method of immunization was by short bath and three different bacterins against the marine pathogen Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida were designed and used to immunize fish. Five genes encoding for five different molecules were analyzed by real time PCR: IL-1ß, IL Ir-2, Cox-2, Mx and TNFα. Gene expression was quantified along four days after fish immunization and results were compared among groups. Results show that the heat-inactivated vaccine stimulates the up-regulation of IL-1ß, IL Ir-2, Cox-2 and TNFα genes whereas the UV-light inactivated vaccine was the unique vaccine which stimulates the expression of Mx gene. The present is a novel study that shows by the first time the effect of the inactivation process of vaccines on the expression levels of genes involved in the defense against Photobacterium damselae subsp piscicida.

Perfil lipídico en mujeres embarazadas sanas de tres regiones de Chile / Lipid profile in healthy pregnant women in three regions of Chile

Antecedentes: Los lípidos plasmáticos maternos durante el embarazo pueden influir en el crecimiento fetal, particularmente en pacientes con diabetes gestacional; estos lípidos cambian su concentración plasmática materna a lo largo de la gestación. Objetivo: Calcular tablas y curvas de lípidos normales según edad gestacional en una población de embarazadas chilenas. Método: Se midió el colesterol total (CT), colesterol LDL (LDL-C) triglicéridos (TG), Colesterol-HDL (HDL-C), y ácidos grasos no esterificados (NEFA), en 94 embarazadas sanas y jóvenes (<33 años, edad media de 27,6 +/- 6,2 años), con peso pregestacional normal (Índice de Masa Corporal entre 20 y 24,9 Kg/m2 y medio de 23,3 +/- 2,0 Kg/m2). Las pacientes provenían de: Hospital Parroquial de San Bernardo, Santiago (n=55), Hospital de Talca (n=2); Hospital del Profesor, Santiago (n=18); Hospital Regional de Concepción (n=9) y Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (n=10). Resultados: Calculamos, para cada uno de los cuatro lípidos, las curvas de percentil 50, percentil 90 y percentil 10, en mg/dL y mmol/l. Los NEFA solo fueron expresados en mmol/l. Incluimos las funciones matemáticas de las curvas de regresión polinomial de los cuatro lípidos con el fin que sean fácilmente reproducibles en otros tamaños. Conclusiones: Calculamos las tablas y curvas de lípidos maternos normales a lo largo del embarazo, que sean aplicables a la población de embarazadas chilenas.

Background: In normal human pregnancy, maternal lipids can modify the rate of fetal growth, particularly in pregnancies with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). These lipids change continuously their serum concentration in the mother along the pregnancy. Aim: To calculate tables and curves of normal serum lipids, according to gestational age, in healthy Chilean pregnant women. Methods: We measured total cholesterol (CT), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) in 94 young and healthy pregnant women (< 33 years, mean age 27.6 +/- 6.2 years), with normal pregestational Body Mass Index (BMI, 20.0-24.9 Kg/m2 , mean value= 23.3 +/- 2.0 Kg/m2). The women of the study were patients of 5 hospitals: Hospital Parroquial de San Bernardo, Santiago (n=55), Hospital de Talca (n=2); Hospital del Profesor, Santiago (n=18); Hospital Regional de Concepción (n=9) and Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (n=10). Results: For each one of the lipids, we calculated curves of 50th, 90th and 10th percentiles, both in mg/dL and mmol/L (the NEFA were expressed only in mmol/L). The mathematical functions of the curves of polynomial regression of all lipids were included in the manuscript, in order to facilitate their reproduction. Conclusions: We calculated tables and curves of normal maternal serum lipids in relation to gestational, in order to make these available for use in the care of Chilean pregnant women.

Interaction of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis with ovine cells in vitro.

Caseous lymphadenitis is an infectious and contagious disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, with a worldwide distribution and high prevalence in small ruminant populations. This disease causes significant economic loss in small ruminants through reduced meat, wool, and milk production. C. pseudotuberculosis can also affect horses, domestic and wild large ruminants, swine, and man. It is considered an occupational zoonosis for humans. As part of in vitro investigations of the pathogenesis of C. pseudotuberculosis, this study analyzed its capacity to adhere to and invade the FLK-BLV-044 cell line, derived from ovine embryonic kidney cells. C. pseudotuberculosis showed a measurable capacity to adhere to and invade this cell line with no significant differences between the four strains assessed. The incubation of the cell line at 4ºC, pre-incubation with sugars, complete and heat inactivated antiserum, and heat-killed and ultraviolet-killed bacteria produced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the invasion efficiency or inability to invade the cell line. Plate counting and fluorescence studies showed intracellular bacteria for up to 6 days. Non-phagocytic cells may therefore act as a suitable environment for C. pseudotuberculosis survival and play a role in the spread of infection and/or maintenance of a carrier state.

The in vitro effect of probiotic Vagococcus fluvialis on the innate immune parameters of Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax.

In this study we evaluated the effect of the probiotic Vagococcus fluvialis on the cellular immune unspecific system of two different fish species of great interest in aquaculture such as gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Leucocytes from head kidney of the two fish species were extracted and concentration adjusted to 10(7) cells ml(-1). Phagocytic and respiratory burst activity and the peroxidase content of leucocytes were observed 30 min after incubation with the probiotic Vagococcus fluvialis alive or inactivated with heat shock or UV-light at different concentrations of 10(7), 10(8), 10(9) cfu ml(-1) (final concentration 10(6), 10(7), 10(8) cfu ml(-1)). V. fluvialis produced dose-dependent increments in respiratory burst in sea bream leucocytes. The respiratory burst activity of sea bream head kidney leucocytes incubated with 10(6) cfu ml(-1) of live and inactivated bacteria was not stimulated. The highest values of peroxidase content were observed in sea bass cells with stimulation indexes higher than 1 in HK leucocytes incubated with 10(8) cfu ml(-1) of live and inactivated bacteria. Statistical analysis revealed that differences being only significant in sea bass leucocytes where 10(8) cfu ml(-1) bacteria denote statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) respect to other concentrations. Highest values of phagocytic activity were obtained in sea bass macrophages incubated with UV-light inactivated bacteria (27.33% ± 1.45), where significantly differences with sea bass HK leucocytes were detected. Our results suggest that the in vitro assays are a useful tool to optimize the effective dose of probiotic bacteria. Although in vivo studies are necessary to confirm the immunomodulatory effect of this strain.

In vitro study of adherence, invasion, and persistence of Streptococcus iniae in fibroblastic-like fish cell line SAF-1.

Streptococcus iniae is a major fish pathogen producing invasive infections that result in economic losses in aquaculture. Gentamicin protection assays were used to investigate the ability of different S. iniae strains to invade and adhere to fibroblastic-like fish cell line SAF-1. All strains tested were detected intracellularly using both techniques, with variable internalization degrees between strains. The experiments carried out at 4°C demonstrated that active cell metabolism is necessary for bacterial internalization. Intracellular bacteria were detected for up to 3 d with a round morphology and were stained with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), indicating that some bacterial cells may remain viable inside SAF-1 cells. Our in vitro findings indicate that S. iniae is capable of adhering, entering, and surviving within fibroblastic cells, which may be important for the persistence and establishment of a carrier state.

Expression and regulation of chemerin during rat pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Chemerin is an adipocytokine that is expressed in different fat deposits and has been shown to play an important role in adaptive and innate immunity due to its activity as a chemoattractant. Chemerin acts as a ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1). Chemerin has been shown to regulate the development and metabolic function of adipocytes, liver and muscle tissue. OBJECTIVE: There is evidence indicating that several adipocytokines play an important role in placenta. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of chemerin in rat and human placentas throughout gestation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Chemerin was examined in rat and human placentas using immunohistochemistry. The chemerin expression pattern in the placenta and adipose tissue of female Sprague Dawley rats on days 12, 16, 19 and 21 of gestation (each of these days represents a group of 12 rats) was determined using TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time PCR. Rat chemerin serum levels were analyzed with ELISA on days 8, 12, 16, 19 and 21 and compared to virgin controls. RESULTS: Chemerin expression was detected in the cytoplasm of rat placental trophoblastic cells and third trimester human placental cytotrophoblast and Hofbauer's cells. The serum chemerin levels of rats decreased significantly as gestation progressed. Furthermore, placental chemerin mRNA levels rose significantly at day 16 of gestation and decreased significantly towards the end of the gestation period. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this data suggests that chemerin may be an important regulator of maternal-fetal metabolism and metabolic homeostasis during pregnancy.

Conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (Bowen disease) treated with orthovoltage.

PURPOSE: To report an exceptionally large conjunctival-corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CCIN) (Bowen disease), for which the size of the tumor made classical treatment difficult, and to highlight the role of orthovoltage as an alternative treatment mode with good results. METHODS: Observational case report of a healthy 61-year-old man with CCIN. Given its extension, alternative treatment was performed with orthovoltage, thus avoiding surgery, with adjuvant cryotherapy and mitomycin C, and potential complications. After administering topical anesthetic, a therapeutic contact lens was placed on the cornea; then, the eyelids were held open with a blepharostat. A 1-mm lead plate with a window was placed over the blepharostat. The shape of the window reproduced the shape of the tumor to protect the rest of the eye structures from radiation. Orthovoltage was administered with direct field radiation that was focused on the tumor through the window. The patient received 500 cGy in 2 sessions/week for 2 weeks (2000 cGy) and then 7 sessions 300 cGy daily (2100 cGy). RESULTS: Evolution was good without side effects. After one-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, without alterations of ocular surface or deep structures. CONCLUSIONS: Safely administered orthovoltage may be a good therapeutic option for the treatment of CCIN when complete surgical resection is complicated by the extension of the tumor. Compared with topical treatment, radiation is easier to administer, shortens and simplifies the treatment, and is independent of patient compliance.

Ventajas del uso de los infusores elastoméricos / No disponible

Introducción: en pacientes en que la vía oral no es posible, los infusotes elastoméricos (lE) presentan ventajas como la posibilidad de administrar por vía subcutánea, en forma continua y constante, varias drogas de forma simultánea. Las publicaciones del uso de lE a nivel latinoamericano son muy limitadas y ningún estudio ha evaluado costes. Objetivo: analizar uso, efectividad, coste, complicaciones y ventajas de los lE en pacientes tratados en una Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos (UCP) en Uruguay. Material y métodos: evaluamos retrospectivamente todos los pacientes adultos que requirieron uso de lE, asistidos en la UCP del Servicio de Oncología del Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas (Uruguay) entre 1/11/07 y 1/4/09. Se evaluaron las principales características de estos pacientes, del tratamiento, eficacia y complicaciones. Se estimó el coste de determinado tratamiento en un paciente internado sin fE comparándolo con el de un paciente ambulatorio con infusor. Resultados: se incluyeron 34 pacientes (edad mediana 67, 94% oncológicos). Se emplearon 2,2 infusores/paciente, en 64,7% en forma ambulatoria. En 91 % se interrumpió el uso del lE por fallecimiento del paciente. En 91% se emplearon >= 3 drogas simultáneas. El control de síntomas se logró en el 100% y no observamos complicaciones. El coste teórico semanal de un tratamiento en un paciente ambulatorio con lE fue de 45,17 versus 430,64 dólares (EE. UU.) en un paciente internado sin ¡nfusor. Conclusiones: en cuidados paliativos los lE permiten la administración simultánea y continua de varias drogas, siendo altamente eficaces, con baja tasa de complicaciones, práctico uso, facilitan la autonomía del paciente y la posibilidad de manejo ambulatorio, y se asocian a un significativo menor coste que un mismo tratamiento realizado sin infusor en internación (AU)

Introduction: in patients who cannot maintain the oral route elastomeric infusion pumps (EIPs) have several advantages due to the possibility of administering several agents simultaneously and constantly. Published Latin American experience with these EIPs is limited and no study has performed a cost analysis. Objective: To analyze the use, efficacy, cost complications and advantages of EIPs in a palliative care unit in Uruguay. Materials and methods: we retrospectively evaluated all adult patients that required use of EIP at Palliative Care Unit, Oncology Department, "Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas" (Uruguay) between 1/11/07 and 1/4/09. Main patient characteristics, treatment, efficacy and EIP-related complications were evaluated. A cost estimation of a theoretical treatment in an inpatient without EIP was compared to that same treatment in an outpatient with EIP. Results: thirty-four patients were included (median age: 67 years, 94% cancer patients). We used 2.2 EIP/patient, in 64.7% of cases as outpatients. In 91% of cases treatment was interrupted due to patient death. In 91%,3 or more drugs were simultaneously used. Symptom control was achieved in 100% and no EIP-related complications were present. The weekly cost of a theoretical treatment in an outpatient with EIP was U$S 45.17 versus U$S 430.64 in an inpatient without ElP. Conclusions: in a palliative care setting EIPs allow the simultaneous and continuous administration of one or more agents. They are associated with high efficacy, low rate of complications, ease of use, and potential for maintaining patient autonomy in the outpatient setting, and cost is significantly lower than an inpatient treatment without EIP (AU)

Apo(a) phenotyping and long-term prognosis for coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Identify whether the plasma concentration of Lp(a), apo(a) size or a greater affinity for fibrin predict the likelihood of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, the need for additional revascularization, and stroke (MACCE). DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the clinical prognosis of 68 patients with coronary artery disease included in a case-controlled study which evaluated Lp(a) concentration, apo(a) size, and Lp(a) fibrin-binding. Cohort was conducted over a median of 8 years. We used Kaplan-Meier survival tables to evaluate cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the follow-up period. RESULTS: Apo(a) isoforms of small size are predictors of MACCE. We find an association between Lp(a) concentration and apo(a) fibrin-binding with major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, although without statistically significant results. CONCLUSIONS: Small-sized apo(a) isoforms are an independent risk factor for MACCE in patients with coronary artery disease in follow-up. Lp(a) plasma concentration and apo(a) fibrin-binding were associated, although not significant.

Presence of C. albidus, C. laurentii and C. uniguttulatus in crop and droppings of pigeon lofts (Columba livia).

Columba livia is an important reservoir and carrier of Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus uniguttulatus, Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus. Upper digestive tract of this species is also known as a habitat for Cryptococcus neoformans. Given the increasing clinical interest of this microorganism, 331 swabs from crop and 174 dropping samples from pigeon lofts in Grand Canary Island have been studied. The obtained results show an extensive presence samples 81 positive (24.47%) of Cryptococcus spp. in analysed crops: 32 (9.66%) for C. neoformans, 24 (7.2%) for C. uniguttulatus, 23 (6.9%) for C. albidus and 2 (0.6%) for C. laurentii. In the same way, Cryptococcus spp was also isolated in 82 (47.13%), dropping samples: C. neoformans in 59 (33.9%), C. uniguttulatus, in 9 (5.17%), C. laurentii in 8 (4.59%) and C. albidus in 6 (3.44%) of the investigated samples, respectively. The cryptococcosis produced by species of cryptococci other than C. neoformans has become more important during the last decade, supporting the study on the role of pigeon in the epidemiology of this disease.

Evaluación genotóxica del D-004, extracto del fruto de Roystonea regia, mediante el ensayo de la morfología de la cabeza del espermatozoide en ratas Sprague Dawley / Genotoxic evaluation of D-004 in the Sprague Dawley rats sperm morphology assay

El tratamiento oral con D-004, extracto lipídico del fruto de la palma real (Roystonea regia), ha mostrado prevenir la hiperplasia prostática (HP) inducida por testosterona y por fenilefrina en ratas, efectos relacionados con su capacidad de inhibir la actividad de la 5 -reductasa prostática y de antagonizar los adreno-receptores 1.Este estudio, como parte de los estudios de genotoxicidad del D-004,tuvo como objetivo determinar si el mismo aumenta la frecuencia de aparición de formas anómalas de la cabeza del espermatozoide en ratas. Para ello se utilizaron ratas Sprague Dawley machos incluidas en un estudio de toxicidad crónica, distribuidas aleatoriamente en 5grupos (8 ratas/grupo): 1 control negativo tratado con el vehículo, 3grupos tratados con D-004 (800, 1500 y 2000 mg/kg, respectivamente), y 1 control positivo (Ciclofosfamida, 50mg/kg).Los tratamientos (vehículo o D-004) se administraron por vía oral durante 12 meses, la Ciclofosfamida se administró por vía intraperitoneal 5 días consecutivos. No ocurrieron muertes ni se detectaron signos de toxicidad. Las concentraciones de espermatozoides, y las frecuencias de espermatozoides normales en los grupos tratados con D-004 fueron similares a los del control negativo, mientras que el grupo control positivo mostró menor concentración de espermatozoides y mayor frecuencia de espermatozoides anómalos que los controles negativos. En conclusión, el D-004 administrado durante varios períodos de espermatogénesis no presenta potencial genotóxico sobre las células germinales masculinas de ratas (AU)

Oral treatment with D-004, a lipid extract from the royal palm(Roystonea regia) fruits, has been shown to prevent prostate hyperplasia (PH) induced by testosterone and phenylephrine in rats through the D-004-mediated inhibition of prostate 5 –reductase activity and antagonism of -1 adrenoceptors. This study, as part of the studies of the genotoxic potential of D-004, was aimed to determine whether D-004 increases the frequency of abnormal forms of rat sperm-head morphology. For that, male Sprague Dawley rats included in a chronic toxicity study were used, which were randomly distributed into 5 groups (8 rats/group): 1 negative control treatedwith the vehicle, 3 D-004-treated groups (800, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg, respectively), and 1 positive control (Ciclophosphamide, 50mg/kg).Treatments (vehicle or D-004) were orally administered for 12months, while Ciclophosphamide was given by intraperitoneal route five days consecutive. There were no deaths and no toxicity signs were observed. Spermatozoid concentrations and the frequencies of normal spermatozoids in D-004 treated groups were similar to those of the negative controls, while the positive control had decreased spermatozoid concentrations and increased frequency of abnormals permatozoids compared with the negative controls. In conclusion,D-004 orally administered during several periods of spermatogenesis in rats did not show genotoxic potential on the male germinal cells (AU)

[Latin-American Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Registry: data on the treatment of end-stage renal disease in Latin America]. / Registro latino-americano di dialisi e trapianto: dati relativi al trattamento dell'insufficienza renale cronica terminale nell'America Latina.

Latin America, a region composed of a series of neighboring countries that share their history, Latin ancestry and language (Spanish or Portuguese), includes Mexico, Central America, the Spanish Caribbean islands, and South America. The Latin-American Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation Registry, which has been operative since 1991, collects data from 20 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Uruguay), where 97% of Latin Americans live. The prevalence of renal replacement therapy (RRT) has increased from 119 patients per million (pmp) in 1991 to 478.2 in 2005 (147,158 patients [57%] on chronic hemodialysis, 58,251 [23%] on peritoneal dialysis and 52,565 [20%] living with a functioning kidney graft). The incidence rate also increased from 27.8 pmp in 1992 to 167 in 2005. The increment in prevalence and incidence occurred in all Latin- American countries. The transplantation rate increased from 3,7 pmp in 1987 to 15 pmp in 2005 (7,968 kidney transplants performed this year, the cumulative number being 98,415). Access to RRT was available for every patient diagnosed with end-stage renal disease only in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Uruguay. In Latin America, the incidence and prevalence of RRT increased year by year. Only in some countries is access to RRT available to 100% of diagnosed patients. Detection and prevention programs for chronic kidney disease are needed in the region. Meanwhile, access to RRT has to be improved for everybody who needs it.

[Is it necessary to perform a lumbar puncture in the evaluation of the febrile newborn infant without source?]. / Es necesaria la punción lumbar en la evaluación del recién nacido febril sin signos de focalización?

UNLABELLED: Lumbar puncture to detect bacterial meningitis is a recommended screening procedure to be performed in febrile newborn infants at admission to hospital. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of this procedure performed at admission and eventually, in a second look if clinically justified. PATIENTS AND METHOD: There were studied 1,841 febrile newborns consulting at the Emergency Department from January 1992 to December 2000 without source. All of them underwent a sepsis workup. The rate of meningitis incidence was calculated, and we analyzed the frequency of meningitis diagnosed in the initial evaluation and reappraisal. RESULTS: There were 206 febrile patients with diagnosis of meningitis for an incidence of 11.2%, which 20 were bacterial (1.1%) and 186 aseptic meningitis (10.1%). In the initial evaluation 155 patients were diagnosed with meningitis (155/ 1.774 = 8.7%) and in reappraisal (mean 39,5 +/- 25,2 hours after) there were diagnosed another 51 cases (51/ 135 = 37.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The meningitis was a common diagnosis in febrile newborns without source, with prevalence of aseptic meningitis. In almost 25% of cases we reached to this diagnosis by means of performing lumbar puncture after a reappraisal.