Evaluación y detección bioinformática de terpenoides con potencial inhibitorio de la proteína viral 1 (VP1) del virus de la bursitis infecciosa / Evaluation and bioinformatic detection of terpenoids with inhibitory potential of viral protein 1 (VP1) of infectious bursitis virus

El virus de la bursitis infecciosa (IBDV) es el agente causal de la enfermedad de la bursa, la cual afecta principalmente a poblaciones avícolas jóvenes y genera un impacto económico negativo en la producción. La proteína viral (VP1) es una enzima con funciones clave para la replicación del genoma viral, por lo que puede ser considerada blanco para la búsqueda de compuestos con posibles actividades inhibitorias. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar terpenoides con potencial inhibitorio de la proteína VP1 del IBDV mediante herramientas de aproximaciones bioinformáticas. Se seleccionó un total de 52 terpenoides, cuyas propiedades farmacológicas, farmacocinéticas y tóxicas (ADME-Tox) se evaluaron. Las moléculas sin actividades tóxicas y con aptitudes farmacocinéticas fueron sometidas a pruebas exhaustivas de acoplamiento molecular con el sitio catalítico de la VP1 mediante el uso del algoritmo genético y de Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno junto con el método de optimización local de gradientes. Los datos obtenidos revelaron que la Giberelina A1 presenta valores de energía libre de unión significativamente (p< 0,05) favorables (ΔG=-7,28±0,06 kcal/mol; Kdcalc= 8,62±0,99 µM) en comparación con los sustratos rCTP y rGTP. El complejo Giberelina A1-VP1 presenta puentes de hidrógeno con los residuos Arg335 y Asp402, los cuales cumplen roles importantes en la actividad catalítica en la replicación viral. Estos hallazgos sugieren que el terpenoide Giberelina A1 puede ser considerado como compuesto candidato para estudios in vitro de inhibición de funciones de la VP1 e in vivode actividades antivirales contra el virus de la bursitis infecciosa.

Infectious bursitis virus (IBDV) is the infectious agent of bursal disease, which mainly affects young poultry populations, generating a negative economic impact on productions. The viral protein 1 (VP1) is an enzyme with important functions for the replication of the viral genome, so it could be considered as a target for searching compounds with possible inhibitory activities. The aim of this research was to evaluate terpenoids with inhibitory potential of the VP1 protein of IBDV using computational approximations tools. A total of 52 terpenoids were selected and evaluated for their pharmacological, pharmacokinetic and toxic properties (ADME-Tox). Molecules without toxic activities and with pharmacokinetic competences were subjected to extensive molecular docking tests with the catalytic site of VP1 using the genetic and Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno algorithms with a local gradient optimization method. Data obtained revealed that Gibberellin A1 exhibits significantly (P < 0.05) favorable binding free energy values (ΔG=-7.28±0.06 kcal/mol; Kdcalc= 8.62±0.99 µM) compared to rCTP and rGTP subs-trates. The Gibberellin A1-VP1 complex exhibits hydrogen bonds with residues Arg335 and Asp402, which play important roles in catalytic activity in viral replication. These findings suggest that the terpenoid Gibberellin A1 could be considered as a candidate compound for in vitro studies of inhibition of VP1 functions and in vivo antiviral activities against infectious bursitis virus.

Sarcoidosis y esplenomegalia masiva: un dilema diagnóstico / Sarcoidosis and massive splenomegaly: a diagnostic dilemma

No disponible

Histoplasmosis diseminada. A propósito de un caso / Disseminated Histoplasmosis. About a case

RESUMEN La histoplasmosis es una micosis profunda causada por el hongo dimorfo Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum). Ingresa al organismo principalmente por la vía inhalatoria en forma de microconidias, las cuales se transforman en elementos levaduriformes intracelulares, y luego se diseminan por vía hemática. La primoinfección en pacientes inmunocompetentes suele ser asintomática y de resolución espontánea, pero los pacientes inmunodeprimidos generalmente pueden presentar una enfermedad diseminada con compromiso mucocutáneo con pápulas, nódulos, gomas, úlceras de fondo granulomatoso serosanguinolento y costras. Se presenta un caso clínico de un paciente diabético inmunodeprimido con infección por H. capsulatum, en el cual se realiza diagnóstico a partir de las lesiones cutáneas.

SUMMARY Histoplasmosis is a deep mycosis caused by the dimorfo fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum). Which enters the body mainly through the inhalation route in the form of microconidia which are transformed into intracellular levaduriform elements, and then disseminated by blood. The primary infection in immunocompetent patients is usually asymptomatic and spontaneously resolved, but immunocompromised patients can usually present with a disseminated disease with mucocutaneous involvement, with papules, nodules, gums, granulomatous serosanguinolent fundus ulcers and scabs. A clinical case of an immunocompromised diabetic patient with H. capsulatum infection is presented, in which diagnosis is made from the skin lesions.

Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y VIH. Cambio de paradigma: una mirada hacia el futuro / Chronic obstructive lung diseases and HIV. Paradigm shift: a look into the future

El tratamiento antirretroviral de gran eficacia (TARGA) ha traído consigo un cambio de paradigma respecto a la supervivencia y morbimortalidad del paciente infectado por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Las infecciones oportunistas asociadas a la inmunosupresión son cada vez menos frecuentes; esto está dando paso a la aparición de patologías crónicas asociadas, tanto a los hábitos tóxicos clásicos (tabaquismo) como a la propia infección como factor de riesgo independiente. La relación entre el VIH y la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es ampliamente conocida; sin embargo, la asociación fisiopatológica entre ambas entidades aún no está adecuadamente esclarecida. El objetivo de este artículo es hacer una revisión sistemática de la literatura, en busca de los aspectos más relevantes de la EPOC en el paciente VIH; el objetivo final es plantear recomendaciones para conseguir una detección precoz de la patología respiratoria crónica y mejorar la calidad de vida de este tipo de pacientes

The highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has brought a paradigm shift regarding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient survival and morbimortality. Opportunistic infections linked to immunosuppression are less frequent nowadays, thus giving rise to chronic pathologies that can be related both to classic toxic habits (smoking) and the viral infection as an independent risk factor. The connection between HIV and chronic obstructive lung diseases (COPD) is well known, but nonetheless the physiopathology relation between the two of them has not been fully clarified as of today. The present paper aims to perform a systematic review of previous literature with regard to those COPD key features present on HIV patients. The ultimate goal is to put forward recommendations as to COPD early diagnosis while improving the quality of life for this group of patients

Ultrasound versus anatomical landmarks: Immediate complications in the central venous catheterization in children under 18 years of age. / Ultrasonido frente a referencias anatómicas: complicaciones inmediatas en la canalización de vía venosa central en menores de 18 años.

INTRODUCTION: The insertion of a central venous line in children and adolescents is technically more difficult, due to the smaller size of the structures. This can lead to an increase in immediate complications, which can be reduced when using ultrasound. In our institution, the percentage of these complications and the use of ultrasound are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of immediate complications of central venous catheterisation guided by the ultrasound in a general university hospital, compared to the anatomical landmarks technique in children less than 18years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, retrospective, and analytical study, comparing the frequency of complications with two central venous catheterisation techniques: anatomical landmarks and ultrasound, according to the clinical records of procedures performed from June to November 2016. RESULTS: A total of 201 procedural records were analysed, of which 71% were with landmarks, and 29% with ultrasound. The overall incidence of immediate complications was 18.4%, with 12% using ultrasound and 21% using landmarks (OR: 0.5; 95%CI: 0.2-1.2). Children under 5years of age presented with 90% of the complications, the most frequent being the impossibility of passing the guide (29.7%) and multiple punctures (24.3%). There was no arterial puncture with use of ultrasound. Ultrasound was used by 13.4% of paediatric surgeons, by 32.4% of paediatricians, and 46.4% of anaesthetists, with complications of 25%, 19%, and 7%, respectively. The main indication for catheterisation was the need for vasoactive agents (74%), with the procedure being more complicated in patients with no peripheral venous accesses (46%). The success rate with anatomical landmarks was 77.6%, compared to 91.4% with ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Central venous catheterisation with ultrasound guidance in children under 18 reduces immediate complications by 42.8% and improves the success rate by 13.8%.

El abdomen agudo en el embarazo aumenta el riesgo de complicaciones obstétricas sin influir en el pronóstico materno-fetal / Acute abdomen in pregnancy increases the risk of obstetric complications without influencing maternal-foetal outcomes

A pesar de su baja incidencia, el abdomen agudo no obstétrico en el embarazo posee una gran relevancia en la práctica médica, pues sus consecuencias son graves sin un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar sus características en nuestra población, así como su impacto en el pronóstico materno-fetal. Se analizaron expedientes de pacientes embarazadas entre enero de 2009 y septiembre de 2013 en un hospital de segundo nivel en Nuevo León (México): se encontraron 113 casos con criterios de inclusión, tras lo cual se seleccionaron 113 expedientes de embarazos sanos de acuerdo con las características demográficas como grupo control. Se encontró una incidencia de abdomen agudo no obstétrico del 0,3%; en el segundo trimestre fue más común su presentación (49,6%). Las principales etiologías fueron apendicitis aguda (39,8%), enfermedad biliar complicada (28,3%) y enfermedad biliar no complicada (25,7%). Recibieron manejo médico el 51,3% de los casos, mientras que el 48,7% requirió intervención quirúrgica. Se observó un mayor riesgo de padecer alguna complicación obstétrica con una razón de momios de 1,9 (IC: 1,04-3,8; p < 0,3) en comparación con el grupo control. Sin embargo, no se observó diferencia significativa en el pronóstico materno-fetal. Los resultados obtenidos pueden explicarse, en parte, por una oportuna y adecuada respuesta del equipo médico y personal del centro hospitalario. Por otro lado, si en estudios de tamaño muestral mayor se documentara un impacto negativo en el desenlace del embarazo, pudiera justificarse la divulgación o implementación de guías diagnósticas y terapéuticas dirigidas a esta dolencia

Nonobstetric acute abdomen accounts for only a small percentage of non-obstetric surgeries carried out during pregnancy. However, its consequences for both mother and child can be severe without proper diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of non-obstetric acute abdomen in our population, and its effects on pregnancy outcomes. The medical records of pregnant women attending a secondary care hospital in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, between January 2009 and September 2013 were analyzed. A total of 113 files matched the inclusion criteria. The clinical files of 113 healthy pregnant women were matched as a control group. A total incidence of 0.3% was calculated, with the highest incidence of non-obstetric acute abdomen in the second trimester (29.6%). The most common aetiologies were acute appendicitis (39.8%), complicated biliary disease (28.3%) and non-complicated biliary disease (25.7%). Medical treatment was given to 51.3% of the patients, with the remaining 48.7% requiring surgical intervention. The risk of developing obstetric adverse events was greater in the acute abdomen group than in the control group, with a 1.9 odds ratio. (CI: 1.04-3.8; p < 0.3). However, no significant difference was found in pregnancy outcomes. This result can be explained in part by an effective response from the medical team and hospital personnel. Nevertheless, if future studies with a larger sample population observe a negative impact on pregnancy outcomes, the implementation of highly effective diagnostic and therapeutic measures for non-obstetric acute abdomen during pregnancy could be warranted

Estimating Waiting Time for Deceased Donor Renal Transplantion in the Era of New Kidney Allocation System.

BACKGROUND: On December 4, 2014, a new deceased donor kidney allocation system (KAS) was implemented. The KAS was designed to improve organ equity and graft-recipient longevity matching. However, estimated wait-time to deceased donor transplantation is difficult to predict post-KAS. METHODS: Using the Kidney-Pancreas Simulated Allocation Model software (KPSAM), a program that the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network uses to assess policy proposals, we compared the kidney allocations of both the new (post-KAS) and old policies (pre-KAS) (10 iterations for each group; total N = 204,148) and estimated wait-time based on blood type, duration of dialysis exposure, and calculated panel-reactive antibody (CPRA). RESULTS: The simulations revealed that estimated median (25(th) and 75(th) percentile) waiting time in transplanted recipients decreased from 2.3 (1.2, 3.8) years in the old allocation to 1.8 (0.8, 3.4) years in the new allocation system. The rate of transplantations performed within the first year of wait-listing increased from 20.7% to 31.3%. The KPSAM resulted in more transplantations in recipients with more than 5 years of dialysis exposure (26.5% to 37.4%), longevity matching (12.2% to 17.5%), blood group B (12.6% to 17.2%), and high CPRA ≥98% (1.9% to 4.3%) in post-KAS compared with pre-KAS simulations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the KPSAM results, it was projected that post-KAS wait-time in transplanted recipients might decrease approximately 6 months (22%) across all CPRA categories. It might be related to the KAS awarding waiting time points for prelisting dialysis time and priority points awarded based on CPRA (bolus effect).

Anomalía de Ebstein de la válvula tricúspide. A propósito de un caso / Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve. Report of a case

Introducción. La anomalía de Ebstein constituye menos del 1% de todas las cardiopatías congénitas. Consiste en el desplazamiento inferior de la válvula tricúspide anómala hacia el ventrículo derecho. Reporte: Paciente varón de 8 años de edad, procedente de Trujillo, con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Ebstein al mes de edad, que ingresa por emergencia presentando cianosis y dolor torácico. Interpretación: En la anomalía de Ebstein la gravedad de los síntomas y el grado de cianosis dependen del grado de desplazamiento de la válvula tricúspide. Los síntomas pueden ser leves o no aparecer hasta la adolescencia o la edad adulta.

Calcinosis tumoral asociada a enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo / Tumoral calcinosis associated with mixed connective tissue disease

No disponible

Comparison of longer-term outcomes after kidney transplantation between Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites in the United States.

Little is known about the longer-term kidney transplant outcomes in the rapidly growing Hispanic population. Using the United States Renal Data System, we identified 105 250 Caucasian patients who received a first kidney transplant between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2010. We tested for differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients in the outcomes of (1) mortality, (2) all-cause graft failure, and (3) graft failure excluding death with a functioning graft. We used Cox regression to estimate (with 95% confidence intervals) multivariable-adjusted cause-specific hazard ratios (aHRCS ) for mortality and all-cause graft failure and subdistribution hazard ratios (aHRSD ) accounting for death as a competing risk for graft failure excluding death with a functioning graft. Both mortality [aHRCS = 0.69 (0.65-0.73)] and all-cause graft failure [aHRCS = 0.79 (0.75-0.83)] were lower in Hispanics. The association between Hispanic ethnicity and graft failure excluding death was modified by age (p < 0.003). Compared with non-Hispanic whites, graft failure excluding death with a functioning graft did not differ in Hispanics aged 18-39 years [aHRSD = 0.96 (0.89-1.05)] or aged 40-59 years [aHRSD = 1.08 (1.00-1.16)], but was 13% lower in those aged ≥60 years [aHRSD = 0.87 (0.78-0.98)]. In conclusion, once accounting for differences in overall survival, better graft survival was found in older Hispanic patients, but among not those aged <60 years.

Historia natural del carcinoma ductal invasivo frente a carcinoma lobulillar invasivo. Nuestra experiencia / Natural history of invasive ductal carcinoma versus invasive lobular carcinoma. Our experience

Introducción: La subclasificación histológica del cáncer de mama infiltrante, ya sea ductal (CDI) o lobulillar (CLI) se correlaciona aparentemente con una biología tumoral distinta. Los datos de nuestro análisis m ostraron que los carcinomas lobulillares invasivos son generalmente de tipo luminales, tienen mayor tamaño al momento del diagnóstico clínico y un superior índice de cirugías radicales. Siendo superior la tasa de recurrencia local. Tanto la supervivencia global como la libre de enfermedad no tuvieron diferencia significativa en ambos grupos. Conclusión: La clasificación histológica del cáncer invasivo de mama, ya sea ductal o lobulillar, no se correlaciona con la supervivencia de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, en nuestro trabajo encontramos diferencias en la recidiva local, no así a distancia, lo que podría deberse a un comportamiento biológico diferente.

Historia natural del carcinoma ductal invasivo frente a carcinoma lobulillar invasivo. Nuestra experiencia / Natural history of invasive ductal carcinoma versus invasive lobular carcinoma. Our experience

Introducción: La subclasificación histológica del cáncer de mama infiltrante, ya sea ductal (CDI) o lobulillar (CLI) se correlaciona aparentemente con una biología tumoral distinta. Los datos de nuestro análisis m ostraron que los carcinomas lobulillares invasivos son generalmente de tipo luminales, tienen mayor tamaño al momento del diagnóstico clínico y un superior índice de cirugías radicales. Siendo superior la tasa de recurrencia local. Tanto la supervivencia global como la libre de enfermedad no tuvieron diferencia significativa en ambos grupos. Conclusión: La clasificación histológica del cáncer invasivo de mama, ya sea ductal o lobulillar, no se correlaciona con la supervivencia de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, en nuestro trabajo encontramos diferencias en la recidiva local, no así a distancia, lo que podría deberse a un comportamiento biológico diferente.(AU)

Burnout en deportistas: Prevalencia del síndrome a través de dos medidas / Burnout in athletes: Prevalence of the syndrome through two measures / Burnout em atletas: Prevalência da síndrome através de duas medidas

En este trabajo se ha estudiado la prevalencia del síndrome de burnout en una muestra de 442 deportistas y la relación entre padecer el síndrome, o algunas de sus dimensiones, y algunas variables significativas en el ámbito del deporte (género de los deportistas, edad, nivel competitivo y volumen de entrenamiento). Se aplicaron dos instrumentos de medida del burnout en deportistas, el Inventario de Burnout en Deportistas-Revisado (IBD-R) y el Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). Para el análisis de datos (estadísticos descriptivos, distribución de frecuencias, pruebas t y análisis de varianza) se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS. Se han obtenido porcentajes similares sobre la prevalencia del síndrome con ambos cuestionarios. Cerca de un 4% padece el síndrome, existiendo ciertas diferencias en relación al género, nivel deportivo y volumen de entrenamiento. Los resultados nos hacen reflexionar acerca de la relevancia que tiene la prevaencia del síndrome en este entorno, y se plantean algunas estrategias de futuro encaminadas a su prevención (AU)

This work has studied the prevalence of the burnout syndrome in a sample of 442 athletes and the relationship between the syndrome, or some of its dimensions, and some significant variables in the field of sport (athletes gender, age, competitive level, and volume of training). Two instruments of measurement of burnout in athletes, the Burnout Inventory in Athletes (Inventario de Burnout en Deportistas-Revisado, IBD-R) and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) have been applied. For data analysis (descriptive statistics, frequencies distribution, t test and analysis of variance) we used the statistical package SPSS. Similar percentages have been obtained on the prevalence of the syndrome with both questionnaires. About 4% of the athletes suffer from the syndrome, and there are certain differences in relation to gender, competitive level and volume of training. Results make us think about the relevance of its prevalence in sport context and some future strategies for its prevention (AU)

Este trabalho estudou a prevalência da síndrome de burnout em uma amostra de 442 atletas e da relação entre a síndrome, ou alguma de suas dimensões, e algumas variáveis significativas no domínio do desporto (atletas de gênero, idade, nível competitivo, e volume de treinamento). Dois instrumentos de medida de burnout em atletas, o Inventário de Burnout em Atletas (Inventario de Burnout en Deportistas-Revisado, IBD-R) eo atleta Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) foram aplicadas. Para análise dos dados (estatística descritiva, distribuição de freqüências, teste t e análise de variância) foi utilizado o pacote estatístico SPSS. Percentagens semelhantes foram obtidos sobre a prevalência da síndrome com ambos os questionários. Cerca de 4% dos atletas sofrem com a síndrome, e há certas diferenças em relação ao sexo, nível competitivo e volume de treinamento. Os resultados fazem-nos pensar sobre a relevância da sua prevalência em contexto desportivo e algumas estratégias futuras para a sua prevenção (AU)

Proteomic analysis of intestinal mucosa responses to Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium in naturally infected pig.

Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is one of the most frequent Salmonella serotypes isolated from European pigs. Despite the advances in understanding the mechanisms involved in host-pathogen interactions and host cell responses to S. typhimurium, the global change that occurs in naturally exposed populations has been poorly characterized. Here, we present a proteomics study on intestinal mucosa of pigs naturally infected with S. typhimurium, in order to better understand the pathogenesis of salmonellosis and the pathways which might be affected after infection. Samples were analyzed by 2D-DIGE and 44 different proteins exhibited statistically significant differences. The data set was analyzed by employing the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and the physiological function most significantly perturbed were immunological and infectious disease, cellular assembly and organization and metabolism. The pathways implicated in the porcine immune response to S. typhimurium were gluconeogenesis and Rho GDI/RhoA signaling, and our results suggest that keratins and the intermediate filaments could play an important role in the damage of the mucosa and in the success of infection. The role of these findings in salmonellosis has been discussed, as well as the importance of analyzing naturally infected animals to have a complete picture of the infection. Also, we compared the results found in this work with those obtained in a similar study using experimentally infected animals.

Eficacia de tres tipos de surfactante exógeno en prematuros con enfermedad de membrana hialina / Effectiveness of three types of exogenous surfactant in preterm infants with hyaline membrane disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de membrana hialina es causa importante de mortalidad neonatal. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la eficacia de tres tipos de surfactante exógeno en prematuros. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva, en 93 neonatos prematuros, > 24 semanas y > 500 g de peso al nacer, 31 para cada surfactante. La exposición fue la administración de 1ª dosis bovactant (Alveofact®) 50 mg/kg, beractant (Survanta®) 100 mg/kg inicial, y poractant alfa (Curosurf®) 200 mg/kg. Las variables en estudio incluyeron tiempo de ventilación mecánica, tiempo de oxigenoterapia, estancia hospitalaria, necesidad de segunda dosis de surfactante, eventos adversos por la administración del surfactante y complicaciones por prematuridad. Además, se evaluó mortalidad, displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) y mortalidad o DBP. Análisis estadístico mediante Stata® 11.0, empleando X² o Prueba Exacta de Fisher para variables cualitativas y Pruebas ANOVA o Kruskal-Wallis para cuantitativas y riesgo relativo para las asociaciones, todas con su intervalo de confianza de 95%. Resultados: No hubo diferencias para sexo, peso y edad gestacional al nacer entre los 3 grupos. No se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para tiempo de ventilación mecánica, tiempo de oxigenoterapia, administración de una segunda dosis de surfactante, estancia hospitalaria y complicaciones entre los 3 grupos. Los eventos adversos por administración de surfactante se presentaron para beractant y poractant alfa. Ocurrieron 30 (32,3 por ciento) muertes, 8 (25,8 por ciento) para bovactant, 10 (32,3 por ciento) beractant y 12 (38,7 por ciento) poractant alfa (p > 0,05). La mortalidad y/o DBP ocurrió en 10 (32,2 por ciento) neonatos con bovactant, 10 (32,2 por ciento) con beractant y 14 (45,2 por ciento) con poractant alfa (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: Los resultados primarios y secundarios entre los tres surfactantes evaluados fueron muy similares...

Introduction: Hyaline membrane disease is an important cause of neonatal mortality. The objective of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of three different exogenous surfactants in premature infants. Patients and Method: A retrospective cohort analysis in 93 preterm infants > 24 weeks and birth weight > 500 g was performed, 31 infants for each surfactant. Exposure consisted of the 1st dose of bovactant (Alveofact®) 50 mg/kg, beractant (Survanta®) 100 mg/kg initially, and poractant alfa (Curosurf®) 200 mg/kg. The variables included duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen therapy, hospital stay, need for second dose of surfactant, adverse events surfactant administration and prematurity complications. Mortality and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata® 11.0, X² or Fisher exact test for qualitative variables and ALNOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests for quantitative and association relative risk, all with 95 percent confidence level. Results: There were no gender, weight and gestational age differences at birth among the three groups. No statistically significant differences were found regarding duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen therapy, administration of a second dose of surfactant, hospital stay and complications among the three groups. Adverse events related to surfactant administration occurred for beractant and poractant alpha. There were 30 (32.3 percent) deaths, 8 (25.8 percent) associated to bovactant, 10 (32.3%) to beractant and 12 (38.7 percent) to poractant alpha (p > 0.05). Mortality and/or BDP occurred in 10 (32.2 percent) infants who received bovactant, 10 (32.2 percent) beractant and 14 (45.2 percent) with poractant alpha (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The primary and secondary outcomes among the three surfactants tested were similar, taking into account the limitations of the work.

Evaluation of hippuric acid content in goat milk as a marker of feeding regimen.

Organic producers, traders, and consumers must address 2 issues related to milk: authentication of the production system and nutritional differentiation. The presence of hippuric acid (HA) in goat milk samples has been proposed as a possible marker to differentiate the feeding regimen of goats. The objective of this work is to check the hypothesis that HA could be a marker for the type of feeding regimen of goats by studying the influence of production system (conventional or organic) and feeding regimen (with or without grazing fodder). With this purpose, commercial cow and goat milk samples (n=27) and raw goat milk samples (n=185; collected from different breeds, localizations, and dates) were analyzed. Samples were grouped according to breed, feeding regimen, production system, and origin to compare HA content by ANOVA and honestly significant difference Tukey test at a confidence level of ≥95%. Hippuric acid content was obtained by analyzing milk samples with capillary electrophoresis. This method was validated by analyzing part of the samples with HPLC as a reference technique. Sixty-nine raw goat milk samples (of the total 158 samples analyzed in this work) were quantified by capillary electrophoresis. In these samples, the lowest average content for HA was 7±3 mg/L. This value corresponds to a group of conventional raw milk samples from goats fed with compound feed. The highest value of this group was 28±10 mg/L, corresponding to goats fed compound feed plus grass. Conversely, for organic raw goat milk samples, the highest concentration was 67±14 mg/L, which corresponds to goats fed grass. By contrast, the lowest value of this organic group was 26±10 mg/L, which belongs to goats fed organic compounds. Notice that the highest HA average content was found in samples from grazing animals corresponding to the organic group. This result suggests that HA is a good marker to determine the type of goats feeding regimen; a high content of HA represents a diet based mainly or exclusively on eating green grass (grazing), independently of the production system. Hence, this marker would not be useful for the actual organic policies to distinguish organic milk under the current regulations, because organic dairy ruminants can be fed organic compound feed and conserved fodder without grazing at all.

Regulation of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase activity by acetylated tubulin: influence of the lipid environment.

We demonstrated previously that acetylated tubulin inhibits plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) activity in plasma membrane vesicles (PMVs) of rat brain through a reversible interaction. Dissociation of the PMCA/tubulin complex leads to restoration of ATPase activity. We now report that, when the enzyme is reconstituted in phosphatidylcholine vesicles containing acidic or neutral lipids, tubulin not only loses its inhibitory effect but is also capable of activating PMCA. This alteration of the PMCA-inhibitory effect of tubulin was dependent on concentrations of both lipids and tubulin. Tubulin (300µg/ml) in combination with acidic lipids at concentrations >10%, increased PMCA activity up to 27-fold. The neutral lipid diacylglycerol (DAG), in combination with 50µg/ml tubulin, increased PMCA activity >12-fold, whereas tubulin alone at high concentration (≥300µg/ml) produced only 80% increase. When DAG was generated in situ by phospholipase C incubation of PMVs pre-treated with exogenous tubulin, the inhibitory effect of tubulin on PMCA activity (ATP hydrolysis, and Ca(2+) transport within vesicles) was reversed. These findings indicate that PMCA is activated independently of surrounding lipid composition at low tubulin concentrations (<50µg/ml), whereas PMCA is activated mainly by reconstitution in acidic lipids at high tubulin concentrations. Regulation of PMCA activity by tubulin is thus dependent on both membrane lipid composition and tubulin concentration.