Partial prediction of the duration and the clinical status of Staphylococcus aureus bovine intramammary infections based on the phenotypic and genotypic analysis of isolates.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen causing bovine intramammary infections (IMIs) often leading to chronic clinical or subclinical mastitis. Predicting the outcome of S. aureus IMIs (duration and clinical vs subclinical) based on the characterization of isolates would help to make better case management decisions. For this purpose, 583 S. aureus isolates from series of quarter milk samples were characterized by genotypic tests (detection of virulence genes seg, tst, lukM), epidemiological typing (spa type) and by a phenotypic test (biofilm production). VNTR typing (variable number of tandem repeats) was used to establish persistence of the same S. aureus strain in each series of sequential isolates. This allowed to associate each strain to a clinical/subclinical status and to validate the duration of infection. We found differences in the distribution of spa types between the strains from clinical and subclinical cases. Prevalence of lukM was also higher in strains from clinical cases than in strains from subclinical cases. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was then used to determine factors influencing the duration of the infection. Considering a multivariable model of the logistic regression, time to elimination was shorter with the strains of the subclinical lactation series compared to the clinical series (series with at least one clinical case). Strains from the spa type t359 and t529 were less likely to persist compared to those of spa type t13410. In sum, strain characterization including determination of the spa type helps to predict duration of infection and the clinical or subclinical outcome of S. aureus IMIs.

Reversible Self-Assembly (fcc-bct) Crystallization of Confined Granular Spheres via a Shear Dimensionality Mechanism.

By combining vibrational annealing and shear dimensionality, we experimentally show (1) a fast reversible crystallization fcc-bct (face-centered cubic-body-centered tetragonal) in a granular system that is composed of dissipative millimeter-sized dry spheres, (2) a two-dimensional (planar) shear promotes self-assembly into an fcc crystal, while one-dimensional shear produces a bct crystal, and (3) in analogy with heterogeneous nucleation, a granular temperature gradient leads to the formation of crystal domains showing competition of polymorphic phases in the cold regions. Our findings suggest that controlling the directionality of the interactions steers to reversible crystallization of hard spheres, adds clues for theoretical studies, and provides a novel mechanism for the technological development of the applications of self-assembling phononic crystals.

All-Optical Fiber Hanbury Brown &Twiss Interferometer to study 1300 nm single photon emission of a metamorphic InAs Quantum Dot.

New optical fiber based spectroscopic tools open the possibility to develop more robust and efficient characterization experiments. Spectral filtering and light reflection have been used to produce compact and versatile fiber based optical cavities and sensors. Moreover, these technologies would be also suitable to study N-photon correlations, where high collection efficiency and frequency tunability is desirable. We demonstrated single photon emission of a single quantum dot emitting at 1300 nm, using a Fiber Bragg Grating for wavelength filtering and InGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes operated in Geiger mode for single photon detection. As we do not observe any significant fine structure splitting for the neutral exciton transition within our spectral resolution (46 µeV), metamorphic QD single photon emission studied with our all-fiber Hanbury Brown &Twiss interferometer could lead to a more efficient analysis of entangled photon sources at telecom wavelength. This all-optical fiber scheme opens the door to new first and second order interferometers to study photon indistinguishability, entangled photon and photon cross correlation in the more interesting telecom wavelengths.

Enhancement of the sensitivity of a temperature sensor based on fiber Bragg gratings via weak value amplification.

We present a proof-of-concept experiment aimed at increasing the sensitivity of Fiber-Bragg-gratings temperature sensors by making use of a weak-value-amplification scheme. The technique requires only linear optics elements for its implementation and appears as a promising method for increasing the sensitivity than state-of the-art sensors can currently provide. The device implemented here is able to generate a shift of the centroid of the spectrum of a pulse of ∼0.035 nm/°C, a nearly fourfold increase in sensitivity over the same fiber-Bragg-grating system interrogated using standard methods.

Temperature gradient sensor based on a long-fiber Bragg grating and time-frequency analysis.

A photonic sensor based on a 10-cm-long fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is presented and experimentally validated that is dedicated to detect the presence and the position of a temperature gradient. The system is based on the measurement of the central frequency distribution of the grating based on time-frequency domain analysis. A short optical pulse, having duration much shorter than the transit time along the grating, is coupled into the FBG, and the back-reflected pulse is scanned by means of an oscilloscope. A spatial resolution of 1 mm, given by half the input pulse duration, is achieved. The proposed sensor is based on a simple configuration and presents a sensing range of 10 cm, which could be further enhanced by fabricating a longer grating.

Time resolved emission at 1.3 µm of a single InAs quantum dot by using a tunable fibre Bragg grating.

Photoluminescence and time resolved photoluminescence from single metamorphic InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) emitting at 1.3 µm have been measured by means of a novel fibre-based characterization set-up. We demonstrate that the use of a wavelength tunable fibre Bragg grating filter increases the light collection efficiency by more than one order of magnitude as compared to a conventional grating monochromator. We identified single charged exciton and neutral biexciton transitions in the framework of a random population model. The QD recombination dynamics under pulsed excitation can be understood under the weak quantum confinement potential limit and the interaction between carriers at the wetting layer and QD states.

Síndrome de Budd-Chiari: una rara presentación de un cáncer renal / Budd-Chiari syndrome: a rare presentation of renal cancer

El Cáncer Renal se presenta habitualmente como un hallazgo de las imágenes abdominales y cuando se manifiesta clínicamente lo hace a través de los efectos que produce una gran masa abdominal o las metástasis a distancia. En este trabajo se presenta un caso de cáncer renal cuyas manifestaciones clínicas fueron secundarias a la obstrucción de las venas supra hepáticas, es decir un síndrome de Budd-Chiari florido por la presencia de un trombo tumoral en la cava retro hepática. El diagnóstico oportuno y una evaluación adecuada con imágenes permitieron la ejecución de un plan de tratamiento que incluyó un abordaje combinado abdominal y torácico que permitió un tratamiento no solo sintomático sino que potencialmente curativo de un cáncer renal con esta rara presentación.

Renal Cancer usually occurs as a finding of abdominal imaging and when it clinically manifests itself it does so through a large abdominal mass or distant metastases. In this paper we present a case of renal cancer whose clinical manifestations were secondary to obstruction of hepatic veins, a Budd-Chiari syndrome because of the presence of a tumor thrombus in the retro hepatic vena cava. Early diagnosis and appropriate imaging evaluation allowed the implementation of a treatment plan that included a combined abdominal and thoracic approach allowing not only a symptomatic treatment but potentially curative treatment of renal cancer with this rare presentation.

Expression of DNA methyltransferase genes in four-cell bovine embryos cultured in the presence of oviductal fluid.

The possible epigenomic effect of oviductal fluid on expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes was examined in early bovine embryos (4-cell stage). Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to determine the relative expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b transcripts in embryos cultured in vitro in the presence or absence of oviductal fluid. Expression of DNMT1 significantly increased when cultured with oviductal fluid, whereas DNMT3a and DNMT3b transcripts were unaffected by the addition of oviductal fluid. These results may help reveal the role of oviductal factors in the regulation of DNMT expression.

Limitación adquirida en el desempeño laboral y desempleo, implementación de recalificación profesional en un grupo de trabajadores frutihortícolas de las provincias Argentinas de Río Negro, Neuquén, Mendoza y Entre Ríos (1997-2010) / Adquired limitation in work performance and unemployment: implementation of professional requalifing in a group of workers from the Argentin provices of Río Negro, Neuquén, Mendoza y Among Others (1997-2010)

El objetivo del presente estudio es mejorar la calidad de la prestación de recalificación profesional para promover la continuidad laboral autónoma en siniestrados con limitación en la actividad (OMS, 2001) que fueron desvinculados de su trabajo a posteriori de un accidente o enfermedad profesional. Se consideró para el universo el total de los trabajadores despedidos por limitación en el desempeño (39 casos sobre un total de 619 tratados), bajo diferentes circunstancias económicas del país, de la rama fruti-hortícola, oleaginosas, industria y afines, pertenecientes a las provincias argentinas de Río Negro, Neuquén, Mendoza y Entre Ríos, entre agosto de 1997 y diciembre de 2010. El primer paso de la investigación se centró en detectar variables en común a este grupo y definir los aspectos a tener en cuenta para casos posteriores. En segundo lugar se evaluaron tres recursos para promover la continuidad laboral autónoma y los beneficios obtenidos de la prestación de recalificación profesional. Se utilizó como modalidad de análisis, la investigación basada en la evidencia clínica. Se dividió la muestra en 3 opciones de implementación: 1) Formación profesional 2) Entrega de maquinarias/herramientas y 3) Asesoramiento y entrega de instalaciones para comercios. A partir de los resultados obtenidos se determinó la opción de “pequeños comercios” como la más beneficiosa, en segundo lugar las “maquinarias y herramientas” y se descartó “formación profesional” para casos de desempleados por limitación adquirida dada la carencia de beneficios encontradas. Conclusión: este estudio permitió obtener evidencia clínica del recurso que permitió el mayor beneficio de la prestación para promover la continuidad laboral autónoma de los casos de trabajadores despedidos por limitación adquirida en el desempeño laboral.

The aim of the present study is to improve the service of Professional Rehabilitation in order to promote self sufficient labor continuity for accident victims with activity limitation (OMS, 2001) (1) those who were dismissed from their jobs after an accident or professional disease. The universe of cases considered was the total of dismissed workers as a result of limited work performance (39 cases out of a total of 619 treated), under the different nationwide economic circumstances, related to fruit and vegetable productions, oilseeds, and linked industries placed in argentine districts of Rio Negro, Neuquén, Mendoza and Entre Ríos, between the months of august 1997 and December 2010. The first step of the research was centered in detecting common variables in this group and in defining those aspects to take into consideration for future cases. Secondly, three resources to promote self-sufficient labor continuity and the obtained benefits from the use of professional rehabilitation were evaluated. The investigation based on clinical evidence was used as method of analysis. The sample was divided into three options of execution: 1) Professional training 2) Machinery and tools provision 3) Assistance and deliverance of utilities for businesses. From the obtained results, the option of “small businesses” was determined as priority and in second place “machinery and tools”. However, “professional training” was discarded for the cases of unemployed workers due to acquired limitation, because of the lack of benefits found Conclusion: this study allowed us to obtain clinical evidence of the resource that brought the greatest benefit of the service to promote self-sufficient labour continuity in the cases of dismissed workers as the result of an acquired limitation in work performance.

Aged garlic extract delays the appearance of infarct area in a cerebral ischemia model, an effect likely conditioned by the cellular antioxidant systems.

Experimental evidence has shown that some garlic-derived products have a protective effect against ischemic brain injury. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of aged garlic extract (AGE), establish the therapeutic window, and determine its protective mechanism in a cerebral ischemia model. Animals were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2h and treated with 1.2ml/kg body wt.(i.p.) of AGE 30min before, at the beginning of (0R), or 1h after reperfusion. The 0R treatment significantly reduced the size of the infarct area after 2h of reperfusion. Repeated doses subsequent to the 0R treatment (at 1, 2, or 3h after reperfusion) had no effect on the temporal window of protection. The protective 0R treatment with AGE prevented the increase in nitrotyrosine and the decrease in total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and extracellular superoxide dismutase activities induced by MCAO. These data indicate that AGE delays the effects of ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal injury. However, this treatment itself was not associated with a noticeable improvement in the neurological outcome, or with an effect on the inflammatory response. We conclude that the neuroprotective effect of AGE in the 0R treatment might be associated with control of the free-radical burst induced by reperfusion, preservation of antioxidant enzyme activity, and the delay of other pathophysiological processes.

¿Podemos predecir clínicamente la cervicoartrosis? / Can we predict cervicoarthrosis clinically?

Fundamento: desconocimiento del valor de la exploración física cervical. Objetivo: establecer la utilidad y predictividad de algunas maniobras cervicales en relación a la presencia de cervicoartrosis. Diseño: estudio descriptivo transversal con muestreo sistemático. Pacientes y métodos: sobre una muestra de 100 personas que se realizaban una exploración radiológica cervical en el Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico de la DAP Cornellà Centre (enero a mayo 2000, muestreo sistemático), evaluamos para cada una de las personas dos pruebas de exploración física (test de rotación cervical medida con goniómetro estático y test barbilla-pecho), comparando esta evaluación con la obtenida en la exploración radiológica, efectuada por un radiólogo que desconocía el resultado de la exploración clínica. Resultados: cuando la rotación cervical lateral era menor de 56º, obteníamos un valor predictivo positivo del 85 por ciento, una sensibilidad del 81 por ciento y una especificidad del 61 por ciento. La valoración clínica cervical con estos dos tests se correlacionaba de forma significativa con la gravedad radiológica, sin llegar a hacerlo con la concordancia (índice Kappa). Una maniobra de rotación cervical normal (igual o mayor a 70º) excluía la presencia de cervicoartrosis. Conclusiones: el test de rotación cervical tiene relevancia clínica y la combinación con otras maniobras exploratorias permite un cribado clínico previo y complementario a la evaluación radiológica (AU)

In vivo effect of pressurization of polymethyl methacrylate bone-cement. Biomechanical and histologic analysis.

Sixteen goats underwent total hip arthroplasty, half with pressurized and half with unpressurized bone-cement. The animals underwent hemiarthroplasty of the contralateral hip immediately prior to sacrifice 6 weeks later. Samples were tested for interface strength and evaluated histologically. Pressurization of polymethyl methylacrylate improves the strength of the bone-cement interface in vivo, as well as in vitro. There is a regional variation in the strength of the bone-cement interface both in vivo and in vitro. The regional variation in the in vivo model is at least in part due to a biologic effect. Membranes forming at the bone-cement interface are usually fibrous and incomplete, allowing direct cement-to-bone contact. Membranes appear to be involved in the remodeling of bone. Polymethyl methacrylate causes significant necrosis of the cortex, with ensuing resorption of the cortical bone. There is a small, statistically insignificant trend toward increased resorption and decreased bone formation with pressurized cement. The amount of necrosis appears to be similar with pressurized and nonpressurized cement. Bone remodels to fill defects in the cement mantle.

Amputaciones de extremidades inferiores de causa vascular / Lower limb amputation from vascular etiology

Los autores dan cuenta de 120 amputaciones mayores o menores seguidas por un período de 15 años secundarias a necrosis, dolor de reposo o infección diabética. Se presentan los factores de riesgo asociados, los niveles y la secuencia de amputaciones primarias y reamputaciones, necesarias en el 32% de las exéresis, así como la incidencia de algunas complicaciones específicas como retardo de cicatrización (32%) e infección (28%). Se detallan los hallazgos angiográficos en quienes debieron ser reamputados a un nivel más alto. La mortalidad global de la serie fue de 9,1%. Se enfatizan la oportunidad de la cirugía, la decisión del nivel vascular adecuado, la necesidad de rehabilitación precoz y la evaluación de la extremidad contralateral, entre otras

A simultaneous treatment comparison of three expressive language training programs with a mute autistic child.

A study was conducted in order to simultaneously compare the relative effectiveness of three different language training models (total communication sign training, nonverbal "sign-alone" training, and oral [vocal] training) for teaching expressive language skills to a 4 1/2-year-old mute autistic child. A single-subject, alternating-treatment (multielement) design with replication within subject was used to compare the rate of expressive word acquisition across training models. Results show the total communication model to be substantially superior to both oral and sign-alone training models, and place in question the theory of an intersensory integration disability to explain the success of sign language. Alternatively, the data suggest that the use of physical prompts combined with multisensory inputs provide a basis for the demonstrated success.