Performance of calves born in different periods of the calving season in intensive beef cattle farming / [Desempenho em pecuária de corte intensiva de progênies nascidas em diferentes períodos da estação de parição]

The objective of this study was to evaluate, for two years, the performance of 124 female and 105 male Braford calves born during the first and second halves of the same calving season and the effects of birth period on the development of males until slaughter, as yearlings, and of females until calving, after having mated at 13-15 months of age. Early-born females were heavier than those born late at weaning (119.3 vs 109.9kg; P<0.05), at the start of the breeding season (275.0 vs 263.0kg; P<0.05), and at the end of the breeding season (300.0 vs 289.5kg; P<0.05), in addition to being more fertile (70 vs 50% pregnancy rate). There was no difference (P>0.05) in the development of males born early in relation to those born late, except for weaning weight, which was higher in the former. Steers born early were ready for slaughter at a younger age (459.6 vs 490.1 days; P<0.05), and both groups (early- and late-born) had a body condition classified as fat (4.21 points). In intensive production systems, both male and female calves perform better if they are born during the first half of the calving season.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, por dois anos, o desempenho de 124 bezerras e 105 bezerros Braford nascidos durante a primeira e segunda metades da mesma estação, bem como os efeitos do período de nascimento no desenvolvimento dos machos até o abate e das fêmeas até o primeiro parto, após serem acasalados entre 13/15 meses de idade. As fêmeas nascidas precocemente foram mais pesadas do que as nascidas tardiamente ao desmame quando bezerras (119,3 vs. 109,9kg; P<0,05), no início da estação reprodutiva (275,0 vs. 263,0kg; P<0,05) e no final da estação reprodutiva (300,0 vs. 289,5kg; P<0,05), além de terem maior fertilidade (taxa de prenhez 70 vs. 50%). Não houve diferença (P>0,05) no desenvolvimento de bezerros nascidos precocemente em relação aos nascidos mais tardiamente, exceto no peso ao desmame, com superioridade dos primeiros. Os novilhos nascidos mais cedo ficaram prontos para o abate à idade mais jovem (459,6 vs. 490,1 dias; P<0,05), e ambos os grupos (nascidos precoce e tardiamente) tinham uma condição corporal classificada como gordura (4,21 pontos). Em sistemas de produção intensiva, os bezerros machos e fêmeas nascidos precocemente, na primeira metade da estação de parição, possuem melhor desempenho.(AU)

Prevalence of cocaine and derivatives in blood and urine samples of trauma patients and correlation with injury severity: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: The abuse of cocaine and its derivatives presents a likely risk factor for injury. Trauma incurred by cocaine and derivative abusers may be more severe than that incurred by non-users. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the presence of cocaine and its derivatives in trauma patients and to correlate RTS (Revised Trauma Score) and ISS (Injury Severity Score) with the presence of cocaine and its derivatives in blood and urine samples. METHODS: All trauma victims treated in an emergency unit between November 11, 2012 and September 15, 2013 were included in the study. Blood and urine samples were collected on admission to hospital. RTS and ISS scores were then compared with the presence or absence of cocaine and its derivatives in the samples. The associations between RTS < 7.84 and ISS > 16 and the independent variables were evaluated by the gross odds ratio values, determined by univariate logistic regression. Multivariate analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 453 patients (83.7% male) included in the study, 28.6% presented ISS > 16 and 33.6% presented RTS < 7.84. A total of 435 samples were collected, and 86 (19.8%) provided positive samples for cocaine, 48 (11%) for crack and 69 (15.9%) for cocaethylene. Compared to other patients, drug users showed a greater probability of RTS < 7.84 (2.18 times greater) and a greater probability of ISS > 16 (1.76 times greater). CONCLUSION: For the trauma patients included in our study, the use of cocaine and its derivatives was shown to be associated with more severe traumas, as demonstrated by their RTS and ISS scores.

[Ivermectin as an adjunct in the treatment of refractory epilepsy]. / Ivermectina como coadyuvante en la epilepsia refractaria.

INTRODUCTION: Ivermectin, a 22'23 dihydro derivative of avermectins beta-1a, is a highly effective veterinary and human anti parasitic, used to treat endoparasites of difficult control such as filariasis and onchocerciasis, with a median plasma life of at least of 16 hours. The recommended therapeutic doses range from 0.05 to 0.40 mg/kg, without undesirable effects or risk to human life. It went from being a great success in animal health to its application in humans, where it has had great impact. Studies in basic sciences have shown that ivermectin has anticonvulsive effects in different epileptic animal models, where five different mechanisms of action have been described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive, prospective observational study, performed between 2013 and 2015, with 32 refractory epileptic patients, who received ivermectin as an a dose of adjunctive treatment of 10 mg/day three or seven times a week, controlled every three months, followed by 12-24 months, without withdrawal of anticonvulsant medications that they received previously. RESULTS: Progressively, patients entered into crisis control, at the end of the programmed follow-up period, the total percentage of crisis reduction was 97%, of which 57% did not return to crisis from the beginning of treatment, all patients being free of crisis according to International League Against Epilepsy criteria. CONCLUSION: Ivermectin has been useful as an adjuvant, achieving a significant decrease in seizures in this group of drug resistant patients.

TITLE: Ivermectina como coadyuvante en la epilepsia refractaria.Introduccion. La ivermectina es un 22'23 dihidroderivado de las avermectinas beta-1a, un antiparasitario de uso veterinario y humano de gran eficacia, utilizado para tratar endoparasitos de dificil control, como la filariasis y la oncocercosis. Tiene una vida media plasmatica de al menos 16 horas. Las dosis terapeuticas recomendadas varian entre 0,05 y 0,40 mg/kg, sin efectos indeseados ni riesgo para la vida humana. Paso de ser un gran exito en sanidad animal a su aplicacion en seres humanos, donde ha tenido gran impacto. Estudios en ciencias basicas han demostrado que la ivermectina tiene efectos anticonvulsionantes en diferentes modelos animales epilepticos, donde se han descritos cinco diferentes mecanismos de accion. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional prospectivo, realizado entre 2013 y 2015, con 32 pacientes epilepticos refractarios, quienes recibieron ivermectina como tratamiento coadyuvante en dosis de 10 mg/dia, tres o siete veces por semana, controlados cada tres meses, seguidos durante 12-24 meses, sin retirada de los medicamentos anticonvulsionantes que recibian previamente. Resultados. Progresivamente, los pacientes entraron en control de las crisis. Al final del periodo de seguimiento programado, el porcentaje total de reduccion de las crisis fue del 97%. El 57% de estos pacientes no volvio a presentar crisis desde el inicio del tratamiento, y todos los pacientes se encontraron libres de crisis segun los criterios de la Liga Internacional contra la Epilepsia. Conclusion. La ivermectina ha sido util como coadyuvante y ha logrado una significativa disminucion de crisis en este grupo de pacientes farmacorresistentes.

Aggregation of model asphaltenes: a molecular dynamics study.

Natural asphaltenes are defined as polyaromatic compounds whose chemical composition and structure are dependent on their geological origin and production history, hence are regarded as complex molecules with aromatic cores and aliphatic tails that occur in the heaviest fraction of crude oil. The aggregation of asphaltenes presents a range of technical challenges to the production and processing of oil. In this work we study the behaviour of the model asphaltene-like molecule hexa-tert-butylhexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HTBHBC) using molecular dynamics simulation. It was found that the regular arrangement of the tert-butyl side chains prevents the formation of strongly-bound dimers by severely restricting the configurational space of the aggregation pathway. In contrast, a modified molecule with only 3 side chains is readily able to form dimers. This work therefore confirms the influence of the molecular structure of polyaromatic compounds on their aggregation mechanism, and reveals the unexpected design rules required for model systems that can mimic the behavior of asphaltenes.

Effects of ayahuasca on the development of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and on a post-sensitization treatment in mice.

BACKGROUND: Hallucinogenic drugs were used to treat alcoholic patients in the past, and recent developments in the study of hallucinogens led to a renewal of interest regarding the application of these drugs in the treatment of addiction. In this scenario, accumulating evidence suggests that the hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca (Aya) may have therapeutic effects on substance abuse problems. METHODS: We investigated the effects of Aya on spontaneous locomotor activity and ethanol(Eth)-induced hyperlocomotion and subsequent locomotor sensitization by a two-injection protocol. Additionally, we tested the effect of Aya on an 8-day counter-sensitization protocol to modify sensitized responses induced by a repeated treatment with Eth (1.8g/kg) for 8 alternate days. RESULTS: Aya showed high sensitivity in preventing the development of Eth-induced behavioral sensitization, attenuating it at all doses (30, 100, 200, 300 or 500 mg/kg) without modifying spontaneous locomotor activity. At the highest doses (300 and 500 mg/kg), Aya also showed selectivity to both acute and sensitized Eth responses. Finally, a counter-sensitization strategy with 100 or 300 mg/kg of Aya for 8 consecutive days after the establishment of Eth-induced behavioral sensitization was effective in blocking its subsequent expression on an Eth challenge. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that Aya not only inhibits early behaviors associated with the initiation and development of Eth addiction, but also showed effectiveness in reversing long-term drug effects expression, inhibiting the reinstatement of Eth-induced behavioral sensitization when administered in the Eth-associated environment.

Can Ayahuasca and sleep loss change sexual performance in male rats?

The ingestion of the beverage Ayahuasca usually occurs in religious ceremonies that are performed during the night leading to sleep deprivation. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the acute effects of Ayahuasca upon the sexual response of sleep deprived male rats. One group of sexually experienced male Wistar rats were submitted to a paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) protocol for 96h, while another group spent the same amount of time in the home cage (CTRL). After this period, either saline or Ayahuasca drink (250, 500 and 1000µgmL(-1)) was administered by gavage and sexual behavior and hormonal concentrations were measured. Ayahuasca alone significantly decreased sexual performance at all doses. However, in sleep deprived rats, the lower dose increased sexual performance while the intermediate dose produced a detrimental effect on sexual response compared to the CTRL rats at the same dose. Regarding the hormonal analyses, a lower testosterone concentration was observed in sleep-deprived saline rats in relation to the CTRL group. Progesterone was significantly lower only in PSD rats at the dose 500µgmL(-1) compared with CTRL-500µgmL(-1) group. Corticosterone was unchanged among the groups evaluated. Our results suggest that Ayahuasca intake markedly impaired sexual performance alone, but, when combined with sleep deprivation, had significant, but heterogeneous, effects on male sexual response.

Low cost, patterning of human hNT brain cells on parylene-C with UV & IR laser machining.

This paper describes the use of 800nm femtosecond infrared (IR) and 248nm nanosecond ultraviolet (UV) laser radiation in performing ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates for the patterning of human hNT astrocytes. Results are presented that support the validity of using IR laser ablative micromachining for patterning human hNT astrocytes cells while UV laser radiation produces photo-oxidation of the parylene-C and destroys cell patterning. The findings demonstrate how IR laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates can offer a low cost, accessible alternative for rapid prototyping, high yield cell patterning.

Infra-red laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates for rapid prototyping, high yield, human neuronal cell patterning.

Cell patterning commonly employs photolithographic methods for the micro fabrication of structures on silicon chips. These require expensive photo-mask development and complex photolithographic processing. Laser based patterning of cells has been studied in vitro and laser ablation of polymers is an active area of research promising high aspect ratios. This paper disseminates how 800 nm femtosecond infrared (IR) laser radiation can be successfully used to perform laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates for the patterning of human hNT astrocytes (derived from the human teratocarcinoma cell line (hNT)) whilst 248 nm nanosecond ultra-violet laser radiation produces photo-oxidization of the parylene-C and destroys cell patterning. In this work, we report the laser ablation methods used and the ablation characteristics of parylene-C for IR pulse fluences. Results follow that support the validity of using IR laser ablative micromachining for patterning human hNT astrocytes cells. We disseminate the variation in yield of patterned hNT astrocytes on parylene-C with laser pulse spacing, pulse number, pulse fluence and parylene-C strip width. The findings demonstrate how laser ablative micromachining of parylene-C on SiO2 substrates can offer an accessible alternative for rapid prototyping, high yield cell patterning with broad application to multi-electrode arrays, cellular micro-arrays and microfluidics.

Perfil de los adolescentes que acuden a urgencias por intoxicación enólica aguda / Profile of adolescents seen in emergency departments with acute alcohol poisoning

Introducción: En los últimos años ha aumentado la prevalencia de la Intoxicación Enólica Aguda (IEA) en adolescentes. Una de sus repercusiones ha sido el incremento de las consultas en los Servicios de Urgencias (SU). El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el perfil psicosocial de los adolescentes que consultan por IEA y estudiar su funcionamiento personal, familiar y social. Método: Se entrevistaron telefónicamente a 104 familias de casos de adolescentes atendidos en el SU por una IEA y se comparó con 104 controles emparejados por edad y sexo, para obtener datos sociodemográficos, clínicos, académicos y de funcionamiento familiar. Resultados: El 72% de los adolescentes que consultaron por una IEA tenía una edad inferior a 16 años. El 37.7% repitió un curso escolar, el 20% presentó absentismo escolar y el 19.6% abandonó los estudios básicos. 9.8% estaba en tratamiento psiquiátrico. Sólo el 11,4% de los pacientes fueron derivados a un dispositivo especializado. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ninguna de las variables clínicas entre el grupo de estudio y el control. Conclusiones: Este estudio aporta información sobre las características de esta población y orienta sobre la necesidad de desarrollar protocolos de actuación en los SU que contemplen no sólo los parámetros bioquímicos/toxicológicos sino que también incluya la valoración de parámetros psicosociales (AU)

Introduction: In recent years, the prevalence of Acute Alcohol Intoxication (AAI) in adolescents has increased. One of its impacts had been the increase in consultations in the Emergency Services (ES). The objective of this study is to assess the psychosocial profile of adolescents who consult for AAI and study their personal, family and social functioning. Methods: 104 families of adolescents who attended for AAI in ES and 104 controls, matched by age and sex, were interviewed by telephone to obtain sociodemographic, clinical, academic and family functioning data. Results: 72% of the adolescents who were attended for AAI were under 16 years old. Academic data showed that 37.7% had repeated a school year, 20% had truancy and 19.6% abandoned their basic studies. 9,8% were in psychiatric treatment. Only 11.4% of patients were referred to specialist service. There were no significant differences between in any of the clinical variables between the study and control group. Conclusions: This study provides new information on the characteristics of this population and provides guidance on the need to develop protocols for working in the ES that includes not only biochemical/ toxicological parameters but also includes the assessment of psychosocial parameters (AU)

[Profile of adolescents seen in emergency departments with acute alcohol poisoning]. / Perfil de los adolescentes que acuden a urgencias por intoxicación enólica aguda.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the prevalence of Acute Alcohol Intoxication (AAI) in adolescents has increased. One of its impacts had been the increase in consultations in the Emergency Services (ES). The objective of this study is to assess the psychosocial profile of adolescents who consult for AAI and study their personal, family and social functioning. METHODS: 104 families of adolescents who attended for AAI in ES and 104 controls, matched by age and sex, were interviewed by telephone to obtain sociodemographic, clinical, academic and family functioning data. RESULTS: 72% of the adolescents who were attended for AAI were under 16 years old. Academic data showed that 37.7% had repeated a school year, 20% had truancy and 19.6% abandoned their basic studies. 9,8% were in psychiatric treatment. Only 11.4% of patients were referred to specialist service. There were no significant differences between in any of the clinical variables between the study and control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information on the characteristics of this population and provides guidance on the need to develop protocols for working in the ES that includes not only biochemical/ toxicological parameters but also includes the assessment of psychosocial parameters.

LC-MS/MS quantitation of plasma progesterone in cattle.

Quantitation of progesterone (P(4)) in biological fluids is often performed by radioimmunoassay (RIA), whereas liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been used much less often. Due to its autoconfirmatory nature, LC-MS/MS greatly minimizes false positives and interference. Herein we report and compare with RIA an optimized LC-MS/MS method for rapid, efficient, and cost-effective quantitation of P(4) in plasma of cattle with no sample derivatization. The quantitation of plasma P(4) released from three nonbiodegradable, commercial, intravaginal P(4)-releasing devices (IPRD) over 192 h in six ovariectomized cows was compared in a pairwise study as a test case. Both techniques showed similar P(4) kinetics (P > 0.05) whereas results of P(4) quantitation by RIA were consistently higher compared with LC-MS/MS (P < 0.05) due to interference and matrix effects. The LC-MS/MS method was validated according to the recommended analytical standards and displayed P(4) limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 0.08 and a 0.25 ng/mL, respectively. The high selective LC-MS/MS method proposed herein for P(4) quantitation eliminates the risks associated with radioactive handling; it also requires no sample derivatization, which is a common requirement for LC-MS/MS quantitation of steroid hormones. Its application to multisteroid assays is also viable, and it is envisaged that it may provide a gold standard technique for hormone quantitation in animal reproductive science studies.

Sleep loss and acute drug abuse can induce DNA damage in multiple organs of mice.

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the genetic damage induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) in combination with cocaine or ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA) in multiple organs of male mice using the single cell gel (comet) assay. C57BL/6J mice were submitted to PSD by the platform technique for 72 hours, followed by drug administration and evaluation of DNA damage in peripheral blood, liver and brain tissues. Cocaine was able to induce genetic damage in the blood, brain and liver cells of sleep-deprived mice at the majority of the doses evaluated. Ecstasy also induced increased DNA migration in peripheral blood cells for all concentrations tested. Analysis of damaged cells by the tail moment data suggests that ecstasy is a genotoxic chemical at the highest concentrations tested, inducing damage in liver or brain cells after sleep deprivation in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that cocaine and ecstasy/MDMA act as potent genotoxins in multiple organs of mice when associated with sleep loss.

¿Quién da positivo para cannabis en urgencias de pediatría? / Who gives a positive cannabis in paediatric emergencies?

Introducción y objetivo: El cannabis, es la droga ilegal más consumida en nuestro país, siendo la adolescencia el momento clave de toma de contacto con esta sustancia. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar las características de los pacientes con consumo reciente de cannabis que acuden a un servicio de urgencias pediátricas con el fin de determinar su perfil y valorar su seguimiento. Material y métodos: Se revisaron los informes de los pacientes que dieron positivo para cannabis en el examen de tóxicos en orina durante los años 2007-2008. Se valoraron las características epidemiológicas (la edad, el sexo, la presencia de antecedentes psiquiátricos y tutela por la administración), el motivo de consulta, el especialista que solicitó la prueba y su resultado, el consumo asociado de otras drogas y el destino al alta. Resultados: Se determinó cannabis en orina en 533 pacientes, resultando positivo en 72 (13,5%) casos. Excluyendo un lactante con intoxicación accidental, su edad media fue 16,2 años (DE 1,2 años; rango 13,4-18 años); 43 (60,6%) eran varones. Trece (18,3%) adolescentes estaban tutelados por la administración y 24 (33,8%) tenían antecedentes psiquiátricos. Treinta y cinco (48,6%) consultas fueron entre viernes y domingo, sin predominio horario. Los motivos de consulta más frecuentes fueron alteración del nivel de conciencia 29 (40,3%) y agitación 19 (26,4%). En 12 (16,7%) casos se detectó el consumo asociado de alcohol y en 4 (5,6%) de cocaína. En 42 (58,3%) ocasiones los pacientes fueron dados de alta a domicilio, en 20 (27,8%) ingresaron y en 10 (13,9%) fueron seguidos ambulatoriamente. Conclusiones: Se observó un predominio de consumo de cannabis en varones adolescentes. Fue relativamente frecuente la existencia de problemática psicosocial asociada y de consumo de otras drogas de abuso. Fueron bastantes los pacientes que se fueron de alta desde urgencias de pediatría sin ningún tipo de supervisión posterior, siendo importante mejorar en este aspecto (AU)

Introduction and aim: Cannabis is the most frequently consumed illicit substance in Spain. Adolescence is the period when most people come into contact with this drug. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of patients who have recently consumed cannabis and who are evaluated in the Paediatric Emergency Department in order to pinpoint their profile and do a follow-up. Material and method: Study of the medical reports of patients who tested positive for cannabis in urine toxicological analysis over 2 years (2007-2008). Epidemiological characteristics (patient age, sex, psychiatric antecedents and if they were placed in institutional care) as well as the patient's reason for checking into hospital, the specialist who asked for the test, the test result, its positivity for other drugs of abuse and the patient's whereabouts once he or she had been released from hospital were evaluated. Results: Seventy-two of 533 patients tested positive for cannabis. Excluding one child with an accidental intoxication, their mean age was 16.2 years (SD 1.2 years; range 13.4¨C18 years-old); 43 (60.6%) were male. Thirteen (18.3%) teenagers were being looked after by the Administration and 24 (33.8%) had psychiatric antecedents. Thirty-five (48.6%) consultations took place from Friday to Sunday, with no particular increase in the number of patients in specific time-periods. The medical consultations were mainly related to alterations in the level of consciousness 29 (40.3%) and agitation 19 (26.4%). In 12 (16.7%) cases the patients had also been known to have drunk alcohol, and 4 (5.6%) of them had also taken cocaine. In 42 (58.3%) occasions, patients were discharged to home, 20 (27.8%) were admitted to the hospital and 10 (13.9%) were referred to the outpatients’ department for a follow-up. Conclusions: There was a predominance of teenage males in the consumption of cannabis. In many cases, there was a related psycho-social element to the use of the substance and those who consumed cannabis appeared in many cases to have consumed other drugs of abuse. There are still many patients who, after having checked into the Paediatric Emergency Department, show no record of having received a proper follow-up. We highlight the need to improve this aspect (AU)

[Who gives a positive cannabis in paediatric emergencies?]. / ¿Quién da positivo para cannabis en urgencias de pediatría?

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Cannabis is the most frequently consumed illicit substance in Spain. Adolescence is the period when most people come into contact with this drug. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of patients who have recently consumed cannabis and who are evaluated in the Paediatric Emergency Department in order to pinpoint their profile and do a follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Study of the medical reports of patients who tested positive for cannabis in urine toxicological analysis over 2 years (2007-2008). Epidemiological characteristics (patient age, sex, psychiatric antecedents and if they were placed in institutional care) as well as the patient's reason for checking into hospital, the specialist who asked for the test, the test result, its positivity for other drugs of abuse and the patient's whereabouts once he or she had been released from hospital were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-two of 533 patients tested positive for cannabis. Excluding one child with an accidental intoxication, their mean age was 16.2 years (SD 1.2 years; range 13.4-18 years-old); 43 (60.6%) were male. Thirteen (18.3%) teenagers were being looked after by the Administration and 24 (33.8%) had psychiatric antecedents. Thirty-five (48.6%) consultations took place from Friday to Sunday, with no particular increase in the number of patients in specific time-periods. The medical consultations were mainly related to alterations in the level of consciousness 29 (40.3%) and agitation 19 (26.4%). In 12 (16.7%) cases the patients had also been known to have drunk alcohol, and 4 (5.6%) of them had also taken cocaine. In 42 (58.3%) occasions, patients were discharged to home, 20 (27.8%) were admitted to the hospital and 10 (13.9%) were referred to the outpatients' department for a follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There was a predominance of teenage males in the consumption of cannabis. In many cases, there was a related psycho-social element to the use of the substance and those who consumed cannabis appeared in many cases to have consumed other drugs of abuse. There are still many patients who, after having checked into the Paediatric Emergency Department, show no record of having received a proper follow-up. We highlight the need to improve this aspect.

Influence of spontaneous calcium events on cell-cycle progression in embryonal carcinoma and adult stem cells.

Spontaneous Ca(2+) events have been observed in diverse stem cell lines, including carcinoma and mesenchymal stem cells. Interestingly, during cell cycle progression, cells exhibit Ca(2+) transients during the G(1) to S transition, suggesting that these oscillations may play a role in cell cycle progression. We aimed to study the influence of promoting and blocking calcium oscillations in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, both in neural progenitor and undifferentiated cells. We also identified which calcium stores are required for maintaining these oscillations. Both in neural progenitor and undifferentiated cells calcium oscillations were restricted to the G1/S transition, suggesting a role for these events in progression of the cell cycle. Maintenance of the oscillations required calcium influx only through inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) and L-type channels in undifferentiated cells, while neural progenitor cells also utilized ryanodine-sensitive stores. Interestingly, promoting calcium oscillations through IP(3)R agonists increased both proliferation and levels of cell cycle regulators such as cyclins A and E. Conversely, blocking calcium events with IP(3)R antagonists had the opposite effect in both undifferentiated and neural progenitor cells. This suggests that calcium events created by IP(3)Rs may be involved in cell cycle progression and proliferation, possibly due to regulation of cyclin levels, both in undifferentiated cells and in neural progenitor cells.

Consumo de drogas en adolescentes. Dilema ético en el abordaje diagnóstico-terapéutico / Adolescent drug use. Ethical dilemma in the diagnostic-therapeutic approach

El consumo de drogas ilegales entre los adolescentes ha aumentado durante los últimos años y, paralelamente, se ha evidenciado un aumento de las problemáticas y conductas de riesgo típicas de la adolescencia. Los resultados de los estudios sobre el consumo de drogas durante esta etapa de la vida ponen de manifiesto las graves y múltiples consecuencias que pueden generar. Uno de los primeros receptores son los servicios de urgencias, donde sus profesionales deben afrontar situaciones que plantean contradicciones entre 2 de los principios éticos básicos: el principio de autonomía y el principio de beneficencia; dilema ético que se aborda en este trabajo (AU)

Illegal drug use among adolescents has increased in recent years in Spain, as well as has the risk behaviours and problems typical of adolescence. The results of studies on drug use during this stage of life reveal the serious and wide-ranging consequences that can arise. Emergency services are often the first to receive and deal with these and its professionals must face situations that pose contradictions between two of the basic ethical principles, the principle of autonomy and the principle of beneficence; an ethical dilemma that is addressed in this work (AU)

[Adolescent drug use. Ethical dilemma in the diagnostic-therapeutic approach]. / Consumo de drogas en adolescentes. Dilema ético en el abordaje diagnóstico-terapéutico.

Illegal drug use among adolescents has increased in recent years in Spain, as well as has the risk behaviours and problems typical of adolescence. The results of studies on drug use during this stage of life reveal the serious and wide-ranging consequences that can arise. Emergency services are often the first to receive and deal with these and its professionals must face situations that pose contradictions between two of the basic ethical principles, the principle of autonomy and the principle of beneficence; an ethical dilemma that is addressed in this work.

First detection of Corynebacterium ulcerans producing a diphtheria-like toxin in a case of human with pulmonary infection in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, Brazil.

The frequency and severity of human infections associated with Corynebacterium ulcerans appear to be increasing in different countries. Here, we describe the first C. ulcerans strain producing a diphtheria-like toxin isolated from an elderly woman with a fatal pulmonary infection and a history of leg skin ulcers in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.

First detection of Corynebacterium ulcerans producing a diphtheria-like toxin in a case of human with pulmonary infection in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, Brazil

The frequency and severity of human infections associated with Corynebacterium ulcerans appear to be increasing in different countries. Here, we describe the first C. ulcerans strain producing a diphtheria-like toxin isolated from an elderly woman with a fatal pulmonary infection and a history of leg skin ulcers in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.

Ivermectina como alternativa terapéutica en neurocisticercosis resistente al tratamiento farmacológico convencional / Ivermectin as therapeutic alternative in neurocysticercosis that is resistant to conventional pharmacological treatment

La neurocisticercosis es un problema de salud pública con amplia distribución en el mundo, especialmenteen países en vías de desarrollo, y cada vez más creciente en países desarrollados, debido a las altas tasas de inmigración. El tratamiento cisticida en neurocisticercosis ha sido controvertido, porque su eficacia es parcial contra formas quísticasvesiculares y coloidales ante la persistencia del parásito después de un curso de albendazol o praziquantel, las dos únicas opciones terapéuticas disponibles actualmente. La ivermectina es un antiparasitario veterinario y humano de gran eficacia, seguro, con ocasionales y mínimos efectos colaterales, usada desde hace más de 25 años en endoparasitosis de difícil control, como filariasis, oncocercasis, estrongiloidiasis, etc., y también en ectoparasitosis, como pediculosis capitis y miasis.Actúa en la unión mioneural sobre los receptores en el canal de cloro, aumentando su permeabilidad causando parálisis en gusanos adultos, o por un mecanismo inmune mediado cuando actúa sobre formas inmaduras. Casos clínicos. Se presentan cuatro pacientes tratados previamente con albendazol en forma reiterada con evidencia radiológica, que demuestra la persistenciade quistes viables en forma vesicular o coloidal y crisis epilépticas persistentes, a quienes se les suministró ivermectina 10 mg/día durante 15 días consecutivos o 10 mg/día por medio durante 30 días, con excelente evolución clínica y radiológica.Conclusiones. La ivermectina fue eficaz y careció de eventos adversos al tratar a estos cuatro pacientes resistentes al tratamiento convencional con albendazol y/o praziquantel

Neurocysticercosis is a public health problem that can be found in many parts of the world, especiallyin developing countries, and today’s high rates of immigration are making it increasingly more common in developed countries. Cysticidal treatment of neurocysticercosis is a controversial issue because it is only partially effective againstvesicular and colloidal-shaped cysts when the parasite persists after a course of albendazole or praziquantel, the only two therapeutic options that are currently available. Ivermectin is a very effective, safe veterinary and human antiparasitic drug,with occasional very mild side effects. It has been used for over 25 years in cases of endoparasitosis that do not respond well to treatment, such as filariasis, oncocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, etc. and also in ectoparasitoses, such as pediculolsis capitisand myasis. It acts in the myoneural junction on the receptors in the chloride channel by increasing their permeability and causing paralysis in adult worms or by a mediated immune mechanism when it acts on immature forms. Case reports. We report the cases of four patients who were previously treated with albendazole reiteratively with radiological evidence, whichshows the persistence of viable vesicular or colloidal-shaped cysts. These patients were given 10 mg/day of ivermectin for 15 consecutive days or 10 mg/day as an average for 30 days, with excellent clinical and radiological progress. Conclusions.Ivermectin was effective and did not give rise to any side effects when used to treat these four patients, who were resistant to conventional treatment with albendazole and/or praziquantel