Manejo expectante de gestación ectópica abdominal tras fecundación in vitro en paciente con salpinguectomía bilateral: reporte de un caso / Expectant management of abdominal ectopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization in a patient with previous bilateral salpinguectomy: a case report

ANTECEDENTES El embarazo ectópico abdominal es el menos habitual de los embarazos ectópicos, con una prevalencia situada entre el 0.9 - 1.4%. La mortalidad materna es elevada, alcanzando un 20% y la viabilidad fetal mínima. El manejo médico en estas situaciones es complicado ya que no está bien establecido debido a su baja frecuencia. CASO CLÍNICO Mujer de 35 años, con antecedente de esterilidad por endometriosis y salpinguectomía bilateral. Tras 5 fecundaciones in vitro (FIV) consigue una primera gestación, con finalización mediante cesárea por no progresión de parto. Acude a urgencias en su segundo embarazo, logrado tras 3 (FIV), con edad gestacional de 7 semanas. Presenta sangrado vaginal escaso y la ecografía demuestra a nivel de Douglas y hacia fosa iliaca izquierda un saco gestacional de 3 cm con embrión sin latido cardiaco de 5 mm. El nivel de β-hcg es de 1477 mUI/ml. Se diagnostica de gestación ectópica abdominal y se opta por actitud expectante dada la estabilidad clínica de la paciente. En un control a las 48h la β-Hcg es de 464 mUI/ml y la paciente se mantiene estable. En controles posteriores se observan niveles descendentes de β-Hcg y tras un mes la resolución es completa. CONCLUSIÓN El embarazo ectópico abdominal es una entidad poco frecuente pero con una alta tasa de mortalidad. Aunque lo más común es optar por un abordaje quirúrgico es necesario individualizar cada caso y basarse en la clínica y las diferentes pruebas diagnósticas para seleccionar aquellos casos que se pueden beneficiar de un manejo conservador.

BACKGROUND Abdominal ectopic pregnancy accounts for only 0.9-1.4% of all ectopic pregnancies. The maternal mortality rate is high (up to 20%) and fetal viability mínimum. The managment, specially the conservatory management of these cases is difficult because of our limited experiencie due to its low frecuency. CASE PRESENTATION 35-year-old woman, with history of sterility due to endometriosis that required bilateral laparoscopic salpinguectomy. Her first pregnancy (after 5 in vitro fertilization cicles (IVF)) finalized with a caesarean section because of to the lack of labour progresion. She was admitted to our emergency department during her second pregnancy (after 3 IVF cicles), with 7 weeks of gestational age. She had a little vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound scan showed a 5mm gestational sac with a 3mm embryo without cardiac activity in the pouch of Douglas. The β-Hcg level was 1477mUI/ml. The final diagnosis was ectopic abdominal pregnancy and it was decided to undertake an expectant management because she was clinically stable. The β-Hcg level after 48 hours was 464 mUI/ml. In subsequent examinations β-Hcg showed descending levels and after one month the resolution was completed. CONCLUSION Abdominal ectopic pregnancy is very infrequent but it has a high mortality rate. The most common approach is surgical but it is necessary to study all signs and diagnostic tests to select patients that could get profit from a conservatory management.

Jacareubin inhibits FcεRI-induced extracellular calcium entry and production of reactive oxygen species required for anaphylactic degranulation of mast cells.

Mast cells (MCs) are important effectors in allergic reactions since they produce a number of pre-formed and de novo synthesized pro-inflammatory compounds in response to the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) crosslinking. IgE/Antigen-dependent degranulation and cytokine synthesis in MCs have been recognized as relevant pharmacological targets for the control of deleterious inflammatory reactions. Despite the relevance of allergic diseases worldwide, efficient pharmacological control of mast cell degranulation has been elusive. In this work, the xanthone jacareubin was isolated from the heartwood of the tropical tree Callophyllum brasilense, and its tridimensional structure was determined for the first time by X-ray diffraction. Also, its effects on the main activation parameters of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were evaluated. Jacareubin inhibited IgE/Ag-induced degranulation in a dose-response manner with an IC50 = 46 nM. It also blocked extracellular calcium influx triggered by IgE/Ag complexes and by the SERCA ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (Thap). Inhibition of calcium entry correlated with a blockage on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Antioxidant capacity of jacareubin was higher than the showed by α-tocopherol and caffeic acid, but similar to trolox. Jacareubin shown inhibitory actions on xanthine oxidase, but not on NADPH oxidase (NOX) activities. In vivo, jacareubin inhibited passive anaphylactic reactions and TPA-induced edema in mice. Our data demonstrate that jacareubin is a potent natural compound able to inhibit anaphylactic degranualtion in mast cells by blunting FcεRI-induced calcium flux needed for secretion of granule content, and suggest that xanthones could be efficient anti-oxidant, antiallergic, and antiinflammatory molecules.

Stimulation of nAchRα7 Receptor Inhibits TNF Synthesis and Secretion in Response to LPS Treatment of Mast Cells by Targeting ERK1/2 and TACE Activation.

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is recognized as one of the main mechanisms of neuromodulation of the immune system. Activation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchRα7) suppresses cytokine synthesis in distinct immune cells but the molecular mechanisms behind this effect remain to be fully described. Mast cells (MCs) are essential players of allergic reactions and innate immunity responses related to chronic inflammation. Activation of TLR4 receptor in MCs leads to the rapid secretion of pre-synthesized TNF from intracellular pools and to the activation of NFκB, necessary for de novo synthesis of TNF and other cytokines. Here we report that the nAchRα7 receptor specific agonist GTS-21 inhibits TLR4-induced secretion of preformed TNF from MCs in vivo and in vitro. Utilizing bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) it was found that GTS-21 also diminished secretion of de novo synthesized TNF, TNF mRNA accumulation and IKK-dependent p65-NFκB phosphorylation in response to LPS. nAchRα7 triggering prevented TLR4-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which resulted an essential step for TNF secretion due to the phosphorylation of the metallopeptidase responsible for TNF maturation (TACE). Main inhibitory actions of GTS-21 were prevented by AG490, an inhibitor of JAK-2 kinase. Our results show for the first time, that besides the prevention of NFκB-dependent transcription, inhibitory actions of nAchRα7 triggering include the blockade of pathways leading to exocytosis of granule-stored cytokines in MCs.

The International Mood Network (IMN) Nosology Project: differentiating borderline personality from bipolar illness.

OBJECTIVE: The differential diagnosis of bipolar illness vs. borderline personality is controversial. Both conditions manifest impulsive behavior, unstable interpersonal relationships, and mood symptoms. This study examines whether and which mood clinical features can differentiate between both conditions. METHOD: A total of 260 patients (mean ± standard deviation age 41 ± 13 years, 68% female) attending to a mood clinic were examined for diagnosis of bipolar illness and borderline personality disorder using SCID-I, SCID-II, and clinical mood criteria extracted from Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). They were analyzed using diagnoses as dependent variables. Predictors of bipolar and borderline diagnoses were identified by multivariable logistic regressions, and predictive validity of models was assessed using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Bipolar illness was strongly predicted by elevated mood (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 1.80-9.15), increased goal-directed activities (OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.73-8.96), and episodicity of mood symptoms (OR = 3.48, 95% CI 1.49-8.39). This triad model predicted bipolar illness with 88.7% sensitivity, 81.4% specificity, and obtained an auROC of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.76-0.96) and a positive predictive value of 85.1%. For borderline personality disorder, only female gender was a statistically significant predictor (OR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.29-13.7), and the predictive model obtained an auROC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.53-0.74). CONCLUSION: In a mood disorder clinic setting, manic criteria and episodic mood course distinguished bipolar illness from borderline personality disorder.

Medium- and large-sized mammals in a steppic savanna area of the Brazilian Pampa: survey and conservation issues of a poorly known fauna.

The wildlife of the Brazilian Pampa is threatened by large-scale habitat loss, due in particular to the expansion of soybean cultivation and the conversion of grasslands areas into extensive areas of silviculture. It is essential to study how the mammal fauna copes with the highly fragmented, human-influenced, non-protected landscape. Our study presents the results of a survey of the large- and medium-sized mammals of a typical human-influenced steppic savanna area of the Pampa biome. The survey was conducted exclusively with the use of camera traps over a period of 16 months. The relative frequencies of species in the area were evaluated. We recorded 18 species, some of them locally threatened (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira and Cuniculus paca). Several species were found to thrive in the area; however, many species were considered rare, and undoubtedly new species could be recorded if we continued the sampling. Our results contribute to the knowledge of faunal diversity in the Pampa biome and associated habitats, warn about threats and provide support for conservation measures.

Medium- and large-sized mammals in a steppic savanna area of the Brazilian Pampa: survey and conservation issues of a poorly known fauna / Mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área de savana estépica do Pampa Brasileiro: levantamento e questões de conservação sobre uma fauna pouco conhecida

Abstract The wildlife of the Brazilian Pampa is threatened by large-scale habitat loss, due in particular to the expansion of soybean cultivation and the conversion of grasslands areas into extensive areas of silviculture. It is essential to study how the mammal fauna copes with the highly fragmented, human-influenced, non-protected landscape. Our study presents the results of a survey of the large- and medium-sized mammals of a typical human-influenced steppic savanna area of the Pampa biome. The survey was conducted exclusively with the use of camera traps over a period of 16 months. The relative frequencies of species in the area were evaluated. We recorded 18 species, some of them locally threatened (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira and Cuniculus paca). Several species were found to thrive in the area; however, many species were considered rare, and undoubtedly new species could be recorded if we continued the sampling. Our results contribute to the knowledge of faunal diversity in the Pampa biome and associated habitats, warn about threats and provide support for conservation measures.

Resumo A fauna do Pampa brasileiro está sendo ameaçada pela grande perda de habitat que vem sofrendo, em especial, devido à expansão do cultivo da soja e da conversão de áreas de pastagens em extensas áreas de silvicultura. É essencial estudar como a fauna de mamíferos lida com a paisagem altamente fragmenta e não protegida, pela influencia humana. Nosso estudo apresenta os resultados de um levantamento dos mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área típica do bioma Pampa com influência humana. O levantamento foi realizado exclusivamente com o uso de armadilhas fotográficas ao longo de um período de 16 meses. Foram avaliadas as frequências relativas das espécies na área. Foram registradas 18 espécies, algumas delas ameaçadas localmente (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira e Cuniculus paca). Várias espécies foram encontradas de forma abundante, no entanto, muitas espécies foram consideradas raras, sendo que novas espécies poderiam ser registradas se continuássemos a amostragem. Nossos resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da diversidade de mamíferos do bioma Pampa e habitats associados, alertam sobre ameaças e fornecem suporte para medidas de conservação.

Medium- and large-sized mammals in a steppic savanna area of the Brazilian Pampa: survey and conservation issues of a poorly known fauna / Mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área de savana estépica do Pampa Brasileiro: levantamento e questões de conservação sobre uma fauna pouco conhecida

Abstract The wildlife of the Brazilian Pampa is threatened by large-scale habitat loss, due in particular to the expansion of soybean cultivation and the conversion of grasslands areas into extensive areas of silviculture. It is essential to study how the mammal fauna copes with the highly fragmented, human-influenced, non-protected landscape. Our study presents the results of a survey of the large- and medium-sized mammals of a typical human-influenced steppic savanna area of the Pampa biome. The survey was conducted exclusively with the use of camera traps over a period of 16 months. The relative frequencies of species in the area were evaluated. We recorded 18 species, some of them locally threatened (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira and Cuniculus paca). Several species were found to thrive in the area; however, many species were considered rare, and undoubtedly new species could be recorded if we continued the sampling. Our results contribute to the knowledge of faunal diversity in the Pampa biome and associated habitats, warn about threats and provide support for conservation measures.(AU)

Resumo A fauna do Pampa brasileiro está sendo ameaçada pela grande perda de habitat que vem sofrendo, em especial, devido à expansão do cultivo da soja e da conversão de áreas de pastagens em extensas áreas de silvicultura. É essencial estudar como a fauna de mamíferos lida com a paisagem altamente fragmenta e não protegida, pela influencia humana. Nosso estudo apresenta os resultados de um levantamento dos mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área típica do bioma Pampa com influência humana. O levantamento foi realizado exclusivamente com o uso de armadilhas fotográficas ao longo de um período de 16 meses. Foram avaliadas as frequências relativas das espécies na área. Foram registradas 18 espécies, algumas delas ameaçadas localmente (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira e Cuniculus paca). Várias espécies foram encontradas de forma abundante, no entanto, muitas espécies foram consideradas raras, sendo que novas espécies poderiam ser registradas se continuássemos a amostragem. Nossos resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da diversidade de mamíferos do bioma Pampa e habitats associados, alertam sobre ameaças e fornecem suporte para medidas de conservação.(AU)

Medium- and large-sized mammals in a steppic savanna area of the Brazilian Pampa: survey and conservation issues of a poorly known fauna

Abstract The wildlife of the Brazilian Pampa is threatened by large-scale habitat loss, due in particular to the expansion of soybean cultivation and the conversion of grasslands areas into extensive areas of silviculture. It is essential to study how the mammal fauna copes with the highly fragmented, human-influenced, non-protected landscape. Our study presents the results of a survey of the large- and medium-sized mammals of a typical human-influenced steppic savanna area of the Pampa biome. The survey was conducted exclusively with the use of camera traps over a period of 16 months. The relative frequencies of species in the area were evaluated. We recorded 18 species, some of them locally threatened (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira and Cuniculus paca). Several species were found to thrive in the area; however, many species were considered rare, and undoubtedly new species could be recorded if we continued the sampling. Our results contribute to the knowledge of faunal diversity in the Pampa biome and associated habitats, warn about threats and provide support for conservation measures.

Resumo A fauna do Pampa brasileiro está sendo ameaçada pela grande perda de habitat que vem sofrendo, em especial, devido à expansão do cultivo da soja e da conversão de áreas de pastagens em extensas áreas de silvicultura. É essencial estudar como a fauna de mamíferos lida com a paisagem altamente fragmenta e não protegida, pela influencia humana. Nosso estudo apresenta os resultados de um levantamento dos mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área típica do bioma Pampa com influência humana. O levantamento foi realizado exclusivamente com o uso de armadilhas fotográficas ao longo de um período de 16 meses. Foram avaliadas as frequências relativas das espécies na área. Foram registradas 18 espécies, algumas delas ameaçadas localmente (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira e Cuniculus paca). Várias espécies foram encontradas de forma abundante, no entanto, muitas espécies foram consideradas raras, sendo que novas espécies poderiam ser registradas se continuássemos a amostragem. Nossos resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da diversidade de mamíferos do bioma Pampa e habitats associados, alertam sobre ameaças e fornecem suporte para medidas de conservação.

Organizaciones basadas en la Fe como Sitios de Intervención en la Salud Adolescente. Un estudio de viabilidad en el Bañado Sur de Asunción, Paraguay / Faith-based Organizations as Sites of Intervention in Adolescent Health. A feasibility study in the Bañado Sur, Asuncion, Paraguay

Introducción: Casi la mitad de la población paraguaya tiene menos de 25 años. Una gran mayoría de jóvenes se encuentra en sus años más fértiles, pero brechas existentes en la educación sexual y la comunicación entre padres e hijos hace que los jóvenes corran más riesgo en experimentar consecuencias negativas como embarazos precoces o infecciones transmisibles por vía sexual. Las organizaciones basadas en la fe son sitios con gran potencial para el desarrollo de programas de intervención, particularmente en comunidades marginadas donde las iglesias se encuentran entre las organizaciones locales más fuertes. Objetivo: Este proyecto explora el potencial de estas organizaciones para servir en la promoción de salud sexual y reproductiva entre jóvenes de bajos recursos en el Bañado Sur de Asunción. Material y Métodos: Mujeres adolescentes entre 15 y 18 años de edad participaron en entrevistas profundas y grupos focales. Los clérigos participaron en entrevistas individuales. Resultados: El resultado revela que las mujeres adolescentes no se sienten cómodas hablando de la salud sexual y reproductiva con clérigos, prefieren hablar con sus padres, pero destacan lo difícil que es tener una conversación efectiva con ellos. Los clérigos creen que la educación sexual es responsabilidad de los padres, no de la iglesia, con excepción del matrimonio. Finalmente, mientras las iglesias podrían servir como sitios para intervenciones, tanto las adolescentes como los clérigos estaban de acuerdo que las intervenciones deben ser conducidas por profesionales de salud. Los materiales para las intervenciones deberán ser adaptados a un grado acorde con el nivel de alfabetismo de los padres del Bañado Sur y tomando en consideración la lingüística y cultura local. Palabras clave: Salud sexual y reproductiva, organizaciones basadas en la Fe, embarazo adolescente, intervenciones, prevención.

Introductions: Almost half of Paraguay's population is under 25 years of age. A large majority of young people are in their most fertile years, but gaps in sexual education and communication between parents and children place young people at high risk of experiencing negative outcomes, such as early pregnancy or sexually-transmitted diseases. Faith-based organizations are potential sites for the development of intervention programs, particularly in underserved communities, where churches are among the strongest local organizations. Objectives: This project explores the potential of these organizations to help in promoting sexual and reproductive health among disadvantaged youth in the Bañado Sur neighborhood in Asuncion. Methodology: Adolescent women between 15 and 18 years-old participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Clergymen participated in individual interviews. Results: The results revealed that female adolescents are not comfortable talking about sexual and reproductive health topics to clergymen and prefer to talk about these topics with their parents, but highlight the diffculty in having these discussions with their parents. The clergy believe that sex education is the responsibility of parents, not the church, with the exception of education about marriage. Finally, while the churches could serve as sites for interventions, both adolescents and clergymen agree that interventions should be conducted by health professionals. Materials used in these educational interventions should be adapted to the existing health literacy level of parents in the Bañado Sur and take the local language and culture into consideration. Keywords: Sexual and reproductive health, faith-based organizations, teenage pregnancy, interventions, prevention

Obstrucción intestinal recurrente por endometriosis de ileon distal: reporte de un caso y revisión / Recurrent small bowel obstruction by distal ileon endometriosis: case report and literature review

La endometriosis es una importante causa de dolor abdomino–pélvico en mujeres pre-menopáusicas y adolescentes en edad fértil, afectando en forma importante su calidad de vida. Se desconoce el mecanismo que produce la implantación de tejido endometrial fuera de la cavidad uterina. Sin embargo, la menstruación retrógrada es la hipótesis más aceptada. Dentro de la amplia gama de síntomas asociados a esta patología, el dolor pélvico recurrente, la dismenorrea, la dispareunia e infertilidad están entre las formas más frecuentes de presentación. Sin embargo, esta patología puede comprometer tanto a intestino delgado como recto sigmoides, debiendo ser considerado en el diagnóstico diferencial etiológico de obstrucción intestinal aguda. Se describe el caso de una paciente de 38 años, nulípara, usuaria de anticonceptivos orales; con antecedente de quistectomía anexial izquierda realizada el año 2007, quien presenta cuadro de dolor abdominal recurrente, asociado a vómitos profusos y ausencia de tránsito intestinal, coincidente con su menstruación y de resolución espontánea con el fin de ésta. Durante estudio complementario, bajo sospecha de endometriosis a nivel intestinal, se le realiza prueba terapéutica con agonistas de GnRh, logrando el cese de estos cuadros durante el tiempo de amenorrea, con reagudización de sintomatología obstructiva ante el cese del efecto. Tras identificarse mediante tomografía computada el sitio de obstrucción intestinal en íleon distal, se decide realizar resección del segmento intestinal comprometido por vía laparoscópica. El estudio histopatológico confirma el diagnóstico de endometriosis intestinal...

Endometriosis is a major cause of abdominal / pelvic pain in pre-menopausal and adolescent childbearing age women. The pathophysiological processes of implanted endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity is unknown. Retrograde menstruation is the more accepted theory. Dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and infertility are the most frequent symptoms of endometriosis. However, this disease can affect the small intestine and rectum sigmoid. Therefore, we must consider the endometriosis as a differential diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction. We describe the case of a nulliparous 38- year-old user of oral contraceptives. She had a history of laparoscopy (left ovarian cystectomy) on 2007. This patient has a history of recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting and absence of intestinal transit, which occurred and ended simultaneously with menstruation. We suspect intestinal infiltration by endometriosis. The patient was administered GnRh agonists, achieving a state of hypoestrogenism and cessation of intestinal symptoms during the time of amenorrhea. Once completed the effect of GnRh agonist, obstructive symptoms reappeared. ACT scan identified the site of intestinal obstruction in the distal ileum, so we decided to perform a laparoscopy to resect the affected bowel segment. Histopathological analysis confirms the diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis...

Role of main neuroendocrine pathways activated by swim stress on mast cell-dependent peritoneal TNF production after LPS administration in mice.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To characterize the effects of swim stress on the early mast cell (MC)-dependent peritoneal production of TNF in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in mice, identifying the neuroendocrine mediators involved. SUBJECTS: Ten to twelve-week-old Swiss Webster, C57BL/6 J or c-Kit (Wsh/Wsh) mice were used. TREATMENT: Animals were intraperitoneally challenged with LPS at different times after forced swimming (FS) and peak TNF production was determined in peritoneal washes at optimal time after LPS administration. Selective blockage of main neuroendocrine pathways was performed before swim stress. METHODS: TNF concentrations were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: FS provoked an immediate and transient inhibition of LPS-elicited, MC-dependent TNF accumulation in peritoneum, which lasted around 30 min. Suppresive effects of FS were absent on MC-deficient c-Kit (Wsh/Wsh) mice but were recovered after reconstitution with MC. Adrenalectomy or DSP4 administration increased basal ip TNF levels and enhanced LPS-induced TNF release without any effect on stress-induced inhibitory effects, mifepristone did not produce any change on stress-induced inhibition, whereas mecamylamine administration increased basals and attenuated stress effects. CONCLUSIONS: Swim stress transiently inhibits the canonical MC-dependent response of TNF production in response to LPS in murine peritoneal cavity with the main participation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex.

Effects of dietary antioxidant of tomato extract and lycopene on Carassius auratus and Xiphophorus maculatus / Efecto antioxidante de un extracto de jitomate y licopeno en Carassius auratus y Xiphophorus maculatus

Objective. Evaluate the effect on tegument pigmentation, survival, growth and antioxidant capacity in diets supplemented with tomato extract and lycopene as additives in experimental feed for Carassius auratus and Xiphophorus maculatus. Materials and methods. The additives were added in different concentrations to a basic diet. We performed beginning and an ending biometrics for 100% of the population in each bioassay. The growth and survival of organisms were evaluated. The antioxidant capacity was analyzed by ABTS assay, both in the tomato extract sample as well as in foods used in different bioassays. The concentration of lycopene was determined in food and liver and muscle samples of fish fed with it. Acquired pigmentation of fish was assessed through photographs analyzed with Adobe Photoshop®. The results were evaluated by analysis of variance, and when differences were found (p<0.05) the means were compared by the Tukey test. Results. No significant effect (p>0.05) on pigmentation and growth of the organisms under the established experimental conditions was obtained. Significant differences in antioxidant capacity (p<0.05) were obtained in foods with added lycopene. Conclusions. The inclusion of lycopene or tomato extract in food for the organisms used is not recommended to improve pigmentation, but further studies are needed to demonstrate antioxidant effect.

Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto sobre la coloración de la piel, la sobrevivencia, el crecimiento y la capacidad antioxidante por dietas suplementadas con extracto de jitomate y licopeno como aditivos en la alimentación de Carassius auratus y de Xiphophorus maculatus. Materiales y métodos. Los aditivos se añadieron en diferentes concentraciones a una dieta base. Se realizó una biometría inicial y una final del 100% de la población en cada bioensayo. Se evaluó el crecimiento y supervivencia de los organismos. La capacidad antioxidante se analizó a través del ensayo ABTS, tanto a la muestra de extracto de jitomate como a los alimentos utilizados en diferentes bioensayos. Se determinó la concentración de licopeno a los alimentos y en muestras de hígado y músculo de peces alimentados con ellos. La pigmentación adquirida por los peces se evaluó a través de fotografías analizadas con el programa de Adobe Photoshop®. Los resultados fueron evaluados con análisis de varianza, cuando se encontraron diferencias (p<0.05) las medias fueron comparadas mediante la prueba de Tukey. Resultados. No se obtuvo un efecto significativo (p>0.05) sobre la pigmentación y el crecimiento de los organismos en estudio bajo las condiciones experimentales establecidas. Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en la capacidad antioxidante en los alimentos adicionados con licopeno. Conclusiones. La inclusión de licopeno o de extracto de jitomate en alimentos para los organismos utilizados no es recomendable con el fin de mejorar la pigmentación, aunque se requieren otros estudios para demostrar su efecto antioxidante.

Time-course of 5-HT(6) receptor mRNA expression during memory consolidation and amnesia.

Growing evidence indicates that antagonists of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor(6) (5-HT(6)) improve memory and reverse amnesia although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Hence, in this paper RT-PCR was used to evaluate changes in mRNA expression of 5-HT(6) receptor in trained and untrained rats treated with the 5-HT(6) receptor antagonist SB-399885 and amnesic drugs scopolamine or dizocilpine. Changes in mRNA expression of 5-HT(6) receptor were investigated at different times in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Data indicated that memory in the Pavlovian/instrumental autoshaping task was a progressive process associated to reduced mRNA expression of 5-HT(6) receptor in the three structures examined. SB-399885 improved long-term memory at 48h, while the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine or the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine impaired it at 24h. Autoshaping training and treatment with SB-399885 increased 5-HT(6) receptor mRNA expression in (maximum increase) prefrontal cortex and striatum, 24 or 48h. The scopolamine-induced amnesia suppressed 5-HT(6) receptor mRNA expression while the dizocilpine-induced amnesia did not modify 5-HT(6) receptor mRNA expression. SB-399885 and scopolamine or dizocilpine were able to reestablish memory and 5-HT(6) receptor mRNA expression. These data confirmed previous memory evidence and of more interest is the observation that training, SB-399885 and amnesic drugs modulated 5-HT(6) receptor mRNA expression in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Further investigation in different memory tasks, times and amnesia models together with more complex control groups might provide further clues.

Bioética en la relación equipo de salud-paciente / Bioethics in the health team - patient relationship

Desde los años sesenta, paralelamente a la revolución técnico-científica, se observan cambios en la relación entre los profesionales de la salud y los pacientes, ya que estos son cada vez más conscientes de sus derechos como tal y hacen valer su autonomía. Esto afecta la tradicional postura paternalista del médico. A su vez, la relación ha mutado de un esquema personal a la relación multidisciplinaria, donde todos los miembros del equipo de salud participan con igual consideración. Los cambios contemporáneos han llevado a que los profesionales de la salud trabajen hoy bajo distintas presiones, observándose en consecuencia, una deshumanización en la relación. El artículo plantea la situación actual de la relación profesional de la salud - paciente, analizando desde una perspectiva bioética los cambios y factores que intervienen en dicha relación.(AU)

Bioética en la relación equipo de salud-paciente / Bioethics in the health team - patient relationship

Desde los años sesenta, paralelamente a la revolución técnico-científica, se observan cambios en la relación entre los profesionales de la salud y los pacientes, ya que estos son cada vez más conscientes de sus derechos como tal y hacen valer su autonomía. Esto afecta la tradicional postura paternalista del médico. A su vez, la relación ha mutado de un esquema personal a la relación multidisciplinaria, donde todos los miembros del equipo de salud participan con igual consideración. Los cambios contemporáneos han llevado a que los profesionales de la salud trabajen hoy bajo distintas presiones, observándose en consecuencia, una deshumanización en la relación. El artículo plantea la situación actual de la relación profesional de la salud - paciente, analizando desde una perspectiva bioética los cambios y factores que intervienen en dicha relación.

Super-oxidized solution inhibits IgE-antigen-induced degranulation and cytokine release in mast cells.

Activation of the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilonRI) through IgE-antigen complexes induces mast cell degranulation, synthesis of lipid mediators and cytokine production. These effects are involved in Type I hypersensitivity reactions and controlling them has been the main objective of many anti-allergic therapies. Here we report that pretreatment of murine bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMC) with super-oxidized solution (SOS) inhibits Fc epsilonRI dependent-beta hexosaminidase and cytokine release. This effect is exerted without altering total protein tyrosine phosphorylation, MAPK activation, cytokine mRNA accumulation or calcium mobilization after Fc epsilonRI triggering. Our data suggest that this neutral pH-SOS acts like a mast cell-membrane stabilizer inhibiting the cell machinery for granule secretion without altering the signal transduction pathways induced by IgE-antigen receptor crosslinking.

Avian influenza surveillance in backyard poultry of Argentina.

Avian influenza (AI) is an exotic disease in Argentina. A surveillance program for AI was conducted in backyard poultry during 1998-2005 in two regions: 1) region A, which included the avian population in the provinces that border Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and 2) region B, which included the rest of the provinces of the country. More than 8000 serum samples were tested for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or agar gel immunodiffusion tests, and more than 18,000 tracheal and cloacal swabs were tested for virus by isolation in embryonated specific-pathogen-free eggs. This study was part of the AI prevention program in Argentina, which includes other avian populations such as commercial poultry and all the controls for importation and exportation of live birds. The results from backyard poultry were negative for AI.

[Association between blood lead and sociodemographic parameters among children]. / Asociación entre plomo en sangre y parámetros sociodemográficos en población infantil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between blood lead concentration (Pb-S), and sociodemographic parameters among children. METHODS: Blood lead concentration (Pb-S) was determined in 243 children (aged 5.94 +/- 2.78 years) in the district of Valencia. The required analysis was performed at the Center for Toxicological Investigations of University of Carabobo (CITUC), Venezuela, between January 1st, 1998 to December 31st, 2000. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology was used for data mapping. RESULTS: Average Pb-S (11.62 ug/dl) was significantly higher than the allowed levels. One hundred and fifty (61.7%) children had Pb-S levels above the allowed concentration (VSLP) and this amount was significantly high in relation to the total number of subjects studied. The logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of sectors 12 (status A) and 16 and 28 (status C) with VSLP (R=0.1189; p<0,01; R=0.1202, p<0,01 and R=0.1189; p<0.01, respectively). Odds ratio showed that children from status C are 7,286 times more likely to have Pb-S VSLP than those from A or B. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that SGI and epidemiological-statistical methods widen the possibilities of preventing contaminants' adverse health effects. It also shows that correlating geographical and health data has allowed to identifying "high risk" areas, leading to a pro-active public health action

Asociación entre plomo en sangre y parámetros sociodemográficos en población infantil / Association between blood lead and sociodemographic parameters among children

OBJETIVO: Establecer la relación entre concentración de plomo en sangre (Pb-S) y parámetros demográficos y socioeconómicos, en una población infantil. METODOS: Se estableció la relación entre la concentración de plomo en sangre (Pb-S), de 243 niños (promedio de edad 5,94Ý2,78 años), que asistieron al Centro de Investigaciones Toxicológicas de la Universidad de Carabobo (CITUC), Venezuela (periodo 1998-2000). Se utilizó tecnología de Sistemas Geográficos de Información (SGI), ubicando espacialmente a los niños, asociando de forma gráfica la procedencia de éstos con los resultados analíticos. RESULTADOS: El promedio de Pb-S de la población total (11,62 ug/dl), fue significativamente superior al límite permisible (CDC=10 ug/dl). El número de niños con valores superiores al límite permisible de Pb-S (VSLP) [150; 61,7por cento], fue significativamente alto (p<0,01) con respecto a la población total. Al asociar mediante regresión logística, la frecuencia de niños con VSLP con los sectores de procedencia, se demostró que los sectores 12, 16 y 28 presentaron correlaciones parciales directas significativas (R=0,1189; p<0,01; R=0,1202, p<0,01 y R=0,1189; p<0,01 respectivamente). Al asociar la frecuencia de niños con VSLP y su categorización socioeconómica, el análisis de regresión logística reveló que para los niños con VSLP, la probabilidad de pertenecer a la categorización C se incrementa en un factor de 7.286. CONCLUSIONS: El estudio confirma que la utilización de SGI y métodos epidemiológico-estadísticos, extiende las posibilidades de prevención de enfermedades producidas por contaminantes como el Pb y que correlacionando datos geográficos y de salud, se pueden identificar áreas de "alto riesgo", conduciendo a una acción pro-activa de salud pública