Imaging findings in MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound treatment for patients with essential tremor.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging-guided focused sonography surgery is a new stereotactic technique that uses high-intensity focused sonography to heat and ablate tissue. The goal of this study was to describe MR imaging findings pre- and post-ventralis intermedius nucleus lesioning by MR imaging-guided focused sonography as a treatment for essential tremor and to determine whether there was an association between these imaging features and the clinical response to MR imaging-guided focused sonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with medication-refractory essential tremor prospectively gave consent; were enrolled in a single-site, FDA-approved pilot clinical trial; and were treated with transcranial MR imaging-guided focused sonography. MR imaging studies were obtained on a 3T scanner before the procedure and 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following the procedure. RESULTS: On T2-weighted imaging, 3 time-dependent concentric zones were seen at the site of the focal spot. The inner 2 zones showed reduced ADC values at 24 hours in all patients except one. Diffusion had pseudonormalized by 1 month in all patients, when the cavity collapsed. Very mild postcontrast enhancement was seen at 24 hours and again at 1 month after MR imaging-guided focused sonography. The total lesion size and clinical response evolved inversely compared with each other (coefficient of correlation = 0.29, P value = .02). CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging-guided focused sonography can accurately ablate a precisely delineated target, with typical imaging findings seen in the days, weeks, and months following the treatment. Tremor control was optimal early when the lesion size and perilesional edema were maximal and was less later when the perilesional edema had resolved.

Test de hidrógeno espirado en el estudio de la malabsorción de lactosa y sobrecrecimiento bacteriano en niños / Hydrogen breath test in the study of lactose malabsorption and intestinal bacterial overgrowth in children

La malabsorción de lactosa (ML) y el sobrecrecimiento bacteriano intestinal (SBI) son hallazgos frecuentes en adultos en Chile, pero su incidencia en pacientes pediátricos no ha sido investigada sistemáticamente. El objetivo fue estudiar la incidencia de ML y SBI en pacientes pediátricos que presentan síntomas gastrointestinal posterior a la ingesta de leche. Se analizó además el efecto de una dieta libre de lactosa en los síntomas. Se incluyeron 149 pacientes; edad promedio 9 años (rango 3-15), 88 por ciento de sexo femenino. Se determinó ML y SBI mediante test de hidrógeno en aire espirado. Se registraron síntomas basales y en 43 pacientes después de un mes de dieta libre de lactosa. Resultados: se observó ML en 95 pacientes y SBI en 42 pacientes. Se detectó SBI en 37 por ciento de pacientes con ML y en 15,5 por ciento de los pacientes con digestión a la lactosa. La aparición de ML se relacionó a la edad de las pacientes (3-7 años= 49 años, 8-11= 69 por ciento, 85 por ciento). Casi todos los pacientes experimentaron desaparición de síntomas luego de dieta libre de lactosa. Conclusiones : La ML y SBI deben sospecharse en niños síntomas gastrointestinales. El tratamiento con dieta libre de lactosa se acompañó de una significativa mejoría de los síntomas

Fractionation of glycoside precursors of aroma in grapes and wine.

The glycosides in mono-, di- and trihydroxylated terpene and norisoprenoid alcohols and also those in the related shikimate pathway have been isolated on C18 reversed-phase cartridges and then fractionated into classes of different polarity at increasing percentages of methanol. The benzyl alcohol glycosides are the most polar, while those of terpene monohydroxylated alcohols and geranic acid are the least polar. The terpene diols, linalool furanoid and pyranoid oxides and also norisoprenoid precursors show intermediate polarity and separate into well defined fractions according to their polarity.

Mycotoxin production by fusarium species isolated from bananas.

The ability of Fusarium species isolated from bananas to produce mycotoxins was studied with 66 isolates of the following species: F. semitectum var. majus (8 isolates), F. camptoceras (3 isolates), a Fusarium sp. (3 isolates), F. moniliforme (16 isolates), F. proliferatum (9 isolates), F. subglutinans (3 isolates), F. solani (3 isolates), F. oxysporum (5 isolates), F. graminearum (7 isolates), F. dimerum (3 isolates), F. acuminatum (3 isolates), and F. equiseti (3 isolates). All isolates were cultured on autoclaved corn grains. Their toxicity to Artemia salina L. larvae was examined. Some of the toxic effects observed arose from the production of known mycotoxins that were determined by thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, or high-performance liquid chromatography. All F. camptoceras and Fusarium sp. isolates proved toxic to A. salina larvae; however, no specific toxic metabolites could be identified. This was also the case with eight isolates of F. moniliforme and three of F. proliferatum. The following mycotoxins were encountered in the corn culture extracts: fumonisin B(inf1) (40 to 2,900 (mu)g/g), fumonisin B(inf2) (150 to 320 (mu)g/g), moniliformin (10 to 1,670 (mu)g/g), zearalenone (5 to 470 (mu)g/g), (alpha)-zearalenol (5 to 10 (mu)g/g), deoxynivalenol (8 to 35 (mu)g/g), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (5 to 10 (mu)g/g), neosolaniol (50 to 180 (mu)g/g), and T-2 tetraol (5 to 15 (mu)g/g). Based on the results, additional compounds produced by the fungal isolates may play prominent roles in the toxic effects on larvae observed. This is the first reported study on the mycotoxin-producing abilities of Fusarium species that contaminate bananas.

Rapid characterization of wild and collection strains of the genus Zygosaccharomyces according to mitochondrial DNA patterns.

Several wild and collection strains of the genus Zygosaccharomyces were characterized using a rapid and simple method of restriction analysis of mitochondrial DNA. Patterns obtained with three endonucleases (HaeIII, HinfI and RsaI) made it possible to differentiate each species and to identify the wild strains, isolated from the same spoiled concentrated must, as belonging to the species Z. rouxii. The HinfI restriction enzyme produced a strain-specific pattern which allowed us to recognize that the seven wild isolates belonged to only three strains.

Rapid characterization of four species of the Saccharomyces sensu stricto complex according to mitochondrial DNA patterns.

Several strains of the four sibling species of the genus Saccharomyces (S. bayanus, S. cerevisiae, S. paradoxus, and S. pastorianus) were characterized by using a rapid and simple method of restriction analysis of mitochondrial DNA. Patterns obtained with four-cutter endonucleases (such as AluI, DdeI, HinfI, and RsaI) made it possible to differentiate each species. S. cerevisiae and S. paradoxus presented a greater number of large fragments than S. pastorianus and S. bayanus with all the assay enzymes. With AluI and DdeI, species-specific bands clearly permitted differentiation between S. pastorianus and S. bayanus. To test the resolution of this method, wild Saccharomyces strains were analyzed. The correct assignment of these strains to a known taxon by this rapid method was confirmed by means of electrophoretic karyotyping.

Phylogenetic relationships among wine yeast strains based on electrophoretic whole-cell protein patterns.

In the present work, a phylogenetic study based on protein electrophoretic profiles of Saccharomyces strains isolated from different Spanish wine regions has been carried out. Qualitative differences between the protein electrophoregrams were found at inter- and intraspecific level, but not between electrophoregrams of strains isolated at the same ecosystem. The numerical analysis of these results allowed us to conclude that intraspecific relationships are determined by ecological factors, as well as human influences (dispersion and artificial selection). A correlation between ecological and/or geographical origin and the relationships among strains was observed.

[Evolution of the microbiological parameters of cured ham]. / Evolución de los parámetros microbiológicos del jamón curado.

The main microbiological and physico-chemical parameters in dry-salted ham previously selected were determined along the elaboration process. All determinations were performed at 2 levels: surface and internal. All bacterial groups showed a similar behaviour, increasing along the first stages up to the third month of drying, then decreasing to numbers similar to the initial ones. Only the halotolerants maintained fairly high numbers during last stages. Some groups were almost absent at internal levels. The hazardous bacteria showed different behaviour: whereas the faecal streptococci were fairly abundant during the whole study, coliforms almost disappeared at the final stages. During the elaboration process at different stages of ripening they were analysed in order to know the moulds population at surface level. Aspergillus and Penicillium were the dominant genera. The latter, mainly represented by 10 species, dominated during the first stages of elaboration. Aspergillus was present throughout the whole making process. The glaucus group was clearly dominant at the final stages due to the low aw values together with the high NaCl percentages. Aspergillus halophilicus was the most abundant species identified (18%) and the most frequently isolated at the final stages.

[Utilization of molecular techniques for the characterization of wine yeasts and the study of the wine-making process]. / Utilización de técnicas moleculares para la caracterización de levaduras vínicas y el estudio del proceso de vinificación.

The study of the fermentation process in the Alicante region allowed us to conclude that adverse climatic conditions could be responsible for deficient wine-making with serious problems arising fermentations, usually causing incomplete fermentation. In order to avoid these problems, we selected a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, namely T73, isolated in the same Alicante region, to be used to perform controlled fermentations. The use of selected strains in the wine-making process requires the development of characterization techniques that can clearly differentiate between the inoculated strain and the wild strains present in the musts. In order to differentiate strains present in the wine ecosystems, an extensive survey of different methods of yeast strains identification has been carried out. However, these techniques are very complex to be used in industry. For this reason, we have developed a new, simple, inexpensive and rapid method based on mitochondrial DNA restriction analysis. This technique was applied to the control of wine fermentations conducted by active dry yeasts. This molecular approach allows us to understand the role of the inoculated dry yeast strain and that of the natural S. cerevisiae flora during wine fermentation.

Molecular monitoring of wine fermentations conducted by active dry yeast strains.

A simple and rapid method of yeast strain characterization based on mitochondrial DNA restriction analysis was applied to the control of wine fermentations conducted by active dry yeast strains. This molecular approach allows us to understand several important aspects of this process, such as the role of the active dry yeast strain and that of the natural Saccharomyces cerevisiae flora during vinification. In this paper, we demonstrate that the inoculated strain is really responsible for the fermentation but does not suppress significant development of natural strains during the first stages. During this early period, natural strains could have important effects on wine flavor.

Contribution of different yeasts isolated from musts of monastrell grapes to the aroma of wine.

Volatile substances of wines obtained by fermentation of musts from 'Monastrell' grapes (Alicante, Spain) was studied for yeast isolated from such musts. The results of the statistical treatment performed show the importance of yeasts of low fermentative power, particularly Kloeckera apiculata, in the production of volatile substances. Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. chevalieri was found to be the most important yeast of high fermentative power.

Effect of the incubation conditions on the production of patulin by Penicillium griseofulvum isolated from wheat.

Sixty-four wheat samples from Spanish flour factories were screened for patulin and patulin-producing moulds. None of them was found to contain any patulin, whereas samples experimentally contaminated with this toxin proved it to be highly unstable. On the other hand, Penicillium griseofulvum was the only in vitro patulin-producing species found (19 samples). Mould growth in the samples was investigated by using yeast-sucrose medium (YES) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure the amounts of toxin produced during 40 day's incubation at 20 and 28 degrees C. The highest yield rate of patulin was obtained between the 20th and 30th day of incubation; such a rate, however, was very low throughout the vigorous growth phase, during the first 20 days of incubation. The more appropriate temperature for incubation and patulin production was 28 degrees C. We also investigated the influence of other incubation conditions in the yield and found stationary dark cultures to be more efficient that shaken or fermentation cultures in YES medium. The best patulin yield achieved was 11.9 mg in the culture broth and 6.3 mg in the mycelium from 100 ml of medium.

Mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic moulds in nuts and sunflower seeds for human consumption.

A survey was carried out to obtain data on the occurrence of mycotoxins and the mycotoxin-producing potential of fungi isolated from nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts) and sunflower seeds in Spain. Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate the toxins. Aflatoxins were detected in one sample of almonds (95 ppb aflatoxin B1 and 15 ppb aflatoxin B2) and in one sample of peanuts at a level below 10 ppb of aflatoxin B1. 100% of samples showed variable incidence of fungal contamination. The predominant fungi present in samples were Penicillium spp, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. glaucus and Rhizopus spp. The results showed that isolates of different species were able to produce aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A, patulin, citrinin, penicillic acid, zearalenone, and griseofulvin.

Microbiological and physico-chemical aspects in dry-salted Spanish ham.

The main microbiological and physico-chemical parameters in dry-salted ham previously selected were determined during the elaboration process. All determinations were performed at 2 levels: surface and internal. The selected microbiological parameters were: total aerobes, halotolerant, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and hazardous microorganisms. NaCl, nitrate, nitrite, water activity, moisture, pH, temperature and loss of weight were selected for the physico-chemical study. All microbial groups showed a similar behaviour, increasing along the first stages up to the third month of drying, then decreasing to numbers similar to the initial ones. Only the halotolerants maintained fairly high numbers during the last stages. Some groups were almost absent at internal levels. The hazardous bacteria showed different behaviour: whereas the faecal streptococci were fairly abundant during the whole study, coliforms almost disappeared at the final stages.

Colecistopatías y uso de anovulatorios orales / Cholecystopathy and the use of oral contraceptive agents

El primer análisis realizado de un estudio de casos y controles, en el que se compara la frecuencia de uso de anticonceptivos orales en mujeres con diagnóstico postoperatorio de litiasis biliar, hospitalizadas en el Departamento de Cirugía del Hospital Clínico de la Universidade de Chile, con la frecuencia de uso de enfermas hospitalizadas por otras razones en el mismo servicio, sin litiasis biliar, de edad similar a los casos, revela que la proporción de usuarias es 2,5 veces mayor en las enfermas con litiasis, alcanzando el riesgo relativo a valores de 3,8. No hubo diferencias entre casos y controles en cuanto a potenciales variables de confusión como nivel socioeconomico, estado civil, estado nutritivo, presión arterial, edad de menarquia y menopausa, edad de iniciación sexual, raza, paridad o hábito de fumar. Casi la mitad de los casos presentaron síntomas biliares en el primer año de uso. Se comentan los resultados obtenidos y las implicaciones de este efecto en Chile dado que la frecuencia de litiasis biliar es extremadamente elevada entre nosotros

[Effect of physico-chemical factors of the soil on the Oribatid population]. / Influencia de factores físico-químicos del suelo sobre poblaciones de Oribátidos.

Orbatid populations present in the ground of four randomly selected patches of land for calf farming underwent ecology during four months. The statistical analysis of results disclosed a highly significative decrease of the population in one out of such patches of land. The physicochemical analysis of earth samples from each patch of land permitted the explanation for the phenomenon on the basis of an increased calcium concentration in the least populated patch of land.

[1st finding of the Ancylostoma braziliense nematode (Gómez de Faria, 1910) in Canis familiaris in Cuba]. / Primer hallazgo del nematodo Ancylostoma braziliense (Gómez de Faria, 1910) en Canis familiaris de Cuba.

According to the results obtained by investigators who have been devoted up to date to the study of dog helminthiases in Cuba dog ancylostomiasis is produced by Ancylostoma caninum. Now, Ancylostoma braziliense (Gómez de Faria, 1910) has been found in two dogs from the Havana province. The knowledge of the invasion extension as well as of the intensity of infestation should wait for the exhaustive study of the collected material.