Response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in children with asthma, and children with recurrent respiratory infections, and healthy children

BACKGROUND: To analyse specific immune response to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine by measuring pneumococcal antibodies in children with asthma and with respiratory recurrent infection (RRI) as compared to healthy children. METHODS: The study included 60 children, divided into three groups: 20 with asthma, 20 with RRI, and 20 healthy controls. Post-vaccination specific IgG antibodies against 10 pneumococcal serotypes (S1, S3, S4, S5, S6B, S9V, S14, S18C, S19F, and S23F) contained in the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) were measured. A specific IgG concentration ≥1.3μg/mL was considered a protective response to the vaccine. For statistical analysis, levels of specific IgG antibodies against each of the 10 pneumococcal serotypes were compared across the three groups of children using the x2 test. RESULTS: All of the children showed antipneumococcal antibody levels >1.3μg/mL for over 70% of the serotypes, considered within the normal range of response. Average IgG antibody levels and percentages of children protected were statistically comparable among the three groups studied. CONCLUSION: The asthmatic children without RRI had pneumococcal antibody levels and percentages of serotype-specific protection to PPV comparable to those of healthy children. Asthmatic children with recurrent infections should be evaluated for specific antibody deficiency (SAD). Because asthma patients are at high risk for invasive pneumococcal infections, it would be worthwhile to explore systematic administration of PPV in children over the age of two years who have not received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, considering the positive response to PPV reported here

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Response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in children with asthma, and children with recurrent respiratory infections, and healthy children.

BACKGROUND: To analyse specific immune response to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine by measuring pneumococcal antibodies in children with asthma and with respiratory recurrent infection (RRI) as compared to healthy children. METHODS: The study included 60 children, divided into three groups: 20 with asthma, 20 with RRI, and 20 healthy controls. Post-vaccination specific IgG antibodies against 10 pneumococcal serotypes (S1, S3, S4, S5, S6B, S9V, S14, S18C, S19F, and S23F) contained in the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) were measured. A specific IgG concentration ≥1.3µg/mL was considered a protective response to the vaccine. For statistical analysis, levels of specific IgG antibodies against each of the 10 pneumococcal serotypes were compared across the three groups of children using the x(2) test. RESULTS: All of the children showed antipneumococcal antibody levels >1.3µg/mL for over 70% of the serotypes, considered within the normal range of response. Average IgG antibody levels and percentages of children protected were statistically comparable among the three groups studied. CONCLUSION: The asthmatic children without RRI had pneumococcal antibody levels and percentages of serotype-specific protection to PPV comparable to those of healthy children. Asthmatic children with recurrent infections should be evaluated for specific antibody deficiency (SAD). Because asthma patients are at high risk for invasive pneumococcal infections, it would be worthwhile to explore systematic administration of PPV in children over the age of two years who have not received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, considering the positive response to PPV reported here.

Specific antibody deficiency with normal immunoglobulin concentration in children with recurrent respiratory infections

BACKGROUND: Response to polysaccharide antigens is a test to evaluate the immunological competence of children with recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) of unknown cause and no other immune system abnormality. In order to detect specific antibody deficiency (SAD), a group of children with RRI without other immunodeficiency were prospectively studied. METHODS: We included 20 children (12 male), age range 3-14 years, with six or more annual episodes of respiratory infections (RI); one or more monthly episodes of RI during the winter months; or three or more annual episodes of lower RI. The children were immunised with 23-valent polysaccharide anti-pneumococcal vaccine, and ELISA was used to measure anti-polysaccharide IgG antibody levels for 10 pneumococcal serotypes at baseline (T0), and 45 days (T1) and one year post-immunisation (T2). Post-immunisation response above 1.3 μg/ml for more than 50% of the serotypes was considered normal for children 2-5 years, and for more than 70% of the serotypes in children older than 5 years. RESULTS: At T1 19/20 children showed a normal response for their age, and only one patient showed a deficient response, suggestive of classic moderate SAD. At T2, 8/20 patients showed deficient responses, suggestive of impaired persistence of specific antibodies. There was a noteworthy association between deficient response and asthma and allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: We propose first ruling out local or systemic causes, then performing serum immunoglobulin IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE and IgG

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Specific antibody deficiency with normal immunoglobulin concentration in children with recurrent respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND: Response to polysaccharide antigens is a test to evaluate the immunological competence of children with recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) of unknown cause and no other immune system abnormality. In order to detect specific antibody deficiency (SAD), a group of children with RRI without other immunodeficiency were prospectively studied. METHODS: We included 20 children (12 male), age range 3-14 years, with six or more annual episodes of respiratory infections (RI); one or more monthly episodes of RI during the winter months; or three or more annual episodes of lower RI. The children were immunised with 23-valent polysaccharide anti-pneumococcal vaccine, and ELISA was used to measure anti-polysaccharide IgG antibody levels for 10 pneumococcal serotypes at baseline (T0), and 45 days (T1) and one year post-immunisation (T2). Post-immunisation response above 1.3 µg/ml for more than 50% of the serotypes was considered normal for children 2-5 years, and for more than 70% of the serotypes in children older than 5 years. RESULTS: At T1 19/20 children showed a normal response for their age, and only one patient showed a deficient response, suggestive of classic moderate SAD. At T2, 8/20 patients showed deficient responses, suggestive of impaired persistence of specific antibodies. There was a noteworthy association between deficient response and asthma and allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: We propose first ruling out local or systemic causes, then performing serum immunoglobulin IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE and IgG subclass levels, and finally measuring response to polysaccharide pneumococcal antigens for detection of SAD.

Evolución de la ingesta y del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre en mujeres sometidas a cirugía bariátrica hasta el segundo año postoperatorio / Evolution of the intake and nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in women undergoing bariatric surgery until the second year after surgery

Introducción: La cirugía bariátrica permite una reducción significativa de peso y mejoría de comorbilidades asociadas a la obesidad a largo plazo, pero también puede afectar negativamente el estado nutricional de algunos micronutrientes. Objetivos: Evaluar cambios en ingesta e indicadores del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre en mujeres sometidas a bypass gástrico en Y de Roux (BPG) o gastrectomía tubular (GT), hasta el segundo año postoperatorio. Métodos: Se estudió prospectivamente 45 mujeres sometidas a BPG o GT (edad promedio 35,2 ± 8,4 años, IMC promedio 39,8 ± 4,0 kg/m2), cada 6 meses se realizaron determinaciones de ingesta e indicadores del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre, y en forma anual se evaluó la composición corporal. El aporte de minerales a través de los suplementos representaba dos veces la ingesta recomendada para una mujer sana en las pacientes sometidas a GT y tres veces para BPG. Resultados: 20 mujeres se sometieron a GT y 25 a BPG. En ambos grupos se produjo una reducción significativa de peso y del porcentaje de masa grasa, que se mantuvo hasta el segundo año postoperatorio. Las mujeres sometidas a BPG presentaron un mayor compromiso del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre, que las pacientes sometidas a GT. Conclusiones: El bypass gástrico en Y de Roux produce un compromiso mayor del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre que la gastrectomía tubular. Se debería evaluar si la administración fraccionada de la suplementación mejoraría la absorción de estos nutrientes (AU)

Introduction: Bariatric surgery allows a significant reduction in weight and improvement of comorbidities associated with obesity in the long term, but it can also adversely affect the nutritional status of some micronutrients. Objectives: To evaluate changes in intake and parameters of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), until the second postoperative year. Methods: We prospectively studied 45 women undergoing GBP or SG (mean age 35.2 ± 8.4 years, mean BMI 39.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2), every 6 months We measured intake and status indications nutritional zinc, iron and copper, and annually evaluated body composition. The contribution of minerals through supplements represented twice the recommended intake for a healthy woman in patients undergoing GT and three times for GBP. Results: 20 women underwent GBP and 25 SG. In both groups there was a significant reduction in weight and body fat percentage, which was maintained until the second postoperative year. Women who have had a greater commitment GBP nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper, that patients undergoing SG. Conclusions: Gastric bypass Roux-Y produces a greater commitment of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper sleeve gastrectomy. It should evaluate whether administration of supplementation fractional improve the absorption of these nutrients (AU)

[Evolution of the intake and nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in women undergoing bariatric surgery until the second year after surgery]. / Evolución de la ingesta y del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre en mujeres sometidas a cirugía bariátrica hasta el segundo año postoperatorio.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery allows a significant reduction in weight and improvement of comorbidities associated with obesity in the long term, but it can also adversely affect the nutritional status of some micronutrients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in intake and parameters of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), until the second postoperative year. METHODS: We prospectively studied 45 women undergoing GBP or SG (mean age 35.2 ± 8.4 years, mean BMI 39.8 ± 4.0 kg/m²), every 6 months We measured intake and status indications nutritional zinc, iron and copper, and annually evaluated body composition. The contribution of minerals through supplements represented twice the recommended intake for a healthy woman in patients undergoing GT and three times for GBP. RESULTS: 20 women underwent GBP and 25 SG. In both groups there was a significant reduction in weight and body fat percentage, which was maintained until the second postoperative year. Women who have had a greater commitment GBP nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper, that patients undergoing SG. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric bypass Roux-Y produces a greater commitment of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper sleeve gastrectomy. It should evaluate whether administration of supplementation fractional improve the absorption of these nutrients.

Alopecia en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida sometidas a cirugía bariátrica / Alopecia in women with severe and morbid obesity who undergo bariatric surgery

Introducción: La cirugía bariátrica produce una reducción de peso significativa, pero se asocia a un mayor riesgo de presentar algunas deficiencias nutricionales. Una complicación frecuente, poco estudiada, que se ha relacionado principalmente con deficiencia de zinc, es la alopecia. Objetivos: comparar el estado nutricional de zinc, hierro, cobre, selenio y proteico-visceral en mujeres con distinto grado de caída del pelo al sexto mes post bypass gástrico o gastrectomía tubular. Métodos: Según el grado de caída de pelo las pacientes fueron divididas en dos grupos: grupo 1 o caída leve (n =42) y grupo 2 o caída importante del pelo (n = 45). Se evaluó en el preoperatorio y al sexto mes postoperatorio la ingesta de zinc, hierro, cobre y selenio, además de indicadores del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro, cobre y proteico visceral. Resultados: En ambos grupos se produjo una reducción significativa del peso al sexto mes postoperatorio (-38,9 ± 16,4%). Las pacientes del grupo 1 presentaron una ingesta significativamente mayor de zinc (20,6 ± 8,1 contra 17,1 ± 7,7 mg/d) y de hierro (39,7 ± 35,9 contra 23,8± 21,3 mg/d.), y un menor compromiso del estado nutricional de zinc y hierro que el grupo 2, pero las pacientes del grupo 2 presentaron un menor compromiso del estado nutricional de cobre. No hubo diferencias en las concentraciones plasmáticas de albúmina. Conclusiones: Las pacientes que presentan una menor caída del pelo hasta el sexto mes postoperatorio tienen una mayor ingesta de zinc y hierro, y un menor compromiso del estado nutricional de ambos minerales (AU)

Introduction: Bariatric surgery leads to a significant body weigh reduction although it is associated to a higher risk of presenting some nutritional deficiencies. A common complication, little studied and mainly related to zinc deficiency is alopecia. Objectives: To compare the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, selenium and protein-visceral in women with different degrees of hair loss at 6 months after gastric bypass or tubular gastrectomy. Methods: The patients were categorized into two groups according to the degree of hair loss: group 1 or mild loss (n = 42) and group 2 or severe hair loss (n = 45).Zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, as well as the indicators of the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, and proteinvisceral were assessed before and after 6 months of the surgery. Results: In both groups there was a significant bodyweight reduction at 6 months post-surgery (-38.9% ±16.4%). Patients in group 1 presented a significantly higher intake of zinc (20.6 ± 8.1 vs. 17.1 ± 7.7 mg/d) andiron (39.7 ± 35.9 vs. 23.8 ± 21.3 mg/d.), and lower compromise in the nutritional status of zinc and iron than group 2. However, patients in group 2 had lower compromise in the nutritional status of copper. There were no differences regarding the plasma concentrations of albumin. Conclusions: The patients having lower hair loss at six months after surgery had higher zinc and iron intake and lower compromise of the nutritional status of bothminerals (AU)

Primary immunodeficiency diseases in Latin America: Proceedings of the Second Latin American Society for Immunodeficiencies (LASID) Advisory Board

Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are essential for the best prognosis and quality of life in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs). Experts from several Latin American countries have been meeting on a regular basis as part of an on going effort to improve the diagnosis and treatment of PIDD in this region. Three programmes are in development that will expand education and training and improve access to testing facilities through out Latin America. These programmes are: an educational out reach programme (The L-Project); an immunology fellowship programme; and the establishment of a laboratory network to expand access to testing facilities. This report provides the status of these programmes based on the most recent discussions and describes the next steps toward full implementation of these programmes (AU)

Primary immunodeficiency diseases in Latin America: proceedings of the Second Latin American Society for Immunodeficiencies (LASID) Advisory Board.

Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are essential for the best prognosis and quality of life in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs). Experts from several Latin American countries have been meeting on a regular basis as part of an ongoing effort to improve the diagnosis and treatment of PIDD in this region. Three programmes are in development that will expand education and training and improve access to testing facilities throughout Latin America. These programmes are: an educational outreach programme (The L-Project); an immunology fellowship programme; and the establishment of a laboratory network to expand access to testing facilities. This report provides the status of these programmes based on the most recent discussions and describes the next steps toward full implementation of these programmes.

[Alopecia in women with severe and morbid obesity who undergo bariatric surgery]. / Alopecia en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida sometidas a cirugía bariátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery leads to a significant body weigh reduction although it is associated to a higher risk of presenting some nutritional deficiencies. A common complication, little studied and mainly related to zinc deficiency is alopecia. OBJECTIVES: To compare the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, selenium and protein-visceral in women with different degrees of hair loss at 6 months after gastric bypass or tubular gastrectomy. METHODS: The patients were categorized into two groups according to the degree of hair loss: group 1 or mild loss (n = 42) and group 2 or severe hair loss (n = 45). Zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, as well as the indicators of the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, and proteinvisceral were assessed before and after 6 months of the surgery. RESULTS: In both groups there was a significant body weight reduction at 6 months post-surgery (-38.9% ± 16.4%). Patients in group 1 presented a significantly higher intake of zinc (20.6 ± 8.1 vs. 17.1 ± 7.7 mg/d) and iron (39.7 ± 35.9 vs. 23.8 ± 21.3 mg/d.), and lower compromise in the nutritional status of zinc and iron than group 2. However, patients in group 2 had lower compromise in the nutritional status of copper. There were no differences regarding the plasma concentrations of albumin. CONCLUSIONS: The patients having lower hair loss at six months after surgery had higher zinc and iron intake and lower compromise of the nutritional status of both minerals.

[Body composition assessment in patients with chronic renal failure]. / Evaluación de la composición corporal en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of body composition is paramount in early assessment of nutritional status impairments due to excess or deficit. There are, however, few field reliable methods for this objective for patients with chronic renal failure (CRF.). OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of the estimations of body composition by different methods as compared to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the gold standard method in patients with CRF and on regular chronic haemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed body composition in 30 haemodialysis patients (46.9 +/- 15.1 years (18-76); BMI 25.9 +/- 5.7 kg/m(2) (18.1-41.5)), observing agreement in the percentage of fat mass (%FM) between the sum of the 4 folds (SP; calibrator Lange) and bioimpedantiometry by using different equations (BIA; Biodynamics 450) versus DEXA (Lunar DPX-L). RESULTS: (X +/- SD) By BMI, 3 subjects had low weight (10%), 14 normal weight (46.7%), 7 overweight (23.3%), and 6 obesity (20%). The %FM with SP (30.7 +/- 7.1%) significantly differed from DEXA (27.3 +/- 10.3%; p < 0.001). With BIA there was a significant difference in %FM with the Deurenberg and Formica equations. The %FM obtained with the manufacturer's equations (Segal, Lukaski and Kyle) did not show a significant difference from DEXA. With Kyle's equation we observed a better agreement (difference with DEXA: -0.58 +/- 4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: We found a low percentage of patients with low weight as compared to previous studies. The skin folds show low reliability to estimate the fat mass. The bioimpedantiometry, using Kile's equation may be a good filed method to assess haemodialysis patients.

Evaluación de la composición corporal en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica / Body composition assessment in patients with chronic renal failure

Introducción: La evaluación de la composición corporal es de gran importancia en la pesquisa temprana de alteraciones en el estado nutricional por déficit o por exceso, sin embargo existen pocos métodos de campo confiables para este objetivo en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC). Objetivo: Evaluar la confiabilidad de estimaciones de composición corporal con distintos métodos en comparación con absorciometría de rayos X de doble energía (DEXA) como método de referencia, en pacientes portadores de IRC sometidos a hemodiálisis crónica periódica. Pacientes y métodos: Se evaluó la composición corporal en 30 pacientes en hemodiálisis (46,9 ± 15,1 años (18-76); IMC 25,9 ± 5,7 kg/m2 (18,1-41,5)), observando la concordancia en el porcentaje de masa grasa (%MG) entre sumatoria de 4 pliegues (SP; calibrador Lange®) y bioimpedanciometría usando distintas ecuaciones (BIA; Biodynamics® 450) contra DEXA (Lunar DPX-L). Resultados: (X ± DE) Según IMC, 3 individuos tenían bajo peso (10%), 14 normopeso (46,7%), 7 sobrepeso (23,3%) y 6 obesidad (20%). El %MG con SP (30,7 ± 7,1%) difirió significativamente de DEXA (27,3 ± 10,3%; p < 0,001). Para BIA hubo diferencia significativa en %MG con ecuaciones de Deurenberg y Formica. El %MG obtenido con ecuaciones del equipo, de Segal, Lukaski y Kyle, no mostró diferencia significativa con DEXA. Con Kyle se observó la mejor concordancia (diferencia con DEXA: -0,58 ± 4,2%). Conclusiones: Se encontró un bajo porcentaje de pacientes con bajo peso con respecto a estudios previos. Los pliegues cutáneos muestran una baja confiabilidad para estimar la masa grasa. La bioimpedanciometría, utilizando la ecuación de Kyle, podría ser un buen método de campo para la evaluación de pacientes en hemodiálisis (AU)

Introduction: Assessment of body composition is paramount in early assessment of nutritional status impairments due to excess or deficit. There are, however, few field reliable methods for this objective for patients with chronic renal failure (CRF.). Objective: To assess the reliability of the estimations of body composition by different methods as compared to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the gold standard method in patients with CRF and on regular chronic haemodialysis. Patients and methods: We assessed body composition in 30 haemodialysis patients (46.9 ± 15.1 years (18-76); BMI 25.9 ± 5.7 kg/m2 (18.1-41.5)), observing agreement in the percentage of fat mass (%FM) between the sum of the 4 folds (SP; calibrator Lange®) and bioimpedantiometry by using different equations (BIA; Biodynamics® 450) versus DEXA (Lunar DPX-L). Results: (X ± SD) By BMI, 3 subjects had low weight (10%), 14 normal weight (46.7%), 7 overweight (23.3%), and 6 obesity (20%). The %FM with SP (30.7 ± 7.1%) significantly differed from DEXA (27.3 ± 10.3%; p < 0.001). With BIA there was a significant difference in %FM with the Deurenberg and Formica equations. The %FM obtained with the manufacturer's equations (Segal, Lukaski and Kyle) did not show a significant difference from DEXA. With Kyle's equation we observed a better agreement (difference with DEXA: -0.58 ± 4.2%). Conclusions: We found a low percentage of patients with low weight as compared to previous studies. The skin folds show low reliability to estimate the fat mass. The bioimpedantiometry, using Kile's equation may be a good filed method to assess haemodialysis patient (AU)

Cypermethrin effects on the adult mice seminal glands.

The insecticide cypermethrin acts upon the sodium channels. Their effects over animal health are not understood. Here, the effects of cypermethrin on the seminal glands (SGs) are studied (1/5 DL50 i.p.). Forty-five adult mice (CF1) were distributed in three groups: (1) untreated, (2) vehicle (oil), and (3) experimental (cypermethrin in oil). The animals were sacrificed at 1 and each 8.6 days. The SGs were processed for histology: Haematoxylin/P.A.S, Thyonin (0.6%) and Immunohistochemistry (Ki-67). In the SGs was quantified: the epithelium height, mastocytes, and cell proliferation. In the results, cypermethrin exerts an intense effect on epithelium height and cell proliferation. A net increase of both parameters was observed at 24 h (p0.05). However, the mastocytes increased drastically and progressively during the experimental period (p0.05). Then, the effects have acute manifestations, which would be responsible for the potential changes in the male's reproductive potentiality.

Histological and functional organization in human testicle: expression of receptors c-kit and androgens / Organización histológica y funcional en el testículo humano: expresión de los receptores c-kit y andrógenos

The objective of this work was identify the presence of interstitial cells of Cajal, muscle cells, nerves and androgen receptor positive cells in adult human testicle, using immunohistochemical detection for c-kit/CD-117, actin smooth muscle specific (ASMS), neurofilament (N) and androgen receptor (AR), respectively. The samples were obtained from patients (n= 10) with diagnosis of prostate cancer, with surgery of orchiectomy. Subsequently were processed by histology and for immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies. It showed the presence of cells c-kit/CD-117, with diverse degrees of positivity, distributed mainly in the interstitial peritubular area of the human testicle. The peritubular myoides cells were positive to the presence of the actin smooth muscle and androgen receptor. The neurofilaments elements (+) only were observed in the vascular tunic. The specific immunohistochemistry describe the presence of the interstitial cells of Cajal in human testicular interstitium, opening a new perspective for the functional interpretation of the testicular cellularity and tubular motility. Possibly associated functionally to peribubulars cells of smooth muscle to regulate the mobility of the seminiferous tabules, whose integration and function would be androgen dependent. The cells that express the c-kit receptor, were found exclusively in the interstitial compartment. This cellular type in addition of the muscular cells of peritubules and the absence of nervous fibers to the interior of the testicle, could be responsible for the regulation of tubular mobility, as it happens in the gastrointestinal apparatus.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar la presencia de células interticiales de Cajal, células musculares lisas, células nerviosas y células que expresan receptores de andrógeno en el testículo de humano adulto, usando inmunohistoquímica específica para: c-kit/CD-117, músculo liso actina específico (ASMS), neurofilamentos (N) y para receptores de andrógenos (AR). Las muestras fueron obtenidas de pacientes (n=10) con diagnóstico de cáncer prostático sometidos a cirugía de orquiectomía. Las biopsias se procesaron para histología e inmunohistoquímica usando anticuerpos específicos. Se muestra la presencia de células c-kit/CD-117, con diversos grados de positividad y distribuidas en el compartimento interticial del testículo. Las células peritubulares mioides fueron positivas para la presencia de músculo liso actina específico y para receptor de andrógenos. La marcación de neurofilamentos positivos, sólo fueron observados en la túnica vascular. Conclusiones: La inmunohistoquímica específica describe la presencia de células interticiales de Cajal en los interticios testiculares humanos, abriendo una nueva visión en la interpretación funcional de la celularidad testicular y la motilidad tubular. Lo anterior asociado a la funcionalidad de las células peritubulares (músculo liso) regularían la motilidad de los túbulos seminíferos. Este proceso posiblemente es andrógeno dependiente. Las células que expresan receptores c-kit se encuentran exclusivamente en los compartimentos interticiales, estas células en conjunto con las células musculares peritubulares agregado a la ausencia de fibras nerviosas al interior del testículo, podrían ser los responsables de la regulación de la motilidad tubular, similar a como se informa para el tracto gastrointestinal.

Concordancia entre gasto energético y reposo medido y estimado por fórmulas predictivas en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida / Agreement between measured and calculated by predictive formulas resting energy expenditure in severe and morbid obese women

Objetivo: Comparar el gasto energético de reposo medido con el gasto energético de reposo estimado (GER) por fórmulas predictivas diseñadas a partir de población con peso normal u obesidad, en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida. Material y métodos: a 66 mujeres (índice de masa corporal 44,7 ± 4,9 kg/m2; edad 35,6 ± 10,3 años) se les realizó calorimetría indirecta con monitor metabólico Deltatrac (Datex Inst., Finlandia), antes de someterse a cirugía bariátrica. Se estimó el GER con las siguientes ecuaciones: Harris-Benedict con peso real y peso ajustado, Ireton-Jones, Estimación Rápida de Carrasco (16,2 kcal × kg peso real) y Mifflin. Resultados: (x ± de). El GER medido fue 1.797 ± 239 kcal/día. Todas las fórmulas, excepto Harris-Benedict con peso ajustado, sobreestimaron el gasto energético; la ecuación de Ireton-Jones fue la que sobreestimó en mayor cuantía el GER (689 ± 329 kcal/día), mientras que la ecuación de Mifflin sobreestimó el GER sólo en 6 ± 202 kcal/día. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el GER medido y el GER estimado por Mifflin y Estimación Rápida. La ecuación de Mifflin fue la más exacta: en 68% de los casos la diferencia entre el GER estimado y medido estuvo dentro de ± 10%, seguida por Harris-Benedict con peso real (64%) y la Estimación Rápida (61%). Según el análisis de Bland-Altman, hubo una correlación significativa entre la diferencia GER estimado- medido y el promedio de GER estimado y medido con todas las ecuaciones, excepto con la Estimación Rápida de Carrasco. Esto implica que, con la excepción de esta última, las fórmulas estudiadas subestiman o sobrestiman el GER dependiendo de la magnitud del GER medido. Conclusión: En la serie pacientes con obesidad severa y mórbida evaluadas, la ecuación de Mifflin y la Estimación Rápida otorgan el menor error de estimación del gasto energético de reposo en mujeres. Antes de recomendar una ecuación en particular es necesario realizar estudios de validación para determinar cuál es la ecuación de predicción más exacta para este grupo de pacientes

Objective: To compare measured resting energy expenditure (REE) with that predicted by formulas derived from populations with normal weight or obesity and from women with severe and morbid obesity. Material and methods: 66 women (aged 35.6 ± 10.3 y and BMI of 44.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were evaluated by indirect calorimetry with a metabolic monitor Deltatrac (Datex Inst., Finland), before undergoing gastric bypass. REE was calculated with the following equations: Harris-Benedict’s with both actual and adjusted weight, Ireton-Jones’, Mifflin’s, and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation, which corresponds to 16.2 kcal × kg actual weight. Results: (mean ± sd). Measured REE was 1797 ± 239 kcal/day. All formulas, except Harris-Benedict’s with adjusted weight, overestimated REE. The Ireton-Jones’ equation presented the greater overestimation (689 ± 329 kcal/day), whereas Mifflin’s equation overestimated REE only by 6 ± 202 kcal/day. No significant differences were detected between measured and calculated REE by Mifflin’s and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation. Accuracy (defined as difference between calculated and measured REE within ± 10%) was greater with Mifflin’s equation (68%), followed by Harris-Benedict’s with actual weight (64%) and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation (61%). By using the Bland-Altman analysis, significant correlations were observed between calculated-measured REE and mean REE (calculated + measured/2) with all equations except Carrasco’s Fast Estimation. This means that all but one formula underestimate or overestimate REE depending on the level of measured REE. Conclusion: In severe and morbid obese women, Mifflin’s and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation equations provided the best performance to estimate REE. Before recommending an equation in an a subset of individuals it is necessary to make previous validation studies to determine that equation with the best predictive power for this particular group of patients

[Agreement between measured and calculated by predictive formulas resting energy expenditure in severe and morbid obese women]. / Concordancia entre gasto energético y reposo medido y estimado por fórmulas predictivas en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida.

OBJECTIVE: To compare measured resting energy expenditure (REE) with that predicted by formulas derived from populations with normal weight or obesity and from women with severe and morbid obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 66 women (aged 35.6 +/- 10.3 y and BMI of 44.7 +/- 4.9 kg/m2) were evaluated by indirect calorimetry with a metabolic monitor Deltatrac (Datex Inst., Finland), before undergoing gastric bypass. REE was calculated with the following equations: Harris-Benedict's with both actual and adjusted weight, Ireton-Jones', Mifflin's, and Carrasco's Fast Estimation, which corresponds to 16.2 kcal x kg actual weight. RESULTS: (mean +/- sd). Measured REE was 1797 +/- 239 kcal/day. All formulas, except Harris-Benedict's with adjusted weight, overestimated REE. The Ireton-Jones' equation presented the greater overestimation (689 +/- 329 kcal/day), whereas Mifflin's equation overestimated REE only by 6 +/- 202 kcal/day. No significant differences were detected between measured and calculated REE by Mifflin's and Carrasco's Fast Estimation. Accuracy (defined as difference between calculated and measured REE within +/- 10%) was greater with Mifflin's equation (68%), followed by Harris-Benedict's with actual weight (64%) and Carrasco's Fast Estimation (61%). By using the Bland-Altman analysis, significant correlations were observed between calculated-measured REE and mean REE (calculated + measured/2) with all equations except Carrasco's Fast Estimation. This means that all but one formula underestimate or overestimate REE depending on the level of measured REE. CONCLUSION: In severe and morbid obese women, Mifflin's and Carrasco's Fast Estimation equations provided the best performance to estimate REE. Before recommending an equation in an a subset of individuals it is necessary to make previous validation studies to determine that equation with the best predictive power for this particular group of patients.

Effects of absorption with pneumococcal type 22F polysaccharide on maternal, cord blood, and infant immunoglobulin G antipneumococcal polysaccharide antibodies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of absorption with pneumococcal type 22F polysaccharide on antipneumococcal antibody titers in unimmunized Chilean pregnant women and on antibodies in their offspring at birth and 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Sera from 10 healthy pregnant women and from their offspring at birth and at 3, 6, and 12 months of age were studied. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 9V, 14, 18, 19F, and 23F were measured by a standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. All sera were absorbed with polysaccharide C, and aliquots of each serum were absorbed with polysaccharide 22F. Individual results were expressed in mug/ml based on the standard serum pool 89-SF. Absorption with polysaccharide 22F reduced antibody concentrations in all samples and to all 10 serotypes studied. Reduction was highest in maternal sera and in cord blood, but it was also present at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. The percent reduction ranged from 24% for serotype 14 to 50% for serotype 1 in maternal samples and from 20% for serotype 18C to 49% for serotype 4 in cord blood samples. The percentages of transplacental transmission were similar for nonabsorbed and absorbed maternal fetal pairs. Absorption with serotype 22F had a significant impact on antipneumococcal antibody concentrations in unimmunized pregnant women and in their offspring. Our results suggest that absorption with 22F polysaccharide needs to be performed in studies of transplacental transmission of antipneumococcal antibodies.

[Intraprostatic BCG vaccine in patients with prostatic cancer. Expression of interferon gamma and interleukin 4 (a preliminary study)]. / Vacuna BCG intraprostática en pacientes con cáncer de próstata. Expresión de gamma interferón e interleukina 4. (Aportación preliminar).

UNLABELLED: The BCG treatment in the superficial bladder cancer is utilized since 1976. There are some animal experiences with BCG intraprostatic in dogs with prostatic cancer. GOAL: determine if insitu BCG vaccine increase the prostatic immunity in patients with prostatic cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three patients with D stage prostatic cancer where injected with 0.3-0.5 mg of BCG vaccine in the prostate. An histological picture where made in the some place before and after the injection. A RT-PCR study was made for gamma Interferon and Interleukin-4. RESULTS: In two patients we observed gamma interferon expression (67%) respect the control, this produce an increase of the cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer cells and macrophagos, that have antitumoral action. One patient increased the interleukin-4 that means production of T helper lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. There wasn't complications. CONCLUSIONS: The BCG vaccine injected in prostatic tissue of patients with prostatic cancer, produces an increase of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, with antitumoral action.

Vacuna bcg intraprostática en pacientes con cáncer de próstata. Expresión de gamma interferón e interleukina 4. (Aportación preliminar) / Intraprostatic BCG vaccine in patients with prostatic cancer, expression of Interferon gamma and Interleukin 4

El tratamiento BCG en el cáncer superficial de vejiga es utilizado desde 1976. Hay algunas experiencias en animales referente a producción de necrosis del tumor, inyectando BCG intraprostático en perros con cáncer de próstata. Objetivo: Determinar si la vacuna BCG in situ, produce aumento de inmunidad en la próstata de pacientes portadores de adenocarcinoma prostático. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO : A tres pacientes portadores de cáncer prostático etapa D2, se les realizó biopsia prostática del lóbulo derecho para obtener tejido de control, luego se inoculó por vía transrectal vacuna BCG en dosis de 0,3 a 0,5 mg en el mismo lóbulo prostático y posteriormente a los 15 días se extrajo nueva biopsia del lóbulo inyectado. Se realizó estudio RT-PCR para expresión de gamma interferón e interleukina-4 en las muestras pre y post BCG de cada paciente en estudio. RESULTADOS: Se demostró expresión de gamma interferón por el RNA mensajero en dos pacientes (67 per cent), con respecto al control pre-BCG, lo cual significa un aumento en la activación de linfocitos T citotóxicos, de las células natural killer y macrófagos, que tienen acción antitumoral. En un paciente se demostró expresión de interleukina-4 (33 per cent) en relación al control, lo cual significa producción de linfocitos T helper y linfocitos B con producción de anticuerpos inespecíficos. No hubo complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: La vacuna BCG inyectada al tejido prostático de pacientes con cáncer prostático, produce estimulación inmunológica, especialmente de linfocitos T citotóxicos activados y células natural killer, los cuales tienen acción antitumoral, y de moléculas del complejo principal de histocompatibilidad tipo II, que permite que lo anterior se lleve a cabo. Mayores estudios se requieren para determinar si con esta respuesta se logrará en el futuro, eliminar o frenar, un cáncer prostático inicial, en reemplazo de la cirugía radical (AU)

Influence of patient age on Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes causing invasive disease.

All clinical S. pneumoniae specimens isolated from patients with invasive or sterile-site infections admitted to one regional general hospital in southern Chile were collected during a 5-year period (February 1994 to September 1999). A total of 247 strains belonging to 50 serotypes were isolated in this survey: 69 in patients under 5 years of age, 129 in patients 5 to 64 years old, and 49 from patients 65 years and older. Eight serotypes were identified in all age groups, while all other serotypes were found exclusively in one age group or in patients over 4 years of age. Serotype 3 was never found in patients under 5 years old, and serotype 14 was not found in patients >64 years of age. There was no difference in the serotypes causing infection in each one of the 5 years of the survey. Our results suggest that both bacterial virulence factors and host factors play an important role in the selection of S. pneumoniae serotypes causing invasive infection. Possible host factors include age-related differences in the immune response. Comparative studies with other areas of the world may help to further understanding of our observations in southern Chile.