Descripción de un caso de angioedema hereditario dependiente de estrógenos / A case description of oestrogen-dependent inherited angioedema

Introducción: El angioedema hereditario es una enfermedad genética rara que carece de tratamiento específico. Principales síntomas: Se caracteriza por la aparición recurrente de episodios de edema que afectan fundamentalmente a piel y mucosa. Diagnósticos principales: Existen tres tipos de angioedema hereditario, habiéndose relacionado el tipo III con situaciones que presentan niveles elevados de estrógenos. Intervenciones terapéuticas: Exponemos el caso de una paciente con angioedema hereditario tipo III, que presenta crisis de angioedema coinciciendo con el periodo periovulatorio y premenstrual. Ante dicha relación hormonal, se pautó terapia con gestágenos para intentar reducir el número de ovulaciones. Resultados: Tras varios meses en tratamiento con desogestrel la paciente refiere disminución del número y gravedad de las crisis. Conclusión: La terapia con gestágenos parece resultar útil en el control de los episodios de angioedema hereditario tipo III.(AU)

Introduction: Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disease without any specific treatment. Main symptoms: It is characterized by recurrent episodes of skin and mucous oedema. Main diagnoses: There are three types of angioedema and type III has been related to high-level oestrogen conditions. Therapeutic interventions: We describe the case of a patient with hereditary angioedema type III, who had an episode of angioedema associated with the periovulatory and premenstrual period. Due to this hormonal influence, we used gestagen therapy to attempt to reduce the number of ovulations. Results: After several months of treatment with desogestrel, the patient reports a decrease in the number and severity of episodes. Conclusion: Gestagen therapy seems to be useful for controlling episodes of hereditary angioedema type III.(AU)

Complicaciones de la biopsia transrectal de próstata en nuestro medio. Estudio multicéntrico internacional de 3.350 pacientes / Complications of transrectal prostate biopsy in our context. International multicenter study of 3350 patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cáncer de próstata es la neoplasia visceral más frecuente en el varón, y en Estados Unidos es la segunda con mayor mortalidad, por detrás del cáncer de pulmón y por delante del cáncer colorrectal. La mortalidad por cáncer prostático se ha reducido en Estados Unidos, Austria, Reino Unido y Francia, mientras que la supervivencia a los 5 años ha aumentado en Suecia, debido probablemente al incremento de la actividad diagnóstica y a una mayor detección de tumores no mortales. La biopsia transrectal de próstata (BTRP) suele tener una baja tasa de complicaciones graves, con un número de complicaciones menores no despreciable. La mortalidad asociada directamente a este procedimiento es baja y suele estar en el contexto de un shock séptico. Las principales complicaciones derivadas de la biopsia de próstata pueden ser infecciosas (leves o graves) y no infecciosas (hemorragia en forma de hematuria, uretrorragia, rectorragia o hemospermia, retención aguda de orina [RAO], dolor o reacciones vagales). MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: El objetivo del estudio es comparar tres protocolos habituales de BTRP y su relación con la aparición de complicaciones. Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico observacional realizado en tres países (España, Italia y Portugal). Se revisaron los historiales clínicos de 3.350 varones a los que se ha realizó una BTRP para investigar la existencia de cáncer de próstata, con un control evolutivo mínimo de 6 meses. RESULTADOS: La edad media fue de 65,50 años, mediana 66, rango 43-79. En el análisis de subgrupos se apreció que en los pacientes más jóvenes hubo más RAO (p = 0,0000001). Así mismo, nuestros resultados arrojaron que los pacientes más jóvenes presentaron más dolor relacionado con el procedimiento (p = 0,0000001) que los de mayor edad. En cuanto al PSA, la media fue de 10,44, DE 7,73, mediana 8,15, rango 0,98-68,09. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) más elevado no se asoció a más infección (p = 0,000004). Al realizar el análisis multivariante se comprobó que las variables significativas en el grupo general fueron: edad (p = 0,0013), PSA (p = 0,0402), anestesia con infiltración local (p = 0,0001) y profilaxis con esquema metronidazol +tobramicina +amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico +gentamicina (p = 0,0001), presentando una distribución normal con alto intervalo de confianza (95%) y correlación significativa. La variable más significativa para ninguna complicación y para el dolor es la profilaxis (p = 0,0001), para el sangrado son la edad (p = 0,0013) y la profilaxis (p = 0,0001), para la infección son la edad (p = 0,0013), la profilaxis y el PSA (p = 0,0001), y para la RAO son la edad (p = 0,0013), la anestesia con infiltración local, la profilaxis (p = 0,0001) y el PSA (p = 0,0402). CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de sedación general tiene menos efectos secundarios y complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento de la biopsia transrectal de próstata respecto a la aplicación de anestesia local transrectal. La elección del tipo de pauta de profilaxis antibiótica resulta determinante en la aparición de complicaciones derivadas de la realización de la biopsia transrectal de próstata

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the most common visceral neoplasm in men and the second one in the United States with the highest mortality behind lung cancer and ahead of colorectal cancer. While prostate cancer mortality rates have been reduced in the United States, Austria, United Kingdom and France, 5-year survival rates have been incremented in Sweden, probably due to a higher diagnostic activity and non-lethal tumor detection. TRPB usually has low rates of serious complications, with a not negligible number of minor complications. Mortality directly associated with this procedure is low and usually related to septic shock. The main complications derived from prostate biopsy can be infectious (mild or severe) and non-infectious (hematuria consistent with hemorrhage, urethral bleeding, rectal bleeding or hemospermia, acute urinary retention, pain or vasovagal reactions). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The objective of the study is to compare three usual TRPB protocols and their relationship with the incidence of complications. Retrospective multicenter observational study conducted in three countries (Spain, Italy and Portugal). We have reviewed the medical records of 3350 men who underwent TRPB to evaluate the existence of prostate cancer, with a minimum evolutionary control of 6 months. RESULTS: The mean age was 65,50 years, median 66, range 43-79. The subgroup analysis showed that younger patients had higher rates of acute urine retention (AUR) (P=.0000001). Likewise, our results revealed that younger patients presented more procedural pain (P=.0000001) than older PATIENTS: Regarding PSA, the mean value was 10.44, SD 7.73, median 8.15, range 0.98-68.09. A higher body mass index (BMI) was not associated with further infection (P=.000004). When performing the multivariate analysis, it was found that the significant variables in the general group were: age (P=.0013), PSA (P=.0402), local infiltration anesthesia (P=.0001) and prophylaxis with metronidazole +tobramycin +amoxicillin/clavulanic acid +gentamicin (P=.0001), presenting a normal distribution with high confidence interval (95%) and significant correlation. Prophylaxis is the most significant variable for no complications and pain (P=.0001), age (P=.0013) and prophylaxis (P=.0001) are for bleeding, age (P=.0013), prophylaxis and PSA (P=.0001) are for infection, and finally, age (P=.0013), anesthesia with local infiltration and prophylaxis (P =.0001) and PSA (P=.0402) are for AUR. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation has fewer side effects and complications related to the transrectal prostate biopsy procedure with respect to transrectal local anesthesia. The choice of the antibiotic prophylaxis scheme is decisive in the onset of complications arising from the performance of a transrectal prostate biopsy

Complications of transrectal prostate biopsy in our context. International multicenter study of 3350 patients. / Complicaciones de la biopsia transrectal de próstata en nuestro medio. Estudio multicéntrico internacional de 3.350 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the most common visceral neoplasm in men and the second one in the United States with the highest mortality behind lung cancer and ahead of colorectal cancer. While prostate cancer mortality rates have been reduced in the United States, Austria, United Kingdom and France, 5-year survival rates have been incremented in Sweden, probably due to a higher diagnostic activity and non-lethal tumor detection. TRPB usually has low rates of serious complications, with a not negligible number of minor complications. Mortality directly associated with this procedure is low and usually related to septic shock. The main complications derived from prostate biopsy can be infectious (mild or severe) and non-infectious (hematuria consistent with hemorrhage, urethral bleeding, rectal bleeding or hemospermia, acute urinary retention, pain or vasovagal reactions). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The objective of the study is to compare three usual TRPB protocols and their relationship with the incidence of complications. Retrospective multicenter observational study conducted in three countries (Spain, Italy and Portugal). We have reviewed the medical records of 3350 men who underwent TRPB to evaluate the existence of prostate cancer, with a minimum evolutionary control of 6months. RESULTS: The mean age was 65,50years, median 66, range 43-79. The subgroup analysis showed that younger patients had higher rates of acute urine retention (AUR) (P=.0000001). Likewise, our results revealed that younger patients presented more procedural pain (P=.0000001) than older patients. Regarding PSA, the mean value was 10.44, SD 7.73, median 8.15, range 0.98-68.09. A higher body mass index (BMI) was not associated with further infection (P=.000004). When performing the multivariate analysis, it was found that the significant variables in the general group were: age (P=.0013), PSA (P=.0402), local infiltration anesthesia (P=.0001) and prophylaxis with metronidazole +tobramycin +amoxicillin/clavulanic acid +gentamicin (P=.0001), presenting a normal distribution with high confidence interval (95%) and significant correlation. Prophylaxis is the most significant variable for no complications and pain (P=.0001), age (P=.0013) and prophylaxis (P=.0001) are for bleeding, age (P=.0013), prophylaxis and PSA (P=.0001) are for infection, and finally, age (P=.0013), anesthesia with local infiltration and prophylaxis (P=.0001) and PSA (P=.0402) are for AUR. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation has fewer side effects and complications related to the transrectal prostate biopsy procedure with respect to transrectal local anesthesia. The choice of the antibiotic prophylaxis scheme is decisive in the onset of complications arising from the performance of a transrectal prostate biopsy.

Degradation of a series of fluorinated acrylates and methacrylates initiated by OH radicals at different temperatures.

Rate coefficients for the gas-phase reactions of OH radicals with a series of fluorinated acrylates and methacrylates: 2,2,2-trifluoroethylmethacrylate (k 1), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropylacrylate (k 2), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropylmethacrylate (k 3), and 2,2,2-trifluoroethylacrylate (k 4) have been measured for the first time as a function of temperature in the range 290-308 K. The kinetic data obtained were used to derive the following Arrhenius expressions (in units of cm3 per molecule per s): k 1 = (2.13 ± 0.68) × 10-18 exp[(4745 ± 206)/T], k 2 = (8.72 ± 0.68) × 10-15 exp[(2166 ± 205)/T], k 3 = (6.30 ± 0.51) × 10-17 exp[(3721 ± 153)/T] and k 4 = (3.93 ± 0.43) × 10-16 exp[(3140 ± 129)/T]. The experiments were performed at normal atmospheric pressure in synthetic air using a 1080 L photoreactor and coupled with FTIR analysis to monitor the decay of the substances of interest and the reference compounds. The obtained negative temperature dependencies are in agreement with a mechanism implying an initial addition of the OH radical to the double bond. Atmospheric implications are discussed with reference to the rate coefficients obtained as a function of the temperature.

Effect of different format-solvent rosemary extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) on frozen chicken nuggets quality.

Three kinds of Rosmarinus officinalis extract (powder-acetone, liquid-methanol, liquid-acetone) were used to examine the effects of format-solvent on the active compounds extracted (total phenolic, carnosol and carnosic acid content) and antioxidant activity (FRAP, ABTS). The results showed that both, as the format but also the solvent used, had significant effect on the parameters analyzed (p < 0.05). The highest antioxidant activity was found for the powder-acetone extract followed by the liquid methanol and liquid acetone extracts (p < 0.05). The effect of the three different extracts on the physical-chemical and sensory quality of frozen chicken nuggets was evaluated. At the dose proposed by the European Union Directive 2010/69/EU for the carnosic and carnosol compounds [150 ppm (mg/kg fat basic)], the format-solvent combination of the rosemary extracts used did not modify the chicken nuggets quality characteristics (pH, colour, sensory quality) and still underlines the effectiveness of these extracts.

Una propuesta de evaluación formativa en ciencias morfológicas / A proposal of formative assessment in morphology sciences

La carrera de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA) presenta un sistema de correlatividades estricto que conlleva a frecuentes retrasos académicos. El porcentaje de alumnos que aprobó la cursada 2009 (considerando la prueba parcial y sus instancias de recuperación) del curso Histología Embriología y Teratología fue menor al 80% con una tendencia descendente considerando el periodo 2006­2009. El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar si la implementación de cambios metodológicos que incluyeran actividades con principios de evaluación formativa, lograba mejorar la calidad del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje. La propuesta incluyó: dictado de temas evaluados en los trabajos prácticos (TP) con la antelación suficiente para permitir su lectura y comprensión; archivos power point con imágenes de las preparaciones histológicas en cada TP; evaluación de TP con devolución escrita de las correcciones; posibilidad de recuperación de los TP correspondientes a tejidos básicos contra entrega de la evaluación corregida; seminarios obligatorios y consultas concebidas como encuentros de aprendizaje previo a las mesas de exámenes finales. Como indicadores de impacto de la propuesta, se utilizaron el porcentaje de alumnos que aprobó la cursada (%AAC) y el número de veces que rindieron el examen final hasta aprobarlo. Se compararon los periodos 2010-2012 (nueva propuesta) y 2006-2009 (cursadas tradicionales) mediante Chi2. El %AAC fue mayor para el periodo 2010­2012 (93,1%) comparado con el periodo 2006­2009 (82,4%; p<0,05). Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de alumnos que rindió entre 1 y 4 veces el examen final (50,2%, 27,6%, 15,6% y 6,6% respectivamente; p>0,05). Las modificaciones propuestas resultarían una estrategia que mejora el rendimiento académico evidenciado por un aumento en el porcentaje de aprobación de cursada, sin embargo no incidió positivamente en el desempeño académico en instancias de examen final sugiriendo la necesidad de buscar estrategias para hacer más eficiente la acreditación final del curso.

The program of the UNCPBA Veterinary Medicine degree has a strict subject correlative order system leading to frequent academic delays. The percentage of students who completed the Histology Embryology and Teratology 2009 course (considering the partial tests and two resist examinations) was below 80% with a downward trend for the period 2006­2009. The objective of this work was to examine whether the implementation of methodological changes that include activities with principles of formative assessment could improve the quality of the teaching-learning process. The proposal included: to teach the topics evaluated in practical works (PW) allowing enough time for reading and comprehension; to present the students with power point files with images of histological preparations in each PW; to give them the PW assessment in writing; to allow resist of PWs corresponding to basic tissues after delivery of the corrected assessment; mandatory seminars and consultation meetings designed as learning instances prior to final exams. As indicators of the impact of the proposal the percentage of students who completed the course (PSC) and the number of times students sat for the final exam to pass it were taken into account. Periods 2010­2012 (new proposal) and 2006-2009 (traditional course) were compared by Chi2. The PSC was higher for the period 2010­2012 (93.1%) compared to the 2006­2009 period (82.4%; p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the percentage of students who sat between 1 and 4 times the final examination (50.2%, 27.6%, 15.6% and 6.6% respectively, p>0.05). The changes proposed would become a strategy to improve the academic performance as evidenced by an increase in the percentage of students completing the course; however, they had no positive impact on the academic performance at the final examinations instances suggesting the need to find strategies to make more efficient the final accreditation of the course.

Disparate molecular evolution of two types of repetitive DNAs in the genome of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans.

Wide arrays of repetitive DNA sequences form an important part of eukaryotic genomes. These repeats appear to evolve as coherent families, where repeats within a family are more similar to each other than to other orthologous representatives in related species. The continuous homogenization of repeats, through selective and non-selective processes, is termed concerted evolution. Ascertaining the level of variation between repeats is crucial to determining which evolutionary model best explains the homogenization observed for these sequences. Here, for the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans, we present the analysis of intragenomic diversity for two repetitive DNA sequences (a satellite DNA (satDNA) and the 45S rDNA) resulting from the independent microdissection of several chromosomes. Our results show different homogenization patterns for these two kinds of paralogous DNA sequences, with a high between-chromosome structure for rDNA but no structure at all for the satDNA. This difference is puzzling, considering the adjacent localization of the two repetitive DNAs on paracentromeric regions in most chromosomes. The disparate homogenization patterns detected for these two repetitive DNA sequences suggest that several processes participate in the concerted evolution in E. plorans, and that these mechanisms might not work as genome-wide processes but rather as sequence-specific ones.

In vitro development of murine embryos in presence of campylobacter fetus / Desarrollo de embriones murinos in vitro en presencia de campylobacter fetus

Bovine campylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter fetus is associated with reproductive losses. The knowledge about the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis is limited, then a murine experimental model is proposed. BALB/c females and males were used. Two-cell embryos were cultured in Ham-F10 as control group (CG). Treatment groups were constituted by the addition of Cfv 1 and 3, or Cff 2 and 5. Morulae were placed in Ham-F10 (CG); treatment groups were constituted by the addition of Cfv27, CFF (cell-free filtrate) and Brucella broth (BB). Blastocysts were cultured in MEM (CG); challenge group were constituted by the addition of Cfv 27. Differentiation, hatching, hatched, adhesion and expansion were evaluated. Results were analyzed by Chi2 test. In two-cell embryo, the differentiation rate was not modified when the study strains were added (p > 0.05). The differentiation rate at 24 h for embryos at the morula stage was lower for BB, Cfv, and CFF, compared with CG (p < 0.05). After 48 h culture, no differences were observed in blastocyst formation for Cfv and BB, compared to CG (p > 0.05). However, the differentiation rate for the CFF group was lower than for CG (p < 0.05). At 48 and 72 h, the hatching rate was higher in CFF and Cfv groups than in CG (p < 0.05). Differences were not detected in blastocyst cultures. In conclusion, under these experimental conditions, Cf was not detrimental to the development of murine embryos. Efforts will be intensified to establish in vitro infection models that reproduce their pathogenicity.

La campilobacteriosis bovina caudada por Campylobacter fetus produce pérdidas reproductivas existiendo poca información de los mecanismos de patogenicidad de dicha bacteria, por lo cual se propone un modelo utilizando ratones BALC/c. Embriones de dos células fueron cultivados en Ham-F10: grupo control (GC), los grupos experimentales fueron adicionados con las cepas Cfv 1, Cfv 3, Cff 2 y Cff 5. Mórulas fueron cultivadas en Ham-F10 (GC); los grupos tratados recibieron Cfv27, CFF (filtrado libre de células) y caldo Brucella (BB). Blastocistos fueron cultivados en MEM (GC) y MEM más Cfv 27 (grupo desafiado). Se evaluó: diferenciación, "hatching", "hatched", adhesión y expansión. Los resultados fueron analizados por Chi2. En embriones de dos células, la diferenciación no fue modificada por acción de las cepas evaluadas (p > 0,05). Para embriones en estadío de mórula, la diferenciación a las 24 h de cultivo fue menor para BB, Cfv, y CFF, comparado con el GC (p < 0,05). Luego de 48 h de cultivo, no hubo diferencias entre Cfv, BB, y CG (p > 0,05), no obstante para el grupo CFF la diferenciación fue menor al CG (p < 0,05). El porcentaje de "hatching" (48 y 72 h de cultivo), fue mayor en los grupos CFF y Cfv comparado con el GC (p < 0,05). La adición de Cfv 27 no modificó el desarrollo de blastocistos. En el modelo propuesto, Cf no afectó negativamente el desarrollo embrionario. Futuros trabajos serán necesarios para establecer un modelo de infección in vitro en pos de reproducir su patogenicidad.

Lipoma vulvar gigante / Large vulvar lipoma

No disponible

Lack of association of ACP1 gene with inflammatory bowel disease: a case-control study.

The red cell acid phosphatease (ACP1) gene, which encodes a low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP), has been suggested as a common genetic factor of autoimmunity. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible influence of ACP1 polymorphisms in the susceptibility of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A total of 1271 IBD Spanish patients [720 Crohn's disease (CD) and 551 ulcerative colitis (UC)] and 1877 healthy subjects were included. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs10167992, rs11553742, rs7576247 and rs3828329, were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Common ACP1 alleles (i.e. ACP1*A, ACP1*B and ACP1*C) were determined by two of these SNPs. After the analysis, no evidence of association of the ACP1 genetic variants was found with CD or UC. Therefore, our results suggest that the ACP1 gene may not play a relevant role in the development of IBD.

Albendazole sulphoxide administered prior to mating andits relation with fertilization and mouse embryo development / Albendazol sulfóxido administrado previo al apareamiento y su relación con la fertilización y el desarrollo embrionario de ratón

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) administered to Balb C mice prior to mating on fertilization rate and preimplantational embryo development. Twenty four female mice 5-8 weeks of age were superovulated by intraperitoneal injection of 7.5 UI of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, Novormon®, Laboratorios Syntex S.A., Argentina); 48 h later they received 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, Profasi®, Laboratorios Serono, Méjico) and were paired with males of proven fertility. Females received 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg of ABZSO orally at the time of hCG administration, prior to mating. The control group received carboxymethylcellulose, vehicle used to prepare the drug suspension. Pregnant females were killed by cervical dislocation at day 4 of pregnancy and non fertilized oocyte and embryos were flushed from uteri. The possible effects of ABZSO were evaluated considering the fertilization rate, the total number of collected embryos per female; the percentage of embryos morphologically normal; the differentiation rate (determined by the relation between the number of blastocyst and the total of morphologically normal embryos) and the cleavage rate determined by counting the nuclei. The variables were analyzed on a per litter basis using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The fertilization rate was lower in females administered ABZSO at a dose of 200 mg/kg (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found in the embryonic parameters after the administration of 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg of ABZSO compared to the untreated control group (P>0.05). In conclusion, a single acute exposure to ABZSO prior to mating at around the time of fertilization at a dose higher than the one usually administered in human and veterinary medicine affects the fertilization rate but it has no adverse effects on early embryo development.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de albendazol sulfóxido (ABZSO) administrado a ratonas Balb C previo al apareamiento, sobre la tasa de fertilización y el desarrollo embrionario preimplantacional. Se utilizaron 24 hembras de 5 a 8 semanas de edad las que fueron inducidas a superovular por inyección intraperitoneal de 7,5 UI de gonadotrofina coriónica equina (eCG, Novormon®, Laboratorios Syntex S.A. Argentina) seguidas, 48 h más tarde por 10 UI de gonadotrofina coriónica humana (hCG, Profasi®, Laboratorios Serono, México). Al momento de recibir la dosis de hCG, fueron apareadas con machos de fertilidad probada. Las hembras fueron dosificadas oralmente con ABZSO disuelto en carboximetilcelulosa en dosis de 100 mg/kg (Grupo 100) y 200 mg/kg (Grupo 200) previo al apareamiento. El grupo control recibió carboximetilcelulosa. Las hembras preñadas fueron sacrificadas por dislocación cervical en el día 4 de preñez y se recolectaron ovocitos sin fertilizar y embriones preimplantacionales mediante el lavado de cuernos uterinos. Se determinó la tasa de fertilización, el número promedio de embriones recolectados por hembra, el porcentaje de embriones morfológicamente normales, el porcentaje de diferenciación y la velocidad de clivaje estimada por recuento de núcleos. Las variables fueron analizadas sobre la base de la camada utilizando el test de Kruskal-Wallis. La tasa de fertilización resultó menor para hembras que recibieron albendazol sulfóxido a razón de 200 mg/kg de peso (P<0,05); no obstante, no se observaron diferencias significativas en los parámetros embrionarios luego de la administración de 100 mg/kg ó 200 mg/kg de ABZSO comparado con el grupo control (P>0,05). En conclusión, la exposición aguda de ABZSO realizada previo al apareamiento a una dosis mayor de aquella utilizada en medicina humana y veterinaria afecta la tasa de fertilización pero no muestra efectos adversos sobre el desarrollo embrionario temprano.

Level of heat shock proteins decreases in individuals carrying B-chromosomes in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans.

We analyzed the effect of B-chromosome presence on expression level of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in cerebral ganglion and gonad in both males and females of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans. Two natural Spanish populations, Salobreña (Granada) and Torrox (Málaga) were assayed, the former harbouring a neutralized (non-driving) B-chromosome (B(2)) and the latter a parasitic (driving) B-chromosome (B(24)). The analysis was performed by Western blotting, immunostaining and densitometric measuring expression level of the Hsp70 family in adult individuals. The results showed that Hsp70 levels of testis were significantly higher in Salobreña than Torrox, and were significantly lower in testes of B-carrying males from both populations. A similar effect was observed in the ovary of females from Torrox. No effect was, however, observed in cerebral ganglia in any sex or population. B-chromosome effects in Torrox showed a dose-dependent pattern. The results point to an interesting interaction between B-chromosome and stress protein expression in reproductive tissue.

Effects of albendazole sulphoxide on embryonic, foetal and placental parameters in Wistar rats / Efectos de albendazol sulfóxido sobre parámetros embrionarios, fetales y placentarios en ratas Wistar

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO), administered to Wistar rats during pregnancy on embryonic, foetal and placental parameters. A colpocytological control was performed daily and detection of spermatozoa in the vaginal smear was considered as day 0 of pregnancy. For the preimplantational study, ABZSO (10 mg/kg) was orally administered at day 2 of pregnancy; at day 4 the embryos were collected. For the postimplantational study, ABZSO (10 mg/kg) was orally administered by gavages at day 2, 6 or 10 of pregnancy (G2, G6 and G10 Groups respectively); the control group was administered the same volume of carboxymethylcellulose vehicle used to prepare the drug suspension. Fetuses were obtained from pregnant rats sacrificed on day 20 of gestation. Maternal body weight gains were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test. Embryonic and foetal variables were analized on a per litter basis by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Skeletal anomalies were analyzed using an X² test. The significance level accepted was established at P<0.05. In the preimplantational analysis, the cleavage rate was lower in the experimental group (P<0.05). In the postimplantational analysis there were no differences in the net weight increase among females of the different groups (P>0.05). The number of fetuses and the foetal vesicles weight were lower in the G10 group (P<0.05). This group showed the highest percentage of resorptions (P<0.05) and fetuses morphologically abnormal. An increase in the number of bones affected in fetuses of G6 and G10 groups was observed. The most common malformations were at vertebral, costal and head level. Weights and placental diameters were lower in the G10 group (P<0.05). We conclude that ABZSO at the dose used in this study affects the cleavage rate in preimplantational embryo development, without interrupting pregnancy. Furthermore; the developmental toxicity is related to day of administration.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar los efectos de albendazol sulfóxido (ABZSO) durante la gestación de ratas Wistar, sobre parámetros embrionarios, fetales y placentarios. Se efectuó colpocitología diaria de las hembras considerándose día 0 de gestación el día de aparición de espermatozoides en vagina. Estudio preimplantacional: ABZSO (10 mg/kg) fue dosificado oralmente el día 2 de gestación; el día 4 de gestación se realizó la recolección de embriones. Estudio post-implantacional: ABZSO (10 mg/kg) fue dosificado oralmente los días 2, 6 ó 10 de gestación (Grupos G2, G6 y G10, respectivamente). Hembras controles recibieron carboximetilcelulosa, vehículo usado para solubilizar la droga. Las hembras fueron sacrificadas al día 20 de gestación. Variables embrionarias y fetales fueron analizadas sobre la base de las camadas mediante test de Kruskal-Wallis; ganancia de peso de las madres por ANOVA y porcentaje de fetos con alteraciones esqueléticas mediante X2. Estudio preimplantacional: la tasa de recolección embrionaria, el número de embriones recolectados y el porcentaje de diferenciación fueron similares entre grupos (P>0,05). La velocidad de clivaje fue menor en el grupo experimental (P<0,05). Estudio post-implantacional: la ganancia de peso de las madres no difirió entre grupos (P>0,05), el número de fetos y el peso de las vesículas fetales fueron menores en el grupo G10 (P<0,05). Los porcentajes de reabsorciones y de fetos con características morfológicas anormales fueron mayores en el grupo G10 (P<0,05). Las alteraciones esqueléticas fueron mayores en los grupos G6 y G10 (P<0,05) observándose con mayor frecuencia en vértebras, costillas y cabeza. Pesos y diámetros placentarios fueron menores en el grupo G10 (P<0,05). Se concluye que, bajo las condiciones del presente estudio, el ABZSO administrado en la etapa preimplantacional afecta la velocidad de clivaje sin detener la gestación mientras que su efecto en el desarrollo post-implantacional...

Abnormal spermatid formation in the presence of the parasitic B(24) chromosome in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans.

Morphology and size of spermatids were analysed in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans by means of light and electron microscopy. At light microscopy, normal and abnormal (macro- and micro-) spermatids differed in size and number of centriolar adjuncts (CAs): 1 CA in normal spermatids and 2 or more CAs, depending on ploidy level, in macrospermatids. Males carrying the additional B(24) chromosome showed significantly more macro- and microspermatids than 0B males. The frequency of macro- and microspermatids showed an odd-even pattern in respect to the number of B chromosomes, with a higher frequency of abnormal spermatids associated with odd B numbers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that macrospermatids carried more than one axoneme, depending on ploidy level: 2 for diploid, 3 for triploid, and 4 for tetraploid spermatids. In 0B males, the most frequent abnormal spermatids were diploid, whereas in 1B males they were the tetraploid spermatids and, to a lesser extent, triploid ones. This suggests that most macrospermatids derived from cytokinesis failure and nucleus restitution. The implications of aberrant spermatids on B chromosome transmission and male fertility are discussed.

Microdissection and chromosome painting of X and B chromosomes in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans.

The relative location of 2 repetitive DNAs, i.e. ribosomal (rDNA) and a tandemly repeated satellite DNA (satDNA), with respect to the centromere, suggested that B chromosomes in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans derived intraspecifically from the X chromosome. To test this hypothesis, we microdissected X and B chromosomes and amplified the obtained DNA by 2 different procedures, the conventional DOP-PCR method and the single-cell whole-genome amplification GenomePlex method. We then generated DNA probes to perform chromosome painting. Our results have confirmed that X and B chromosomes share many DNA sequences between them and with most of the autosomes, especially at locations where the satDNA and rDNA reside, in consistency with previous information. This supports the hypothesis of an intraspecific origin of B chromosomes in E. plorans. Nevertheless, the present results did not help to clarify whether Bs were derived from the X chromosome or else from 1 or more autosomes.

Evaluation of a health promotion intervention for skin cancer prevention in Spain: the SolSano program

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide, and Spain is no exception. SolSano is the first Spanish health education program for sun safety directed at elementary school children. The objective was to evaluate SolSano's effects on students' knowledge, attitudes and practices about sun safety. A non-randomized, before/after, community intervention without control group, with schools as the unit of intervention, was used for the study. Five thousand eight hundred and forty-five children from 215 Aragonese Primary Schools (Grades 1-2) participated in the program in their classes during the 2004-2005 academic year. The educational package contained an activity guide for teachers, a workbook for each pupil, a poster and an informative pamphlet for families. The pre-test and post-test surveys were similar and were composed of two parts: the first part uses the 'Draw and Write research strategy' and the second part was a questionnaire. One thousand five hundred and twenty-two students completed both questionnaires, 49.2 per cent were boys, and the mean age was 6.6; 45.7 per cent self-reported pale skin and easy sunburn and 48 per cent dark skin and rarely sunburn; 72.3 per cent of the children reported having dark hair and eyes, and 51.6 per cent freckles or moles. The mean score for the complete survey significantly increased by 1.55 points (1.38-1.72) after the intervention (p < 0.001), and girls did better than boys. Sunscreens were the most-commonly employed sun protection strategy while strategies such as seeking shadow and wearing clothes exhibited the greatest increase after the SolSano program [percentage increase of 19.3 per cent (16.4-22.3) and 26.8 per cent (23.4-30.3), respectively]. At baseline, 35.8 per cent of children reported sunburns during the previous summer compared with 23.5 per cent after the program. SolSano also achieved a slight reduction in the percentage of students who desired to be tanned. Our study demonstrates that significant knowledge can be acquired, attitudes regarding the healthiness of a tan can be modified and intentions to change sun protection behaviour can be promoted by well-designed educational programs. (AU)

Evaluation of a health promotion intervention for skin cancer prevention in Spain: the SolSano program.

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide, and Spain is no exception. SolSano is the first Spanish health education program for sun safety directed at elementary school children. The objective was to evaluate SolSano's effects on students' knowledge, attitudes and practices about sun safety. A non-randomized, before/after, community intervention without control group, with schools as the unit of intervention, was used for the study. Five thousand eight hundred and forty-five children from 215 Aragonese Primary Schools (Grades 1-2) participated in the program in their classes during the 2004-2005 academic year. The educational package contained an activity guide for teachers, a workbook for each pupil, a poster and an informative pamphlet for families. The pre-test and post-test surveys were similar and were composed of two parts: the first part uses the 'Draw and Write research strategy' and the second part was a questionnaire. One thousand five hundred and twenty-two students completed both questionnaires, 49.2% were boys, and the mean age was 6.6; 45.7% self-reported pale skin and easy sunburn and 48% dark skin and rarely sunburn; 72.3% of the children reported having dark hair and eyes, and 51.6% freckles or moles. The mean score for the complete survey significantly increased by 1.55 points (1.38-1.72) after the intervention (p < 0.001), and girls did better than boys. Sunscreens were the most-commonly employed sun protection strategy while strategies such as seeking shadow and wearing clothes exhibited the greatest increase after the SolSano program [percentage increase of 19.3% (16.4-22.3) and 26.8% (23.4-30.3), respectively]. At baseline, 35.8% of children reported sunburns during the previous summer compared with 23.5% after the program. SolSano also achieved a slight reduction in the percentage of students who desired to be tanned. Our study demonstrates that significant knowledge can be acquired, attitudes regarding the healthiness of a tan can be modified and intentions to change sun protection behaviour can be promoted by well-designed educational programs.

Effect of progesterone administration on the ovarian response to superovulatory treatments in cattle.

To evaluate ovarian response in Angus cows previously treated with progesterone (P4), animals were randomly assigned to two groups: T600 group (n=14), 600 mg of P4/day. P4 was injected from days 3 to 7 of the estrous cycle. On day 7, superovulatory treatments began. The control group (n=12) was given vehicle only. The superovulatory treatments in the control group began on days 7-9 of the estrous cycle. The superovulatory total treatment dose of 400mg NIH FSH P1 was given twice a day over a 4-day period. Ultrasonography of the ovaries was conducted 3 days preceding the initiation of superovulatory treatment, every 24h. In both groups, an additional ultrasonographic evaluation was made at 24h after the end of superovulatory treatment. Blood samples were collected 4 days preceding the initiation of superovulatory treatment, every 24h. Additional samples were taken from the P600 group for 12 day after of initiation of superovulatory treatment every 24h, except on the fifth day after the initiation of superovulatory treatment. In the P600 group, P4 concentrations were greater than in the control group (P<0.01) and remained over 1 ng/ml up to day 11 after beginning of superovulatory treatment. The diameter of the dominant follicle was larger in the animals of the control group (P<0.01). Cows of the P600 group had a greater number of Class I (3-4mm) follicles (P<0.01). A significant day and treatment effect (P<0.01) were observed in Class II (5-9 mm) follicles. Effects due to treatment on the number of Class III follicles (P<0.05) were observed. In the P600 group, no estrous post-superovulatory was observed and there were no ovulations that occurred. Conversely, 100% of the cows of the control group showed estrous. In the P600 group, there were a greater number of Class III follicles (P<0.01) and a lesser number of Class II follicles (P<0.05) at 24h after the end of superovulatory. In the control group, 66.7% of the cows responded to superovulatory treatments. In conclusion, the daily administration of 600 mg of P4, from days 3 to 7 of the estrous cycle, produces an increase of plasma concentrations of this hormone from day 4, resulting in changes in follicular dynamics (absence of follicles greater than 10mm of diameter and an increase of the population of Class I follicles). As to the ovarian stimulation using Folltropin V in animals receiving a daily injection of 600 mg of P4 from days 3 to 7 of the estrous cycle, a greater population of follicles>or=10mm developed by 24h after superovulatory treatments were completed.