Foetal lipoprotein oxidation and preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystemic syndrome specific to pregnancy. Although PE is the leading cause of death from complications associated with pregnancy, its aetiology is still unknown. In PE, lipid metabolism is altered. When lipids are damaged, both the mother and the foetus may be at risk. Lipoproteins contain apolipoproteins, triacylglycerols, free and esterified cholesterol, and phospholipids, all of which are susceptible to oxidative stress when high levels of oxygen and nitrogen free radicals are present. Lipoperoxidation can occur in three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. In severe lipid damage, highly toxic products such as malondialdehyde (MDA) can be generated; under these conditions, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) proteins can be oxidized (oxLDL). oxLDL is a biomolecule that can affect the production of nitric oxide (NO), the main vasodilator derived from the endothelium. oxLDL can interfere with the transduction of the signals responsible for triggering the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), causing reduced vasodilation and endothelial dysfunction, which are the main characteristics of preeclampsia. The objective of the review was to analyse the information the current information about exists about the impact generated by the oxidation of LDL and HDL lipoproteins in neonates of women with preeclampsia and how these alterations can predispose the neonate to develop diseases in adulthood.PE can cause foetal loss, intrauterine growth restriction, or developmental complications. Neonates of mothers with PE have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, mental retardation, sensory deficiencies and an increased risk of developing metabolic diseases. PE not only affects the foetus, generating complications during pregnancy but also predisposes them to chronic diseases in adulthood.

In Vitro Performance of Different Universal Adhesive Systems on Several CAD/CAM Restorative Materials After Thermal Aging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the microshear bond strength (mSBS) of 10 universal adhesive systems applied on five different CAD/CAM restorative materials, immediately and after thermal aging. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Five CAD/CAM materials were selected: 1) feldspathic glass ceramic (FeCe); 2) pre-polymerized reinforced resin composite (ReRC); 3) leucite-reinforced glass ceramic (LeGC); 4) lithium disilicate (LiDi); and 5) yttrium-stabilized zirconium dioxide (ZiDi). For each material, 15 blocks were cut into four rectangular sections (6 × 6 × 6 mm; n=60 per group) and processed as recommended by the respective manufacturer. For each indirect material, the following adhesive systems were applied according to the respective manufacturer's instructions: 1) AdheSE Universal [ADU]; 2) All-Bond Universal [ABU]; 3) Ambar Universal [AMB]; 4) Clearfil Universal Bond [CFU]; 5) Futurabond U [FBU]; 6) One Coat 7 Universal [OCU]; 7) Peak Universal Bond [PUB]; 8) Prime&Bond Elect [PBE]; 9) Scotchbond Universal Adhesive [SBU]; 10) Xeno Select [XEN, negative control]. After the application of the adhesive system, cylinder-shaped transparent matrices were filled with a dual-curing resin cement (NX3) and light cured. Specimens were tested in shear mode at 1.0 mm/min (mSBS), after 24 hours and 10,000 thermal cycles (TC). All data were submitted to statistical analysis (α=0.05). RESULTS: For FeCe, there was no significant decrease in mean mSBS for AMB, FBU, and SBU after TC when compared at 24 hours. For ReRC, AMB and SBU showed higher mean mSBS when compared to CFU and XEN, after 24 hours and TC. For LiDi, FBU and OCU showed higher mean mSBS when compared to CFU and XEN, after 24 hours and TC. For LeGC, AMB and PUB showed higher mean mSBS when compared to XEN, after 24 hours and TC. For ZiDi, OCU and SBU showed higher mean mSBS when compared to XEN, after 24 hours and TC. In addition, PBE and XEN showed the lowest mean mSBS after TC with higher percentage of bond strength reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The mean mSBS among the different universal adhesives varied widely for each CAD/CAM material used. In addition, most universal adhesives underwent a statistically significant bond strength reduction after TC.

Deep learning enables the automation of grading histological tissue engineered cartilage images for quality control standardization.

OBJECTIVE: To automate the grading of histological images of engineered cartilage tissues using deep learning. METHODS: Cartilaginous tissues were engineered from various cell sources. Safranin O and fast green stained histological images of the tissues were graded for chondrogenic quality according to the Modified Bern Score, which ranks images on a scale from zero to six according to the intensity of staining and cell morphology. The whole images were tiled, and the tiles were graded by two experts and grouped into four categories with the following grades: 0, 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6. Deep learning was used to train models to classify images into these histological score groups. Finally, the tile grades per donor were averaged. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) were calculated between each user and the model. RESULTS: Transfer learning using a pretrained DenseNet model was selected. The RMSEs of the model predictions and 95% confidence intervals were 0.49 (0.37, 0.61) and 0.78 (0.57, 0.99) for each user, which was in the same range as the inter-user RMSE of 0.71 (0.51, 0.93). CONCLUSION: Using supervised deep learning, we could automate the scoring of histological images of engineered cartilage and achieve results with errors comparable to inter-user error. Thus, the model could enable the automation and standardization of assessments currently used for experimental studies as well as release criteria that ensure the quality of manufactured clinical grafts and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Effects of pH and Application Technique of In-office Bleaching Gels on Hydrogen Peroxide Penetration into the Pulp Chamber.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study aimed to quantify the penetration of hydrogen peroxide (HP) into the pulp chamber in teeth submitted to in-office bleaching with varied pH and application techniques. The color change and pH of the in-office bleaching product during application was also evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ninety-six human premolars were used and randomly divided into 10 groups (n=9) according to the following combination of factors: pH of in-office bleaching agents (two neutral/alkaline pH: Opalescence Boost 38% and Whiteness HP Blue 35% and three acidic pH: Whiteness HP Maxx 35%, Lase Peroxide Sensy 35%, and Total Blanc Office 35%) and application modes (for 3 × 15 minutes [3×15] and 1 × 45 minutes [1×45]). An additional group of non-bleached teeth (control; n=6) was added. First, all teeth were sectioned 3 mm from the cementoenamel junction and the pulp tissue was removed. An acetate buffer was placed in the pulp chamber of all teeth. After bleaching, this solution was transferred to a glass tube in which HP was allowed to react with other components, resulting in a pink solution. The optical density of this pink solution was measured using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and converted into amount of HP. Color change before and 1 week after bleaching was evaluated using a digital spectrophotometer. A pH meter with a 6-mm circular and flat surface was used in contact with the enamel surface to quantify the pH of the bleaching gels during application. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Overall, lower mean HP penetration values were observed for Opalescence Boost 38% and Whiteness HP Blue 35% compared with other bleaching gels (p<0.05). Opalescence Boost 38% and Whiteness HP Blue 35% were not influenced by the application technique (p>0.05). However, lower mean HP penetration values were observed for Whiteness HP Maxx 35%, Total Blanc Office 35%, and Lase Peroxide Sensy 35% when using the 3×15 application technique compared with the 1×45 technique (p<0.05). Significant whitening was detected and no significant difference of color change was observed between groups (p>0.54). The pH did not change during the 3×15 application technique; however, all acidic bleaching gels significantly decreased in pH when applied for 1×45 (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of HP that reaches the pulp chamber was lower when neutral/alkaline pH gels were used, independently of the application technique. When considering acidic pH gels, it is preferable to use the 3×15 application technique, mainly because longer application time (1×45) results in lower pH. No difference was observed between groups with regards to color change.

Quality of life, binge eating and sexual function in participants treated for obesity with sustained release naltrexone/bupropion.

Objective: This multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial examined weight-related quality of life, control over eating behaviour and sexual function after 26 weeks of treatment with either 32 mg naltrexone sustained release (SR)/360 mg bupropion SR plus a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program (NB + CLI, N = 153) or usual care (UC, N = 89), which included minimal lifestyle intervention. Methods: Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite, Binge Eating Scale and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale were assessed at baseline (BL) and weeks 16 and 26. Results: NB + CLI and UC participants lost 9.46 and 0.94% respectively of initial body weight at week 26 (P < 0.0001). NB + CLI participants had greater improvements in Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite total score than UC participants (P < 0.0001). In participants with moderate/severe Binge Eating Scale scores at BL, 91% of NB + CLI and 18% of UC participants experienced categorical improvements. In participants with Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-defined sexual dysfunction at BL, 58% of NB + CLI and 19% of UC participants no longer met dysfunction criteria at week 26. The most frequent adverse events leading to discontinuation before week 26 in NB + CLI included nausea (10.5%); anxiety (3.3%); and headache, hypertension, insomnia and palpitations (1.3% each). Conclusion: Compared with UC, participants treated with NB + CLI experienced greater improvements in weight-related quality of life, control over eating behaviour, and sexual function.

Análisis interino en ensayos clínicos: un estudio meta-epidemiológico / Interim analysis in clinical trials: A meta-epidemiological study / Análise interino em ensaios clínicos: um estudo meta-epidemiológico

Objetivo: la responsabilidad ética del investigador obliga al monitoreo de la seguridad de los participantes a través del estudio y, por ende, se requiere de un comité de monitoreo de datos, cuya tarea principal es el análisis interino que se refiere a la supervisión de variables como beneficios dramáticos, efectos adversos, mortalidad y futilidad, que lleven a la terminación temprana del estudio. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar los métodos estadísticos más utilizados en el análisis interino en los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y publicados en 2016 en una revista médica general de alto factor de impacto. Metodología: se realizó un estudio meta-epidemiológico descriptivo, constituido por ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados en el The New England Journal of Medicine, desde el 7 de enero hasta el 10 de noviembre de 2016. Resultados: se analizaron 104 artículos con una muestra promedio de 5 531 ± 762 pacientes y un tiempo de seguimiento promedio de 31 ± 45 meses. De los estudios evaluados se encontró que 88 (84.61%) realizaron análisis interino y 16 (15.38%) no lo realizaron. Los métodos estadísticos utilizados en los artículos fueron O'Brien-Fleming en 30 (34.09%), Haybittle-Peto en 13 (14.77%); otros métodos en dos (2.27%) y no especificado en 43 (48.86%) de ellos. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los ensayos clínicos aleatorizados realizó análisis interino y lo describen en su protocolo. Aproximadamente la mitad de los estudios no especificó el método estadístico; sin embargo, el método descrito más utilizado fue O'Brien-Fleming y, en segundo lugar, Haybittle-Peto y en ningún estudio se especificó el método de Pocock.

Objective: The ethical responsibility of the researcher requires that the safety of participants be monitored throughout the study. Thus, a data monitoring committee is required, whose main function is the interim analysis, which monitors variables such as dramatic benefits, adverse effects, mortality and futility that lead to the early termination of a study. The objective of this study is to determine the most frequently used statistical methods in interim analysis in randomized clinical trials published during 2016 in a high impact factor medical journal. Methodology: Meta-epidemiological descriptive study, consisting of randomized clinical trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine from January 7 to November 10 of 2016. Results: 104 articles were analyzed, where the mean sample was 5,531 ± 762 patients and and average follow-up time was 31 ± 45 months. Of the studies evaluated, 88 (84.61%) performed interim analysis, while 16 (15.38%) did not. Regarding statistical methods used, O'Brien-Fleming was used in 30 (34.09%) studies, Haybittle-Peto in 13 (14.77%), other methods in two (2.27%), and the method was not specified in 43 (48.86%). Conclusions: most of the randomized clinical trials reviewed had interim analysis and described it in their protocol. Approximately half of the studies did not specify the statistical method; however, the most commonly described method was O'Brien-Fleming, followed by Haybittle-Peto; no study used the Pocock method.

Objetivo: a responsabilidade ética do investigador obriga à monitoração da segurança dos participantes através do estudo e, por consequência, se requere de um comitê de monitoração de dados, cuja a tarefa principal é a análise interino que se refere à supervisão de variáveis como benefícios dramáticos, efeitos adversos, mortalidade e futilidade, que levem à terminação precoce do estudo. O objetivo desta investigação é determinar os métodos estatísticos mais utilizados na análise interino nos ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e publicados em 2016 em uma revista médica geral de alto fator de impacto. Metodologia: se realizou um estudo meta-epidemiológico descritivo, constituído por ensaios clínicos aleatorizados publicados no The New England Journal of Medicine, desde o dia 7 de Janeiro até o dia 10 de novembro de 2016. Resultados: se analisaram 104 artigos com uma amostra média de 5 531 ± 762 pacientes e um tempo de seguimento médio de 31 ± 45 meses. Dos estudos avaliados se encontrou que 88 (84.61%) realizaram análise interino e 16 (15.38%) não o realizaram. Os métodos estatísticos utilizados nos artigos foram O'Brien-Fleming em 30 (34.09%), Haybittle-Peto em 13 (14.77%); outros métodos em dois (2.27%) e não especificado em 43 (48.86%) deles. Conclusões: a maioria dos ensaios clínicos aleatorizados realizou análise interino e o descrevem no seu protocolo. Aproximadamente a metade dos estudos não especificou o método estatístico; mas, o método descrito mais utilizado foi O'Brien-Fleming e, em segundo lugar, Haybittle-Peto e em nenhum estudo se especificou o método de Pocock.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its impact on cognition in older mexican adults: (SADEM study).

INTRODUCTION: Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment in old age, but results are inconsistent. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among older community-dwelling adults and to see whether thyroid function impacts the cognitive status of the elderly. METHODS: We included 1750 participants from the Study on Aging and Dementia in Mexico (SADEM). All subjects were evaluated clinically via specific interviews. TSH levels were analyzed by chemiluminescent immunometry assay. We classified participants into five thyroid state groups: (1) normal TSH levels (0.40-4.0 IU/L) were considered euthyroid; (2) Overt hyperthyroidism: TSH <0.3 IU/l and FT4 >23 pmol/l; (3) Overt hypothyroidism: TSH >4.8 IU/l, FT4 <13 pmol/l; (4) Subclinical hyperthyroidism: TSH <0.3 IU/l, FT4: 13-23 pmol/l; (5) Subclinical hypothyroidism: TSH >4.8 IU/l, FT4: 13-23 pmol/l. RESULTS: The overall estimated prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Mexican population was 23.7% (95% CI, 22.66-26.77). Of these, 15.4% older adults were classified as subclinical hypothyroidism, 7.2% overt hypothyroidism, 0.5% subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 0.6% overt hyperthyroidism. The association of thyroid dysfunction with cognitive impairment was most evident in overt hypothyroidism OR = 1.261 (1.185-1.343). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Mexican elderly people living in the community. A relationship between cognitive impairment and the presence of hypothyroidism was also shown, and to a lesser degree in hyperthyroidism.

Análisis de la prescripción potencialmente inadecuada según los criterios STOPP/START en un centro socioasistencial / Analysis of potentially inappropriate prescription according to STOPP / START criteria in a long term care facility

Introducción: El aumento de la esperanza de vida hace que cada vez existan más personas polimedicadas, pluripatológicas e institucionalizadas que son más susceptibles de sufrir interacciones medicamentosas, reacciones adversas y prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas (PPI). Objetivos: Analizar la PPI según los criterios STOPP/START 2014 en pacientes mayores de 65 años que residen en un centro sociosanitario. Estimar la media de interacciones farmacológicas relevantes por paciente y el tipo de interacción más frecuente. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de tres meses de duración en el que se revisaron los tratamientos de los pacientes ≥ 65 años de una residencia sociosanitaria vinculada al Servicio de Farmacia del Hospital.Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, tipo de patología, Nº de patologías por paciente, medicación crónica, Nº de medicamentos por paciente, PPI, tipo de PPI, tipo de PPI START, Nº de PPI START, tipo de PPI STOPP, Nº de PPI STOPP, interacción relevante y tipo de interacción. Resultados: El tamaño muestral fue de 103 pacientes, el 73,8% eran mujeres. La media de edad fue de 85,2 ± 7,9 años. El consumo medio de medicamentos por paciente fue de 7,4 ± 2,9. El 81,6 % de los pacientes presentó PPI con 2,2 ± 0,9 criterios por paciente. El 57,3% de los pacientes presentó interacción potencial. Las más frecuentes fueron: riesgo de síndrome serotoninérgico (40%) y prolongación del intervalo QT (38,2%). Conclusiones: Los criterios STOPP/START son una herramienta útil para evitar PPI. Un programa de adecuación de la medicación por un equipo multidisciplinar podría reportar beneficios para la salud en este sector (AU)

Introduction: The increase in life expectancy means that more and more polymedicated, pluripathological and institutionalized individuals are more susceptible to drug interactions, adverse reactions and potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PPI). Aim: To analyze the PPI according to the STOPP / START 2014 criteria in patients ≥ 65 years residing in a long term care facility. To estimate the average of relevant pharmacological interactions for each patient as well as the most frequent type of interaction. Methods: It was carried out a three-month descriptive observational study in which the treatments of ≥ 65 years patients from a long term care facility linked to the Pharmacy Service of the hospital were reviewed. The variables studied were age, sex, type of pathology, number of pathologies per patient, chronic prescribed medication, number of medications per patient, potentially inappropriate prescription (PPI), type of PPI, type of PPI START, number of PPI START, type of PPI STOPP, number of PPI STOPP, relevant interaction and type of interaction. Results: The sample size was 103 patients. 73.8% were women. The average age was 85.2 ± 7.9 years. Average consumption of drugs was 7.4 ± 2.9. 81.6% of the patients presented PPI with 2, 2 ± 0, 9 criteria per patient. 57.3% of the patients presented some potential interaction. Conclusions: The STOPP / START criteria are a useful tool to avoid PPI. A program of medication adaptation created by a multidisciplinary team could provide health benefits in this sector (AU)

[Evaluation of visceral adipose tissue and lipid level in premenopausal and postmenopausal women's]. / Evaluación del tejido adiposo visceral y de la concentración de lípidos en mujeres pre y posmenopáusicas.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women present weight gain and intensification of obesity, especially visceral adipose tissue (VAT) increases in postmenopausal women. But it is still not clear whether abdominal fat increases during this stage independently of body weight. OBJECTIVE: compare the VAT and lipid profile between postmenopausal and premenopausal Mexican women. METHODS: A case control study in postmenopausal women matched for BMI with premenopausal women. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements as well as body composition analysis were performed. RESULTS: VAT was increased in postmenopausal women in contrast with premenopausal women (114.8 ± 39.5 vs 97.3 ± 29.0, p<0.05). Compared with premenopausal women, postmenopausal women showed higher total cholesterol (231 .6 ± 56.1 vs 206.8 ± 29.5 p <0.05), and LDL-cholesterol levels (145.9 ± 48.3 vs 121.7 ± 34.1, p < 0.05), whereas H DL-cholesterol remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study have demonstrated that Mexican postmenopausal women had a significant increment in visceral adipose tissue and in other metabolic risk factors, independent of the body mass index.

Eosinophilic Enteritis in Horses with Motor Neuron Disease.

BACKGROUND: Equine motor neuron disease (EMND) is a neuromuscular disorder that affects adult horses. Although EMND has been linked to vitamin E deficiency, its etiopathogenesis is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical features, laboratory results, and postmortem findings in a series of young horses with motor neuron disease (MND). ANIMALS: A herd of 15 young Andalusian horses with weakness, weight loss, muscle atrophy, and muscle fasciculations related to restricted intake of green forage. METHODS: A case series is presented in which horses were subjected to a clinical examination and plasma vitamin E measurement. Five severely affected horses were euthanized for detailed postmortem examination. Muscle specimens were taken from the M. sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis and the M. gluteus medius for histopathologic and morphometric evaluation. RESULTS: MND was diagnosed in 5 horses based on clinical signs, low serum levels of vitamin E (0.11 ± 0.05 mg/dL; normal range,: 0.3-1.5 mg/dL), changes in muscle histopathology (neurogenic atrophy), and spinal cord lesions (neuronal chromatolysis in ventral horns). An unexpected postmortem finding was the presence of intestinal inflammation (catarrhal enteritis, edema, and eosinophilic infiltrate) associated with the presence of giant ciliated protozoa in all of the horses. CONCLUSIONS: Although a mechanistic link could not be established, it is hypothesized that intestinal inflammation may have been involved in the decreased absorption of vitamin E, thus favoring the development of MND.

Incidencia y etiología de vaginitis infecciosa en mujeres Guatemaltecas / Incidence and etiology of infectious vaginitis Guatemalan women

La vaginitis es el proceso patológico que con mayor frecuencia afecta a mujeres en edad reproductiva y puede ser responsable, en algunos casos, de complicaciones y secuelas serias para la salud de la mujer. En Guatemala, no se tiene conocimiento preciso de la frecuencia de estos procesos, ni tampoco de los agentes que lo causan, razón por la cual se llevó a cabo esta investigación. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 594 pacientes que asistieron a la clínica de Papanicolaou de la Asociación Pro-bienestar de la familia (APROFAM) en la ciudad de Guatemala, las cuales fueron evaluadas clínicamente y mediante pruebas de laboratorio para determinar la presencia de microorganismos patógenos. Utilizando una metodología de laboratorio sencilla y estrictas definiciones de caso, se determinó que 305 pacientes (51.3%) padecían de vaginitis...

Modified penicillin acylase signal peptide allows the periplasmic production of soluble human interferon-gamma but not of soluble human interleukin-2 by the Tat pathway in Escherichia coli.

Production of periplasmic human interferon-gamma (hINF-gamma) and human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) by the Tat translocation pathway in Escherichia coli BL21-SI was evaluated. The expression was obtained using the pEMR vector which contains the Tat-dependent modified penicillin acylase signal peptide (mSPpac) driven by the T7 promoter. The mSPpac-hINF-gamma was processed and the protein was transported to periplasm. Up to 30.1% of hINF-gamma was found in the periplasmic soluble fraction, whereas only 15% of the mSPpac-hIL-2 was processed, but hIL-2 was not found in the periplasmic soluble fraction.

Actividad de la glutatión reductasa en el embarazo diabético / Glutathione reductase activity in diabetic pregnancy

ANTECEDENTES: El predominio de la diabetes gestacional está aumentando en nuestra población y sus efectos en el metabolismo celular y estatus oxidativo están siendo estudiados. OBJETIVO: Determinar si existe una relación entre la actividad de la glutatión reductasa eritrocitaria, evaluada a través del test CAGRE y la diabetes gestacional. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal de casos y controles, incluyó a 30 embarazadas con diagnóstico de diabetes gestacional y 30 sin patologías asociadas, pertenecientes a la Maternidad del Hospital Barros Luco-Trudeau, Santiago de Chile. La actividad de la glutatión reductasa de eritrocitos fue determinada espectrofotométricamente a través del test CAGRE, la que fue relacionada con variables maternas como: edad, hematocrito, presencia de antecedentes de enfermedades familiares, estado nutricional materno e índice de masa corporal. Para comparar las variables entre ambos grupos, se realizaron medidas de disparidad, posición y análisis de la correlación. RESULTADOS: El grupo de madres diabéticas presentó edad materna, índice de masa de corporal y antecedentes de diabetes gestacional mayores que el grupo control, aunque sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa. El predominio de anemia y la respuesta al suplemento del cofactor FAD en la actividad de la glutatión reductasa eritrocitaria fue similar entre los grupos. La mayor incidencia de diabetes familiar en el grupo control fue estadísticamente significativa. La distribución de los valores de CAGRE, utilizado también como un indicador de los niveles de riboflavina, mostró en el grupo de casos riesgo medio a alto de malnutrición, mientras que en el grupo control la tendencia fue normal o de riesgo bajo. CONCLUSIÓN: Las embarazadas diabéticas gestacionales, presentaron mal nutrición y un estrés oxidativo mayor que el grupo control, evidenciado por el test de CAGRE.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of the gestational diabetes is increasing in our population and its effects in the cellular metabolism and oxidative status had been studied. OBJECTIVE: Determine if exists a relationship between the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity evaluated by EGRAC test and the gestational diabetes. METHODS: This traversal study of cases and controls, included at 30 pregnant with diagnostic of gestational diabetes and 30 without associate pathologies, belonging to the Maternity of the Hospital Barros Luco-Trudeau, Santiago-Chile. The activity of the glutathione reductase was determined by spectrophotometric assay through the EGRAC test, and their values were related with maternal variables as: age, hematocrite, presence of antecedents of family illnesses, maternal nutritional status and the body mass index. To compare the variables between both groups, they were carried out measures of disparity, position and analysis of the correlation. RESULTS: We determine that the group of diabetic mothers was older, with higher body mass index and a bigger frequency of antecedents of gestational diabetes that the control group, although without significant difference. The prevalence of anemia and the answer to the supplement with FAD in the activity of the glutathione reductase was similar among the groups. On the other hand, the incidence of familiar diabetes in the group control was bigger. The distribution of the values of EGRAC, also used as an indicator of the riboflavin levels, showed in the group of cases half risk to high of malnutrition, while in the group control the tendency was normal or low risk. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that the gestational diabetics pregnant presented malnutrition and higher oxidative stress that the control group, evidenced by means of the EGRAC test.

Disseminated encephalitozoonosis in captive, juvenile, cotton-top (Saguinus oedipus) and neonatal emperor (Saguinus imperator) tamarins in North America.

Disseminated encephalitozoonosis was diagnosed in 2 sibling, juvenile, cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) and 3 sibling, neonatal, emperor tamarins (S. imperator) by use of histologic examination, histochemical analysis, electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with nucleotide sequencing. All tamarins were captive born at zoos in North America and died with no premonitory signs of disease. The main pathologic findings were myocarditis (4/5), hepatitis (3/5), interstitial pneumonia (3/5), skeletal myositis (3/5), meningoencephalitis (2/5), adrenalitis (2/5), tubulointerstitial nephritis (1/5), myelitis (1/5), sympathetic ganglioneuritis (1/5), and retinitis (1/5). Central nervous system lesions were the most prominent findings in cotton-top tamarins. The inflammation was predominantly lymphocytic and suppurative in cotton-top tamarins, whereas emperor tamarins had granulomatous or lymphoplasmacytic lesions. Intralesional periodic acid-Schiff-, gram-, or acid-fast (or all 3)-positive, oval-to-elliptical shaped organisms were found in 1 cotton-top and the 3 emperor tamarins. By electron microscopy, these organisms were consistent with microsporidia of the genus Encephalitozoon. E. cuniculi genotype III was detected by PCR analysis and sequencing in paraffin-embedded brain, lung, and bone marrow specimens from the cotton-top tamarins. Although PCR results were negative for one of the emperor tamarins, their dam was seropositive for E. cuniculi by ELISA and Western blot immunodetection. These findings and recent reports of encephalitozoonosis in tamarins in Europe suggest that E. cuniculi infection may be an emerging disease in callitrichids, causing high neonatal and juvenile mortality in some colonies. The death of 2 less than 1-day-old emperor tamarins from a seropositive dam supports the likelihood of vertical transmission in some of the cases reported here.