Neurodevelopmental trajectories of letter and speech sound processing from preschool to the end of elementary school.

Learning to read alphabetic languages starts with learning letter-speech-sound associations. How this process changes brain function during development is still largely unknown. We followed 102 children with varying reading skills in a mixed-longitudinal/cross-sectional design from the prereading stage to the end of elementary school over five time points (n = 46 with two and more time points, of which n = 16 fully-longitudinal) to investigate the neural trajectories of letter and speech sound processing using fMRI. Children were presented with letters and speech sounds visually, auditorily, and audiovisually in kindergarten (6.7yo), at the middle (7.3yo) and end of first grade (7.6yo), and in second (8.4yo) and fifth grades (11.5yo). Activation of the ventral occipitotemporal cortex for visual and audiovisual processing followed a complex trajectory, with two peaks in first and fifth grades. The superior temporal gyrus (STG) showed an inverted U-shaped trajectory for audiovisual letter processing, a development that in poor readers was attenuated in middle STG and absent in posterior STG. Finally, the trajectories for letter-speech-sound integration were modulated by reading skills and showed differing directionality in the congruency effect depending on the time point. This unprecedented study captures the development of letter processing across elementary school and its neural trajectories in children with varying reading skills.

Thermographic ocular temperature correlated with rectal temperature in cats.

Body temperature reflects the animal health and/or disease conditions. During clinical examination, temperature measurement is a basic step in veterinary medicine. The conventional method used is the rectal thermometry, particularly stressful in some subjects, especially for cats. A less stressful alternative method, such as infrared thermal imaging camera, is used in various fields of medicine for diagnosis, prognosis and correct therapeutic approaches. To evaluate the usefulness of infrared thermal imaging for the assessment of ocular temperature, twenty cats of different breeds (European, Siamese and Persian, 4-6 years old, mean body weight 4.3 ± 0.30 Kg) were enrolled in the study. In order to evaluate the applicability of the ocular temperature assessment through thermal imaging as a tool for measuring the animal's body temperature, the obtained values were compared with the rectal temperature values recorded in each cat by means of a digital thermo-camera. There were no differences between left and right eye; and a difference of about 1.19 °C between the ocular and rectal temperature value was recorded (p < 0.0001). Rectal and ocular temperatures were positively correlated (p < 0.0001; r = 0.93). In conclusion, we show that ocular temperature is an alternative method for body temperature measurement that can be used in clinical evaluation of cats, especially in cases where rectal temperature recording is not possible.

Clock gene per 2 daily rhythm: Correlation with the serum level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in goat and horse.

Recent studies evidenced that the circadian rhythm of Per2 is involved in adaptive thermogenesis by the modulating transcription of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). For this purpose, we investigated the linkage between the daily rhythm of Per2 and UCP1 in ruminant and non-ruminant mammalian species. Five clinically healthy, not pregnant, and not lactating Maltese female goats and five clinically healthy, not pregnant, and not lactating Italian Saddle horses were enrolled in the study. All animals were housed under natural photoperiod (sunrise 05:05, sunset 20:55) and environmental temperature and humidity. Goats were kept individually in 3.0 × 2.0 m box, horses were housed individually in 3.5 × 3.5 m box; all boxes were equipped with an opening window. On each subject, blood samples were collected every 4 h for a 48-h period. The Per2 gene expression was determined on blood samples collected in PAX gene Blood RNA Tube, whereas UCP1 concentration was assessed on serum. Per2 and UCP1 levels were statistically influenced by the species (p < 0.0001) and the time of data collection (p < 0.0001), but not by the day of monitoring. Per2 showed daily rhythmicity, statistically different in mesor and amplitude between the two species, diurnal in goats, nocturnal in horses; with the same robustness. UCP1 did not show daily rhythmicity. During the experimental period the two parameters showed a negative correlation in horses. According to the findings herein obtained, we can claim that the role of Per2 in the thermogenesis induced by the beige adipocytes throughout UCP1 activation did not reflect what found in other mammal species, but further studies are required to establish their correlation in equids.

Leukocyte modifications during the first month after foaling in mares and their newborn foals.

During early post-partum period both neonatal foals and peripartum mares are most susceptible to diseases. The aim of this study was to establish physiologic modifications of leukogram during the first month after foaling in mares and their newborn foals. To this end blood samples were collected from nine mares and nine foals (T0-T10), every three days from the 1st day until the 30th day after foaling. Samples were analysed for white blood cell (WBC) count and differential leucocyte counts. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed, in postpartum mares WBC showed significant higher values at T0 (9.02±0.76) in respect to other time points, and at T2 (8.08±0.53) and T3 (7.92±0.59) compared to T1 (6.98±0.43), whereas in foals lower WBC values at T0 (6.11±0.49) compared to other experimental periods except T1 (6.90±0.94), and at T1 compared to T8 (7.95±0.61) and T10 (7.90±0.36) were observed. The differential leucocyte counts showed significant modifications in the percentage of neutrophils (π<0.001) and lymphocytes (p<0.001) both in postpartum mares and in foals during the experimental period. Furthermore ANOVA showed significant differences between postpartum mares and foals (P<0.01) in all studied parameters, and between postpartum mares and control mares in WBC and neutrophils values. The obtained results provide suitable information about the influence of foaling on leukogram of periparturient mares and reveal WBC dynamics in newborn foals during the first month post-partum.

An efficient triazole-pyridine-bistetrazolate platform for highly luminescent lanthanide complexes.

Two new triazole-pyridine-bistetrazolate ligands were synthesized via a versatile procedure that allows for further derivatization; their corresponding homoleptic tris-ligand nona-coordinated lanthanide complexes are highly luminescent in the solid state and in a PVA polymeric matrix with measured values for the luminescence quantum yield of 70(7) and 98(9)% for Eu(III) and Tb(III), respectively.

Evaluación de la conformación de conductos radiculares obtenida mediante el uso de dos sistemas rotatorios: un estudio ex vivo / Effectiveness of two NiTi rotary systems used for preparation of root Canals: An ex vivo study

Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar “ex vivo”, el porcentaje de paredes dentinarias instrumentadas, mediante el uno de instrumentos de niquel-titanio pertenecientes a los sistemas rotatorios ProTaper Universal e Easy RaCe, complementado con S-Apex. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron 20 dientes unirradiculares humanos extraídos e incorporados en un nuevo tipo de modelo experimental para evaluar la eficiencia de la instrumentación. Se dividió la muestra en dos grupos homogéneos de 10 dientes (n=10) cada uno. En el Grupo 1 los conductos se instrumentaron con ProTaper Universaly en el Grupo 2 Easy RaCe/S-Apex, complementado con S-Apex. Se realizaron secciones transversales de cada espécimen a 3,9 y 15 mm de la longitud de trabajo (LT), lo que fueron fotografiados con microscopía óptica. Las imágenes fueron digitalizadas y evaluadas comparando la morfología de los conductos, antes y después de la instrumentación. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados por medio la las pruebas no paramétricas de Mann-Whitney y Friedman, estableciéndose un nivel de significación de P<0,05. Resultados y conclusiones: A 15 mm de la LT, el sistema Easy RaCe/S-Apex demostró un desempeño significativamente superior (p<0,05) en comparación con ProTaper Universal. No hubo diferencias significativas (p>0,05), entre ambos sistemas a 3 y 9 mm de la LT (AU)

Objetive: The purpose of this ex vivo study was to evaluate and compare, the percentage of instrumented dentine walls in sections made at 3, 9 and 15 mm form the working length, using engine-driven nickel-titanium instrumentation systems. Protaper Universal and EasyRaCe complemented with S-Apex. Materials and methods: Twenty extracted single rooted human teeth were used along with a new type of experimental model. The sample was divided into two homogeneous groups of 10 teeth each (n=10). In group 1 the canals were instrumented with ProTaper Universal while in group 2 canals were instrumented with Easy RaCe/S-Apex. All specimens were standardized at 19 mm. They were then horizontally sectioned at 3,9 and 15 mm form the working length, and photographed using light microcopy. The images were digitalized and evaluated, comparing the morphology of the canals before and after instrumentation. Results and conclusions: the results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney-U test and Friedman´s non-parametric tests, with a significance level of P<0,05. At 15 mm form the working length, the results revealed a significantly better performance for the Easy RaCe/S-Apex system, compared to the ProTaper Universal system. No significant differences were found between both systems at 3 and 9 mm form the working length (AU)

Evaluación de la capacidad de sellado de dos materiales de restauración provisoria: un estudio in vivo / Evaluation of sealing ability of two temporary restoration materials: an in vivo

Objetivo: el objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar, in vivo, la capacidad de sellado coronario de dos materiales de restauración provisoria, CAVIT y MD-Temp utilizados en combinación con un ionómero vítreo, luego de realizado el tratamiento endodóntico. Material y Métodos: se seleccionaron 40 pacientes que recibieron tratamiento endodóntico en la Clínica de la Carrera de Especialización en Endodoncia de la Escuela de Odontología de la Universidad del Salvador/Asociación Odontológica Argentina (USAL/AOA) lo que fueron asignados al azar a dos grupos de 20 (n=20) cada uno. En el Grupo 1) las cavidades de acceso fueron obturadas con CAVIT/Ionómero previa inserción de un disco de papel de 6mm de diámetro. En el Grupo 2) luego de la inserción del disco, se obturó con MD-Temp/Ionómero. A los 14 y 21 días los pacientes fueron citados para retirar los discos de papel. Los mismos se cultivaron para la detección de microorganismos anaerobios facultativos y anaerobios obligados. Los resultados fueron evaluados estadísticamente mediante el test exacto de Fisher y la prueba de chi cuadrado. El nivel de significación establecido fue de p>0,05. Resultados y conclusiones: las muestras basales no presentaron crecimiento bacteriano. En las muestras experimentales se aislaron Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacilus spp., Streptococcus g viradas y levaduras. No se recuperaron anaerobios estrictos. A pesar de observase menor filtración en los casos obturados con CAVIT tanto a los 14 como a los 21 días no se observaron diferencias significativas entre ambos materiales, en los dos períodos evaluados (p>0,05) (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this study aimed to evaluate the coronal sealing ability of two temporary filling materials “in vivo”: CAVIT and MD-Temp, in combination with glass ionomer once the endodontics treatment was performed. Material and Methods: 40 patients were selected, all of which have received endodontic treatment at the Master in Endodontics Clinic of USAL/AOA. They were divided randomly in two groups of 20 (n=20) patients earch. After the insertion of 6 mm, paper disc in each of the patients of both groups, the coronal access cavities of Group 1 were obturated with CAVIT + glass ionomer; and those of Group 2, with MD Temp + glass ionomer. After 114 days and 21 days periods, all the patients have had the paper discs removed. Those paper-discss samples were sent to culture for facultative and force anaerobic microorganism. The results were statistically analyzed with chi squared and Fisher exact test. The significance level was p>0,05. Results and conclusions: Basal samples did not show bacterial growth. In experimental samples, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus g viridians and levaduras were isolated. Force anaerobic microorganisms were not recovered. Though minor leakage was observed in cases obturated with CAVIT results reached both after the 14 days and 21 days periods, no statistically significant differences were observed amid both analyzed materials (p>0.05) (AU)

Association of TCF7L2 gene variants with low GAD autoantibody titre in LADA subjects (NIRAD Study 5).

AIMS: We previously demonstrated the presence of two different populations among adult-onset autoimmune diabetes (latent autoimmume diabetes of adults; LADA) having high or low titre of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA). The transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene has been recognized as the major gene associated with Type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the phenotypic heterogeneity of LADA based on GADA titre is associated with TCF7L2 polymorphisms. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty patients identified as LADA, divided into two subgroups with low (< or = 32 arbitrary units) or high (> 32 units) GADA titre, 620 subjects with Type 2 diabetes [from the Non-Insulin Requiring Autoimmune Diabetes (NIRAD) study cohort of 5330 subjects] in addition to 551 consecutive cases of Type 1 diabetes and 545 normoglycaemic subjects were analysed for the rs12255372 and rs7903146 polymorphisms of the TCF7L2 gene using Taqman. RESULTS: The genotype and allele distributions of the two polymorphisms revealed similar frequencies in subjects with low GADA titre and Type 2 diabetes. High GADA titre, Type 1 diabetes and controls also showed comparable frequencies. A significant increase of GT/TT genotypes of the rs12255372 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and CT/TT genotypes of the rs7903146 SNP was observed in low GADA titre and Type 2 diabetes compared with high GADA titre, Type 1 diabetes and controls (P < or = 0.04 for both comparisons). The risk alleles of both variants were increased in low GADA titre and Type 2 diabetes compared with high GADA titre, Type 1 diabetes and control subjects (P < 0.02 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: TCF7L2 common genetic variants of susceptibility are associated only with low GADA antibody titre in LADA patients.

Clinical nutrition in gerontology: chronic renal disorders of the dog and cat.

The recent advances in the nutrition of companion animals has resulted in a longer possible life-span for dogs and cats and an improvement in their quality of life. Numerous studies about geriatric animals show that an aging dog or cat requires a specific nutritional formulation that considers the metabolic changes associated with age. A correct diet plays an important role in the treatment of some chronic pathologies in aging animals, particularly those for which the aging process modifies the organ function. A correct diet can provide therapeutic support to the administration of drugs that can sometimes compromise organ function. In the present study, we identify key aspects of the clinical nutrition during chronic renal disorders of dogs and cats, diseases with an elevated incidence and a major cause of mortality in geriatric animals. The aim of nutritional treatment for dogs and cats affected by chronic renal disorders is to improve the quality and length of life, assuring an adequate amount of energy and slowing the progression of renal failure. To improve treatment efficacy it is necessary to prepare different dietary rations during the various stages of disease, on the basis of clinical signs and laboratory data.

Vigilancia epidemiológica de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos en la Provincia de Río Negro, Argentina, 1993-2001 / Surveillance of foodborne diseases in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina, 1993-2001

A total of 39 outbreaks of foodborne diseases affecting 958 people in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina between 1993 and 2001 are described and evaluated. The main causal agents were identified involving food, sites of occurrence, risk factors and notification system used. Salmonella spp (38%), Trichinella spiralis (15%), Escherichia coli (13%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15%) were the most frequent agents present in outbreaks. Salmonella spp produced the largest number of cases (52%). Food involved were cooked meat (36%), cheese (10%), sandwiches (10%), deserts (10%) and ice cream (8%). Indeed, ice creams were involved in the largest number of cases and of people affected. In relation to the source of food, 41% of outbreaks were caused by homemade meals, 23% by catering or ice cream parlor, 13% in family parties, 8% in county fairs and 8% in hotel restaurants. In 28% of the outbreaks the etiological agent was identified exclusively by epidemiological analysis, in 64% isolation of the agent was carried out, and in 8% of the cases, a final diagnosis could not be obtained. Validity of epidemiological studies in foodborne disease, the necessity of strengthening the notification system of outbreaks, and the importance of good practices in food handling are analyzed.

Se describen 39 brotes de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos que afectaron a 958 personasen la provincia de Río Negro, Argentina, en el período 1993- 2001. Se identifican los agentes causales, los alimentos involucrados, los sitios de ocurrencia, los factores de riesgo involucrados y los mecanismosde notificación empleados. Salmonella spp (38%), Trichinella spiralis (15%), Escherichia coli (13%) y Staphylococcus aureus (15%) resultaron los agentes más frecuentes en los brotes. Salmonella spp. tambiénprodujo el mayor número de casos (52%). Los principales alimentos involucrados resultaron cárneos (36%),quesos (10%), fiambres y sándwiches (10%), postres (10%) y helados (8%). El mayor número de casos, por suparte, fue causado por la ingestión de helados (37%). Con relación al origen de los alimentos, 41% de los brotesfueron causados por comidas elaboradas en los domicilios, 23% en establecimientos comerciales, 13% enfiestas familiares, 8% en fiestas comunitarias y 8% en restaurantes de hoteles. En el 28% de los brotes fueidentificado el agente etiológico por análisis epidemiológico exclusivamente, en el 64% se logró el aislamientodel agente, mientras que en el 8% de los casos no se logró el diagnóstico definitivo. Se analiza el valor de laencuesta epidemiológica en los estudios de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos, la necesidad de fortalecerel sistema de notificación médica de casos y brotes y la importancia de las buenas prácticas en la manipulaciónde alimentos.

Vigilancia epidemiológica de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos en la Provincia de Río Negro, Argentina, 1993-2001 / Surveillance of foodborne diseases in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina, 1993-2001

A total of 39 outbreaks of foodborne diseases affecting 958 people in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina between 1993 and 2001 are described and evaluated. The main causal agents were identified involving food, sites of occurrence, risk factors and notification system used. Salmonella spp (38%), Trichinella spiralis (15%), Escherichia coli (13%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15%) were the most frequent agents present in outbreaks. Salmonella spp produced the largest number of cases (52%). Food involved were cooked meat (36%), cheese (10%), sandwiches (10%), deserts (10%) and ice cream (8%). Indeed, ice creams were involved in the largest number of cases and of people affected. In relation to the source of food, 41% of outbreaks were caused by homemade meals, 23% by catering or ice cream parlor, 13% in family parties, 8% in county fairs and 8% in hotel restaurants. In 28% of the outbreaks the etiological agent was identified exclusively by epidemiological analysis, in 64% isolation of the agent was carried out, and in 8% of the cases, a final diagnosis could not be obtained. Validity of epidemiological studies in foodborne disease, the necessity of strengthening the notification system of outbreaks, and the importance of good practices in food handling are analyzed.(AU)

Se describen 39 brotes de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos que afectaron a 958 personasen la provincia de Río Negro, Argentina, en el período 1993- 2001. Se identifican los agentes causales, los alimentos involucrados, los sitios de ocurrencia, los factores de riesgo involucrados y los mecanismosde notificación empleados. Salmonella spp (38%), Trichinella spiralis (15%), Escherichia coli (13%) y Staphylococcus aureus (15%) resultaron los agentes más frecuentes en los brotes. Salmonella spp. tambiénprodujo el mayor número de casos (52%). Los principales alimentos involucrados resultaron cárneos (36%),quesos (10%), fiambres y sándwiches (10%), postres (10%) y helados (8%). El mayor número de casos, por suparte, fue causado por la ingestión de helados (37%). Con relación al origen de los alimentos, 41% de los brotesfueron causados por comidas elaboradas en los domicilios, 23% en establecimientos comerciales, 13% enfiestas familiares, 8% en fiestas comunitarias y 8% en restaurantes de hoteles. En el 28% de los brotes fueidentificado el agente etiológico por análisis epidemiológico exclusivamente, en el 64% se logró el aislamientodel agente, mientras que en el 8% de los casos no se logró el diagnóstico definitivo. Se analiza el valor de laencuesta epidemiológica en los estudios de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos, la necesidad de fortalecerel sistema de notificación médica de casos y brotes y la importancia de las buenas prácticas en la manipulaciónde alimentos.(AU)

Binding properties of Echinococcus granulosus fatty acid binding protein.

EgFABP1 is a developmentally regulated intracellular fatty acid binding protein characterized in the larval stage of parasitic platyhelminth Echinococcus granulosus. It is structurally related to the heart group of fatty acid binding proteins (H-FABPs). Binding properties and ligand affinity of recombinant EgFABP1 were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy using cis- and trans-parinaric acid. Two binding sites for cis- and trans-parinaric acid were found (K(d(1)) 24+/-4 nM, K(d(2)) 510+/-60 nM for cis-parinaric acid and K(d(1)) 32+/-4 nM, K(d(2)) 364+/-75 nM for trans-parinaric). A putative third site for both fatty acids is discussed. Binding preferences were determined using displacement assays. Arachidonic and oleic acids presented the highest displacement percentages for EgFABP1. The Echinococcus FABP is the unique member of the H-FABP group able to bind two long chain fatty acid molecules with high affinity. Structure-function relationships and putative roles for EgFABP1 in E. granulosus metabolism are discussed.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray study of two liver basic fatty acid-binding proteins.

The fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are a very well known protein family which includes the liver basic FABPs (Lb-FABPs), a subgroup so far characterized in several vertebrates but not in mammals. The most important difference recognized between the proteins in this subgroup and the better known mammalian liver FABPs (L-FABPs) is the stoichiometry of ligand binding: two fatty acid molecules in L-FABPs compared with one in Lb-FABPs. The only Lb-FABP with a known three-dimensional structure is that of chicken Lb-FABP, but the details of ligand binding are still unresolved as the crystals of the protein are grown at an acidic pH and the protein has been shown to lose its ligand under these conditions. The two proteins whose crystallizations are reported here are the second and third members of this subfamily to be crystallized. The crystals of axolotl Lb-FABP belong to either space group P4(1)2(1)2 or P4(3)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 65.38, c = 60.90 A, and diffract to a resolution of 2.0 A on a conventional source at room temperature. The crystals of toad Lb-FABP belong to either space group P4(1)22 or P4(3)22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 48.14, c = 135.23 A, and diffract to 2.5 A resolution under the same conditions. It is expected that the solution of these two structures will help to clarify the structural differences between Lb-FABPs and L-FABPs and will possibly explain the different binding stoichiometries observed in these otherwise so similar protein subfamilies.

Structural and biochemical characterization of the lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa) liver basic fatty acid binding protein.

Only one fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) from the liver of the lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa) was isolated and characterized. The sequence comparison of lungfish FABP with that of the known members of the liver FABP (L-FABP) and liver basic FABP (Lb-FABP) subfamilies indicates that it is more closely related to chicken, iguana, frog, axolotl, catfish, and shark Lb-FABPs than to mammalian and axolotl L-FABPs. Lungfish liver expression of this single Lb-FABP contrasts with the other fish studied so far which coexpress an Lb-FABP with heart-adipocyte and/or intestinal FABP types. The lungfish liver FABP expression pattern resembles that of tetrapods, which only expresses liver type FABPs. Lungfish Lb-FABP is one of the two FABPs reported to have a disulfide bridge. The molecular modeling of lungfish Lb-FABP predicts that nine of the conserved residues of Lb-FABPs are oriented toward the binding cavity, thus suggesting they are related to the protein binding characteristics.

Isolation, characterization and binding properties of two rat liver fatty acid-binding protein isoforms.

Mammalian liver has only one fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) while the liver of non-mammalian vertebrates expresses a liver basic FABP (Lb-FABP) in addition to other members of the FABP family. We explore the possibility that L-FABP isoforms accomplish, in the liver of mammals, the metabolic functions corresponding to the different FABPs present in the liver of non-mammalian vertebrates. We have isolated isoforms I and II which have a different residue 105, Asn in the former and Asp in the latter. We made a conformational comparison of the apo-isoforms by intrinsic fluorescence emission and fourth-derivative spectroscopy, native-state proteolysis and unfolding curves. Ligand affinity was studied by measuring cis-parinaric acid displacement by different ligands. They have differences in their molecular conformation, including the environment of the binding site. Isoform II has probably a more open conformation than isoform I, thus allowing the binding of a greater variety of ligands. The affinity of isoform II for lysophospholipids, prostaglandins, retinoids, bilirubin and bile salts is greater than that of isoform I. These characteristics of rat L-FABP isoforms I and II suggest that they may accomplish different functions as happens with those of the different FABP types in non-mammalian species.