Sustainable cultivation of melon landraces: Effects of grafting on the accumulation of flavor-related compounds.

Melon landraces are highly appreciated by consumers who pay price premiums to compensate for lower yields, enabling on-farm conservation. However, they are highly susceptible to soilborne diseases. This study analyses the impact of Cucurbita and Cucumis rootstocks on the accumulation of flavor-related metabolites in Spanish landraces of the Ibericus melon group, as a strategy to promote their sustainable cultivation. Scion genotype was the main factor conditioning the accumulation of sugars and acids both under standard and saline organic farming conditions. The effects of grafting on organic acid accumulation were negligible, while the effects on sugar content were significant. The latter effects were dependent on specific scion-rootstock combinations, though wild Cucumis (e.g. Fian) rootstocks represent an alternative that should be further studied. The effect on the accumulation of volatiles was limited, and again depended on specific scion-rootstock combinations. The rootstock effect even differed between populations of the same landrace.

Assessment of progesterone levels on the day of pregnancy test determination: A novel concept toward individualized luteal phase support.

Research question: The main objective of the study is to define the optimal trade-off progesterone (P4) values on the day of embryo transfer (ET), to identify low P4-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and to establish whether P4 supplementation started on the hCG day can increase the success rate of the frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. Design: A single-center, cohort, retrospective study with 664 hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-FET cycles analyzed female patients who received vaginal 600 mg/day of P4 starting from 6 days before the FET, had normal P4 values on the day before ET, and whose P4 on the day of the pregnancy test was assessed. Results: Of the 664 cycles, 69.6% of cycles showed P4 ≥ 10.6 ng/ml, while 30.4% showed P4 < 10.6 ng/ml on the day of the hCG. Of the 411 chemical pregnancies detected, 71.8% had P4-hCG ≥ 10.6 ng/ml (group A), while 28.2% had P4-hCG < 10.6 ng/ml. Of the cycles with P4-hCG < 10.6 ng/ml, 64.7% (group B) were supplemented with a higher dose of vaginal P4 (1,000 mg/day), while 35.3% (group C) were maintained on the same dose of vaginal micronized P4. The live birth rate was 71.9%, 96%, and 7.3% for groups A, B, and C, respectively. Conclusion: The likelihood to detect P4-hCG < 10.6 ng/ml decreased as the level of serum P4 the day before ET increased. The live birth rate (LBR) was shown to be significantly lower when P4 was low and not supplemented.

Incidencia del aprendizaje cooperativo en educación física sobre las necesidades psicológicas básicas / Impact of Cooperative Learning on Physical Education in Basic Psychological Needs

El Aprendizaje Cooperativo (AC) se perfila como una herramienta que centra a los estudiantes en el foco principal del proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje en el área de Educación Física (EF). El objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar el impacto del AC en la satisfacción de las Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas (BPNES) frente a un modelo de enseñanza tradicional en estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO). Para el análisis, se tomó una muestra total formada por 185 participantes, en el que se empleó un método cuantitativo con un diseño cuasi-experimental. Se desarrollaron seis sesiones a través retos cooperativos. Se utilizó como instrumento la Escala de Medición de las BPNES adaptada a la EF. Los resultados mostraron una mejora estadísticamente significativa en la autonomía, competencia y relaciones sociales en el grupo experimental. Una metodología activa basada en el aprendizaje cooperativo en las clases de EF mejora la satisfacción de las BPNES. (AU)

Cooperative Learning (AC) is emerging as a tool that places students at the centre of the teaching and learning process in the area of Physical Education (PE). The objective of the present investigation was to analyse the impact of AC on the satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs (BPNES) against a traditional teaching model in students of Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO). For the analysis, a total sample consisting of 185 participants was taken, and a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design was used. Participants experienced six sessions through cooperative challenges. The BPNES Measurement Scale adapted to PE was used as an instrument. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in autonomy, competence and social relations in the experimental group. An active methodology based on cooperative learning in PE classes improves the satisfaction of BPNES. (AU)

Mimicking the temperature gradient between the sow's oviduct and uterus improves in vitro embryo culture output.

This work was designed to determine temperature conditions within the reproductive tract of the female pig and study their impact on ARTs. Temperatures were recorded using a laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery assisted approach and a miniaturized probe. Sows and gilts were used to address natural cycle and ovarian stimulation treatments, respectively. According to in vivo values, IVF was performed at three temperature conditions (37.0°C, 38.5°C and 39.5°C) and presumptive zygotes were cultured in these conditions for 20 h, while further embryo culture (EC) (21-168 h post-insemination) was maintained at 38.5°C. After 20 h, different fertility parameters were assessed. During EC, cleavage and blastocyst stages were evaluated. Sperm membrane fluidity at the experimental temperatures was studied by using differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching techniques. An increasing temperature gradient of 1.5°C was found between the oviduct and uterus of sows (P < 0.05) and when this gradient was transferred to pig in vitro culture, the number of poly-nuclear zygotes after IVF was reduced and the percentage of blastocysts was increased. Moreover, the temperature transition phase for the boar sperm membrane (37.0°C) coincided with the temperature registered in the sow oviduct, and sperm membranes were more fluid at 37.0°C compared with those of sperm incubated at higher temperatures (38.5°C and 39.5°C). These data suggest that there may be an impact of physiological temperature gradients on human embryo development.

Metodología cooperativa disminuye las actitudes disruptivas en educación física / Cooperative Methodologies Decrease Disruptive Attitudes in Physical Education

Las actitudes disruptivas suponen un gran problema para el profesorado en el transcurso de sus clases. Por ello, la finalidad del estudio es conocer y analizar las posibilidades que ofrece la metodología cooperativa como modelo pedagógico en la mejora de dichas actitudes. Se ha utilizado el cuestionario en su versión española validada de la versión corta original del Physical Education Classroom Instrument para la evaluación de conductas disruptivas en alumnado de secundaria. Se ha tomado una muestra de 114 sujetos de primer y segundo ciclo de ESO. Se realizaron dos sesiones de retos cooperativos en EF con un grupo (COOP); y con el otro grupo (CONTROL) se siguió la clase con normalidad. Tras la intervención, a diferencia del grupo control, se observan mejoras estadísticamente significativas en diversas variables tales como agresividad, desobediencia, irresponsabilidad y perturbación del ambiente de clase, favoreciendo así las relaciones interpersonales del grupo, tan sólo del grupo COOP

Disruptive attitudes are frequently an important issue to be manage for teachers during their classes. In the study, we will try to analyse the possibilities offered by cooperative learning as a pedagogical model for the decrease in these disruptive attitudes. We used the validated Spanish version of the questionnaire of the original short version of the Physical Education Classroom Instrument for the evaluation of disruptive behaviour in high school students. It was taken a sample of 114 subjects studying 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade. The study consisted on performing two sessions of cooperative challenges in a PE class with an experimental group (COOP); and with the other group (CONTROL) the classes were performed as usually. After the performance of these sessions, we found statistically significant improvement of the COOP group regarding several variables such as aggression, disobedience, irresponsibility and disruption of the classroom environment, encouraging the interpersonal relations of the COOP group, unlike the CONTROL group in which no improvement were found

Cuatro años de experiencia clínica con radio-223 para el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración / Four years of clinical experience with Radium-223 for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer

El dicloruro de radio-223 es un radiofármaco emisor alfa que prolonga la supervivencia global en pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración y metástasis óseas sintomáticas. Presentamos un análisis retrospectivo de 68 pacientes tratados. MÉTODO: Se evaluó la incidencia de eventos adversos hematológicos, gastrointestinales y otros, incluidos aquellos que llevaron a la interrupción o el retraso del tratamiento. Se determinó la mejoría o empeoramiento del dolor óseo, los niveles de antígeno prostático específico y de fosfatasa alcalina sérica. Se valoró la gammagrafía ósea pre- y postratamiento y se correlacionó con la evolución clínica. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos 68 pacientes. La media del número de inyecciones de radio-223 fue de 5 (rango 1-6), el 69% de los pacientes recibieron 5 o 6 inyecciones. Los efectos secundarios más comunes fueron alteraciones digestivas en 24 pacientes, anemia en 7 y trombocitopenia en 5. Se observaron claras tendencias a la baja en la fosfatasa alcalina sérica. La fosfatasa alcalina sérica media disminuyó desde el inicio en el 77% de los pacientes y el antígeno prostático específico en menos del 40%. La mayoría de los pacientes (62) experimentaron una mejoría en la intensidad o estabilidad del dolor. No se observó ningún fenómeno de llamarada de antígeno prostático específico. CONCLUSIONES: El radio-223 fue generalmente bien tolerado y no hubo problemas de seguridad. Los eventos adversos fueron leves y manejables. Fue más común una disminución en la fosfatasa alcalina sérica que del antígeno prostático específico. La monitorización de la dinámica de la fosfatasa alcalina sérica puede ser útil

PURPUSE: Radium-223 is an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical that significantly prolongs overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and symptomatic bone metastases. We report a retrospective analysis of our clinical experience with Radium-223 in the first 68 patients treated. METHODS: The incidence of hematologic, gastrointestinal, and other adverse events was identified, including events that led to treatment discontinuation or delay. Alterations in bone pain and prostate-specific antigen and serum alkaline phosphatase levels were evaluated. Bone scan changes were identified and correlated with the clinical course. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included in the study. The median number of radium-223 injections was 5 (range 1-6), with 69% of patients receiving 5 to 6 injections. The most common side effects were digestive alterations in 24 patients, anemia in 7 patients, and thrombocytopenia in 5 patients. Clear downward trends in serum alkaline phosphatase were seen, that were less clear in prostate-specific antigen. Mean serum alkaline phosphatase decreased from baseline in 77% of the patients, and prostate-specific antigen in less than 40%. The majority of patients (62) experienced an improvement in bone pain intensity or no increase in bone pain intensity. No prostate-specific antigen flare phenomenon was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Radium-223 was generally well tolerated and there were no safety concerns. The adverse events were mild and manageable. A decline in serum alkaline phosphatase was more common than a decline in prostate-specific antigen. Monitoring changes in serum alkaline phosphatase dynamics may be useful

Gammagrafía con 75Se-ácido tauroselcólico (75SeHCAT(R)), ¿prueba de referencia en la malabsorción de ácidos biliares? / 75Se-Homocholic acid taurine scintigraphy (75SeHCAT(R)), a standard benchmark test in bile acid malabsorption?

La diarrea crónica por malabsorción de ácidos biliares (MAB) es una patología infradiagnosticada. Se dispone de diferentes herramientas diagnósticas, aunque en la actualidad no existe consenso sobre cuál de estas sería la prueba de referencia o gold standard. En esta revisión se valora la posibilidad de utilizar la gammagrafía con 75Se-ácido tauroselcólico (75SeHCAT(R)) como prueba diagnóstica de referencia y su perspectiva de futuro. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Pubmed y OVID, obteniéndose un total de 57 trabajos y usándose finalmente 26 de ellos tras ser seleccionados bajo los conceptos de gold standard, exactitud diagnóstica y otros biomarcadores. Valoramos las ventajas e inconvenientes de las diferentes herramientas diagnósticas: 14C-glicocolato, medición de ácidos biliares en heces, C4 en suero, FGF19 en suero, colestiramina y gammagrafía con ácido tauroselcólico. Consideramos que la gammagrafía con 75SeHCAT(R) es la prueba diagnóstica más recomendada en Europa para el diagnóstico de MAB al presentar los índices más elevados de sensibilidad y especificidad. Presenta una gran relación coste-beneficio, por lo que es la prueba con mayor grado de recomendación. Sin embargo, aún no es posible su uso de forma reconocida como gold standard debido a la falta de estudios que proporcionen datos concluyentes que permitan su consenso. Mientras tanto, se podría aconsejar el uso combinado de la prueba con colestiramina en todos los pacientes que queramos evaluar, independientemente del resultado gammagráfico, como uso de patrón de referencia

Chronic diarrhoea due to bile acid malabsorption (BAM) is an underdiagnosed pathology. Different diagnostic tools are available. However, there is currently no consensus on which of these would be the benchmark test or gold standard. This review evaluates the possibility of using 75Se-taurocholic acid (75SeHCAT(R)) scintigraphy as a benchmark diagnostic test and its perspective for the future. A literature review was conducted in Pubmed and OVID obtaining a total of 57 papers, 26 of which were finally used after being selected under the concepts of gold standard, diagnostic accuracy and other biomarkers. We evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of the different diagnostic tools: 14C-glycocholate, measurement of bile acids in faeces, C4 in serum, FGF19 in serum, cholestyramine, and 75Se-tauroselcolic acid scintigraphy. We consider that the 75SeHCAT(R) scan is the most recommended diagnostic test in Europe for diagnosing BAM as it presents the highest values of sensitivity and specificity. It has a significant cost-benefit ratio, making it the test with the highest degree of recommendation. However, it is still not possible to use it in a recognised way as a gold standard due to the lack of studies that provide conclusive data that allow consensus. In the meantime, the combined use of cholestyramine testing in all patients we want to evaluate, regardless of the scintigraphy result, could be encouraged as a benchmark standard

Four years of clinical experience with Radium-223 for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. / Cuatro años de experiencia clínica con radio-223 para el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración.

PURPOSE: Radium-223 is an alpha-emitting radiopharmaceutical that significantly prolongs overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and symptomatic bone metastases. We report a retrospective analysis of our clinical experience with Radium-223 in the first 68 patients treated. METHODS: The incidence of hematologic, gastrointestinal, and other adverse events was identified, including events that led to treatment discontinuation or delay. Alterations in bone pain and prostate-specific antigen and serum alkaline phosphatase levels were evaluated. Bone scan changes were identified and correlated with the clinical course. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included in the study. The median number of radium-223 injections was 5 (range 1-6), with 69% of patients receiving 5 to 6 injections. The most common side effects were digestive alterations in 24 patients, anemia in 7 patients, and thrombocytopenia in 5 patients. Clear downward trends in serum alkaline phosphatase were seen, that were less clear in prostate-specific antigen. Mean serum alkaline phosphatase decreased from baseline in 77% of the patients, and prostate-specific antigen in less than 40%. The majority of patients (62) experienced an improvement in bone pain intensity or no increase in bone pain intensity. No prostate-specific antigen flare phenomenon was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Radium-223 was generally well tolerated and there were no safety concerns. The adverse events were mild and manageable. A decline in serum alkaline phosphatase was more common than a decline in prostate-specific antigen. Monitoring changes in serum alkaline phosphatase dynamics may be useful.

75Se-Homocholic acid taurine scintigraphy (75SeHCAT®), a standard benchmark test in bile acid malabsorption? / Gammagrafía con 75Se-ácido tauroselcólico (75SeHCAT®), ¿prueba de referencia en la malabsorción de ácidos biliares?

Chronic diarrhoea due to bile acid malabsorption (BAM) is an underdiagnosed pathology. Different diagnostic tools are available. However, there is currently no consensus on which of these would be the benchmark test or gold standard. This review evaluates the possibility of using 75Se-taurocholic acid (75SeHCAT®) scintigraphy as a benchmark diagnostic test and its perspective for the future. A literature review was conducted in Pubmed and OVID obtaining a total of 57 papers, 26 of which were finally used after being selected under the concepts of gold standard, diagnostic accuracy and other biomarkers. We evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of the different diagnostic tools: 14C-glycocholate, measurement of bile acids in faeces, C4 in serum, FGF19 in serum, cholestyramine, and 75Se-tauroselcolic acid scintigraphy. We consider that the 75SeHCAT® scan is the most recommended diagnostic test in Europe for diagnosing BAM as it presents the highest values of sensitivity and specificity. It has a significant cost-benefit ratio, making it the test with the highest degree of recommendation. However, it is still not possible to use it in a recognised way as a gold standard due to the lack of studies that provide conclusive data that allow consensus. In the meantime, the combined use of cholestyramine testing in all patients we want to evaluate, regardless of the scintigraphy result, could be encouraged as a benchmark standard.

Mimicking physiological O2 tension in the female reproductive tract improves assisted reproduction outcomes in pig.

STUDY QUESTION: Is O2 tension in the pig oviduct and uterus affected by the estrous cycle stage and the animal's age, and can the outcome of in vitro embryo development be improved by mimicking these physiological values? SUMMARY ANSWER: O2 tension within the pig reproductive organs is affected by the animal's age, and values close to those measured in vivo have a positive impact on embryo development and quality when used during IVF and embryo culture (EC). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: To obtain a healthy embryo in vitro, it is necessary to adopt a culture microenvironment that approximates physiological conditions. Despite advances in surgical procedures and sensitive probes that allow accurate assessment of in vivo O2 tension, few such studies have been conducted recently in mammals. In addition, no reference values of physiological O2 tension in the reproductive tract exist for large animal models such as pig, and the effect of O2 tension on ART outcomes is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was conducted in pigs. We measured oviductal and uterine O2 tension (n = 29 and 13, respectively) and then examined how the use of the physiological values in pig IVF and EC affected pig ART output (n = 1447 oocytes). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The oviductal and uterine O2 tension at the different stages of the estrous cycle was monitored using a laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) assisted approach along with a flexible and thin miniaturized luminescent probe. Two groups of pigs, Large-white × Landrace breed, were used: for the first group, 16 pre-pubertal gilts (5 months old and 95 kg) were induced to ovulate with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); in the second group 13 mature sows (24-48 months and 185 kg) were used. IVF and EC were performed at two different O2 tensions: Atmospheric O2 (20%) and the mean in vivo value measured (7%). At 18-20 h post-insemination (hpi), a small sample of presumptive zygotes were fixed, stained and examined under epifluorescence microscopy to assess the fertilization rates. At 48 hpi, cleavage was evaluated under the stereomicroscope. Finally, at 180 hpi, development to the blastocyst stage was quantified, blastocyst morphology was assessed, and embryos were fixed and stained to count the mean cell number per blastocyst. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The mean O2 content within the pig oviduct and uterus was always lower than in ambient air. The average O2 percentage was higher in gilts (10.0%) than in sows (7.6%) (P < 0.0001). The cleavage rate of porcine in vitro fertilized embryos maintained under 7% O2 during IVF and EC was significantly higher (60.0 ± 2.3) compared with those cultured under 20% O2 (32.0 ± 2.2) (P < 0.05). An increase in the number of cells in embryos cultured under the low O2 concentration (88.9 ± 5.9) was observed compared to those cultured under 20% O2 (59.0 ± 5.0) (P < 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA: None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Although minimally invasive surgery was used the effect of anesthesia and manipulations on O2 tension within the organs are unknown. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Using physiological oxygen concentrations in IVF/EC could improve ART outcomes. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Grants AGL2012-40180-C03-01 and AGL2015-66341-R. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ventilación mecánica domiciliaria en niños: estudio multicéntrico español / Domiciliary mechanical ventilation in children: a spanish multicentre study

Introducción: La ventilación mecánica domiciliaria (VMD) es una técnica cada vez más frecuente en el niño. Existen pocos estudios que hayan analizado las características y necesidades de los niños sometidos a esta técnica. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional transversal multicéntrico de pacientes entre un mes y 16 años dependientes de ventilación mecánica domiciliaria. Resultados: Se estudiaron 163 pacientes de 17 hospitales españoles con una edad media de 7,6 años. La causa más frecuente de VMD fueron los trastornos neuromusculares. El inicio de la VMD fue a una edad media de 4,6 años. Un 71,3% recibieron ventilación no invasiva. Los pacientes con ventilación invasiva tenían menor edad, menor edad de inicio de la VMD y mayor tiempo de uso diario. El 80,9% precisaban VM solo durante el sueño, y un 11,7% durante todo el día. Únicamente un 3,4% de los pacientes tiene asistencia sanitaria externa como ayuda a la familia. Un 48,2% es controlado en consultas específicas de VMD o consultas multidisciplinares. Un 72,1% de los pacientes está escolarizado (recibiendo enseñanza adaptada un 42,3%). Solo un 47,8% de los pacientes escolarizados cuentan con cuidadores específicos en su centro escolar. Conclusiones: La VMD en niños se utiliza en un grupo muy heterogéneo de pacientes iniciándose en un importante porcentaje en los primeros 3 años de vida. A pesar de que un significativo porcentaje de pacientes tiene una gran dependencia de la VMD pocas familias cuentan con ayudas específicas tanto a nivel escolar como en el domicilio, y el seguimiento sanitario es heterogéneo y poco coordinado(AU)

Introduction: Domiciliary mechanical ventilation (DMV) use is increasing in children. Few studies have analysed the characteristics of patients using this technique. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, transversal, multicentre study was conducted on patients between 1 month and 16 years of age dependent on domiciliary mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 163 patients with a median age of 7.6 years from 17 Spanish hospitals were studied. The main reasons for DMV were neuromuscular disorders. The median age at beginning of DMV was 4.6 years. Almost three-quarters (71.3%) received non-invasive ventilation. Patients depending on invasive ventilation were younger, started DMV at an earlier age, and had more hours of mechanical ventilation per day. The large majority (80.9%) used DMV during sleep time only, and 11.7% during the whole day. Only 3.4% of patients had external health assistance. Just under half (48.2%) were being followed up in specific DMV or multidisciplinary clinics. Almost three-quarters (72.1%) of patients attended school (42.3% with adapted schooling). Only 47.8% of school patients had specific caregivers in their schools. Conclusions: DMV in children is used in a very heterogeneous group of patients, and in an important number of patients it is started before the third year of life. Despite there being a significant proportion of patients with a high dependency on DMV, few families receive specific support at home or at school, and health care surveillance is variable and poorly coordinated(AU)

[Domiciliary mechanical ventilation in children: a Spanish multicentre study]. / Ventilación mecánica domiciliaria en niños: estudio multicéntrico español.

INTRODUCTION: Domiciliary mechanical ventilation (DMV) use is increasing in children. Few studies have analysed the characteristics of patients using this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, transversal, multicentre study was conducted on patients between 1 month and 16 years of age dependent on domiciliary mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients with a median age of 7.6 years from 17 Spanish hospitals were studied. The main reasons for DMV were neuromuscular disorders. The median age at beginning of DMV was 4.6 years. Almost three-quarters (71.3%) received non-invasive ventilation. Patients depending on invasive ventilation were younger, started DMV at an earlier age, and had more hours of mechanical ventilation per day. The large majority (80.9%) used DMV during sleep time only, and 11.7% during the whole day. Only 3.4% of patients had external health assistance. Just under half (48.2%) were being followed up in specific DMV or multidisciplinary clinics. Almost three-quarters (72.1%) of patients attended school (42.3% with adapted schooling). Only 47.8% of school patients had specific caregivers in their schools. CONCLUSIONS: DMV in children is used in a very heterogeneous group of patients, and in an important number of patients it is started before the third year of life. Despite there being a significant proportion of patients with a high dependency on DMV, few families receive specific support at home or at school, and health care surveillance is variable and poorly coordinated.

Normal ventricular-CSF may comfound the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: The standard procedure for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infections consists of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, which is usually accomplished by a lumbar puncture. However, in some patients presenting with acute hydrocephalus submitted to immediate CSF drainage, the fluid is customarily obtained from the placed draining system. In addition, the CSF obtained from the ventricular and lumbar spaces in some cases may show unusual differences, both in physiological and pathological conditions. ILLUSTRATIVE CASES: We report two children who presented with confounding results in the initial studies of their ventricular and lumbar CSF who were subsequently diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, causing delay in diagnosis and treatment. AIM. By reporting these cases, we wanted to alert the treating physician about the possibility of this discrepancy to avoid the delayed diagnosis and management of the affected patients. DISCUSSION: We comment on the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that may result in this dissociation in ventricular and lumbar CSF composition. CONCLUSIONS; Normal results in CSF studies, especially those of the ventricular fluid, do not always rule out the presence of tuberculous meningitis. We suggest obtaining a CSF sample from the lumbar subarachnoid space in doubtful, or suspicious, cases of CNS infection even in the presence of a normal ventricular CSF.

Normal ventricular-CSF may confound the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitishydrocephalus / LCR ventricular normal: un factor de confusión en el diagnóstico de hidrocefalia por meningitis tuberculosa

Background. The standard procedure for the diagnosisof central nervous system (CNS) infections consistsof cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, which isusually accomplished by a lumbar puncture. However,in some patients presenting with acute hydrocephalussubmitted to immediate CSF drainage, the fluid is customarilyobtained from the placed draining system.In addition, the CSF obtained from the ventricularand lumbar spaces in some cases may show unusualdifferences, both in physiological and pathologicalconditions.Illustrative cases. We report two children who presentedwith confounding results in the initial studiesof their ventricular and lumbar CSF who were subsequentlydiagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, causingdelay in diagnosis and treatment.Aim. By reporting these cases, we wanted to alert thetreating physician about the possibility of this discrepancyto avoid the delayed diagnosis and management (..) (AU)

Antecedentes. El procedimiento habitual para eldiagnóstico de infección del sistema nervioso central(CNS) consiste en el estudio del liquido cefalorraquídeo(LCR) mediante la realización de una punción lumbar.Sin embargo, en pacientes que debutan con un cuadrode hidrocefalia aguda que son tratados de urgenciamediante la inserción de un sistema de drenaje deLCR, el líquido es rutinariamente obtenido desde elsistema derivativo implantado. Pero, en ciertos casos,el LCR ventricular y lumbar analizados pueden mostrardiferencias significativas, tanto en condicionesfisiológicas como patológicas.Casos ilustrativos. Se describen los casos de dosniños que presentaron resultados dispares en losestudios iniciales del LCR ventricular y lumbar, enlos que se demostró posteriormente que padecíanuna hidrocefalia por meningitis tuberculosa, lo que (..) (AU)

Cytoarchitectural impairments in the medium spiny neurons of the Nucleus Accumbens core of hyperactive juvenile rats.

Dopaminergic activity in the Nucleus Accumbens has been strongly implicated in the motor hyperactivity associated with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dopaminergic and glutamatergic terminals converge on the dendritic spines of medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens core, which modulate the excitatory glutamatergic activity. In this work, a Golgi study was carried out to investigate the effects of dopamine depletion on the cytoarchitecture of dendritic spines of nucleus accumbens core medium spiny neurons. The dopaminergic system of newborn male rats was lesioned intracisternally by using 6-hydroxydopamine, and subsequently, the motor activity, spine density, and the proportion of thin, stubby, mushroom, wide, branched, and double spines was compared to those in control and intact animals. Motor activity was significantly increased in the dopamine-depleted animals and while the spine density was reduced, there was no change in the proportion of the specific types of spines. Larger thin spines were observed in the dopamine-depleted animals. Indeed, dopamine depletion may lead to spine retraction due to the disregulation of spine development, and/or an increase in glutamatergic activity. The enlargement of thin spines may suggest a compensatory mechanism to increase the efficiency of synaptic inputs in response to a decrease in spines number. Together, the present findings suggest an alteration to the excitatory/inhibitory balance on dendritic spines of medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens core in hyperactive juvenile rats following early dopamine depletion.