Effect of modified waste introduction methods over short-term and long-term use of onsite sanitation systems.

Insufficiently treated wastes contained within onsite sanitation systems (OSS) commonly used by disadvantaged and developing communities contribute to public and environmental health concerns, calling for practical alternative solutions. At the basic level, an improved understanding of the evolution of chemical and physical constituents under different waste introduction methods and for short-term and long-term operation is needed. While receiving non-dilute waste under mixed, unmixed, toilet paper exclusion, and urine diversion (UD) regimes, self-flushing OSS simulated using anaerobic digesters (ADs) were compared during three operational stages: (1) 0-1 month service for unsheltered encampments; (2) 1-3 month disaster relief scenario; and (3) ≥ 3 months representing refugee camps and long-term household use. Although stratification was found to promote suitable conditions for short-term use of self-flushing toilets, mixing increased beneficial biodegradation of organic constituents. Urine-containing ADs demonstrated a shift from sulfide to ammonia odor accompanied by high pH (> 8) after ~ 240 d. E. coli reduction following elevated nitrogen and dissolved solids levels pointed to decreased pathogen survival in ADs with urine. The benefits of bacterial disinfection, reduction of sulfurous odors, and heightened organics degradation in mixed, urine-containing ADs suggest this format as more desirable for prolonged use of self-flushing OSS over unmixed or urine-diverting formats.

Cobalamin cbiP mutant shows decreased tolerance to low temperature and copper stress in Listeria monocytogenes.

BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans. This pathogen activates multiple regulatory mechanisms in response to stress, and cobalamin biosynthesis might have a potential role in bacterial protection. Low temperature is a strategy used in the food industry to control bacteria proliferation; however, L. monocytogenes can grow in cold temperatures and overcome different stress conditions. In this study we selected L. monocytogenes List2-2, a strain with high tolerance to the combination of low temperature + copper, to understand whether the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway is part of the tolerance mechanism to this stress condition. For this, we characterized the transcription level of three cobalamin biosynthesis-related genes (cbiP, cbiB, and cysG) and the eutV gene, a transcriptional regulator encoding gene involved in ethanolamine metabolism, in L. monocytogenes strain List2-2 growing simultaneously under two environmental stressors: low temperature (8 °C) + copper (0.5 mM of CuSO4 × 5H2O). In addition, the gene cbiP, which encodes an essential cobyric acid synthase required in the cobalamin pathway, was deleted by homologous recombination to evaluate the impact of this gene in L. monocytogenes tolerance to a low temperature (8 °C) + different copper concentrations. RESULTS: By analyzing the KEGG pathway database, twenty-two genes were involved in the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway in L. monocytogenes List2-2. The expression of genes cbiP, cbiB, and cysG, and eutV increased 6 h after the exposure to low temperature + copper. The cobalamin cbiP mutant strain List2-2ΔcbiP showed less tolerance to low temperature + copper (3 mM) than the wild-type L. monocytogenes List2-2. The addition of cyanocobalamin (5 nM) to the medium reverted the phenotype observed in List2-2ΔcbiP. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that cobalamin biosynthesis is necessary for L. monocytogenes growth under stress and that the cbiP gene may play a role in the survival and growth of L. monocytogenes List2-2 at low temperature + copper.

Cobalamin cbiP mutant shows decreased tolerance to low temperature and copper stress in Listeria monocytogenes

BACKGROUND: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans. This pathogen activates multiple regulatory mechanisms in response to stress, and cobalamin biosynthesis might have a potential role in bacterial protection. Low temperature is a strategy used in the food industry to control bacteria proliferation; however, L. monocytogenes can grow in cold temperatures and overcome different stress conditions. In this study we selected L. monocytogenes List2-2, a strain with high tolerance to the combination of low temperature +copper, to understand whether the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway is part of the tolerance mechanism to this stress condition. For this, we characterized the transcription level of three cobalamin biosynthesis related genes ( cbiP , cbiB, and cysG ) and the eutV gene, a transcriptional regulator encoding gene involved in ethanolamine metabolism, in L. monocytogenes strain List2-2 growing simultaneously under two environmental stressors: low temperature (8 °C) +copper (0.5 mM of CuSO4 ×5H2O). In addition, the gene cbiP , which encodes an essential cobyric acid synthase required in the cobalamin pathway, was deleted by homologous recombination to evaluate the impact of this gene in L. monocytogenes tolerance to a low temperature (8 °C) +different copper concentrations. RESULTS: By analyzing the KEGG pathway database, twenty-two genes were involved in the cobalamin biosynthesis pathway in L. monocytogenes List2-2. The expression of genes cbiP , cbiB, and cysG, and eutV increased 6 h after the exposure to low temperature +copper. The cobalamin cbiP mutant strain List2-2Δ cbiP showed less tolerance to low temperature +copper (3 mM) than the wild type L. monocytogenes List2-2. The addition of cyanocobalamin (5 nM) to the medium reverted the phenotype observed in List2-2Δ cbiP . CONCLUSION: These results indicate that cobalamin biosynthesis is necessary for L. monocytogenes growth under stress and that the cbiP gene may play a role in the survival and growth of L. monocytogenes List2-2 at low temperature +copper.

Phenotypic characterization of PIGN-associated paroxysmal dyskinesia in Soft-coated wheaten terriers and preliminary response to acetazolamide therapy.

A hereditary movement disorder in Soft coated wheaten terriers (SCWT) has been associated with a mutation in PIGN which encodes an enzyme involved in synthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI). The objective of this study was to describe and classify the clinical phenotype and assess therapeutic response. Twenty-five SCWT and related dogs homozygous for PIGN:c.398C>T with paroxysmal dyskinesia were available for inclusion. Medical records and video recordings of 17 dogs were evaluated in a retrospective case series. Affected dogs had episodes of involuntary, hyperkinetic movements and dystonia. Median age of onset was 2.5 years. A typical episode consisted of rapid, irregular hyperflexion and extension of the pelvic limbs with some degree of truncal dystonia. A mild episode consisted of spontaneous flexion of one pelvic limb while walking which could resemble a lameness. Episodes lasted several minutes to several hours and occurred up to 10 times/day or more. They were not associated with exercise or fasting but were sometimes triggered by excitement or stress. Acetazolamide therapy improved nine of 11 dogs, in seven cases abolishing episodes. Five of 17 dogs treated with other agents had mild improvement with clonazepam (n = 2), levetiracetam (n = 1), or phenobarbital (n = 2). Paroxysmal dyskinesias must be differentiated from seizure disorders since they often respond to different therapies. The SCWT phenotype consisted predominantly of hyperkinesia, and can respond dramatically to acetazolamide. GPI anchors proteins to the cell surface including carbonic anhydrase IV which modulates synaptic pH in the brain. Altered activity of this enzyme may be the target of acetazolamide therapy.

Installing oncofertility programs for common cancers in limited resource settings (Repro-Can-OPEN Study): An extrapolation during the global crisis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

PURPOSE: The state of limited resource settings that Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created globally should be taken seriously into account especially in healthcare sector. In oncofertility, patients should receive their fertility preservation treatments urgently even in limited resource settings before initiation of anticancer therapy. Therefore, it is very crucial to learn more about oncofertility practice in limited resource settings such as in developing countries that suffer often from shortage of healthcare services provided to young patients with cancer. METHODS: As an extrapolation during the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed oncofertility centers from 14 developing countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, Nigeria, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and India). Survey questionnaire included questions on the availability and degree of utilization of fertility preservation options in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer. RESULTS: All surveyed centers responded to all questions. Responses and their calculated oncofertility scores showed different domestic standards for oncofertility practice in case of childhood cancer, breast cancer, and blood cancer in the developing countries under limited resource settings. CONCLUSIONS: Medical practice in limited resource settings has become a critical topic especially after the global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the resources necessary to provide oncofertility treatments is important until the current COVID-19 pandemic resolves. Lessons learned will be valuable to future potential worldwide disruptions due to infectious diseases or other global crises.

Perspectives on the fellowship training in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular anesthesia and critical care in Europe from program directors and educational leads around europe

ABSTRACT:This article reviews fellowship training in adult cardiac, thoracic, and vascular anesthesia and critical care from the perspective of European program initiators and educational leaders in these subspecialties together with current training fellows. Currently, the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology (EACTA) network has 20 certified fellowship positions each year in 10 hosting centers within 7 European countries, with 2 positions outside Europe (São Paulo, Brazil). Since 2009, 42 fellows have completed the fellowship training. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the rationale, requirements, and contributions of the fellows, in the context of the developmental progression of the EACTA fellowship in adult cardiac, thoracic, and vascular anesthesia and critical care from inception to present. A summary of the program structure, accreditation of host centers, requirements to join the program, teaching and assessment tools, certification, and training requirements in transesophageal electrocardiography is outlined. In addition, a description of the current state of EACTA fellowships across Europe, and a perspective for future steps and challenges to the educational program, is provided. (AU)

Building a network for multicenter, prospective research of central nervous system infections in South America: Process and lessons learned.

Multicenter collaborative networks are essential for advancing research and improving clinical care for a variety of conditions. Research networks are particularly important for central nervous system infections, which remain difficult to study due to their sporadic occurrence and requirement for collection and testing of cerebrospinal fluid. Establishment of long-term research networks in resource-limited areas also facilitates diagnostic capacity building, surveillance for emerging pathogens, and provision of appropriate treatment where needed. We review our experience developing a research network for encephalitis among twelve hospitals in five Peruvian cities since 2009. We provide practical suggestions to aid other groups interested in advancing research on central nervous system infections in resource-limited areas.

From GWAS to function: lessons from blood cells.

Haematopoiesis, or the process of formation of mature blood cells from committed progenitors, represents an accessible and well-studied paradigm of cell differentiation and lineage specification. Genetic association studies provide a powerful approach to discover new genes, biological pathways and mechanisms underlying haematopoietic development. Here, we highlight recent findings of genomewide association studies (GWAS) linking 145 genomic loci to traits affecting the formation of red and white cells and platelets in European and other ancestries. We present strategies to address the main challenges in GWAS discoveries, particularly to find functional and regulatory effects of genetic variants, and to identify genes through which these genetic variants affect haematological phenotypes. We argue that studies of haematological trait variation provide an ideal paradigm for understanding the function of GWAS-associated variants owing to the accessible nature of cells, simple cellular phenotype and focused efforts to characterize the genetic and epigenetic factors influencing the regulatory landscape in highly pure mature cell populations.

Decreased morbidity and mortality of autologous hematopoietic transplants for children with malignant central nervous system tumors: the 'Head Start' trials, 1991-2009.

Since 1991, three sequential prospective clinical trials have been conducted by the 'Head Start' (HS) Consortium in which young children with newly-diagnosed malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by single-cycle marrow-ablative chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic rescue as a means of improving disease cure rate and quality of survival through avoidance (<6 years old at diagnosis) or reduction (6-10 years old) of brain irradiation. Bone Marrow (HS I) or filgrastim-mobilized peripheral hematopoietic cells (HS II and III) were obtained following recovery from the first and/or second induction cycles. Radiotherapy was administered following all chemotherapy only for patients with residual tumor following completion of induction or with age greater than 6 years at diagnosis. Two hundred and twenty-six children were enrolled on three consecutive HS trials with primary malignant CNS tumors and underwent marrow-ablative chemotherapy. The 100-day treatment-related mortality (TRM) steadily declined as did grade IV transplant-related oropharyngeal mucositis. Factors most likely associated with the decrease in TRM and morbidity are increasing experience with the marrow-ablative chemotherapy regimen combined with improved leukapheresis and post-reinfusion supportive care techniques, contributing toward improved overall survival.

Oxidation of Orange G by persulfate activated by Fe(II), Fe(III) and zero valent iron (ZVI).

Persulfate (PS) was employed in the oxidation of Orange G (OG), an azo dye commonly found in textile wastewaters. Activation of PS was conducted with iron to generate sulfate free radicals (SO4(-)) with high redox potential capable to oxidize most of the organics in water. Identification of oxidation intermediates was carried out by analyzing at different times organic by-products generated from treatment of a concentrate dye solution (11.6 mM) with 153 mM of PS and 20 mM of Fe(II) at 20 °C. Intermediate reaction products (mainly phenol (PH) and benzoquinone (BQ), and in less extent aniline, phenolic compounds and naphthalene type compounds with quinone groups) were identified by GC/MS and HPLC, and an oxidation pathway was proposed for the oxidation of OG with iron activated PS. The effect of iron valence (0, II and III) in the oxidation of an aqueous solution of OG (containing 0.1 mM) was studied in a 0.5 L batch reactor at 20 °C. Initial activator and PS concentrations employed were both 1 mM. Complete pollutant removal was achieved within the first 30 min when iron II or III were employed as activators. Quinone intermediates generated during pollutant oxidation may act as electron shuttles, allowing the reduction of Fe(III) into Fe(II) in the redox cycling of iron. Therefore, activation of PS by Fe(III) allowed complete OG removal. When zero valent iron (ZVI) was employed (particle diameter size 0.74 mm) the limiting step in SO4(-) generation was the surface reaction between ZVI and the oxidant yielding a lower oxidation rate of the dye. An increase in the oxidant dosage (0.2 mM OG, 2 mM Fe(III) and 6 mM PS) allowed complete pollutant and ecotoxicity removal, as well as mineralization close to 75%.

Is there a link between influenza and type I diabetes? Increased incidence of TID during the pandemic H1N1 influenza of 2009 in Chile.

UNLABELLED: Pandemic H1N1 2009 had the highest incidence in the middle-high income area of Santiago and affected mostly school age patients. Influenza A virus (IAVs) causes systemic and most commonly non-systemic infection. Interestingly, it is able to replicate only in the presence of trypsin-like enzymes, as lung and pancreas. HYPOTHESIS: IAVs infection may trigger beta cell destruction and increase the incidence of T1DM. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of new T1DM pediatric patients from database of Clinica Las Condes between 1995 and 2012. RESULTS: From 58 patients, 44.7% were diagnosed between 2009 and 2010, coincident with the H1N1 virus outbreak. There were no differences in clinical neither metabolic parameters between those patients from the 2009-2010 period and the rest. From those patients with available antibody panel, it was negative in 30% of the 2009-2010 group vs. 12.5% of the rest of the cohort (p < 0.05). Only one 5.8 year old boy had history of H1N1 virus infection three months prior to the DM1 onset with negative antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The temporal coincidence suggests a possible link between T1DM and H1N1 virus, might be thought to be through direct cytopathic damage. Unfortunately we could only confirm H1N1 previous infection in only one case. Prospective studies in new T1DM cases are necessary to test this hypothesis.

[Methods of body composition and four compartiments model in obese school children]. / Métodos de composición corporal y modelo de cuatro compartimentos en escolares obesos chilenos.

INTRODUCTION: In Chile, the prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren is 21.3%. The study and individual intervention of this malnutrition, it is necessary to have not only global indicators of nutritional status, but also indicators that give information on body composition. OBJECTIVE: To compare estimates of body fat isotopic dilution, plethysmography and radiographic absorptiometry 4C model in overweight schoolchildren. METHODS: We worked with 61 obese (BMI ≥ p 95) of both sexes, between 8 and 13 years, enrolled in a school in a district of the city of Santiago. The multicompartmental body composition determination, considered isotopic dilution, plethysmography and radiographic absorptiometry. Using as a reference standard four compartment model of Fuller. RESULTS: In both sexes, the method showed better agreement with the reference of 4 compartments was isotope dilution (r = 0.98, p < 0.01). In children, the isotopic dilution underestimates body fat in -0.40 kg. By contrast, DEXA and plethysmography overestimate body fat by 0.81 kg and 1.89 kg respectively. In women, all methods overestimate body fat, with less emphasis isotopic dilution value 0.46 kg, 0.52 kg after DEXA and plethysmography 1.31 kg. CONCLUSIONS: The deuterium isotopic dilution would be the most sensitive method for estimating body fat in research studies because it shows the best agreement with the gold standard multicompartmental model.

Detección de alteraciones del desarrollo infantil en niños con trastorno de déficit atencional con hiperactividad en Punta Arenas: explorando la visión de los padres / Detection of changes in child development children with attention deficit hiperactivity disorder in Punta Arenas: exploring the vision of parents

Esta investigación indagó los procesos de detección de alteraciones del desarrollo infantil en niños con trastorno de déficit atencional e hiperactividad (TDAH) en Punta Arenas, desde la perspectiva de los padres, debido a la escasa investigación en la región con respecto al tema, a su relevancia para la profesión de terapia ocupacional y a la repercusión que tiene esta problemática en políticas nacionales y mundiales de salud. Su metodología es cualitativa, con un diseño basado en el interaccionismo simbólico. Los participantes de la investigación fueron padres y/o madres de niños con diagnóstico de TDAH. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó la entrevista semi-estructurada en profundidad, los que posteriormente fueron analizados desde la teoría fundamentada. Se identifica que los padres tienen conocimiento general sobre el desarrollo infantil de sus hijos, aunque desconocen los signos de alerta del desarrollo psicomotor. Además, manifiestan falta de información y orientación de parte de los profesionales de redes asistenciales de salud y educación. Refieren la importancia de realizar esta detección antes de los seis años. Se concluye que el proceso de detección de alteraciones en el desarrollo infantil es tardío y extenso para las familias, pese a los distintos programas de salud y educación existentes.

This research investigated the processes of diagnosis of child development in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Punta Arenas, from the perspective of parents, due to the limited research in the region on the issue, in relevance to the profession of occupational therapy and the impact that has this problem in national policies and global health. The methodology is qualitative, with a design based on symbolic interactionism. The research participants were parents and / or mothers of children diagnosed with ADHD. Data collection was semi-structured analyzed from the grounded theory. We showed that the parents have general knowledge of child development of their children, but not known the warning signs of psychomotor development. Furthermore, they have shown a lack of information and guidance from professionals in health care networks and education. For parents it is important to observe the warning signs of child development before age six. We conclude that the process of diagnosis of child development is delayed for families, despite the various health and education programs available.

Métodos de composición corporal y modelo de cuatro compartimentos en escolares obesos chilenos / Methods of body composition and four compartiments model in obese school children

Introducción: En Chile, la prevalencia de obesidad en los escolares es de 21,3%. El estudio y la intervención individual de esta malnutrición, hacen necesario contar no sólo con indicadores globales de estado nutricional, sino también, indicadores que entreguen información de la composición corporal. Objetivo: Comparar las estimaciones de la grasa corporal de dilución isotópica, pletismografía y absorciometría radiográfica con el modelo de 4C en escolares obesos. Métodos: Se trabajó con 61 niños obesos (IMC > p 95) de ambos sexos, entre 8 y 13 años, reclutados en un colegio de una comuna de la ciudad de Santiago. La determinación de composición corporal multicompartimental, consideró dilución isotópica, pletismografía y absorciometría radiográfica; utilizando como patrón de referencia el modelo de cuatro compartimentos de Fuller. Resultados: En ambos sexos, el método que mejor concordancia mostró con el referente de 4 compartimentos fue la dilución isotópica (r = 0,98; p < 0,01). En niños, la dilución isotópica subestima la grasa corporal en -0,40 kg. Al contrario, la absorciometría radiográfica y la pletismografía sobreestiman la grasa corporal en 0,81 kg y 1,89 kg respectivamente. En mujeres, todos los métodos sobreestiman la grasa corporal, destacando con un menor valor la dilución isotópica (0,46 kg), luego la absorciometría radiográfica (0,52 kg) y la pletismografía (1,31 kg). Conclusiones: La dilución isotópica con deuterio sería el método más sensible para estimar grasa corporal en estudios de investigación ya que muestra la mejor concordancia con el gold estándar del modelo multicompartimental (AU)

Introduction: In Chile, the prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren is 21.3%. The study and individual intervention of this malnutrition, it is necessary to have not only global indicators of nutritional status, but also indicators that give information on body composition. Objective: To compare estimates of body fat isotopic dilution, plethysmography and radiographic absorptiometry 4C model in overweight schoolchildren. Methods: We worked with 61 obese (BMI > p 95) of both sexes, between 8 and 13 years, enrolled in a school in a district of the city of Santiago. The multicompartmental body composition determination, considered isotopic dilution, plethysmography and radiographic absorptiometry. Using as a reference standard four compartment model of Fuller. Results: In both sexes, the method showed better agreement with the reference of 4 compartments was isotope dilution (r = 0.98, p < 0.01). In children, the isotopic dilution underestimates body fat in -0.40 kg. By contrast, DEXA and plethysmography overestimate body fat by 0.81 kg and 1.89 kg respectively. In women, all methods overestimate body fat, with less emphasis isotopic dilution value 0.46 kg, 0.52 kg after DEXA and plethysmography 1.31 kg. Conclusions: The deuterium isotopic dilution would be the most sensitive method for estimating body fat in research studies because it shows the best agreement with the gold standard multicompartmental model (AU)

Compressive myelopathy associated with ectasia of the vertebral and spinal arteries in a dog.

A 4-year-old dog was presented for acute, progressive tetraparesis and cervical hyperesthesia. Symmetrical tubular structures coursing along the lateroventral aspects of the spinal cord at the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae were identified in magnetic resonance images. At necropsy, vertebral arteries and their spinal branches were severely ectatic bilaterally, and the cervical spinal cord was compressed. Histologically, the ectatic branches of the vertebral and ventral spinal arteries were surrounded by fibrosis with scant mononuclear cell infiltrates and hemorrhage. Spinal branches of the vertebral arteries had focally severe reduction in the tunica media. A thrombus was in an arterial branch. Smaller vessels in adjacent tissue had fibrinoid degeneration. Axonal degeneration was detected in the affected spinal cord and nerve roots. The segmental degenerative radiculomyelopathy in this dog was attributed to anomalous ectasia of the vertebral and ventral spinal arteries.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy in the management of retinoblastoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the role of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in the management of children affected with retinoblastoma. METHODS: A review of clinical records of children with the diagnosis of retinoblastoma at the Hospital for Sick Children from January 1995 to December 2007, for whom UBM was used to determine the extent of intraocular tumor. Clinical characteristics were compared with UBM. Pathological correlation was performed for enucleated eyes. RESULTS: In total, 101 eyes of 75 patients were included in the final analysis. Only 11 eyes were diagnosed on UBM to have extension of the tumor anterior to the ora serrata, and were enucleated. Histopathological examination confirmed the anterior extension in all the 11 eyes. In total, 50 eyes were enucleated because of various reasons, such as poor visual prognosis (12 eyes), unilateral group D or E (23 eyes), recurrences (8 eyes), and treatment failure (7 eyes). None of those patients were found to have anterior extension of the disease on histopathological examination. UBM did not yield any false negative (0/50) or any false positives (0/11). CONCLUSIONS: The UBM provided a sensitive and reproducible visualization of the anterior retina, ciliary region, and anterior segment allowing a better staging of the advanced disease process. Primary assessment of the true extent of retinoblastoma is critical for the selection of an optimal management approach.

Paracoccidioidomicosis y TBC-MR en portador de VIH/VHC / Paracoccidioidomicosis and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TBC-MDR) in patient coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C

A case of an adult male patient diagnosed with HIV and Hepatitis C co infection is presented. He had granu-lomatuos hepatitis and blood smear positive to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis concomitant to the detection of MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum further complicated with reactivation of cytomegalovirus (possible pancreatitis and retinitis). Difficulties in diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient with multiple infections are reviewed.

Reportamos el caso de un varón de 54 años portador de VHC y VIH estadio SIDA quien tuvo hepatitis granu-lomatosa y frotis de sangre positivo a Paracoccidioides brasiliensis concomitante al hallazgo de Mycobacterhim tuberculosis multiresistente en esputo, que evolucionó con reactivación de citomegalovirus (pancreatitis probable y retinitis). Se describen las dificultades diagnósticas y terapéuticas en un paciente con múltiples infecciones.

[Paracoccidioidomicosis and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TBC-MDR) in patient coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C]. / Paracoccidioidomicosis y TBC-MR en portador de VIH/VHC.

A case of an adult male patient diagnosed with HIV and Hepatitis C co infection is presented. He had granu-lomatuos hepatitis and blood smear positive to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis concomitant to the detection of MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum further complicated with reactivation of cytomegalovirus (possible pancreatitis and retinitis). Difficulties in diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a patient with multiple infections are reviewed.

Effect of semen dilution to low-sperm number per dose on motility and functionality of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa using low-density lipoproteins (LDL) extender: comparison to Triladyl and Bioxcell.

Artificial insemination with doses containing low-sperm numbers has been utilized to optimize the use of elite bulls. Hen egg yolk is widely used as a cryoprotective agent in semen freezing extender protecting the spermatozoa. Its action is due to the presence of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the hen egg yolk. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the semen dilution to low-sperm number/dose on sperm motility and integrity of sperm plasma membrane in the cryopreservation process, using two commercial extenders (Triladyl, Bioxcell and LDL extender prepared in our laboratory, 97% purity. Fifteen ejaculates were collected from five fertile crossbred bulls (Bos taurusxBos indicus). After collection, sperm motility was examined by Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (Hamilton Thorne), morphological sperm characteristics were evaluated by differential interference microscopy and the integrity of plasma membranes was determined using the hypo-osmotic swelling test. The semen was subsequently divided into three aliquots and diluted with the three extenders into 120 x 10(6), 60 x 10(6) and 20 x 10(6)sperm/mL, corresponding to 30 x 10(6), 15 x 10(6) and 5 x10(6) sperm/dose, respectively. This study revealed that LDL extender was more effective in preservation of motility and integrity of the plasma membrane of spermatozoa than Bioxcell and Triladyl (p<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between Triladyland Bioxcell. Therefore we can conclude that LDL extender could be used instead of Triladyl or Bioxcellat low semen concentration per dose for elite bulls, it also could be envisaged for the industry of sex-stored semen.