Effects of the bovine SLICK1 mutation in PRLR on sweat gland area, FOXA1 abundance, and global gene expression in skin.

The SLICK1 mutation in the prolactin receptor (PRLR) results in a short-hair coat and increased ability to regulate body temperature during heat stress. It is unclear whether the mutation affects capacity for sweating. The objective of this observational study was to evaluate whether the SLICK1 mutation in PRLR alters characteristics of skin related to sweat gland abundance or function. Skin biopsies from 31 Holstein heifers, including 14 wild-type (SL-/-) and 17 heterozygous slick (SL+/-), were subjected to histological analysis to determine the percent of the surface area of skin sections that are occupied by sweat glands. We detected no effect of genotype on this variable. Immunohistochemical analysis of the forkhead transcription factor A1 (FOXA1), a protein essential for sweating in mice, from 6 SL-/- and 6 SL+/- heifers indicated twice as much FOXA1 in sweat glandular epithelia of SL+/- heifers as in SL-/- heifers. Results from RNA sequencing of skin biopsies from 5 SL-/- and 7 SL+/- heifers revealed few genes that were differentially expressed and none that have been associated with sweat gland development or function. In conclusion, results do not support the idea that the SLICK1 mutation changes the abundance of sweat glands in skin, but do show that functional properties of sweat glands, as indicated by increased abundance of immunoreactive FOXA1, are modified by inheritance of the mutation in PRLR.

Inheritance of the SLICK1 allele of PRLR in cattle.

The slick-hair phenotype in cattle is due to one of a series of mutations in the prolactin receptor (PRLR) that cause truncation of the C-terminal region of the protein involved in JAK2/STAT5 activation during prolactin signaling. Here we evaluated whether the inheritance of the SLICK1 allele, the first slick mutation discovered, is inherited in a fashion consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. It was hypothesized that any deleterious effect of inheriting the allele on embryonic or fetal function would result in reduced frequency of the allele in offspring. A total of 525 Holstein and Senepol cattle produced from matings involving one or both parents with the SLICK1 allele were genotyped. The observed frequency of the SLICK1 allele (0.247) was not significantly different than the expected frequency of 0.269. These results support the idea that inheritance of the SLICK1 allele does not act in the embryo or fetus to modify its competence to complete development to term.

Lactating dairy cows managed for second and greater artificial insemination services with the Short-Resynch or Day 25 Resynch program had similar reproductive performance.

The objective of this randomized controlled experiment was to evaluate reproductive performance and reproductive physiological outcomes of lactating Holstein cows managed for second and greater artificial insemination (AI) services with the Short-Resynch or Day 25 Resynch program. Cows from 2 commercial farms were randomly assigned after first service to the Short-Resynch (SR; n = 870) or Day 25 Resynch (D25R; n = 917) program in which they remained until 210 d after first service or left the herd. Cows in D25R received GnRH 25 ± 3 d after AI, whereas cows in SR did not. Cows not reinseminated at detected estrus (AIE) by 32 ± 3 d after AI underwent nonpregnancy diagnosis (NPD) through transrectal ultrasonography (TUS). Nonpregnant cows from both treatments with a corpus luteum (CL) ≥15 mm and an ovarian follicle ≥10 mm (hereafter, CL cows) received 2 PGF2α treatments 24 h apart, GnRH 32 h after the second PGF2α, and timed AI 16 to 18 h later. Cows that did not meet the criteria to be included in the CL group (NoCL cows) received a modified Ovsynch protocol with progesterone (P4) supplementation [P4-Ovsynch; GnRH and controlled internal drug-release device (CIDR) in, 7 d later CIDR removal and PGF2α, 24 h later PGF2α, 32 h later GnRH, and 16 to 18 h later timed AI]. In a subgroup of cows, blood samples were collected and TUS conducted at each treatment to evaluate ovarian responses to resynchronization. Binary data were analyzed with logistic regression, continuous data by ANOVA, and time-to-event data by Cox's proportional hazard regression. A greater proportion (mean; 95% CI) of cows were AIE before NPD in the SR (60.5%; 57.0-63.8; n = 3,416) than the D25R (50.1%; 46.5-53.7; n = 3,177) treatment, whereas pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 32 d for AIE services before NPD was greater for the D25R (41.3%; 38.8-43.8; n = 1,560) than the SR (37.6%; 35.5-39.8; n = 1,961) treatment. At NPD, a greater proportion of cows in the D25R (84.3%; 82.2-86.2) than the SR (77.0%; 74.4-79.4) treatment were considered CL cows. Pregnancy per AI at 32 d was greater for the D25R than the SR treatment for all timed AI services (D25R = 43.0%; 40.2-45.9 vs. SR = 36.8%; 33.8-39.8) and for CL cows (D25R = 42.8%; 39.7-45.9 vs. SR = 33.8%; 30.6-37.2) but did not differ for NoCL cows (D25R = 39.4%; 32.1-47.3 vs. SR = 44.0%; 36.8-51.4). The hazard ratio for time to pregnancy (1.03; 0.93-1.14) and the proportion of cows not pregnant at the end of the observation period (D25R = 5.9%; 4.4-7.8 vs. SR = 6.7%; 5.0-8.7) did not differ between SR and D25R treatments. The GnRH treatment 25 d after AI resulted in more cows with P4 >1 ng/mL (D25R = 80.5%; 75.3-84.9 vs. SR = 63.6%; 57.3-69.4) and smaller follicle diameter at NPD 32 ± 3 d after AI for D25R (16.2 ± 0.4 mm) than for SR (17.5 ± 0.4 mm); however, it did not affect follicle diameter and luteal regression risk (CL cows only) before TAI. We concluded that the use of reproductive management programs including SR and D25R for CL cows and the P4-Ovsynch protocol for NoCL cows resulted in similar hazard of pregnancy and proportion of nonpregnant cows for up to 210 d after first service.

Interactions of human chorionic gonadotropin with genotype and parity on fertility responses of lactating dairy cows.

Fertility-promoting effects of treatment of lactating dairy cattle with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after artificial insemination (AI) have been variable. Here, we tested whether fertility response to hCG in lactating Holstein cows interacts with genotype and parity. Primiparous (n = 538) and multiparous (n = 613) cows were treated with hCG (3,300 IU) or vehicle 5 d after AI. Pregnancy was diagnosed on d 32 and 60 after AI. A subset of cows (n = 593-701) was genotyped for 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) previously associated with fertility. Treatment with hCG increased progesterone concentration on d 12 after AI regardless of genotype or parity. Pregnancy per AI was improved by hCG in primiparous cows but not in multiparous cows. Moreover, hCG treatment interacted with a SNP in coenzyme Q9 (COQ9) to affect fertility. Fertility of cows treated with vehicle was greatest for the AA allele, whereas fertility was lowest for the same genotype among cows treated with hCG. Pregnancy per AI was also affected by genotype for heat shock protein A1-like (HSPA1L) and progesterone receptor (PGR), but no interactions were observed with treatment. Genotype for a SNP in prostate androgen-regulated mucin-like protein 1 (PARM1) was not associated with fertility. Overall, results show that variation in response to hCG treatment on fertility depends on parity and interacts with a SNP in COQ9.

Filgotinib (GLPG0634/GS-6034), an oral JAK1 selective inhibitor, is effective in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and insufficient response to MTX: results from a randomised, dose-finding study (DARWIN 1).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses and regimens of filgotinib, an oral Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, as add-on treatment to methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to MTX. METHODS: In this 24-week phase IIb study, patients with moderate-to-severe active RA receiving a stable dose of MTX were randomised (1:1:1:1:1:1:1) to receive placebo or 50, 100 or 200 mg filgotinib, administered once daily or twice daily. Primary end point was the percentage of patients achieving a week 12 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20 response. RESULTS: Overall, 594 patients were randomised and treated. At week 12, significantly more patients receiving filgotinib 100 mg once daily or 200 mg daily (both regimens) achieved an ACR20 response versus placebo. For other key end points at week 12 (ACR50, ACR-N, Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints and C reactive protein value, Clinical Disease Activity Index, Simplified Disease Activity Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index), differences in favour of 100  or 200 mg filgotinib daily were seen versus placebo; responses were maintained or improved through to week 24. Rapid onset of action and dose-dependent responses were observed for most efficacy end points and were associated with an increased haemoglobin concentration. No significant differences between once-daily and twice-daily regimens were seen. Treatment-emergent adverse event rates were similar in placebo and filgotinib groups. Serious infections occurred in one and five patients in the placebo and filgotinib groups, respectively. No tuberculosis or opportunistic infections were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Filgotinib as add-on to MTX improved the signs and symptoms of active RA over 24 weeks and was associated with a rapid onset of action. Filgotinib was generally well tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01888874.

Epidemiologic analysis: Prophylaxis and multidrug-resistance in surgery. / Análisis epidemiológico: profilaxis y multirresistencia en cirugía.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection is defined as an infection related to the surgical procedure in the area of manipulation occurring within the first 30 postoperative days. The diagnostic criteria include: purulent drainage, isolation of microorganisms, and signs of infection. AIMS: To describe the epidemiologic characteristics and differences among the types of prophylactic regimens associated with hospital-acquired infections at the general surgery service of a tertiary care hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The electronic case records of patients that underwent general surgery at a tertiary care hospital within the time frame of January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were reviewed. A convenience sample of 728 patients was established and divided into the following groups: Group 1: n=728 for the epidemiologic study; Group 2: n=638 for the evaluation of antimicrobial prophylaxis; and Group 3: n=50 for the evaluation of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in the intensive care unit. The statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS 19 program, using the Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 728 procedures were performed (65.9% were elective surgeries). Three hundred twelve of the patients were males and 416 were females. Only 3.98% of the patients complied with the recommended antimicrobial prophylaxis, and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains were found in the intensive care unit. DISCUSSION: A single prophylactic dose is effective, but adherence to this recommendation was not adequate. CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic guidelines are not strictly adhered to in our environment. There was a significant association between the development of nosocomial infections from multidrug-resistant germs and admission to the intensive care unit.

Association of neural tube defects in children of mothers with MTHFR 677TT genotype and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism risk: a case-control study.

Abnormalities in maternal folate and carbohydrate metabolism have both been shown to induce neural tube defects (NTD) in humans and animal models. However, the relationship between these two factors in the development of NTDs remains unclear. Data from mothers of children with spina bifida seen at the Unidad de Espina Bífida del Hospital Infantil Virgen del Rocío (case group) were compared to mothers of healthy children with no NTD (control group) who were randomly selected from patients seen at the outpatient ward in the same hospital. There were 25 individuals in the case group and 41 in the control group. Analysis of genotypes for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677CT polymorphism in women with or without risk factors for abnormal carbohydrate metabolism revealed that mothers who were homozygous for the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and at risk of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism were more likely to have offspring with spina bifida and high levels of homocysteine, compared to the control group. The increased incidence of NTDs in mothers homozygous for the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and at risk of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism stresses the need for careful metabolic screening in pregnant women, and, if necessary, determination of the MTHFR 677CT genotype in those mothers at risk of developing abnormal carbohydrate metabolism.

Verbascoside production in long-term Buddleja cordata Kunth cell suspension cultures.

Previously, our group reported the establishment of a white callus cell line of Buddleja cordata Kunth that is a high producer of the secondary metabolite, verbascoside (VB, also named acteoside), under suspension culture conditions. Here, we present experimental evidence of the sustained ability of that cellular line to grow and produce high amounts of VB for 5 years of continuous culture. Cellular line profiles were determined at the early (at the beginning) and late stages (at the end of 5 years of continuous subculturing) by analyzing relevant parameters of culture growth, i.e., specific growth rate [µ], doubling time [dt], and growth index [GI], as well as VB production. Late-stage cultures exhibited a 61% faster growth rate than early-stage subcultures, and 25 and 3% lower doubling time and growth index. The extents of growth phases were found to be different. Similar amounts of biomass were found (9.5 g and 9.4 g L-1). Verbascoside production increased parallel to cell growth; maximal yield level occurred in the mid-exponential phase and lasted until the end of the stationary phase (i.e., from the 15th to the 25th day and from the 9th to the 21st day for the early and late stages, correspondingly). The content of VB was higher in the late-stage culture (1.43 ± 0945 g L-1) than in the early-stage culture (1.21 ± 0.0286 g L-1). Productivity values point out the potential use of B. cordata cell line in the biotechnological production of VB and for research focused on the biochemistry of secondary metabolism.

In vitro evaluation of germination and growth of five plant species on medium supplemented with hydrocarbons associated with contaminated soils.

The effect of a hydrocarbon mixture (HCM) of three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and Maya crude oil on germination, growth and survival of four grasses (Bouteloua curtipendula, Cenchrus ciliaris, Echinochloa crusgalli and Rhynchelytrum repens) was studied and compared to a control (Festuca arundinacea) under in vitro conditions. The species were cultured on MS medium with different HCM initial concentrations. Germination was not affected for any assayed concentration; however, the length of the stems and roots decreased when HCM increased and the survival of the four species also diminished. Except for F. arundinacea, a direct link between hydrocarbon concentration and plant survival was observed. In vitro studies are clean and easy to handle techniques allowing isolation of the plant activity from that derived from associations with microorganisms in non-sterile cultures. To our knowledge, this is the first work towards phytoremediation assisted by in vitro plant cultivation.

Histological changes in the rat brain and spinal cord following prolonged intracerebroventricular infusion of cerebrospinal fluid from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are similar to those caused by the disease. / La infusión intracerebroventricular prolongada de líquido cefalorraquídeo procedente de pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica provoca cambios histológicos en el cerebro y la médula espinal de la rata similares a los hallados en la enfermedad.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients induces cytotoxic effects in in vitro cultured motor neurons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected CSF with previously reported cytotoxic effects from 32 ALS patients. Twenty-eight adult male rats were intracerebroventricularly implanted with osmotic mini-pumps and divided into 3 groups: 9 rats injected with CSF from non-ALS patients, 15 rats injected with cytotoxic ALS-CSF, and 4 rats injected with a physiological saline solution. CSF was intracerebroventricularly and continuously infused for periods of 20 or 43days after implantation. We conducted clinical assessments and electromyographic examinations, and histological analyses were conducted in rats euthanised 20, 45, and 82days after surgery. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies revealed tissue damage with similar characteristics to those found in the sporadic forms of ALS, such as overexpression of cystatinC, transferrin, and TDP-43 protein in the cytoplasm. The earliest changes observed seemed to play a protective role due to the overexpression of peripherin, AKTpan, AKTphospho, and metallothioneins; this expression had diminished by the time we analysed rats euthanised on day 82, when an increase in apoptosis was observed. The first cellular changes identified were activated microglia followed by astrogliosis and overexpression of GFAP and S100B proteins. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ALS could spread through CSF and that intracerebroventricular administration of cytotoxic ALS-CSF provokes changes similar to those found in sporadic forms of the disease.

Serum cholesterol esterifying and cholesteryl ester hydrolyzing activities in liver diseases: relationships to cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salt concentrations.

Patients with acute hepatitis and chronic alcoholic liver disease had decreased net serum cholesterol esterifying activity (CEA) which correlated positively with the percentages and concentrations of cholesteryl esters in their serum. These cholesterol parameters also correlated negatively with serum bilirubin concentrations, but bilirubin added to sera in vitro failed to influence CEA. The decreased net CEA in the patients was not due to its inhibition by serum bile salts. The sera from five patients catalyzed a net hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters rather than a net esterification of free cholesterol. Since serum cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity may also have been present in the patients with decreased CEA, net CEA cannot be equated with the activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) in patients with liver disease. The relative contributions of LCAT and cholesteryl ester hydrolase activities to CEA in disease states remain to be evaluated by mutually independent assays. Nevertheless, the correlations found between net CEA and the concentrations and percentages of cholesteryl esters support the concepts that serum cholesterol esterifying activity is physiologically important in the formation of serum cholesteryl esters and that decreased CEA is one mechanism for the decreased level of cholesteryl esters seen in patients with liver diseases.

Long-bone biomechanics in mice selected for body conformation.

Two lines of mice divergently selected from the control strain (CBi) against the positive phenotypic correlation between body weight (b.w.) and tail (skeletal) length were obtained (CBi/C: high weight, short tail; CBi/L: low weight, long tail). The selected animals showed a different relationship between body and skeletal masses. To compare the adequacy between biomass and load-bearing ability of the skeleton, and to describe the eventual role of bone mechanostat in the production of these changes, cross-sectional and bending properties of both femur diaphyses were determined in CBi, CBi/C, and CBi/L adult mice of both genders. Cortical bone material quality (elastic modulus) was reduced in the selected lines (p < 0.001), significantly less in CBi/C than in CBi/L. In contrast, cross-sectional design (b.w.-adjusted values of moment of inertia, CSMI) was largely improved (p < 0.001), significantly more in CBi/C than in CBi/L. These effects determined a greater stiffness and strength in CBi/C than in CBi/L or CBi weight-paired mice. The elevations of the negative regression lines between elastic modulus and CSMI ("distribution/quality" curves) decreased in the order CBi/C > CBi/L > CBi. Data show that selection improved diaphyseal stiffness and strength in CBi/C animals because of an architectural overcompensation for the reduced bone material quality. Therefore, an inadequate control of long-bone architectural design as a function of the mechanical quality of cortical bone and b.w. bearing could have been induced in that line. Assuming bone mechanostatic regulation to be genetically programmed, some of the corresponding biological determinants should be transmitted independently, because artificial selection separately affected material quality and architectural design. The possibility of transmission of an inadequate mechanostatic function (inability to adapt bone modeling to bone material quality as a function of the biomass to be supported) was also shown, as some genotypes could express architectural modifications that largely exceed bone material quality deterioration.

Metformin therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome reduces hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, and systolic blood pressure, while facilitating normal menses and pregnancy.

Using polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a model of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, our specific aim was to assess the effect of Metformin on lipoproteins, sex hormones, gonadotropins, and blood pressure in 26 women with PCOS who were studied at baseline, received Metformin 1.5 g/d for 8 weeks, and were then restudied. None of the women had normal menstrual cycles, 100% had multiple subcapsular follicules by pelvic ultrasound, 90% were hirsute, and 85% had high free testosterone. Comparing post-Metformin versus baseline levels, the Quetelet Index (QI) decreased 1.5% (P = .04) and the waist to hip ratio (WHR) decreased 2.8% (P = .003). After covariance adjusting for changes in the QI and WHR, on Metformin the area under the insulin curve (IA) during oral glucose tolerance testing decreased 35% (P = .04), and the insulin area to glucose area ratio decreased 31% (P = .03). On Metformin, covariance-adjusted systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased (P = .04) and apo A-1 increased (P = .05). On Metformin, with improvement in insulin sensitivity, there were sharp reductions in covariance-adjusted luteinizing hormone ([LH] P = .0007), total testosterone ([T] P = .0004), free T (P = .0001), androstenedione (P = .002), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ([DHEAS] P = .006), and the free androgen index ([FAI] P = .0005), with increments in follicle-stimulating hormone ([FSH] P = .04) and sex hormone-binding globulin ([SHBG] P = .04).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of various analogues of D-glutamic acid on the D-glutamate-adding enzyme from Escherichia coli.

Twenty-four analogues of D-glutamic acid were tested as substrates or inhibitors of the D-glutamate-adding enzyme from Escherichia coli. The best substrates were, in decreasing order of specific activity, D-erythro-4-methylglutamic acid, D-erythro-3-methylglutamic acid, DL-homocysteic acid, (+/-)-trans-1-amino-3-carboxy-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid and (+/-)-trans-1-amino-3-carboxy-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Among the different stereoisomers, only the D-erythro isomers for methylglutamic acids, and the trans isomers for the cyclic analogs, were substrates. Apart from the D-erythro-3- and 4-methylglutamic acids and DL-homocysteic acid, none of the examined compounds significantly inhibited the addition of radioactive D-glutamic acid to UDP-N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine.

Long-term therapy with policosanol improves treadmill exercise-ECG testing performance of coronary heart disease patients.

This study examined the effects of long-term lipid-lowering therapy with policosanol on the clinical evolution, and exercise-ECG testing responses of 45 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with myocardial ischemia, documented by exercise 201T1-myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, in an overall randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, made for different test endpoints. Fifteen patients were treated with 5 mg of policosanol twice daily; another 15 patients were administered the same drug dose plus 125 mg aspirin; and the other 15 patients received placebo plus equal aspirin dose. They were followed for 20 months, previous baseline observations, with treadmill exercise-ECG, besides serum lipid test. Beneficial changes on proportions among the 2 policosanol groups and the placebo group, showed an increment on functional capacity class, a decrement on rest and exercise angina, and a significant decrease in cardiac events, and in ischemic ST segment response, especially in the policosanol plus aspirin group (p = 0.05, X2(2df) = 5.8; p = 0.04, p = 0.02; Fisher). After treatment, sets of mean changes revealed an increase on maximum oxygen uptake, and a decline on double product simultaneously in both policosanol groups (p < or = 0.02, p < or = 0.002; Pillais, Hotellings' T2), while the placebo group was impaired. Aerobic functional capacity percent showed an increment in policosanol groups (p < or = 0.05, paired T). Lipid levels improved as other endpoints already reported. A supposed ergogenic effect of octacosanol, policosanol's main active compound, was not detected with this design. These results show that policosanol-treated CHD patients improved clinical evolution, and exercise-ECG responses, owing to the amelioration of myocardial ischemia, even more when administered with aspirin.

Tetracycline-induced esophageal ulcers. Report of two cases.

Delayed passage of irritant drugs like tetracycline hydrochloride can cause esophageal ulceration, especially when the medication is taken with only a sip of water before sleeping or by a patient with stricture or motor abnormality of the esophagus. Certain precautions should be taken when prescribing irritant drugs. Patients should be advised to take sufficient quantities of water with the medication and to avoid taking the capsules at bedtime. These drugs should not be given to patients with esophageal obstruction or motility disorders.

Salmonella gastroenteritis outbreak among workers from a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an outbreak of Salmonella gastroenteritis among employees of the National Institute of Nutrition (INNSZ) of Mexico City during July, 1994. METHODS: Employees who developed diarrhea or fever associated with gastrointestinal symptoms starting on July 14th were included for study as well as 50 healthy controls. A questionnaire was applied to all, and they also provided a stool sample, along with other 80 asymptomatic people (included the kitchen workers) in whom only stool culture was done. RESULTS: Ninety-seven employees that ate regularly at the Hospital's cafeteria were affected by the outbreak, and 67 of them (69%) could be evaluated. Most of them were nurses (34%), and handymen (27%). Most common symptoms were abdominal pain (97%), diarrhea (95%), nausea (91%), and fever (89%). Cultures from suspicious food items were all negative, but stool cultures from 10/70 cases were positive for Salmonella enteritidis vs. 0/133 in the controls. The ten S. enteritidis isolates resulted identical either by serotyping and by rapid amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Cultures from all kitchen employees were negative for S. enteritidis. Breakfast meal on July 14th was associated with the development of gastroenteritis (61/67 cases vs 26/50 controls, p < 0.001), and particularly with an egg-covered meat plate (61/62 vs 13/26 controls, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This outbreak was probably caused by eggs contaminated with Salmonella, since no one of the kitchen personnel was found to be an asymptomatic carrier, and the implicated recipe allows for inappropriate cooking. Recommendations to improve cooking procedures must be added to the usual regulations to diminish the frequency of foodborne disease outbreaks in hospitals.

La infusión intracerebroventricular prolongada de líquido cefalorraquídeo procedente de pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica provoca cambios histológicos en el cerebro y la médula espinal de la rata similares a los hallados en la enfermedad / Histological changes in the rat brain and spinal cord following prolonged intracerebroventricular infusion of cerebrospinal fluid from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are similar to those caused by the disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La exposición de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) de pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) induce efectos citotóxicos en cultivos celulares de neuronas motoras in vitro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se seleccionó LCR de 32 pacientes con ELA que previamente habían demostrado efectos citotóxicos. Se implantaron con minibombas osmóticas intracerebroventriculares (ICV) en 28 ratas macho adultas y se dividieron en 3 grupos: 9 ratas de LCR de pacientes no-ELA, 15 ratas de ELA-LCR citotóxico y 4 ratas de una solución salina fisiológica. El LCR se administró por vía ICV de forma continua durante periodos de 20 o 43 días. Se realizó la evaluación clínica, electromiográfica y análisis de tejidos después de sacrificio a los 20, 45 y 82 días tras la cirugía. RESULTADOS: Los estudios inmunohistoquímicos muestran daño en los tejidos con características similares a las encontradas en formas esporádicas de ELA, tales como sobre expresión de cistatina C, transferrina y la proteína en el TDP-43 citoplasmática. Los primeros cambios observados parecían jugar un papel protector por la sobreexpresión de periferina, panAKT, fosfoAKT y metalotioneínas; esta expresión habría disminuido al momento de analizar las ratas que se sacrificaron al día 82, en el que hay un aumento de apoptosis. Los primeros cambios celulares identificados fueron la constatación de activación de la microglía seguido por astrogliosis con sobreexpresión de GFAP y proteína S100B. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros datos parecen indicar que la ELA podría propagarse a través del LCR, y que la administración ICV de ELA-LCR citotóxico produce cambios similares a los encontrados en las formas esporádicas de la enfermedad

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients induces cytotoxic effects in in vitro cultured motor neurons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected CSF with previously reported cytotoxic effects from 32 ALS patients. Twenty-eight adult male rats were intracerebroventricularly implanted with osmotic mini-pumps and divided into 3 groups: 9 rats injected with CSF from non-ALS patients, 15 rats injected with cytotoxic ALS-CSF, and 4 rats injected with a physiological saline solution. CSF was intracerebroventricularly and continuously infused for periods of 20 or 43days after implantation. We conducted clinical assessments and electromyographic examinations, and histological analyses were conducted in rats euthanised 20, 45, and 82days after surgery. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies revealed tissue damage with similar characteristics to those found in the sporadic forms of ALS, such as overexpression of cystatin C, transferrin, and TDP-43 protein in the cytoplasm. The earliest changes observed seemed to play a protective role due to the overexpression of peripherin, AKTpan, AKTphospho, and metallothioneins; this expression had diminished by the time we analysed rats euthanised on day 82, when an increase in apoptosis was observed. The first cellular changes identified were activated microglia followed by astrogliosis and overexpression of GFAP and S100B proteins. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ALS could spread through CSF and that intracerebroventricular administration of cytotoxic ALS-CSF provokes changes similar to those found in sporadic forms of the disease

Phytoremediation and removal mechanisms in Bouteloua curtipendula growing in sterile hydrocarbon spiked cultures.

Tolerance index and phytoremediation factors of side oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) with recalcitrant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) phenanthrene (PHE), pyrene (PYR), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and the resulting impact on phenotypic response, were evaluated in sterile conditions with whole plant growing in test-tube cultures with MS medium with PAH and compared with Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), control for this study. PAH mixture of PHE, PYR and BaP (1:1:1 w/w/w) blended with Maya crude oil (1:1 w/w), final concentration of 1500 mg kg(-1) was used. After 40 days, BaP removal, in the presence of Maya crude was superior compared with PHE and PYR removal Although the presence of PAH negatively affects the phenotypic response of the plants; sterile conditions experiments were helpful to evaluate phytoremediation factors to elucidate some important questions regarding phytoremediation mechanisms; in this study, B. curtipendula was able to phytostabilizate BaP associated to a significant hydrocarbon removal (57.4%) with high root accumulation but attenuated transport to stems, here reported as translocation factor. To our knowledge, this is the first time that quantifiable phytoremediation factors were used to evaluate the tolerance and removal capacity of a native semi-arid climate plant which is probably able to phytoremediate hydrocarbon contaminated soils.