Primary allogeneic mitochondrial mix (PAMM) transfer/transplant by MitoCeption to address damage in PBMCs caused by ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND: Artificial Mitochondrial Transfer or Transplant (AMT/T) can be used to reduce the stress and loss of viability of damaged cells. In MitoCeption, a type of AMT/T, the isolated mitochondria and recipient cells are centrifuged together at 4 °C and then co-incubated at 37 °C in normal culture conditions, inducing the transfer. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can affect mitochondria and other cell structures, resulting in tissue stress, aging, and immunosuppression. AMT/T could be used to repair UVR cellular and mitochondrial damage. We studied if a mitochondrial mix from different donors (Primary Allogeneic Mitochondrial Mix, PAMM) can repair UVR damage and promote cell survival. RESULTS: Using a simplified adaption of the MitoCeption protocol, we used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as the recipient cell model of the PAMM in order to determine if this protocol could repair UVR damage. Our results showed that when PBMCs are exposed to UVR, there is a decrease in metabolic activity, mitochondrial mass, and mtDNA sequence stability as well as an increase in p53 expression and the percentage of dead cells. When PAMM MitoCeption was used on UVR-damaged cells, it successfully transferred mitochondria from different donors to distinct PBMCs populations and repaired the observed UVR damage. CONCLUSION: Our results represent an advancement in the applications of MitoCeption and other AMT/T. We showed that PBMCs could be used as a PAMM source of mitochondria. We also showed that these mitochondria can be transferred in a mix from different donors (PAMM) to UVR-damaged, non-adherent primary cells. Additionally, we decreased the duration of the MitoCeption protocol.

Non-Destructive Micro-Chemical and Micro-Luminescence Characterization of Jadeite.

Jadeite was greatly appreciated by pre-Hispanic cultures in Mesoamerica. Despite its importance, knowledge of its mining sources was lost after the Spanish conquest. In the 1950s the only confirmed jadeite deposits in Mesoamerica were found in the Motagua River Fault (MRF), Guatemala. The aim of this study is to present a methodology that is appropriate for the study of archeological jadeite objects using non-destructive spectroscopic and micro-ion beam analysis techniques. This methodology has been applied to perform mineral, elemental, and luminescence characterization of five jadeite samples from the MRF, with white, lilac, and green colors. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of jadeite, albite, and omphacite as the main mineral phases in the samples. Elemental maps using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) with a nuclear microprobe and elemental concentration analysis from individual mineral grains using micro-PIXE coupled with micro-ionoluminescence (IL) allowed the detection of minor feldspar, titanite, and grossular mineral contents. Distinctive features from the mineral, elemental, and luminescence characterization have been found that allow the identification of these five jadeite samples.

Is it useful to increase dialysate flow rate to improve the delivered Kt?

BACKGROUND: Increasing dialysate flow rates (Qd) from 500 to 800 ml/min has been recommended to increase dialysis efficiency. A few publications show that increasing Qd no longer led to an increase in mass transfer area coefficient (KoA) or Kt/V measurement. Our objectives were: 1) Studying the effect in Kt of using a Qd of 400, 500, 700 ml/min and autoflow (AF) with different modern dialysers. 2) Comparing the effect on Kt of water consumption vs. dialysis time to obtain an individual objective of Kt (Ktobj) adjusted to body surface. METHODS: This is a prospective single-centre study with crossover design. Thirty-one patients were studied and six sessions with each Qd were performed. HD parameters were acquired directly from the monitor display: effective blood flow rate (Qbe), Qd, effective dialysis time (Te) and measured by conductivity monitoring, final Kt. RESULTS: We studied a total of 637 sessions: 178 with 500 ml/min, 173 with 700 ml/min, 160 with AF and 126 with 400 ml/min. Kt rose a 4% comparing 400 with 500 ml/min, and 3% comparing 500 with 700 ml/min. Ktobj was reached in 82.4, 88.2, 88.2 and 94.1% of patients with 400, AF, 500 and 700 ml/min, respectively. We did not find statistical differences between dialysers. The difference between programmed time and Te was 8' when Qd was 400 and 500 ml/min and 8.8' with Qd = 700 ml/min. Calculating an average time loss of eight minutes/session, we can say that a patient loses 24' weekly, 312' monthly and 62.4 hours yearly. Identical Kt could be obtained with Qd of 400 and 500 ml/min, increasing dialysis time 9.1' and saving 20% of dialysate. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that increasing Qd over 400 ml/min for these dialysers offers a limited benefit. Increasing time is a better alternative with demonstrated benefits to the patient and also less water consumption.

Natural antimicrobial systems protected by complex polyhydroxyalkanoate matrices for food biopackaging applications - A review.

Interest is growing in entrapping natural antimicrobial compounds (NACs) within polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) to produce active food-biopackaging systems. PHAs are versatile polymeric macromolecules that can protect NAC activity by entrapment. This work reviews 75 original papers and 18 patents published in the last 11 years concerning PHAs as matrices for NACs to summarize the physicochemical properties, release, and antimicrobial activities of systems fabricated from PHAs and NACs (PHA/NAC systems). PHA/NAC systems have recently been used as active food biopackaging systems to inactivate foodborne pathogens and prolong food shelf life. PHAs protect NACs by increasing the degradation temperature of some NACs and decreasing their loss of mass when heated. Some NACs also transform the PHA/NAC systems into more thermostable, flexible, and resistant when interacting with PHAs while also improving the barrier properties of the systems. NAC release and activity are also prolonged when NACs are trapped within PHAs. PHA/NAC systems, therefore, represent ecologically friendly materials with promising applications.

Early evidence of the artificial transfer/transplant of mitochondria to oocytes and zygotes by MitoCeption.

Oocytes may carry mutations in their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) which affect fertility and embryo development leading to hereditary diseases or rejection. Mitochondrial replacement therapies (MRTs) such as polar body transfer, spindle transfer and pronuclear transfer, aim to change dysfunctional to normal mitochondria inside oocytes and zygotes resulting in healthier offspring. Even with promising results, MRTs techniques are invasive to oocytes and may negatively affect their viability and the success of the procedure. This article shows early evidence of the use of MitoCeption, a mitochondria transfer/transplant (AMT/T) technique to possibly induce the internalization of exogenous mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner to recipient oocytes in comparison to coincubation. By using human isolated mitochondria in a mix obtained from different donors we were able to identify their mtDNA in murine oocytes by qPCR. Fluorescence microscopy showed that exogenous and transferred mitochondria (MitoTracker ® Red) by MitoCeption were internalized in oocytes and zygotes (CellTracker® Green). After maintaining mitocepted zygotes to two-cell embryos, we transferred them to subrogate female mice and obtained healthy mice pups; however, without clear evidence of the maintenance of human mtDNA in the tissues of mice pups. These early results are puzzling, and they open the path to generate more research regarding the use of MitoCeption in comparison to coincubation in order to transfer mitochondria to oocytes using less invasive procedures.

Pre-Germinative Treatments and Morphophysiological Traits in Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula (Fabaceae) from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula are two important tree Fabaceae species distributed from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our aims were focused on the E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula seeds for: (1) to examine the seed permeability and imbibition rate, (2) to evaluate the effect of seed pre-germinative treatments, and (3) to characterize the structures involved on the presence of physical dormancy (PY). We used fresh seeds to determine seed permeability and imbibition rate, seed viability by means of tetrazolium test, furthermore, we applied mechanical scarification and boiler shocks for 5 s, 10 s and 15 s treatments. Morphological characterization of the seed coat was by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Seed viability in E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula were 100% and 96%, respectively. Seed permeability and imbibition rate in E. cyclocarpum were low. The highest germination in E. cyclocarpum was in the mechanical scarification (92%), while in P. piscipula, this parameter was in the 10 s boiling water treatment (76.0%). The presence of PY was confirmed in both species because they showed low seed permeability, and imbibition rate; furthermore, exhibited macrosclereids cells. The present research seeks to promote the sustainable use of E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula.

A review of extracellular polysaccharides from extreme niches: An emerging natural source for the biotechnology. From the adverse to diverse!

Every year, new organisms that survive and colonize adverse environments are discovered and isolated. Those organisms, called extremophiles, are distributed throughout the world, both in aquatic and terrestrial environments, such as sulfurous marsh waters, hydrothermal springs, deep waters, volcanos, terrestrial hot springs, marine saltern, salt lakes, among others. According to the ecosystem inhabiting, extremophiles are categorized as thermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkalophilic, piezophiles, saccharophiles, metallophiles and polyextremophiles. They have developed chemical adaptation strategies that allow them to maintain their cellular integrity, altering physiology or improving repair capabilities; one of them is the biosynthesis of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), which constitute a slime and hydrated matrix that keep the cells embedded, protecting from environmental stress (desiccation, salinity, temperature, radiation). EPS have gained interest; they are explored by their unique properties such as structural complexity, biodegradability, biological activities, and biocompatibility. Here, we present a review concerning the biosynthesis, characterization, and potential EPS applications produced by extremophile microorganisms, namely, thermophiles, halophiles, and psychrophiles. A bibliometric analysis was conducted, considering research articles published within the last two decades. Besides, an overview of the culture conditions used for extremophiles, the main properties and multiple potential applications of their EPS is also presented.

Use of Human Umbilical Cord and Its Byproducts in Tissue Regeneration.

The fresh or cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) and its byproducts, such as cells and extracts, have different uses in tissue regeneration. Defining what HUC byproduct is more effective in a particular application is a challenge. Furthermore, the methods of isolation, culture and preservation, may affect cell viability and regenerative properties. In this article, we review the HUC and its byproducts' applications in research and clinical practice. We present our results of successful use of HUC as a patch to treat gastroschisis and its potential to be applied in other conditions. Our in vitro results show an increase in proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts by using an acellular HUC extract. Our goal is to promote standardization of procedures and point out that applications of HUC and its byproducts, as well as the resulting advances in regenerative medicine, will depend on rigorous quality control and on more research in this area.

Haemodialysis patients have worse postural balance with an associated risk of falls. / Los pacientes en hemodiálisis presentan peor equilibrio postural, que se relaciona con el riesgo de caídas.

INTRODUCTION: Postural balance is the result of a complex interaction of sensory input which keeps us upright. Haemodialysis patients have alterations which can lead to postural instability and a risk of falls. Our objective was to analyse postural stability and its relationship with the risk of falls in haemodialysis patients using a force platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Postural balance was recorded using a force platform in prevalent haemodialysis patients. We collected epidemiological, dialysis, analytical and treatment data. The incidence of falls was recorded over the 6 months following the tests. The postural stability analysis was performed with a portable strain gauge platform (AMTI AccuGait®) and a specific software unit for stabilometry (Balance Trainer® program). We measured 31 balance parameters; the balance variables used were: Area95; AreaEffect; VyMax; Xrange and Yrange. The stabilometry studies were performed in 3 situations: with eyes open; with eyes closed; and with the patient performing a simultaneous task. We performed one study at the start of the dialysis session, and a second study at the end. Stabilometry was measured in a control group under similar conditions. RESULTS: We studied 32 patients with a mean age of 68 years old; of this group, 20 subjects were male and 12 were female. Their mean weight was 74kg, with a mean BMI of 27.6kg/m2. In the controls, there were no significant differences in the stabilometry between the 3 situations studied. Both pre- and post-haemodialysis, patients with closed eyes showed greater imbalance, and there were significant differences with the other situations and controls. We found a significant increase in instability after the haemodialysis session, and greater instability in the 13 patients with diabetes (P<.05). The 4 patients with hyponatraemia (Na<136mmol/l) had worse balance in the simultaneous task situation (P=.038). Various drugs, such as insulin (P=.022), antiplatelet agents (P=.036) and beta-blockers (P=.029), were associated with imbalance. The 10 patients who suffered falls had greater imbalance, Yrange, Xrange, Area95 and AreaEffect, both pre- and post-haemodialysis (P<.05) than those without falls. CONCLUSIONS: Haemodialysis patients have alterations which can lead to postural instability and a risk of falls. Prevention programmes which include specific exercises to improve balance could be beneficial in reducing the risk of falls in this population.

Hypomagnesaemia in haemodialysis is associated with increased mortality risk: its relationship with dialysis fluid. / La hipomagnesemia en hemodiálisis se asocia a mayor riesgo de mortalidad: su relación con el líquido de diálisis.

Hypomagnesaemia in haemodialysis (HD) is associated with increased mortality risk: its relationship with dialysis fluid (DF). INTRODUCTION: Low concentrations of magnesium (Mg) in blood have been linked to the development of diabetes, hypertension, arrhythmias, vascular calcifications and an increased risk of death in the general population and in haemodialysis patients. The composition of the dialysis fluid in terms of its magnesium concentration is one of the main determinants of magnesium in haemodialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: To study magnesium concentrations in haemodialysis patients, their predictive mortality rate and what factors are associated with hypomagnesaemia and mortality in haemodialysis. METHODS: Retrospective study of a cohort of prevalent haemodialysis patients followed up for two years. Serum magnesium was measured every six months. The analysis used the initial and average magnesium values for each patient, comparing patients with magnesium below the mean (2.1mg/dl) with those with magnesium above the mean. During the follow-up, three types of dialysis fluid were used: type 1, magnesium 0.5 mmol/l; type 3, magnesium 0.37 mmol/l (both with acetate); and type 2, magnesium 0.5 mmol/l with citrate. RESULTS: We included 137 haemodialysis patients in the study, of which 72 were male and 65 were female, with a mean age of 67 (15) [26-95] years old. Of this group, 57 patients were diabetic, 70 were on online haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) and 67 were on high-flow haemodialysis (HF-HD). The mean magnesium of the 93 patients with dialysis fluid type 1 was 2.18 (0.37) mg/dl. In the 27 patients with dialysis fluid type 3 it was 2.02 (0.42) mg/dl. And in the 17 with dialysis fluid type 2 it was 1.84 (0.24) mg/dl (p=.01). There was a pronounced direct relationship between Mg and P and albumin. After a mean follow-up of 16.6 (8.9) [3-24] months, 77 remained active, 24 had died and 36 had been transplanted or transferred. Patients with magnesium above than 2.1mg/dl had a longer survival (p=.008). The survival of patients with the three types of dialysis fluid did not differ significantly (Log-Rank, p=.424). Corrected for blood magnesium, patients with dialysis fluid with citrate have better survival (p=.009). The COX regression analysis shows how age, serum albumin, magnesium, dialysis technique and type of dialysis fluid have an independent predictive mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum magnesium levels have a greater association with an increased risk of mortality compared to high levels. The type of dialysis fluid affects the magnesium concentration and the risk of death.

[High prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 in haemodialysis: learning day by day in the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Alta prevalencia de COVID-19 asintomático en hemodiálisis. Aprendiendo día a día el primer mes de pandemia de COVID-19.

Dialysis patients are a risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection and possibly further complications, but we have little information. The aim of this paper is to describe the experience of the first month of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a hospital haemodialysis (HD) unit serving the district of Madrid with the second highest incidence of COVID-19 (almost 1,000 patients in 100,000h). In the form of a diary, we present the actions undertaken, the incidence of COVID-19 in patients and health staff, some clinical characteristics and the results of screening all the patients in the unit. We started with 90 patients on HD: 37 (41.1%) had COVID-19, of whom 17 (45.9%) were diagnosed through symptoms detected in triage or during the session, and 15 (40.5%) through subsequent screening of those who, until that time, had not undergone SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. Fever was the most frequent symptom, 50% had lymphopenia and 18.4% <95% O2 saturation. Sixteen (43.2%) patients required hospital admission and 6 (16.2%) died. We found a cluster of infection per shift and also among those using public transport. In terms of staff, of the 44 people involved, 15 (34%) had compatible symptoms, 4 (9%) were confirmed as SARS-CoV-2 PCR cases by occupational health, 9 (20%) required some period of sick leave, temporary disability to work (ILT), and 5 were considered likely cases. CONCLUSIONS: We detected a high prevalence of COVID-19 with a high percentage detected by screening; hence the need for proactive diagnosis to stop the pandemic. Most cases are managed as outpatients, however severe symptoms are also appearing and mortality to date is 16.2%. In terms of staff, 20% have required sick leave in relation to COVID-19.

Physicochemical characterization and emulsifying properties of a novel exopolysaccharide produced by haloarchaeon Haloferax mucosum.

The physicochemical characterization and emulsifying functional properties of a novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by haloarchaea Haloferax mucosum (DSM 27191) were investigated. This biopolymer has a high molecular weight of 152 kDa and important protein content of 10%. Different culture media compositions were investigated taking the ATCC 2185 medium as a base and supplementing with varying concentrations of yeast extract and glucose or sucrose as carbon sources to produce the EPS in a liquid medium. The highest EPS production (7.15 ±â€¯0.44 g/L) was obtained at 96 h. EPS aqueous dispersions showed a non-Newtonian rheological behavior which was well fitted to the Cross equation. The EPS (at 0.32% w/w) was capable of stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions with different nonpolar solvents, including n-hexane, kerosene, chloroform, castor oil and mineral oil. EPS retained its emulsifying activity after to be incubated for one hour in a wide range of temperatures (25, 40, 70 and 100 °C), pH (4, 6.5, 7 and 12) and NaCl concentrations (0, 2.0 and 4.0 M). The viscoelastic behavior and stability of hexane-in-water emulsion were examined through oscillatory shear measurements.

Forms of extracellular mitochondria and their impact in health.

Mitochondria play an important role as an intracellular energy plant and signaling organelle. However, mitochondria also exist outside cells where they could mediate cell-to-cell communication, repair and serve as an activator of the immune response. Their effects depend on the mitochondrial state or the form in which it is present, either as a whole functional structure as fragments or only as mitochondrial DNA. Herein, we provide evidence of why extracellular mitochondria and their varying forms are considered regenerative factors or pro-inflammatory activators. Understanding these aspects will provide the base of their use in therapy or as a biomarker of disease severity and prognosis.

Unlike Kt, high Kt/V is associated with greater mortality: The importance of low V. / El Kt/V alto, a diferencia del Kt, se asocia a mayor mortalidad: importancia de la V baja.

INTRODUCTION: Kt/V has been used as a synonym for haemodialysis dose. Patient survival improved with a Kt/V>1; this target was subsequently increased to 1.2 and 1.3. The HEMO study revealed no significant relationship between Kt/V and mortality. The relationship between Kt/V and mortality often shows a J-shaped curve. Is V the confounding factor in this relationship? The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between mortality and Kt/V, Kt and body water content (V) and lean mass (bioimpedance). METHODS: We studied a cohort of 127 prevalent haemodialysis patients, who we followed-up for an average of 36 months. Kt was determined by ionic dialysance, and V and nutrition parameters by bioimpedance. Kt/V, Kt corrected for body surface area (Kt/BSA) and target Kt/BSA were calculated. The mean data from 18,998 sessions were used as haemodialysis parameters, with a mean of 155 sessions per patient. RESULTS: Mean age was 70.4±15.3 years and 61% were male; 76 were dialysed via an arteriovenous fistula and 65 were on online haemodiafiltration. Weight was 70.6 (16.8)kg; BSA 1.8 (0.25) m2; total body water (V) 32.2 (7.41) l and lean mass index (LMI) 11.1 (2.7)kg/m2. Mean Kt/V was 1.84 (0.44); Kt 56.1 (7)l and Kt/BSA 52.8 (10.4)l. The mean target Kt/BSA was 49.7 (4.5)l. Mean Kt/BSA-target Kt/BSA +6.4 (7.0)l. Patients with a higher Kt/V had worse survival rates than others; with Kt this is not the case. Higher Kt/V values are due to a lower V, with poorer nutrition parameters. LMI and serum albumin were the parameters that best independently predicted the risk of death and are lower in patients with a higher Kt/V and lower V. CONCLUSION: Kt/V is not useful for determining dialysis doses in patients with low or reduced body water. Kt or the Kt/BSA are proposed as an alternative.

Environmental assessment and historic erosion calculation of abandoned mine tailings from a semi-arid zone of northwestern Mexico: insights from geochemistry and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Mining is known as one of the primary economic activities where exploitation of minerals and other materials have become essential for human development. However, this activity may represent a risk to the environment, starting from deforestation and ending with production of residues that might contain potentially toxic elements. Tailing deposits from historical mining are an example of waste that may represent an environmental concern when abandoned and exposed to environmental conditions. The town of Nacozari de Garcia, in northwestern Mexico, has three abandoned mine tailings (locally known as tailings I, II, and III) located around the urban area that represent important sources of dust and pollution. Images obtained using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in conjunction with geochemical data are used to assess historic erosion calculation and pollution considering contamination and hazard indexes in tailings II and III. Digital elevation models of abandoned tailings were obtained using photogrammetry with UAV. A total of 37 surficial samples were collected from mine tailings to determine elemental concentrations (As, Cu, Pb, W, Zn) using portable X-ray fluorescence. Higher concentrations were found on samples from mine tailing II. Average concentrations followed the decreasing order of Cu > Zn > W > Pb > As for tailing II, whereas decreasing order of Cu > Zn > W > As > Pb was found for tailing III. Contamination Index (CI) values obtained from tailings II and III represent a low potential of pollution, whereas efflorescent crusts from these tailings represent a high potential of polluting soils and sediments by dust generation. Hazard Average Quotient (HAQ) values on both tailings suggest a very high potential of contamination if fluids infiltrate tailings and interact with surficial water and/or groundwater. Obtained surfaces of mine tailings II and III are 146,216 and 216,689 m2, respectively, which represent around 11% of the urbanized area. A loss mass of 321,675 tons was determined for mine tailing II, whereas 634,062 tons for tailing III, accounting for 0.96 million tons of total eroded mass. Since abandonment, calculated erosion rates of 493 t ha-1 year-1 (tailing II) and 232 t ha-1 year-1 (tailing III) are in agreement with those determined in other mining areas. CI and HAQ indexes provide good estimates of pollution associated with abandoned mine tailings from Nacozari de García. Historic erosion determined in these tailings is an environmental concern since eroded material and polluted water have been incorporated into the Moctezuma River, which feeds several villages, whose major activities include agriculture and livestock raising.

Molecular and X-ray Spectroscopies for Noninvasive Characterization of Mayan Green Stones from Bonampak, Chiapas.

A burial and a rich offering were found under Room 2 in the Murals Building, Bonampak, a Mayan archaeological site situated in Chiapas, Mexico. This burial may be related with the creation of the famous mural paintings. A rich set of jewelry made of green stones was among the different objects found. Green stones have great importance in Mesoamerican cultures, those composed of jadeite being the most appreciated. To characterize the green stones, different spectroscopic techniques were used in a complementary way: Raman and infrared spectroscopies (FT-IR) were used for global mineralogical analysis, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were applied simultaneously in situ on the artifacts that were not successfully identified by these molecular techniques. In addition, XRF was used to contrasts the elemental information from pieces composed of pyroxenes that may be related to the raw sources of jade in Guatemala. The main minerals identified within the beads and earrings were jadeite with omphacite and jadeite with albite; to a minor extent, quartz, and serpentine. In this paper, the main features of the molecular and X-ray techniques are compared in order to determine the advantages and limitations of these spectroscopies for mineral identification. With this combination of techniques, it was possible to undertake a suitable characterization of the analyzed objects. This paper focuses on the XRD-XRF combined analysis for in situ noninvasive characterization.

Características epidemiológicas y radiológicas en un grupo de pacientes con neumonía tuberculosa sin inmunodepresión o comorbilidades / Epidemiological and Radiological Characteristics of a Group of Patients with Tuberculous Pneumonia without Immunosuppression or Comorbidities

La neumonía tuberculosa es una patología poco frecuente, descripta mayormente en pacientes con inmunosupresión o comorbilidades, como alcoholismo o diabetes, con una presentación radiológica similar a la neumonía bacteriana, lo cual puede dar lugar a retrasos en el diagnóstico. En este trabajo, se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis e imagen radiológica de consolidación en los campos pulmonares inferiores y sin comorbilidades asociadas. En el transcurso de tres años identificamos veinticinco pacientes con estos criterios entre 628 casos de tuberculosis pulmonar evaluados. No encontramos relación con el sexo, y resulta más frecuente la afectación del lóbulo inferior derecho (84%) que el izquierdo.

Tuberculous pneumonia is a rare disease, mostly described in patients with immunosup pression or comorbidities such as alcoholism or diabetes, with a radiological presentation similar to bacterial pneumonia, which can lead to delays in diagnosis. Patients with a diagnosis of tuberculosis and radiological image of consolidation in the lower lung fields and without associated comorbidities were included in this study. Over the course of 3 years, we identified 25 patients with these criteria among 628 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis evaluated. We found no relationship with sex, with the right lower lobe be ing affected more frequently (84%) than the left.

[Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome induced by carbamazepine: Case report].

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a hypersensitivity reaction associated with a variety of drugs, mainly anticonvulsants, which is characterized by systemic symptoms and erythematous lesions, common to other toxicodermas. It is an uncommon clinical entity that requires a high suspicion by clinical staff given its varied initial presentation, and the fact that symptoms can overlap with those of other adverse cutaneous reactions to drugs. Without early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, mortality increases.We report the case of a 22-year-old patient with impaired neurodevelopment who received treatment with carbamazepine. Two months later he presented with general symptoms and skin erythematous lesions that began on his trunk. The patient received outpatient care with antihistamines and antipyretics without an appropriate response. His case progressed with increased skin lesions and systemic symptoms that met the diagnostic criteria for DRESS syndrome. He was hospitalized and received medical treatment according to recommended guidelines. The patient's condition improved as his symptoms and associated complications resolved. He was discharged with gradual clearing of the steroid therapy.

Citrate dialysate does not induce oxidative stress or inflammation in vitro as compared to acetate dialysate. / El líquido de diálisis con citrato no induce in vitro estrés oxidativo ni inflamación en comparación con el acetato.

Increased acetataemia during haemodialysis sessions has been associated with a number of abnormalities, including increased oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide synthesis. However, citric acid may play an alternative role to acetate as a dialysate stabiliser given that the effect of citrate on complement and leukocyte activation is different to that of acetate. The purpose of this study was to compare the inflammatory effect in immunocompetent blood cells of acetate dialysate and citrate dialysate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of acetate and/or citrate was investigated in the whole blood of uraemic patients and in healthy in vitro samples. Four types of dialysate were tested: dialysate 1, acetate-free with 1mmol/L of citrate; dialysate 2, with 0.8mmol/L of citrate and 0.3mmol/L of acetate; dialysate 3, citrate-free with 3mmol/L of acetate; and dialysate 4, citrate-free with 4mmol/L of acetate. The cell types used were: human monocyte culture (THP-1); and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy subjects and uraemic patients on haemodialysis. ICAM-1 was determined and levels of reactive oxygen species and total microvesicles were quantified. RESULTS: Unlike the citrate dialysates, the dialysates with acetate (dialysate 3 and dialysate 4) induced increased ICAM-1 expression density in THP-1 cells; an increase in ICAM-1 expression was observed in the immunocompetent cells of healthy subjects with acetate dialysate (dialysate 3 and dialysate 4) but not with citrate dialysate (dialysate 1 and dialysate 2). No significant ICAM-1 differences were found between the different dialysates in the cells of haemodialysed patients. Reactive oxygen species expression and the number of microvesicles increased significantly with acetate dialysate but not with citrate dialysate in the cells of both healthy subjects and haemodialysed patients. CONCLUSIONS: At the concentrations in which it is generally used in clinical practice, acetate-based dialysate increases oxidative stress and the total number of microvesicles and may induce other pro-inflammatory stimuli typical of uraemic patients on haemodialysis. Citrate dialysates do not induce this activation, which could make them a suitable alternative in clinical practice.