FACTORES DE RIESGO ASOCIADOS A LA INFECCIÓN POR Cystoisospora suis EN GRANJAS PORCINAS DE LA REGIÓN CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA / RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH Cystoisospora suis INFECTION IN SWINE HERDS OF THE CENTRAL REGION OF VENEZUELA

Se condujo una investigación en Venezuela con la finalidad de conocer algunos aspectos epidemiológicos sobre la presencia de Cystoisospora suis en 67 granjas porcinas intensivas. Para la determinación de la carga parasitaria se seleccionaron 572 camadas con signos de diarrea, así como 1.712 muestras fecales de cerdos adultos. Las muestras se cultivaron en dicromato de potasio al 2,5% y posteriormente se procesaron mediante una técnica copro-parasitológica. Además, en cada granja se aplicó una encuesta epidemiológica. El protozoario se encontró en 55 granjas (82,1%) y 210 camadas (36,7%). Al referirlo a camadas, se observaron ooquistes en lechones menores de tres días de edad, lo que podría indicar la existencia de rutas alternativas de la infección. En cerdos adultos se encontró correlación significativa (rho = 0,35; P < 0,05) entre la excreción de ooquistes en lechones y en madres, lo que sugiere que estas podrían actuar como fuentes de infección. Se constató correlación entre el número de partos de la cerda y la prevalencia en camadas y cerdas lactantes (P < 0,05), pues, a mayor número de partos, disminuye la prevalencia. Probablemente estos hallazgos están asociados con mecanismos inmunológicos desconocidos. El tamaño de la granja no afectó la presencia del parásito; sin embargo, las granjas con pisos plásticos mostraron mayor control de la infección. Se concluye que algunos mecanismos inmunológicos, aún sin dilucidar, podrían estar involucrados en la cadena de transmisión del protozoario, los cuales podrían jugar un papel importante en el desarrollo de la cystoisosporosis porcina.

It was carried out an investigation in Venezuela with the aim of studying the epidemiological aspects of Cystoisospora suis in intensive swine herds. Sixty-seven intensive swine herds were included. For parasite determination 572 litters with signs of diarrhea, as well as 1,712 faecal samples from mature pigs were selected. Stool samples were cultured in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and later processed by copro-parasitological technique. Epidemiological surveys were applied on each farm. The results indicated that C. suis was observed in 55 herds (82.1%) and 210 litters (36.7%). Regarding to litters, oocysts were observed in piglets less than three days of life, which could indicate the existence of alternative infection way. Regarding to mature pigs, there was a significant correlation (rho = 0.35; P < 0.05) among oocysts excretion in piglets and sows, suggesting that sows may act as infection sources. Sows parity was statistically correlated with the prevalence values in litters as in lactating sows (P < 0.05). This might indicate that as parity increase, prevalence decreases in these groups. Probably, these findings are associated with unknown immunologic mechanisms. The herd size did not affect the presence of the parasite, however, farms with plastic floors showed greater control of the infection. It is concluded that non elucidated immunologic mechanisms might be involved in the protozoa transmission cycle and play an important role in the development of porcine cystoisosporosis.

Sodium fluoride and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate cream plus sodium fluoride efficacy in preventing enamel erosion in a simulated oral environment study model.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dentifrices containing high concentrations of sodium fluoride (NaF) and casein phosphopeptide‑amorphous calcium phosphate cream plus fluoride (CPP‑ACPF) in prevention of the erosion in a simulated oral environment study model. Subjects and Methods: Fifteen flat human enamel specimens were polished and half of the surfaces were protected with adhesive tape. Initial Knoop microhardness (KHN) and surface roughness (SR) were measured, and specimens were assigned to four groups: Control (placebo toothpaste – G1); CPP‑ACPF (G2), NaF 1450 ppm (G3), and NaF 5000 ppm (G4). Enamel surfaces were brushed 3 times daily in association with demineralization‑remineralization cycles (5s in cola drink + 5s in artificial saliva/10 cycles/twice daily) and the specimens were maintained in a salivary flow simulator apparatus. After 14 days, KHN and SR were measured again, and the enamel surfaces were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using the two‑way ANOVA and Student–Newman– Keuls multiple range test (α =0.05). Results: All the tested groups presented a decrease in KHN after 14 days (P < 0.05). There was no statistical significance among materials tested. Significant increase in SR was observed for all groups. SEM analysis showed morphological alterations with honeycomb structures in enamel surfaces in the four experimental groups. Conclusions: It was concluded that tooth brushing with dentifrices with high concentration of NaF and CPP‑ACPF cream was not able to prevent enamel erosion in simulated oral environment.

Acciones tomadas durante El Morir en las UTI's del Cono Sur (Brasil, Argentina y Uruguay) / Actions taken during Dying in the UTIs of the Southern Cone (Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay)

La discusión respecto de la actitud con pacientes críticos terminales, está en aumento. Opciones sobre el límite de esfuerzo terapéutico (LET) han sido una creciente necesidad del intensivista. Objetivo. Diagnosticar y comparar las conductas tomadas durante el morir en las UTIs de los países del Cono Sur (Brasil, Argentina y Uruguay) Método. Corte transversal realizado por las AMIB, SATI y SUMI. Los miembros del grupo de estudio del final de la vida de ésas sociedades elaboraron un cuestionario donde constataban evaluaciones demográficas de los participantes y de las instituciones en que ellos trabajaban, así como las decisiones sobre el LET. El cuestionario fue respondido durante eventos científicos de UTI de los 3 países y vía on line, en un tiempo previamente estipulado. Participaron del estudio los miembros del equipo multiprofesional pertenecientes a las sociedades involucradas. Se compararon las respuestas obtenidas entre los miembros de las sociedades de los 3 países. Las variables fueron analizadas a través de los test de chi-cuadrado (χ2 ) ANOVA/Bonferroni. Se consideró significativo el valor de p <0,05. Resultados. En el estudio participaron 420 profesionales (217 de Brasil, 141 de Argentina y 62 de Uruguay). Se constata que el 29% se declara agnóstico,siendo la mayoría médicos. En Uruguay predominó el sexo masculino. En Brasil las UTI's tenían mas camas, fue mas excepcional las visitas irrestrictas, los profesionales eran mas jóvenes y hacía menos tiempo que trabajaban en las UTI's y había mas participación de personal no-médico. El número de visitas más frecuente en los tres países era de 3 por día. Los factores que más influyen en las decisiones de LET son: el pronóstico de la enfermedad, las comorbilidades y la futilidad terapéutica. Hubo diferencias significativas en las decisiones entre los 3 países, donde más del 90% ya había optado por LET. El equipo médico fue el principal responsable de las decisiones de LET, principalmente en Brasil y Argentina. Reanimación cardiorrespiratoria, administración de drogas vaso activas, métodos dialíticos y nutrición parenteral fueron las terapias más suspendidas/rechazadas en los 3 países, habiendo diferencias puntuales entre los mismos. Hubo una diferencia significativa respecto a la suspensión de la ventilación mecánica, más frecuente en Argentina, luego en Uruguay. Las terapias menos suspendidas entre los 3 países fueron la analgesia seguida de la sedación. Definiciones legales y éticas fueron señaladas como las principales barreras para la toma de decisiones. Conclusión. A pesar de que existan diferencias regionales y culturales entre los profesionales, el LET es común en los 3 países. Existe una tendencia de que sea más de forma pro-activa entre los argentinos y de que haya una mayor equidad en la distribución de las decisiones entre los uruguayos. Esta diferencia puede estar vinculada a la edad, experiencia, profesión y sexo de los participantes.(AR)

Virtual medical and pedagogical applicability of human dermatome patterns: critical review of the literature

Dermatome is an area of skin supplied by the posterior (sensory) root of a spinal nerve derived from a single cord segment, which is a particular aspect of the peripheral distribution of sensory fibers. Its topographic study is important to identify nerve, radicular, or medullary damage. When mapped, these dermatomes are outlined on the body surface and their assessment poses a special challenge to physicians once the distinguished imaging methods are not concordant in some aspects. Computers have taken over increasingly importance as transmitters of anatomical information in both clinical and educational sceneries. The present study concerning the virtual teaching and learning of the human dermatome patterns carries out an update of the literature and its clinical and radiological applicability. Computed-based anatomy programs do not only complement conventional instructions methods, but also provide the groundbreaking means to represent, standardize, and disseminate knowledge of dermatomes. Computer-based programs capable of standardizing a tridimensional map of human dermatomes still need to be developed.

Cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus alterations in CHO-K1 cell line after Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom treatment

Snake venoms are toxic to a variety of cell types. However, the intracellular damages and the cell death fate induced by venom are unclear. In the present work, the action of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus venom on CHO-K1 cell line was analyzed. The cells CHO-K1 were incubated with C. d. terrificus venom (10, 50 and 100g/ml) for 1 and 24 hours, and structural alterations of actin filaments, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus were assessed using specific fluorescent probes and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA fragmentation. Significant structural changes were observed in all analyzed structures. DNA fragmentation was detected suggesting that, at the concentrations used, the venom induced apoptosis.

Ultrastructural effects of two phthalocyanines in CHO-K1 and HeLa cells after laser irradiation

The effects of Photodynamic Therapy using 2nd generation photosensitizers have been widely investigated aiming clinical application treatment of solid neoplasms. In this work, ultrastructure changes caused by the action of two 2nd generation photosensitizers and laser irradiation on CHO-K1 and HeLa (neoplastic) cells were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride, aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride and radiation from a semiconductor laser at a fluency of 0.5 J/cm2 (Power=26 mW; lambda=.670 nm) were used. The results showed induction of apoptosis. Such alterations where observed in HeLa but not in CHO-K1 cells after Aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride (AlPcS4, photodynamic treatment. The Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlPc) photodynamic treatment induced necrosis on the neoplastic cell line, and cytoplasm and nuclear alterations on the normal cell line.

Effects of ethanol and malnutrition on rat neuromotor development

The objective of the present study was to determine whether there is a synergistic effect of malnutrition and ethanol exposure on neuromotor development. Ethanol (E) (6 g/kg) or sucrose (S) (isocaloric to ethanol) was administered by gavage to ad libitum-fed (A) and malnourished (M) pregnant rats on days 18, 19 and 20 of pregnancy. Malnutrition was produced by food restriction to 50 of control intake. At birth, the offspring were weighed and transferred to surrogate mothers. Performance in the rim-escape test and on the rotating rod were evaluated on days 19 and 28 of life, respectively. Development of the adult swimming pattern was also studied. The results indicated that: 1) malnutrition alone decreased birth weight (g) significantly (AE, 5.56 +/- 0.36; AS, 6.31 +/- 1.05; ME, 4.81 +/- 0.73; MS, 5.23 +/- 0.57); 2) a synergistic interaction between alcohol exposure and malnutrition was observed only in the rim escape test (percent of falling rats: AE, 9; AS, 5; ME, 24; MS, 5); 3) only malnutrition retarded development of swimming; 4) malnourished dams gained more weight (g) than controls during treatment with ethanol (AE, 2.6 +/- 8.4, N = 6; AS, 3.1 +/- 8.4, N = 4; ME, 23.0 +/- 6.3, N = 7; MS, 29.0 +/- 9.0, N = 8). These results indicate a possible synergistic action between malnutrition and ethanol on neuromotor development and point to the importance of ethanol as a calorie source for malnourished animals.