Gasometría arterial en residentes a gran altura, El Alto ­ Bolivia 2020 / Arterial blood gas analysis in residents at high altitude, El Alto, Bolivia 2020

INTRODUCCIÓN: la presión barométrica determina la presión parcial de los gases tanto en el medio ambiente como a nivel alveolar pulmonar, por lo que, para una determinada presión barométrica, la presión de oxígeno y dióxido de carbono es distinta. OBJETIVO: el objetivo del presente estudio es caracterizar los valores de gasometría arterial en residentes adultos sanos a muy alta altitud en la ciudad de El Alto. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio serie de casos, realizado durante la gestión 2019 en 22 (73%) mujeres y 8 varones (27%), con una media de edad de 36.07 años. El estudio contó con la aprobación del Comité de Ética Hospitalario. RESULTADOS: a 4150 metros sobre el nivel del mar, el pH tiende hacia la alcalosis (7.43) así como la PaO2 es menor (58.69mmHg), el valor de PaCO2 (26.14mmHg) es menor correspondiente a una ciudad con mayor altitud, el valor de bicarbonato sérico (20.14mmol/L) se encuentra disminuido en compensación a la disminución de la PaCO2 y el valor de la SatO2% (91.7%) es menor al reportado a nivel del mar. Hay que destacar que el índice PaO2/FiO2 no concuerda con el cálculo realizado según la fórmula propuesta dentro de la definición de los Criterios de Berlín. Se evidencia también que, en la muestra, si bien la correlación entre la PaO2 y la SatO2% resulta como alta, no resulta perfectamente lineal. CONCLUSIÓN: resulta imperativo precisar las características propias a la fisiología correspondientes a cada altitud, buscando aplicar parámetros propios como los de la gasometría arterial para el tratamiento de las enfermedades prevalentes en cada región, así como desarrollar investigaciones específicas a gran altura, ensayar posibilidades y documentarlas.

INTRODUCTION: barometric pressure determines the partial pressure of gases both in the environment and at the pulmonary alveolar level, so for a given barometric pressure, the pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide is different. The objective of this paper is to characterize arterial blood gas values in healthy adult residents at very high altitude in the city of El Alto. METHODOLOGY: case series study, carried out during 2019; 22 volunteers (73%) women and 8 men (27%), mean age 36.07 years are included. The study was approved by the Hospital Bioethics Committee. RESULTS: at 4150 meter above sea level, pH tends towards alkalosis (7.43) as well as PaO2 is lower (58.69mmHg), the value of PaCO2 (26.14mmHg) is lower corresponding to a city with higher altitude, the value of serum bicarbonate (20.14mmol/L) is lower in compensation at the decrease in PaCO2 and the value of SatO2% (91.7%) is lower than that reported at sea level. The PaO2/FiO2 index does not match the calculation made according to the proposed formula within the definition of the Berlin Criteria. It is also evident that, although the correlation between PaO2 and SatO2% is high, it is not perfectly linear. CONCLUSION: it is imperative to precise the characteristics corresponding to the physiology corresponding to each altitude, looking forward to apply these parameters, such as those of arterial blood gas, in the treatment of prevalent diseases for each region, and so as develop specific studies at high altitude, also testing and reporting them.

A platform to understand amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and extend human motor neurons longevity / Plataforma para empezar a comprender la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) y extender la longevidad de neuronas motoras humanas

In vitro modeling of neurodegenerative diseases is now possible by using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Through them, it is nowadays conceivable to obtain human neurons and glia, and study diseases cellular and molecular mechanisms, an attribute that was previously unavailable to any human condition. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the diseases that has gained a rapid advance with iPS technology. By differentiating motor neurons from iPS cells of ALS- patients, we are studying the mechanisms underlying ALS- disease onset and progression. Here, we introduce a cellular platform to help maintain longevity of ALS iPS-motor neurons, a cellular feature relevant for most late-onset human diseases. Long term cultures of patient-derived iPS cells might prove to be critical for the development of personalized-drugs.

Actualmente es posible modelar in vitro enfermedades neurodegenerativas humanas mediante el uso de células madre pluripotentes inducidas (iPS) derivadas del paciente. A través de ellas, es hoy concebible obtener neuronas y glía humanas, y estudiar mecanismos celulares y moleculares de enfermedades, un atributo que anteriormente no era posible para ninguna condición humana. La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) es una de las enfermedades que se ha beneficiado con la tecnología de iPS. Al diferenciar neuronas motoras de células iPS obtenidas de pacientes con ELA, hemos iniciado estudios sobre los mecanismos que subyacen a la aparición y progresión de la enfermedad. Aquí, presentamos el desarrollo de una plataforma celular que permite extender la longevidad de las neuronas motoras derivadas de iPS, una característica relevante para la mayoría de las enfermedades humanas de inicio tardío. Los cultivos a largo plazo de células iPS provenientes de pacientes pueden ser determinantes en el desarrollo de terapias asociadas a la medicina de precisión.

Insuficiencia ovárica prematura / Premature ovarian insufficiency

RESUMEN La insuficiencia ovárica prematura es la pérdida de la función ovárica antes de los 40 años de edad. Se caracteriza por hipogonadismo hipergonadotrófico y amenorrea u oligomenorrea. Su etiología es multifactorial, pudiendo deberse a causas iatrogénicas, genéticas, metabólicas, autoinmunes y ambientales; siendo de origen idiopático en el 90 % de los casos. Su incidencia es de 1 cada 100 mujeres menores de 40 años y 1 cada 1000 mujeres menores de 30 años. En la actualidad no existe un único marcador que se pueda utilizar para calcular la reserva ovárica; sin embargo, en los últimos años la hormona antimülleriana ha demostrado presentar algunas ventajas respecto a los biomarcadores clásicamente utilizados. Además, diversos estudios indican que existe una correlación positiva entre los niveles de esta hormona y el recuento de folículos antrales, que es, por el momento, el método más confiable para evaluar reserva ovárica debido a las actuales dificultades técnicas para la determinación de hormona antimülleriana.

ABSTRACT Premature ovarian insufficiency, the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 years, is characterized by hipergonadotrofic hipogonadism and amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. The etiology is multifactorial, and can be due to genetic, metabolic, autoimmune, environmental or iatrogenic causes, being idiopathic 90% of cases. Currently there is not a single marker that can be used for estimate ovarian reserve in this patients; however, in recent years antimüllerian hormone has proved to have some advantages over other classical biomarkers. Moreover, several studies indicate a positive correlation between antimüllerian hormone concentration and antral follicle count, considered nowadays the most reliable method for ovarian reserve estimation.

Efecto de un dispositivo binivel autoajustable sobre los eventos respiratorios en pacientes con Síndrome de Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño / Effect of an auto-bilevel device on respiratory events in patients with obstructive sleep Apnea syndrome

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de un dispositivo binivel autoajustable sobre los eventos respiratorios en pacientes adultos con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAOS) grave. Se revisaron las polisomnografías (PSG) realizadas con el uso de un dispositivo de binivel autoajustable. La arquitectura de sueño, eventos respiratorios, saturación de O2 (SpO2) y dióxido de carbono exhalado (EtCO2) se compararon entre la PSG basal y la PSG terapéutica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 10 PSG. El dispositivo binivel autoajustable corrigió la arquitectura de sueño; disminuyó el índice de apnea hipopnea (IAH) de 76 (39-137) a 14 (6-13) a expensas de apneas obstructivas y mixtas (p < 0,05), no se observó descenso significativo en las hipopneas. Las apneas centrales incrementaron de 0,5 (0-12,4) a 8,2 (0-20) h−1. La SpO2 y EtCO2 mejoraron. Conclusiones: En pacientes con SAOS grave el dispositivo binivel autoajustable corrige la arquitectura de sueño, mejora la SpO2 y EtCO2 y disminuye el IAH a expensas de apneas obstructivas y mixtas, pero podría no eliminar las hipopneas e incrementar las apneas centrales.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an auto-bilevel device on respiratory events in adults with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Polysomnographies (PSG) with the use of auto-bilevel device were reviewed. Sleep architecture, respiratory events, O2 saturation (SpO2) and exhaled carbon dioxide (EtCO2) were compared among baseline and therapeutic PSG. Results: We included 10 PSG. Auto-bilevel device corrected the sleep architecture; the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 76 (39-137) to 14 (6-13) at the expense of obstructive and mixed apneas (p < 0.05), there was no significant decrease in hypopneas. Central apneas increased from 0.5 (0-12.4) to 8.2 (0-20) h−1. SpO2 and EtCO2 improved. Conclusions: In severe OSAS auto-bilevel device corrects sleep architecture, improves SpO2 and EtCO2 and decreases AHI at the expense of obstructive and mixed apneas, but could not eliminate hypopneas and even could increase central apneas.

Insertion of the LINE-1 element in the C-MYC gene and immunoreactivity of C-MYC, p53, p21 and p27 proteins in different morphological patterns of the canine TVT / Inserção do elemento LINE - 1 no gene C-MYC e imunorreatividade das proteinas C-MYC, p53, p21 e p27 nos diferentes padrões morfológicos do tumor TVT

The canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) affects the external genitalia of dogs by the natural transplant of viable tumor cells. Thus, this research aimed to diagnose and characterize TVT morphological patterns, identify the insertion of the LINE-1 element in C-MYC gene, by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of C-MYC, p53, p21 and p27 proteins. The relationship between C-MYC and p53 proteins and their interference on the expression of p21 and p27 were also studied. For that, 20 samples of naturally occurring TVT were used, subjected to cytopathological, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, and to molecular diagnosis of neoplasia. The increased tissue expression and the correlation among C-MYC, p53, p21 and p27 proteins indicate reduction and/or loss of their functionality in the TVT microenvironment, with consequent apoptotic suppression, maintenance of cell growth and progression of neoplasia.(AU)

O tumor venéreo transmissível canino (TVT) afeta a genitália externa de cães pelo transplante natural de células tumorais viáveis. Assim, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo diagnosticar e caracterizar TVT em padrões morfológicos, identificar a inserção do elemento LINE-1 em gene C-MYC, por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), e avaliar a expressão imuno-histoquímica do C-MYC, p53, p21 e p27. A relação entre C-MYC e as proteínas p53 e a sua interferência na expressão de p21 e p27 foram também estudadas. Para isso, foram utilizadas 20 amostras de ocorrência natural de TVT, submetido a exame citopatológico, histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica e ao diagnóstico molecular de neoplasia. A expressão aumentada do tecido e a correlação entre a C-MYC e as proteínas p53, p21 e p27 indicam redução e/ou perda de funcionalidade na TVT em seu microambiente, com consequente supressão apoptótica, manutenção do crescimento celular e progressão da neoplasia.(AU)

Carcinoma neuroendocrino de vejiga en mujer con infección por VIH: presentación del primer caso mundial / Neuroendocrine carcinome of the bladder in a female with HIV infection: presentation of the first case worldwide

El carcinoma neuroendocrino primario de vejiga es una neoplasia infrecuente que representa el 0,5por ciento de todos los tumores vesicales. La asociación de carcinoma neuroendocrino de vejiga en un paciente con infección por VIH nunca hasta hoy había sido descrita. Presentamos el primer caso clínico español y mundial de esta desconocida y nunca descrita asociación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 46 años con infección por VIH que desarrolló un carcinoma neuroendocrino de vejiga urinaria de evolución fatal. Se describe su clínica de presentación, métodos de diagnóstico utilizados y su tratamiento. La paciente debutó con retención urinaria aguda que rápidamente progresó a la instauración de una uropatía obstructiva alta con deterioro de la función renal. El diagnóstico se efectuó mediante TAC, resección transuretral y estudio histopatológico donde la clave del diagnóstico fue el estudio inmunohistoquímico intensamente positivo para la cromogranina A. El tratamiento adyuvante con quimioterapia le ocasionó una aplasia medular severa, falleciendo por fallo multiórganico a los 26 días de su diagnóstico. A propósito de este caso, se revisa la literatura inglesa en PubMed sobre carcinoma neuroendocrino de vejiga y sobre tumores vesicales en pacientes con infección VIH, no existiendo ningún caso publicado de carcinoma neuroendocrino de vejiga en un paciente con infección por VIH. CONCLUSIONES: El carcinoma neuroendocrino de vejiga es un tumor infrecuente y muy agresivo. Es un tumor que suele presentarse clínicamente en estadios avanzados o metastásicos donde ninguna terapia es eficaz. El tratamiento incluye resección trans-uretral (RTU), cistectomía parcial, cistectomía radical y quimioterapia. El estudio inmunohistoquímico (IHQ) y la tinción con cromogranina A dan la clave para su diagnóstico. Su presentación en pacientes VIH implica muy mal pronóstico. Éste caso es el primer caso mundial publicado de carcinoma neuroendocrino...

The primary neuroendocrine carcinome of the bladder is an infrequent neoplasm which represents 0.5 percent of all vesical tumors. The association of neuroendocrine carcinome of the bladder in a patient with HIV infection has never been described before today. We present the first clinical case in the Spanish-speaking world and worldwide, of this unknown and never written about association. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical case of a 46-yearoldpatient with HIV infection who developed a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary bladder with a fatal evolution, its clinical presentation, the diagnosis methods used and its treatment, are described. The patient started with a severe urinary retention which rapidly progressed to the establishment of a high obstructive uropathy with deterioration in the renal function. The diagnosis was done using TAC, transurethral resection and histopathological study where the key to diagnosis was the intensely positive immunohistochemical study for the chromogranin A. The adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy led to a severe medular aplasia, with the patient dying due to a multi-organ failure, 26 days after her diagnosis. As a result of this case, English literature on the matter in PubMed about neuroendocrine carcinome of the bladder and about vesical tumors in patients with HIV infection was revised, with no published case existing about neuroendocrine carcinome in a patient with HIV. CONCLUSIONS: The neuroendocrine carcinome of the bladder is an infrequent and very aggressive tumor. It is a tumor that tends to be clinically present in advanced or metastasic states, where no therapy is efficient. The treatment includes transurethral resection (TUR), partial cystectomy, radical cystectomy and chemotherapy. The immunohistochemical study (IHC), and the stain with chromogranin A are key for its diagnosis. Its presentation in HIV patients implies a very bad prognosis. This case is the first published case worldwide of neuroendocrine...

Theoretical indications on the relationship between pyrogallol[4]arenes dynamics of assembling and geometry / Indicios teóricos entre la relación dinámica de ensamblaje y geometría de pirogalol[4]arenos / Indícios teóricos sobre a relação entre dinâmica de montagem e geometria de pirogalol[4]arenos

Los pirogalol[4]arenos son macrociclos con gran potencial como bloques de construcción de nanocápsulas. Los dímeros precursores del 2,8,14,20-tetrametilpirogalol[4]areno y del 2,8,14,20-tetrafenilpirogalol[4]areno se estudiaron teóricamente para obtener entendimiento acerca de la dinámica de ensamble de estos compuestos. Las curvas de energía potencial a lo largo del ángulo de torsión del enlace R-pirogalol)CH-(R-pirogalol) de los dímeros han sido calculadas al nivel de teoría B3LYP/6-311G(d,p). Se encontró que las barreras de energía para rotación libre en torno al enlace seleccionado son 0.00133 Hartrees para el dímero con sustituyentes alquílicos y 0.77879 Hartrees para aquél con sustituyentes arílicos. Estos valores implican que la rotación libre en torno al enlace seleccionado es permitida para el primer dímero pero es prohibida para el segundo. Puesto que las orientaciones del sustituyente y el anillo de pirogalol en torno a este enlace posiblemente determinan la geometría de la estructura final, parece razonable proponer que el pirogalol[4]areno con sustituyentes alquílicos más probablemente adoptará una geometría de corona, mientras que el pirogalol[4]areno con sustituyentes arílicos mas probablemente adoptará una geometría de silla. Estas previsiones están en acuerdo con evidencia experimental la cual demuestra que la geometría de los pirogalol[4]arenos es dependiente del tipo de sustituyentes presentes en ellos.

O pyrogalol [4]arenes são macrocycles com grande potencial como blocos de construção da nanocapsules. Os dímeros precursores de 2,8,14,20-tetrametilpirogalol[4]arene e 2,8,14,20-tetrafenilpirogalol[4]arene foram estudados teoricamente para obter uma compreensão sobre a dinâmica do monte destes compostos. As curvas de energia potencial ao longo do ângulo de torção da link R-pkogdol)CH-(R-pirogalol) dos dímeros foram calculados ao nível da teoria B3LYP/ 6-311G(d,p). Verificou que as barreiras de energia da rotação livre em torno do link selecionado é 0,00133 Hartrees para ao dímero com substituintes alquil e 0,77879 Hartrees para que com substituintes aril. Esses valores implicam que a livre rotação em torno da link seleccionado é permitido para o primeiro dímero mas é proibida para o segundo. Uma vez que a orientação dos substituintes e o anel de pyrogalol em torno deste link possivelmente determinar a geometria da estrutura final, parece razoável sugerir que o pyrogalol[4]arene com substituintes alquil mais provavelmente vai ter uma geometria da copa, enquanto o pyrogalol[4]arene com substituintes resíduo mais provavelmente irá ter uma geometría de cadeira. Estas previsões estão de acordo com evidências experimentais que demonstram que a geometria do pyrogalol[4]arenes é dependente do tipo de substituintes presentes nos mesmos.

Pyrogallol[4]arenes are macrocycles with high potential as building blocks for nanocapsules. We theoretically studied the dimeric precursors of 2,8,14,20-tetramethylpyrogaUol[4]arene and 2,8,10,14-tetraphenylpyrogallol[4] arene to understand the dynamics of assembly of these compounds, and calculated the potential energy curves along the torsion angle of the (R-pyrogallol)CH-(R-pyrogallol) dimeric bond at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. We found that the energy barriers for free rotation around the selected bond are 0.00133 Hartrees for the alkyl-substituted dimer and 0.77879 Hartrees for the aryl-substituted dimer. These values imply that the free rotation around the selected bond exists for the first dimer but not for the second one. Because the orientation of the substituent and the pyrogallol ring around this bond are likely to determine the geometry of the final structure, we propose that the alkyl-substituted compound will most likely adopt a crown-shaped geometry whereas the aryl-substituted compound will adopt a chair-shaped geometry. These predictions concur with experimental evidence, which shows that the geometry of pyrogallol[4]arenes depends on the substituents attached to them.

Análisis de composición corporal y somatotipo de judokas infantiles y cadetes en el campeonato de españa 2012 / Analysis of body composition and somatotype of junior and cadet judokas in the 2012 spanish championship

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la composición corporal y el somatotipo de judokas participantes en el campeonato escolar de España. Fueron estudiados 57 niños de categoría infantil (13,33±0,66 años) y 40 niños de categoría cadete (15,18±0,74 años) (n=97), mediante un fraccionamiento corporal tetracompartimental y el análisis del somatotipo según el método de Heath-Carter. En categoría infantil obtuvimos una media de 48,11% de masa muscular, 25,49% de masa residual, 14,80% de masa grasa y 11,56% de masa ósea. En categoría cadete, 47.67% de masa muscular, 25,25% de masa residual, 16,46% de masa grasa y 10,57% de masa ósea. Se encontraron diferencias significativas únicamente en el compartimiento de masa ósea entre ambos grupos. El somatotipo medio para ambas categorías es Ectomorfo Balanceado.

The aim of the study was to analyze body composition and somatotype of the judokas participants at the Spanish Junior Championship. We analyzed 97 male judokas (n= 97): 57 junior (13.33±0.66 years) and 40 cadets (15.18±0.74 years), through a Tetracompartimental Fractionation and the somatotype through a Heath-Carter method. In junior category, 48.11% of muscle mass, 25.49% of residual mass, 14.80% of fat mass and 11.56% of bone mass. In cadet category, 47.67% of muscle mass, 25.25% of residual mass, 16.46% of fat mass and 10.57% of bone mass. Significant differences were found only in the bone compartment between both groups. The average somatotype for both categories was Ectomorph Balanced.

Culture of bovine ovarian follicle wall sections maintained the highly estrogenic profile under basal and chemically defined conditions

Follicle cultures reproduce in vitro the functional features observed in vivo. In a search for an ideal model, we cultured bovine antral follicle wall sections (FWS) in a serum-free defined medium (DM) known to induce 17β-estradiol (E2) production, and in a nondefined medium (NDM) containing serum. Follicles were sectioned and cultured in NDM or DM for 24 or 48 h. Morphological features were determined by light microscopy. Gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor were determined by RT-PCR; progesterone (P4) and E2 concentrations in the media were measured by radioimmunoassay. DM, but not NDM, maintained an FWS morphology in vitro that was similar to fresh tissue. DM also induced an increase in the expression of all steroidogenic enzymes, except FSH receptor, but NDM did not. In both DM and NDM, there was a gradual increase in P4 throughout the culture period; however, P4 concentration was significantly higher in NDM. In both media, E2 concentration was increased at 24 h, followed by a decrease at 48 h. The E2:P4 ratio was higher in DM than in NDM. These results suggest that DM maintains morphological structure, upregulates the expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes, and maintains steroid production with a high E2:P4 ratio in FWS cultures.

First Record of Aquanirmus major Cicchino & González Acuña (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) on the Great Grebe, Podiceps major Boddaert (Aves: Podicipedidae) in Brazil

This report is the first record of a species of Aquanirmus in Brazil and it increases the known geographical distribution of A. major Cicchino & González Acuña, a species recently described based on material collected in Argentina and Chile.

Some arachnidan peptides with potential medical application

The search for new active drugs that can alleviate or cure different diseases is a constant challenge to researchers in the biological area and to the pharmaceutical industry. Historically, research has focused on the study of substances from plants. More recently, however, animal venoms have been attracting attention and studies have been successful in addressing treatment of accidents. Furthermore, venoms and their toxins have been considered good tools for prospecting for new active drugs or models for new therapeutic drugs. In this review, we discuss some possibilities of using different toxins, especially those from arachnid venoms, which have shown some potential application in diseases involving pain, hypertension, epilepsy and erectile dysfunction. A new generation of drugs is likely to emerge from peptides, including those found in animal venoms.

Aislamiento y rendimiento del GMP mediante precipitación de lactosuero con ácido tricloroacético / GMP isolation and yield by whey precipitation with trichloroacetic acid

Durante la elaboración del queso, la k-caseína es hidrolizada por la renina (Quimosina E.C.3.4.23.4) en el enlace peptídico Fen105-Met106 generando dos fracciones: la para-k-caseína y el glicomacropéptido (GMP) que se libera al lactosuero. El GMP presenta una estructura química particular donde predominan los aminoácidos con cadena lateral ramificada, no presenta aminoácidos aromáticos y contiene carbohidratos unidos a residuos de treonina; por esta razón se le ha atribuido una variedad de actividades biológicas. Se ha estimado que en Venezuela se generan alrededor de 713 toneladas de lactosuero anualmente. Un volumen considerable de este subproducto se produce en el estado Zulia, constituyéndose esto en una fuente de péptidos y proteínas de alta calidad nutricional que está siendo subutilizada. Con el propósito de evaluar el aislamiento y rendimiento del GMP a partir de la precipitación de lactosuero de ricotta con ácido tricloroacético 50 por ciento, se realizaron 6 extracciones con este ácido a 50 mL de cada tipo de suero analizado: suero ricotta, suero comercial resuspendido y suero ácido (control negativo). Se verificó mediante pruebas químicas y PAGE-SDS 15 por ciento de manera indirecta, la presencia de GMP en las preparaciones obtenidas. Se observaron bandas de 6,5; 18,3 y 19,0 kDa en suero ricotta y suero comercial resuspendido. Las bandas de 18,3 y 19,0 posiblemente correspondan a la forma trimérica del péptido. El rendimiento del GMP en términos de proteínas fue en promedio 1,17 mg/50mL (1,17 por ciento) y 4,51 mg/50mL (0,81 por ciento), para suero ricotta y suero comercial, respectivamente. Los resultados indican que es factible obtener preparaciones del GMP, sin embargo, para plantear la producción a escala industrial de este péptido para su aprovechamiento, se requiere evaluar otros procedimientos donde se obtenga a bajo costo una preparación purificada del GMP.

During cheese manufacturing k-casein is hydrolyzed by rennin (Quimosine E.C.3.4.23.4) on peptidic bond Fen105- Met106 releasing two fractions: para-k-casein and glycomacropeptide (GMP). GMP shows a particular chemical structure in which ramified lateral chain aminoacids prevail, without aromatics aminoacids, but with carbohydrates short chains linked to some threonine residues; because of this, a variety of biological activities have been attributed to molecule. It has been considered that in Venezuela, 713 tons of whey are generated annually. An important volume of this byproduct is produced in the Zulia State, becoming itself a source of peptides and proteins of high nutritional quality that has been subused. With the purpose of evaluating GMP isolation and yield from ricotta whey precipitation with 50 percent trichloroacetic acid treatment, 6 extractions where performed with this acid to 50 mL of each analyzed whey: ricotta whey, resuspended commercial whey and acid whey (negative control). By means of chemical tests and PAGE-SDS 15 percent, indirect presence of GMP was verified in all preparations. Bands of 6.5, 18.3 and 19.0 kDa were observed in ricotta and commercial whey. Bands of 18.3 and 19.0 possibly correspond to the peptide trimeric structure. GMP yield in terms of protein content was 1.17 mg/50mL (1.17 percent) and 4.51 mg/50mL (0.81 percent), for ricotta and commercial whey, respectively. Results show that it feasible to obtain preparations of GMP, however, in order to produce this peptide industrially for its use, evaluation of low cost procedures for GMP purification is required.

Frequency of the HFE C282Y and H63D polymorphisms in Brazilian malaria patients and blood donors from the Amazon region

Malaria is an endemic parasitosis and its causitive agent, Plasmodium, has a metabolism linked to iron supply. HFE is a gene with the polymorphisms C282Y and H63D, which are associated with a progressive iron accumulation in the organism leading to a disease called hereditary hemochromatosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the HFE gene polymorphisms in malaria patients and blood donors from the Brazilian Amazon region. We screened 400 blood donors and 400 malaria patients for the HFE C282Y and H63D polymorphisms from four states of the Brazilian Amazon region by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. We did not find any C282Y homozygous individuals, and the only five heterozygous individuals detected were from Pará State. The most frequent genotype in the North region of Brazil was the H63D heterozygote, in both study groups. Our results contribute to the concept that the Brazilian Amazon region should not be regarded as a single entity in South America. These polymorphisms did not influence the symptoms of malaria in the population studied, as neither severe signs nor high parasitemia were observed. Therefore, different hereditary hemochromatosis diagnostic and control measures must be developed and applied within its diverse locations. Investigations are currently being carried out in our laboratory in order to determine the importance of the coexistence of hereditary hemochromatosis in patients affected by parasitic diseases, such as malaria.

Variación del tiempo de catalepsia inducida por haloperidol en ratones debido a la administración de c. paradisi / Time variation of catalepsy induced by haloperidol in mice due to administration of c. paradisi

El zumo de pomelo (ZP) (Citrus paradisi) contiene una serie de bioflavonoides (Naringenina, Bergamotina, Furanocumarinas) que afectan la biodisponibilidad de algunos fármacos por medio de la inhibición del sistema enzimático CYP3A (enterico y hepático) que reduce el metabolismo de los mismos aumentado sus niveles plasmáticos. Utilizamos al Itraconazol (IZ), inhibidor de los componentes del sistema CYP450 científicamente comprobado, para comparar dicha actividad. Para poner de manifiesto la inhibición del sistema de isoenzimas por estas sustancias; utilizamos al Haloperidol (Ha), neuroléptico metabolizado por el CYP450 hepático que induce catalepsia, cuadro motor de inmovilización completa; en el cual no hay parálisis, pero tampoco hay movimiento, y tanto el tronco como las extremidades adoptan las posturas que se les impongan. Materiales y métodos: 48 ratones de la raza swiss albinos machos, distribuidos en seis grupos: Administración aguda: Grupo 1: Ha (0,7 mg/kg) ip. con Suero Fisiológico vo; Grupo Nro 2: Ha (0,7 mg/kg) ip. con IZ (1mg/kg) vo, Grupo Nro 3: Ha (0,7 mg/kg) ip. Con ZP vo. Y administración crónica: Grupo Nro 1: Ha (0,7 mg/kg) ip. administración única en el día 7, y Suero Fisiológico vo, Grupo Nro 2: Ha (0,7 mg/kg) ip. Administración única en el día 7, e IZ (1mg/kg) vo., Grupo Nro 3: Ha (0,7 mg/kg) ip. administración única en el día 7, y ZP vo. durante 7 días consecutivos. Existen claras diferencias entre los promedios de los tiempos de catalepsia observados entre la administración aguda y crónica de IZ y ZP. Es probable que lo observado sea producto de que una única exposición al ZP e IZ no sean capaces de inhibir el CYP450 hepático, pero si el entérico. Conclusión: la presencia de flavonoides en el zumo de Citrus paradisi produce una prolongación del tiempo de catalepsia inducida por haloperidol en ratones albinos machos suizos por inhibición del sistema CYP 450 3A4 hepático e intestinal.

Bats and their role in human rabies epidemiology in the Americas: [review]

Bats are very interesting animals: they are the unique flying mammals, have developed a highly sophisticated echolocation system, and have become specialized to eat different types of diets. Hematophagous (vampire) bats are those specialized to feed solely on blood and have served as a source of inspiration for researchers as well as for writers. Vampire bat attacks on humans have moved from the realm of science fiction to reality in Latin America and bats (including non-hematophagous ones) have assumed an important role in the transmission of rabies virus to humans. This article discusses the emerging role of bats as rabies virus transmitters, with particular emphasis on the role of hematophagous bats in the epidemiology of human rabies in Latin America. Possible reasons associated with the increasing risk of exposure to bats in this region are also discussed.

Hemoglobin I-Philadelphia [alpha 16 (A14) LYS-->GLU] heterozygote among blood donors from Brazil

We describe a heterozygous case of Hb I-Philadelphia [alpha 16 (A14) LYS-->GLU] in a blood donor from the Acre State Blood Bank, in the Brazilian Amazon region. We confirmed the mutation by electrophoretic and chromatographic methods and by DNA sequencing. A literature search showed that this is the first description of this alpha globin mutant in a Brazilian Caucasian group. We also emphasize the importance of the hemoglobin study in blood donors for the purpose of the genetic counseling and quality assurance of the blood to be transfused. Screening tests for hemoglobin mutants are also important for gathering anthropological information about the Brazilian population.

Hydrolytic enzymes in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis--ecological aspects

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes paracoccidioidomycosis. The yeast form of this pathogen is found in the animal host whereas the mycelial form is recovered from living and non-living organic material. The sole carbon source available in these habitats is represented by polysaccharides from the plant cell wall. Hydrolytic enzymes are necessary to convert these polymers into simple sugars for fungal metabolism. We report on the presence of ortholog genes of hydrolytic enzymes identified in the P. brasiliensis transcriptome and on hydrolytic activities in supernatants of induced P. brasiliensis cultures of mycelium and yeast cells. Enzymatic assays have shown cellulase and xylanase activities, both being higher in mycelium than in the yeast form. Amylase and chitinase activities were detected only in mycelium. Data so far reinforce the idea that mycelial P. brasiliensis is a saprobe.

Cell cycle, DNA replication, repair, and recombination in the dimorphic human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

DNA replication, together with repair mechanisms and cell cycle control, are the most important cellular processes necessary to maintain correct transfer of genetic information to the progeny. These processes are well conserved throughout the Eukarya, and the genes that are involved provide essential information for understanding the life cycle of an organism. We used computational tools for data mining of genes involved in these processes in the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis. Data derived from transcriptome analysis revealed that the cell cycle of this fungus, as well as DNA replication and repair, and the recombination machineries, are highly similar to those of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Among orthologs detected in both species, there are genes related to cytoskeleton structure and assembly, chromosome segregation, and cell cycle control genes. We identified at least one representative gene from each step of the initiation of DNA replication. Major players in the process of DNA damage and repair were also identified.