Interactions between milk proteins and exopolysaccharides produced by Lactococcus lactis observed by scanning electron microscopy.

The interactions between exopolysaccharides produced by Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JFR1 and dairy proteins (caseins and whey proteins) in fermented media (milk permeate and buttermilk) were observed using scanning electron microscopy. An immobilization technique by crosslinking was employed to bind the protein to the observation surface, so that a washing step could be performed to remove noninteracting material. The use of this novel technique allowed us, for the first time, to confirm that the exopolysaccharide molecules interact with dairy proteins. Exopolysaccharides appear as filament strands attached to the protein aggregates and to the bacterial cells. This new sample preparation technique proved to be very valuable for observing molecular interactions in fermented media.

[POEMS syndrome. Report of a case]. / Síndrome de POEMS. Informe de un caso.

POEMS syndrome is a multisystem disorder with signs such as peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin lesions, papilledema, and increased cerebrospinal fluid proteins, which can also evolve with renal and cardiac affection. It is considered a result of a plasma cell cyscrasia with the production of a monoclonal protein. A 46-year old man was seen as an outpatient referring progressive weakness of legs and arms, fever, impotence, inguinal and cervical lymphadenopathies, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly and skin hyperpigmentation. In laboratory test, platelet count was between 528 x 10(9)/L and 599 x 10(9)/L, creatinine clearance 27.2 ml/min, proteinuria 0.8 g/dl, IgA 455 mg/dl, T3 30 ng/100 ml, T4 2.6 vg/dl, T4F 0.5 ng/dl, TSH 12.4 vU/ml; testosterone 1.56 ng/ml. The electromyography showed a mixed sensitive-motor pattern. On the pelvis radiography, an osteosclerotic lesion on the left sacroiliac joint was identified. Bone biopsy of the site of the sclerotic lesion revealed plasma cell dyscrasia. The patient was treated with diuretics, digitalis and prednisone. Diagnosis of this disorder is difficult because of the multipathology it is necessary to establish differential diagnosis.

[Tuberculous pancreatic abscess as initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)]. / Absceso pancreático tuberculoso como manifestación inicial del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA).

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is frequently the form of presentation of HIV infection, even in patients who have not developed AIDS. Nevertheless, pancreatic affection is rare, and focal pancreatic affection is even rarer. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 49 years old man with antecedents of 25 heterosexual partners and exploratory laparotomy three years before because of an hepatic lesion during which he was multitransfunded. He had a one year history of fever, diaphoresis and abdominal pain, in whom ultrasonography detected an image compatible with pancreatic abscess, so he went through laparotomy for drainage; biopsy reported tuberculosis. He persisted with fever and abdominal pain, and a computed tomography scan demonstrated persistent pancreatic abscess. The determination of HIV antibodies was positive, and the CD4 count in 110/mm3. Antituberculous therapy was started and eight weeks later, the computed tomography showed improvement; also, he had clinical improvement. After a two-years follow up, he remains asymptomatic, only with antiretroviral therapy. DISCUSSION: Pancreatic tuberculosis is an infrequent complication of this infection. It is considered the result of the dissemination of the infection from near lymphatic nodes. When needle aspiration of a pancreatic abscess is made, it is necessary to effect a culture in order to diagnose tuberculosis. The recommended treatment comprises a four antifimic scheme for 72 doses followed by a triple intermittent scheme for 60 more doses.