Ribavirin stimulates the immune response of Atlantic salmon.

Ribavirin is a synthetic nucleotide analog capable of inhibiting or even preventing some viral infections in mammals and also in fish. It has been seen by others that ribavirin by itself is able to stimulate the immune system of mammals, causing a differentiation of T-cells to T helper 1 cells (Th)-1. In this work, we evaluated the immune effect of ribavirin in vitro on kidney cells from Atlantic salmon and in vivo by oral administration of ribavirin to Atlantic salmon. For this purpose, the transcripts of immune molecules Tbet, GATA3, CD8, CD4, IFNα, IFNγ, IL-4/13, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15 and TGF-B were quantified. The results show that ribavirin administered orally in food to Atlantic salmon increased IFNγ and CD4 transcripts in the in vivo assays and, in addition, increased IL-12, IL-15 and CD8 in the in vitro analyses, indicating that the treatment stimulates a Th1 type response in salmon.

Treatment of feline mammary tumours using chemotherapy, surgery and a COX-2 inhibitor drug (meloxicam): a retrospective study of 23 cases (2002-2007)*.

The efficacy of a treatment combination of a COX-2 inhibitor (meloxicam), chemotherapy and surgery in 23 cats with histologically confirmed mammary gland adenocarcinoma was evaluated. All of the cases underwent an aggressive surgery with concurrent doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. Meloxicam was given orally starting the day after surgery and was continued indefinitely. Serum renal parameters were measured every 3-5 months. Three cats developed azotemia, whereas in four other renal parameters increased but remained within normal limit. The Kaplan-Meier median survival time was 460 days. The Kaplan-Meier median disease free interval was 269 days. The survival times are similar to other studies, not supporting the use of this treatment combination. Prospective studies with a higher number of cases are warranted to investigate the utility of this multimodality protocol for the treatment of feline mammary tumours.

GISH and AFLP analyses of novel Brassica napus lines derived from one hybrid between B. napus and Orychophragmus violaceus.

New Brassica napus inbred lines with different petal colors and with canola quality and increased levels of oleic (approximately 70%, 10% higher than that of B. napus parent) and linoleic (28%) acids have been developed in the progenies of one B. napus cv. Oro x Orychophragmus violaceus F5 hybrid plant (2n = 31). Their genetic constituents were analyzed by using the methods of genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and amplified fragments length polymorphism (AFLP). No intact chromosomes of O. violaceus origin were detected by GISH in their somatic cells of ovaries and root tips (2n = 38) and pollen mother cells (PMCs) with normal chromosome pairing (19 bivalents) and segregation (19:19), though signals of variable sizes and intensities were located mainly at terminal and centromeric parts of some mitotic chromosomes and meiotic bivalents at diakinesis or chromosomes in anaphase I groups and one large patch of chromatin was intensively labeled and separated spatially in some telophase I nuclei and metaphase II PMCs. AFLP analysis revealed that substantial genomic changes have occurred in these lines and O. violaceus-specific bands, deleted bands in 'Oro' and novel bands for two parents were detected. The possible mechanisms for these results were discussed.

Gabapentina en dolor raquídeo crónico. Valoración de su eficacia analgésica / Gabapentin in chronic rachidian pain. Assessment of its analgesic effectiveness

Objetivos: Valorar la eficacia analgésica de la gabapentina (GBP) en pacientes con dolor raquídeo crónico (DRC), que no han respondido adecuadamente a los tratamientos farmacológicos habitualmente empleados (antiinflamatorios no esteroideos -AINE-, opioides menores o mayores, relajantes musculares, antidepresivos, etc.). Material y métodos: Se han estudiado de modo prospectivo y aleatorio 41 pacientes afectos de DRC (cervical, dorsal y/o lumbar), independientemente de su etiología, con o sin radiculopatía asociada, que no hubieran respondido previamente a los tratamientos farmacológicos habituales. No obstante, durante el estudio, por razones éticas y, en un intento de obtener la mayor eficacia analgésica posible con tales fármacos, se permitió el empleo de los mismos, aunque realizando, previamente, un reajuste de las dosis por parte de un especialista de la Unidad de Dolor. Si tras este ajuste no se obtenía una respuesta adecuada, se iniciaba el tratamiento con gabapentina de manera gradual hasta alcanzar una dosis de 300 mg cada 8 h; dicha dosis se fue incrementando hasta obtener una respuesta terapéutica (con un máximo de 2400 mg.día-1) o la aparición de efectos secundarios intolerables. A partir del inicio del tratamiento con gabapentina se realizó un seguimiento durante tres meses en el que se valoraban características del dolor, localización, irradiación, y se cuantificaba mediante una escala analógica visual -EVA- (100 mm) y test de Lattinen. Asimismo, se evaluó la calidad del sueño mediante una EVA modificada. Se recogieron también la dosis utilizadas para el control del dolor así como los efectos secundarios aparecidos y las causas de abandono. Resultados: Desde el primer mes de tratamiento y ya con dosis bajas de gabapentina se observó una mejoría significativa en los valores de la EVA del dolor, test Lattinen y calidad de sueño, incluso en aquellos pacientes en los que no existía radiculopatía asociada o dolor de características neuropáticas claras. Dicha mejora en los parámetros mencionados fue progresiva incluso sin necesidad de seguir aumentando la dosis de gabapentina. La tolerancia fue muy buena no siendo preciso interrumpir en ningún caso el tratamiento por los efectos secundarios, los cuales han sido en general leves y autolimitados. Conclusión: La gabapentina, como coadyuvante de la terapia habitual, es un fármaco eficaz en pacientes con dolor crónico raquídeo, no precisando dosis elevadas y presentando buena tolerancia con una baja incidencia de efectos secundarios (AU)

Objectives: To assess the analgesic effectiveness of gabapentin (GBP) in patients with chronic rachidian pain (CRP) refractory to standard pharmacological therapies (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, minor and major opiates, muscular relaxants, antidepressants, etc.). Material and methods: Forty one patients with CRP (cervical, dorsal and lumbar pain) refractory to prior standard drug therapies were prospectively and randomly studied, regardless their etiology, with or without associated radiculopathy. However, during the study, due to ethical reasons and in order to obtain the greatest analgesic effectiveness as possible with such drugs, their use was allowed, although with a prior dose titration performed by the Pain Unit specialist. If the response was inadequate even after dose titration, treatment with gabapentin was gradually introduced up to a dose of 300 mg each 8 hours; such dose was increased until obtaining a therapeutic response (up to a maximum of 2400 mg.day-1) or causing intolerable side effects. From the beginning of the treatment with gabapentin, a three-month follow-up was conducted in which pain features, location and irradiation were assessed and quantified using a visual analogical scale (VAS) (100 mm) and the Lattinen's test. Quality of sleep was also determined using a modified VAS. Doses required to relief pain, as well as side effects reported and dropout causes were also recorded. Results: Since the first month of therapy and with low doses of gabapentin, a significant improvement was observed in VAS scores, Lattinen's test scores and quality of life, even in patients without associated radiculopathy or pain with clear neuropathic features. Improvement of such parameters was progressive, sometimes even without requiring increased doses of gabapentin. Tolerance was very good and none of the patients had to discontinue the treatment due to side effects, most of which were light and self-limited. Conclusion: Gabapentin as coadjuvant of the standard therapy, is an effective drug in patients with chronic rachidian pain at low doses, showing good tolerance and low incidence of side effects (AU)

Characterization of telomere-subtelomere junctions in Silene latifolia.

Telomere-associated regions represent boundaries between the relatively homogeneous telomeres and the subtelomeres, which show much greater heterogeneity in chromatin structure and DNA composition. Although a major fraction of subtelomeres is usually formed by a limited number of highly repeated DNA sequence families, their mutual arrangement, attachment to telomeres and the presence of interspersed unique or low-copy-number sequences make these terminal domains chromosome specific. In this study, we describe the structures of junctions between telomeres and a major subtelomeric repeat of the plant Silene latifolia, X43.1. Our results show that on individual chromosome arms, X43.1 is attached to the telomere either directly at sites corresponding to nucleosome boundaries previously mapped in this sequence, or via other spacer sequences, both previously characterized and newly described ones. Sites of telomere junctions are non-random in all the telomere-associated sequences analysed. These data obtained at the molecular level have been verified using in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes and extended DNA fibres.

Estudio anatómico aplicado a la hernioplastia endoscópica totalmente extraperitoneal / Anatomic study applied to endoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty

Objetivo. El espacio preperitoneal de la región inguinal, tal y como se observa en la cirugía endoscópica totalmente extraperitoneal (TEP), puede presentar dificultades de compresión en los cirujanos no familiarizados con esta técnica. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir a la descripción de las fascias y espacios anatómicos de la región inguinal posterior como se aprecian en la reparación endoscópica TEP, unificar y simplificar conceptos y favorecer el aprendizaje del procedimiento.Pacientes y métodos. Desde 1996 han sido intervenidos mediante procedimiento TEP 250 pacientes, en los que se han efectuado 280 reparaciones. Además de la experiencia práctica, se han analizado los vídeos de 20 intervenciones grabadas, efectuando una revisión bibliográfica y consiguiendo un consenso terminológico entre los autores.Resultados. Para operar en el espacio adecuado, la fascia transversalis debe quedar en el techo del espacio de trabajo y la fascia preperitoneal en el suelo.La fascia espermática interna es una dependencia de la fascia preperitoneal que engloba a conducto deferente y vasos espermáticos en su trayecto hacia el anillo inguinal profundo; debe abrirse en el caso de las hernias indirectas. La identificación, sencilla, de vasos epigástricos inferiores, tracto iliopúbico y ligamento de Cooper permite las necesarias referencias anatómicas para efectuar la técnica con seguridad.La creación de un gran espacio preperitoneal desperitonizado permite la ubicación de una gran malla que tapiza y rebasa suficientemente todas las áreas débiles de la región inguinocrural. Mención especial requiere la identificación de zonas de riesgo, las cuales se sitúan todas mediales al ligamento de Cooper y caudales al tracto iliopúbico.Conclusiones. Un conocimiento preciso de la anatomía de la región inguinal preperitoneal es necesario para la ejecución correcta de la reparación TEP.Lo anterior, junto con el seguimiento estricto de una serie de pasos quirúrgicos, puede contribuir a la difusión del procedimiento (AU)

Genetic analysis of incurvata mutants reveals three independent genetic operations at work in Arabidopsis leaf morphogenesis.

In an attempt to identify genes involved in the control of leaf morphogenesis, we have studied 13 Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with curled, involute leaves, a phenotype herein referred to as Incurvata (Icu), which were isolated by G. Röbbelen and belong to the Arabidopsis Information Service Form Mutants collection. The Icu phenotype was inherited as a single recessive trait in 10 mutants, with semidominance in 2 mutants and with complete dominance in the remaining 1. Complementation analyses indicated that the studied mutations correspond to five genes, representative alleles of which were mapped relative to polymorphic microsatellites. Although most double-mutant combinations displayed additivity of the Icu phenotypes, those of icu1 icu2 and icu3 icu4 double mutants were interpreted as synergistic, which suggests that the five genes studied represent three independent genetic operations that are at work for the leaf to acquire its final form at full expansion. We have shown that icu1 mutations are alleles of the Polycomb group gene CURLY LEAF (CLF) and that the leaf phenotype of the icu2 mutant is suppressed in an agamous background, as is known for clf mutants. In addition, we have tested by means of multiplex RT-PCR the transcription of several floral genes in Icu leaves. Ectopic expression of AGAMOUS and APETALA3 was observed in clf and icu2, but not in icu3, icu4, and icu5 mutants. Taken together, these results suggest that CLF and ICU2 play related roles, the latter being a candidate to belong to the Polycomb group of regulatory genes. We propose that, as flowers evolved, a new major class of genes, including CLF and ICU2, may have been recruited to prevent the expression of floral homeotic genes in the leaves.

Contribution of the outpatient surgery unit ITO the general surgery department of a district hospital.

Introduction: The creation of Outpatient Surgery (OPS) units to combine the quality of medical attention and rationalize costs allows for greater efficiency in the use of resources. Aim: To report our series of patients undergoing surgery at the OPS units integrated into our Hospital (Type II): Patients and method: Between May 1994 and March 1998, 832 outpatients, of a total of 5230, underwent surgery at our General Surgery Unit. The criteria for exclusion from the programme depended on the patient and the enviroment or resulted from the operation itself. Results: Mean patient age was 47.5 years; there were 420 males and 412 females. Surgery was performed for 229 inguinofemoral hernias, 47 umbilical-epigastric hernias, nine incisional hernias, 193 pilonidal sinuses, 156 mammary nodules, 65 varicose veins, 64 arteriovenous fistulae and 69 proctology operations. The most common anesthesia techniques performed were rachianesthesia and local anesthesia. Eight point seven percent of the patients required admission (OPS failure), the most frequent causes being excessive pain, orthostatic-syncopal hypotension, nausea and vomiting and urine retention. There was no morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: OPS is a highly efficient procedure for resolving the most common pathologies in General Surgery. The anesthesia technique was an important factor in the rate of failure.

Treatment of the abdominal wall defects in an ambulatory surgical setting: our experience.

Introduction: The creation of Outpatient Surgery (OPS) units has allowed to reduce the costs and the waiting lists in an efficient fashion. We describe our series of patients operated on for abdominal wall defects, a pathology suitable for ambulatory surgery. Patients and methods: Between May 1994 and March 1998, 206 inguinal hernias, 23 femoral hernias, 47 umbilical-epigastric hernias and nine incisional hernias were operated on in an ambulatory surgical setting. The patients were selected following the selection criteria previously established (related to the patient, the environment and the surgical procedure). The average age was 45 years, and the distribution by sex, 210 men and 75 women. Spinal anesthesia was preferently performed. The surgical techniques employed were Lichtenstein's hernioplasty and Shouldice and Bassini procedures for inguinal hernias; Lichtenstein's plug technique for femoral hernias and simple closure or preperitoneal mesh for the middle line defects. Results: 44 patients needed readmitttance to hospital (failure of OPS), the most important causes being excessive pain, urinary retention and nausea/vomiting. There was no severe morbidity nor mortality. Conclusion: Surgery for abdominal wall defects constitutes a group of procedures suitable for efficient and low risk OPS programs.

Genetic analysis of leaf form mutants from the Arabidopsis Information Service collection.

Although a vast inventory of morphological mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana is available, only some have been used for genetic studies of leaf development. Such is the case with the Arabidopsis Information Service (AIS) Form Mutants collection, assembled by A. R. Kranz and currently stored at the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, which includes a large number of mutant lines, most of which have been little studied. With the aim of contributing to the genetic dissection of leaf ontogeny, we have subjected 57 mutant lines isolated by others to genetic analysis; 47 of which were from the AIS collection. These are characterized by vegetative leaves of abnormal shape or size, and were chosen as candidates for mutations in genes required for leaf morphogenesis. The mutant phenotypes studied were shown to be inherited as single recessive Mendelian traits and were classified into 10 phenotypic classes. These mutant strains were found to fall into 37 complementation groups, 7 of which corresponded to known genes. Results of the phenotypic analysis and data on the genetic interactions of these mutants are presented, and their possible developmental defects discussed.

Protective effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on the renal failure induced by inferior vena cava occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischemia is produced during orthotopic liver transplantation when the inferior vena cava is clamped above the renal veins (inferior vena cava occlusion [IVCO]), and it often leads to postoperative renal failure. Although free radicals and nitric oxide (NO) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic renal failure, the effect of free radical scavengers in this model is unknown. METHODS: The effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a free radical scavenger, on the acute renal failure that follows IVCO were evaluated in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. The effect of NO synthesis inhibition with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME) was also studied. Renal vascular endothelial function was tested by infusing acetylcholine (Ach) into the renal artery before the ischemia and during reperfusion. RESULTS: Renal failure developed during IVCO and persisted during reperfusion in all groups. However, in NAC-pretreated dogs, the glomerular filtration rate recovered progressively, reaching 31% of basal preischemic values 150 min after reperfusion. During reperfusion, fractional excretion of sodium increased above preischemic values only in the control group, which indicates a beneficial effect of NAC and NAME on the tubular dysfunction observed during reperfusion. The renal response to Ach was abolished in control dogs and in animals given NAME during reperfusion, which indicates endothelial dysfunction. However, in NAC-pretreated dogs, the renal response to Ach was preserved during reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that NAC ameliorates the renal failure and renal endothelial dysfunction induced by IVCO. This protective effect was abolished by NAME, which suggests that NO is involved in the beneficial effects of NAC. These data also suggest that the use of NAC could be beneficial in ameliorating the acute renal failure observed after orthotopic liver transplantation.

A genetic analysis of bx bxd cis double mutants in the Drosophila Ultrabithorax gene.

The Ultrabithorax (Ubx) gene of Drosophila melanogaster includes two functionally distinguishable regions. One is the Ubx transcription unit, which gives rise by alternative splicing to a family of morphogenetic Ubx proteins (UBX). The other is its upstream bithoraxoid (bxd) region. On the basis of genetic and molecular studies, it is generally assumed that the Ubx transcription unit contains internal positively acting cis-regulatory elements controlling UBX expression in the T3a compartment of the body of Drosophila, while the bxd region contains positive cis-regulatory elements controlling UBX expression in the T3p and A1a compartments. We have performed a genetic analysis of bx bxd cis double mutant chromosomes containing one mutation (bx alleles) affecting the Ubx unit, and a second (bxd alleles) affecting the bxd region of the Ubx gene. Our study of different bx bxd/bx combinations shows that bxd alleles partially rescue the adult mutant phenotypes of bx alleles, which suggests that the bxd region contains a negative cis-regulatory element involved in the control of the activity of the Ubx gene in the T3a compartment.

Solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the pediatric skull and spine. The role of surgery.

Nine pediatric cases of solitary eosinophilic granuloma (EG) are reported. Six children harbored cranial lesions and three had spinal involvement. Plain radiographs and computed tomography scan were not always sufficient for diagnosis. Isotopic bone scan was useful to rule out multiple lesions. The authors' opinion is that surgical excision is the treatment of choice for cranial lesions, leaving radiotherapy for possible relapse. Management of EG of the spine should start with needle biopsy, followed by radiation therapy, surgery being indicated in selected patients with immediate risk of neural compression. Mean follow-up time was 4.4 years (longer than several reported series). At the time of revision all children were asymptomatic, and only one case presented a local recurrence that was managed by radiotherapy.