Colonic atresia: a rare entity in the newborn. A six-case report and a bibliographic review. / Atresia de colon, una entidad poco frecuente en el recién nacido. A propósito de seis casos y revisión bibliográfica.

INTRODUCTION: Colonic atresia is a rare malformation accounting for 1.8-15% of all intestinal atresias. We present a 6-case series along with a bibliographic review. CLINICAL CASE: This 6-case series consists of three female cases and three male cases diagnosed 24-84 hours following birth. They were all located in the right hemicolon. The most relevant clinical signs included abdominal distension, absence of defecation, and bilious to fecal vomit. Repairs included primary or step-by-step anastomoses for bowel transit reconstruction. One patient diagnosed at > 72 hours of life died. CONCLUSION: In our experience with colonic atresia, when primary or step-by-step intestinal recanalization (diversion for future repair) is achieved, the expected prognosis is excellent, provided that colonic atresia has been diagnosed at 24-48 hours of life.

INTRODUCCION: Las atresias de colon son malformaciones raras que comprenden alrededor de 1,8-15% de total de las atresias intestinales. Presentamos una serie de seis casos junto con una revisión bibliográfica. CASO CLINICO: Esta serie de casos incluye tres casos femeninos y tres casos masculinos que fueron diagnosticados entre 24-84 horas del nacimiento. Todas se localizaron en el hemicolon derecho. Las manifestaciones clínicas más relevantes fueron distensión abdominal, ausencia de evacuaciones, vómitos de biliosos a fecaloideos. Las correcciones incluyen anastomosis primarias o por etapas para la reconstrucción del tránsito intestinal. Se presentó una defunción en un paciente diagnosticado con > 72 horas de vida. CONCLUSION: En nuestra experiencia, en la atresia de colon, cuando se logra recanalizar el intestino de forma primaria o por etapas (derivación para la futura corrección), se espera excelente pronóstico, siempre que sea diagnosticada entre las 24 a 48 horas de vida.

Atresia de colon, una entidad poco frecuente en el recién nacido. A propósito de seis casos y revisión bibliográfica / Colonic atresia: a rare entity in the newborn. A 6-case report and a bibliographic review

Introducción: Las atresias de colon son malformaciones raras quecomprenden alrededor de 1,8-15% de total de las atresias intestinales.Presentamos una serie de seis casos junto con una revisión bibliográfica. Caso clínico: Esta serie de casos incluye tres casos femeninos ytres casos masculinos que fueron diagnosticados entre 24-84 horas delnacimiento. Todas se localizaron en el hemicolon derecho. Las manifestaciones clínicas más relevantes fueron distensión abdominal, ausencia de evacuaciones, vómitos de biliosos a fecaloideos. Las correccionesincluyen anastomosis primarias o por etapas para la reconstrucción deltránsito intestinal. Se presentó una defunción en un paciente diagnosticado con > 72 horas de vida. Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia, en la atresia de colon, cuandose logra recanalizar el intestino de forma primaria o por etapas (deriva-ción para la futura corrección), se espera excelente pronóstico, siempreque sea diagnosticada entre las 24 a 48 horas de vida.(AU)

Introduction: Colonic atresia is a rare malformation accountingfor 1.8-15% of all intestinal atresias. We present a 6-case series alongwith a bibliographic review.Clinical case: This 6-case series consists of three female cases andthree male cases diagnosed 24-84 hours following birth. They were alllocated in the right hemicolon. The most relevant clinical signs includedabdominal distension, absence of defecation, and bilious to fecal vomit.Repairs included primary or step-by-step anastomoses for bowel transitreconstruction. One patient diagnosed at > 72 hours of life died.Conclusion: In our experience with colonic atresia, when primaryor step-by-step intestinal recanalization (diversion for future repair) isachieved, the expected prognosis is excellent, provided that colonicatresia has been diagnosed at 24-48 hours of life.(AU)

Debut de adenocarcinoma de próstata en adenopatía cervical metastásica: reporte de caso clínico / Debut of prostate adenocarcinoma in metastasic cervical adenopathy: clinical case report

INTRODUCTION: Prostatic carcinoma is a tumor that occurs mainly in men older than 50 years. More than 95% correspond to adenocarcinomas and their degree of tumor differentiation is related to metastasis and death. Becausemetastasis to cervical lymphatics is infrequent and with worse survival, a clinical case will be presented. Clinical case: A 62-year-old man, in whom late prostate cancer was later, investigated after multiple imaging studies, biopsies and immunohistochemistry. Discussion: The diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma can be precociously investigated by a simple Rectal Touch coupled with specific Prostate Antigen (PSA), performed in primary care, especially in men with ages close to the fifth decade of life.

Experiences with rotavirus vaccines: can we improve rotavirus vaccine impact in developing countries?

Rotavirus vaccines have been introduced into over 95 countries globally and demonstrate substantial impact in reducing diarrheal mortality and diarrheal hospitalizations in young children. The vaccines are also considered by WHO as "very cost effective" interventions for young children, particularly in countries with high diarrheal disease burden. Yet the full potential impact of rotavirus immunization is yet to be realized. Large countries with big birth cohorts and where disease burden is high in Africa and Asia have not yet implemented rotavirus vaccines at all or at scale. Significant advances have been made demonstrating the impact of the vaccines in low- and lower-middle income countries, yet the modest effectiveness of the vaccines in these settings is challenging. Current research highlights these challenges and considers alternative strategies to overcome them, including alternative immunization schedules and host factors that may inform us of new opportunities.

Conocimiento e investigación sobre la autonomía profesional en enfermería. Revisión narrativa / Knowledge and research about nursing professional autonomy. Narrative review / Conhecimento e pesquisa sobre autonomia profissional em enfermagem. Revisão narrativa

Introducción: Enfermería como disciplina se encuentra en un momento trascendental a la luz de los desarrollos científicos que están en espera de ser incorporados en el cuidado y que necesitan enfermeros autónomos en su práctica profesional, por lo cual en el presente trabajo se realizó una revisión narrativa del concepto de autonomía. Objetivo: Describir el concepto, medición e investigaciones sobre la autonomía profesional en estudiantes de enfermería. Desarrollo: La autonomía profesional ha acompañado la evolución de la enfermería; ha pasado por momentos de invisibilidad hasta ser parte de la definición de la profesión y su práctica. Por lo anterior, la medición de este constructo ha cobrado gran importancia, identificándose tres categorías, en primer lugar se encuentran los instrumentos que buscan explorar la actitud de la enfermera y las características de los pacientes, en segundo lugar, los que fijan su perspectiva desde el desempeño laboral de la enfermera y por último se destacan aquellos que hacen una diferenciación de la medición según características como sexo y experticia; estos instrumentos han sido empleados en estudios principalmente transversales que han establecido comparaciones con otras profesiones. Conclusiones: Dada la importancia del concepto de autonomía y su escasa descripción, medición y evaluación como constructo de la identidad profesional en enfermería, así como la escasez de trabajos publicados en español; se identificó la necesidad de realizar investigaciones con instrumentos válidos, en diseños longitudinales que establezcan los factores asociados al desarrollo de la autonomía profesional y contribuyan al fortalecimiento de esta característica en el personal de enfermería.

Introduction: The discipline of Nursing is situated in a transcendental moment because, among other, the scientific developments which are being incorporated into the healthcare process are to be utilized by autonomous nurses. Thus, this study is aimed at narratively reviewing the concept of autonomy. Objective: To describe the concept, measurement, and related research, regarding professional autonomy among nursing students. Development: Professional autonomy has accompanied the evolution of nursing from, at some points being invisible, to now being an explicit part of the profession's definition and practice. Because of this, the construct's measurement has become more important. Three types of instruments have been suggested: those with a focus in the exploration of attitudes of nurses and patients; those with a perspective towards the nurses' performance; and those based on specific characteristics such as sex and expertise. These instruments have been mainly used in transversal studies for comparisons. Conclusions: Given the importance of the concept, considering the scant information related to the description, measurement, and assessment as a nursing professional identity construct, and also considering the scant Spanish-published related studies, a need was identified to do research with longitudinal designs and validated instruments which can reveal the factors associated with the development and strengthening of professional autonomy in nursing personnel.

Introdução: A enfermagem como disciplina encontra-se em um momento transcendental à luz dos desenvolvimentos científicos que estão na espera de ser incorporados no cuidado, e que necessitam enfermeiros autônomos em sua prática profissional, pelo qual no presente trabalho realizou-se uma revisão narrativa do conceito de autonomia. Objetivo: Descobrir o conceito, medição e pesquisas sobre a autonomia profissional em estudantes de enfermagem. Desenvolvimento: A autonomia profissional tem acompanhado a evolução da enfermagem; tem passado por momentos de invisibilidade até ser parte da definição da profissão e sua prática. Portanto, a medição deste construto cobrou grande importância, identificando-se três categorias, em primeiro lugar encontram-se os instrumentos que buscam explorar a atitude da enfermeira e as características dos pacientes, em segundo lugar, os que fixam sua perspectiva desde o desempenho laboral da enfermeira e por último destacam-se aqueles que fazem uma diferenciação da medição segundo características como sexo e expertise; estes instrumentos têm sido empregados em estudos principalmente transversais que estabeleceram comparações com outras profissões. Conclusões: Dada a importância do conceito de autonomia e sua escassa descrição, medição e avaliação como constructo da identidade profissional em enfermagem, assim como a escassez de trabalhos publicados em espanhol; identificou-se a necessidade de realizar pesquisas com instrumentos válidos, em desenhos longitudinais que estabeleçam os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento da autonomia profissional e contribuam no reforço desta característica no pessoal de enfermagem.

Circulating autoantibodies against the NR2 peptide of the NMDA receptor are associated with subclinical brain damage in hypertensive patients with other pre-existing conditions for vascular risk.

Arterial hypertension (HT) and other vascular pre-existing conditions (PEC) generate asymptomatic brain damage which increases the occurrence of stroke and cognitive decline. The aim of this work was to explore if serum antibodies against the NR2 subunit of the NMDA receptor (NR2Ab) could predict subclinical brain damage (SBD) in hypertensive patients with PEC. Forty seven neurologically asymptomatic hypertensive subjects were classified according to the number of PEC (retinopathy, overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia). NR2A/B Ab were measured in serum employing an ELISA method. 3.0-T Brain MRI imaging was performed, and visual ratings of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and counts of dilated Virchow-Robin spaces (DVRS) and lacunes were obtained. Brain atrophy was evaluated with cortical thickness measurements and linear measures. Higher levels of NR2Ab were associated with more severe periventricular WMH (PWMH), more DVRS and more severe SBD; while greater frontal interhemispheric fissure width (IHFW), as a linear measure of frontal atrophy, was inversely related with NR2Ab. Overall and regional cortical thickness were not significantly associated with NR2 Ab. A multivariate analyses showed that IHFW and PWMH were the only variables independently associated with serum NR2Ab concentration. ROC analysis revealed that NR2Ab (cutoff: 1.7ng/ml) predicted PWMH with a sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 87% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum NR2Ab levels may reflect SBD in HT subjects with PEC, especially in younger populations at risk, where age-related cortical atrophy has not yet been fully established.

The novel arsenical Darinaparsin circumvents BRG1-dependent, HO-1-mediated cytoprotection in leukemic cells.

Darinaparsin (Dar) is a more potent cytotoxic arsenical than arsenic trioxide (ATO). We hypothesized that the increased cytotoxicity of Dar may be because of a decreased cytoprotective response. We observed that, unlike ATO, Dar does not induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), even though it induces expression of other nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2)-dependent detoxifying enzymes to a greater extent than ATO, in both cancer cell lines and patient-derived leukemic cells. This strengthens the emerging evidence, showing that response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is stimuli specific. Dar treatment prevents recruitment of the transcriptional coregulator Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) to the HMOX1 promoter, which is required for HMOX1 expression. The inability of Dar to induce HO-1 correlates with arrest in G2/M cell cycle phase and BRG1 phosphorylation. Inhibition of HO-1 increases the toxicity of ATO, but has no effect on Dar-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, the lack of HO-1 induction is involved in Dar's enhanced antileukemic properties. Our data highlight cytoprotective responses mediated by HO-1 and BRG1 as a novel target for enhancing the therapeutic range of arsenicals.

Evaluación de la proliferación de células madres mesenquimales estimuladas con diferentes intensidades de ultrasonido de baja intensidad / Evaluation of mesenchymal stem cell proliferation using different low intensity pulsed ultrasound intensities

Las células madres mesenquimales (CMM) pueden ser afectadas en su capacidad de proliferar in vitro bajo estimulación física o bioquímica, siendo esta una capacidad esencial para un adecuado cultivo celular. Un método de estimulación física que ha demostrado ser eficiente en este sentido es el Ultrasonido pulsátil de baja intensidad (USBI), aplicado en intensidades iguales o inferiores a 100 mW/cm2, habitualmente entre 30 y 50 mW/cm2. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el nivel de intensidad de ultrasonido pulsátil de baja intensidad óptimo entre 30 y 50 mW/cm2 para estimular la proliferación de CMM de médula ósea de ratas Sprague Dawley, in vitro. CMM (1x106cls/kg) de medula ósea de rata Sprague-Dawley fueron cultivadas (alfa-MEM, 20 por ciento FBS y 1 por ciento antibiotico) y estimuladas con USBI (0,02 milisegundos), por 20 minutos dos veces al día por 10 días con intensidades de 0, 30 y 50 mW/cm2 (grupos A [control], B, C respectivamente). Se contabilizó el número de células en el cultivo y se evaluó morfología celular en microscopio óptico. Se utilizaron tests de ANOVA on Ranks y Bonferroni. Los cultivos estimulados con USBI presentaron mayores recuentos celulares, y se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos A y C (p<0,05). Se observaron diferencias morfológicas entre células de grupos estimulados con USBI y el control. La estimulación de las CMM en cultivos bidimensionales con USBI influencia cambios en la morfología celular y se concluye que 50mW/cm2 es la intensidad óptima dentro de las evaluadas para producir aumento en la proliferación celular (p<0.05).

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be affected in their capabilities to proliferate in vitro under physical and/or biochemical stimulation. The aim of this study was to select an optimal intensity level for low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation of Sprague-Dawley bone marrow MSCs proliferation in vitro. Bone marrow MSCs of Sprague-Dawley rats where cultured (a-MEM, 20 percent FBS and 1 percent antibiotic) and stimulated with LIPUS (0,02 milisec), for 20 minutes twice daily for 10 days, at intensities of 0 (control), 30 and 50mW/cm2 (groups A, B, C). Cellular count and morphological evaluation were performed. ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were performed. LIPUS-stimulated cultures displayed greater cellular counts, and significant differences were observed between groups A and C (p<0,05). Morphological differences were observed between cells from LIPUS-stimulated and control groups. An intensity of 50mW/cm2 elicits increased cellular proliferation (p<0.05). Stimulation of MSCs cultures with LIPUS influences cellular morphology.

Claudin-2 is selectively enriched in and promotes the formation of breast cancer liver metastases through engagement of integrin complexes.

The liver represents the third most frequent site of metastasis in patients with breast cancer. We performed in vivo selection using 4T1 breast cancer cells to identify genes associated with the liver metastatic phenotype. Coincident with the loss of numerous tight-junctional proteins, we observe claudin-2 overexpression, specifically in liver-aggressive breast cancer cells. We further demonstrate that claudin-2 is both necessary and sufficient for the ability of 4T1 breast cancer cells to colonize and grow in the liver. The liver-aggressive breast cancer cells display a claudin-2-mediated increase in their ability to adhere to extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as fibronectin and type IV collagen. Claudin-2 facilitates these cell/matrix interactions by increasing the cell surface expression of α(2)ß(1)- and α(5)ß(1)-integrin complexes in breast cancer cells. Indeed, claudin-2-mediated adhesion to fibronectin and type IV collagen can be blocked with neutralizing antibodies that target α(5)ß(1) and α(2)ß(1) complexes, respectively. Immunohistochemical analyses reveal that claudin-2, although weakly expressed in primary human breast cancers, is readily detected in all liver metastasis samples examined to date. Together, these results uncover novel roles for claudin-2 in promoting breast cancer adhesion to the ECM and define its importance during breast cancer metastasis to the liver.

[Validation of equations to assess body composition using anthropometric data in Chilean preschool children]. / Validación de ecuaciones antropométricas para evaluar composición corporal en niños preescolares chilenos.

BACKGROUND: Validated equations to measure body composition in Chilean preschool children are lacking, since the only international equation available was developed in obese, and undernourished Caucasian children. Due to the increase in overweight and obesity in Chile, it is essential to have simple and reliable instruments to assess children. AIM: To design and validate anthropometric equations to estimate body fat (BF) and total body water (TBW) to be applicable in children aged 3 to 5 years, using deuterated water dilution as a reference method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Weight, height, circumferences and skinfold thickness were evaluated in 238 children aged 3 to 5 years, attending Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles (JUNJI). Several equations were developed using multiple regression models to estimate body water and fat. The proposed equations were validated against a sample of 77 children previously evaluated, using Bland and Alunan agreement analysis, that compares average differences of both methods with the average of predicted and estimated values. RESULTS: New equations for TBW and BF were obtained, accounting for 86% and 72% in estimated variability. The agreement analysis showed a mean difference 0.001 +/- 0.32 and 0.07 +/- 0.56 kg, for TBW and BF, respectively, confirming the validity of the equations. CONCLUSIONS: The new validated equations in Chilean children aged 3 to 5 years, have an adequate and predictive capacity, especially useful for evaluating TBW and BF change in cohorts.

A novel arsenical has antitumor activity toward As2O3-resistant and MRP1/ABCC1-overexpressing cell lines.

Inorganic arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) is a highly effective treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, other cancers do not respond well to this form of arsenic at clinically achievable doses. We tested a novel arsenical, S-dimethylarsino-glutathione (darinaparsin) for efficacy in various malignancies in vitro. Darinaparsin is significantly more potent than As(2)O(3) at mediating apoptosis in various malignant cell lines and is highly active against APL cells derived for As(2)O(3) resistance. We provide evidence that darinaparsin triggers apoptosis by inducing signaling pathways that do not completely overlap with As(2)O(3). We show that darinaparsin induces apoptosis and oxidative stress to a greater extent than As(2)O(3), although like As(2)O(3), darinaparsin-induced toxicity is c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase-dependent. However, darinaparsin does not induce promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML/RAR alpha) degradation or rearrange PML nuclear bodies in APL cells, nor is its toxicity increased by glutathione depletion. Darinaparsin treatment results in higher intracellular arsenic accumulation when compared to As(2)O(3) treatment. This may be explained by our finding that As(2)O(3), but not darinaparsin, is efficiently exported by ABCC1, suggesting increased therapeutic efficacy of darinaparsin in ABCC1-overexpressing tumors. Our studies indicate that darinaparsin efficiently kills tumor cells with increased antioxidant capacity and drug exporters and suggest that darinaparsin may have a broader therapeutic spectrum than As(2)O(3).

Validación de ecuaciones antropométricas para evaluar composición corporal en niños preescolares chilenos / Validation of equations to assess body composition using anthropometric data in Chilean preschool children

Background: Validated equations to measure body composition in Chilean preschool children are lacking, since the only international equation available was developed in obese, and undernourished Caucasian children. Due to the increase in overweight and obesity in Chile, it is essential to have simple and reliable instruments to assess children. Aim: To design and validate anthropometric equations to estimate body fat (BF) and total body water (TBW) to be applicable in children aged 3 to 5 years, using deuterated water dilution as a reference method. Materials and Methods: Weight, height, circumferences and skinfold thickness were evaluated in 238 children aged 3 to 5 years, attending Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles (JUNJI). Several equations were developed using multiple regression models to estimate body water and fat. The proposed equations were validated against a sample of 77 children previously evaluated, using Bland and Alunan agreement analysis, that compares average differences of both methods with the average of predicted and estimated values. Results: New equations for TBW and BF were obtained, accounting for 86 percent and 72 percent in estimated variability. The agreement analysis showed a mean difference 0.001 ± 0.32 and 0.07 ± 0.56 kg, for TBW and BF, respectively, confirming the validity of the equations. Conclusions: The new validated equations in Chilean children aged 3 to 5 years, have an adequate and predictive capacity, especially useful for evaluating TBW and BF change in cohorts.

Hiperinmunización de ovinos contra veneno de Bothrops asper del estado Zulia Venezuela: estudio preliminar / Hyperimmunization of ovines against Bothrops asper venom from the Zulia state Venezuela: preliminary study

Un grupo de cuatro ovinos sanos se inmunizó con veneno de Bothrops asper, para estudiar el desarrollo de la respuesta inmune, inducida por la aplicación de un esquema de hiperinmunización. Se tomaron muestras de sangre cada siete días en nueve oportunidades, con el suero obtenido se realizaron pruebas de neutralización en ratones. Se determinó la DE 50, la cual se expresó en µg de veneno neutralizado por ml de suero. Simultáneamente se observaron las condiciones generales de los ovinos durante el esquema de hiperinmunización, no presentándose alteraciones generales ni locales como consecuencia de la inoculación del veneno. En los resultados se observaron variaciones individuales en la magnitud de la elevación del título de anticuerpos y rasgos comunes en el comportamiento de las curvas desarrolladas. El título promedio óptimo (705,5 µg/ml), fue obtenido el día 21 posterior a la primera inoculación. Para ese momento, el ovino con título más alto fue de 840µg/ml y el más bajo, de 593 µg/ml. El promedio más bajo (308 µg/ml) fue observado el día 56. Se recomienda que los animales que serán utilizados en la producción comercial de antiveneno sean evaluados individualmente y seleccionados con base a una respuesta inmune satisfactoria.

A group of four (4) healthy male sheep were immunized with Bothrops asper venom, in order to study the development of the immune response induced by the application of a hiperimmunization protocol. Blood samples were taken from the sheep every seven days in nine different opportunities. With the resultant serum, neutralization tests were done in mice. ED50 was calculated and expressed in µg of neutralized venom per ml of serum, at the same time, general health conditions of sheep were observed during the hiperimmunization protocol. No general or local alterations of health were present as consequence of venom inoculations. Individual variations in the magnitude of the increase of antibody titles were observed in the obtained results. None the less common features in the antibody title curves were also recorded. The mean optimal average (705,5 µg/ml) was obtained on day 21 after the first challenge. At that time, the individual sheep with the highest value was 840 µg/ml and the lowest was 593 µg/ml; the lowest average of all samples (308 µg/ml ) was observed on day 56. It is recommend that animals to be used in the commercial venom antiserum production need to be individually screened and selected based on a satisfactory immune response.

Trolox enhances the anti-lymphoma effects of arsenic trioxide, while protecting against liver toxicity.

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is an effective therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), but its use in other malignancies is limited by the higher concentrations required to induce apoptosis. We have reported that trolox, an analogue of alpha-tocopherol, increases As2O3-mediated apoptosis in a variety of APL, myeloma and breast cancer cell lines, while non-malignant cells may be protected. In the present study, we extended previous results to show that trolox increases As2O3-mediated apoptosis in the P388 lymphoma cell line in vitro, as evidenced by decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c. We then sought to determine whether this combination can enhance antitumor effects while protecting normal cells in vivo. In BDF1 mice, trolox treatment decreased As2O3-induced hepatomegaly, markers of oxidative stress and hepatocellular damage. In P388 tumor-bearing mice, As2O3 treatment prolonged survival, and the addition of trolox provided a further significant increase in lifespan. In addition, the combination of As2O3 and trolox inhibited metastatic spread, and protected the tumor-bearing mice from As2O3 liver toxicity. Our results suggest, for the first time, that trolox might prevent some of the clinical manifestations of As2O3-related toxicity while increasing its pro-apoptotic capacity and clinical efficacy in hematological malignancies.

Design of metabolic engineering strategies for maximizing L-(-)-carnitine production by Escherichia coli. Integration of the metabolic and bioreactor levels.

In this work metabolic engineering strategies for maximizing L-(-)-carnitine production by Escherichia coli based on the Biochemical System Theory and the Indirect Optimization Method are presented. The model integrates the metabolic and the bioreactor levels using power-law formalism. Based on the S-system model, the Indirect Optimization Method was applied, leading to profiles of parameter values that are compatible with both the physiology of the cells and the bioreactor system operating conditions. This guarantees their viability and fitness and yields higher rates of L-(-)-carnitine production. Experimental results using a high cell density reactor were compared with optimized predictions from the Indirect Optimization Method. When two parameters (the dilution rate and the initial crotonobetaine concentration) were directly changed in the real experimental system to the prescribed optimum values, the system showed better performance in L-(-)-carnitine production (74% increase in production rate), in close agreement with the model's predictions. The model shows control points at macroscopic (reactor operation) and microscopic (molecular) levels where conversion and productivity can be increased. In accordance with the optimized solution, the next logical step to improve the L-(-)-carnitine production rate will involve metabolic engineering of the E. coli strain by overexpressing the carnitine transferase, CaiB, activity and the protein carrier, CaiT, responsible for substrate and product transport in and out of the cell. By this means it is predicted production may be enhanced by up to three times the original value.

Nuevos reportes de copepodos del género mesocyclops Crustacea Copepoda para Cuba

Se presentan nuevos registros de copépodos ciclopodos del género Mesocyclops de Cuba. en los trópicos, varias especies de Mesocyclops prometen ser agentes de control biológico para las larvas de mosquitos vectores de enfermedades. Mesocyclops aspericornis es considerado pan tropical, pero no se había registrado anteriormente aquí. Mesocyclops reidas, ahora encontrado en nueva localidad, fue previamente reportado en Cuba bajo el nombre M. Ellipticus. Resumos los aspectos relacionados con la historia taxonómica, distribución geográfica y biología de estas dos especies[AU]

Evaluación de Eucyclops speratus (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) como una nueva alternativa para el control biológico de larvas de mosquitos en Cuba

Se muestran los resultados obtenidos en dos experimentos de depredación del copépodo cyclópido Eucyclops speratus, sobre larvas del mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus desarrollados en 24 horas. En el primero, dirigido a valorar la densodependencia del depredador sobre las larvas, se varió la densidad de copépodos (5, 10, 15, 20 y 25 animales por recipiente de 1000 ml), manteniéndose fija la de larvas (120); cada situación contó con 10 réplicas. La media de las larvas depredadas muestra una fuerte dependencia de la densidad del depredador, obteniéndose diferencias significativas en todos los casos. En el segundo experimento, dirigido a valorar la influencia de la densidad de las larvas sobre la eficiencia del depredador, se varió la cantidad de larvas en los frascos (40, 60, 80, 100, 120 y 150 por frascos de 1000 ml, con 10 réplicas en cada situación), manteniéndose siempre una misma cantidad de copépodos (10). Se determinó que la media de larvas depredadas en los dos primeros casos difiere significativamente entre sí y con el resto de los tratamientos, pero no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las larvas depredadas cuando estas fueron 80, 100, 120 y 150 por litro. Se concluye que Eucyclops speratus, un copépodo común de la fauna dulceacuícola cubana, incrementa la eficiencia de depredación con su densidad, al menos con valores menores a 25 animales / litro, y que la eficiencia de depredación aumenta hasta una relación de 1 copépodo / 7 larvas; cuando la proporción de larvas supera esta proporción, la depredación no experimenta aumentos significativos.

Actinomicosis ginecológica / Gynecological actinomycosis

La actinomicosis es una enfermedad infecciosa que puede ser grave, dejar secuelas y producir mortalidad. Se presenta una serie de 22 casos diagnosticados por biopsia entre 1979-1998. La edad promedio fue de 39,3 años; número de partos de 3,2 por paciente; 18 (81,2 por ciento) usaban DIU (la mayoría Lippes) por un tiempo variable de 2 a 28 años (media 10,4 años) y el 61 por ciento de las pacientes por más de 5 años. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fue dolor abdominal (64 por ciento) y el tiempo que demoró el diagnóstico fue variable de semanas a años. Dieciocho pacientes recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico (82 por ciento), de ellas a solo 6 se les trató además con antibióticos. Como consecuencia de la enfermedad 4 de 9 pacientes en edad fértil quedaron con infertilidad y un caso resultó fatal. Por lo anterior se sugiere que a pacientes usuarias de DIU y con Pap positivos para actinomicosis se les debe retirar el dispositivo. El tratamiento quirúrgico se considera especialmente para resección de abscesos tuboováricos, drenajes y tratamiento de complicaciones obstructivas y debe ser seguido de antibiótico por tiempo prolongado a fin de evitar las complicaciones graves de la enfermedad. Debido a que el diagnóstico se basa en el hallazgo de los gránulos de azufre en el estudio de la pieza quirúrgica y la confirmación histológica de las colonias bacterianas, se sugiere un muestreo amplio de los especímenes para estudio microscópico.

Displasia toracica asfixiante o sindrome de jeune

La displasia torácica asfixiante es una displasia esquelética de muy baja frecuencia, de transmisión autonómica recesiva y potencialmente letal. Clínicamente tiene una amplia variedad de manifestaciones; clásicamente se presenta con un tórax estrecho, hipoplasia pulmonar secundaria, rizomelia, anormalidades pélvicas y renales. El compromiso pulmonar es variable y puede ser letal. El diagnóstico puede sospecharse prenatalmente con el estudio ultrasonográfico al medir la circunferencia torácica y de la jaula costal y estudiar su relación entre sí y con la circunferencia abdominal. Además ayuda al diagnóstico el acortamiento de los huesos largos. En este artículo presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente cuyo diagnóstico fue postnatal y una revisión del tema.