Haematophagous bat bites in Ecuadorian Amazon: characterisation and implications for sylvatic rabies prevention.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the risk factors of haematophagous bat bites and to provide information to contribute to the prevention of rabies in Ecuador. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study based on interviews with 3518 individuals, from which two sets of variables were generated: characteristics of haematophagous bat attacks in the previous year among humans and risk factors for being bitten. METHODS: Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models, taking history of bat bites in the previous year as the response variable. RESULTS: In the previous year 723 (20.6%, 95%CI 19.3-21.9) of the participants declared having received haematophagous bat bites and 50.4% in the previous month, giving an incidence rate of 10.4% (95%CI 9.6-11.6) per month. Sleeping on the floor or in a hammock (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.58, 95%CI 1.21-2.06), not using a protective bed net (aOR 1.25, 95%CI 1.03-1.50) and living in a dwelling with permanent openings in the structure (aOR 1.49, 95%CI 1.12-1.95) were associated with a higher probability of bat bites. Those most affected were the group aged ≤12 years (age 13-19 years, aOR 0.39, 95%CI 0.32-0.48; age ≥20 years, aOR 0.67, 95%CI 0.50-0.90). CONCLUSION: Primary prevention based on pre-exposure vaccination would be justifiable given the high dispersion of the population and the high incidence of bat bites. As a secondary protective measure, communities should work towards increasing the use of protective measures and putting barriers in permanent openings in their dwellings.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a novel meloxicam ophthalmic formulation with a reference diclofenac solution in cataract surgery.

A novel topical ophthalmic formulation of the preferential COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam has recently been developed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this novel 0.03% meloxicam solution with regard to a reference 0.1% diclofenac formulation in a prospective, parallel, randomized, multicenter, double-blind study. Two groups of patients submitted to phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were formed. Patients in one group were treated with meloxicam and those in the other group with diclofenac. Dosing was 1 drop t.i.d. for 30 days, beginning the first day after surgery, for both treatments. Inflammation was assessed by the presence of cells in the anterior chamber, anterior chamber flare, ciliary flush, photophobia and pain. Both treatments significantly reduced these indicators. Topical meloxicam and diclofenac produced a similar degree of burning sensation and conjunctival hyperemia. There was no significant difference between treatments in any of the measured parameters. It is concluded that the novel meloxicam solution is effective and safe. Meloxicam, however, did not offer any significant benefit over the diclofenac formulation in patients submitted to cataract surgery.

High-density lipoproteins are abnormal in young women with uncomplicated systemic lupus erythematosus.

Little is known about qualitative abnormalities of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We studied distribution and composition of HDL subclasses in 30 premenopausal women with uncomplicated SLE, and 18 controls matched for age and sex. Plasma and HDL lipids were determined by colorimetric enzymatic assays, HDL size distribution by native gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and apolipoproteins in HDL by sodium dodecyl sulphate denaturing PAGE. Compared with controls, SLE patients had significantly lower proportions of HDL(2b) (-14.7%) and higher proportions of HDL(3b) (+8.8%) and HDL(3c) (+23.3%). Cholesteryl ester (-18%) and apolipoprotein AI (-9%) were lower, whereas triglycerides (+32%) and apolipoprotein E (+27%) were higher in SLE HDL (P < 0.05; for all). In the whole population, stepwise regression analysis showed that only insulin concentrations (R(2) = 0.327) and plasma total apo AI (R(2) = 0.114) accounted independently to the variance in HDL size. This study shows that HDL distribution and composition are abnormal in non-complicated SLE patients. These HDL abnormalities have been reported to be associated to impaired atheroprotective properties of HDL and prevalence of coronary heart disease. Therefore, they may contribute to the premature atherosclerosis observed in young women with SLE.

Arteria umbilical única: reporte de tres casos / Single umbilical artery: report of three cases

La arteria umbilical única es la malformación más frecuente del cordón umbilical y se asocia a un aumento de las complicaciones del embarazo y del recién nacido, pesquisándose hasta un 68 por ciento de malformaciones congénitas entre las que destacan las cardiopatías. El ultrasonido con estudio de flujo doppler es un método diagnóstico sensible para el diagnóstico de arteria umbilical única. Se presentan tres casos clínicos de arteria umbilical única diagnosticados en el Servicio de Gineco-Obstetricia del Hospital San Juan de Dios, a los cuales se les realizó seguimiento desde el diagnóstico hasta el fin del embarazo. Este trabajo analiza el curso clínico de los tres casos de arteria umbilical única, revisando sus complicaciones y el resultado perinatal, además de destacar la importancia del doppler en el diagnóstico de esta patología.

Pseudoartrosis atrófica infectada y acortamiento de pierna / Atrophic infected pserdoarthrosis and leg shortening: a clinical case

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 34 años con diagnóstico de pseudoartrosis atrófica infectada y acortamiento de pierna o pseudoartrosis tipo II (Paley), como complicación de fractura expuesta grado III-B (Gustilo)debida al traumatismo de alta energía. El caso representa un desafío para el ortopedista debido a pérdida ósea (10cm), acortamiento (7 cm), infección (Staphylococcus aureus), piel atrófica (11 cirugías previas) y rigidez articular parcial (rodilla-tobillo). Se realizó tratamiento según el método de Ilizarov con tutor circular híbrido que al ser multiplanar, logra la corrección simultánea del defecto, del acortamiento y de la infección ósea, por lo que se presenta como alternativa para el tratamiento de fracturas de pierna por mecanismo de alta energía.

Tumor de ovario borderline mucinoso: a propósito de un caso clínico / Mucinous borderline ovarian tumor: a clinical case

Los tumores de ovario bordeline son neoplasias de bajo grado de malignidad, representan el 10 a 15 por ciento del total de los tumores de ovario. Suelen diagnosticarse en estadios tempranos, tienen baja probabilidad de recurrencia y buen pronóstico. Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente con diagnóstico de tumor mucinoso bordeline a partir del cual se hace una revisión destacando puntos relevantes de la patología, diagnóstico y diferentes modalidades de terapéutica.

Embarazo ectópico intersticial complicado: urgencia ginecológica / Complicated interstitial ectopic pregnancy: gynecologic emergency

Se presenta un caso de embarazo cornual complicado; se hace énfasis en el diagnóstico y manejo quirúrgico oportuno e importancia del cuadro clínico. Se describe la complicación de tromboembolismo pulmonar bilateral durante el post operatorio.

Modificación de los efectos del alcohol por la manipulación de la información acerca del contenido de la bebida en un grupo de estudiantes universitarios / Effects modification of alcohol

Es una investigación experimental acerca de la condición placebo en la modificación de los efectos del alcohol. Se realizó con una muestra de 21 estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos, los cuales fueron divididos en 3 grupos, cada uno sometido a 3 dosis diferentes de alcohol. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los tres grupos en cuanto al grado de intoxicación alcohólica; así como tampoco en cuanto a la mayoría de síntomas o efectos relacionados a la sensación de intoxicación alcohólica

Surveillance monitoring of soils for radioactivity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 1976 to 1992.

Environmental monitoring of soils at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California has been conducted for more than 20 years. The purposes of the program are to determine the effects, if any, of LLNL's operations on the surrounding areas near its two separate sites and to determine if there are any long-term trends. Data from 1976 to 1992 were analyzed to determine their appropriate statistical distribution, and differences among locations and changes with time were evaluated. The data generally followed lognormal distributions, and results for 239 + 240Pu and 137Cs data were consistent with previously reported values for world-wide fallout. Although all values for 239 + 240Pu were small, 239 + 240Pu data for locations downwind from the Livermore site were found to be statistically significantly higher than for upwind locations. Results for 238U at Site 300 locations near where 238U is used were significantly higher than background locations. Results for 137Cs and 40K were not significantly different between sites, whereas results for 232Th were significantly higher for Site 300 than for the Livermore site. Doses for all radionuclides were below acceptable levels, and doses for most radionuclides were negligible. Evaluation of trends with time yielded small or statistically insignificant changes for all radionuclides.

[Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnancy]. / Síndrome de Guillain-Barré y embarazo.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare occurrence in pregnant women. We describe the case of a 21-year old woman, seen at "Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara" with a term pregnancy, who presented with limbs weakness and paresthesias, drowsiness and malaise. Her vital signs were normal but she was quadriparetic, there was muscular atrophy in the extremities and deep tendon reflexes were decreased. Spinal fluid analysis revealed a protein of 71.2 mg/dl, glucosa 48 mg/dl and no white cells and both Gram stain and routine cultures were negative. EMG studies reported poliradiculoneuritis; a C-section was done, and both the mother and a newborn girl did very well. Guillain-Barré syndrome should be suspected in similar cases in order to offer prompt intervention.

Plastids: dynamic components of plant cell development.

The gravitropic bending of maize roots, as a response to reorientation of the root within a gravitational field, was examined for sensitivity to exogenous applications of the cytoskeletal inhibitor, cytochalasin D. Agar blocks were impregnated with this inhibitor, and were applied either to the root cap or to the zone of root cell elongation. Root growth was normal with either treatment, if the roots were not repositioned with respect to the gravitational vector. When untreated roots were placed in a horizontal position with respect to gravity, a 40 degree bending response was observed within one hour. This bending also occurred when cytochalasin D was applied at high concentrations to the zone of root cell elongation. However, when cytochalasin D above 40 micrograms/ml was applied to the root cap, roots lost the ability of directional reorientation within the gravitational field, causing a random bending.

Characterization of photosystem 1 chlorophyll a/b-binding apoprotein accumulation in developing soybean using type-specific antibodies.

The structure and supramolecular assembly of the soybean photosystem 1 (PS 1) chlorophyll a/b-binding antenna (LHC 1) was examined. We identified the subunit composition of LHC 1 in soybean and followed the accumulation of individual subunits during light-induced assembly. We observed four LHC 1 subunits, at 23, 22, 21 and 20.5 kDa, obtained partial sequence information by amino-terminal sequence analysis, and classified the 20.5, 22, and 21 kDa subunits as being encoded by type I, II, and IV chlorophyll a/b binding protein genes, respectively. Antisera against LHC 1 subunits were used to follow the accumulation of individual subunits during the light-initiated transition from etioplast to chloroplast. Several points are noteworthy. First, monospecific antibody against the 22 kDa subunit decorated a 25 kDa peptide in etiolated tissue, which declined during maturation. This decline correlated with the light-induced appearance of mature 22 kDa peptide, suggesting a precursor/product relationship. Second, the same antibody identified a 22 kDa protein in mature corn, but not a larger band in etiolated corn, suggesting that LHC 1 accumulation is regulated differently between species before the onset of chlorophyll biosynthesis. Third, the mature 22 kDa subunit appeared somewhat later than the other LHC 1 peptides during greening, implying that this subunit is less intimately associated with the PS1 core than are the subunits appearing earlier in development.

Development and use of domain-specific antibodies in a characterization of the large subunits of soybean photosystem 1.

The molecular architecture of the soybean photosystem 1 reaction center complex was examined using a combination of surface labeling and immunological methodology on isolated thylakoid membranes. Synthetic peptides (12 to 14 amino acids in length) were prepared which correspond to the N-terminal regions of the 83 and 82.4 kDa subunits of photosystem 1 (the PsaA and PsaB proteins, respectively). Similarly, a synthetic peptide was prepared corresponding to the C-terminal region of the PsaB subunit. These peptides were conjugated to a carrier protein, and were used for the production of polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. The resulting sera could distinguish between the PsaA and PsaB photosystem 1 subunits by Western blot analysis, and could identify appropriate size classes of cyanogen bromide cleavage fragments as predicted from the primary sequences of these two subunits. When soybean thylakoid membranes were surface-labeled with N-hydroxysuccinimidobiotin, several subunits of the complete photosystem 1 lipid/protein complex incorporated label. These included the light harvesting chlorophyll proteins of photosystem 1, and peptides thought to aid in the docking of ferredoxin to the complex during photosynthetic electron transport. However, the PsaA and PsaB subunits showed very little biotinylation. When these subunits were examined for the domains to which biotin did attach, most of the observed label was associated with the N-terminal domain of the PsaA subunit, as identified using a domain-specific polyclonal antisera.

Simple disturbance of the dam in the neonatal period can alter haloperidol-induced catalepsy in the adult offspring.

Three experiments were performed to determine whether apparently minimal disturbances of dams and litters would influence haloperidol-induced akinesia. In Experiment I, Long-Evans hooded rats (a) were left unmanipulated, (b) received nestcage relocation and observation, (c) received nestcage relocation/observation and maternal separation, or (d) received nestcage relocation/observation and pup handling. The male adult offspring received open-field testing and later received forepaw-on-dowel catalepsy testing following saline, morphine (20 mg/kg), or haloperidol (2 mg/kg). In Experiment II, hooded rats received (a) no manipulation, (b) nestcage relocation, (c) maternal separation, or (d) pup handling. At weaning, dams were tested in the open-field. Activity wheel locomotion of the offspring was assessed following saline or haloperidol for 3 days/week for 3 weeks; then, 5 and 7 days later, rats received haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg) and catalepsy testing. In both experiments, manipulations involving the dam reduced the offsprings' haloperidol-induced catalepsy, but, in Experiment II, a history of haloperidol administration distinguished between the effects of nestcage relocation and maternal separation. In Experiment III, Swiss albino mice received (a) no treatment, (b) nestcage relocation and maternal separation, (c) relocation/separation and mild cold stress of pups, (d) relocation/separation and pup handling, or (e) relocation/separation and severe cold stress of pups. Adult male mice received saline or haloperidol (2.5 mg/kg) and inclined grid catalepsy testing. Mice receiving relocation/separation and mice receiving relocation/separation and severe cold stress showed enhanced catalepsy versus control mice. Thus, it was concluded that seemingly innocuous events in infancy can influence the intensity of extrapyramidal side effects of neuroleptics in adulthood.