Metastable states in the Ising model with Glauber-Kawasaki competing dynamics.

Metastable states are identified in the Ising model with competition between the Glauber and Kawasaki dynamics. The model of interaction between magnetic moments was implemented on a network where the degree distribution follows a power law of the form P(k)∼k^{-α}. The evolution toward the stationary state occurred through the competition between two dynamics, driving the system out of equilibrium. In this competition, with probability q, the system was simulated in contact with a heat bath at temperature T by the Glauber dynamics, while with probability 1-q, the system experienced an external energy influx governed by the Kawasaki dynamics. The phase diagrams of T as a function of q were obtained, which are dependent on the initial state of the system, and exhibit first- and second-order phase transitions. In all diagrams, for intermediate values of T, the phenomenon of self-organization between the ordered phases was observed. In the regions of second-order phase transitions, we obtained the critical exponents of the order parameter ß, susceptibility γ, and correlation length ν. Furthermore, in the regions of first-order phase transitions, we have demonstrated the instability due to transitions between ordered phases through hysteresislike curves of the order parameter, in addition to the existence of absorbing states. We also estimated the value of tricritical points when the discontinuity in the order parameter in the phase transitions was no longer observed.

S-Nitrosylation in endothelial cells contributes to tumor cell adhesion and extravasation during breast cancer metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide is produced by different nitric oxide synthases isoforms. NO activates two signaling pathways, one dependent on soluble guanylate cyclase and protein kinase G, and other where NO post-translationally modifies proteins through S-nitrosylation, which is the modification induced by NO in free-thiol cysteines in proteins to form S-nitrosothiols. High levels of NO have been detected in blood of breast cancer patients and increased NOS activity has been detected in invasive breast tumors compared to benign or normal breast tissue, suggesting a positive correlation between NO biosynthesis, degree of malignancy and metastasis. During metastasis, the endothelium plays a key role allowing the adhesion of tumor cells, which is the first step in the extravasation process leading to metastasis. This step shares similarities with leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium, and it is plausible that it may also share some regulatory elements. The vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressed on the endothelial cell surface promotes interactions between the endothelium and tumor cells, as well as leukocytes. Data show that breast tumor cells adhere to areas in the vasculature where NO production is increased, however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. RESULTS: We report that the stimulation of endothelial cells with interleukin-8, and conditioned medium from breast tumor cells activates the S-nitrosylation pathway in the endothelium to induce leukocyte adhesion and tumor cell extravasation by a mechanism that involves an increased VCAM-1 cell surface expression in endothelial cells. We identified VCAM-1 as an S-nitrosylation target during this process. The inhibition of NO signaling and S-nitrosylation blocked the transmigration of tumor cells through endothelial monolayers. Using an in vivo model, the number of lung metastases was inhibited in the presence of the S-nitrosylation inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which was correlated with lower levels of S-nitrosylated VCAM-1 in the metastases. CONCLUSIONS: S-Nitrosylation in the endothelium activates pathways that enhance VCAM-1 surface localization to promote binding of leukocytes and extravasation of tumor cells leading to metastasis. NAC is positioned as an important tool that might be tested as a co-therapy against breast cancer metastasis.

Comparison of the timed inspiratory effort index with the T-piece trial as a decision-making tool for extubation: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.

The "timed inspiratory effort" (TIE) index, a new predictor of weaning outcome, normalizes the maximal inspiratory pressure with the time required to reach this value up to 60 s, incorporating the time domain into the assessment of inspiratory muscle function. The objective of this study was to determine whether the TIE predicts successful extubation at a similar rate as the T-piece trial with less time required. A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was performed with ICU subjects eligible for weaning. The participants were allocated to the TIE or the T-piece groups. The primary outcome was successful weaning, and the main secondary outcome was ICU mortality. Eighty participants of each group were included in the final analysis. Time from the start of a successful test to effective extubation was significantly lower in the TIE group than in the T-piece group, 15 (10 to 24) vs 55 (40 to 75) min, P<0.001. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, no significant differences were found in successful weaning (79.5 vs 82.5%, P=0.268) or survival rate (62.9 vs 53.8%, P=0.210) between the TIE and T-piece groups at the 30th day. In this preliminary study, the TIE index was not inferior to the T-piece trial as a decision-making tool for extubation and allowed a reduction in the decision time.

Nonequilibrium Ising model on a two-dimensional additive small-world network.

In this work, we have studied the Ising model with one- and two-spin flip competing dynamics on a two-dimensional additive small-world network (A-SWN). The system model consists of an L×L square lattice where each site of the lattice is occupied by a spin variable that interacts with the nearest-neighbor spins and it has a certain probability p of being additionally connected at random to one of its farther neighbors. The dynamics present in the system can be defined by the probability q of being in contact with a heat bath at a given temperature T and, at the same time, with a probability of (1-q) the system is subjected to an external flux of energy into the system. The contact with the heat bath is simulated by one-spin flip according to the Metropolis prescription, while the input of energy is mimicked by the two-spin flip process, involving a simultaneous flipping of a pair of neighboring spins. We have employed Monte Carlo simulations to obtain the thermodynamic quantities of the system, such as the total m_{L}^{F} and staggered m_{L}^{AF} magnetizations per spin, the susceptibility χ_{L}, and the reduced fourth-order Binder cumulant U_{L}. We have built the phase diagram for the stationary states of the model in the plane T versus q, showing the existence of two continuous transition lines for each value of p: one line between the ferromagnetic F and paramagnetic P phases and the other line between the P and antiferromagnetic AF phases. Therefore, we have shown that the phase diagram topology changes when p increases. Using the finite-size scaling analysis, we also obtained the critical exponents for the system, where, varying the parameter p, we have observed a different universality class from the Ising model in the regular square lattice to the A-SWN.

Neotropical sisterhood: new species of Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) infecting Rhamdia guatemalensis and Rhamdia laticauda (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) in Mexico.

We describe two new species of monogenean parasites of the genus Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 infecting Neotropical catfishes (Siluriformes) in southern Mexico: Gyrodactylus chulini n. sp. from 'chulín', Rhamdia laticauda collected in Oaxaca; and Gyrodactylus juili n. sp. from 'juil', Rhamdia guatemalensis from Veracruz. Morphologically, both new taxa are similar to Gyrodactylus spp. infecting catfishes (Siluriformes) in South America. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA), the D2+D3 domains of the large ribosomal subunit (28S rDNA) and the cytochrome oxidase II (COII) gene were obtained from multiple parasite specimens and analysed using Bayesian inference. Phylogenetic hypotheses using ITS rDNA and COII genes, recovered two new Gyrodactylus species from Rhamdia spp.: G. chulini n. sp.; and Gyrodactylus juili n. sp., which are sister species to Gyrodactylus lilianae, a parasite of Rhamdia quelen in Brazil, and show strong affinity to other gyrodactytlids infecting Neotropical catfishes. This suggests that these new taxa, the first gyrodactylids described from Rhamdia spp. in Mexico, co-migrated to Tropical Middle America with their Neotropical catfish hosts, after the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama.

Comparison of the timed inspiratory effort index with the T-piece trial as a decision-making tool for extubation: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

The "timed inspiratory effort" (TIE) index, a new predictor of weaning outcome, normalizes the maximal inspiratory pressure with the time required to reach this value up to 60 s, incorporating the time domain into the assessment of inspiratory muscle function. The objective of this study was to determine whether the TIE predicts successful extubation at a similar rate as the T-piece trial with less time required. A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was performed with ICU subjects eligible for weaning. The participants were allocated to the TIE or the T-piece groups. The primary outcome was successful weaning, and the main secondary outcome was ICU mortality. Eighty participants of each group were included in the final analysis. Time from the start of a successful test to effective extubation was significantly lower in the TIE group than in the T-piece group, 15 (10 to 24) vs 55 (40 to 75) min, P<0.001. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, no significant differences were found in successful weaning (79.5 vs 82.5%, P=0.268) or survival rate (62.9 vs 53.8%, P=0.210) between the TIE and T-piece groups at the 30th day. In this preliminary study, the TIE index was not inferior to the T-piece trial as a decision-making tool for extubation and allowed a reduction in the decision time.

The Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences-Positive scale (CAPE-P15) accurately classifies and differentiates psychotic experience levels in adolescents from the general population.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in studying psychotic symptoms in non-clinical populations, with the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences-Positive scale (CAPE-P15) being one of the self-screening questionnaires used most commonly for this purpose. Further research is needed to evaluate the ability of the scale to accurately identify and classify positive psychotic experiences (PE) in the general population. AIM: To provide psychometric evidence about the accuracy of the CAPE-P15 for detecting PE in a sample of Chilean adolescents from the general population and classifying them according to their PE severity levels. METHOD: We administered the CAPE-P15 to a general sample of 1594 students aged 12 to 19. Based on Item Response Theory (IRT), we tested the accuracy of the instrument using two main parameters: difficulty and discrimination power of the 15 items. RESULTS: We found that the scale provides very accurate information about PE, particularly for high PE levels. The items with the highest capability to determine the presence of the latent trait were those assessing perceptual anomalies (auditory and visual hallucinations), bizarre experiences (a double has taken the place of others; being controlled by external forces), and persecutory ideation (conspiracy against me). CONCLUSIONS: The CAPE-P15 is an accurate and suitable tool to screen PE and to accurately classify and differentiate PE levels in adolescents from the general population. Further research is needed to better understand how maladaptive psychological mechanisms influence relationships between PE and suicidal ideation (SI) in the general population.

Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico y Manifestaciones en el Sistema Nervioso Central: Un desafío diagnóstico permanente: casos Clínicos / Systemic lupus erythematosus and manifestations in the Central Nervous System: a permanent diagnostic challenge. Clinical cases

La presencia de manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas en pacientes reumatológicos trae consigo un gran desafío diagnóstico que exige una mirada amplia, desde las bases de la medicina interna, a fin de poder orientar un estudio adecuado y el tratamiento oportuno. Junto con ello, el permanente diálogo e intercambio de miradas clínicas con otras especialidades permite tener un enfoque multidisciplinario que enriquece el abordaje de estas presentaciones complejas.

The presence of neuropsychiatric manifestations in rheumatological patients brings with it a great diagnostic challenge that requires a broad view, from the foundations of internal medicine, in order to guide the appropriate study and timely treatment of these patients. Along with this, the permanent dialogue and exchange of clinical views with other specialties allows for a multidisciplinary approach that enriches the approach to these complex presentations.

Anatomical and histological characterization of the digestive canal of the golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes) / Caracterización anatómica e histológica del canal digestivo del congrio dorado (Genypterus blacodes)

Given the importance of the Golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes) as an alternative to the production of salmonid species for worldwide diversification of aquaculture this study researched the morpho-histology of the digestive canal, providing a uniform nomenclature and basic information to support their nutritional management in captive conditions. The objective was to describe the normal morphology of the digestive canal. Twelve wild specimens were collected and dissected. Samples of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pyloric blind and intestines were obtained. An anatomical and histological description was performed. The digestive canal presented a short tubular esophagus, a slightly dilated, J-shaped stomach and thick walls. The stomach had a cardiac region that ended in a pyloric sphincter from which the intestine of thin walls. The intestine presented an anterior, middle and posterior segment. The anterior region of the first segment of the middle intestine presented 4-5 pairs of pyloric cecum. The middle intestine represented approximately 30 % of the total length of the digestive canal, with a smaller diameter compared to the first segment. The posterior intestine was separated from the middle intestine by a thick and powerful sphincter. The liver was large and elongated, and located in the peritoneal cavity located to the left plane and ventral to the swim bladder. The gallbladder was located lateral to the hepatic anterior wolf. The bile duct led to the duodenal region of the anterior intestine. Ventrally, the rectum ended in the anus, located in front of the anal fin. In general, the histological structures were variable according to the segment studied, a mucous tunic was recognized that presented a simple columnar epithelium, a lamina propria composed of loose connective tissue, a muscular layer of the mucosa composed of smooth muscle tissue and a submucosal layer composed of loose connective tissue, a circular and longitudinal stratum of muscular tunic, which had striated musculature and an adventitial tunic composed of a simple squamous epithelium. In conclusion, Golden kingklip (Genypterus blacodes) presents a digestive system typical of a carnivorous benthic fish adapted to feed on fish and crustaceans.

Dada la importancia del Congrio colorado (Genypterus blacodes) como alternativa a la producción de especies salmonídeas para la diversificación mundial de la acuicultura, el objetivo del presente estudio es describir la morfología normal del canal digestivo de esta especie, proporcionando una nomenclatura uniforme e información básica para apoyar su manejo nutricional en condiciones de cautiverio. Doce especímenes silvestres fueron colectados y disecados. Se obtuvo muestras del esófago, estómago, hígado, ciego pilórico e intestinos. Se realizó una descripción anatómica e histológica. El canal digestivo presentó un esófago tubular corto, un estómago ligeramente dilatado, con forma de J y paredes gruesas. El estómago presentaba una región cardíaca que terminaba en un esfínter pilórico desde el cual el intestino de paredes delgadas. El intestino presentaba un segmento anterior, medio y posterior. La región anterior del primer segmento del intestino medio presentó 4-5 pares de ciegos pilóricos. El intestino medio representó aproximadamente el 30 % de la longitud total del canal digestivo, con un diámetro menor en comparación con el primer segmento. El intestino posterior estaba separado del intestino medio por un esfínter grueso y poderoso. El hígado era grande y alargado, y ubicado en la cavidad peritoneal ubicado al plano izquierdo y ventral a la vejiga natatoria. La vesícula biliar se ubicó lateral al lobo anterior hepático. El ducto biliar desembocó en la región duodenal del intestino anterior. Ventralmente, el recto terminó en el ano, ubicado frente a la aleta anal. En general, las estructuras histológicas fueron variables según el segmento estudiado, se reconoció una túnica mucosa que presentaba un epitelio columnar simple, una lámina propia de la mucosa compuesta por tejido conectivo laxo, una capa muscular de la mucosa compuesta por músculo liso tejido y una capa submucosa compuesta de tejido conectivo laxo, un estrato circular y longitudinal de túnica muscular, que tenía musculatura estriada y una túnica adventicia compuesta por un epitelio plano simple. En conclusión, Congrio colorado (Genypterus blacodes) presenta un sistema digestivo típico de un pez bentónico carnívoro adaptado para alimentarse de peces y crustáceos.

Standardization of Early Feeding Skills (EFS) scale in preterm infants. / Normalización escala Early Feeding Skills (EFS) en recién nacidos prematuros.

INTRODUCTION: The Early Feeding Skills (EFS) scale assessed the neonate's behavior before, during, and after the feeding process. OBJECTIVES: To determine the face and content validity, and to evaluate with this scale the feeding process in premature newborns comparing with relevant variables. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Premature newborns were evaluated; they were between 34 to 36 weeks of corrected age, without neurological damage or craniofacial malformations. Cross-sectional descriptive study. The data were obtained through the EFS scale, version corrected by face and content validation. The study variables were gender, breastfeeding achievement, and feeding skills during the feeding process, evaluated by two observers. Dispersion measures were analyzed, and the Fisher test was used at 5% significance, establishing the association of the obtained results with the variables. RESULTS: 5 domains were evaluated: (1) Ability to stay focused on food, in which 75.3% have a poor performance level, and 28.6% equitable, with significant differences in the sex variable. (2) Ability to organize motor- oral functioning presents 10.5% deficient, 68.8% equitable, and 20.6% good. (3) Ability to coordinate swallowing 95.2% presents an equitable performance. (4) Ability to maintain physiological stability 96.7% was equitable; and (5) Evaluation of oral food tolerance presents 41.6% of poor performance. CONCLUSION: The EFS scale is a tool that provides relevant information to describe the oral feeding process in premature infants, allowing to identify the areas of greatest difficulty that require profes sional treatment, however, this tool is not enough by itself to carry a comprehensive evaluation of the newborn feeding process.

An outbreak of compressive myelopathy due to pyogranulomatous reaction to the oily adjuvant of the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine - case report / Surto de mielopatia compressiva associada à reação piogranulomatosa ao adjuvante oleoso da vacina contra Febre Aftosa em Minas Gerais - relato de caso

Cases of compressive myelopathy syndrome associated with post vaccinal pyogranulomas were diagnosed post mortem in three cows from a farm in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. These cows presented ataxia and bilateral paresis of the pelvic limbs, which evolved to paralysis, and sternal recumbence. On necropsy, locally extensive areas of the longissimus dorsi muscle were replaced by pyogranulomas supported by moderate amounts of fibrous connective tissue. On the cut surface, some nodules contained yellowish and viscous fluid (purulent exudate) or whitish fluid (interpreted as the oily adjuvant of a vaccine). In the spinal canal of the subjacent vertebrae, compressing the spinal cord, were pyogranulomas identical to those described in the skeletal muscle. Histologically, the pyogranulomas were composed of a central clear vacuole (consistent with the space left by the oil adjuvant droplets), surrounded by neutrophils and, more externally, by large numbers of epithelioid macrophages and fewer multinucleated giant cells. In the white matter of the spinal cord were numerous well-defined, clear vacuoles (Wallerian degeneration). The association of the clinical history and pathological findings allowed the diagnosis of compressive myelopathy associated with pyogranulomatous reaction to the oily adjuvant of the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, in this case, due to its inadequate application.(AU)

São descritos casos de síndrome de compressão medular, associada a granulomas pós-vacinais, em bovinos Nelore, provenientes de uma propriedade em Minas Gerais. Esses bovinos apresentavam ataxia e paresia bilateral dos membros pélvicos, que evoluiu para paralisia e decúbito esternal. Na necropsia, áreas focalmente extensas da musculatura na região torácica dorsal (músculo longissimus dorsi) eram substituídas por numerosos piogranulomas, separados por tecido brancacento e firme (tecido conjuntivo fibroso). Ao corte, alguns nódulos continham material amarelado e viscoso (exsudato purulento) ou material esbranquiçado e fluido (sugestivo de adjuvante de vacina). No canal medular das vértebras subjacentes, havia granulomas idênticos aos observados no tecido muscular. Histologicamente, os piogranulomas continham, no centro, vacúolo, bem delimitado e arredondado (consistente com o espaço deixado pela gotícula de lipídio do adjuvante), circundado por variável quantidade de neutrófilos degenerados e íntegros e, mais externamente, por numerosos macrófagos epitelioides e algumas células gigantes multinucleadas. Nas áreas da medula espinhal, circundadas pelos granulomas, numerosos vacúolos, bem definidos, eram observados na substância branca (degeneração walleriana). A associação do histórico clínico e de achados patológicos permitiu o diagnóstico de mielopatia compressiva associada à reação granulomatosa ao adjuvante oleoso da vacina contra febre aftosa, no caso, induzida pela aplicação inadequada da vacina.(AU)

Normalización escala Early Feeding Skills (EFS) en recién nacidos prematuros / Standardization of Early Feeding Skills (EFS) scale in preterm infants

INTRODUCCIÓN: La escala Early Feeding Skills (EFS) evalúa la conducta del neonato antes, durante y posterior al proceso de alimentación. OBJETIVOS: Determinar la validez de fachada, de contenido y evaluar con dicha escala el proceso de alimentación en los recién nacidos prematuros comparando con variables relevantes. PPACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se evaluaron prematuros de 34 a 36 semanas de edad corregida sin daño neurológico o malformaciones craneofaciales. Diseño de tipo descriptivo de corte transversal. Los datos fueron obtenidos mediante escala EFS, versión corregida mediante validación de fachada y contenido. Las variables de estudio fueron género, logro de alimentación por pecho, y habilidades de alimentación durante el proceso de alimentación, evaluadas por 2 observadoras Se analizaron medidas de dispersión y se aplicó prueba Fisher al 5% de significancia, estableciendo la asociación de los resultados obtenidos con las variables. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 5 dominios: (1) Capacidad de mantenerse enfocado en la alimentación, en que el 75,3% posee un nivel desempeño deficiente y el 28,6% equitativo existiendo diferencias significativas con la variable sexo. (2) Capacidad de organizar el funcionamiento motor - oral tiene un 10,5% deficiente, un 68,8% equitativo y un 20,6% bueno. (3) Capacidad de coordinar la deglución el 95,2% presenta un rendimiento equitativo. (4) Capacidad de mantener la estabilidad fisiológica el 96,7% fue equitativo y en (5) Evaluación de la tolerancia alimentaria oral tiene un desempeño deficiente del 41,6%. CONCLUSIÓN: La escala EFS es una herra mienta que aporta información relevante para describir el proceso de alimentación oral en lactantes prematuros, permitiendo identificar las áreas de mayor dificultad que requieren tratamiento profe sional, sin embargo, esta herramienta no es suficiente por sí sola para llevar a cabo una evaluación integral del proceso de alimentación del neonato.

INTRODUCTION: The Early Feeding Skills (EFS) scale assessed the neonate's behavior before, during, and after the feeding process. OBJECTIVES: To determine the face and content validity, and to evaluate with this scale the feeding process in premature newborns comparing with relevant variables. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Premature newborns were evaluated; they were between 34 to 36 weeks of corrected age, without neurological damage or craniofacial malformations. Cross-sectional descriptive study. The data were obtained through the EFS scale, version corrected by face and content validation. The study variables were gender, breastfeeding achievement, and feeding skills during the feeding process, evaluated by two observers. Dispersion measures were analyzed, and the Fisher test was used at 5% significance, establishing the association of the obtained results with the variables. RESULTS: 5 domains were evaluated: (1) Ability to stay focused on food, in which 75.3% have a poor performance level, and 28.6% equitable, with significant differences in the sex variable. (2) Ability to organize motor- oral functioning presents 10.5% deficient, 68.8% equitable, and 20.6% good. (3) Ability to coordinate swallowing 95.2% presents an equitable performance. (4) Ability to maintain physiological stability 96.7% was equitable; and (5) Evaluation of oral food tolerance presents 41.6% of poor performance. CONCLUSION: The EFS scale is a tool that provides relevant information to describe the oral feeding process in premature infants, allowing to identify the areas of greatest difficulty that require profes sional treatment, however, this tool is not enough by itself to carry a comprehensive evaluation of the newborn feeding process.

An outbreak of compressive myelopathy due to pyogranulomatous reaction to the oily adjuvant of the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine - case report / Surto de mielopatia compressiva associada à reação piogranulomatosa ao adjuvante oleoso da vacina contra Febre Aftosa em Minas Gerais - relato de caso

Cases of compressive myelopathy syndrome associated with post vaccinal pyogranulomas were diagnosed post mortem in three cows from a farm in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. These cows presented ataxia and bilateral paresis of the pelvic limbs, which evolved to paralysis, and sternal recumbence. On necropsy, locally extensive areas of the longissimus dorsi muscle were replaced by pyogranulomas supported by moderate amounts of fibrous connective tissue. On the cut surface, some nodules contained yellowish and viscous fluid (purulent exudate) or whitish fluid (interpreted as the oily adjuvant of a vaccine). In the spinal canal of the subjacent vertebrae, compressing the spinal cord, were pyogranulomas identical to those described in the skeletal muscle. Histologically, the pyogranulomas were composed of a central clear vacuole (consistent with the space left by the oil adjuvant droplets), surrounded by neutrophils and, more externally, by large numbers of epithelioid macrophages and fewer multinucleated giant cells. In the white matter of the spinal cord were numerous well-defined, clear vacuoles (Wallerian degeneration). The association of the clinical history and pathological findings allowed the diagnosis of compressive myelopathy associated with pyogranulomatous reaction to the oily adjuvant of the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, in this case, due to its inadequate application.(AU)

São descritos casos de síndrome de compressão medular, associada a granulomas pós-vacinais, em bovinos Nelore, provenientes de uma propriedade em Minas Gerais. Esses bovinos apresentavam ataxia e paresia bilateral dos membros pélvicos, que evoluiu para paralisia e decúbito esternal. Na necropsia, áreas focalmente extensas da musculatura na região torácica dorsal (músculo longissimus dorsi) eram substituídas por numerosos piogranulomas, separados por tecido brancacento e firme (tecido conjuntivo fibroso). Ao corte, alguns nódulos continham material amarelado e viscoso (exsudato purulento) ou material esbranquiçado e fluido (sugestivo de adjuvante de vacina). No canal medular das vértebras subjacentes, havia granulomas idênticos aos observados no tecido muscular. Histologicamente, os piogranulomas continham, no centro, vacúolo, bem delimitado e arredondado (consistente com o espaço deixado pela gotícula de lipídio do adjuvante), circundado por variável quantidade de neutrófilos degenerados e íntegros e, mais externamente, por numerosos macrófagos epitelioides e algumas células gigantes multinucleadas. Nas áreas da medula espinhal, circundadas pelos granulomas, numerosos vacúolos, bem definidos, eram observados na substância branca (degeneração walleriana). A associação do histórico clínico e de achados patológicos permitiu o diagnóstico de mielopatia compressiva associada à reação granulomatosa ao adjuvante oleoso da vacina contra febre aftosa, no caso, induzida pela aplicação inadequada da vacina.(AU)

Morphological and molecular characterization of an enigmatic clinostomid trematode (Digenea: Clinostomidae) parasitic as metacercariae in the body cavity of freshwater fishes (Cichlidae) across Middle America.

The family Clinostomidae Lühe, 1901 contains 29 species allocated to seven genera, of which Clinostomum Leidy, 1856 is the most diverse, with c. 14 valid species. The diversity of Clinostomum has been assessed, combining morphological and molecular data. The genetic library for species in this genus has increased steadily, although there is little or no information for the other genera included in the family. Molecular phylogenetic relationships among the genera of clinostomids have not been assessed, and their classification is still based on morphological traits. The monotypic Ithyoclinostomum was described from a fish-eating bird in Brazil, and its metacercariae have been found in several locations in South America, parasitizing erythrinid freshwater fishes. We collected unusually large metacercariae from the body cavity of cichlids in several locations across Middle America. These metacercariae exhibited some resemblance to Ithyoclinostomum, although several differences prevent their inclusion in Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum, casting doubt on their taxonomic identification. The main objective of this paper was to characterize the metacercariae collected in cichlids using both morphology and molecular data from three molecular markers, and to assess the molecular phylogenetic relationships among the genera of Clinostomidae to establish the position of the newly generated sequences. We took a conservative position and tentatively placed the metacercariae as belonging to Ithyoclinostomum.

Anti TNF como inductor de lupus cutáneo: caso clínico / Anti TNF as inducer of cutaneous lupus: clinical case

El mayor acceso a las terapias biológicas para el tratamiento de múltiples enfer-medades autoinmune trae consigo el mayor riesgo de padecer eventos adversos relacionados al uso de estos2,4. Presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide en tratamiento con ANTI TNF

The greater access to biological therapies for the treatment of multiple autoim-mune diseases brings with it the greatest risk of suffering adverse events related to the use of these (2,4). We present a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in treatment with ANTI TNF

Liver Transplantation Using Prolonged Cold Ischemia Time Grafts Preserved With Institute George-Lopez-1 Solution.

Institute George-Lopez-1 (IGL-1) solution is a preservation solution with lower potassium and lower viscosity than the University of Wisconsin solution that has been recently used in liver transplantation. In the present series, we compare the outcome of liver grafts from brain-dead donors preserved in IGL-1cold storage solution, with cold ischemia times (CITs) longer than 8 hours and those less than 8 hours. Two hundred fifty-two liver transplantations performed from January 2014 to December 2016 at Hospital Santa Isabel, Blumenau, Brazil, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided in two groups according to the CIT. Group I patients (N = 155) had less than 8 hours of CIT with a mean age of 54 ± 11.35 years, whereas group II patients (N = 97) had more than 8 hours of CIT with a mean age of 52 ± 12.5 years. There was no difference between the groups related to indication for liver transplantation and donor characteristics. The only difference statically significant on laboratory data was between the levels of aspartate aminotransferase at day 1 after transplantation. On day 7 post-transplantation there was no difference statistically significant between aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and bilirubin levels between the two groups. Similar 1-year patient survival rates were found in both groups, with 85.88% for group I and 85.75% in group II. The IGL-1 solution has been shown to be safe, effective, and with good results in liver transplantations. Early graft function and 1-year patient survival rates did not differ when grafts preserved for less than 8 hours were compared to those with CIT greater than 8 hours.

Fungal extracellular phosphatases: their role in P cycling under different pH and P sources availability.

AIMS: The aim of this work is to analyse the effect of pH, fungal identity and P chemical nature on microbial development and phosphatase release, discussing solubilization and mineralization processes in P cycling. METHODS AND RESULTS: P solubilizing fungi (Talaromyces flavus, T. helicus L, T. helicus N, T. diversus and Penicillium purpurogenum) were grown under three pH conditions (6, 6·5 and 8·5) and with different inorganic (calcium, iron, aluminium and rock) and organic (lecithin and phytate) P sources. P solubilization, mineralization, growth and phosphatase production were recorded. Acid and neutral environments maximized fungal development and P recycling. P chemical nature changed the phosphatases release pattern depending on the fungal identity. Acid phosphatase activity was higher than alkaline phosphatases, regardless of pH or sample times. Alkaline phosphatases were affected by a combination of those factors. CONCLUSIONS: P chemical nature and pH modify fungal growth, P mineralization and solubilization processes. The underlying fungal identity-dependent metabolism governs the capacity and efficiency of P solubilization and mineralization. P solubilization and mineralization processes are interrelated and simultaneously present in soil fungi. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study constitutes a reference work to improve the selection of fungal bioinoculants in different environmental conditions, highlighting their role in P cycling.

Harnessing the Angiogenic Potential of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Vascular Regeneration.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to display important regenerative properties through the secretion of proangiogenic factors. Recent evidence pointed at the key role played by exosomes released from MSCs in this paracrine mechanism. Exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication and contain a cargo that includes a modifiable content of microRNA (miRNA), mRNA, and proteins. Since the biogenesis of the MSCs-derived exosomes is regulated by the cross talk between MSCs and their niche, the content of the exosomes and consequently their biological function are dependent on the cell of origin and the physiologic or pathologic status of their microenvironment. Recent preclinical studies revealed that MSCs-derived exosomes have a critical implication in the angiogenic process since the use of exosomes-depleted conditioned medium impaired the MSCs angiogenesis response. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge related to the angiogenic potential of MSCs-exosomes and methods to enhance their biological activities for improved vascular regeneration. The current gain of insight in exosomes studies highlights the power of combining cell based therapies and their secreted products in therapeutic angiogenesis.

Carbon and Nitrogen Sources Influence Tricalcium Phosphate Solubilization and Extracellular Phosphatase Activity by Talaromyces flavus.

The aim of this work was to study phosphate (P) solubilization (and the processes involved in this event) by Talaromyces flavus (BAFC 3125) as a function of carbon and/or nitrogen sources. P solubilization was evaluated in NBRIP media supplemented with different carbon (glucose, sorbitol, sucrose, and fructose) and nitrogen (L-asparagine, urea, ammonium sulfate (AS), and ammonium nitrate (AN) combinations. The highest P solubilization was related to the highest organic acid production (especially gluconic acid) and pH drop for those treatments where glucose was present. Also P solubilization was higher when an inorganic nitrogen source was supplemented to the media when compared to an organic one. Although not being present an organic P source, phosphatase activity was observed. This shows that P mineralization and P solubilization can occur simultaneously, and that P mineralization is not induced by the enzyme substrate. The combination that showed highest P solubilization was for AN-glucose. The highest acid phosphatase activity was for AS-fructose, while for alkaline phosphatase were for AS-fructose and AN-fructose. Acid phosphatase activity was higher than alkaline. P solubilization and phosphatase activity (acid and alkaline) were influenced by the different carbon-nitrogen combinations. A better understanding of phosphate-solubilizing fungi could bring a better use of soil P.

[High flow nasal cannula in infants: Experience in a critical patient unit]. / Cánula nasal de alto flujo en lactantes: experiencia en una unidad de paciente crítico.

INTRODUCTION: The high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a method of respiratory support that is increasingly being used in paediatrics due to its results and safety. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of HFNC, as well as to evaluate the factors related to its failure and complications associated with its use in infants. PATIENTS AND METHOD: An analysis was performed on the demographic, clinical, blood gas, and radiological data, as well as the complications of patients connected to a HFNC in a critical care unit between June 2012 and September 2014. A comparison was made between the patients who failed and those who responded to HFNC. A failure was considered as the need for further respiratory support during the first 48hours of connection. The Kolmogorov Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, chi squared and the Exact Fisher test were used, as well as correlations and a binary logistic regression model for P≤.05. RESULTS: The study included 109 patients, with a median age and weight: 1 month (0.2-20 months) and 3.7kg (2-10kg); 95 percentile: 3.7 months and 5.7kg, respectively. The most frequent diagnosis and radiological pattern was bronchiolitis (53.2%) and interstitial infiltration (56%). Around 70.6% responded. There was a significant difference between failure and response in the diagnosis (P=.013), radiography (P=018), connection context (P<.0001), pCO2 (median 40.7mmHg [15.4-67 mmHg] versus 47.3mmHg [28.6-71.3mmHg], P=.004) and hours on HFNC (median 60.75hrs [5-621.5 hrs] versus 10.5hrs [1-29 hrs], P<.0001). The OR of the PCO2 ≥ 55mmHg for failure was 2.97 (95% CI; 1.08-8.17; P=.035). No patient died and no complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: The percentage success observed was similar to that published. In this sample, the failure of HFNC was only associated with an initial pCO2 ≥ 55mmHg. On there being no complications reported as regards it use, it is considered safe, although a randomised, controlled, multicentre study is required to compare and contrast these results.