Molecular identification of Trypanosoma theileri in cattle from the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Trypanosoma theileri is a cosmopolitan opportunistic haemoparasite described in wild and domestic ruminants, and also in arthropod vectors. The presence of this parasite has been reported in several South American countries, including Amazonian regions. Despite the importance of livestock production, Ecuador possesses scarce studies about trypanosomosis and no T. theileri reports in its territory. Here, we showed molecular evidences of the presence of T. theileri in cattle from a province located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Bovine blood samples were collected from 2014 to 2019, during campaigns to detect haemoparasites in the Ecuadorian provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos. DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and used in PCR assays with three different molecular markers, ITS1, 18S and Cathepsin L-like. T. theileri was detected only in the Sucumbíos province, with a specific molecular prevalence of 8.6% (3/35) using the three primers and an additional animal detected as positive (11.4% prevalence) only by the ITS1 marker. DNA sequences derived from the generated amplicons were subjected to phylogenetics maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis, which indicate the presence of TthI and TthII genotypes circulating in the evaluated animals. Molecular surveillance should be continually implemented in Ecuador in order to deepen the epidemiological and evolutionary knowledge about T. theileri as well other haemoparasites in the amazon parts of the country.

Can risk rating increase the ability of voluntary deductibles to reduce moral hazard?

Several regulated health insurance markets include the option for consumers to choose a voluntary deductible. An important motive for this option is to reduce moral hazard. In return for a voluntary deductible, consumers receive a premium rebate, which is typically community rated. Under community rating, voluntary deductibles are particularly attractive for low-risk consumers. Since these people use relatively little medical care, the total moral hazard reduction might be relatively small compared to the total healthcare spending. This paper examines the potential moral hazard reduction under risk-rated premiums. We use Chile as a case study due to institutional features that make it a valid benchmark for other countries. Our simulations show that in the presence of self-selection and under a uniform percentage moral hazard reduction across risk types, the absolute moral hazard reduction from a voluntary deductible is indeed expected to be larger in a system with risk-rated premiums than in a system with community-rated premiums. Nevertheless, sensitivity checks show that this conclusion might no longer hold as the percentage moral hazard reduction is lower for high-risk individuals compared to low-risk individuals.

Estresores académicos y manifestaciones biopsicosociales en estudiantes universitarios de fisioterapia / Academic stressors and biopsychosocial manifestations in physiotherapy students

Introducción y objetivos: Los estudiantes universitarios se ven constantemente expuestos a situaciones estresantes como parte de las exigencias y demandas de la formación universitaria. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación entre factores asociados al estrés académico y variables conductuales, psíquicas y físicas nocivas para el bienestar biopsicosocial en estudiantes universitarios de primer y cuarto año académico de la carrera de fisioterapia. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 68 estudiantes de ambos géneros (43 de primero y 25 de cuarto año). Las manifestaciones físicas, psíquicas y conductuales se determinaron mediante un cuestionario auto-informado y el estrés académico se midió con el Cuestionario de Estrés Académico-ECEA. Resultados: La sobrecarga académica tuvo una asociación significativa con manifestaciones psíquicas, conductuales y físicas (p<0,005) en estudiantes de primer año, mientras que las deficiencias metodológicas y los exámenes tuvieron un efecto significativo sobre los 3 aspectos biopsicosociales evaluados en los estudiantes de cuarto año (p<0,050). Finalmente, los aspectos vinculados a la metodología docente impactaron negativamente en el bienestar de ambos grupos (p<0,050). Conclusiones: Este estudio aportó información sobre los factores estresores y sus potenciales implicaciones para la salud de los estudiantes, antecedentes que serán de utilidad para abordar el estrés académico de manera sistémica, así como para futuras investigaciones relacionadas con el bienestar biopsicosocial de la comunidad universitaria.

Introduction and objectives: University students are constantly exposed to stressful situations as part of the demands and requirements of university education. The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationship between factors associated with academic stress and behavioural, psychological, and physical variables harmful to biopsychosocial well-being in first and fourth year physiotherapy undergraduates. Material and methods: Sixty-eight students of both genders (43 from the first year and 25 from the fourth year) were included. Physical, psychological, and behavioural manifestations were determined through a self-report questionnaire and academic stress was measured with the Academic Stress Questionnaire-ECEA. Results: Academic overload had a significant association with mental, behavioural and physical manifestations (P<.005) in the first-year students, while methodological deficiencies and exams had a significant effect on the three biopsychosocial aspects evaluated in the fourth-year students (P<.050). Finally, aspects linked to teaching methodology had a negative impact on the well-being of both groups (P<.050). Conclusions: This study provided information on stressors and their potential implications for students’ health, background information that will be useful to address academic stress in a systemic way, as well as for future research related to the biopsychosocial well-being of the university community.

New Records of Ticks of Genus Amblyomma Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) for Ecuador.

PURPOSE: In Ecuador, knowledge of the diversity and geographic distribution of ticks, as well as their importance as vectors, is scarce. Within the family Ixodidae, the genus Amblyomma is the most diverse and parasitizes wild and domestic animals. This genus is represented by 19 species in Ecuador, 12 of which occur in the continental territory and 7 in the Galapagos Islands. In this way, the objective of this work was to update the diversity of ticks reported for Ecuador on wild and domestic animals. METHODS: The specimens were collected manually on mammals and birds, in four localities belonging to the Sierra and Amazon of Ecuador and were kept in tubes with 96% ethyl alcohol. After that, all specimens were separated into immatures, males and females and were identified using their morphological characters. RESULTS: This study records Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844) Neumann, 1905 and Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844 for the first time in Ecuador. Thus, the genus Amblyomma is currently represented by 22 species. In addition, their hosts, distribution, and importance are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the diversity of ticks that wildlife possesses, its interrelation with the domestic fauna, and the possible pathogens that could be transmitting could significantly contribute to wildlife's conservation.

Edaphic macrofauna in degradation of animal and vegetable residues / Macrofauna edáfica no processo de vermicompostagem de resíduos animais e vegetais

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability to degrade organic matter by edaphic macrofauna (worms), carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and hydrogenation potential (pH) during the vermicomposting process in different organic residues. The treatments were constituted by organic residues of animal origin (bovine, ovine and equine manure) and vegetable (herb-checkmate and coffee drag), which were conditioned in plastic pots with a capacity of 10 liters, comprising five treatments in a completely randomized experimental design, with five replications. Were inoculated 150 earthworms of the species Eisenia foetida, into each plot. After 87 days, the evaluation of the multiplication of the earthworms was carried out, through its manual count and its cocoons. At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, the samples were submitted to analysis of humidity at 60 °C, pH, volumetric density, chemical analysis of macronutrients and C/N ratio. There was a dominance of worms and cocoons in the process of vermicomposting in the residues of ovine manure and herb-checkmate. The macronutrients (P, K and Mg) and C/N ratio were higher in the vegetal residues, while for N higher values were found in ovine manure and coffee drag treatments, and for Ca higher value among treatments was observed in the coffee drag treatment at the end and the lowest value at initiation. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the importance of the edaphic macrofauna to the vermicomposting process, since it allows more information about its influence on the continuity of soil organic matter decomposition processes.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar a capacidade de degradar a matéria orgânica pela macrofauna edáfica (minhocas), a relação carbono/nitrogênio (C/N) e o potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), durante o processo da vermicompostagem em diferentes resíduos orgânicos. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por resíduos orgânicos de origem animal (esterco bovino, ovino e equino) e vegetal (resíduo de erva-mate e borra-de-café), os quais foram acondicionados em vasos plásticos com capacidade de 10 litros, compondo cinco tratamentos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualisado, com cinco repetições. Foram inoculadas 150 minhocas da espécie Eisenia foetida, em cada recipiente. Após 87 dias, foi realizada a avaliação da multiplicação das minhocas, através da sua contagem manual e seus casulos. Os resíduos foram submetidos, ao inicio e ao final do experimento, a análises de umidade a 60 °C, pH, densidade volumétrica, análise química de macronutrientes e relação C/N. Houve uma dominância de minhocas e casulos no processo da vermicompostagem nos resíduos de esterco ovino e erva-mate. Observou-se para os macronutrientes (P, K e Mg) e para a relação C/N uma maior quantidade nos resíduos vegetais, enquanto que para N valores maiores foram encontrados nos tratamentos esterco ovino e borra-de-café, e para Ca o maior valor entre os tratamentos foi observado no tratamento com borra de café ao final e o menor valor no inicio. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo demonstram a importância da macrofauna edáfica para o processo da vermicompostagem por possibilitar maiores informações sobre sua influência na continuidade dos processos de decomposição da matéria orgânica.

Edaphic macrofauna in degradation of animal and vegetable residues.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability to degrade organic matter by edaphic macrofauna (worms), carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and hydrogenation potential (pH) during the vermicomposting process in different organic residues. The treatments were constituted by organic residues of animal origin (bovine, ovine and equine manure) and vegetable (herb-checkmate and coffee drag), which were conditioned in plastic pots with a capacity of 10 liters, comprising five treatments in a completely randomized experimental design, with five replications. Were inoculated 150 earthworms of the species Eisenia foetida, into each plot. After 87 days, the evaluation of the multiplication of the earthworms was carried out, through its manual count and its cocoons. At the beginning and at the end of the experiment, the samples were submitted to analysis of humidity at 60 °C, pH, volumetric density, chemical analysis of macronutrients and C/N ratio. There was a dominance of worms and cocoons in the process of vermicomposting in the residues of ovine manure and herb-checkmate. The macronutrients (P, K and Mg) and C/N ratio were higher in the vegetal residues, while for N higher values were found in ovine manure and coffee drag treatments, and for Ca higher value among treatments was observed in the coffee drag treatment at the end and the lowest value at initiation. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the importance of the edaphic macrofauna to the vermicomposting process, since it allows more information about its influence on the continuity of soil organic matter decomposition processes.

Simvastatin interferes with cancer 'stem-cell' plasticity reducing metastasis in ovarian cancer.

Cell plasticity of 'stem-like' cancer-initiating cells (CICs) is a hallmark of cancer, allowing metastasis and cancer progression. Here, we studied whether simvastatin, a lipophilic statin, could impair the metastatic potential of CICs in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGS-ovC), the most lethal among the gynecologic malignancies. qPCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to assess simvastatin effects on proteins involved in stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal cell plasticity (EMT). Its effects on tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated using different models (e.g., spheroid formation and migration assays, matrigel invasion assays, 3D-mesomimetic models and cancer xenografts). We explored also the clinical benefit of statins by comparing survival outcomes among statin users vs non-users. Herein, we demonstrated that simvastatin modifies the stemness and EMT marker expression patterns (both in mRNA and protein levels) and severely impairs the spheroid assembly of CICs. Consequently, CICs become less metastatic in 3D-mesomimetic models and show fewer ascites/tumor burden in HGS-ovC xenografts. The principal mechanism behind statin-mediated effects involves the inactivation of the Hippo/YAP/RhoA pathway in a mevalonate synthesis-dependent manner. From a clinical perspective, statin users seem to experience better survival and quality of life when compared with non-users. Considering the high cost and the low response rates obtained with many of the current therapies, the use of orally or intraperitoneally administered simvastatin offers a cost/effective and safe alternative to treat and potentially prevent recurrent HGS-ovCs.

Intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanate for the prevention of bacteraemia following dental procedures: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Although controversy exists regarding the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for patients at risk of infective endocarditis, expert committees continue to publish recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of four antimicrobial regimens for the prevention of bacteraemia following dental extractions. METHODS: The study population included 266 adults requiring dental extractions who were randomly assigned to the following five groups: control (no prophylaxis); 1000/200 mg of amoxicillin/clavulanate intravenously; 2 g of amoxicillin by mouth; 600 mg of clindamycin by mouth; and 600 mg of azithromycin by mouth. Venous blood samples were collected from each patient at baseline and at 30 s, 15 min and 1 h after dental extractions. Samples were inoculated into BACTEC Plus culture bottles and processed in the BACTEC 9240. Conventional microbiological techniques were used for subcultures and further identification of the isolated bacteria. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with ID number NCT02115776. RESULTS: The incidence of bacteraemia in the control, amoxicillin/clavulanate, amoxicillin, clindamycin and azithromycin groups was: 96%, 0%, 50%, 87% and 81%, respectively, at 30 s; 65%, 0%, 10%, 65% and 49% at 15 min; and 18%, 0%, 4%, 19% and 18% at 1 h. Streptococci were the most frequently identified bacteria. The percentage of positive blood cultures at 30 s post-extraction was lower in the amoxicillin/clavulanate group than in the amoxicillin group (P < 0.001). The incidence of bacteraemia in the clindamycin group was similar to that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteraemia following dental extractions was undetectable with amoxicillin/clavulanate prophylaxis. Alternative antimicrobial regimens should be sought for patients allergic to the ß-lactams.

A new equation to estimate temperature-corrected PaCO2 from PET CO2 during exercise in normoxia and hypoxia.

End-tidal PCO2 (PET CO2 ) has been used to estimate arterial pressure CO2 (Pa CO2 ). However, the influence of blood temperature on the Pa CO2 has not been taken into account. Moreover, there is no equation validated to predict Pa CO2 during exercise in severe acute hypoxia. To develop a new equation to predict temperature-corrected Pa CO2 values during exercise in normoxia and severe acute hypoxia, 11 volunteers (21.2 ± 2.1 years) performed incremental exercise to exhaustion in normoxia (Nox, PI O2 : 143 mmHg) and hypoxia (Hyp, PI O2 : 73 mmHg), while arterial blood gases and temperature (ABT) were simultaneously measured together with end-tidal PCO2 (PET CO2 ). The Jones et al. equation tended to underestimate the temperature corrected (tc) Pa CO2 during exercise in hypoxia, with greater deviation the lower the Pa CO2 tc (r = 0.39, P < 0.05). The new equation has been developed using a random-effects regression analysis model, which allows predicting Pa CO2 tc both in normoxia and hypoxia: Pa CO2 tc = 8.607 + 0.716 × PET CO2 [R(2) = 0.91; intercept SE = 1.022 (P < 0.001) and slope SE = 0.027 (P < 0.001)]. This equation may prove useful in noninvasive studies of brain hemodynamics, where an accurate estimation of Pa CO2 is needed to calculate the end-tidal-to-arterial PCO2 difference, which can be used as an index of pulmonary gas exchange efficiency.

Melorreostosis: presentación de un caso clínico / Melorheostosis: presentation of a clinical case

La melorreostosis es una forma de hiperostosis que afecta tanto al tejido óseo como a las partes blandas adyacentes. Su incidencia es variable aunque es mayor en la segunda y tercera décadas de la vida debido al carácter lentamente progresivo de la enfermedad. Generalmente cursa con dolor que puede llegar a provocar una limitación funcional importante. Para su diagnóstico nos podemos apoyar en la imagen radiológica característica que semeja "cera fundida deslizándose por el lateral de una vela". Se presenta un caso de melorreostosis con hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos característicos. El paciente había sido diagnosticado previamente de enfermedad ósea de Paget, por lo que planteamos el diagnóstico diferencial de esta patología (AU)

Melorheostosis is a form of hyperostosis which affects both bone and the adjacent soft tissues. Its incidence is variable, although it is higher in the second and third decades of life due to the slowly progressive nature of the disease. It generally presents with pain which may cause significant functional limitation. We may be assisted in its diagnosis by its characteristic radiological image which resembles "wax melting down the side of a candle". A case of melorheostosis is presented with clinical findings and radiological characteristics. The patient had previously been diagnosed with Paget’s disease of bone, so we proposed a differential diagnosis of this pathology (AU)

Test de caminata de seis minutos y función pulmonar en pacientes con bronquiolitis obliterante post infecciosa / Six minute walking test and pulmonary function in patients with post infectious bronchiolitis obliterans

Introduction: Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a chronic respiratory disease that is established as a consequence of a lung infection produced by adenovirus. The clinical and radiological evidence as well as spirometric variables are the cornerstones of diagnosis; however, the functional impact of lung damage, assessed through the six minute walking test (6MWT), has been scarcely studied in this group of patients, notwithstanding it has been recommended in the Chilean guidelines. The aim of the study is to evaluate the correlation between spirometric variables and 6MWT performance in patients diagnosed with BO. Patients and Methods: Correlation study conducted in pediatric pulmonary rehabilitation program of Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital from Concepción. Chile. Records of spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75) and 6MWT(Distance walked (DW), heart rate, oxygen saturation, dyspnea and leg fatigue) of 22 children and adolescents diagnosed with BO were selected. The absolute values of spirometric and 6MWT variables were compared with reference values of Knudson et al and Gatica et al respectively. Results are expressed by median and range (maximum and minimum). In the statistical analysis, normality test (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), non-parametric test (Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney) and correlation analysis (Rho-Spearman) were done by SPSS 11.5 with significance of p < 0.05. Results: The spirometry was obstructive in all patients, advanced ventilatory limitation was found in 9 children, moderate in 4, mild in 3 and minimum in 6. The WD was 597 m (750-398), 9% below the predicted value according to age (p < 0.003). The WD was lower in those with greater severity in spirometric impairment (p = 0.012). The WD expressed as a percentage of predicted value showed a significant correlation with % FEV1 (r = 0.70, p = 0.0001), FEV1/FVC ratio (r = 0.58, p = 0.004) and FEF25-75% (r = 0.70, p = 0.0001). On the other hand only saturation at the end of 6MWT showed significant correlation with % FVC (r = 0.44, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Performance during the 6MWT was positively correlated with spirometry, validating the 6MWT as a tool to assess the functional impact of lung damage in patients with BO. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between lung function and exercise tolerance in these patients.

Introducción: La bronquiolitis obliterante (BO) post infecciosa es una enfermedad respiratoria crónica que se establece como secuela de una infección pulmonar principalmente por adenovirus. La evidencia clínica, espirométrica y radiológica son los pilares del diagnóstico, sin embargo, pese a estar sugerido en las actuales guías nacionales, la repercusión funcional del daño pulmonar a través del test de caminata de seis minutos (C6M) ha sido escasamente estudiado en este grupo de pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la correlación entre variables espirométricas y resultado del C6M en una muestra de pacientes con BO. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio correlacional donde fueron seleccionados los registros de espirometría (VEF1, CVF, VEF1/CVF y FEF25-75) y de C6M (Distancia caminada (DC), frecuencia cardíaca, saturación de oxígeno, disnea y fatiga de piernas) de 22 niños y adolescentes con diagnóstico de BO ingresados al programa de rehabilitación respiratoria infantil del Hospital Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción. Los valores absolutos de las variables espirométricas y C6M se compararon con valores predichos de Knudson y Gatica respectivamente. En el análisis estadístico se realizaron pruebas de normalidad (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), de contraste (Wilcoxon y Mann-Whitney) y análisis de correlación (Rho-Spearman). Los resultados se expresan en mediana, rango máximo y mínimo. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: En la espirometría se encontró alteración ventilatoria obstructiva de grado avanzado en 9, moderada en 4, leve en 6 y mínima en 3 niños. La DC fue de 597 m (750-398), 9% por debajo del valor predicho para la edad (p < 0,003). La DC fue menor en aquellos con mayor grado severidad en la alteración espirométrica (p = 0,012). La DC expresada en porcentaje del valor predicho mostró una correlación significativa con % VEF1 (r = 0,70;p = 0,0001), índice VEF1/CVF (r = 0,58;p = 0,004) y % FEF25-75 (r = 0,70;p = 0,0001). Sólo la saturación al final del C6M se correlacionó significativamente con % CVF (r = 0,44; p = 0,04). Conclusión: El rendimiento durante el C6Mse correlacionó con espirometría, validando al C6M como herramienta para valorar la repercusión funcional del daño pulmonar en pacientes con BO. Futuros estudios son necesarios para confirmar esta correlación.

A reliable unipedal stance test for the assessment of balance using a force platform.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to develop a unipedal stance test for the assessment of balance using a force platform. METHODS: A single-leg balance test was conducted in 23 students (mean ± SD) age: 23 ± 3 years) in a standard position limiting the movement of the arms and non-supporting leg. Six attempts, with both the jumping (JL) and the contralateral leg (CL), were performed under 3 conditions: 1) eyes opened; 2) eyes closed; 3) eyes opened and executing a precision task. The same protocol was repeated two-week apart. RESULTS: The mean and the best result of the six attempts performed each day were taken as representative of balance. The speed of the centre of pressure (CP-Speed) showed excellent reliability for the "best result" analysis in all tests (ICCs 0.87-0.97), except in the test with the eyes closed performed on the CL (ICC<0.4). The CP-Speed had better reliability with the "best result" than with the "mean result" analysis (P<0.05), whilst no significant differences were observed between the JL and the CL (P=0.71 and P=0.96 for mean and best results analysis, respectively). A lower dispersion in the Bland and Altman graph was observed with the eyes opened than closed, and the dynamic test. CONCLUSION: The single-leg stance balance test proposed is a reliable method to assess balance, especially when performed in a static position, with the eyes opened and using the best result of six attempts as reference, independently of the stance leg.

First Report of Crown Rot of Strawberry Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina in Chile.

In recent years, an increase of collapsed and dead strawberry plants has been observed in several fields in central Chile, specifically in San Pedro, Melipilla, an important area for strawberry cultivation in the country. To determine the causal agent of the disease and the extent of the problem, 25 sample sites of 1 ha each, distributed in different San Pedro zones, were surveyed at the end of the 2011 season (from December 2010 to February 2011). Cross sections of the crowns of symptomatic strawberry plants showed necrotic tissue and brown-red to dark brown areas on the vascular ring. Samples of the affected crowns were superficially disinfested and plated on potato dextrose agar with 200 µg/ml of streptomycin sulfate. Dark gray colonies were observed after 7 days of incubation at 24°C. Pure cultures of the pathogen showed aerial mycelium and abundant dark oblong sclerotia. Fifty sclerotia were measured, averaging 120 × 74 µm. Twenty-one isolates were identified molecularly utilizing the species specific primers MpKFI and MpKRI (2) that yielded a 350-bp fragment. The amplified DNA fragments were sequenced and BLAST analysis showed a 99% nucleotide sequence identity with Macrophomina phaseolina (GeneBank Accession No JX535007.1). Both morphological and molecular analyses confirmed that the isolated species corresponded to M. phaseolina, causal agent of crown and root rot in strawberry. Four representative isolates were selected to conduct pathogenicity tests. Inoculum was prepared by incubating the pathogen for 28 days at 20°C in sterilized oat seeds. Pots of 1.5 liters were filled with a mixed substrate of peat and perlite (2:1), amended with inoculated oats at 9 g per liter of substrate. 'Camarosa' strawberry plants were planted and grown in a glasshouse for 1 month. Six replicated plants per isolate and six plants growing on non-inoculated substrate were left as controls. Ninety-five percent of the inoculated plants showed wilt and collapse symptoms 22 days after transplant, whereas no symptoms were observed in the control plants. M. phaseolina was reisolated from the crowns of symptomatic plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The pathogen was isolated from symptomatic strawberry plants in 14 of the 25 sampled sites. Although M. phaseolina was described previously on other crops in Chile, to our knowledge, this is the first report of M. phaseolina causing crown rot of strawberry. The disease has been recently reported in Spain, the United States, and Argentina (1,3,4). References: (1) M. Avilés et al. Plant Pathol. 57:382, 2008. (2) B. Babu et al. Mycologia 99:797, 2007. (3) O. Baino et al. Plant Dis. 95:1477, 2011. (4) S. Koike. Plant Dis. 92:1253, 2008.

[Bilateral elbow dislocation related to Essex-Lopresti injury]. / Luxación bilateral de codo asociada a lesión de Essex-Lopresti.

Elbow dislocation is second in frequency, after the shoulder, whereas bilateral dislocation is uncommon, even less than dislocations with concurrent associated fractures. One of the least frequent associations is the Essex-Lopresti injury which consists of a fracture of the radial head affecting the distal radioulnar joint with injury to the interosseous membrane. This is a case of bilateral elbow dislocation, one of the elbows associated with the Essex-Lopresti injury. During treatment, the premature closed reduction prevails, previously making sure the elbow is stable, the premise which will determine the orthopedic or surgical treatment of the injury.

Luxación bilateral de codo asociada a lesión de Essex-Lopresti / Bilateral elbow dislocation related to Essex-Lopresti injury

La luxación de codo es la segunda en frecuencia, tras la de hombro; en cambio, la luxación bilateral es poco común, siéndolo aún menos las que presentan fracturas concomitantes asociadas. Una de las asociaciones menos frecuentes es la lesión de Essex-Lopresti, la cual consiste en fractura de cabeza radial más afección de articulación radiocubital distal con lesión de la membrana interósea. Se presenta un caso de luxación bilateral de codo, presentando uno de los codos asociada una lesión de Essex-Lopresti. En el tratamiento de la luxación de codo aislada prima la reducción cerrada precoz, comprobando posteriormente la estabilidad del codo; premisa que decidirá el tratamiento ortopédico versus quirúrgico de la lesión (AU)

Elbow dislocation is second in frequency, after the shoulder, whereas bilateral dislocation is uncommon, even less than dislocations with concurrent associated fractures. One of the least frequent associations is the Essex-Lopresti injury which consists of a fracture of the radial head affecting the distal radioulnar joint with injury to the interosseous membrane. This is a case of bilateral elbow dislocation, one of the elbows associated with the Essex-Lopresti injury. During treatment, the premature closed reduction prevails, previously making sure the elbow is stable, the premise which will determine the orthopedic or surgical treatment of the injury (AU)

Dual roles for Wnt signalling during the formation of the vertebrate neuromuscular junction.

Wnt proteins play prominent roles in different aspects of neuronal development culminating with the formation of complex neuronal circuits. Here, we discuss new studies addressing the function of Wnt signalling at the peripheral neuromuscular junction (NMJ). In both, invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, Wnt signalling promotes and also inhibits the assembly of the neuromuscular synapse. Here, we focus our attention on recent studies at the vertebrate NMJ that demonstrate that some Wnt proteins collaborate with the Agrin-MuSK signalling to induce post-synaptic differentiation. In contrast, Wnts that activate the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling inhibit post-synaptic differentiation. The dual function of different Wnts might finely modulate the proper apposition of the pre- and post-synaptic terminals during NMJ formation and growth.

Cloning and spatiotemporal expression of RIC-8 in Xenopus embryogenesis.

RIC-8 is a highly conserved protein that promotes G protein signaling as it acts as a Guanine nucleotide Exchanging Factor (GEF) over a subset of Gα subunits. In invertebrates, RIC-8 plays crucial roles in synaptic transmission as well as in asymmetric cell division. As a first step to address further studies on RIC-8 function in vertebrates, here we have cloned a ric-8 gene from Xenopus tropicalis (xtric-8) and determined its spatiotemporal expression pattern throughout embryogenesis. The xtric-8 transcript is expressed maternally and zygotically and, as development proceeds, it shows a dynamic expression pattern. At early developmental stages, xtric-8 is expressed in the animal hemisphere, whereas its expression is later restricted to neural tissues, such as the neural tube and the brain, as well as in the eye and neural crest-derived structures, including those of the craniofacial region. Together, our findings suggest that RIC-8 functions are related to the development of the nervous system.

An outbreak of granulomatous peritonitis caused by injectable selenium in a flock of Merino sheep.

During meat inspection, unusual pigmented lesions were found in the abdomens of 411 sheep from a flock raised in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. In each affected sheep there were multiple discrete, soft, yellow homogeneous plaques beneath the parietal peritoneum and extending into marginating facial planes of the diaphragm and body wall. Microscopically, the lesions consisted of focal granulomatous peritonitis with intracellular acicular refractile golden-brown crystals. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed intralesional barium and selenium, two components of an injectable selenium compound administered to the sheep 6-8 months prior, which contains the yellow pigment, iron oxide. The mechanism of subperitoneal deposition of the compound could not be confirmed, but is presumed to have involved intraperitoneal injection of barium selenate. Meat inspectors and diagnosticians should consider barium selenate injection-site granulomas as a possible explanation for yellow pigmented lesions, especially in livestock from selenium-deficient areas. Animal care providers should be aware that incorrect administration of barium selenate can result in losses from condemnation or downgrading of meat product.

Niveles de origen de las arterias renales y mesentérica superior respecto a la columna vertebral en individuos chilenos: estudio por tomografía computarizada helicoidal / Origin levels of the renal and superior mesenteric arteries in relation to the vertebral column in Chilean individuals: helicoidal computed tomography study

El conocimiento de las variaciones arteriales es importante tanto para el diagnóstico como para los procedimientos quirúrgicos a realizar en el abdomen. Esta investigación se realizó con el propósito de determinar a través de angio TAC, los niveles de origen y número de las arterias renales y mesentérica superior, con respecto a los componentes de la columna vertebral. Para ello, utilizamos los registros angiográficos de 31 pacientes, adultos, chilenos, de ambos sexos, en los cuales localizamos los puntos de origen de las arterias mencionadas, para lo cual dividimos la altura de las vértebras en tercios, considerando además al disco intervertebral. En 26 pacientes, la arteria renal en ambos lados se presentó única; en el lado derecho, la arteria renal se presentó doble en 2 personas y en el izquierdo en 3. La arteria renal derecha se originó a nivel de la vértebra L1 en 11 casos; a nivel del disco intervertebral entre L1 y L2 en 7; a nivel de la vértebra L2 en 10; entre L2 y L3 en 2. La arteria renal izquierda se originó a nivel de L1 en 9 casos, entre L1 y L2 en 6, y, de L2 en 12. La arteria mesentérica superior fue única en todos los casos, localizando su nivel de origen siempre craneal al origen de las arterias renales. Se originó a nivel de la vértebra L1 en 16 casos; a nivel de L2 en 8. Se consideraron también niveles más específicos de origen en relación a una subdivisión de las vértebras. Los resultados obtenidos complementarán el conocimiento sobre estas arterias, aportando a la anatomía quirúrgica de la región.

The knowledge of the arterial variations is very important for the diagnosis and the surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was determine the number and the origin levels of the renal and superior mesenteric arteries in relation to the vertebral bodies. For this, we used the angiographies of 31 patients, Chileans, adult, of both sexes. The angiographies were obtained by Helicoidal Computed Tomography, in these we localized the origin points of the mentioned arteries. We divided the vertebral bodies in three parts, superior, middle and inferior, considering too the intervertebral disc. In 26 patients, in both sides the renal artery was only; in the right side it was double in 2 patients and in the left side in 3. The right renal artery originated from the level of L1 vertebra in 11 cases; from the level of L1-L2 intervertebral disc in 7; from the level of the L2 vertebra in 10 and from the level of the L2-L3 intervertebral disc in 2. The left renal artery originated from the level of the L1 vertebra in 9 cases; from the level of the L1-L2 intervertebral disc in 6; from the level of the L2 vertebra in 12 and from the level of the L2-L3 intervertebral disc in 2. The superior mesenteric artery was only in all cases; it origin level was always cranial to the renal arteries origin. The origin level of the superior mesenteric artery was observed in relation to the L1 vertebra in 16 cases and to the level of the L2 vertebra in 8. We considered specifical origin levels associated to the vertebral body division. The results of this study will complete the knowledge of these arteries and are a contribution to the surgical anatomy of abdominal region.

A survey of anesthesiologists' and nurses' attitudes toward the implementation of an Anesthesia Information Management System on a labor and delivery floor.

BACKGROUND: An anesthesia information management system (AIMS) is most frequently used in the operating room, but not on labor and delivery (L&D). The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of an AIMS on L&D and the attitudes of practitioners (anesthesiologists and nurses) toward the system. METHODS: The anesthesiology survey focused on satisfaction with the L&D AIMS, comparison of the L&D AIMS with a handwritten anesthesia record, and comparison of the L&D AIMS with the operating room AIMS. The nursing survey focused on nursing satisfaction with the L&D AIMS and comparison of the L&D AIMS with a handwritten anesthesia record. RESULTS: Most anesthesiologists (76%) were satisfied with the L&D AIMS and 73% would not want to revert back to the paper record. However, most anesthesiologists felt the operating room AIMS was either superior or equal to the L&D AIMS. Although few nurses (4%) preferred the anesthesiologists revert back to the handwritten record overall, the nurses were neutral in their assessment of the AIMS. Most of the criticism related to the location of the system; 56% believed it was not in a convenient location and 74% thought the AIMS equipment "got in their way". CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the anesthesiologists and nurses are satisfied with the L&D AIMS and would not want to switch back to a handwritten record. We conclude that AIMS should not be limited to the operating room setting and can successfully be used in L&D.