Temperature dependence of electrical conductivity and variable hopping range mechanism on graphene oxide films.

The rapid development of optoelectronic applications for optical-to-electrical conversion has increased the interest in graphene oxide material. Here, graphene oxide films (GOF) were used as source material in an infrared photodetector configuration and the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity was studied. GOF were prepared by the double-thermal decomposition (DTD) method at 973 K, with a fixed carbonization temperature, in a pyrolysis system, under a controlled nitrogen atmosphere, over quartz substrates. Graphene oxide films were mechanically supported in a photodetector configuration on Bakelite substrates and electrically contacted with copper wires and high-purity silver paint. Morphological images from the GOF's surface were taken employing a scanning electron microscope and observed a homogeneous surface which favored the electrical contacts deposition. Vibrational characteristics were studied employing Raman spectroscopy and determined the typical graphene oxide bands. GOF were used to discuss the effect of temperature on the film's electrical conductivity. Current-voltage (I-V) curves were taken for several temperatures varying from 20 to 300 K and the electrical resistance values were obtained from 142.86 to 2.14 kΩ. The GOF electrical conductivity and bandgap energy (Eg) were calculated, and it was found that when increasing temperature, the electrical conductivity increased from 30.33 to 2023.97 S/m, similar to a semiconductor material, and Eg shows a nonlinear change from 0.33 to 0.12 eV, with the increasing temperature. Conduction mechanism was described mainly by three-dimensional variable range hopping (3D VRH). Additionally, measurements of voltage and electrical resistance, as a function of wavelength were considered, for a spectral range between 1300 and 3000 nm. It was evidenced that as the wavelength becomes longer, a greater number of free electrons are generated, which contributes to the electrical current. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) was determined for this proposed photodetector prototype, obtaining a value of 40%, similar to those reported for commercial semiconductor photodetectors. This study provides a groundwork for further development of graphene oxide films with high conductivity in large-scale preparation.

Hydrogeological features affecting spatial distribution of glyphosate and AMPA in groundwater and surface water in an agroecosystem. Córdoba, Argentina.

The study area is located in the eastern slope of Las Peñas Mountain and its adjacent oriental fluvio-aeolian-plain. Agriculture is the main activity (soybean, maize, wheat, peanuts and alfalfa) with no-tillage farming and intensive use of agrochemicals (pesticides-fertilizers). Glyphosate (N-phosphono-methylglycine) is the most common used herbicide which suffers microbial biodegradation giving aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), its main metabolite. The objective of this work is to evaluate hydrogeological features which influence the presence of glyphosate and AMPA in waters. In the study area, the main flow direction of surface and groundwater is NW-SE. The unsaturated zone thickness decreases in the same direction from 60 to 0 m, so groundwater surges in low areas in the eastern sector. From the total water samples collected, glyphosate was detected in 66% of surface water samples (0.2 to 167.4 µg/L), in 15.8% of the groundwater samples (1.3 to 2 µg/L) and in the harvested precipitation sample (0.2 µg/L). AMPA was found in 33% of surface water and 15.8% of groundwater. The herbicide detection was related to areas with the shallowest water table (< 4 m), low hydraulic conductivity in the aquifer (K = 1.5 m/d), low hydraulic gradient (i = 0.16%) and very low flow velocity (0.02 m/d). The most outstanding result is that the groundwater presents higher values in comparison with the surface water samples, which can be explained by the greater dilution capacity of streams. The detection of glyphosate and AMPA in the unconfined aquifer shows that the application for decades under the prevailing agricultural model exceeds the degradation potential of the soil and the unsaturated zone, causing groundwater contamination.

Dioctophyme renale in a domestic cat (Felis catus): Renal location and nephrectomy.

Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyme renale, nematode with indirect life cycle. Its intermediate host is a freshwater oligochaete and its definitive host is a wild or household carnivore. The adult nematode develops in the definite host, generally locating itself in the kidney. This article was meant to describe the first nephrectomy performed in a domestic cat due to renal dioctophymosis in Argentina. The subject showed a non-specific appearance of generally feeling ill, hematuria and mild diarrhea. It was diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound, followed by exploratory celiotomy and nephrectomy. After verifying absence of free specimens, the right kidney was removed. This organ was found to be enlarged in a spheroidal manner in contrast to the left kidney, with significant thickening of the renal capsule, excessive congestion of vessels and adhesions involving the caudal vena cava. An adult nematode was removed from the right kidney and identified as Dioctophyme renale. Reports of feline dioctophymosis are scarce being most of them necropsy findings. In this we are presenting a confirmed case of D. renale removed by surgery from a live cat. The results presented here reinforces the fact that cats are also appropriate definitive hosts for this parasite.

Feasibility of a combined strategy of HPV vaccination and screening in Mexico: the FASTER-Tlalpan study experience.

There has been a noticeable shift in discussions about cervical cancer, moving from prevention to elimination. Interventions such as FASTER, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and HPV screening are innovative intervention strategies which can be utilized to begin a path to elimination. To explore the feasibility of the FASTER strategy, an evaluation was carried out in eight primary health-care centers within the Tlalpan Health-Jurisdiction of Mexico City between March 2017 and August 2018. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate three components: infrastructure, patient acceptability, and health-care professionals' perceptions. This included checklists of requirements for the infrastructure rollout of FASTER and interviews with women and health-care professionals. Nearly all (93%) of the 3,474 women aged 25-45 years accepted HPV vaccination as part of a combined vaccination and screening program. The main reason for acceptance was prevention, while having doubts about the vaccine's benefits was the main reason for refusal. Most of the 24 health-care professionals had a positive opinion toward HPV vaccination and identified the need to increase dissemination, inform the population clearly and concisely and currently extend the age range for vaccination. The evaluation of eight primary health-care centers showed they had the necessary infrastructure for the development of a joint HPV prevention strategy, but many centers required improvements to become more efficient. Together these findings suggest that although HPV vaccine acceptance was high, there is the need to increase education and awareness among potential vaccine recipients and health-care professionals to implement the FASTER strategy.

Efecto del uso intraoperatorio de corticoides en dosis bajas en pacientes sometidos a resección hepática mayor con maniobra de Pringle / Effects of low dose corticosteroids in patients undergoing major hepatic resection with Pringle maneuver

Introducción: Las resecciones hepáticas mayores pueden presentar una alta morbimortalidad en relación al sangrado intraoperatorio. La utilización de la maniobra de Pringle permite disminuir esta complicación a costa de un daño por isquemia-reperfusión. Una estrategia para minimizarla es el uso de corticoides perioperatorios. Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de metilprednisolona en dosis bajas (< 500 mg) en pacientes sometidos a resección hepática mayor con maniobra de Pringle en la incidencia de daño por isquemiareperfusión, morbilidad y mortalidad perioperatoria. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo utilizando la base de datos de hepatectomías entre los años 2000 y 2015. De un total de 171 resecciones hepáticas mayores, 62 utilizaron clampeo vascular. Se establecieron dos grupos: (A) aquellos que recibieron metilprednisolona inmediatamente previo al clampeo (n = 27) y (B) pacientes sin metilprednisolona (n = 35). Se evaluó el daño por isquemia-reperfusión por alteración de las pruebas hepáticas en los días 1, 3 y 5. Resultados: Los pacientes del grupo A tuvieron mayor tiempo de isquemia (43 + 3,3 vs 27 + 2,1 min, p < 0,05) que el grupo B, con una significativamente menor elevación de las fosfatasas alcalinas y bilirrubina en los días 1 y 5 poshepatectomía. No se observó diferencias en la magnitud del sangrado y no hubo diferencias en morbimortalidad. Conclusiones: La utilización de dosis bajas de metilprednisolona parece disminuir el impacto del DIR relacionado a la resección hepática bajo clampeo vascular, evitando los efectos adversos de la administración de esteroides en dosis altas.

Introduction: Liver resections may be associated with high morbidity and mortality due to intraoperative bleeding. Pringle maneuver reduces this complication at the expense of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Current strategies to minimize reperfusion injury include the use of perioperative corticosteroids. Objective: To assess the use of methylprednisolone in low doses (< 500 mg) in patients submitted to major hepatic resection under Pringle maneuver in the incidence of ischemia-reperfusion injury, peri-operative morbidity, and mortality. Material and Methods: Retrospective study from the liver resections database undertaken between the years 2000-2015 in our center. One hundred and seventy-one major liver resections were done, in 62 under Pringle maneuver. Two groups were established: (A) Patients administered methylprednisolone immediately before Pringle maneuver (n = 27) and (B) those without steroid (n = 35). We assessed ischemia-reperfusion injury by measuring liver tests on days 1, 3 and 5. Results: Patients in group A had longer ischemia time (43 ± 3.3 vs. 27 ± 2.1 min, p < 0.05) than those of group B, and significantly lower elevation of serum phosphatase alkaline and bilirubin on days 1 and five post-hepatectomy. We did not observe any difference in bleeding magnitude, and there were no differences in morbidity or mortality. Conclusions: The use of low doses of methylprednisolone seems to diminish the impact of ischemia-reperfusion injury related to major hepatic resection under Pringle maneuver avoiding the adverse side effects of high dose steroid.

Natural history of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in 35 Hispanic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: good short-term functional outcome and paradoxical increase in long-term mortality.

Background and objective Acute transverse myelitis (TM) is an infrequent neurological complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Short-term outcome varies widely between cohorts. Little is known about the epidemiology and long-term functional outcome of TM associated to SLE. Methods Patients with SLE and acute TM were identified during hospital admission, visits to the Emergency Room or the Neurology Outpatient Clinic. We evaluated ambispectively those patients with SLE presenting with clinical myelopathy and corroborated with spinal MRI. Cases were divided as partial (non-paralyzing) or complete (paralyzing). We determined long-term functional outcome as well as mortality in those patients with follow-up periods of at least five years. Results We identified 35 patients (partial, n = 15; complete, n = 20) in which complete clinical and imaging data were available (26 with follow-up ≥ 5 years). Patients with complete TM were significantly older than those with partial forms. Positive antiphospholipid antibodies were observed in 80% of patients, suggesting a possible mechanistical role. Surprisingly, functional recovery at one year was in general good; however, we observed a five-year mortality of 31% because of sepsis (in 10 cases) or pulmonary embolism (in one case). Conclusions Short-term outcome of SLE-related TM is generally good, and recurrence rate is low. However, we observed a long-term fatality rate of 31% for reasons unrelated to TM, suggesting that TM is a manifestation of severe immune dysregulation and a predictor of severity and mortality in patients with SLE.

Comparison of gene expression in post-smolt Atlantic salmon challenged by LF-89-like and EM-90-like Piscirickettsia salmonis isolates reveals differences in the immune response associated with pathogenicity.

Piscirickettsiosis is the main bacterial disease affecting the Chilean salmon farming industry and is responsible for high economic losses. The aim of this study was to describe and comparatively quantify the immune response of post-smolt Atlantic salmon infected by cohabitation with fish bearing LF-89-like and EM-90-like Piscirickettsia salmonis. The expression of 17 genes related to the immune response was studied in head kidney from cohabitant fish by RT-qPCR. Our results at the transcriptomic level suggest that P. salmonis is able to manipulate the kinetics of cytokine production in a way that might constitute a virulence mechanism that promotes intracellular bacterial replication in cells of Atlantic salmon. This strategy involves the creation of an ideal environment for the microorganism based on induction of the inflammatory and IFN-mediated response, modulation of Th1 polarization, reduced antigen processing and presentation, modulation of the evasion of the immune response mediated by CD8+ T cells and promotion of the CD4+ T-cell response during the late stage of infection as a mechanism to escape host defences. This response was significantly exacerbated in fish infected by PS-EM-90 compared with fish infected by PS-LF-89, a finding that is probably associated with the higher pathogenicity of PS-EM-90.

Experiencias del hombre ante la hospitalización por complicaciones obstétricas de su esposa / Experiences of the man before hospitalization due to obstetric complications of his wife / Experiências do homem antes da internação por complicações obstétricas de sua esposa

Introducción: Al presentarse una complicación obstétrica, donde no solo interactúan factores fisiológicos, sino culturales, sociales, religiosos y económicos que ponen en riesgo la vida del binomio madre-hijo, durante la hospitalización de su esposa la vida del hombre se ve afectada debido a las expectativas sociales de su entorno, es decir, de él se espera fortaleza, valentía, control emocional e independencia, entre otras muchas. Integrar al esposo durante esta situación permite dirigir la atención para comprender cómo el trinomio madre-padre-hijo vive este proceso y así implementar estrategias orientadas a la práctica de enfermería en su cuidado integral, ya que la literatura es escasa referente al fenómeno de estudio y en México no hay información al respecto. Objetivo: Describir las experiencias del Hombre ante la hospitalización de su esposa por complicaciones obstétricas en un hospital de segundo nivel. Metodología: Diseño cualitativo fenomenológico-hermenéutico. Los participantes fueron 6 informantes hombres que experimentaron junto a su esposa durante la hospitalización por presentar alguna complicación obstétrica durante el embarazo y/o el parto; los datos se recolectaron a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas. El número de informantes se definió por medio del criterio de saturación, el análisis de datos se realizó mediante la propuesta de Colaizzi. Hallazgos: Emergieron 3 grandes categorías: A) Efecto de cuidar a otros, con 4 sub-categorías: a1) decisiones de vida o muerte, a2) anteposición de mis necesidades personales, a3) fortalecimiento del rol de esposo, a4) ahora me toca cuidarlos; B) Contando con apoyo: b1) la familia como sostén, b2) apoyo de la comunidad, b3) religiosidad y automotivación; C) Invisibilidad del esposo por el personal de salud. Conclusiones: Tradicionalmente, el hombre no debe doblegarse ante el dolor de él o de otros ni pedir ayuda; sin embargo se observó cambios importantes como ternura, comprensión, compromiso afectivo sin que nadie cuestione su masculinidad. Se describe como esta situación afianza el rol de esposo, dando cuidado, apoyo y afecto a su esposa e hijos, es necesario fortalecer y mejorar la práctica asistencial de enfermería al brindar el cuidado al trinomio.

Introduction: When an obstetric complication occurs, where not only physiological factors, but cultural, social, religious and economic factors that endanger the life of the mother-child binomial, during the hospitalization of his wife, the life of the man is affected due to The social expectations of his environment, that is, he expects strength, courage, emotional control and independence, among many others. Integrating the husband during this situation allows directing the attention to understand how the trinomial mother-father-son lives this process and thus implement strategies oriented to the practice of nursing in its integral care, since the literature is scarce referring to the phenomenon of study and In Mexico there is no information about it. Objective: To describe the experiences of the Man before the hospitalization of his wife by obstetric complications in a second level hospital. Methodology: Qualitative phenomenological-hermeneutic design. Participants were 6 male informants who experienced with their spouse during hospitalization for having an obstetric complication during pregnancy and / or childbirth; The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The number of informants was defined by the saturation criterion, data analysis was performed using the Colaizzi proposal. Findings: Three major categories emerged: A) Effect of caring for others, with 4 sub-categories: a1) life or death decisions, a2) preposition of my personal needs, a3) strengthening the role of husband, a4) now it's my turn Take care of them; B) With support: b1) the family as support, b2) support of the community, b3) religiosity and self-motivation; C) Invisibility of the husband by the health personnel. Conclusions: Traditionally, man should not bow to the pain of him or others or ask for help; However important changes were observed such as tenderness, understanding, affective commitment without anyone questioning their masculinity. Describing how this situation strengthens the role of husband, giving care, support and affection to his wife and children, it is necessary to strengthen and improve the nursing care practice by providing care to the trinomial.

Introdução: Quando ocorre uma complicação obstétrica, onde não apenas fatores fisiológicos interagem, mas também fatores culturais, sociais, religiosos e econômicos que colocam em risco a vida do binômio mãe-filho, durante a hospitalização de sua esposa, a vida do homem é afetada por as expectativas sociais de seu entorno, isto é, força, coragem, controle emocional e independência, são esperadas dele, entre muitos outros. A integração do marido nessa situação permite direcionar a atenção para entender como o trinômio mãe-pai-filho vive esse processo e, assim, implementar estratégias orientadas para a prática da enfermagem em seu cuidado integral, uma vez que a literatura é escassa quanto ao fenômeno de estudo e no México não há informações sobre isso. Objetivo: Descrever as experiências do Homem antes da internação de sua esposa devido a complicações obstétricas em um hospital de segundo nível. Metodologia: Desenho fenomenológico-hermenêutico qualitativo. Participaram do estudo 6 informantes do sexo masculino que sofreram com a esposa durante a hospitalização por apresentarem uma complicação obstétrica durante a gravidez e / ou parto; os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. O número de informantes foi definido por meio do critério de saturação; a análise dos dados foi realizada mediante proposta de Colaizzi. Resultados: surgiram três categorias principais: A) Efeito de cuidar dos outros, com quatro subcategorias: a1) decisões de vida ou morte, a2) predizer minhas necessidades pessoais, a3) fortalecer o papel do marido, a4) agora é a minha vez cuide deles; B) Com apoio: b1) a família como apoio, b2) apoio comunitário, b3) religiosidade e auto-motivação; C) Invisibilidade do marido pelo pessoal de saúde. Conclusões: Tradicionalmente, o homem não deve se curvar à dor de si ou dos outros ou pedir ajuda; no entanto, mudanças importantes foram observadas, como ternura, compreensão, comprometimento emocional sem que ninguém questionasse sua masculinidade. Descreve-se como essa situação fortalece o papel do marido, dando cuidado, apoio e afeto à esposa e aos filhos, sendo necessário fortalecer e aprimorar a prática do cuidado de enfermagem prestando assistência ao trinômio.

Comparative pathogenesis of piscirickettsiosis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) post-smolt experimentally challenged with LF-89-like and EM-90-like Piscirickettsia salmonis isolates.

Piscirickettsiosis (SRS) is the most prevalent bacterial disease in Chilean salmon aquaculture and is responsible for high economic losses. The aim of this study was to comparatively characterize the pathogenesis of SRS in post-smolt Atlantic salmon during the early and late stages of infection with Piscirickettsia salmonis LF-89-like (PS-LF-89) and EM-90-like (PS-EM-90) using a cohabitation challenge. The pathogenesis of cohabitant fish infected with the two isolates was relatively different due to cohabitant fish infected with PS-EM-90 showing higher cumulative mortality and shorter time until death compared with PS-LF-89 fish. PS-LF-89 caused an SRS infection characterized by kidney and liver lesions, whereas PS-EM-90 caused systemic and haemorrhagic disease characterized by kidney, liver, heart, brain, skeletal muscle and intestine lesions. Decreased serum concentration of total proteins and albumin as well as increased serum ALT, AST and creatinine levels in fish infected with both isolates confirmed that changes in liver and kidney function occurred during infection. Tissue damage, expressed as an SRS histoscore, showed a strong positive correlation with the bacterial load expressed as abundance of P. salmonis 16S rRNA transcripts in the livers and kidneys of fish affected with either isolate, but the correlation was significantly higher in fish infected with PS-EM-90. The results contribute to improving the understanding of the bacteria-host interaction.

The rs3857059 variant of the SNCA gene is associated with Parkinson's disease in Mexican Mestizos.

Among the candidate genes for Parkinson's disease (PD), SNCA has replicated association in different populations. Besides other known mutations in the SNCA gene, the rs3857059 variant has also been linked to various neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to search for association of this variant and sporadic PD in Mexican Mestizo patients. A case-control study was performed including 241 individuals, 106 patients, and 135 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. The rs3857059 variant demonstrated an association with PD in Mexican Mestizos (OR = 2.40, CI, 1.1 to 5.1, p = 0.02) under the recessive model. In addition, a gender effect was found for the GG genotype in females (OR = 1.31, CI, 1.01 to 1.7, p = 0.037). This is the first study to confirm an association of the rs3857059 variant with PD and also to show a gender effect. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the link between rs3857059 and susceptibility to PD observed in the Mexican Mestizo population.

The rs3857059 variant of the SNCA gene is associated with Parkinson's disease in Mexican Mestizos / A variante rs3857059 do gene SNCA é associada à doença de Parkinson em mestiços mexicanos

ABSTRACT Among the candidate genes for Parkinson’s disease (PD), SNCA has replicated association in different populations. Besides other known mutations in the SNCA gene, the rs3857059 variant has also been linked to various neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to search for association of this variant and sporadic PD in Mexican Mestizo patients. A case-control study was performed including 241 individuals, 106 patients, and 135 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. The rs3857059 variant demonstrated an association with PD in Mexican Mestizos (OR = 2.40, CI, 1.1 to 5.1, p = 0.02) under the recessive model. In addition, a gender effect was found for the GG genotype in females (OR = 1.31, CI, 1.01 to 1.7, p = 0.037). This is the first study to confirm an association of the rs3857059 variant with PD and also to show a gender effect. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the link between rs3857059 and susceptibility to PD observed in the Mexican Mestizo population.

RESUMO Entre genes candidatos para a doença de Parkinson (PD), SNCA foi replicado em diferentes populações. Além de outras mutações conhecidas no gene SNCA, a variante rs3857059 também tem sido associada a várias doenças neurodegenerativas. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi o de procurar variante de associação e PD esporádica em pacientes mestiços mexicanos. Um estudo de caso-controle foi executado, incluindo 241 indivíduos, 106 pacientes e 135 controles saudáveis. A genotipagem foi realizada utilizando PCR em tempo real. A variante rs3857059 se mostrou associada a PD em mexicano-mestiços (OR = 2,40, IC 1,1-5,1, p = 0,02) sob o modelo recessivo. Além disso, um efeito de gênero foi encontrado para o genótipo GG no sexo feminino (OR = 1,31, CI, 1,01-1,7, p = 0,037). Este é o primeiro estudo que confirma associação da variante rs3857059 para a PD e também um efeito de gênero. Nossos dados contribuem para elucidar suscetibilidade à PD observada na população mexicana-mestiça.

Association of the rs1801133 variant in the MTHFR gene and sporadic Parkinson's disease.

The MTHFR gene has been reported as a susceptibility locus for sporadic Parkinson's disease (sPD). The functional variant rs1801133 has been linked to hyperhomocysteinemia and dopaminergic cell death. Among different populations, Mexican-Mestizos (most present-day Mexicans) have the highest frequency of this variant. Therefore, we sought to determine a possible association of rs1801133 with SPD. In total, 356 individuals were included: 140 patients with PD, diagnosed according to the Queen Square Brain Bank criteria, and 216 neurologically healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan probes for rs1801133 and real-time PCR. Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for smoking and gender was used to test for an association between genotype and SPD. The CC genotype was associated with SPD; exp() = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.101-3.873, p = 0.024. No association with age at onset, cognitive impairment or gender was found in our study group. Our data suggest an important role of MTHFR gene variants in SPD.

Prevalencia de caries temprana de la infancia en niños con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas / Prevalence of early childhood caries in children with chronic respiratory diseases

Introducción: Se ha estipulado que los niños con condiciones crónicas de salud, pueden tener un alto riesgo de caries. Aunque la literatura sobre caries tempranas de la infancia (CTI) es extensa, poco se sabe acerca de su prevalencia en niños con estas condiciones. Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia de CTI en niños con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (ERC) en el Hospital Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile y determinar su asociación con CTI. Pacientes y Método: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, sobre un total de 120 niños de 2 a 5 años 11 meses de edad, un grupo de estudio de 60 niños con ERC y un grupo control de 60 niños sanos fueron analizados. Se diagnosticó CTI de acuerdo a la definición aceptada por la AAPD, mediante un examen oral realizado por un operador bajo condiciones estandarizadas. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa Stata 11. Resultados: La prevalencia de CTI fue de 53 por ciento en niños con ERC y 25 por ciento en niños sanos (p < 0,0001). El valor de Qdds Ratio para niños con ERC fue de 7,046 mostrando un incremento del riesgo de CTI, comparado con niños sanos. (95 por ciento CI: 2,372-20,929). Conclusión: En esta población, los niños con ERC presentan una alta prevalencia de CTI. En esta muestra se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre CTI y ERC.

Introduction: Children with chronic health conditions may have an increased risk for developing caries. Although the literature on early childhood cavities (ECC) is extensive, little is known about its prevalence in children with these conditions. objective: To determine the prevalence of ECC in children with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) at Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital in Santiago, Chile, and to determine their association. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 120 children aged 2 to 5 years 11 months, a study group of 60 children with CRD and a control group of 60 healthy children were analyzed. ECC was diagnosed meeting the ALAPD criteria, an oral exam conducted by an operator under standardized conditions. The Stata 11 program was used for statistical analysis. results: The prevalence of ECC was 53 percent in children with CRD and 25 percent in healthy children (p < 0.0001). The value of odds ratio for children with CRD was 7.046 showing an increased risk of ECC compared with healthy children. (95 percent CI: 2.372 to 20.929). Conclusion: In this population, children with CRD have a high prevalence of ECC. In this sample, a statistically significant association between ECC and CRD was found.

A chloroplast-derived C4V3 polypeptide from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is orally immunogenic in mice.

Although the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide, attempts to develop an effective vaccine remain elusive. Designing recombinant proteins capable of eliciting significant and protective mammalian immune responses remain a priority. Moreover, large-scale production of proteins of interest at affordable cost remains a challenge for modern biotechnology. In this study, a synthetic gene encoding a C4V3 recombinant protein, known to induce systemic and mucosal immune responses in mammalian systems, has been introduced into tobacco chloroplasts to yield high levels of expression. Integration of the transgene into the tobacco plastome has been verified by Southern blot hybridization. The recombinant C4V3 protein is also detected in tobacco chloroplasts by confocal microscopy. Reactivity of the heterologous protein with both an anti-C4V3 rabbit serum as well as sera from HIV positive patients have been assayed using Western blots. When administered by the oral route in a four-weekly dose immunization scheme, the plant-derived C4V3 has elicited both systemic and mucosal antibody responses in BALB/c mice, as well as CD4+ T cell proliferation responses. These findings support the viability of using plant chloroplasts as biofactories for HIV candidate vaccines, and could serve as important vehicles for the development of a plant-based candidate vaccine against HIV.

Tumores paratesticulares un diagnóstico inusual: Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán / Paratesticular tumors unusual diagnosis: Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán

Introducción: El cáncer testicular representa entre el 1,5 por ciento de los cánceres en varones y el 5 por ciento de los tumores urológicos en general. Los tumores paratesticulares representan el 4 por ciento de los tumores testiculares. Material y Método: Se revisaron informes de anatomía patológica y las fichas clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de patología testicular durante el período entre enero de 2004 a marzo de 2009. Se analizaron las siguientes variables: edad, testículo involucrado, tipo histológico y tratamiento. Objetivo: Es describir los tumores paratesticulares diagnosticados en el Servicio de Urología del Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán. Resultado: Se revisaron 149 casos, de los cuales 110 casos se confirmaron como tumores testiculares. Los tumores germinales representan el 90 por ciento. Los demás tipos histológicos, tres corresponden a metástasis testiculares, dos linfomas y una leucemia. Sólo cuatro casos correspondían a tumores paratesticulares representando el 3,6 por ciento de los tumores tratados. La descripción histológica de los tumores encontrados fue de dos Sarcomas (Rabdomiosarcoma y fibrosarcoma), Hemangiopericitoma y un Linfoma. La mediana de edad es de 62 años. El promedio de evolución de las lesiones fue de 5 meses. Discusión: Las neoplasias paratesticulares del cordón espermático son raras y representan sólo el 4 por ciento de los tumores testiculares. Los más frecuentes son tumores benignos en 2/3 de los casos, siendo el lipoma el tipo histológico más común. Conclusión: Los tumores paratesticulares son neoplasias infrecuentes. La presentación clínica no varía respecto a los demás tumores testiculares excepto en los pacientes inmunodeprimidos.

Introduction: Testicular cancer accounts for 1.5 per cent of cancers in men and 5 per cent of general urologic tumors. Paratesticular tumors represent 4 per cent of testicular tumors. Materials and Methods: We reviewed pathology reports and clinical records of patients diagnosed with testicular pathology during the period January 2004 to March 2009. We analyzed the following variables: age, testicular involvement, histological type and treatment. Aim: You describe paratesticular tumors diagnosed in the urology department of Hospital San BorjaArriarán. Results: We reviewed 149 cases, of which 110 cases were confirmed as malignancy. Germ cell tumors account for 90 percent. Other histologic types, three correspond to metastatic testicular, two lymphomas and leukemia. Only four cases were paratesticular tumors accounting for 3.6 per cent of treated tumors. The histological description of the tumors found were two sarcomas (rhabdomyosarcoma and fibrosarcoma), hemangiopericytoma and a lymphoma. The median age was 62 years. The average evolution of lesions was 5 months. Discussion: Paratesticular neoplasms of the spermatic cord are rare and represent only 4 per cent of testicular tumors. The most common are benign tumors in 2/3 of cases, the lipoma being the most common histologic type. Conclusion: Paratesticular tumors are rare neoplasms. The clinical presentation varies in relation to other testicular tumors except in immunosuppressed patients.

Modified penicillin acylase signal peptide allows the periplasmic production of soluble human interferon-gamma but not of soluble human interleukin-2 by the Tat pathway in Escherichia coli.

Production of periplasmic human interferon-gamma (hINF-gamma) and human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) by the Tat translocation pathway in Escherichia coli BL21-SI was evaluated. The expression was obtained using the pEMR vector which contains the Tat-dependent modified penicillin acylase signal peptide (mSPpac) driven by the T7 promoter. The mSPpac-hINF-gamma was processed and the protein was transported to periplasm. Up to 30.1% of hINF-gamma was found in the periplasmic soluble fraction, whereas only 15% of the mSPpac-hIL-2 was processed, but hIL-2 was not found in the periplasmic soluble fraction.

Interleukin-6 and chemokines in the neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To define the cytokine and chemokine profile in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). METHODS: Forty-two SLE patients who had been hospitalized because of NP manifestations were studied. Patients were evaluated at hospitalization and 6 months later; a CSF sample was obtained at each evaluation. As controls, CSF from 6 SLE patients with septic meningitis, 16 SLE patients with no history of NP manifestations (non-NPSLE), and 25 patients with nonautoimmune diseases were also studied. Soluble molecules, including cytokines (interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha], and interferon-gamma [IFNgamma]) and chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP-1], RANTES, IL-8, monokine induced by IFNgamma [MIG], and interferon-gamma-inducible 10-kd protein [IP-10]), were measured with the use of cytometric bead array kits. RESULTS: CSF levels of the following molecules were significantly increased in NPSLE patients as compared with non-NPSLE and nonautoimmune diseases control patients, respectively: IL-6 (32.7 versus 3.0 and 2.96 pg/ml), IL-8 (102.8 versus 29.97 and 19.7 pg/ml), IP-10 (888.2 versus 329.7 [P not significant] and 133.6 pg/ml), RANTES (3.8 versus 2.5 and 2.2 pg/ml), MCP-1 (401.7 versus 257.9 [P not significant] and 136.9 pg/ml), and MIG (35.4 versus 11.4 and 3.5 pg/ml). Low levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNFalpha, and IFNgamma were found in all groups. All cytokines and chemokines, except TNFalpha, were significantly higher among the SLE patients with septic meningitis than among the NPSLE patients. Six months later and in the absence of NP manifestations, all elevated molecule levels, except RANTES, in patients with NPSLE had decreased significantly, and no differences were noted between the NPSLE and non-NPSLE groups. CONCLUSION: A central nervous system response composed of IL-6 and chemokines, but not Th1/Th2 cytokines, is associated with NP manifestations in SLE patients.

The effect of different propolis harvest methods on its lead contents determined by ET AAS and UV-visS.

Argentinean propolis is exported to different countries, specially Japan. The market demands propolis quality control according to international standards. The analytical determination of some metals, as lead in food, is very important for their high toxicity even in low concentrations and because of their harmful effects on health. Flavonoids, the main bioactive compounds of propolis, tend to chelate metals as lead, which becomes one of the main polluting agents of propolis. The lead found in propolis may come from the atmosphere or it may be incorporated in the harvest, extraction and processing methods. The aim of this work is to evaluate lead level on Argentinean propolis determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS) and UV-vis spectrophotometry (UV-visS) methods, as well as the effect of harvest methods on those contents. A randomized test with three different treatments of collection was made to evaluate the effect of harvest methods. These procedures were: separating wedges (traditional), netting plastic meshes and stamping out plastic meshes. By means of the analysis of variance technique for multiple comparisons (ANOVA) it was possible to conclude that there are significant differences between scraped and mesh methods (stamped out and mosquito netting meshes). The results obtained in the present test would allow us to conclude that mesh methods are more advisable than scraped ones in order to obtain innocuous and safe propolis with minor lead contents. A statistical comparison of lead determination by both, ET AAS and UV-visS methods, demonstrated that there is not a significant difference in the results achieved with the two analytical techniques employed.