A prime-boost combination of a three-protein cocktail and multiepitopic MVA as a vaccine against Babesia bigemina elicits neutralizing antibodies and a Th1 cellular immune response in mice.

In the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia both innate and adaptive immune responses are necessary to confer protection against clinical disease. In particular, the adaptive immune response involves the production of neutralizing antibodies as well as the presentation of parasite antigens to CD4+ T lymphocytes by professional antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, the development of alternative vaccines that replace the use of live attenuated strains should include relevant epitopes targeting both B and T cell responses. The aim of this study was to design new Babesia bigemina immunogens and evaluate the humoral and cellular responses in mice. To achieve this, three B. bigemina recombinant antigens called Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA-1), Rhoptry Associated Protein 1 (RAP-1) and the Thrombospondin Related Anonymous Protein 1 (TRAP-1) were obtained. Besides, two recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vectors coding for chimeric constructs containing bioinformatically predicted B and T cell epitopes from the same three antigens were generated. These immunogens were evaluated in prime-boost heterologous schemes. Among the combinations tested, priming with a cocktail of the three proteins followed by a booster immunization with a mix of both viruses induced the highest activation of IFN-γ+ CD4+ and CD8+ antigen-specific T cell responses. Remarkably, all vaccine schemes containing antigen cocktails also induced antibodies that were capable of neutralizing merozoite invasion of bovine erythrocytes in vitro at a level comparable to an anti B. bigemina hyperimmune bovine serum. Our results offer a new perspective for vaccines against B. bigemina combining bioinformatics predictions and prime-boost immunization regimes for future control measures against bovine babesiosis.

White spot lesions in orthodontics: prevention and treatment. A descriptive review.

White spot lesions (WSL) are demineralizations of the enamel found on the tooth surfaces. WSL are considered incipient non-cavitated caries caused by bacterial plaque activity. Subjects with malocclusion such as dental crowding and fixed orthodontic appliances have a greater number of retention sites and consequently difficulty in cleaning and greater predisposition to caries. In fact, WSL are a frequent side effect of orthodontic fixed treatments. The prevention and resolution of this problem is the goal of any orthodontist because untreated WSL can lead to the formation of deeper dental caries and restorative treatment with consequent compromise of patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result obtained at the end of the orthodontic treatment. This review is intended not only for orthodontists but also for general and pediatric dentists who want to learn how to correctly prevent, and treat this unsightly problem. On the market there are many products sold to achieve this goal, some of them can be managed independently by the patient at home, others require the intervention of the dentist. The purpose of this literature review is to understand how these substances work, to identify with which of the currently most widespread the best results have been obtained and then to provide useful information to guide the clinician in choosing the most suitable one for the patient.

Management of anterior open-bite in the deciduous, mixed and permanent dentition stage: a descriptive review.

Anterior open bite is one of the most complex malocclusions to manage. The interaction of skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects can contribute to develop an anterior open bite. The skeletal open bite requires a more complex approach of treatment to reach function, aesthetics, and stability. The approaches vary depending on the causative factors and the age of patients. Treatment approaches for open bite patients differ when dealing with adults and growing patients. The aim of this descriptive review was to summarize the main existing treatment strategies for anterior open bite, from the noninvasive behavioural shaping to the orthodontic intrusion with skeletal anchorage.

Compliance of children with removable functional appliance with microchip integrated during covid-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

Treatments with removable appliances are widely used in Europe to correct dento-skeletal dysgnatia in the growth phase that is a period of poor cooperation of the patients. Adherence to the wear-time prescription is often not achieved and it represent the main argument against the use of removable devices. Suspected non-compliant behavior with the wear time prescription is often the subject of medico-legal disputes, which can deteriorate doctor-patient relationship. The use of microchips allows to document objectively and clarify the patient's behavior. To conduct a systematic review of the orthodontic literature to identify the factors associated with compliance in orthodontic treatment. We conduct a systematic review that aimed to identity the factors associate with compliance in orthodontic treatment. The main purpose was to assess the objective levels of time of use of the removable appliances and the self-reported levels. A literature search was conducted by the electronic databases PubMed and Cochrane Library. The following search terms were used: compliance functional removable orthodontic appliance. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, case series, qualitative and mixed-methods studies objectively assessing compliance levels were included in the study. A total of 94 articles were identified by PubMed and 14 articles by Cochrane. The papers selected were included for the qualitative analysis and categorized according to the subjects age, the clinical appliance, compliance factors, wear time and monitoring. Removable appliances are an important part of orthodontic treatment, used in growth phase of the patient. Collaboration with removable functional devices determines success / failure in treatment.

Anthelmintic resistance in commercial sheep farms in Costa Rica.

Forty-eight commercial sheep farms were sampled between the years 2017 and 2019 to evaluate the percentage of reduction of the three families of broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs available in Costa Rica - benzimidazoles (albendazole), macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin) and imidazothiazoles (levamisole) - in grazing animals by using the fecal egg count reduction test. Animals were selected based on their egg per gram counts after their fecal samples were processed by a modified McMaster technique. The remaining fecal samples were taken to the laboratory for fecal culture and larval identification. The prevalence of farms with albendazole resistance was 100%, ivermectin 96% and levamisole 17%. Seven (n = 47) farms resulted with triple resistance, 39 with double and 1 farm was resistant to 1 AH tested. Haemonchus spp. was the most commonly isolated parasite in pre- and post-treatment larval culture. This is the first report of Oesophagostomum spp. and Teladorsagia sp. resistant to albendazole, Oesophagostomum spp., Teladorsagia sp., Chabertia sp. and Cooperia sp. resistant to ivermectin, and the presence of strains of Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus sp. resistant to the 3 anthelmintics tested. The results of this study demonstrate that anthelmintic resistance is widespread, particularly in Haemonchus spp., and that the major drugs available in the country have lost much of their effectiveness against sheep nematodes.

Impact of disturbed areas on Theraphosidae spiders diversity (Araneae) and first population data of Grammostola rosea (Walckenaer) in Panul Park.

Soil fauna constitutes one of the most abundant and richest environments on earth (Coleman et al. 2004, Fundamentals of solil ecology, 2nd ed. Elsevier Academic Press, London, UK). Different degrees of soil disturbance can affect arthropod diversity, which allows a correlation of biodiversity to quality of habitat. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of habitat on Theraphosidae spiders, with special focus on Grammostola rosea. Slight differences in the diversity of Theraphosidae between the disturbed area of Cerro Huechuraba and the undisturbed Panul Park were found. However, a high dominance of G. rosea was observed in both study areas. G. rosea density 1,350 ind/ha in Panul Park, and 750 ind/ha in Cerro Huechuraba. UPGMA cluster analysis did not show significant differences between established environments. A standard methodology to develop inventories of Theraphosidae was proposed. The distribution of G. rosea and its natural history were reported.

Consumo, hábitos alimentarios y habilidades culinarias en alumnos de tercero a quinto año básico y sus padres / Food consumption, dietary behaviour and cooking skills in third to fifth grade school-age children and parents

The objective of this study was to describe food consumption, dietary behaviour and culinary habits in third to fifth grade students and their families through surveys and focus groups to implement nutrition education interventions in healthy eating habits at schools. Surveys in parents and children demonstrated that healthy food consumption was under the Chilean Dietary Guidelines recommendations. Consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy food in parents was less than in children, but non-healthy food consumption was also less in parents. In dietary behavior 22% of children consumed breakfast at home and also at school, and 33% consumed double lunch. Snack was carried from home in 60% of children, but 72% carried money to buy non-healthy snacks at school. Parents said that they had norms related to dietary behavior at home, but 60% watched TV during dinner and 96% had afternoon tea and just 42.2% had dinner. Regarding culinary habits, students had the skills to prepare simple food but did not have the skills to prepare a dish. The mothers said they had the culinary skills but they cook simple food like pasta, rice and potatoes. Focus groups confirmed survey findings, identifying three profiles in mothers and separating eating behaviour during the weekdays and weekend. Its notorious that mothers consuming a healthy diet were those who had more health problems. Barriers to healthy eating were lack of time and money. Surveys and focus groups showed a good access by parents and children to Information and Communication Technologies. In conclusion, it is urgent to design nutrition education programs to create healthy eating habits considering the current situation in food consumption, dietary behaviour and culinary habits in students and their parents.

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el consumo, los hábitos alimentarios y las habilidades culinarias en alumnos de tercero a quinto año básico y de su familia por medio de encuestas y grupos focales para realizar intervenciones educativas en alimentación saludable en el ámbito escolar. Para ello se realizaron encuestas a alumnos y padres, que se complementaron con grupos focales. Según las encuestas, el consumo de alimentos saludables en alumnos y padres estuvo por debajo de lo recomendado en las Guías Alimentarias. El consumo de frutas, verduras y lácteos en los padres fue menor que en los hijos, pero consumieron menos alimentos no saludables. En hábitos, 22% de los niños tomaba doble desayuno y 33% doble almuerzo. Un 60% llevaba colación de la casa, pero 72% llevaba dinero destinado a compra de alimentos poco saludables. Los padres decían tener normas, pero un 60% veía televisión cuando comía, 96% tomaba once y 42,2% cenaba. En habilidades culinarias, los alumnos podían preparar alimentos simples, pero no un plato de comida. Las madres decían tener habilidades culinarias, pero cocinaban en forma ocasional y comida básica como papas, arroz y fideos. Los grupos focales confirmaron lo anterior, identificando tres perfiles de madres y diferenciando lo que comen en la semana con los fines de semana. Destaca el perfil de madres que se alimenta saludable, que eran las que han tenido un problema de salud. Las barreras para alimentarse bien son el alto costo y la falta de tiempo. Las encuestas y grupos focales mostraron un buen acceso de padres e hijos a las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación. Lo anterior demuestra el imperativo de contar con programas de educación nutricional prácticos para crear hábitos de alimentación saludable que consideren la situación actual de consumo, hábitos alimentarios y habilidades culinarias de los alumnos y sus padres.

Bases teóricas y metodológicas para un programa de educación en alimentación saludable en escuelas / Theoretical and methodological basis for a healthy food educational program in chilean basic schools

The objective of this paper is to analyze the theoretical and methodological basis for a nutrition education program in healthy food for the school community. Conceptual basis and the experience of a nutrition education intervention for parents and teachers are described. An innovative and participative methodology with the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are presented. In this methodology parents and teachers transfer healthy food concepts to children at home and in the school. A proposal for an integral education model for schools is presented.

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar las bases teóricas y metodológicas para un programa educativo de alimentación saludable en la comunidad escolar. Se describen los fundamentos conceptuales y la experiencia de una intervención educativa experimental con padres y profesores en escuelas básicas. Se presenta una metodología innovadora, de carácter participativo y práctico con uso de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) en el cual los profesores transfieren lo aprendido a los niños en la escuela y a los padres en el hogar. Se realiza una propuesta para un modelo educativo integral para los establecimientos educacionales.

Síndrome coronario agudo en Guatemala / Acute coronary syndrome in Guatemala

El término “Síndrome Coronario Agudo” (SCA) implica una constelación de síntomas atribuibles a isquemiaaguda del miocardio. Se incluyen bajo esta denominación los infartos del miocardio con elevación delsegmento ST(IMCEST), los Infartos sin elevación del ST(IMSEST) y la angina inestable. Para conocer elcomportamiento y manejo del SCA en los países emergentes, entre Enero del 2007 y Enero del 2009 serealizó el estudio ACCESS (ACute Coronary Events Strategies Survey) para evaluar los mecanismos deestratificación del riesgo, patrones de práctica clínica, manejo, en un año, entre los pacientes reclutados en Guatemala, el SCA fue confirmado en 289 casos: 37 IMSEST, 188 IMCEST y 64 con angina inestable.

The term "acute coronary syndrome" (ACS) involves a constellation of symptoms attributable to acutemyocardial ischemia. Under this designation are included: myocardial infarction with ST segmentelevation(IMCEST), myocardial infarction without ST segment elevation(IMSEST) and unstable angina. Tounderstand the behavior and management of ACS in emerging countries, between January 2007 and January2009, the ACCESS study (ACute Coronary Events Strategies Survey) was conducted to evaluate themechanisms of risk stratification, clinical practice patterns, management, in one year, in the patients enrolledin Guatemala, the SCA was confirmed in 289 cases: 37 NSTEMI, 188 STEMI and 64 with unstable angina.

Pulmonary hypertension is ameliorated in mice deficient in thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: The fibrinolytic system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) inhibits fibrinolysis and therefore its absence would be expected to increase fibrinolysis and ameliorate PH. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of TAFI deficiency on pulmonary hypertension in the mouse. METHODS AND RESULTS: PH was induced in C57/Bl6 wild-type (WT) or TAFI-deficient (KO) mice by weekly subcutaneous treatment with 600 mg kg(-1) monocrotaline (MCT) for 8 weeks. PH was inferred from right heart hypertrophy measured using the ratio of right ventricle-to-left ventricle-plus-septum weight [RV/(LV+S)]. Pulmonary vascular remodeling was analyzed by morphometry. TAFI-deficient MCT-treated and wild-type MCT-treated mice suffered similar weight loss. TAFI-deficient MCT-treated mice had reduced levels of total protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in bronchial alveolar lavage compared with wild-type MCT-treated mice. The ratio of RV to (LV+S) weight was significantly higher in WT/MCT than in KO/MCT mice. The pulmonary artery wall area and vascular stenosis were both greater in MCT-treated WT mice compared with MCT-treated TAFI-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS: TAFI-deficient MCT-treated mice had less pulmonary hypertension, vascular remodeling and reduced levels of cytokines compared with MCT-treated WT animals, possibly as a result of reduced coagulation activation.

Internal capsule: Seth of dissectors for an integral boarding of its fibers.

INTRODUCTION: Classically, the morphologic study of the internal capsule (IC) is made by two cuts: the coronal of Charcot and the axial of Fleschig. Recent neuroradiologic studies and clinical investigations contribute to the observation in the non-invasive form of this region. OBJECTIVE: The present work tries to complement the study of this important anatomical region, demonstrating it in integral and three-dimensional form. For that reason, the channeled soundings and instruments of manicurist and odontology were modified, and were conformed to a Seth of dissectors designed specifically to approach the IC. Each dissector presents particular characteristics, which allows the delicate dissections of the different anatomical structures to be made. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty encephala of adult corpses were used for this investigation, fixed with a solution of formol to 10% in distilled water. They were approached at the external face of the cerebral hemisphere at level of the lateral fissure. The middle cerebral artery and the insula lobe were dissected and extirpated using the dissector no. 1, exposing the extreme capsule. The dissector no. 2 was used to dissect the fibers and the extreme capsule was extracted jointly with the claustrum, demonstrating the external capsule. The fibers were dissected using the dissector no. 3, thus exposing the lentiform nucleus. Then, the external face of the nucleus was delimited with the dissector no. 4 and then underwent exeresis, to allow for the entry of the genu of the IC. The genu constituted nervous fibers, laid out vertically and perpendicular to the greater axis the nucleus before mentioned. The fibers were dissected with the dissector no. 5, also appreciating the route of the lenticuloestriadas arteries that irrigate the region in the study. Using the dissector no. 6, nervous fibers of the corona radiata were dissected, as well as the short arciformes fibers and the endings in the cerebral cortex. Lastly, the dissector no. 7 was used to dissect the fibers of the pyramidal route and their route by the cerebral trunk, from above to below. CONCLUSION: With the use of the presented instruments, a selective boarding of the IC was obtained, and thanks to the specific characteristics of each dissector, the different anatomical structures related to the IC can be approached with facility. Also, the nervous fibers that compose it can be dissected, which expose the IC in an integral and three-dimensional way.

CASA assessment of kinematic parameters of ram spermatozoa and their relationship to migration efficiency in ruminant cervical mucus.

Sperm motility is an indicator of male fertility because of its importance for sperm migration through the female genital tract and for gamete interaction at fertilization. This study analyses the relationship between computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) motility patterns and sperm migration of rams in ruminant cervical mucus. In experiment 1, spermatozoa extended with sperm analysis medium (SAM) and seminal plasma were compared in terms of motility. In experiment 2, 56 semen samples were collected either with artificial vagina (AV) or electroejaculator to be compared in terms of motility performance. In experiment 3, 104 ejaculates collected by AV from 26 males were analysed via the CASA system to characterize their motility patterns. In experiment 4, ejaculates from pairs of rams (20 rams in total) were simultaneously assessed for mucus migration (ovine, caprine, bovine) and motility patterns to evaluate the correlations between both parameters. Semen collected by AV and extended in SAM allows the most reliable assessment for sperm motility. Ram spermatozoa move fast and follow a linear trajectory compared with other ruminants. Continuous line velocity (VCL) and average path velocity (VAP) are the only sperm kinematic parameters that presented significant positive correlations with the ability to migrate in sheep cervical mucus (p < 0.05). Continuous line velocity, VAP, straight line velocity and linearity are highly significantly related with migration efficiency in goat cervical mucus (p < 0.01) and only lateral head displacement is negatively related to sperm migration in bovine cervical mucus (p < 0.05). These results suggest that specific kinematic parameters confer the ability of spermatozoa to colonize and migrate through epithelial mucus with different rheological properties.

Dynamics of infections with gastrointestinal parasites and Dictyocaulus viviparus in dairy and beef cattle from Costa Rica.

A longitudinal survey was carried out to determine and describe the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasite infections and Dictyocaulus viviparus in a dairy and a beef cattle farm of two different ecological zones in Costa Rica. The influence of anthelmintic treatment, age and meteorological factors (rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures) on gastrointestinal nematodes and D. viviparus counts was determined. Calves were subjected to monthly sampling of feces and blood between April 2002 and March 2003. Coprological techniques were used to detect gastrointestinal helminthes, protozoan and D. viviparus. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies to D. viviparus by ELISA. The most prevalent gastrointestinal parasites detected on both farms (dairy cattle, A; beef cattle, B) were Eimeria spp. (94.7%, 93.7%), Strongylidae (75.0%, 81.4%), Buxtonella sulcata (38.0%, 21.6%) and Strongyloides papillosus (29.8%, 31.7%), whereas Moniezia benedeni (4.8%, 9.1%), Trichuris spp. (7.3%, 13.2%), Toxocara vitulorum (0.0%, 1.8%) and Entamoeba bovis (2.5%, 1.1%) were less prevalent. Mean fecal egg counts (FEC) showed highest values of Strongylidae in April, May and July (>335.3 eggs/g feces) on farm A, and April, May and August (>304.3 eggs/g feces) on farm B. S. papillosus presented low FEC throughout the year on farm A, on farm B the highest values were obtained in April (303.0 eggs/g feces). Trichuris spp. presented maximum FEC values in May (328.6 eggs/g feces) on farm A and in June (157.5 eggs/g feces) on farm B. Treatment and age had significant influence on infection intensity of Strongylidae (farms A and B), S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm A). Rainfall had significant effect on S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm B). Maximum temperature showed significant effect on S. papillosus (farm A) and Trichuris spp. (farms A and B). Minimum temperature had significant influence on Strongylidae (farm A), S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm B). Haemonchus spp. (57%, 66%) and Cooperia spp. (30.0%, 30.7%) were the most prevalent genera identified by coproculture on both farms, in contrast, Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. were less frequent. Patent lungworm infections were low on both farms (10.8%, 1.8%). On farm A, high prevalence of antibodies against D. viviparus was determined only at the beginning of the study, in contrast, on farm B the seroprevalence fluctuated throughout the year. Treatment, age and maximum temperature had significant effect on D. viviparus counts on farm A, but not on farm B.

Computer-assisted analysis of sperm motion in goats and its relationship with sperm migration in cervical mucus.

In vitro sperm migration in cervical mucus relates to sperm concentration at the utero-tubal junction and to in vivo fertilization performance in goats. The present study aimed to characterize, using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), motility patterns depicted by buck sperm and their relation to the migration efficiency in homologous (goat) and heterologous (heifer) cervical mucus in vitro. Semen was collected from 23 sexually mature bucks from three breeds by artificial vagina and sperm were assessed for motility parameters with a Hobson Sperm analyzer following extension in Sperm Analysis Medium (SAM). To study the relationship between kinematics parameters and the ability of sperm to migrate in cervical mucus, in a first experiment, motility performance of buck sperm suspended in SAM was compared against seminal plasma. In a second experiment, kinematics parameters of sperm were characterized. In a third experiment, bucks with sperm that differed in specific motion parameters were compared for the ability of their sperm to migrate through goat and bovine cervical mucus collected at estrus. In a fourth experiment, ejaculates that were compared in their migration ability and were assessed simultaneously for their motility parameters. Overall, sperm suspended in SAM medium had better velocity and similar linearity and lateral head displacement than those suspended in seminal plasma; furthermore, caprine sperm swam relatively fast (relative to bovine and ovine sperm), following a very linear trajectory. Under the conditions used, velocity parameters, linearity and lateral head displacement seemed to be related to sperm migration efficiency in homologous mucus but not in bovine cervical mucus.

Pedro Ara anatomic museum.

Museums where anatomical pieces are exhibited are disappearing. The advance of the computer together with the advance of conventional and three-dimensional radiology makes the organs to be exposed without practicing dissection and the virtual images replace the real ones in the educational process. Some current laws that restrict the use of corpses and fetuses for obituary and exhibition studies have also contributed to the tendency. The anatomical museum, today named Pedro Ara, was founded in December 1920 and it exhibits anatomic works from the embryonic stage to old age, contributing unbeatable teachings to the medical sciences and the general public. The museum is located in the Angel Roque Suarez Anatomic Institute in the Clinical National Hospital which depends on the National University of Cordoba. It is visited daily by hundreds of people from all over the world. The museum owns 1211 pieces that combine ethical, scientific, aesthetical and educational values achieving a realization that received international acknowledgement. The most valuable exhibited work is 'Old man's head' made by Professor Pedro Ara in 1928-1929 (Figure 1), which, owing to its high quality, is in an impeccable and unharmed condition despite being exhibited for 80 years. Other authors, such as Professor Humberto Fracassi, also enriched the museum with their work and we, convinced that it favors and will favor our human formation and professional training, have the privilege of being their heirs and the responsibility of being their followers.

Cuantificacion de poblaciones linfocitarias CD16+ y CD56+ en las diferentes etapas de la infeccion por el virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana / Quantification of linfocitarias populations CD16+ y CD56+ in the different stages from the infection by the virus Human Immunodeficiency

El VIH=SIDA es un importante problema de Salud Publica por la cantidad de personas que han fallecido por esta causa en todoel mundo 40 millones de infectados hasta fines del año 2001(11). Uno de los propocitos mas importantes de la investigacion medica, es sin duda conocer los transtornos que subyacen detras dela clinica de la infeccion por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana que posee una serie de peciulariedades, algunas conocidas y otras por descubrir> Hasta el momento no se ha podido encontrar un tratamiento eficaz y son los estudios actuales en este campo que tratan de encontrarlo. PREGUNTA DE INVESTIGACION: Cual es el comportamiento cuantitativo de las poblaciones linfositarias CD16+ y CD56+ en pacientes VIH(+) durante la evolucion dela infeccion?

Estandarización y comparación de los métodos Inmunofluorescencia e Inmunoenzimático para la cuantificación de poblaciones linfocitarias en sangre periférica. Establecimiento de rangos de referencia / Standardization and comparison of the methods inmunofluorencencia and inmunoenzimatico for the identification of population linfociticas in blood periferica, difference ranks establishment

Entre los componentes del sistema inmunológico involucrados en la respuesta inmune están los linfocitos: B, linfocitos T, y células asesimas (NK). Su participación en uno o más de ellos puede llevar a enfermedades graves y a menudo fatales. En este sentido es de suma importancia disponer de técnicas adecuadas para poder cuantificar estos tipos celulares, estas técnicas deberán ser sensibles, específicas, reproducibles, confiables y de menor costo posible, asequible a la mayoría de la población y que no requiera de equipo costoso para que pueda ser utilizado por laboratorios de mediana envergadura. En este trabajo, se estandarizaron y se compararon los métodos inmunofluorescencia e inmunoenzimático. Ambos métodos tienen como fundamento la identificación de marcadores de superficie específicos de cada tipo celular, pudiéndose cuantificar poblaciones linfocitarias CD4+, CD8+ CD16+ y CD56+ que sirvieron para conocer más de su presencia en la evaluación del sistema inmunológico. Por otro lado, en nuestro medio las condiciones socioeconómicas, culturales ambientales, entre otras, podrían determinar diferencias en los parámetros de los diferentes componentes del sistema inmune. En este capítulo planteamos la necesidad de establecer estas diferencias en nuestra población (rangos de referencia) para que los resultados de las pruebas sean de real utilidad y puedan ser evaluados en su real magnitud

Enhanced expression of Fc alpha receptor I on blood phagocytes of patients with gram-negative bacteremia is associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of the FcR-gamma subunit.

Sepsis caused by gram-negative bacteria is a common finding having high incidence and mortality. Fc alpha RI (CD89), a receptor for immunoglobulin A (IgA), has been shown to mediate bacterial phagocytosis, which might play a role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. In this study the expression and function of Fc alpha RI were analyzed on blood monocytes and neutrophils of patients with bacteremia. We found a marked increased in expression of the alpha- and gamma-subunits of the Fc alpha RI on both types of cells in patients with gram-negative bacteremia, but not in patients with gram-positive bacteremia. This increase was independent of serum IgA levels. Fc alpha RI M(r) was lower on cells from gram-negative patients than on cells from controls (50-65 kDa versus 55-75 kDa), despite a similar 32-kDa backbone, indicating altered glycosylation. Increased levels of Fc alpha RI on blood phagocytes correlated with enhanced serum IL-6 levels, but not with IFN gamma or TNF-alpha. FcR-gamma chain associated with Fc alpha RI was phosphorylated in patients neutrophils, indicating functional engagement of this receptor during gram-negative sepsis. Increased expression and activation of Fc alpha RI-gamma 2 complexes following gram-negative infections suggests its involvement in host defense against bacteria.

Evidence of colonization of man-made ecotopes by Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811) in Costa Rica.

Triatoma dimidiata adults have been frequently found, during the last five years, in a dog kennel and a chicken coop, in the back yard of a well-built house, 15 km from San José, the capital of Costa Rica. In the chicken coop nymphs were also found. Two of the 11 dogs from the kennel were serologically positive for Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The inhabitants of the house, three adults and two children, were negative. This type of colonization by the insect, which is attracted to lights, is becoming common in old and new settlements, with different degrees of success, a fact with epidemiological implications and great relevance in the control strategies that can be applied.

Impaired expression of IgA Fc receptors (CD89) by blood phagocytic cells in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: Expression of IgA Fc receptors (CD89, FcalphaR) and their occupancy by endogenous IgA were studied on blood monocytes and neutrophits to determine if FcalphaR defects could account for enhanced serum IgA and IgA-IC commonly found in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 34 patients with AS, 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 34 healthy individuals. Cell surface FcalphaR was analyzed using a quantitative flow cytometry method in which blood cells were stained with anti-FcalphaR monoclonal antibodies recognizing epitopes outside the IgA binding site and with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-IgA antibodies. Modulation of cell surface FcalphaR was evaluated after incubation of blood cells at 37 degrees C in absence of plasma. Biochemical characterization of iodinated FcalphaR molecules was determined by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). RESULTS: FcaR expression was significantly decreased on monocytes and neutrophils in patients with AS compared to control groups. FcalphaR levels were inversely correlated with serum IgA, suggesting its negative regulatory role. Modulation experiments resulted in rapid and higher FcalphaR upregulation in AS than in controls, indicating that these molecules were downregulated only at the cell surface. Moreover, analysis of the surface iodinated FcalphaR molecules by SDS-PAGE revealed higher Mr (60-90 kDa) in AS than controls (55-75 kDa), also suggesting an altered glycosylation. Analysis of receptor occupancy revealed high levels of endogenous IgA bound to monocytes and neutrophils in patients with AS, pointing to a saturation of IgA Fc receptors. CONCLUSION: We observed impaired expression of FcalphaR in patients with AS that is characterized by a downregulation process associated with post-translational alterations and enhanced binding of endogenous IgA. These alterations might lead to a defective blood clearance by FcalphaR resulting in the enhancement of IgA and IgA-IC in AS patients. Decreased FcalphaR expression represents a new marker for this disease.