[Mortality rate after a hip fracture in a low-income population in an orthopedic training hospital]. / Tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en población con bajos ingresos económicos, en un hospital de entrenamiento ortopédico.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in old patients. The one-year mortality after a hip fracture increase between 14 to 47%. The main objective was to analyze the risk factors associated with mortality after a hip fracture in a low-income population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with traumatic hip fracture in a four-year period in an orthopedic training hospital. The data collected was age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), delay time in days for surgery, duration in hours for surgical procedure, transfusion. Two groups were analyzed, alive patients and deceased patients. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients with traumatic hip fracture was analyzed. Mortality rate in the first year was pf 16.6%, and at the end of the follow-up was 32.2%. The alive patients showed better values of CCI with a value of 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 in the deceased patients. When compared delay time for surgery and duration of surgical procedure did not observe significant difference between patients alive and deceased. CONCLUSION: The delay time of surgery did not affect the mortality after a traumatic hip fracture in old patients with economic low-income.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas de cadera representan una causa importante de morbimortalidad en los adultos mayores. La mortalidad a un año posterior a una fractura de cadera incrementa entre 14 y 47%. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores de riesgo que impactan la tasa de mortalidad posterior a una fractura de cadera en una población de bajos recursos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron de manera retrospectiva pacientes con fractura de cadera traumática en un período de cuatro años en un hospital universitario con entrenamiento ortopédico. Los datos recolectados incluyeron edad, género, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson (CCI), tiempo en días para la cirugía y duración del procedimiento quirúrgico, así como necesidad de transfusión. Se analizaron dos grupos, pacientes vivos y pacientes fallecidos. RESULTADOS: Se evaluó un total de 96 adultos mayores con fractura de cadera. La tasa de mortalidad durante el primer año fue de 16.6%, mientras que al final del seguimiento fue de 32.2%. El grupo de sobrevivientes presentó una mejor evaluación de acuerdo con el CCI con valor de 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 en los pacientes fallecidos. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mortalidad entre ambos grupos al comparar los días de espera de tiempo quirúrgico y la duración de la cirugía. CONCLUSIÓN: El retraso de la cirugía no afecta la tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en pacientes de edad avanzada con bajo ingreso económico.

Tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en población con bajos ingresos económicos, en un hospital de entrenamiento ortopédico / Mortality rate after a hip fracture in a low-income population in an orthopedic training hospital

Resumen: Introducción: Las fracturas de cadera representan una causa importante de morbimortalidad en los adultos mayores. La mortalidad a un año posterior a una fractura de cadera incrementa entre 14 y 47%. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los factores de riesgo que impactan la tasa de mortalidad posterior a una fractura de cadera en una población de bajos recursos. Material y métodos: Se analizaron de manera retrospectiva pacientes con fractura de cadera traumática en un período de cuatro años en un hospital universitario con entrenamiento ortopédico. Los datos recolectados incluyeron edad, género, índice de comorbilidad de Charlson (CCI), tiempo en días para la cirugía y duración del procedimiento quirúrgico, así como necesidad de transfusión. Se analizaron dos grupos, pacientes vivos y pacientes fallecidos. Resultados: Se evaluó un total de 96 adultos mayores con fractura de cadera. La tasa de mortalidad durante el primer año fue de 16.6%, mientras que al final del seguimiento fue de 32.2%. El grupo de sobrevivientes presentó una mejor evaluación de acuerdo con el CCI con valor de 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 en los pacientes fallecidos. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mortalidad entre ambos grupos al comparar los días de espera de tiempo quirúrgico y la duración de la cirugía. Conclusión: El retraso de la cirugía no afecta la tasa de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera en pacientes de edad avanzada con bajo ingreso económico.

Abstract: Introduction: Hip fracture are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in old patients. The one-year mortality after a hip fracture increase between 14 to 47%. The main objective was to analyze the risk factors associated with mortality after a hip fracture in a low-income population. Material and methods: Retrospective study of patients with traumatic hip fracture in a four-year period in an orthopedic training hospital. The data collected was age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), delay time in days for surgery, duration in hours for surgical procedure, transfusion. Two groups were analyzed, alive patients and deceased patients. Results: A total of 96 patients with traumatic hip fracture was analyzed. Mortality rate in the first year was pf 16.6%, and at the end of the follow-up was 32.2%. The alive patients showed better values of CCI with a value of 4.2 ± 1.1 versus 5.2 ± 1.0 in the deceased patients. When compared delay time for surgery and duration of surgical procedure did not observe significant difference between patients alive and deceased. Conclusion: The delay time of surgery did not affect the mortality after a traumatic hip fracture in old patients with economic low-income.

Prolactin mediates neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons via its receptor.

Recently it has been reported that prolactin (PRL) exerts a neuroprotective effect against excitotoxicity in hippocampus in the rat in vivo models. However, the exact mechanism by which PRL mediates this effect is not completely understood. The aim of our study was to assess whether prolactin exerts neuroprotection against excitotoxicity in an in vitro model using primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons, and to determine whether this effect is mediated via the prolactin receptor (PRLR). Primary cell cultures of rat hippocampal neurons were used in all experiments, gene expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR, and protein expression was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Cell viability was assessed by using the MTT method. The results demonstrated that PRL treatment of neurons from primary cultures did not modify cell viability, but that it exerted a neuroprotective effect, with cells treated with PRL showing a significant increase of viability after glutamate (Glu)--induced excitotoxicity as compared with neurons treated with Glu alone. Cultured neurons expressed mRNA for both PRL and its receptor (PRLR), and both PRL and PRLR expression levels changed after the excitotoxic insult. Interestingly, the PRLR protein was detected as two main isoforms of 100 and 40 kDa as compared with that expressed in hypothalamic cells, which was present only as a 30 kDa variant. On the other hand, PRL was not detected in neuron cultures, either by western blot or by immunohistochemistry. Neuroprotection induced by PRL was significantly blocked by specific oligonucleotides against PRLR, thus suggesting that the PRL role is mediated by its receptor expressed in these neurons. The overall results indicated that PRL induces neuroprotection in neurons from primary cell cultures.

Cryptosporidium spp, comparative diagnosis and geospatial distribution in diarrheic calves from dairy farms, Valdivia, Chile / Diagnóstico comparativo y distribución geoespacial de Cryptosporidium spp, en terneros diarreicos en lecherías de Valdivia, Chile

Objective. To determine the Cryptosporidium spp. infection frequency by using Ziehl-Neelsen and Auramine stains on samples obtained from diarrheic calves from milking farms of the Valdivia province. To compare both diagnostic tests and to determine the geospatial distribution of the infections caused by this protozoan. Materials and methods. 221 fecal samples of diarrheic calves of 24 milking farms of the Valdivia province were studied. The processing and analysis of the samples was done by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and Auramine (AU) staining techniques, and the results were compared by McNemar statistical test and the concordance level was determined by kappa index. A map was also generated to determine the geospatial distribution of Cryptosporidium infections. Results. 57.9% of all the animals tested were classified as positive with the ZN stain test, while 55.6% of all the animals turned out positive for the AU stain test. The McNemar test showed no significant difference between both diagnostic techniques (p>0.05), while the kappa index showed proper concordance between tests (k=0.73). 100% of the farms studied showed protozoan presence demonstrating the broad distribution of the parasite, however, and considering the previous factor, it was not possible to determine geospatial associations for the parasite distribution. Conclusions. The infection frequency of Cryptosporidium is higher than 50% in the milking farms studied from the Valdivia province. No difference between the Ziehl-Neelsen and Auramine staining techniques was demonstrated showing very consistent results. It was possible to detect that the number of farms infected correspond to 100% of the farms analyzed.

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de infección por Cryptosporidium spp., mediante las tinciones de Ziehl-Neelsen y Auramina en terneros diarreicos de predios lecheros de la provincia de Valdivia. Comparar ambas pruebas diagnósticas y determinar la distribución geoespacial de las infecciones causadas por este protozoo. Materiales y métodos. Se estudiaron 221 muestras fecales de terneros diarreicos pertenecientes a 24 predios de la provincia de Valdivia. El procesamiento y análisis de las muestras se realizó mediante tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) y Auramina (AU); y ambas técnicas se compararon mediante la prueba estadística de McNemar y su nivel de concordancia se determinó mediante índice kappa. Se generó además un mapa para determinar la distribución geoespacial de las infecciones por Cryptosporidium. Resultados. Del total de animales muestreados, 57.9% resultaron positivos a ZN, mientras que 55.6% fueron positivo para AU. En la prueba de McNemar no hubo diferencia significativa entre los métodos diagnósticos estudiados (p>0.05), en tanto el índice kappa determinó una concordancia buena entre ambas pruebas (k=0.73). Del total de predios georeferenciados el 100% resultó positivo a la presencia del protozoo; demostrándose que ésta parasitosis tiene una amplia distribución; sin embargo, dado este factor, no fue posible determinar asociaciones geoespaciales sobre la distribución de éste. Conclusiones. La frecuencia de infección por Cryptosporidium supera el 50% en los predios lecheros de la provincia de Valdivia. No hubo diferencia entre las técnicas Ziehl-Neelsen y Auramina con resultados concordantes. Fue posible detectar que el número de predios infectados corresponde al 100% de los predios analizados.

Prolactin fractions from lactating rats elicit effects upon sensory spinal cord cells of male rats.

Recently it has been suggested that the neurohormone prolactin (PRL) could act on the afferent nociceptive neurons. Indeed, PRL sensitizes transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels present in nociceptive C-fibers and consequently reduces the pain threshold in a model of inflammatory pain. Accordingly, high plasma PRL levels in non-lactating females have been associated with several painful conditions (e.g. migraine). Paradoxically, an increase of PRL secretion during lactation induced a reduction in pain sensitivity. This difference could be attributed to the fact that PRL secreted from the adenopituitary (AP) is transformed into several molecular variants by the suckling stimulation. In order to test this hypothesis, the present study set out to investigate whether PRL from AP of suckled (S) or non-suckled (NS) lactating rats affects the activity of the male Wistar wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons. The WDR neurons are located in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and receive input from the first-order neurons (Ab-, Ad- and C-fibers). Spinal administration of prolactin variant from NS rats (NS-PRL) or prolactin variant from S rats (S-PRL) had no effect on the neuronal activity of non-nociceptive Ab-fibers. However, the activities of nociceptive Ad-fibers and C-fibers were: (i) increased by NS-PRL and (ii) diminished by S-PRL. Either NS-PRL or S-PRL enhanced the post-discharge activity. Taken together, these results suggest that PRL from S or NS lactating rats could either facilitate or depress the nociceptive responses of spinal dorsal horn cells, depending on the physiological state of the rats.

Gastrectomía en manga transumbilical con técnica simplificada: técnica y resultados quirúrgicos en 100 pacientes / Simplifi ed transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy: technique and surgical results in 100 patients

Background: The use of transumbilical approach for sleeve gastrectomy has been recently reported, using different technique variations. Aim: To report the technique and surgical results of a transumbilical approach simplified sleeve gastrectomy, using rigid instruments. Material and Methods: Ninety four women and six men, selected by a multidisciplinary team, underwent transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy. The operative technique involved a transumbilical incision, introduction of a SILS® or GelPoint® multiport, and a 5mm metallic accessory trocar laterally in the left flank. Rigid instruments were used in all patients. The greater curvature was dissected from 4-5 cm above the pylorus to the angle of His. Gastric transection was completed with a stapler, and calibrated with a 36 French tube advanced through the pylorus. Hemostasis of the staple line was carried out with metallic clips. A barium swallow was performed in ten randomly chosen patients, confirming the correct tubular shape of the stomach. Results: Body mass index of operated patients ranged from 30 to 43 kg/m². Mean operative time was 56.4 +/- 16.7 minutes. During the early postoperative period, two patients had a hemoperitoneum, one had an antral leak and one had an intestinal perforation. No conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open technique was required. No patient died. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.3 +/- 0.5 days. The cosmetic result was satisfactory for all patients. Conclusions: Transumbilical sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure with the reported technique. The insertion of an accessory 5mm trocar in the left flank simplifies the procedure, allowing the use of rigid instruments.

Introducción: El abordaje transumbilical, ha demostrado ser seguro en diferentes procedimientos. Se han reportado series de casos de gastrectomía en manga transumbilical (GMTU), con diferentes variaciones. Objetivo: Es presentar la técnica y resultados quirúrgicos de una técnica de GMTU simplificada, utilizando instrumental rígido. Material y Métodos: 94 mujeres y seis hombres, fueron sometidos a GMTU, seleccionados por un equipo multidisciplinario. La técnica quirúrgica consiste en una incision transumbilical, introducción de dispositivo SILS® o GelPoint®, y un trocar de 5 mm metálico en el flanco izquierdo. Se utilizó instrumental rígido en todos los pacientes. La disección de la curvatura mayor se realiza desde 4-5 cm proximal al píloro, hasta el pilar izquierdo. La sección gástrica se completa con stapler, calibrando con una sonda de 36 fr transpilórica. Se realiza hemostasia selectiva con clips metálicos. Se realizó estudio baritado a diez pacientes aleatorios, confirmando forma tubular adecuada. Resultados: El rango de IMC preoperatorio fue de 30-43 kg/m². El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 56,4 +/- 16,7 min. No se requirió conversión a técnica multitrocar o laparotómica. Cuatro pacientes presentaron complicaciones precoces: dos hemoperitoneos, una filtración antral y una enterotomía inadvertida. Se reintervino a dos pacientes. No hubo mortalidad. El tiempo de hospitalización fue de 2,3 +/- 0,5 días. El resultado cosmético fue satisfactorio para todos los pacientes. Conclusión: La GMTU es un procedimiento factible y seguro con la técnica expuesta. La inserción del trocar de 5 mm accesorio, simplifica el procedimiento, permite el uso de instrumental rígido, y lo convierte en un procedimiento reproducible.

Guía clínica: consenso para Chile en enfermedad de Fabry / Clinical guidelines: Chilean consensus in Fabry disease

Fabry's disease is an X-linked recessive inborn error of metabolism of glycosphingolipids, caused by the deficiency of the lisosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase. It is a rare disease with an estimated incidence rate of approximately 1:80.000 to 1:117,000 births in the general population. Recently, the growing knowledge about this disease has permitted the development of enzyme replacement therapy, which has modified the prognosis and quality of life of these patients. In Chile, the real incidence is unknown, but the increase in the number of patients diagnosed during the last five years, mainly in the north of the country. This guide was prepared with the intention of establishing a consensus for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of the patients with Fabry disease based on the present available scientific evidence.

La enfermedad de Fabry es un error innato del catabolismo de los glucoesfingolipidos, de herencia recesiva ligada al cromosoma X, causado por la deficiencia de la enzima lisosomal alfa-galactosidasa A (alfa-gal A). Es un defecto poco frecuente, con una incidencia estimada de 1:80.000 a 1:117.000, entre la población general. Recientemente, el creciente conocimiento acerca de esta enfermedad, ha permitido el desarrollo de la terapia de reemplazo enzimático, la cual ha modificado el pronóstico y calidad de vida de los pacientes. En Chile, se desconoce la incidencia real, pero el aumento del número de pacientes diagnosticados durante los últimos cinco años, principalmente en la zona norte del país, ha generado un mayor interés por esta enfermedad. Esta guía fue elaborada con la intención de establecer un consenso para el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de los pacientes con enfermedad de Fabry, basado en la evidencia científica, actualmente disponible.

Eritrasma, revisión / Erythrasma, review

El eritrasma es una infección superficial de la piel que afecta la capa córnea y es causado por una bacteria grampositiva, Corynebacterium minutissimum. Se presenta como manchas eritematosas a marrón en grandes pliegues y como descamación y maceración en pliegues interdigitales; es asintomática, aunque en algunos casos se acompaña de prurito. El diagnóstico es clínico por luz de Wood que da una fluorescencia rojo coral de las áreas afectadas. Su curso es benigno, aunque persiste si no se da un tratamiento adecuado.

Erythrasma is a superficial skin infection of the stratum corneum caused by a gram-positive bacteria, Corynebacterium minutissimum. It is characterized by reddish-brown areas affecting occluded intertriginous zones such as axillae, inframammary folds, and as irregular scaly patches or macerated lesions on toeweb spaces. It is asymptomatic, though sometimes accompanied by pruritus. Clinical diagnosis is supported by a red fluorescence under Wood s light examination. It is benign, yet persistent if not adequately treated.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from Aloysia polystachya in rats.

Behavioral effects of a hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae) were studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract was administered intraperitoneally and its effects on spontaneous motor activity (total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior) were monitored. Anxiolytic-like properties were studied in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test and the possible antidepressant-like actions were evaluated in the forced swimming test (FST). The results revealed that high doses of the extract (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant decrease in total motility, locomotion, rearing and grooming behavior. All doses injected (from 1.56 to 50 mg/kg) increased the exploration of the EPM open arms in a similar way to that of diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). In the FST, the extract (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) was as effective as fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) in reducing immobility, along with a significant increase in swimming and climbing, respectively. These results suggest that some of the components of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. polystachya, such as thujone and carvone among others, may have sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties which deserve further investigation.

Central nervous system activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Casimiroa edulis in rats and mice.

In order to evaluate the effects produced by the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves from Casimiroa edulis on the central nervous system, different behavioral tests and animal models of depression and anxiety were performed. The extract was administered intraperitoneally in male and female rats and tested on spontaneous motor activity, locomotor activity, exploration of an elevated plus-maze (EPM) and in the forced swimming test (FST). In addition, the extract was administered orally in male and female mice and evaluated in the following tests: general observation, pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, EPM, rota-rod, hole-board, and marble-burying. The results revealed that, in rats, the extract caused considerable reduction of locomotor and exploratory activities and increased the exploration of the EPM open arms in a similar way that diazepam. In the FST, the extract was as effective as fluoxetine in inducing shortening of immobility, along with a significant increase on climbing duration. On the other hand, in mice, the extract prolonged pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, increased exploration of the EPM open arms and partially protected from the pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions. No significant effect was evident on motor coordination, hole-board and marble-burying tests. These results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Casimiroa edulis may contain sedative principles with potential anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, which need further investigation.

Brainstem prolactin-releasing peptide neurons are sensitive to stress and lactation.

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) was originally thought to participate in the control of adenohypophyseal prolactin secretion, but its predominant expression in a subset of medullary noradrenergic neurons is more in line with roles in interoceptive and/or somatosensory information processing. To better define functional contexts for this peptide system, immuno- and hybridization histochemical methods were used to monitor the capacity of PrRP neurons to display activational responses to lactation, suckling, acute footshock or hypotensive hemorrhage. PrRP mRNA signal was reduced in the medulla of lactating dams, relative to both male and diestrus female controls, with cell counts revealing 42% and 43% reductions in the number of positively hybridized cells in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and ventrolateral medulla, respectively. Lactating mothers killed after a 90 min suckling episode (following 4 h pup removal) failed to show induced Fos expression in identified medullary PrRP neurons, despite the fact that responsive neurons were detected in other aspects of the caudal NTS. By contrast, acute exposure to hypotensive (25%) hemorrhage or footshock each activated substantial complements of medullary neurons expressing PrRP mRNA. A substantially greater fraction of the total medullary PrRP population exhibited sensitivity to footshock than hemorrhage (71 versus 39%, respectively). These results suggest that medullary PrRP neurons are negatively regulated by (presumably hormonal) changes in lactation, and are not recruited to activation by suckling stimuli. These populations exhibit differential sensitivity to distinct acute stressors, and may participate in the modulation of adaptive neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to each.

Developmental norms for the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard: a study with children of a metropolitan school in Brazil.

Norms for the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard were developed for the neuropsychological assessment of children in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. A computer-generated unbiased sample of 346 children with a mean age of 9.4 years (SD = 2.76), who were attending a large normal public school in this urban area, was the subject of this study. Two boys were removed from the study, one for refusing to participate and the other due to severe strabismus. Therefore, the final sample contained 344 children (173 boys and 171 girls). Sex and age of the child and hand preferred for writing, but not ethnic membership or social class, had significant effects on performance in the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard. Girls outperformed boys. Older children performed better than younger children. However, the predictive relationship between age of the child and neuropsychological performance included linear and curvilinear components. Comparison of the present results to data gathered in the United States revealed that the performance of this group of Brazilian children is equivalent to that of US children after Bonferroni's correction of the alpha level of significance. It is concluded that sex and age of the child and hand preferred for writing should be taken into account when using the normative data for the two instruments evaluated in the present study. Furthermore, the relevance of neurobehavioral antidotes for the obliteration of some of the probable neuropsychological effects of cultural deprivation in Brazilian public school children is hypothesized.

Developmental norms for the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard: a study with children of a metropolitan school in Brazil

Norms for the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard were developed for the neuropsychological assessment of children in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. A computer-generated unbiased sample of 346 children with a mean age of 9.4 years (SD = 2.76), who were attending a large normal public school in this urban area, was the subject of this study. Two boys were removed from the study, one for refusing to participate and the other due to severe strabismus. Therefore, the final sample contained 344 children (173 boys and 171 girls). Sex and age of the child and hand preferred for writing, but not ethnic membership or social class, had significant effects on performance in the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard. Girls outperformed boys. Older children performed better than younger children. However, the predictive relationship between age of the child and neuropsychological performance included linear and curvilinear components. Comparison of the present results to data gathered in the United States revealed that the performance of this group of Brazilian children is equivalent to that of US children after Bonferroni's correction of the alpha level of significance. It is concluded that sex and age of the child and hand preferred for writing should be taken into account when using the normative data for the two instruments evaluated in the present study. Furthermore, the relevance of neurobehavioral antidotes for the obliteration of some of the probable neuropsychological effects of cultural deprivation in Brazilian public school children is hypothesized

Sympathetic innervation of mammary glands mediates suckling-induced reflex inhibition of milk yield in rats.

Previous work has shown that physiologic activation of the sympathetic system may inhibit milk yield (ME) in rats. Thus, adrenal catecholamines (CAs) are released by suckling, but it is not known whether such inhibition results also from reflex activation by the same stimulus of neural sympathetics upon the mammary gland. The present experiments were designed to determine whether suckling inhibits ME induced by oxytocin (OT) in the urethane-anesthetized lactating rat, and whether such inhibition results from adrenal and/or neurally released CAs. Rats were isolated (6 h) from their pups and then anesthetized. OT (0.8 mU every 2 min) was administered intravenously to the mothers during suckling. Rats were either chronically implanted with cannulae into the lateral cerebral ventricles (intracerebroventricularly), bilaterally adrenalectomized (ADX), hypophysectomized (HX), spinal cord transected (SCT: T3-T4), or had the nipple area (NA) locally anesthetized before suckling. MEs were low in control, sham, ADX and HX rats, but not in rats given the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol (PROP; intravenously or intracerebroventricularly injected), nor in SCT, NA or PROP-HX rats. As revealed by ductal resistance measurements as an indicator of ductal tone, suckling-induced inhibition of ME was due to ductal constriction within the mammary glands. These effects of suckling, however, could be prevented by prior activation of ductal mechanoreceptors. Together, these results indicate that suckling inhibits ME through the reflex activation of neurally mediated central beta-adrenergic mechanisms, and that these effects, in turn, can be regulated by ductal mechanoreceptor activation.

beta-adrenergic mechanisms modulate central nervous system effects of prolactin on milk ejection.

It is known that prolactin (PRL) is produced within the brain and numerous central actions of the hormone have been reported. In anesthetized lactating rats, central administration of PRL, i.e., intracerebroventricular (icv) or intrathecally (it), facilitated milk ejection (ME) by depressing the sympathetically mediated facilitatory tone of the mammary ductal system. However, it is not known whether or not the same effects and similar mechanisms take place in conscious rats after PRL administration. In the present study, the effects of centrally administered PRL, i.e., icv or it, on ME was determined in both conscious and anesthetized rats. In conscious rats, the rate of ME was determined by applying a 15-min period of suckling by the litter, following a 6-h period of isolation. In anesthetized rats, intramammary pressure (IMP) responses of the mammary glands to exogenous oxytocin (OT) were recorded. The results showed that, whereas in anesthetized rats, increased responsiveness of the mammary glands to OT were observed after PRL administration, an intense inhibition of ME occurred in conscious rats. Because, in conscious and anesthetized rats, these effects were prevented by prior administration of the beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol (PROP) to the mothers, this suggests that the PRL effects on ME are modulated through sympathomimetic and sympatholytic actions in conscious and anesthetized rats, respectively. Thus, as shown by ductal tone measurements, in conscious, but not in anesthetized rats, the effect of PRL was associated with increased ductal constriction within the mammary glands; an effect that was mimicked by icv administration of the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISOP) and that was prevented by PROP. Further, the sympatholytic action of icv-PRL in anesthetized rats prevented the effect on ductal tone of both icv-PRL in conscious rats and of ISOP in anesthetized rats. Taken together, these results clearly suggest that the central effects of PRL on ME are modulated by adrenergic mechanisms.

Actividad antimicrobiana de extractos orgánicos aislados de Aplysina fistularis (Demospongiae: Aplysinidae) / Antimicrobial activity of organic extracts isolated from Aplysina fistularis (Demospongiae: Aplysinidae)

Organic extracts of the sponge Aplysina fistularis (Pallas 1766) were tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and toxic activity of extract were determined. Susceptibility trials of organic fractions obtained by VLC: Hexane, EtOAc and CHCl3 showed that EtOAc fraction has antibacterial activity against E. coli, while CHCl3 fraction inhibited E. coli and S. aureus growth. The later refractioning of EtOAc fraction and the biodirected assays showed that fractions F12 and F13 of EtOAc/Hex and EtOAc F14 were bioactive against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Only EtOAc/MeOH Sf2 from subfractionig of EtOAc F14 produced inhibition for E. coli and S. aureus. In Sf2 EtOAc/MeOH, MIC was moderate for S. aureus (MIC > 256 g/ml). F4 CHCl3/MeOH produced a high inhibition in S. aureus (MIC = 0.125 g/ml) and for E. coli (MIC > 16 g/ml). F10 CHCl3/MeOH showed a moderate activity against S. aureus (MIC > 128 g/ml) and low activity against E. coli (MIC = 512 g/ml). F10 CHCL3/MeOH did no present toxic activity against Artemia salina. The fractiorts F4 CHCL3/MeOH and Sf2 EtOAc/MeOH were toxic for this organism when the concentration was higher than 100 microg/ml. LC50 in both cases was 548.4 and 243.4 microg/ml respectively. Secondary metabolites of medium polarity obtained from A. fistularis have a wide spectrum of anti bacterial activity. Toxicity analysis suggests that only F10 CHCL3/MeOH has potential as an antimicrobial agent for clinical use.

[Antimicrobial activity of organic extracts isolated from Aplysina fistularis (Demospongiae: Aplysinidae)]. / Actividad antimicrobiana de extractos orgánicos aislados de Aplysina fistularis (Demospongiae: Aplysinidae).

Organic extracts of the sponge Aplysina fistularis (Pallas 1766) were tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and toxic activity of extract were determined. Susceptibility trials of organic fractions obtained by VLC: Hexane, EtOAc and CHCl3 showed that EtOAc fraction has antibacterial activity against E. coli, while CHCl3 fraction inhibited E. coli and S. aureus growth. The later refractioning of EtOAc fraction and the biodirected assays showed that fractions F12 and F13 of EtOAc/Hex and EtOAc F14 were bioactive against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Only EtOAc/MeOH Sf2 from subfractionig of EtOAc F14 produced inhibition for E. coli and S. aureus. In Sf2 EtOAc/MeOH, MIC was moderate for S. aureus (MIC > 256 g/ml). F4 CHCl3/MeOH produced a high inhibition in S. aureus (MIC = 0.125 g/ml) and for E. coli (MIC > 16 g/ml). F10 CHCl3/MeOH showed a moderate activity against S. aureus (MIC > 128 g/ml) and low activity against E. coli (MIC = 512 g/ml). F10 CHCL3/MeOH did no present toxic activity against Artemia salina. The fractiorts F4 CHCL3/MeOH and Sf2 EtOAc/MeOH were toxic for this organism when the concentration was higher than 100 microg/ml. LC50 in both cases was 548.4 and 243.4 microg/ml respectively. Secondary metabolites of medium polarity obtained from A. fistularis have a wide spectrum of anti bacterial activity. Toxicity analysis suggests that only F10 CHCL3/MeOH has potential as an antimicrobial agent for clinical use.

Behavioral and neuropsychological correlates of hyperactivity and inattention in Brazilian school children.

Attempts at subtyping attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along the hyperactivity dimension are considered controversial. This study addresses this issue by dividing a non-clinical sample of Brazilian children (mean age, 9.4 years; SD, 2.9), who were attending a mainstream school in the Greater Rio de Janeiro area, into four behavioral domain groups (normal [NO, N=324], hyperactive/impulsive [HI, N=17], inattentive [IA, N=48], and combined [C, N=13]) on the basis of teacher ratings on an ADHD scale. The groups did not differ in intellectual level as determined by the Human Figure Drawing test. Comparisons were made between groups along the factorial dimensions extracted from the Composite Teacher Rating Scale, academic performance and neuropsychological measures were then performed. Our data showed that IA and C children are less independent and more prone to socialization problems than NO children, and that HI and C children are less anxious and fearful than IA children. Furthermore, the groups differed in academic and neuropsychological performance. The results could be considered consistent with the hypothesis that ADD with hyperactivity (ADD/+) and ADD without hyperactivity (ADD/-) represent singular nosological entities.

Relationship between physical and psychosocial dysfunction in Mexican patients with vertigo: a cross-cultural validation of the vertigo symptom scale.

The Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) was designed to assess and differentiate symptoms of: (a) balance disorder; and (b) somatic anxiety and autonomic arousal in patients complaining of dizziness and vertigo. Although it has been translated for use in countries other than the UK, where it was originally developed, its validity in different languages and cultures has not previously been evaluated. This study examined the structure, reliability, and discriminative power of a Spanish translation of the VSS administered to a Mexican sample of 172 dizzy patients and 40 healthy controls. Scores on the two subscales of the VSS not only discriminated between patients and controls, but were also sensitive to differences between patient groups classified on the basis of diagnosis, test results, and occupational disability. The pattern of intercorrelations between symptoms, anxiety, depression, and handicap in the Mexican sample was almost identical to that observed in the original UK sample.