Influence of high power ultrasound on natural microflora, pathogen and lactic acid bacteria in a raw meat emulsion.

Raw meat emulsions may have natural, spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms due to the origin and characteristics of this food matrix. All of these microorganisms must be minimized during industrial processing to make food consumption safe and meet quality regulations. Therefore, in this research, the effect of probe ultrasound on the inactivation of three kinds of microorganisms in a raw meat emulsion is evaluated. The microorganisms are: natural microflora NAM, Listeria monocytogenes LIS, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii LAC. A high-intensity probe ultrasound system was used, during 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 min, with pulsed waves of 0.0, 10, 20 and 30 seg, and 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 W of power. The interrelation between time, wave pulse cycle, and power factors was assessed. The results showed a positive linear independence effect in the treatments without wave pulse for each microorganism, and a quadratic interaction with the time and the ultrasound power for the inactivation of the three kinds of microorganisms. Besides, the desirability function for the inactivation reached up to 60% of the microbial population with the probe ultrasound treatment, with 10 min, a 7.56 s wave pulse and 400 W of power. Thus, these results could be useful to decide the incorporation of mild and emerging technologies in a meat industry line process.

Low ADAMTS-13 activity and the risk of coronary heart disease - a prospective cohort study: the Rotterdam Study.

Essentials An association between ADAMTS-13 and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been suggested. 5688 participants ≥ 55 years from the Rotterdam Study without a history of CHD were included. Over a median follow-up time of 9.7 years, 456 individuals suffered from CHD. Low ADAMTS-13 activity was associated with an increased CHD risk. SUMMARY: Background The metalloprotease ADAMTS-13 cleaves high-molecular-weight von Willebrand factor multimers into smaller, less procoagulant forms. Low ADAMTS-13 activity is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke but its pathogenic role in coronary heart disease (CHD) is unclear. Objectives We aimed to determine the association between ADAMTS-13 activity and the risk of CHD in a large prospective population-based cohort study. Methods A total of 5688 participants of the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort study involving individuals aged ≥ 55 years without a history of CHD, were included. ADAMTS-13 activity was measured by the FRETS-VWF73 assay and VWF:Ag levels by ELISA. We assessed the association between ADAMTS-13 activity, VWF:Ag levels and CHD using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Results Over a median follow-up time of 9.7 years, 456 individuals suffered from CHD. A low ADAMTS-13 activity (quartile 1) was associated with an increased CHD risk (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.89) compared with the reference highest quartile. Conclusions Low ADAMTS-13 activity is associated with an increased risk of CHD in the elderly, independently of VWF and established cardiovascular risk factors.

Evaluación del seguimiento de 29 niños chilenos con la enfermedad de la orina olor a jarabe de arce clásica / Follow up evaluation of 29 chilean children with classical maple syrup urine disease

Introduction: Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) is caused by a defect of the ketoacid dehydrogenase enzyme complex of the branched amino acids Valine, Isoleucine and Leucine (VIL). The treatment consists of a leucine-restricted diet. Objective: To evaluate the long-term follow-up in children with MSUD. Methodology: 29 records were reviewed of patients with MSUD, of which 24 were clinically identified (> 5th day of life), 4 cases by MSUD family history and one by neonatal screening (< 5th day of life). Leucine (Leu) levels were measured at diagnosis (Biotronic 2000) and during follow-up (mass spectrometry). The number of decompensation events, Total Intellectual Quotient (TIQ, Bayley and Wechsler scale) and nutritional status were also measured. STATA statistical software version 9.2 was applied (p≤0.05). Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 14 days old. In all cases the diagnosis was confirmed by elevated levels of Leu and alloisoleucin. When comparing the TIQ of 19 cases over 3 years old with their age at diagnosis, it was observed that those cases screened by the 5th day of life had a TIQ 84.6 ± 13, while those diagnosed later had a TIQ 73 ± 17 (p≤0.05). In assessing the number of hospitalizations that occurred during follow-up, we determined that the 5 cases screened early never had a metabolic crisis and had a higher TIQ than those who had had one or more decompensation (92 and 74, respectively, p≤0.05). An inverse correlation was observed between the Leu+Isoleucine value and TIQ. Conclusion: The diagnosis before the 5th day of life and a good metabolic control during follow-up, enables children with MSUD to have normal cognitive development.

La enfermedad de la orina olor a jarabe de arce (EOJA) se produce por un defecto del complejo enzimático deshidrogenasa de los cetoácidos de los aminoácidos ramificados: Valina, Isoleucina, Leucina (VIL). El tratamiento es una dieta restringida en leucina (Leu). Objetivo: evaluar el seguimiento a largo plazo en niños con EOJA. Metodología: Se revisaron 29 fichas de pacientes EOJA, 24 fueron pesquisados por clínica (> 5to día de vida) y 4 casos por antecedentes familiares con EOJA y 1 por pesquisa neonatal (< 5to día de vida). Se midió nivel de Leu al diagnóstico (Biotronic 2000) y durante el seguimiento (Espectrometría de masa), número de descompensaciones, Coeficiente Intelectual Total (CIT) (Escalas de Bayley y Wechsler) y estado nutricional. Se aplicó programa estadístico STATA versión 9.2 (p≤0.05). Resultados: La edad de diagnóstico fue a los 14 días de edad. En todos se confirmó el diagnóstico por los niveles elevados de Leu y presencia de alloisoleucina. Al comparar el CIT de los 19 casos mayores de 3 años con la edad de diagnóstico, se observó que aquellos casos pesquisados antes del 5to día tenían un CIT de 84,6±13, a diferencia de los diagnosticados posteriormente que tenían un CIT=73±17 (p≤0.05). Al evaluar el número de descompensaciones ocurridas durante el seguimiento, se determinó que los 5 casos nunca habían tenido una crisis metabólica, tuvieron un CI mayor que aquellos que habían tenido una o más descompensaciones (92 y 74 respectivamente) (p≤0.05). Cuando se correlacionó el valor de Leu+Iso de seguimiento con el CIT, se observó una correlación inversamente proporcional. Conclusión: el diagnóstico antes de los 5to día de vida y un buen control metabólico durante el seguimiento, permite que los niños con EOJA tengan un desarrollo cognitivo normal.

Caracterización nutricional de niños con errores innatos del metabolismo de proteínas, en una consulta privada de nutrición en Bogotá, Colombia / Nutritional status of children with inborn errors of protein metabolism in a private nutritional practice in Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: Poco se sabe sobre las secuelas nutricionales de los errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) sin diagnóstico oportuno en Colombia. Objetivo: Describir las principales características nutricionales de pacientes con EIM de proteínas en consulta privada de nutrición en Bogotá, Colombia y si se atribuyen a la patología o variables sociodemográficas. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal observacional de pacientes con EIM de proteínas, recolectando datos sociodemográficos, antropométricos y dietéticos. Resultados: Se recolectaron 22 pacientes: 45% de sexo femenino, 36% lactantes; 59% de zona urbana y 77% de nivel socioeconómico (NSE) bajo. El 41% se encontraba eutrófico y 45% presentó retraso de talla, sin existir diferencias por sexo, NSE, zona de residencia ni grupo etáreo. El 90% presentó adherencia al tratamiento, cubriendo las recomendaciones para edad, patología y aminoácidos limitantes. No existieron diferencias significativas en el aporte dietético por variables sociodemográficas excepto por grupo etáreo. Conclusión: La principal afección nutricional es crónica y atribuible al EIM.

Little is known about the nutritional consequences of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) without neonatal diagnosis in Colombia. The aim of our study was to describe the nutritional characteristics of individuals with IEM who attended a nutritional private practice in Bogotá, Colombia, and to evaluate whether this status is consequence of the disease or other social or demographic variables. This was a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design, in which anthropometrical measurements were taken along with a diet analysis and the recollection ofsocial and demographic variables. A sample of 22 individuals was gathered: Forty five % women, 36% infants, 59% resided in an urban area and 77% had a low socioeconomic status (SES). More than 40% had an adequate nutritional status and 45% suffered growth retardation; no differences were found according to gender, area of residence, SES nor age group. Nearly 90% had adequate treatment adherence, fulfilling their nutritional requirements according to age, disease and limiting amino acids. The only difference found in dietary intake was among age groups, in which the intake per kg of weight decrease as the individual got older. We concluded that the main nutritional outcome in patients with IEM was growth retardation and it can be attributed to the disease rather than other social or demographic variables.

Substitution of saturated fat in processed meat products: a review.

The food industry is increasingly directing its efforts to produce and commercialize functional foods where the reduction or even elimination of saturated fat is an important goal. This situation arises from the concern of many institutions and individuals worldwide on the growth of non-transmissible diseases, particularly cardiovascular ones. This article presents a revision of the most important research carried out on processed meat products production and looks at the topic from two principal points of view: the nutritional and technological function of fat and the way in which it is gradually being replaced in the above-mentioned products. Many ingredients have been used to substitute fat but while the results concerning the nutritional composition of the final products are generally acceptable, the sensory aspects are not completely solved. This review emphasizes the use of plastic fats because they allow the highest fat substitution levels during its process and consumption without affecting the product behavior.

Algunas especies de Passiflora y su capacidad antioxidante / Some Passiflora species and their antioxidant capacity

Introducción: las frutas y vegetales desempeñan un papel importante en la dieta humana, lo cual se atribuye al hecho de que estos alimentos proveen una mezcla óptima de antioxidantes como la vitamina C y E, polifenoles y carotenoides, que otorgan beneficios para la protección de la salud. Objetivos: evaluar la capacidad antioxidante, el poder reductor y el contenido de fenoles totales de extractos de algunas frutas y hojas del género Passiflora pertenecientes al departamento de Huila. Métodos: la capacidad antioxidante fue medida como la habilidad para atrapar el radical 2.2-difenil-1-picril hidrazilo (DPPH) y 2'-azino-bis (3-etilbenztiazolin-6-sulfonato de amonio (ABTS'+), el potencial para reducir el hierro (FRAP) y, finalmente, el contenido de fenoles totales se determinó mediante el ensayo del reactivo de Folin-Ciocalteu. Resultados: todos los extractos presentaron diferentes grados de capacidad antioxidante. Sin embargo, los extractos de las hojas exhiben mayor capacidad antioxidante que los extractos de las frutas. Estas variaciones pueden deberse a un alto contenido de agentes reductores como el ácido ascórbico, minerales y carotenoides, factores genéticos y ambientales de las especies. Conclusiones: se evidenció la presencia de sustancias antioxidantes en los frutos y en los sustratos provenientes de las hojas de algunas especies del género Passiflora. Específicamente se encontraron valores significativos para los frutos de granadilla silvestre y para las hojas de gulupa.

Introduction: fruits and vegetables play an important role in the human diet because these foods provide an optimal mix of antioxidants like vitamins C and E, polyphenols and carotenoids which is beneficial for health protection. Objectives: to evaluate the antioxidant capacity, the reducing power and the content of total phenols of some fruit and leaf extracts of Passiflora genus in Huila department. Methods: the antioxidant capacity was measured as the ability to catch the radical 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazil (DPPH) and 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzatiazolin-6-ammonium sulphonate (ABTS'+), the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total phenol content were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu´s reagent trial. Results: the extracts demonstrated different degrees of antioxidant capacity. However, leaf extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than the fruit extracts. These variations may be due to high content of reducing agents such as ascorbic acid, minerals and carotenoids, and to genetic and environmental factors of the species. Conclusions: the presence of antioxidants in fruits and substrates from the leaves of some species of Passiflora genus was evinced, especially high significant values were found in wild granadilla fruits and in gulupa leaves.

Utilización de suplementos nutricionales para el manejo del sobrepeso y obesidad: una revisión de la evidencia / Use of dietary supplements for the management of overweight and obesity: a review of the evidence

Simultaneously to the rapid increase of overweight and obesity a great number of products oriented to weight loss have emerged in the market. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the use of three products designed for weight loss available in Chile: a lipidic emulsion that stimulates ileal brake, a protease inhibitor and an amylase inhibitor. The results indicate that the amylase and protease inhibitors efficiently inhibit the respective enzymatic activities in vitro; however, they do not affect weight control in clinical trials carried out in normal weight as well as in obese subjects. Thus, there is not enough evidence supporting the use of these products for weight control. On the other hand, the results concerning the lipidic emulsion are conflicting and more studies are needed to confirm its possible effect on weight control.

Paralelamente al rápido aumento de la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad han surgido en el mercado múltiples productos que prometen estimular la pérdida de peso sin modificar la dieta y estilo de vida de los individuos. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la evidencia científica que apoye el uso de tres productos disponibles en Chile para el control ponderal y la reducción de sobrepeso y obesidad: una emulsión lipídica que estimula el freno ileal, un inhibidor de proteasa y un inhibidor de amilasa. Los resultados indican que el inhibidor de amilasa y el inhibidor de proteasa, si bien parecen funcionar in vitro, no muestran ningún efecto sobre el control ponderal en los ensayos clínicos realizados tanto en sujetos normopeso como en obesos. El nivel de evidencia que apoya el uso de estos productos para el control ponderal es por lo tanto insuficiente. En caso de la emulsión lipídica, los resultados son conflictivos y más estudios son necesarios para confirmar su eventual efecto sobre el control del peso corporal.

Hallazgos tomográficos pulmonares y su asociación con niveles de linfocitos T CD4+ en pacientes portadores del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / CT pulmonary findings and their association with CD4+ T lymphocytes levels in human immunodeficiency virus carriers

Respiratory diseases are frequent complications in HIV infection. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) has proven superior to conventional imaging techniques to establish a pulmonary disease diagnosis. A study was conducted in order to establish the association between tomographic pulmonary patterns and immune status of HIV-infected patients. We evaluated 35 patients with respiratory symptoms and / or abnormal chest radiograph. An association was observed between the presence of ground glass pattern and P jirovecii infection. Likewise, a correlation between pulmonary histoplasmosis diagnosis and honeycomb pattern, lung cysts and nodules was established. Few correlation between tomographic patterns and CD4 + T lymphocyte counts was observed. In summary, HRCT findings can predict certain types of infection; nevertheless, further studies are required to extrapolate this association to other noninfectious lung diseases in HIV-infected patients.

Las enfermedades respiratorias constituyen complicaciones frecuentes en la infección por VIH. La Tomografía Axial Computarizada de Alta Resolución (TACAR) ha demostrado ser superior a las técnicas de imagen convencionales para establecer diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar. Se realizó un estudio con la finalidad de establecer la asociación entre patrones tomográficos pulmonares y el estado inmunológico de pacientes VIH+. Se evaluaron 35 pacientes sintomáticos respiratorios y/o con radiografía torácica patológica. Se observó una asociación entre la presencia de patrón en vidrio esmerilado e infección por P jirovecii. Asimismo, se observó una asociación entre diagnóstico de histoplasmosis pulmonar y patrón de panal de abejas, quistes pulmonares y nódulos. Se demostraron pocas correlaciones entre patrones tomográficos y conteo de linfocitos T CD4+. En conclusión, los hallazgos en la TACAR pueden predecir determinados tipos de infección requiriendo de más estudios para extrapolar esta asociación a otras enfermedades pulmonares no infecciosas en el paciente VIH+.

Effects of annual influenza vaccination on winter mortality in elderly people with chronic pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Although there is a general agreement for the recommendation of the influenza vaccine to persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the magnitude of clinical effectiveness and benefit from the annual vaccination is controversial. We assessed the effects of annual influenza vaccination on winter mortality in older adults with COPD. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 1298 Spanish community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or older with a diagnosis of COPD followed from 1 January 2002 to 30 April 2005. The primary outcome was all-cause death during influenza periods (January-April). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models adjusted by age, sex and comorbidity were used to evaluate vaccine effectiveness. RESULTS: Influenza vaccination was associated with a non-statistically significant 16% reduction in winter mortality among vaccinated COPD patients [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-1.17]. Multivariable analysis showed that there was an insignificant trend towards a reduced mortality in the vaccinated group considering overall influenza periods 2002-2005 (adjusted HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.52-1.06; p=0.098). We estimated that, in the total COPD population, one death was prevented for every 187 annual vaccinations (95% CI: 62 to infinity). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest benefit from the influenza vaccination and support an annual vaccination strategy for elderly COPD patients.

A high-density, integrated genetic linkage map of lettuce (Lactuca spp.).

An integrated map for lettuce comprising of 2,744 markers was developed from seven intra- and inter-specific mapping populations. A total of 560 markers that segregated in two or more populations were used to align the individual maps. 2,073 AFLP, 152 RFLP, 130 SSR, and 360 RAPD as well as 29 other markers were assigned to nine chromosomal linkage groups that spanned a total of 1,505 cM and ranged from 136 to 238 cM. The maximum interval between markers in the integrated map is 43 cM and the mean interval is 0.7 cM. The majority of markers segregated close to Mendelian expectations in the intra-specific crosses. In the two L. saligna x L. sativa inter-specific crosses, a total of 155 and 116 markers in 13 regions exhibited significant segregation distortion. Data visualization tools were developed to curate, display and query the data. The integrated map provides a framework for mapping ESTs in one core mapping population relative to phenotypes that segregate in other populations. It also provides large numbers of markers for marker assisted selection, candidate gene identification, and studies of genome evolution in the Compositae.

Downy Mildew Caused by Bremia lactucae on Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum) in California.

In 2006, field-planted strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum (Venten.) Andr.) grown for cutflowers in coastal San Mateo County was severely infected with a downy mildew disease. Initial symptoms consisted of irregularly shaped chlorotic lesions. Lesions were typically vein delimited, and in particular, did not cross the central longitudinal vein of the lanceolate leaves. Lesions were large and could exceed 6 cm long. Profuse white sporulation developed on the abaxial sides of the lesions. As disease progressed, lesions became gray brown and necrotic. Cutflower stems having symptomatic foliage were unmarketable. Hyaline conidiophores emerged from stomata, branched dichotomously, and had branch tips ending in swollen vesicles bearing sterigmata. Conidia were hyaline and ovoid to globose in shape. The pathogen was identified as Bremia lactucae Regel. To establish pathogenicity, strawflower plants were spray inoculated with a conidial suspension of 1 × 104 conidia/ml, incubated for 24 h in a dew chamber (18 to 20°C), and then maintained in a greenhouse (22 to 24°C). After 14 days, symptoms and signs of downy mildew developed on inoculated plants and the pathogen was confirmed to be B. lactucae. Untreated control plants did not develop downy mildew. Because lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is grown extensively in this coastal region, we investigated the pathogenicity of B. lactucae from strawflower on lettuce by inoculating a lettuce downy mildew differential series that includes 20 lettuce lines, four wild L. serriola lines, and strawflower. A conidial suspension of 1 × 106 conidia/ml was applied to all plants; plants were then incubated in a growth chamber with irradiation at 15°C. After 14 days, only the strawflower plants showed downy mildew lesions and sporulation. Collected from diseased field-grown strawflower, 100 downy mildew conidia were measured and had dimensions of 24.4 × 17.4 µm. These conidia were significantly longer than the B. lactuca conidia collected from lettuce (21.8 × 18.1 µm) grown in a nearby area (LSD [P = 0.05] = 2.2), though dimensions were within the reported length range for B. lactucae (12 to 31 µm) (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of downy mildew caused by B. lactucae on strawflower in California. Inoculation studies indicate that these strawflower and lettuce pathogens from California likely belong to distinct formae speciales (2), though a B. lactucae isolate in Italy was able to infect both hosts (1). The pathogen has been reported on strawflower in Florida, Egypt, Italy, and the United Kingdom (1). References: (1) A. Garibaldi et al. Plant Dis. 87:315, 2003. (2) W. M. Morgan. CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria. No. 682. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 1981.

¿Tenemos en cuenta el nivel de riesgo de los pacientes para prescribir la vacuna antineumocócica? / Do family physicians consider the risk

INTRODUCCIÓN. Aunque la actual vacuna antineumocócica 23-valente (VAN-23s) está disponible desde los años ochenta, está resultando difícil alcanzar altas coberturas en las diferentes poblaciones diana. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer el grado de implementación de la recomendación de la VAN-23s y evaluar las tasas de vacunación antineumocócica entre la población mayor de 65 años en función de la presencia de patologías o factores de riesgo para padecer neumonía. MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional transversal, en el que se analizaron 11.241 personas mayores de 65 años adscritas a 8 centros de Atención Primaria de Tarragona-Valls. Mediante revisión de historias clínicas informatizadas y del registro informático de vacunaciones, se valoró en cada paciente si había recibido la VAN-23s, así como la presencia de enfermedades o factores de riesgo para sufrir neumonía. RESULTADOS. La cobertura vacunal global fue 44,4% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 43,9-44,9). El 63,2% del total de vacunaciones antineumocócicas se había administrado durante los meses de octubre o noviembre. Las coberturas variaban significativamente con la edad (p < 0,001), partiendo desde una cobertura mínima en 65-70 años (28,9%), ascendiendo progresivamente hasta una cobertura máxima en las personas de 80-84 años (56,7%) y decreciendo posteriormente en las edades más avanzadas. Las coberturas más altas se observaron en pacientes con neoplasia activa (56,7%), nefropatía crónica (55,3%) o enfermedad pulmonar crónica (54,2%), y la más baja en fumadores (38,9%). CONCLUSIONES. A pesar de una cobertura global aceptable, existen amplias bolsas de pacientes con alto riesgo de sufrir neumonía que no han recibido la vacuna antineumocócica

INTRODUCTION. Although the current 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV) has been available since the 1980's, it is proving difficult to achieve high rates of coverage in the different target populations. This study aimed to know the degree of implementation of the PPV recommendation and evaluate the antipneumococcal vaccination among the population over 65 years based on the presence of diseases or risk factors to suffer pneumonia. METHODS. Cross-sectional, observational study that analyzed 11241 persons over 65 years assigned to 8 Primary Care Centers of Tarragona-Valls. Using the electronic database of the clinical patient's records and computer vaccination registries, it was evaluated in each patient if they had been administered the PPV and the presence of diseases or risk factors to suffer pneumonia. RESULTS. Overall pneumococcal vaccine coverage was 44.4% (95% IC: 43.9-44.9). A total of 63.2% of the antipneumococcal vaccinations had been administered during the months of October and November. Coverage varied significantly with age (p < 0.001), beginning from a minimum coverage at 65-70 years (28.9%), and progressively increasing until a maximum coverage in those of 80-84 years (56.7%) and then decreasing in the more advanced ages. The highest coverage was observed in patients with active malignancy (56.7%), chronic nephropathy (55.3%) or chronic pulmonary disease (54.2%) and the lowest in smokers (38.9%). CONCLUSIONS. In spite of an acceptable global coverage, there are large groups of patients with high risk of suffering pneumonia who are not administered the antipneumococcal vaccination

Recombination and spontaneous mutation at the major cluster of resistance genes in lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Two sets of overlapping experiments were conducted to examine recombination and spontaneous mutation events within clusters of resistance genes in lettuce. Multiple generations were screened for recombinants using PCR-based markers flanking Dm3. The Dm3 region is not highly recombinagenic, exhibiting a recombination frequency 18-fold lower than the genome average. Recombinants were identified only rarely within the cluster of Dm3 homologs and no crossovers within genes were detected. Three populations were screened for spontaneous mutations in downy mildew resistance. Sixteen Dm mutants were identified corresponding to spontaneous mutation rates of 10(-3) to 10(-4) per generation for Dm1, Dm3, and Dm7. All mutants carried single locus, recessive mutations at the corresponding Dm locus. Eleven of the 12 Dm3 mutations were associated with large chromosome deletions. When recombination could be analyzed, deletion events were associated with exchange of flanking markers, consistent with unequal crossing over; however, although the number of Dm3 paralogs was changed, no novel chimeric genes were detected. One mutant was the result of a gene conversion event between Dm3 and a closely related homolog, generating a novel chimeric gene. In two families, spontaneous deletions were correlated with elevated levels of recombination. Therefore, the short-term evolution of the major cluster of resistance genes in lettuce involves several genetic mechanisms including unequal crossing over and gene conversion.

Síndrome de Marshall-Smith manifestaciones orales y manejo odontológico / Marshall-Smith Syndrome: oral manifestations and dental management

El síndrome de Marshall-Smith se caracteriza por una maduración esquelética acelerada, baja estatura, dismorfismo orofacial, dificultad respiratoria, criptorquidismo, dificultad para prosperar, y retardo mental y sicomotor. Este reporte describe el caso de un niño de 7 años, sexo masculino, que presenta el síndrome de Marshall-Smith. Las características orales son paladar duro profundo, maloclusión dental, y alto riesgo de caries. Se explica el tratamiento odontológico que éste paciente ha recibido hasta el momento.

Comparative lipoplasty analysis of in vivo-treated adipose tissue.

A comparative histologic and chemical analysis was undertaken of adipose tissue treated in vivo with traditional, ultrasound-assisted, and external ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. A series of six healthy women undergoing elective liposuction according to the superwet technique using a 1:1 infiltration ratio with the estimated quantity of fat to be removed was included in the study. Four separate regions on each patient were treated independently in vivo with traditional liposuction, internal ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or external ultrasound-assisted liposuction for 7 minutes. External massage was used as a control. Four separate specimens of adipose tissue from each patient were assessed for cellular disruption using blinded histologic evaluation. The remainder of tissue was centrifuged to separate the aqueous phase from the cellular components and then spectrophotometrically analyzed for creatinine kinase and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity as markers of cellular disruption. Histologic analysis confirmed 70 to 90 percent cellular disruption with internal ultrasound-assisted liposuction. Suction-assisted and external ultrasound-assisted liposuction showed 5 to 25 percent disruption, whereas massage controls showed only 5 percent. Only internal ultrasound-assisted liposuction showed 5 to 20 percent thermal liquefaction. Absorbance analysis showed creatine kinase activity (sigma units) greatest in ultrasound-exposed tissue. Both external and internal ultrasound-assisted liposuction gave creatine kinase levels 28 to 33 percent greater than suction-assisted liposuction, which varied only 10 percent from controls. Glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was 44 percent greater for internal ultrasound-assisted liposuction than that detected with suction-assisted liposuction. Glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity with external ultrasound-assisted liposuction and massage did not vary much from each other, at only 14 percent and 11 percent activity compared with internal ultrasound-assisted liposuction, respectively. Histologic and enzyme analysis of the different types of liposuction and their effect on adipocyte cellular disruption revealed no significant effect of external ultrasound or massage on the adipocytes. Further experimental studies are necessary to evaluate the role and efficacy of alternative techniques for body contouring.

Molecular diversity at the major cluster of disease resistance genes in cultivated and wild Lactuca spp.

Diversity was analyzed in wild and cultivated Lactuca germplasm using molecular markers derived from resistance genes of the NBS-LRR type. Three molecular markers, one microsatellite marker and two SCAR markers that amplified LRR-encoding regions, were developed from sequences of resistance gene homologs at the main resistance gene cluster in lettuce. Variation for these markers were assessed in germplasm including accessions of cultivated lettuce, Lactuca sativa L. and three wild Lactuca spp., L. serriola L., L. saligna and L. virosa L. Diversity was also studied within and between natural populations of L. serriola from Israel and California; the former is close to the center of diversity for Lactuca spp. while the latter is an area of more recent colonization. Large numbers of haplotypes were detected indicating the presence of numerous resistance genes in wild species. The diversity in haplotypes provided evidence for gene duplication and unequal crossing-over during the evolution of this cluster of resistance genes. However, there was no evidence for duplications and deletions within the LRR-encoding regions studied. The three markers were highly correlated with resistance phenotypes in L. sativa. They were able to discriminate between accessions that had previously been shown to be resistant to all known isolates of Bremia lactucae. Therefore, these markers will be highly informative for the establishment of core collections and marker-aided selection. A hierarchical analysis of the population structure of L. serriola showed that countries, as well as locations, were significantly differentiated. These differences may reflect local founder effects and/or divergent selection.

A transgenic mutant of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) with a T-DNA tightly linked to loss of downy mildew resistance.

One hundred and ninety-two independent primary transformants of lettuce cv. Diana were obtained by co-cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying constructs containing maize Ac transposase and Ds. R2 families were screened for mutations at four genes (Dm) for resistance to downy mildew. One family, designated dm3t524, had lost resistance to an isolate of Bremia lactucae expressing the avirulence gene Avr3. Loss of resistance segregated as a single recessive allele of Dm3. The mutation was not due to a large deletion as all molecular markers flanking Dm3 were present. Loss of Dm3 activity co-segregated with a T-DNA from which Ds had excised. Genomic DNA flanking the right border of this T-DNA was isolated by inverse polymerase chain reaction. This genomic sequence was present in four to five copies in wild-type cv. Diana. One copy was missing in all eight deletion mutants of Dm3 and altered in dm3t524, indicating tight physical linkage to Dm3. Three open reading frames (ORFs) occurred in a 6.6-kb region flanking the insertion site; however, expression of these ORFs was not detected. No similarities were detected between these ORFs and resistance genes cloned from other species. Transgenic complementation with 11-to 27-kb genomic fragments of Diana spanning the insertion site failed to restore Dm3 function to two ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutants of Dm3 or to cv. Cobham Green, which naturally lacks Dm3 activity. Therefore, either the T-DNA inserted extremely close to, but not within, Dm3 and the mutation may have been caused by secondary movement of Ds, or Dm3 activity is encoded by a gene extending beyond the fragments used for complementation.

Variaciones circadianas del infarto agudo de miocardio en Colombia / Circadian variations of cardiovascular events in Colombia

La mayor frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares, incluyendo isquemia, infarto comprobado y fallecimiento de origen cardiovascular se observa en las horas de la mañana. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos en los servicios de urgencias de cuatro hospitales universitarios con diagnóstico de egreso de un evento cardiovascular. El diseño del formulario permitía detectar la hora de inicio del evento, la hora de consulta, la evolución del paciente de acuerdo con la severidad del cuadro clínico. La mayoría de infartos eran de primera vez, y los eventos fueron significativamente más frecuentes los días domingo, lunes y jueves y durante los meses de julio a septiembre (AU)

Variaciones circadianas del infarto agudo de miocardio en Colombia / Circadian variations of cardiovascular events in Colombia

La mayor frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares, incluyendo isquemia, infarto comprobado y fallecimiento de origen cardiovascular se observa en las horas de la mañana. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos en los servicios de urgencias de cuatro hospitales universitarios con diagnóstico de egreso de un evento cardiovascular. El diseño del formulario permitía detectar la hora de inicio del evento, la hora de consulta, la evolución del paciente de acuerdo con la severidad del cuadro clínico. La mayoría de infartos eran de primera vez, y los eventos fueron significativamente más frecuentes los días domingo, lunes y jueves y durante los meses de julio a septiembre

Mutants of downy mildew resistance in Lactuca sativa (lettuce).

As part of our investigation of disease resistance in lettuce, we generated mutants that have lost resistance to Bremia lactucae, the casual fungus of downy mildew. Using a rapid and reliable screen, we identified 16 distinct mutants of Latuca sativa that have lost activity of one of four different downy mildew resistance genes (Dm). In all mutants, only a single Dm specificity was affected. Genetic analysis indicated that the lesions segregated as single, recessive mutations at the Dm loci. Dm3 was inactivated in nine of the mutants. One of five Dm 1 mutants was selected from a population of untreated seeds and therefore carried a spontaneous mutation. All other Dm1, Dm3, Dm5/8 and Dm7 mutants were derived from gamma- or fast neutron-irradiated seed. In two separate Dm 1 mutants and in each of the eight Dm3 mutants analyzed, at least one closely linked molecular marker was absent. Also, high molecular weight genomic DNA fragments that hybridized to a tightly linked molecular marker in wild type were either missing entirely or were truncated in two of the Dm3 mutants, providing additional evidence that deletions had occurred in these mutants. Absence of mutations at loci epistatic to the Dm genes suggested that such loci were either members of multigene families, were critical for plant survival, or encoded components of duplicated pathways for resistance; alternatively, the genes determining downy mildew resistance might be limited to the Dm loci.