Descriptive characteristics of the area of origin of the deltoid muscle on the human clavicle. Is it necessary to include new terms in the Terminologia Anatomica?

The clavicular portion of the deltoid muscle (CPDM) in the human clavicle does not have a nomenclature in the Terminologia Anatomica (TA). This area is relevant in anatomy since the muscle participates in motions of glenohumeral articulation. The aim of this study was to describe the origin of the CPDM and to propose a name for the structure. Dry clavicles of 176 adults were studied, without distinction by sex. An osteometric board was used to measure the maximum length of the clavicles and a digital caliper to measure length of the CPDM's origin, distance from the origin to the sternal end, distance from the origin to the acromial end, distance of the lateral third and middle vertical diameter. The mean of maximum of the distances and CPDM's origin of left/right clavicle do not present significant differences. The CPDM s origin showed a high prevalence of structures as groove and roughened area (over 96% of cases). In conclusion, our definition of the CPDM shows the importance of clearly describing the observed groove and roughened area. Due to the high prevalence of the structures, the authors suggest that the terms "sulcus musculi deltoidei" and "tuberositas musculi deltoidei" be included in the TA to denominate the CPDM's origin on the human clavicle.

Dos nuevas mutaciones en el gen que codifica la alfa-glucosidasa ácida en un adolescente con enfermedad de Pompe de inicio tardío / Two new mutations in the gene that codes for acid alpha-glucosidase in an adolescent with late-onset Pompe disease

Introducción. La glucogenosis tipo II o enfermedad de Pompe es una enfermedad lisosomal con un patrón de herencia autosómico recesivo. La enfermedad de Pompe de inicio tardío es una miopatía metabólica progresiva causada por una disminución de la actividad de la enzima alfa-glucosidasa ácida (GAA), lo que origina una disminución de la degradación y posterior acúmulo del glucógeno dentro de los lisosomas y el citoplasma celular. Caso clínico. Adolescente venezolano, de 16 años, diagnosticado de glucogenosis tipo II o enfermedad de Pompe, de comienzo tardío, basado en la clínica del paciente y los hallazgos bioquímicos. La atrofia muscular de los miembros superiores e inferiores era evidente y presentaba maniobra de Gowers positiva. Los niveles séricos de creatincinasa eran elevados. Su capacidad funcional respiratoria estaba disminuida. La cuantificación de la actividad enzimática de la GAA en papel de filtro no mostraba una disminución significativa de la actividad. El análisis genético molecular reveló la existencia de dos mutaciones en condición homocigótica en el gen GAA, c.547-67C>G y c.547-39T>G, ambas en el exón 2 del cromosoma 17. De acuerdo con la base de datos del genoma humano y la revisión emprendida, los cambios detectados en este paciente representan nuevas mutaciones en el gen GAA. Esta afirmación está en concordancia con la clínica y cambios bioquímicos encontrados en el paciente. Conclusión. Es obligatorio el estudio genético molecular en un paciente en el que se sospecha la enfermedad (AU)

Introduction. Glycogen storage disease type II, or Pompe disease, is a lysosomal disease with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Late-onset Pompe disease is a progressive metabolic myopathy caused by decreased activity of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), which gives rise to reduced degradation and later accumulation of glycogen in the lysosomes and cell cytoplasm. Case report. A 16-year-old Venezuelan male, diagnosed with late-onset glycogen storage disease type II, or Pompe disease, based on the patient’s clinical picture and the biochemical findings. The patient presented unmistakable signs of muscular atrophy in the upper and lower limbs, as well as positive Gowers’ sign. Levels of creatinkinase in serum were high. His functional respiratory capacity was diminished. The quantification of the enzymatic activity of acid alpha-glucosidase on filter paper did not show any significant decrease in activity. A molecular genetic analysis revealed the existence of two homozygotic mutations in the gene GAA, c.547-67C>G and c.547-39T>G, both on exon 2 of chromosome 17. According to the human genome database and the review that was undertaken, the changes detected in this patient represent new mutations in the acid alpha-glucosidase gene, GAA. This claim is in agreement with the clinical features and biochemical changes found in the patient. Conclusion. A molecular genetic study is mandatory in patients suspected of having this disease (AU)

Physiological effects of tricyclazole on zebrafish (Danio rerio) and post-exposure recovery.

Short-term effects of tricyclazole on male zebrafish (Danio rerio) physiology were examined joint to the degree of recovery after exposure. Fish were exposed to 142 microg/L (1/100 LC(50)-96 h) of tricyclazole for 7 (Exp.1) and 14 days (Exp.2) and then allowed to recover for 7 or 14 more days, respectively. Whole-body triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, lactate and total proteins were measured as well as the aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), alanine aminotransferase (AlAT), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities as biomarkers of intermediary metabolism; gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gammaGT) as biomarker of oxidative detoxification processes and vitellogenin (Vtg) concentration as endpoint for endocrine disruptor effect were also determined. Corpulence factor (k) was calculated. Fungicide exposure in zebrafish resulted in an increased of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose and lactate levels, however the total protein content did not change. LDH, AlAT and AAT enhanced while AP activity decreased. Corpulence factor (k) also decreased. At the end of the recovery periods cholesterol and glucose levels recovered whereas triglycerides and lactate continued to elevate. Induced disorders on the selected enzymes remained and did not recover at the end of experiments. Fish exhibited significant increases of Vtg during the overall experimental times as a consequence of the fungicide exposure. These findings are of importance in the assessment of the potential risk of new fungicides as tricyclazole on aquatic ecosystems.

Concordance of chlamydia trachomatis infections within sexual partnerships.

OBJECTIVES: The enhanced sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) provides an opportunity for estimating the prevalence of untreated Chlamydia trachomatis infections. The transmissibility and public health significance of some NAAT-identified infections are, however, not known. METHODS: Adults attending an urban emergency department provided specimens for C trachomatis screening using NAAT. Participants testing positive were offered follow-up including re-testing for C trachomatis using NAAT and traditional methods, eg culture and direct fluorescent antibody, and were treated. Partners were offered identical evaluation and treatment. Overall, 90 C trachomatis-positive participants had one or more sexual partners enrolled. RESULTS: Evidence of transmission, as defined by infection concordance between partnerships, was observed among 75% of partners of index cases testing positive by both NAAT and traditional assay but only 45% of partners of index cases testing positive by NAAT only (prevalence ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5). Among index participants returning for follow-up, 17% had no evidence of C trachomatis infection by NAAT or traditional assay (median follow-up three weeks). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of positive NAAT results for chlamydial infection may be of lower transmissibility and may not persist after a short follow-up. The long-term health effects of some positive NAAT are uncertain.

Audio computer assisted interviewing to measure HIV risk behaviours in a clinic population.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether audio computer assisted survey interviewing (ACASI) influenced responses to sensitive HIV risk behaviour questions, relative to interviewer administration of those questions (IAQ), among patients attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic and whether the impact of interview mode on reporting of risk behaviours was homogeneous across subgroups of patients (defined by age, sex, and previous STI clinic experience). METHODS: 1350 clinic patients were assigned to complete a detailed behavioural survey on sexual risk practices, previous STIs and symptoms, condom use, and drug and alcohol use using either ACASI or IAQ. RESULTS: Respondents assigned to ACASI were more likely to report recent risk behaviours such as sex without a condom in the past 24 hours (adjusted OR = 1.9), anal sex (adjusted OR = 2.0), and one or more new partners in the past 6 months (adjusted OR = 1.5) compared to those interviewed by IAQ. The impact of ACASI varied by sex but, contrary to expectations, not by whether the patient had previously visited an STI clinic. Mode of survey administration made little difference within this population in reports of STI knowledge, previous STIs, STI symptoms, or illicit drug use. CONCLUSION: ACASI provides a useful tool for improving the quality of behavioural data in clinical environments.

Monitoring STI prevalence using telephone surveys and mailed urine specimens: a pilot test.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot test assessed the feasibility of a cost effective population based approach to STI monitoring using automated telephone interviews, urine specimen collection kits sent out and returned by US Postal Service mail, and monetary incentives to motivate participation. METHODS: 100 residents of Baltimore, MD, USA, completed an automated telephone survey and agreed to mail in a urine specimen to be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Participants were paid dollar 10 for completing the survey and dollar 40 for mailing the specimen. RESULTS: 86% of survey participants mailed in a urine specimen for testing. CONCLUSIONS: Automated telephone surveys linked with testing of mailed-in urine specimens may be a feasible lower cost (relative to household surveys) method of estimating infection prevalences in a population.

[Effects of stress on relative leukocyte frequency and serum sodium and potassium concentrations in bovines]. / Efectos del estrés sobre la frecuencia leucocitaria relativa y las concentraciones de sodio y potasio séricos en bovinos.

The leucocyte and mineral profile changes were studied in bovines with different waiting time at the slaughterhouse. The stress induced by the waiting time at the slaughterhouse brought changes in relative leukocyte frequency, with inverted neutrophil:lymphocyte relation in animals with 24 hours of waiting time (1.45). However the sodium:potassium relation in the animals with 48 hours of waiting time was significantly lower (23.6, p < 0.001) than that almost normal in animals with 24 hours of waiting time (33.1). Also the high correlations between the parameters studied show an unique physiological or pathological situation. The found values point out hormonal changes similar to those in stress situations.

Efectos del estrés sobre la frecuencia leucocitaria relativa y las concentraciones de sodio y potasio séricos en bovinos. / [Effects of stress on relative leukocyte frequency and serum sodium and potassium concentrations in bovines]

The leucocyte and mineral profile changes were studied in bovines with different waiting time at the slaughterhouse. The stress induced by the waiting time at the slaughterhouse brought changes in relative leukocyte frequency, with inverted neutrophil:lymphocyte relation in animals with 24 hours of waiting time (1.45). However the sodium:potassium relation in the animals with 48 hours of waiting time was significantly lower (23.6, p < 0.001) than that almost normal in animals with 24 hours of waiting time (33.1). Also the high correlations between the parameters studied show an unique physiological or pathological situation. The found values point out hormonal changes similar to those in stress situations.

Efectos del estrés sobre la frecuencia leucocitaria relativa y las concentraciones de sodio y potasio séricos en bovinos. / [Effects of stress on relative leukocyte frequency and serum sodium and potassium concentrations in bovines]

The leucocyte and mineral profile changes were studied in bovines with different waiting time at the slaughterhouse. The stress induced by the waiting time at the slaughterhouse brought changes in relative leukocyte frequency, with inverted neutrophil:lymphocyte relation in animals with 24 hours of waiting time (1.45). However the sodium:potassium relation in the animals with 48 hours of waiting time was significantly lower (23.6, p < 0.001) than that almost normal in animals with 24 hours of waiting time (33.1). Also the high correlations between the parameters studied show an unique physiological or pathological situation. The found values point out hormonal changes similar to those in stress situations.

[Postnatal growth of very low birth weight newborn (LBW infant). Anthropometry after a period of 3 years, longitudinal study]. / Crecimiento postnatal del recién nacido de muy bajo peso (RNMBP). Antropometría a tres años plazo, estudio longitudinal.

Growth of 230 very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) admitted to the neonatal wards of a metropolitan pediatric hospital at Santiago, Chile was studied prospectively up to 36 months of age, in the period 1980-1988. For further analysis patients were separated in groups A, 60 newborn infants with birth-weight below 1,001 g and B, 170 newborn infants with birth-weight between 1,001 and 1,500 g. We used Patri's growth charts, to compare the results with full term healthy newborns of 3,318 g average birth-weight from the same socio-economical status. The average weight of group A infants was below 2 SD at age one year and between one and two SD at 2 and 3 years of age. In group B infants weight was between one and 2 SD at one year of age and below 1 SD at 2 years. At age 3 years average weight was very close to normal. Group A infants were not successful to achieve the average height of the standard at age 3 year, but this same goal was obtained at 2 years of age in group B infants. Head circumference was within the normal average at ages 3 and 2 year in group A and B infants, respectively.