Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus 1 in dairy herds of Colombia.

Background and Aim: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an infectious disease widely distributed globally and is considered the main cause of various reproductive and respiratory tract diseases in cattle and buffaloes. This study aimed to estimate seroprevalence and determine risk factors associated with the presentation of IBR in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Boyacá (Colombia). Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was performed, and the sample size was 1,000 cattle. Blood samples were obtained by coccygeal venipuncture and processed through indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the Synbiotics® kit (Zoetis, New Jersey, USA) with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 98%, respectively. Data were processed using the statistical program EpiInfo® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). Results: A high seroprevalence of 57.5% was established. Seroprevalence was the highest in cattle >4 years of age (65.0% apparent seroprevalence [AS]; 67% true seroprevalence [TS]) and in the Holstein breed (65.5% AS; 67.8% TS). The breed and age of the animals were significantly associated with each other. The Holstein breed, age group >4 years, uncertified semen, and fetal death were established as risk factors for IBR. In comparison, the age groups of <1 and 1-2 years and the Normande breed were established as protective factors against the bovine herpesvirus-1 virus. Conclusion: Management factors, such as livestock from other owners and animal purchases, which affect disease presentation, are evident. The implementation and development of novel prevention and control measures for IBR at the national level are necessary.

Comparison of four methods for quantitative assessment of 99mTc-MDP SPECT in patients with suspected condylar hyperplasia. / Comparación de cuatro métodos de valoración cuantitativa de la SPECT con 99mTc-MDP en pacientes con sospecha clínica de hiperplasia condilar.

OBJECTIVE: To compare variability, reproducibility and repeatability of four quantitative evaluation methods to interpret the 99mTc-MDP SPECT reports in patients with clinically suspected unilateral condylar hyperplasia. METHOD: This was a descriptive observational study carried out with SPECT images of 38 patients with clinical and radiographic signs of unilateral condylar hyperplasia, and interpreted using four quantitative methods: 1) one image, variable-size region of interest (ROI); 2) one image, fixed-size ROI (1.76cm2), 3) five image variable-size ROI; 4) five image, fixed-size ROI (1.76cm2). Each of the images was reported simultaneously (but in an independent way) by two nuclear medicine experts, in both total radioactive counts as well as normalized counts to evaluate the reproducibility (inter-operator variability) and the repeatability (intra-operator variability). RESULTS: Higher reproducibility and repeatability were obtained in 5-image fixed-size ROI method (intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.979 [0.959; 0.989]). A high grade of diagnostic agreement (97.4%) was also attained in fixed methods (Kappa 0.940, p value: .000) from either total or normalized counts. There was no difference between fixed-size 1 vs 5 image methods. The methods based on variable-size ROI had a low grade of agreement (Kappa<0.20). More positive cases were identified using one image, ROI variable total counts (27 cases), but when the counts were normalized, they presented a lower number (5 cases). CONCLUSION: Five-image fixed-size ROI provides the best intra-operator and inter-operator reliability for the diagnosis of unilateral condylar hyperplasia. In the four methods using normalized counts fewer positive cases were detected (≥10%), unlike with total counts when more positive cases were found.

Comparison of 99mTc-MDP SPECT qualitative vs quantitative results in patients with suspected condylar hyperplasia. / Comparación de resultados cualitativos vs. cuantitativos de 99mTc-MDP SPECT en pacientes con sospecha clínica de hiperplasia condilar.

OBJECTIVE: To compare qualitative vs quantitative results of Single Photon Emission Computerised Tomography (SPECT), calculated from percentage of 99mTc-MDP (methylene diphosphonate) uptake, in condyles of patients with a presumptive clinical diagnosis of condylar hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted on the 99mTc-MDP SPECT bone scintigraphy reports from 51 patients, with clinical impression of facial asymmetry related to condylar hyperplasia referred by their specialist in orthodontics or maxillofacial surgery, to a nuclear medicine department in order to take this type of test. Quantitative data from 99mTc-MDP condylar uptake of each were obtained and compared with qualitative image interpretation reported by a nuclear medicine expert. RESULTS: The concordances between the 51 qualitative and quantitative reports results was established. The total sample included 32 women (63%) and 19 men (37%). The patient age range was 13-45 years (21±8 years). According to qualitative reports, 19 patients were positive for right side condylar hyperplasia, 12 for left side condylar hyperplasia, with 8 bilateral, and 12 negative. The quantitative reports diagnosed 16 positives for right side condylar hyperplasia, 10 for left side condylar hyperplasia, and 25 negatives. CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear medicine images are an important diagnostic tool, but the qualitative interpretation of the images is not as reliable as the quantitative calculation. The agreement between the two types of report is low (39.2%, Kappa=0.13; P>.2). The main limitation of quantitative reports is that they do not register bilateral condylar hyperplasia cases.

In vitro antioxidant activity and qualitative phytochemical analysis of two Vismia (Hypericaceae) species collected in Los Andes, Venezuela / Actividad antioxidante in vitro y análisis fitoquímico cualitativo de dos especies de Vismia (Hypericaceae) recolectadas en Los Andes, Venezuela

Abstract:Vismia genus is distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Central, South America and some areas of Africa. According to previous investigations, antioxidant potential of Vismia species might be related to anthrones, anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenol derivatives biosynthesized by these plants. In this investigation, phytochemical screening of Vismia baccifera (VB) from Mérida-Venezuela and Vismia macrophylla (VM) from Táchira-Venezuela methanolic extracts, carried out using various chemical assays, revealed an abundant presence of anthraquinones in both species analyzed. Glycosides were also present while flavones and dehydroflavones were observed abundantly in VB but moderated in VM. Triterpenes were also detected and steroids showed to be abundant in VM but moderate in VB. On the other hand, antioxidant capacity measured by the DPPH assay showed that VM possesses a stronger antioxidant activity than VB with IC50 5.50 µg mL-1. Phenol and flavonoid assays carried out by Folin-Ciocalteu and colorimetric test also revealed that methanol extracts of both species contain high concentrations of these metabolites. A relationship between the antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoids content of the extracts analyzed was demonstrated in this investigation since those samples with higher phenolic concentrations showed likewise higher antioxidant activity. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (4): 1431-1439. Epub 2016 December 01.

Resumen:El género Vismia esta distribuido principalmente en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales de Centro, Sur América y algunas zonas de África. De acuerdo a reportes previos, el potencial antioxidante de las especies de Vismia puede estar relacionado con antronas, antraquinonas, flavonoides y derivados fenólicos biosintetizados por estas plantas. En la presente investigación, el tamizaje fitoquímico de los extractos metanólicos de Vismia baccifera (VB) de Mérida-Venezuela y Vismia macrophylla (VM) de Táchira-Venezuela realizado con diferentes ensayos químicos reveló abundante presencia de antraquinonas en ambas especies analizadas. Glucósidos también estuvieron presentes mientras que flavonas y dehidroflavonas fueron observados abundantemente en VB pero con presencia moderada en VM. Triterpenos y esteroides también fueron detectados mostrando ser abundantes en VM y moderados en VB. Por otro lado, la actividad antioxidante determinada por el método DPPH reveló que VM posee actividad antioxidante más fuerte que VB con un IC50 de 5.50 µg mL-1. El ensayo del contenido de fenoles y flavonoides realizado con los métodos de Folin-Ciocalteu y test colorimétrico también demostró que los extractos metanólicos de ambas especies contienen altas concentraciones de estos metabolitos. En este estudio se observó una relación entre la actividad antioxidante, el contenido de fenoles y de flavonoides en los extractos analizados ya que las muestras que presentaron concentraciones más altas de fenoles y flavonoides también mostraron una mayor actividad antioxidante.

In vitro antioxidant activity and qualitative phytochemical analysis of two Vismia (Hypericaceae) species collected in Los Andes, Venezuela.

Vismia genus is distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Central, South America and some areas of Africa. According to previous investigations, antioxidant potential of Vismia species might be related to anthrones, anthraquinones, flavonoids and phenol derivatives biosynthesized by these plants. In this investigation, phytochemical screening of Vismia baccifera (VB) from Mérida-Venezuela and Vismia macrophylla (VM) from Táchira-Venezuela methanolic extracts, carried out using various chemical assays, revealed an abundant presence of anthraquinones in both species analyzed. Glycosides were also present while flavones and dehydroflavones were observed abundantly in VB but moderated in VM. Triterpenes were also detected and steroids showed to be abundant in VM but moderate in VB. On the other hand, antioxidant capacity measured by the DPPH assay showed that VM possesses a stronger antioxidant activity than VB with IC50 5.50 µg mL-1. Phenol and flavonoid assays carried out by Folin-Ciocalteu and colorimetric test also revealed that methanol extracts of both species contain high concentrations of these metabolites. A relationship between the antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoids content of the extracts analyzed was demonstrated in this investigation since those samples with higher phenolic concentrations showed likewise higher antioxidant activity.

Uncommon renal masses: Perirenal extramedullary hematopoiesis and multiple lymphangiomatosis with a perirenal lymphangioma.

OBJECTIVE: To present two cases of infrequent renal masses, trying to achieve the diagnosis before surgery. METHODS: We describe a case referred from the Department of Hematology in which bilateral perirrenal masses were described in the CT scan; after biopsy they where classified as extramedullary hematopoietic tissue. The other case was a patient presenting to the emergency room with dyspnea. CT Scan showed lungs with multiple cysts, chylothorax and a cystic-solid mass in the left perirenal space. In the lung biopsy they reported lung lymphangiomatosis, so we didn't perform renal biopsy. RESULTS: Most renal masses are renal carcinomas (856%). The less common diagnosis are sarcomas, lymphomas, upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinomas, metastases of other primary tumors, the Erdheim-Chester disease, the Castleman disease and benign tumors. All these diseases might show similar images in the CT scan and MRI, being the biopsy and histological study necessary for the diagnosis CONCLUSIONS: Perirenal extramedullary hematopoiesis and perirenal lymphangioma are rare diseases that need a pathologic study for their diagnosis.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is upregulated in aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is implicated in carcinogenesis. In this study we examined the expression of ICAM-1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We hypothesized that ICAM-1 correlates with indicators of tumor aggressiveness in PTC. METHODS: Thirty-five primary and metastatic PTCs, five follicular adenomas, five Hashimoto thyroiditis, five nodular hyperplasia, and eight normal thyroid tissue samples were analyzed for ICAM-1 gene expression using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ICAM-1 gene expression was analyzed at protein level by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a semiquantitative score. Gene expression and intensity levels were correlated with markers of tumor aggressiveness including BRAF V600E mutation, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), angiolymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: ICAM-1 gene expression was higher in PTC (p = 0.01) and lymph node metastases (p = 0.03) when compared with benign tumors and Hashimoto's. Furthermore, PTCs exhibiting BRAF V600E mutation (p = 0.01), ETE (p < 0.01), and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02) were associated with higher ICAM-1 levels. Gene expression correlated with protein levels on IHC. Additionally, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma had a higher ICAM-1 intensity score compared with well-differentiated carcinoma (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: ICAM-1 expression is upregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, ICAM-1 upregulation correlated with aggressive tumor features such as BRAF V600E mutation, ETE, and lymph node metastasis, suggesting that ICAM-1 plays a role in thyroid cancer progression.

Cistouretropexia laparoscópica tipo Burch para el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzos: seguimiento a largo plazo / Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Objetivos: Conocer las complicaciones, las tasas de cura subjetiva y valoración con el índice de severidad de Sandvik a largo plazo de pacientes en quienes se realizó cistouretropexia laparoscópica tipo Burch para la corrección de su incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (IUE). Método: Análisis descriptivo, retrospectivo. Nivel de evidencia III. Se incluyeron las pacientes con diagnóstico de IUE tipo Blaivas IIB, a quienes se les practicó Burch laparoscópico en la Clínica del Prado y Profamilia Medellín, entre los años 2003 y 2007. Las variables principales a evaluar fueron edad, tiempo quirúrgico, cura subjetiva, índice de severidad de Sandvik y complicaciones. Resultados: Se analizaron 72 pacientes con promedio de edad de 46,57 +/- 9,54 años. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 24,4 meses (rango: 9,0-55,8 meses). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 79,83 minutos (rango: 44-160 minutos). Refirieron cura subjetiva 56 pacientes (77,8 por ciento). El índice de severidad de Sandvik muestra que a largo plazo 56,9 por ciento pacientes estaban secas con remisión completa de los síntomas y el 13,8 por ciento pacientes tenían pérdidas leves. Conclusiones: El Burch laparoscópico es una opción efectiva para el manejo de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo tipo Blaivas IIB. Provee tasas de curación subjetiva a largo plazo similares a otros tipos de tratamiento. Es una opción más a tener en cuenta en el manejo de la IUE, en especial aquellas pacientes con patologías asociadas que se beneficien del abordaje por laparoscopia.

Objectives: To describe the subjective cure rate, the score of the Sandvik test and the complications after laparoscopic Burch in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Prospective descriptive study. We included all patients diagnosed with SUI Blaivas type IIB, and operated on by laparoscopy in two reference institutions between 2003 and 2007. Results: We analyzed 72 patients with an average age of 46.57 +/- 9.54 years. The average follow-up was 24.4 months, with a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 55.8. The average operating time in 29 patients in which we only performed laparoscopic Burch with or without colporrhaphy was 93.7 minutes (55-180 minutes); 56 patients (77.8 percent) reported subjective cure. The Sandvik's severity index found 56.9 percent dry patients and 13.8 percent with mild losses. Conclusion: The laparoscopic management may be useful in some patients, especially those who will be carried to laparoscopy by some other indication. Subjective cure rates are similar to other types of surgery.

Antimicrobial activity of Pseudognaphalium moritzianum.

The antimicrobial activity of ethanol, acetone and aqueous extracts of the aerial parts of Pseudognaphalium moritzianum was evaluated. Ethanol and acetone extracts showed activity against Staphlococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aqueous extract was active against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

Hyaluronidase inhibitory activity from the polyphenols in the fruit of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus B.).

The hyaluronidase inhibitory activity of different fractions obtained from aqueous extract of blackberry fruits was evaluated. We found that only fractions F3 and F7 inhibit the tested enzyme.