Erythrocyte antigens and antibodies in the Chilean population.

Chile does not have a national registry of immunohematologic test results; there are no data on the prevalence of erythrocyte antigens and the frequency of antibodies in this population. Therefore, foreign references are used for decision-making. In this study, a standard questionnaire was used in 74 laboratories of public and private establishments. The information from tests conducted in 2015 was requested: ABO and D typing, antibody detection, antibody identification, and erythrocyte phenotype. Prevalence for the ABO-D phenotypes were obtained at the country level (D+ [94.4%] and D- [5.5%]) and differ from those recorded in the white population (85% and 15%, respectively). Positive antibody detection results were found in 0.4 and 1.3 percent of blood donors and patients, respectively; the main specificities were anti-Lea, -E, and -D in donors and anti-D, -E, and -K in patients. Inconclusive results were observed in ABO-D typing and antibody identification in donors and patients; these samples were referred to immunohematology reference laboratories for resolution. From this study, it was possible to estimate the prevalence of erythrocyte antigens and the frequency of antibodies at the national level, and this step allows us to characterize Chile's population of blood donors and transfusion recipients and to compare the results and frequencies with other populations or countries.Chile does not have a national registry of immunohematologic test results; there are no data on the prevalence of erythrocyte antigens and the frequency of antibodies in this population. Therefore, foreign references are used for decision-making. In this study, a standard questionnaire was used in 74 laboratories of public and private establishments. The information from tests conducted in 2015 was requested: ABO and D typing, antibody detection, antibody identification, and erythrocyte phenotype. Prevalence for the ABO-D phenotypes were obtained at the country level (D+ [94.4%] and D­ [5.5%]) and differ from those recorded in the white population (85% and 15%, respectively). Positive antibody detection results were found in 0.4 and 1.3 percent of blood donors and patients, respectively; the main specificities were anti-Lea, -E, and -D in donors and anti-D, -E, and -K in patients. Inconclusive results were observed in ABO-D typing and antibody identification in donors and patients; these samples were referred to immunohematology reference laboratories for resolution. From this study, it was possible to estimate the prevalence of erythrocyte antigens and the frequency of antibodies at the national level, and this step allows us to characterize Chile's population of blood donors and transfusion recipients and to compare the results and frequencies with other populations or countries.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation of the aquatic carnivorous plant Utricularia gibba.

BACKGROUND: The genus Utricularia belongs to Lentibulariaceae, the largest family of carnivorous plants, which includes terrestrial, epiphytic and aquatic species. The development of specialized structures that evolved for carnivory is a feature of this genus that has been of great interest to biologists since Darwin's early studies. Utricularia gibba is itself an aquatic plant with sophisticated bladder traps having one of the most complex suction mechanisms for trapping prey. However, the molecular characterization of the mechanisms that regulate trap development and the biophysical processes involved in prey trapping are still largely unknown due to the lack of a simple and reproducible gene transfer system. RESULTS: Here, we report the establishment of a simple, fast and reproducible protocol for genetic transformation of U. gibba based on the T-DNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. An in vitro selection system using Phosphinotricin as a selective agent was established for U. gibba. Plant transformation was confirmed by histochemical GUS assays and PCR and qRT-PCR analyses. We report on the expression pattern of the 35S promoter and of the promoter of a trap-specific ribonuclease gene in transgenic U. gibba plants. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic transformation protocol reported here is an effective method for studying developmental biology and functional genomics of this genus of carnivorous plants and advances the utility of U. gibba as a model system to study developmental processes involved in trap formation.

Anatomía radiológica del seno esfenoidal: análisis en 120 pacientes intervenidos / Radiologic anatomy of sphenoidal sinus, analysis of 120 surgically intervened patients

Introducción: La patología tumoral hipofisiaria es una consulta frecuente en Neurocirugía. La vía de abordaje a elegir preferentemente es transesfenoidal. Por esto, es de suma importancia conocer la anatomía de los senos paranasales cuando se planifica este abordaje. Materiales y Métodos: Se describe la anatomía radiológica de estudios por Tomografía Computada (TC) y Resonancia Magnética (RM) de 120 pacientes con diagnóstico de adenoma hipofisiario, que se sometieron a cirugía transesfenoidal de hipófisis, prestando especial interés en la morfología de las cavidades paranasales esfenoidales. Resultados: Tipo de neumatización: preselar 25 por ciento y postselar 75 por ciento; Septos: simples 45 por ciento y múltiples 55 por ciento; diámetros promedio: antero-posterior 2,3 cm, transverso: 3,3 cm y vertical: 2,25 cm. Los Senos esfenoidales con neumatización postselar tienen un diámetro anteroposterior significativamente mayor (P < 0,005) que los preselares. Los senos esfenoidales con septo simple tienen un diámetro transverso significativamente mayor (P < 0,007) que los con múltiples septos. El 50 por ciento de los septos siguen una trayectoria paramediana, y el 50 por ciento se desvía hacia una de las arterias carótidas. Conclusión: se confirma la gran variación anatómica del seno esfenoidal siendo independiente del sexo del paciente, además hemos constatado que la relación establecida por los septos intraselares con elementos vasculares intracraneales es muy variable, siendo este hallazgo de suma importancia en la planificación preoperatoria. Los hallazgos realizados por Tomografía computada (TC), pueden ser homologables a lo descrito por otros autores en disecciones cadavéricas.

Introduction: The pituitary tumor pathology is a common query in Neurosurgery. The choice of approach is transsphenoidal preferably, so it is extremely important to know the anatomy of the sinuses when planning this approach. Materials and Methods: We describe the radiological anatomy studies Computerized tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) of 120 patients with pituitary adenoma who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, with special attention to the morphology of the sphenoid sinuses. Results: Neumatization type: pre-sellar 25 percent and 75 percent post-sellar; Septa: Single 45 percent, multiple 55 percent, mean diameters: 2.3 cm anteroposterior, transverse: 3.3 cm and vertical: 2.25 cm. The sphenoid sinuses with postsellar neumatization have anteroposterior diameter significantly higher (P < 0.005) than the pre-sellar. The sphenoid sinuses are single septum transverse diameter significantly higher (P < 0.007) than those with multiple septa. The 50 percent of the septa paramedian follow a path, and 50 percent is diverted to one of the carotid arteries. Conclusion: Results support the large sphenoid sinus anatomical variation is independent of patient sex, and we found that the relationship established by the intrasellar septa with intracranial vascular elements is very variable, this finding being paramount in preoperative planning. The findings by computed tomography (CT) may be comparable to that described by other authors in cadaveric dissections.

Esplenomegalia familiar como manifestación clínica del síndrome linfoprolifetativo autoinmune / Familial splenomegaly as a first clinical sign of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome linfoproliferativo autoinmune es la consecuencia de un defecto genético que compromete la apoptosis de los linfocitos. La linfoproliferación se manifiesta por adenomegalias y/o esplenomegalia crónica. El diagnóstico requiere demostrar el defecto de la apoptosis linfocitaria y el aumento de linfocitos T dobles negativos (TDN) que carecen de CD4 y CD8. Existe riesgo de desarrollar linfomas y enfermedades autoinmunes, sobre todo citopenias. Métodos: Estudiamos a un niño de 14 años con esplenomegalia de varios años de evolución con antecedentes familiares de esplenomegalia y adenomegalias. Se analiza el fenotipo de los linfocitos T y el defecto molecular del gen TNFRSF6 en el niño, su hermana y el padre. Se estudia el defecto de la apoptosis en el niño y su padre. Resultados: En el niño y su padre se confirman el defecto de la apoptosis de los linfocitos, el aumento de linfocitos dobles negativos (el 18 y 5%, respectivamente) y la misma mutación del gen TNFRSF6. La hermana presenta la misma mutación con un 16% de linfocitos doblemente negativos. Comentarios: La esplenomegalia crónica familiar puede ser la única manifestación del síndrome linfoproliferativo autoinmune (AU)

Background: The autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is caused by genetic defect in lymphocyte apoptosis. Chronic lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly are the consequence of lymphoproliferation. The diagnosis is based on the assessment of the defective lymphocyte apoptosis and the identification of lymphocyte T subset that are double negative (CD4-CD8-). The susceptibility to lymphoma and autoimmune diseases, mainly blood cytopenias is increased. Methods: We studied a 14 year-old boy with chronic splenomegaly and familial history of splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. T lymphocyte phenotypes, and molecular defect of TNFRSF6 gene were studied in the child, his sister and his father. Lymphocyte apoptosis was also analysed in the child and his father. Results: The boy and his father showed in vitro apoptosis defects, an increased number of double negative T lymphocytes (18% and 5%, respectively) and the same mutation in the TNFRSF6 gene. His sister had 16% of double negative T lymphocytes and the mutation in the TNFRSF6 gene. Comments: Chronic familial splenomegaly can be the only clinical sign of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (AU)

[Familial splenomegaly as a first clinical sign of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome]. / Esplenomegalia familiar como manifestación clínica del síndrome linfoprolifetativo autoinmune.

BACKGROUND: The autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is caused by genetic defect in lymphocyte apoptosis. Chronic lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly are the consequence of lymphoproliferation. The diagnosis is based on the assessment of the defective lymphocyte apoptosis and the identification of lymphocyte T subset that are double negative (CD4-CD8-). The susceptibility to lymphoma and autoimmune diseases, mainly blood cytopenias is increased. METHODS: We studied a 14 year-old boy with chronic splenomegaly and familial history of splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. T lymphocyte phenotypes, and molecular defect of TNFRSF6 gene were studied in the child, his sister and his father. Lymphocyte apoptosis was also analysed in the child and his father. RESULTS: The boy and his father showed in vitro apoptosis defects, an increased number of double negative T lymphocytes (18% and 5%, respectively) and the same mutation in the TNFRSF6 gene. His sister had 16% of double negative T lymphocytes and the mutation in the TNFRSF6 gene. COMMENTS: Chronic familial splenomegaly can be the only clinical sign of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.

Mixed aerobic and anaerobic microbial communities in benzene-contaminated groundwater.

AIMS: To investigate the factors affecting benzene biodegradation and microbial community composition in a contaminated aquifer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified the microbial community in groundwater samples from a benzene-contaminated aquifer situated below a petrochemical plant. Eleven out of twelve groundwater samples with in situ dissolved oxygen concentrations between 0 and 2.57 mg l(-1) showed benzene degradation in aerobic microcosm experiments, whereas no degradation in anaerobic microcosms was observed. The lack of aerobic degradation in the remaining microcosm could be attributed to a pH of 12.1. Three groundwaters, examined by 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, with low in situ oxygen concentrations and high benzene levels, each had a different dominant aerobic (or denitrifying) population, either Pseudomonas, Polaromonas or Acidovorax species. These groundwaters also had syntrophic organisms, and aceticlastic methanogens were detected in two samples. The alkaline groundwater was dominated by organisms closely related to Hydrogenophaga. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that pH 12.1 is inimical to benzene biodegradation, and that oxygen concentrations below 0.03 mg l(-1) can support aerobic benzene-degrading communities. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings will help to guide the treatment of contaminated groundwaters, and raise questions about the extent to which aerobes and anaerobes may interact to effect benzene degradation.

Inmunodeficiencias primarias / No disponible

No disponible

Rehabilitación vestibular en el VPPB / Vestibular rehabilitation in BPPV

Existe concordancia en la literatura internacional en relación a los mecanismos fisiopatológicos, clínica y resultados terapéuticos del vértigo postural paroxístico benigno (VPPB). Se describe detalladamente el procedimiento de reposición de partículas mediante la maniobra de Epley. Se clasifica el tipo de tratamiento utilizado en 84 paciente consultantes por VPPB y se analizan los resultados en 26 pacientes tratados mediante maniobra de Epley. Se observa una respuesta favorable en el 81 por ciento de los casos luego de la primera sesión, agregándose un 11 por ciento de éxito adicional luego de la segunda sesión. Se obtiene un fracaso terapéutico con esta maniobra en el 8 por ciento de los pacientes. Se concluye que dada la alta cifra de éxito terapéutico final, un 92 por ciento, esta maniobra ofrece una adecuada alternativa de tratamiento. La buena respuesta inmediata (81 por ciento), apoya de manera fehaciente la relación causa-efecto

[Height increase among school children assisting to first grade during the last decade in Chile]. / Aumento en la estatura de escolares que ingresaron al primer año básico durante la última década.

BACKGROUND: In most developing countries, the prevalence of height deficit among schoolchildren correlates well with poverty. Therefore this indicator is frequently used to monitor the quality of life of a population. AIM: To assess the changes in height of children entering first grade during the last decade. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of the Chilean Board of School Assistance, that recollects anthropometric data on 80% of the national population of school age children, were used. For the purposes of this analysis, data from first graders in 1987, 1990, 1993 and 1996 were considered. The absolute variation of height, height for age Z scores were calculated. Children were grouped by sex and by age, using 7 years old as the cutoff value. RESULTS: During the last decade, height has increased significantly in men and women and in all ages. The increase has been greater in younger children. There is a higher proportion of males than women with height deficit. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in height can be attributed to the improvement in social, economic and biological conditions of our population as well as to the targeting strategies of existing food programs.

Effects of different levels of vitamins A and E on the utilization of cholecalciferol by broiler chickens.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of high dietary levels of vitamins A and E on the utilization of cholecalciferol by broiler chicks. In Experiment 1, chicks were fed six levels of vitamin A (5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, 80,000, and 160,000 IU/kg). Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) was not added to the basal diet but all birds were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent light. Body weight was decreased only at levels of vitamin A of 80,000 IU/kg or above. In Experiment 2, birds were exposed to UV fluorescent light or no UV light, two levels of dietary vitamin A (1,500 and 45,000 IU/kg) and three levels of dietary vitamin D3 (0, 500, and 2,500 IU/kg) in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. The high level of vitamin A reduced (P < 0.001) bone ash but only at a marginal level of vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg) and when the birds were not exposed to UV light. In Experiment 3, birds were exposed to UV fluorescent light or no UV light, two levels of dietary vitamin E (10 and 10,000 IU/kg) and three levels of dietary vitamin D3 (0; 500 and 2,500 IU/ kg) in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. The high level of vitamin E significantly (P < 0.05) reduced body weight, bone ash, plasma calcium, and increased rickets but only at 500 IU/kg of vitamin D3. Feeding 2,500 IU/kg of vitamin D3 overcame the effects of the high level of vitamin E, causing a significant (P < 0.05) interaction. Ultraviolet light also prevented the detrimental effects of the high level of vitamin E. The results of these studies indicate that high dietary levels of vitamins A and E negatively affected the utilization of vitamin D3 only when D3 was present at a marginal level (500 IU/kg) in the diet but not when it was synthesized in the bird by exposure to UV light or supplemented at 2,500 IU/kg in the diet.

The influence of vitamin A on the utilization and amelioration of toxicity of cholecalciferol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol in young broiler chickens.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the influence of vitamin A on the utilization and amelioration of toxicity of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D3], and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] in young broiler chicks. Two levels of vitamin A (1,500 and 45,000 IU/kg or 450 and 13,500 microg) were fed in all experiments. In Experiment 1, chicks were fed six levels of vitamin D3 (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 microg/kg). High dietary vitamin A decreased bone ash (P < 0.001), and increased the incidence of rickets (P < or = 0.02). Linear and quadratic responses to vitamin D3 levels were significant (P < 0.01) for body weight, bone ash, incidence and severity of rickets, and plasma calcium. In Experiment 2, six levels of 25-(OH)D3 (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 microg/kg) were added to the basal diet. Adding 25-(OH)D3 increased (P < 0.001) body weight, bone ash, and plasma calcium, and decreased rickets and plasma vitamin A. Adding 25-(OH)D3 overcame the reduction in bone ash produced by high dietary vitamin A showing a significant (P < 0.02) interaction. In Experiment 3, six levels of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 microg/kg) were added to the basal diet. High dietary vitamin A increased (P < 0.01) the incidence and severity of rickets. Adding 1,25-(OH)2D3 increased (P < 0.01) body weight, bone ash, plasma calcium, and reduced rickets and plasma and liver vitamin A. Adding 1,25-(OH)2D3 overcame the reduction in bone ash, and the increase in rickets produced by high vitamin A was significant (P < or = 0.05). These results indicate that high dietary vitamin A (45,000 IU/kg) interferes with the utilization of vitamin D3, 25-(OH)D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3, increasing the requirement for each of them. Moreover, 45,000 IU/kg of dietary vitamin A ameliorated the potential toxic effects of feeding high levels of vitamin D3, 25-(OH)D3 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 to young broiler chickens. Further work is necessary to find the minimum levels of these vitamins needed to cause these effects.

Effects and interactions of dietary levels of vitamins A and E and cholecalciferol in broiler chickens.

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effects and interactions of feeding different levels of vitamins A, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), and E on broiler chicks. In Experiment 1, chicks were fed marginal vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg) and increasing dietary levels of vitamin A (5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, 80,000, and 160,000 IU/kg). Bone ash was reduced by 10,000 IU/kg of vitamin A in the diet and at vitamin A levels above 20,000 IU/kg of diet body weight was reduced. In Experiment 2, two levels of vitamin A (1,500 and 15,000 IU/kg) and six levels of vitamin E (10, 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, and 10,000 IU/kg) were added to the basal diet. High levels of vitamins A and E significantly (P < 0.001) reduced bone ash. The vitamin A x E interaction was significant (P < or = 0.05) for rickets. In Experiment 3, the same two levels of vitamin A as Experiment 2 and six levels of vitamin D3 (500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, and 3,000 IU/kg) were added to the basal diet that contained 10,000 IU/kg of vitamin E. Body weight and bone ash were increased by increasing vitamin D3 with a corresponding reduction (P < or = 0.05) in rickets. In Experiment 4, three levels of vitamin A (1,500, 15,000, and 45,000 IU/kg), three levels of vitamin D3 (500, 1,500, and 2,500 IU/kg), and three levels of vitamin E (10, 5,000, and 10,000 IU/kg) were added to the basal diet. Significant negative responses (P < or = 0.05) to increasing dietary vitamin A were observed for bone ash, rickets, and plasma and liver vitamin E. A significant (P < 0.001) increase in bone ash and plasma calcium with a corresponding reduction in rickets was observed by increasing vitamin D3. Increasing dietary vitamin E adversely affected (P < or = 0.01) bone ash, plasma calcium, and plasma and liver vitamin A concentrations. These results indicate the need for making feed with the proper ratios of vitamins A, D3, and E.

[Latex allergy in children with spina bifida]. / Alergia al látex en niños con espina bífida.

Latex allergy is a frequent happening in children with spina bifida or congenital urologic abnormalities. These patients have multiples exposures to derivatives of latex as part of the management increasing the risk of allergic reactions. We present three children who developed general anaphylactic reaction during urodynamic exploration with a rectal latex catheter. All patients showed positive skin test and positive latex specific IgE test (RAST). A prospective survey of 17 patients with spina bifida at the time of cystometry showed positive RAST levels in 7 (41%). Recommendations for prophylaxis are included, suggesting the avoidance of latex products in children with spina bifida since birth.

Proyecciones para el uso tópico de medicamentos en las infecciones sinusales / Proyections in topical administration of drugs in sinusitis infection

Se evalúan tres métodos de tratamiento local de sinusitis que se utilizan ocasionalmente, comparando la eficacia de cada uno para hacer llegar un medio de contraste a las cavidades sinusales. Los métodos elegidos son: el desplazamiento de Proetz, la instilación de gotas nasales y las nebulizaciones. Se escogen grupos de voluntarios al azar de 18 personas sanas cada uno, los cuales son controlados con radiografías de cavidades perinasales antes y después del procedimiento. Los resultados en este grupo de personas sanas demostró que 17 de 18 personas en que se realizó el desplazamiento mostraron presencia del medio de contraste en los senos sinusales, 7 de los 18 en los que usaron gotas nasales y ninguno de los que utilizaron nebulizaciones. Aún cuando estas personas no representan una muestra adecuada puesto que no presentaban patología sinusal, los autores recomiendan utilizar alguno de los dos primeros métodos cuando exista el interés de utilizar medicamentos locales para la terapia de sinusitis

[Bronchodilating effect of terbutaline inhaled with and without a tube spacer in asthmatic children]. / Efecto broncodilatador de la terbutalina inhalada con y sin extensor en niños asmáticos.

Eighteen children aged 10.3 +/- 2.4 years who needed regular use of antiasthmatic drugs and showed after abandoning them with the appropriate intervals a FEV1 below 85% of their highest previous value, received in a randomized, double-blind crossover fashion two puffs of terbutaline 1 hour apart on two consecutive days. The drug was administered either with the conventional inhaler or a 10.3 X 2 cm. Forced spirometry, peak flow, flow-volume loops, and whole body plethysmography were performed basally, and 5, 15 and 45 minutes after each puff. The peak increase of the FEV1 was greater with the spacer (41.7% vs 30.4%, p less than 0.05). The increase of FEV1 was higher with the spacer at 5 minutes following the first puff and at 15 and 45 minutes after the second puff. No difference was observed in the other variables measured. Sixteen inhaled the drug "coordinatedly". The spacer offers some advantage in asthmatic children who inhale terbutaline mostly in a coordinated way.

[Intracranial aneurysms. 12-year review]. / Aneurismas intracraneanos. Revision de 12 años.

In angiographic studies of the Pathology Department and Radiology Department of the "20 of November Hospital" of the I.S.S.S.T.E. (Mexico, D.F.) from 1962 to 1974, were reviewed and 178 intracranial aneurysms in 141 patients were found. There is a two to one ratio females over males. 16.8% of the cases show multiple aneurysms and they were found to be more common during the fifth decade of life.