Analysis of the small chromosomal Prionium serratum (Cyperid) demonstrates the importance of reliable methods to differentiate between mono- and holocentricity.

For a long time, the Cyperid clade (Thurniceae-Juncaceae-Cyperaceae) was considered a group of species possessing holocentromeres exclusively. The basal phylogenetic position of Prionium serratum (Thunb.) Drège (Thurniceae) within Cyperids makes this species an important specimen to understand the centromere evolution within this clade. In contrast to the expectation, the chromosomal distribution of the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3), alpha-tubulin and different centromere-associated post-translational histone modifications (H3S10ph, H3S28ph and H2AT120ph) demonstrate a monocentromeric organisation of P. serratum chromosomes. Analysis of the high-copy repeat composition resulted in the identification of two centromere-localised satellite repeats. Hence, monocentricity was the ancestral condition for the Juncaceae-Cyperaceae-Thurniaceae Cyperid clade, and holocentricity in this clade has independently arisen at least twice after differentiation of the three families, once in Juncaceae and the other one in Cyperaceae. In this context, methods suitable for the identification of holocentromeres are discussed.

[Screening and congenital transmission of Chagas Disease in the user population of the Dr. Félix Bulnes Cerda Hospital and Primary Health Care Services of the Metropolitan Health Service West of Santiago, Chile]. / Cribado y transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en población usuaria del Hospital Dr. Félix Bulnes Cerda y Atención Primaria de Salud del Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Occidente de Santiago, Chile.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the Hospital Dr. Félix Bulnes Cerda (HDFBC) implemented the mandatory screening of anti Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in pregnant women, thus complying with national regulations to detect new Chagas disease cases (CHD) in mother and child, whose early detection mediates timely pharmacological treatment. This, because the congenital transmission continues the main active transmission mechanisms of T. cruzi and a major public health problem for the country. AIM: To present the epidemiological information generated after the implementation of the ECH screening in the SSFCC HFBC, two years after its operation began. METHODS: Screening test: inmunequimioluminiscence (IQLU), certification by IFI, ELISA and/or western blot. Follow up of newborn infants with PCR, IFI, ELISA and IQLU. RESULTS: Between April 2016 and July 2018, 14.012 subject's samples were examined of which 62 resulted reactive (0.53% seropositivity) in the total studied population where 28 patients resulted positive for CHD, which corresponds to a 0.2% prevalence. Of the total population, 11.780 were pregnant women, of these 41 were reactive and 10 were confirmed with CHD thus showing a prevalence of 0.085%. The other 18 positive cases of non-pregnant patients corresponded a prevalence of 0.81%. Also, 10 newborn and infant children of mothers with CHD were followed up. In all, congenital transmission (0%) was ruled out. Nifurtimox treatment of the mothers were completed in 30% of them. It is concluded that the implementation of the program in the HDFBC fulfills the objectives of screening, detection and diagnosis of CHD, so as the timely follow-up and pharmacologic treatment of the newborn. The 0.085% prevalence of CHD in pregnant women as the 0.20% in total population are significantly lower (p-valor < 0.01) than the 0.7% reported in 2016 for the Metropolitan Region (MR), a fact that we suggest is a consequence of the national program implementation. Likewise, the 0% transplacental transmission is accorded to the rate of 0.91 x 10.000 live births reported in 2017 for the MR. Based on the learning acquired during the development of the research, recommendations are given to contribute to the operation of the program.

Cribado y transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en población usuaria del Hospital Dr. Félix Bulnes Cerda y Atención Primaria de Salud del Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Occidente de Santiago, Chile / Screening and congenital transmission of Chagas Disease in the user population of the Dr. Félix Bulnes Cerda Hospital and Primary Health Care Services of the Metropolitan Health Service West of Santiago, Chile

Resumen Introducción: El año 2016, el Hospital Dr. Félix Bulnes Cerda (HDFBC) implementó el tamizaje obligatorio de anticuerpos anti Trypanosoma cruzi, para pesquisar nuevos casos de la enfermedad de Chagas (ECH) en mujeres embarazadas y recién nacidos (RN) y brindar tratamiento antiparasitario oportuno. Ello, porque la transmisión transplacentaria de T. cruzi continúa siendo un importante problema de salud pública. Objetivo: Presentar la información epidemiológica generada luego de la implementación del cribado de la ECH en el HDFBC del SSMOCC, al cabo de dos años de iniciada su operación. Material y Métodos: Cribado por inmunoquimioluminiscencia (IQLU), confirmación por IFI, ELISA y/o western blot. Seguimiento de RN: mediante RPC, IFI, ELISA e IQLU. Resultados: Entre abril de 2016 y julio de 2018 se analizó un total de 14.012 muestras de pacientes; 62 resultaron reactivas (0,53% seropositividad) y 28 fueron confirmadas positivas (prevalencia de 0,2%). Del total, 11.780 fueron de mujeres gestantes (n: 41 casos reactivos y 10 confirmadas con ECH), con prevalencia de 0,085%. Los restantes 18 casos positivos fueron usuarios no gestantes, con sospecha clínica de ECH y casos de estudios familiares, mostrando una prevalencia de 0,81%. El seguimiento a 10 RN y lactantes hijos de madres chagásicas descartó la transmisión transplacentaria Completaron tratamiento con nifurtimox 30% de las madres. Discusión: La implementación del programa en el HDFBC cumple los objetivos de cribado, pesquisa y diagnóstico de la ECH así como el seguimiento y tratamiento oportuno del RN. La prevalencia de 0,085% de la ECH en la población gestante como la de 0,2% en población total son significativamente menores (p-valor < 0,01) que la prevalencia de 0,7% reportada (año 2016) para la Región Metropolitana (RM); sugerimos que es consecuencia de la implementación del programa nacional y local. La transmisión congénita de 0% es acorde a la tasa de [0,91 x 10.000] reportada el 2017 para la RM. En base al aprendizaje adquirido, durante el desarrollo de la investigación, se entrega sugerencias para aportar al funcionamiento del programa.

Abstract Background: In 2016, the Hospital Dr. Félix Bulnes Cerda (HDFBC) implemented the mandatory screening of anti Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in pregnant women, thus complying with national regulations to detect new Chagas disease cases (CHD) in mother and child, whose early detection mediates timely pharmacological treatment. This, because the congenital transmission continues the main active transmission mechanisms of T. cruzi and a major public health problem for the country. Aim: To present the epidemiological information generated after the implementation of the ECH screening in the SSFCC HFBC, two years after its operation began. Methods: Screening test: inmunequimioluminiscence (IQLU), certification by IFI, ELISA and/or western blot. Follow up of newborn infants with PCR, IFI, ELISA and IQLU. Results: Between April 2016 and July 2018, 14.012 subject's samples were examined of which 62 resulted reactive (0.53% seropositivity) in the total studied population where 28 patients resulted positive for CHD, which corresponds to a 0.2% prevalence. Of the total population, 11.780 were pregnant women, of these 41 were reactive and 10 were confirmed with CHD thus showing a prevalence of 0.085%. The other 18 positive cases of non-pregnant patients corresponded a prevalence of 0.81%. Also, 10 newborn and infant children of mothers with CHD were followed up. In all, congenital transmission (0%) was ruled out. Nifurtimox treatment of the mothers were completed in 30% of them. It is concluded that the implementation of the program in the HDFBC fulfills the objectives of screening, detection and diagnosis of CHD, so as the timely follow-up and pharmacologic treatment of the newborn. The 0.085% prevalence of CHD in pregnant women as the 0.20% in total population are significantly lower (p-valor < 0.01) than the 0.7% reported in 2016 for the Metropolitan Region (MR), a fact that we suggest is a consequence of the national program implementation. Likewise, the 0% transplacental transmission is accorded to the rate of 0.91 x 10.000 live births reported in 2017 for the MR. Based on the learning acquired during the development of the research, recommendations are given to contribute to the operation of the program.

Factores psicosociales y estrategias de afrontamiento asociadas al estrés en profesores universitarios / Psychosocial factors and coping strategies associated to stress in universitary professors

Introducción. Los factores psicosociales son condiciones que afectan el bienestar y la salud de los trabajadores. Así mismo, las estrategias que éstos utilizan para sobrellevar estas condiciones y cumplir con su trabajo pudieran afectar o reducir el estrés. Objetivo. Estimar la asociación entre los factores psicosociales del trabajo académico y las estrategias de afrontamiento con el estrés percibido de profesores universitarios. Material y Métodos. Es un estudio transversal analítico realizado a 109 profesores, a los cuales se les recabó datos sociodemográficos y laborales, y se les aplicó dos instrumentos. Resultados. La reestructuración cognitiva es un factor de riesgo para el estrés (OR 10.72, IC95% 1.34-85.88), afectado por la evitación de problemas. Un factor que reduce el estrés es la resolución de problemas (OR 0.086, IC95% 0.02-0.51). Discusión. Los factores psicosociales del trabajo académico no están asociados al estrés y las estrategias de afrontamiento no aseguran la disminución de esta situación

Psychosocial Factors are elements that affect wellbeing and employee’s health. The employees apply strategies to cope with these conditions and to fulfill their work, nevertheless these strategies could increase or reduce the employees’s stress. Objective. To analyze the association between the coping strategies and academic work’s psychosocial factors and perceived stress by the university professors. Subjects and Methods. An Analytic Cross Sectional Study was made with 109 professors. Two data collection instruments were applied and occupational and sociodemographic information was collected. Results. The cognitive restructuring is a risk factor for the stress (OR 10.72, IC 95% 1.34-85.88), this factor is affected by avoidance strategies. Problem solving is a stress reducing factor (OR 0.0086, IC95% 0.02-0.51). Discussion. Academic work psychosocial factors are not associated with perceived stress and coping strategies do not ensure the decrease of this situation

Implementation of nearly arbitrary spatially varying polarization transformations: an in-principle lossless approach using spatial light modulators.

A fast and automated scheme for general polarization transformations holds great value in adaptive optics, quantum information, and virtually all applications involving light-matter and light-light interactions. We present an experiment that uses a liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator to perform polarization transformations on a light field. We experimentally demonstrate the point-by-point conversion of uniformly polarized light fields across the wavefront to realize arbitrary, spatially varying polarization states. Additionally, we demonstrate that a light field with an arbitrary spatially varying polarization can be transformed to a spatially invariant (i.e., uniform) polarization.

The 3D Kasteleyn transition in dipolar spin ice: a numerical study with the conserved monopoles algorithm.

We study the three-dimensional Kasteleyn transition in both nearest neighbours and dipolar spin ice models using an algorithm that conserves the number of excitations. We first limit the interactions range to nearest neighbours to test the method in the presence of a field applied along [Formula: see text], and then focus on the dipolar spin ice model. The effect of dipolar interactions, which is known to be greatly self screened at zero field, is particularly strong near full polarization. It shifts the Kasteleyn transition to lower temperatures, which decreases ≈0.4 K for the parameters corresponding to the best known spin ice materials, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. This shift implies effective dipolar fields as big as 0.05 T opposing the applied field, and thus favouring the creation of 'strings' of reversed spins. We compare the reduction in the transition temperature with results in previous experiments, and study the phenomenon quantitatively using a simple molecular field approach. Finally, we relate the presence of the effective residual field to the appearance of string-ordered phases at low fields and temperatures, and we check numerically that for fields applied along [Formula: see text] there are only three different stable phases at zero temperature.

Tuning the electronic hybridization in the heavy fermion cage compound YbFe2Zn20 with Cd doping.

The tuning of the electronic properties of heavy fermion compounds by chemical substitution provides excellent opportunities for further understanding the physics of hybridized ions in crystal lattices. Here we present an investigation on the effects of Cd doping in flux-grown single crystals of the complex intermetallic cage compound YbFe2Zn20, which has been described as a heavy fermion with a Sommerfeld coefficient of 535 mJ mol(-1) · K(-2). The substitution of Cd for Zn disturbs the system by expanding the unit cell and, in this case, the size of the Zn cages that surround the Yb and Fe. With an increasing amount of Cd, the hybridization between the Yb 4f electrons and the conduction electrons is weakened, as shown by a decrease in the Sommerfeld coefficient, which should be accompanied by a valence shift of the Yb(3+) due to the negative chemical pressure effect. This scenario is also supported by the low temperature DC magnetic susceptibility, which is gradually suppressed and shows an increment of the Kondo temperature, based on a shift to higher temperatures of the characteristic broad susceptibility peak. Furthermore, the DC resistivity decreases with the isoelectronic substitution of Cd for Zn, contrary to expectations in an increasingly disordered system, and implying that the valence shift is not related to charge carrier doping. The combined results demonstrate the excellent complementarity between positive physical pressure and negative chemical pressure, and point to a rich playground for exploring the physics and chemistry of strongly correlated electron systems in the general family of Zn20 compounds, despite their structural complexity.

Gd3+ spin-lattice relaxation via multi-band conduction electrons in Y(1-x)Gd(x)In3: an electron spin resonance study.

Interest in the electronic structure of the intermetallic compound YIn3 has been renewed with the recent discovery of superconductivity at T ∼ 1 K, which may be filamentary in nature. In this work we perform electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments on Gd(3+) doped YIn3 (Y1-xGdxIn3; 0.001 ⪅ x ⩽̸ 0.08), showing that the spin-lattice relaxation of the Gd(3+) ions, due to the exchange interaction between the Gd(3+) localized magnetic moment and the conduction electrons (ce), is processed via the presence of s-, p- and d-type ce at the YIn3 Fermi level. These findings are revealed by the Gd(3+) concentration dependence of the Korringa-like relaxation rate d(ΔH)/dT and g-shift (Δg = g - 1.993), that display bottleneck relaxation behavior for the s-electrons and unbottleneck behavior for the p- and d-electrons. The Korringa-like relaxation rates vary from 22(2) Oe/K for x ⪅ 0.001 to 8(2) Oe/K for x = 0.08 and the g-shift values change, respectively, from a positive Δg = +0.047(10) to a negative Δg = -0.008(4). Analysis in terms of a three-band ce model allows the extraction of the corresponding exchange interaction parameters Jfs, Jfp and Jfd.

Modulation of the rat hepatic cytochrome P4501A subfamily using biotin supplementation.

Studies have found that biotin favors glucose and lipid metabolism, and medications containing biotin have been developed. Despite the use of biotin as a pharmacological agent, few studies have addressed toxicity aspects including the possible interaction with cytochrome P450 enzyme family. This study analyzed the effects of pharmacological doses of biotin on the expression and activity of the cytochrome P4501A subfamily involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Wistar rats were treated daily with biotin (2 mg/kg, i.p.), while the control groups were treated with saline. All of the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after 1, 3, 5, or 7 days of treatment. CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 mRNAs were modified by biotin while enzyme activity and protein concentration were not affected. The lack of an effect of biotin on CYP1A activity was confirmed using other experimental strategies, including (i) cotreatment of the animals with biotin and a known CYP1A inducer; (ii) the addition of biotin to the reaction mixtures for the measurement of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 activities; and (iii) the use of an S9 mixture that was prepared from control and biotin-treated rats to analyze the activation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) into mutagenic metabolites using the Ames test. The results suggest that biotin does not influence the CYP1A-mediated metabolism of xenobiotics.

mGlu2/3 agonist-induced hyperthermia: an in vivo assay for detection of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonism and its relation to antidepressant-like efficacy in mice.

An assay to detect the on-target effects of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists in vivo would be valuable in guiding dosing regimens for the exploration of biological effects of potential therapeutic import. Multiple approaches involving blockade of mGlu2/3 receptor agoinist-driven behavioral effects in mice and rats were investigated. Most of these methods failed to provide a useful method of detection of antagonists in vivo (e.g., locomotor activity). In contrast, the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 produced dose-dependent increases in body temperature of mice. The hyperthermic effects of LY379268 was abolished in mGlu2 and in mGlu2/3 receptor null mice but not in mGlu3 null mice. Hyperthermia was not produced by an mGlu8 receptor agonist. Agonist-induced hyperthermia was prevented in a dose-dependent manner by structurally-distinct mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists. The blockade was stereo-specific. Moreover, this biological readout was responsive to both orthosteric and to negative allosteric modulators of mGlu2/3 receptors. Antagonism of agonist-induced hyperthermia predicted antidepressant-like efficacy in the mouse forced swim test. As with the hyperthermic response, the antidepressant-like effects of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists were shown to be due to mGlu2 and not to mGlu3 or mGlu8 receptors through the use of receptor knock-out mice. The ability to rapidly assess on-target activity of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists enables determination of parameters for setting efficacy doses in vivo. In turn, efficacy-related data in the preclinical laboratory can help to set expectations of therapeutic potential and dosing in humans.

Bergamottin is a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A1 and is antimutagenic in the Ames test.

Grapefruit juice (GJ) is a well known Cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitor; CYP3A is one of the most affected subfamily leading to anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic effects when GJ is administered to experimental animals in combination with mutagenic/carcinogenic agents metabolized by CYP3A. Bergamottin, naringin and dihydroxybergamottin are three main constituents contained within GJ and their inhibitory effect against CYP3A4 has been well documented. Reports suggest that CYP3A is not the only one affected but CYP1A and 2B are also affected by GJ. To explore this last possibility in depth we tested the in vitro capacity of bergamottin, naringin and dihydroxybergamottin to inhibit the activity of CYP1A and 2B subfamilies and found that bergamottin showed the strongest inhibitory effect and naringin showed no inhibition at all. Therefore, we decided to biochemically characterize the inhibitory properties of bergamottin. CYP1A1 Supersome® used in this study showed a Km(app)=0.0723 µM and a Vm(app)=6.141 µU/pmol with substrate ethoxyresorufin, and the biochemical characterization of bergamottin CYP1A1 inhibitory effect revealed that it is a competitive inhibitor with a Ki=10.703 nM. We also confirmed the antimutagenicity of this compound against the mutagenic effect of 3-methylcholanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene in the Ames test.

Characterization of specific cDNA background synthesis introduced by reverse transcription in RT-PCR assays.

To block expression of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit, we injected into rat hippocampus a Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 derived vector bearing a sequence for NR1 antisense. RT-PCR assays with RNA from hippocampus of animals injected either with NR1 antisense vector, control vector or vehicle, showed an amplification signal compatible with NR1 antisense which could be attributed either to an endogenous NR1 antisense or to an artifact. RT-PCR was performed either with different primers or without primers in the RT, using RNA from different tissues. RNAse protection assay was carried out to characterize the amplified signal nature. Our results show that the template for the unexpected amplified fragment was NR1 mRNA currently expressed in nervous tissue. We considered this basal amplification of a mRNA in a RT-PCR assay as "background amplification". After background subtraction, a significant signal only remained when samples from NR1 antisense vector injected animals were used, demonstrating that this was the only source for NR1 antisense. Background amplification at RT in the absence of primers, can constitute a troubling factor in quantitative nucleic acid determination, leading to major interference, particularly when both sense and antisense sequences are present in the sample. Since RT introduced a significant background signal for every gene analyzed, we propose that RT must be always performed also without primers. Then, this signal should be identified, quantified and subtracted from the specific reaction amplification signal.

Viabilidad de los microorganismos probióticos Lactobacillus casei 01, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, Bifidobacterium BB12 durante el almacenamiento de queso cottage / Viability of the probiotic microorganisms Lactobacillus casei 01, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, Bifidobacterium BB12 during cottage cheese shelf life

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la viabilidad de tres microorganismos considerados probióticos: Lactobacillus casei 01, Bifidobacterium BB12, y Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, durante la vida útil del queso Cottage (0, 7 y 14, y 7 días adicionales, para un total de 21 días, y su influencia sobre las características sensoriales. El estudio se llevó a cabo en cuatro tratamientos y tres repeticiones: el tratamiento control T1, sin agregado de probiótico; el tratamiento 2, con agregado de Lb. casei 01; el tratamiento 3, con agregado de Lb. acidophilus La – 5; y el tratamiento 4, con agregado de Bifidobacterium BB12. Los probióticos fueron adicionados a la crema que se agrega al queso, el cual es almacenado a 4ºC. La viabilidad de los microorganismos se midió en análisis microbiológicos; y las características de calidad de los productos mediante análisis físicos, microbiológicos, químicos y sensoriales. Bifidobacterium presentó recuentos superiores a 1 x 10.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the viability of three microorganisms considered as probiotics: Lactobacillus casei 01, Bifidobacterium BB12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, during cottage cheese shelflife (0, 7, 14, and 7 days thereafter equivalent to 21 days), and the influence on sensory characteristics of the products. The study was carried in four treatments and three replications. Control treatment (T1) without probiotics; treatment T2 containing Lb. casei 01; treatment T3 containing Lb. acidophilus La-5; and treatment 4, with the addition of Bifidobacterium BB12. The cream with the addition of probiotics was added to the cheese which is stored at 4ºC. The viability evaluation of microorganisms was carried through microbiology analysis and its quality characteristics obtained through physical, chemical and sensory analyses of the products at 0, 7 and 14 days. Bifidobacterium had higher counts than 1 x 10.

Heart rate variability in type 2 spinocerebellar ataxia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore cardiovascular autonomic regulation in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients, using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and neurophysiologic autonomic reflex tests, and determine relations and causal related factors of dysautonomia in SCA2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heart rate variability indices for 5 min series of RR intervals were analyzed in 97 SCA2 patients, assessed quantitatively for somatic and autonomic nervous system complaints applying the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease (SCOPA-AUT), respectively. Autonomic testing included: resting control, standing, Valsalva maneuver and deep breathing. RESULTS: Mean RR, long- and short-term variability indices and spectral density power (LF, HF) indices were lower in the patients group, whereas LF/HF ratio and LF (nu) were higher. Highly differences between groups were observed for seven diagnostic autonomic test indices. Significant correlations were found between different clinical and demographic indices and between clinical indices and some HRV indices. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the presence of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in a large group of SCA2 patients.

Adsorption of glyphosate on variable-charge, volcanic ash-derived soils.

Glyphosate (N-phosphonometylglycine) is widely used due to its broad spectrum of activity and nonselective mode of action. In Chile it is the most used herbicide, but its adsorption behavior in the abundant and widespread variable charge soils is not well understood. In this study, three volcanic ash-derived soils were selected, including Andisols (Nueva Braunau and Diguillin) and Ultisols (Collipulli), to evaluate the adsorption kinetics, equilibrium isotherms, and the effect of pH in glyphosate adsorption. The influence of glyphosate on soil phosphorus retention was also studied. Glyphosate was rapidly and strongly adsorbed on the selected soils, and adsorption isotherms were well described by the Freundlich relationship with strong nonlinearity (n(fads) < 0.5). The n(fads) values were consistently higher than n(fdes) values, suggesting strong hysteresis. Adsorption (K(ads)) increased strongly when pH decreased. The presence of glyphosate (3200 mug mL(-1)) changed the adsorption behavior of phosphate at its maximum adsorption capacity. Andisol soils without the addition of glyphosate had similar mean K(ads) values for Nueva Braunau (5.68) and Diguillin (7.38). Collipulli had a mean K(ads) value of 31.58. During the successive desorption steps, glyphosate at the highest level increased K(ads) values for phosphate in the Andisol soils but had little effect in the Ultisol soil. This different behavior was probably due to the irreversible occupation of some adsorption sites by glyphosate in the Ultisol soil attributed to the dominant Kaolinite mineral. Results from this study suggest that in the two types of volcanic soils, different mechanisms are involved in glyphosate and phosphate adsorption and that long-term use of glyphosate may impose different effects on the retention and availability of phosphorus. Volcanic ash-derived soils have a particular environmental behavior in relation to the retention of organic contaminants, representing an environmental substrate that may become highly polluted over time due to intensive agronomic uses.

La cesárea del milenio: técnica de Misgav Ladach modificada / Cesarian of the millennium: the modified Misgav Ladach procedure

Introducción: Muchas operaciones ginecológicas se han reemplazado hoy por alternativas médicas y quirúrgicas; sin embargo, la cesárea no tiene alternativa y es por eso que tenemos la responsabilidad de hacer el proceder más simple, más eficaz y menos costoso. Método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de casos y controles sobre los resultados del método de Misgav Ladach modificado en la operación cesárea en un período de 5 años en el Hospital Docente Gineco-Obstétrico Provincial de Camagüey (Cuba). Se incluyeron 284 pacientes, que se dividieron en 2 grupos. Se determinó la odds ratio y la probabilidad con un 95% de fiabilidad. Resultados: En las indicaciones del proceder, el riesgo quirúrgico, el tiempo de extracción del recién nacido y las condiciones de éste al nacer, no presentaron diferencia significativa entre ambos grupos; sí fue significativa la diferencia en el tiempo quirúrgico, con una media inferior de 9 min en el grupo estudio (p < 0,05). Las complicaciones como abscesos, hematomas de pared e íleo paralítico resaltaron en el grupo control, lo que redujo la posibilidad de complicaciones en el grupo estudio al 0,08%, la estancia hospitalaria fue significativamente menor en el grupo estudio, con una reducción importante de los costes. Conclusión: Se considera que es factible la aplicación de rutina del proceder con beneficios significativos (AU)

Introduction: Many gynecological interventions have been replaced by medical and surgical alternatives. Nevertheless, Cesarean section has no alternative and consequently efforts should be made to make the procedure simpler, more effective and less costly. Method: We performed a prospective case-control study of the results of the modified Misgav-Ladach technique in Cesarean sections performed over a 5-year period at the provincial maternity teaching hospital of Camagüey (Cuba). A total of 284 patients were divided into two groups. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were determined. Results: The indications for surgery, surgical risk, newborn extraction time, and newborn status at birth showed no significant differences between the 2 groups. However, the mean surgical time was 9 minutes lower in the study group (p < 0.05). Complications such as abscesses, abdominal wall hematomas and paralytic ileus were more frequent in the control group and were reduced in the study group to 0.08%. Hospitalization was significantly reduced in the study group with a marked decline in costs. Conclusion: Routine application of the Misgav Ladach procedure is feasible and has significant benefits (AU)

La histerectomía del milenio: técnica de Misgav Ladach modificada / La histerectomía del milenio: técnica de Misgav Ladach modificada

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de casos y controles de los resultados de la histerectomía abdominal por la técnica de Misgav Ladach modificada en el Hospital Docente Gineco-Obstétrico Provincial de Camagüey en un período de 4 años. Se formaron 2 grupos de 176 pacientes cada uno; la información se procesó electrónicamente según el programa EPINFO versión V y se determinaron la odds ratio (OR) y la probabilidad con una fiabilidad del 95%. La indicación más frecuente fue el fibroma uterino; entre los riesgos quirúrgicos predominó la hipertensión arterial, aunque sin diferencia significativa entre los 2 grupos. Se redujo el tiempo quirúrgico promedio en 17 min; el absceso de cúpula (OR = 0,00; p < 0,05) y la infección de la herida fueron las complicaciones que predominaron significativamente en el grupo control; la estadía hospitalaria más frecuente en el grupo estudio fue de 3 a 4 días y en el grupo control de 5 a 6 días, manifestándose una reducción importante de los costes en el grupo anterior. Consideramos esta técnica un instrumento para lograr un mejor postoperatorio, una recuperación rápida y una reducción significativa de costes (AU)

We performed a prospective case-control study of the results of abdominal hysterectomy using a modified Misgav-Ladach procedure at the Provincial Teaching Hospital of Camagüey (Cuba) over a 4-year period. There were two groups of 176 patients each. Information was processed electronically with EPINFO version V. Odds ratios (OR) and probability with 95% confidence intervals were determined. The most frequent indication was uterine leiomyoma. The main surgical risk was hypertension, although no significant difference was found between the two groups. Surgical time was reduced by an average of 17 minutes. Vaginal cuff abscess (OR: 0.00; P < .05) and surgical site infection were significantly more frequent in the control group. Length of hospital stay was 3 to 4 days in the study group and 5 to 6 days in the control group, with substantial cost reduction in the former group. We believe this technique is useful in improving the postoperative period and in achieving faster recovery and significant cost (AU)

Anxiolytic-like activity of the mGLU2/3 receptor agonist LY354740 in the elevated plus maze test is disrupted in metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 and 3 knock-out mice.

RATIONALE: (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-Aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY354740) is a potent and selective agonist for group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2 and mGlu3) receptors, with anxiolytic-like activity in animal and human models, and efficacy in anxiety patients. However, the lack of mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptor specific agonists has prevented in vivo characterization of individual functions of these two receptors in mediating the anxiolytic-like effects of LY354740. OBJECTIVE: To utilize mGlu2 receptor and mGlu3 receptor knockout animals and the mGlu2/3 selective antagonist (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(9-xanthylmethyl)-2-(2'-carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (LY341495) to further investigate the roles of mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors in mediating the anxiolytic-like actions of LY354740 in a mouse model of anxiety [elevated plus maze (EPM) test]. METHODS: To confirm that mGlu2/3 receptors are responsible for anxiolytic-like activity in the EPM under these test conditions, mice were pretreated with LY341495 at 30 min prior to s.c. administered LY354740. Subsequently, saline vehicle or LY354740 was administered (s.c.) 30 min before the EPM testing in wild-type, mGlu2 receptor knockout, and mGlu3 receptor knockout mice. RESULTS: LY354740 reduced in a dose-dependent manner anxiety-related behavior on the EPM in wild-type mice with a maximally effective dose of 10--20 mg/kg s.c. Pretreatment with LY341495 potently prevented the anxiolytic-like effects of LY354740 (20 mg/kg, s.c.) in mice. Although the mGlu2 receptor knockout and mGlu3 receptor knockout mice were grossly normal, the anxiolytic-like activity of LY354740 (20 mg/kg, s.c.) was not evident in either mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptor knockout mice, when compared to their wild-type controls. CONCLUSIONS: The activation of both mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors by LY354740 appears to be required for anxiolytic-like activity in the EPM test in mice. These studies serve as a foundation for additional studies on underlying circuits, brain structures, and receptor subtypes involved in the anxiolytic-like actions of mGlu receptor active agents, and the design of future drugs for anxiety disorders in humans.

Molecular dynamics in nanophase-separated comb-like poly(alpha-n-alkyl beta-L-aspartate)s.

A series of poly(alpha-n-alkyl beta-L-aspartates) which are nanophase self-assembled comb-like polymers has been studied by dielectric spectroscopy in a broad frequency range (10(-2) < or = nu < or = 3 x 10(6) Hz), with n-alkyls side chains of various lengths, 10 < or = n < or =18. In every member of the series the same relaxations were identified after the decomposition of the experimental isothermal trace in up to three peaks with relaxation times distributions. The strength, width and average relaxation time for all the relaxation modes were determined for each material. Besides the local low temperature, Arrhenius modes, two relaxation modes, alpha and alpha(PE), present a cooperative character whose dynamics are not affected by the side chains melting. The alpha(PE) relaxation is a polyethylene-like glass transition of the amorphous side chains and its dynamics is strongly dependent on the n value due to the increasing restrictions imposed by the self-assembled confinement. The strength of the alpha(PE) relaxation mode increases as the lateral chains loose their 2D order. The restricted chopstick motion of the rigid rods is thought to be the origin of the alpha mode; this motion is hindered at temperatures where the cage size decreases as a result of the increasing disorder with temperature.