Linfoma no Hodgkin B folicular extranodal que afecta al colon: a propósito de un caso / Extra nodal follicular non-Hodgkin B lymphoma affecting the colon, on the basis of a case

Resumen Introducción: el linfoma no Hodgkin (LNH) es una enfermedad maligna que presenta una forma extraganglionar que afecta al tracto gastrointestinal hasta en un 50 % de los casos; el colon es el órgano que con menor frecuencia se ve comprometido por este linfoma. En los pocos casos que presentan afección, el compromiso es principalmente del ciego, por su gran contenido linfoide. Este caso es el de una paciente con compromiso del colon por masa en el ciego. Las biopsias reportan LNH folicular grado II, patrones folicular y difuso, siendo este tipo histológico el de mayor prevalencia y el que ha mostrado los mejores resultados con el manejo con quimioterapia (esquema R-CHOP) sola o en conjunto con radioterapia; también, en ocasiones, con cirugía. La paciente recibió tratamiento con evolución adecuada. La terapia conjunta es la que ha demostrado mayor sobrevida, aunque hay estudios en los que se han reportados buenos resultados con monoterapia, como el caso en cuestión. Caso clínico: mujer de 38 años, en quien se realiza una colonoscopia que muestra una lesión tumoral en el ciego, con patología compatible con LNH tipo B folicular extranodal, confirmado por inmunohistoquímica. Los estudios de extensión imagenológicos confirman la presencia de adenopatías abdominales y torácicas en conglomerados. Oncología inicia el manejo con quimioterapia con protocolo R-CHOP, con buena respuesta. Discusión y conclusiones: el LNH extranodal afecta muy rara vez al colon, razón por la que este caso es reportado. El manejo puede ser multidisciplinario y su pronóstico depende de las características individuales en cada caso.

Abstract Introduction: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a malignant disease that presents in an extranodal form. It affects the gastrointestinal tract in up to 50% of cases with the colon being the least frequently compromised portion. In the few cases in which it is affected, the cecum is most often compromised due to its large lymphoid content. The colon of the patient presented here was compromised by a mass in the cecum. Biopsies showed grade II follicular NHL with follicular and diffuse patterns. This histological type has the highest prevalence and has shown the best results with chemotherapy (R-CHOP scheme) alone and in conjunction with radiation therapy and occasionally with surgery. The patient received treatment followed by adequate evolution. Combination therapy has been shown to result in longer survival times, although there are studies which have reported good results with monotherapy as in this case. Clinical Case: The patient was a 38-year-old woman. A colonoscopy showed a tumor in the cecum. Its pathology was compatible with extra-follicular follicular NHL type B which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Imaging extension studies confirmed abdominal and thoracic adenopathies in conglomerates. The oncology department treated the patient with a chemotherapy with R-CHOP protocol with a good response. Discussion and conclusions: Since extranodal NHL rarely affects the colons, this case deserved to be reported. Management can be multidisciplinary, but the prognosis depends on individual characteristics in each case.

Study of Ras/MAPK pathway gene variants in Chilean patients with Cryptorchidism.

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital disorders in boys, and several genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors have been proposed as possible causes for this genitourinary defect. Genetic factors have been intensively searched, but relatively few pathogenic variants have been described. Cryptorchidism is a frequent finding in patients with RASopathies, a group of syndrome caused by mutations in genes of the Ras/MAPK pathway. Our aim was to determine whether patients with isolated cryptorchidism (IC) exhibit Ras/MAPK pathway gene variants associated with RASopathies. Two hundred thirty-nine patients with IC were recruited after orchidopexy. Determination of Ras/MAPK pathway gene variants was performed by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis followed by sequencing. Restriction or allele-specific amplification assay was applied to (i) variant confirmation; (ii) search in healthy controls; and (iii) segregation analysis. Controls correspond to 100 healthy Chilean adults without a history of cryptorchidism. Molecular analysis showed one synonymous substitution (BRAF_p.Q456Q) in two patients and four missense substitutions (SOS1_ p.R497Q, BRAF_ p.F595L, NRAS_ p.T50I, and MAP2K2_ p.Y134C) in five patients. Our results suggest that some patients with isolated cryptorchidism, but with no evidence of dysmorphic features suggestive of RASopathies, may harbor Ras/MAPK pathway gene alterations.

Copy number variants of Ras/MAPK pathway genes in patients with isolated cryptorchidism.

Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital disorder in boys, but the cause for most cases remains unknown. Patients with Noonan Syndrome are characterized by a typical face, growth retardation, congenital heart defects, learning disabilities and cryptorchidism. Copy number variations of Ras/MAPK pathway genes are unusual in patients with several clinical features of Noonan Syndrome; however, they have not been studied in patients with only one feature of this condition, such as cryptorchidism. Our aim was to determine whether patients with isolated cryptorchidism exhibit Ras/MAPK pathway gene copy number variations (CNVs). Fifty-nine patients with isolated cryptorchidism and negative for mutations in genes associated with Noonan Syndrome were recruited. Determination of Ras/MAPK pathway gene CNVs was performed by Comparative Genome Hybridization array. A CNV was identified in two individuals, a ~175 kb microduplication at 3p25.2, partially including RAF1. A similar RAF1 microduplication has been observed in a patient with testicular aplasia. This suggests that some patients with isolated cryptorchidism may harbor Ras/MAPK pathway gene CNVs.

Intraoperative cystography pre- and post-endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux: guaranteed success?

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate whether post-endoscopic treatment (ET) intraoperative cystography is predictive of treatment outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and treated endoscopically with polyacrylate/polyalcohol copolymer or dextranomer hyaluronic acid were studied prospectively between August 2009 and April 2011. Slow infusion pre-ET cystography was performed under anesthesia. Post-ET cystography was performed only if the intraoperative pre-ET results demonstrated VUR. RESULTS: Over a period of 20 months, 23 patients were studied (18 girls, five boys), with an average age of 41.9 months (range 13 months-11 years). Thirty-two renal units with reflux were treated: nine bilateral cases, seven right, and seven left. The distribution of reflux grades was as follows: two grade I, 10 grade II, 11 grade III, nine grade IV. All injected ureters demonstrated grade 0 hydrodistention after the procedure. Twelve of 23 of the pre-ET cystography results were negative for VUR, indicating that the sensitivity of this test is 47% compared with the preoperative voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) or nuclear cystogram. There were no procedure complications. CONCLUSION: Of all patients (n = 23), nearly 60% did not demonstrate pre-ET VUR on intraoperative cystography. If a postoperative VCUG had been performed on all patients, more than half would have received unnecessary radiation. Therefore, this study demonstrates that post-ET cystography does not predict the success of ET of VUR intraoperative. Pre-ET cystography under general anesthesia before ureteral injection, has very low sensitivity, creating false-negatives that may complicate the interpretation of post-ET cystography. We suggest that intraoperative cystography before and after ET fails to show clinical utility and should not be used to predict the outcome of endoscopic VUR treatment.

Protocolo prospectivo de pieloplastia laparoscópia pediátrica; del estrés a la tranquilidad / Prospective protocol for laparoscopic pyeloplasty in pediatrics; from stress to tranquility

La resolución quirúrgica de una obstrucción pieloureteral (OPU), con mayor frecuencia se realiza de forma laparoscópica. Siendo un procedimiento difícil per-se, consideramos que para optimizar tiempos, materiales y esfuerzo es necesario involucrar a todo el equipo quirúrgico. Se evalúa protocolo quirúrgico prospectivo, con ajuste de protocolo a mitad del estudio en post de mejorar los tiempos quirúrgicos. Método: Estudio prospectivo de 12 casos de pacientes >5kg con OPU y MA G3 con dificultad de vaciamiento; en quienes se aplicó el protocolo quirúrgico para pieloplastia laparoscópica (pasos quirúrgicos, características de suturas, pig-tail y material quirúrgico). Todos los casos fueron operados por 2 cirujanos con experiencia laparoscópica urológica avanzada (>5 años); un mismo ayudante y dos instrumentistas. Después de los primeros 6 pacientes (grupo A) se analizó y perfeccionó el protocolo quirúrgico, comparando posteriormente resultados y en especial tiempo quirúrgico con los siguientes 6 (grupo B). Resultados: La serie incluyó 9 hombres. La mediana para edad fue de 9.3 meses. El peso promedio fue 16. 7 kg (20.4 vs 13.1 kg respectivamente). En grupo A se realizaron 4 derechas y 2 izquierdas, y el grupo B fue inverso (4 izquierdas). Tres de doce pacientes presentaban OPU secundaria a vasos aberrantes. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio por grupo fue de 171.2 (120-200 min) vs 141.7 (90-210 min) respectivamente. El seguimiento promedio fue 19.6 meses (13-24 meses), todos los pacientes tuvieron buena evolución, con MA G-3 sin obstrucción al vaciamiento y disminución de la hidronefrosis. Conclusiones: Consideramos que la disminución del tiempo quirúrgico en el segundo grupo se debió tanto a la integración del equipo como al perfeccionamiento del protocolo quirúrgico: en la técnica, colocación de un cuarto trocar, forma de colocar pig-tail, tipo y tamaño de suturas, preparación...

Laparoscopic surgical resolution for an ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is being widely used around the world. lt is considered as a hard and difficult procedure per-se, we considered for time, materials and effort Optimization; to involve every single member of the surgical team. A surgical protocol was developed and revised, with some adjustments in the middle looking forward to reduce surgical time. Method: Prospective study including 12 patients <5kg weight with UPJO and difficult emptying MA G-3; to whom a surgical protocol for laparoscopic pyeloplasty was applied (surgical steps, suture characteristics, stent and surgical material). All cases were operated by 2 advanced skilled laparoscopic surgeons (>5 year experience); same assistant surgeon and two different surgical assistants. After the first 6 cases (group A) the protocol was revised and improved, comparing results especially surgical time with group B (n=6). Results: The series included 9 male, median ages was 9.3 months. Average weight was 16. 7 kg (20.4 vs 13.1 kg for each group). Four right-sided pyeloplasties and 2 left-sided were performed in group A, and opposite in group B (4 left-side). Three of twelve patients had UPJO secondary to polar vessels. The mean surgical time was 171.2 ( 120-200 min) vs 141. 7 (90-210 min) respective/y. Mean follow-up was 19.6 months (13-24 mo), all patients had good outcome, without obstruction in the MA G-3 study and regression of the hydronephrosis...

Catéteres de hemodiálisis en el paciente <15 Kg: rompiendo paradigmas / Hemodyalisis catheters in patients under 15 Kg: braking paradigma

La instalación de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) para hemodiálisis es parte de la práctica habitual en los servicios de nefrourologia pediátrica. Sin embargo, aún no existen suficientes reportes sobre resultados exitosos con los catéteres de hemodiálisis (HD) en < 15 kg. Nuestro objetivo es reportar la sobrevida y el desarrollo de complicaciones de los CVC insertados en niños <15 kg y evaluar si su uso es seguro en pediatría. Método: Se realizó un seguimiento prospectivo de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica terminal (ERC T), con peso < 15 kg, en quienes se instaló un CVC de hemodiálisis tunelizado por punción, entre julio 2006 y junio 2011. Se analizaron variables como: género, enfermedad de base, edad y peso al inicio de HD, resultado de la HD, sitio de inserción, número de catéteres por paciente, motivo de retiro y tiempo de sobrevida del catéter. Resultados: Durante un periodo de 60 meses, se instalaron 31 CVC en 11 pacientes < 15 kg, 8 hombres y 3 mujeres. La principal causa de ERCT es displasia renal. Al inicio de la HD, la edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 27 meses (5-6om) y la media de peso de 10 kg (4. 5-13 kg). El principal sitio de inserción fue la vena yugular interna (90 por ciento). La duración media de HD fue de 312 días (26-840 días).En promedio se requirieron 2.5 catéteres por paciente (rango 1-5). Los factores mecánicos (trombosis, desplazamiento o acodadura), fueron la principal causa de retiro del catéter (39 por ciento), seguidos por las infecciones (13 por ciento). La sobrevida promedio fue de 110 días/catéter (0 a 586)...

Placement of central venous catheters (C VC) for hemodialysis is part of the usual practice of the pediatric nephron urology services. However, there are few data in the literature documenting successful results with the catheters of hemodialysis (HD) in patients weighing less than 15 kg. Our aim is to report the survival and complications of CVC insertion in children weighing less than 15 kg and to assess whether their use is suitable and safe in low-weight pediatric patients. Methods: Prospective follow-up of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), weighing less than 15 kg, in whom a tunneled hemodialysis CVC was inserted, between July 2006 and June 2011. The following data is gathered: gender, underlying cause of chronic kidney disease, age and weight at the beginning of hemodialysis, catheter location, and duration of HD and reason for discontinuing it, number of catheters used per patient, reasons for removal, and catheter survival. Results: During a period of 60 months, 11 CVC were placed in 31 patients weighing less than 15 kg (8 boys and 3 girls). The main cause of ESRD was renal dysplasia. Mean age at start of dialysis was 27 months (5-60 m) and mean weight was 10 kg (4.5-13 kg). The main catheter location was the internal jugular vein (90 percent). The mean duration of HD was 312 days (26-840 days). An average of 2.5 catheters was required per patient (range 1-5). Mechanical factors (thrombosis, displacement or Layering) were the most common cause of central-line removal (39 percent), followed by infections (13 percent). Mean catheter survival was 110 days/ catheter (range 0-586)...

Altered omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status in depressed post-myocardial infarction patients.

OBJECTIVE: Lower levels of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) and increased inflammation have been associated with both depressive disorder and myocardial infarction (MI). The present study investigated whether patients who develop depression post-MI, have higher arachidonic acid/eicosapentanoic acid (AA/EPA) ratios than non-depressed post-MI patients and whether depressed post-MI patients have signs of increased inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP). METHOD: Serum AA/EPA ratio and plasma CRP levels were quantified in 50 post-MI patients, of which 29 were depressed and 21 non-depressed. RESULTS: Compared with the non-depressed group, depressed post-MI patients had significantly higher AA/EPA ratios. No significant difference was observed in CRP levels. CONCLUSION: Depressed post-MI patients had lower levels of n-3 LCPUFAs as measured by mean AA/EPA ratio and no signs of increased inflammation as determined by CRP levels.

Factores pronósticos en carcinoma de células renales: ¿son adecuadas las variables definidas por el actual TNM? / Prognosis factors in renal cells carcinoma: are the variables defined by TNM adequate?

Objetivo: Identificar aquellos factores pronósticos que influyen de manera independiente en la sobrevida y en caso de ser significativo el tamaño de la lesión, determinar cuál es el mejor punto de corte para esta variable. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron los registros de 420 pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma de células renales estudiados entre enero de 1994 y junio de 2004 en dos centros. El análisis de sobrevida se efectuó a través de curvas de Kaplan-Meier. Se realizó estudio univariado y multivariado para determinar qué factores, clínicos e histológicos, tienen un impacto directo en la sobrevida de los pacientes con cáncer renal. El mejor punto de corte para el tamaño tumoral se determinó por medio de curvas ROC. Resultados: La sobrevida global de la serie fue 76,4 por ciento, con un seguimiento promedio de 30,8 meses (DS±24,5). El análisis demostró una tasa de sobrevida de 95,7 por ciento para T1, 58,5 por ciento para T2, 65,2 por ciento, 49,4 por ciento, 35,4 por ciento para T3 a, b y c, respectivamente y 44,4 porciento para T4. El análisis univariado mostró que la edad, al momento del diagnóstico, el valor del hematocrito y VHS preoperatorios, la presencia de fosfatasas alcalinas elevadas y el tamaño de la lesión influyen en la sobrevida (p <0,05). El análisis multivariado reveló que la presencia de fosfatasas alcalinas elevadas, el tamaño, la invasión de la vena renal (p <0,01) y la invasión de la cápsula renal (p <0,05) son variables con significativo valor pronóstico. El mejor punto de corte para el tamaño entregado por la curva ROC fue 6 cm, tanto para recidiva como para muerte por cáncer, alcanzado una sensibilidad de 80,6 por ciento y una especificidad de 68,1 por ciento.Conclusión: La actual etapificación TNM no se correlaciona certeramente con las sobrevidas obtenidas en esta serie de pacientes. En contraste con lo mencionado en la literatura internacional, el grado de Fuhrman, la invasión de la glándula suprarrenal y el tipo histológico...

Production and characterization of recombinantly derived peptides and antibodies for accurate determinations of somatolactin, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-I in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

A specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) growth hormone (GH) was developed and validated. For this purpose, a stable source of GH was produced by means of recombinant DNA technology in a bacteria system. The identity of the purified protein (ion exchange chromatography) was demonstrated by Western blot and a specific GH antiserum was raised in rabbit. In Western blot and RIA system, this antiserum recognized specifically native and recombinant GH, and it did not cross-react with fish prolactin (PRL) and somatolactin (SL). In a similar way, a specific polyclonal antiserum against the now available recombinant European sea bass SL was raised and used in the RIA system to a sensitivity of 0.3 ng/ml (90% of binding of tracer). Further, European sea bass insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was cloned and sequenced, and its high degree of identity with IGF-I peptides of barramundi, tuna, and sparid fish allowed the use of a commercial IGF-I RIA based on barramundi IGF-I antiserum. These assay tools assisted for the first time accurate determinations of SL and GH-IGF-I axis activity in a fish species of the Moronidae family. Data values were compared to those found with gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), which is currently used as a Mediterranean fish model for growth endocrinology studies. As a characteristic feature, the average concentration year round of circulating GH in growing mature males of European sea bass was higher than in gilthead sea bream. By contrast, the average concentration of circulating SL was lower. Concerning to circulating concentration of IGF-I, the measured plasma values for a given growth rate were also lower in European sea bass. These findings are discussed on the basis of a different energy status that might allowed a reduced but more continuous growth in European sea bass.

Expression and characterization of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) somatolactin: assessment of in vivo metabolic effects.

The complementary DNA coding for European sea bass somatolactin was expressed in the pET-3a bacteria expression vector. The recombinant somatolactin (rbSL) was purified by size exclusion chromatography, and 95% of the protein remained in the oxidized form with negligible aggregation over prolonged cold storage. The identity of the recombinant protein was demonstrated by Western blotting with a rabbit polyclonal antibody against gilthead sea bream somatolactin. The same antibody was utilized in a radioimmunoassay procedure, using rbSL as standard and radioiodinated tracer. Curve displacements of pituitary and plasma samples paralleled the rbSL standard, and the midrange of the assay (8 ng/ml) was low enough to measure in a consistent manner the circulating SL concentration. To assess biological activity a single dose of rbSL (0.1 microg/g of body mass) was administered to juvenile gilthead sea bream by intraperitioneal injection. In comparison with saline-treated fish, rbSL did not modify the circulating amount of insulin-like growth factor I, whereas a 50% increase was found with the same dose of recombinant trout growth hormone (rtGH). Hormone treatment did not modify nitrogen-ammonia excretion, but both rbSL and rtGH increased carbon dioxide output and oxygen uptake, which in turn decreased the respiratory quotient (CO2 output per O2 uptake). This pattern of gas exchange suggests the enhancement of lipid catabolism, which is consistent with the observation that both hormones were able to inhibit the hepatic activity of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase. These new insights provide direct evidence for the involvement of fish somatolactin in energy homeostasis, which may serve to maintain the lipolytic tonus in different physiologic states.

Función sexual de las mujeres con diabetes mellitus tipo 2: Unidad de Diabetes del Hospital Vargas de Caracas / Sexual funtion of the women with diabetes mellitus type 2: Diabetes Unit of Vargas Hospital Caracas

La diabetes mellitus es el trastorno endocrino metabólico más frecuente en el mundo y en nuestro medio. La función sexual en la mujer con DM ha sido poco estudiada y las investigaciones al respecto son poco concluyentes. A los efectos de estudiar la disfunción sexual en la mujer con DM tipo 2 y si ésta se relaciona con marcadores de complicación orgánica, se diseño el presente trabajo y los resultados evidencia que la disminución de la frecuencia sexual después del diagnóstico de DM tipo 2 y la disminución de la lubricación vaginal, son los hallazgos más frecuentes

Comportamiento del ojo cotralateral, cuando el primero desarrolló membrana neovascular secundaría a degeneración macular relacionada a la edad / Caracteristics of the fellow eye after the first one has developed neovascular membranes secondary to age related macular degeneration

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de marzo de 1993 a noviembre de 1995, en el Departamento de Retina del Hospital de la Luz. Se evaluaron un total de 56 pacientes que tenían diagnóstico de Degeneración Macular Relacionada a la Edad, en su variedad húmeda en un ojo, y se valoraron en ese periodo las alteraciones que sufrió el ojo colateral, encontrandose que el 70 por ciento tenían desde el inicio cuando menos la presencia de uno o más drusen en el ojo colateral, así como dispersión incipiente de pigmento en la zona central de la mácula, sin embargo el 30 por ciento no presentaba ningún cambio en la región macular. El 21.4 por ciento desarrolló en un periodo de 3 años la presencia de membrana neovascular coroidea, teniendo como antecedente de importancia el incremento en el número de drusen blandos, confluencia de los mismos y alteraciones pigmentarias del epitelio pigmentado de la retina en la región macular

[HIV and blood donors: past, present and future]. / VIH y donantes de sangre: pasado, presente y futuro.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in the spectrum of HIV-positive blood donors along seven years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The municipal Blood Bank of Caracas Federal District examined 193,796 blood donors between 1986 and 1992. Anti-HIV antibodies were determined by the following methods: Ortho HIV-Elisa Test System (59.5% of the samples), Abbott Recombinant HIV-EIA (28.6%), Vironostika HIV Microelisa System-Organon Teknika (2.1%), Bio-Test anti-HIV Recombinant Elisa (2.1%), and Recombigen (env and gag) HIV Cambridge Biotech (7.7%). Results confirmation was performed with Biotech/Dupont HIV-I Western Blot Kit, Chiron Riba HIV 216 Test System and Inno-Lia HIV 1/2 Ab immunogenetics SA. RESULTS: Slow but progressive increase of positive results was seen in the blood donors along the years, from 0.05% in 1986 to 0.31% in 1992. Higher prevalence was seen in males (p < 0.001), although absolute increase in the number of positive females was found by 1992 (p < 0.05). According to their type, 80.6% of the donors were patient-related (RD), 13% attended mobile blood-drawing units (MU) and 6.4% were VD (p < 0.001), with a trend to increase amongst DR and decrease amongst MV. The majority of the positive donors pertained to homo-or bisexuals (60.5%), although they showed progressive decrease, whereas the positive findings increased in the promiscuous heterosexual group and amongst those having contacts with persons at risk. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of HIV-positive donors is found, the expected figure for 1995 being 0.37% if the present trends are maintained. Thus, a better selection of blood donors is recommended by means of careful enquiries, the use of optimal reagents capable of shortening the window period, deferring people at risk from blood donation, and promoting altruistic voluntary donation of blood.

[Post-transfusional hepatitis. Preliminary study]. / Hepatitis postransfusional. Estudio preliminar.

In Venezuela post-transfusional hepatitis (PTH) data is unknown. We studied, prospectively, 147 patients who received blood transfusions (1 to 48 different blood components). They were screened for HBsAg (Ortho HBsAg Elisa Test System), anti HBc (Ortho HBc Elisa Test System and CORZYME, Abbott Laboratories) and amino-transferases (Doles), before and after transfusions. Only the last 36 patients were tested for anti HCV (Ortho HCV antibody Elisa Test)R from the beginning. The test were performed at 2, 7, 12 and 24 weeks subsequently in the negative recipients. PTH for type B virus was 3.8% (5/131), and for NANBH 2.7% (3/110). In both groups those recipients who had more transfusions had the greatest incidence of PTH. We conclude that anti HBc and ALT must be done in all blood donors to prevent the occurrence of PTH either B virus or NANBH. We suggest also, to include anti HCV screening in blood donors as a mean to make blood transfusion safer.

Alteracion del enquistamiento de Entamoeba invadens por calcofluor M2R. / Changes in insheathing of Entamoeba invadens by calcofluor M2R

Se estudio el efecto del colorante calcofluor M2R sobre el enquistamiento de Entamoeba invadens. Los resultados observados indican que el calcofluor interfiere con el enquistamiento de la amiba.En presencia de calcofluor las amibas no enquistaron normalmente, solo se formaron paredes de aspecto anormal y la sintesis de quintina se inhibio 72 por ciento

Hexane-solubilised reaction centre proteolipid complexes of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides.

Reaction centres from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides, strain R-26, have been solubilised in hexane by the use of phospholipids and cations. Two procedures have been developed: (I) a two-step technique involving the formation of detergent-free proteoliposomes from detergent solubilised reaction centres and phospholipids and mixing these with hexane in the present of cations; (II) directly sonicating detergent-solubilised reaction centres with phospholipids before mixing with hexane and cations. The yield of the extracted complex varied with the ratios of protein, phospholipid and cations, species of phospholipid, and sonication time. The spectral characteristics of the complex in the organic phase were similar to those of detergent-solubilised reaction centres. The stability of the reaction centres appeared to be dependent on the presence of phospholipid land water in the hexane. The usefulness of the hexane solution as a model membrane system is discussed and its possible future applications are considered.