Low-cost system for sunlight incidence angle measurement using optical fiber.

The development and optimization of renewable energy systems are some of the most necessary topics to advance towards secure and sustainable energy models. Photovoltaic energy is one of those sustainable options that could contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The optimal angle of solar incidence producing the highest absorption in a day is an important parameter to install photovoltaic systems. This value is often estimated using simulation models based on geographic location; however, those models ignore the influence of nearby obstruction objects, albedo, and local weather conditions. Such a problem is addressed in this work by designing a system to estimate the optimum angle of solar incidence for the photovoltaic panels. The system is based on an arrangement of 33 measurement points spaced in arcs every 45 degrees in azimuth and every 22.5 degrees in elevation, which provides a wide range for analysis. The light captured by each optical fiber is transmitted to a flat array where the power is measured using a single RGB camera.

Caracterización morfoestructural e índices zoométricos de hembras Ovino de Pelo Criollo Colombiano "OPC" Sudán

RESUMEN Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las medidas corporales e índices zoométricos de Ovinos de Pelo Criollos Colombianos (OPC), en dos de sus variedades, Sudán Bayo y Sudán Blanco. Materiales y métodos. Esta investigación fue llevada a cabo en los departamentos de Córdoba, Cesar y La Guajira, se visitaron dos granjas en cada uno de los primeros dos departamentos y una en el tercero. 21, 75 y 14 animales por departamento fueron evaluados, respectivamente. Se estudiaron 29 variables morfoestructurales y el peso corporal en 110 ovejas Sudán, y con estas variables evaluadas, se construyeron 15 índices zoométricos. A la información recolectada se le aplicó estadística descriptiva mediante el software InfoStat®. Resultados. Las Sudán Bayo presentaron valores superiores a las Sudán Blanco para el peso (40.8 y 40.57 kg), al igual que para todas las medidas zoométricas relativas a la cabeza, las extremidades y la mayoría de las del tronco; para la primera variedad se emplearon 83 ejemplares y para la segunda 27. En cuanto a los índices zoométricos, las Sudán se caracterizaron por ser dolicocraniotas, dolicocéfalas, eumétricas, de tórax con tendencia elíptica, de grupas convexilíneas y de acuerdo a dos índices etnológicos longilíneas, mientras que con base en un índice funcional brevilíneas. Conclusiones. A través de esta investigación se conoció de manera detallada el estado morfométrico actual de las OPC Sudán, así como también la proporcionalidad entre las regiones corporales de estas, cuya inclinación es hacia el biotipo cárnico. Esta información es de importancia para el conocimiento, caracterización racial, definición de biotipo, conservación, fomento y mejora genética de los OPC.

ABSTRACT Objective. The objective of this study was to describe the body measurements and zoometric indices of Sudán Bayo and Sudán Blanco, two breed varieties of Colombian creole woolless sheep (OPC). Materials and methods. This research was carried out in the departments of Córdoba, Cesar, and La Guajira. Two farms were visited in each of the first two departments and one farm in the third department. Twenty-one, 75, and 14 animals were evaluated in each department, respectively. Twenty-nine morphostructural variables and body weight were studied in 110 Sudán sheep. Based on this, 15 zoometric indices were also estimated. Descriptive statistic was applied to the information collected through the InfoStat® software. Results. Sudán Bayo sheep had higher values than Sudán Blanco sheep for the body weight (40.8 and 40.57 kg), as well as for all the zoometric measurements relative to the head and extremities, and most of the trunk morphometric measurements; in the first breed variety 83 ewes were used and in the second 27 individuals. Regarding the zoometric indices, Sudán sheep were characterized as dolichocranial, dolichocephalic, eumetric, of thorax with elliptical tendency, convex rump, and longilineal animals according to two ethnological indices while brevilineal animals based on one functional index. Conclusions. Through this investigation, the current morphometric status of Sudán OPC sheep was known in detail, as well as the proportionality between the corporal regions of these, whose inclination is towards the meat biotype. This information is of importance for the breed recognition and characterization, biotype definition, conservation, development, and genetic improvement of OPC sheep.

Caracterización morfológica y faneróptica de hembras Ovino de Pelo Criollo Colombiano "OPC" Sudán / Morphological and phaneroptic characterization of Sudan female Colombian Creole Hair Sheep "OPC"

RESUMEN Objetivo. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo describir la morfología cualitativa y faneróptica de hembras Ovino de Pelo Criollo Colombiano (OPC) Sudán. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron seis características fanerópticas y siete morfológicas cualitativas en 115 hembras Sudán Bayo y Sudán Blanco, de los departamentos Córdoba, Cesar y La Guajira. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron a través del programa estadístico InfoStat® y se estimaron las frecuencias relativas y absolutas para cada uno de los caracteres evaluados. Resultados. Los OPC Sudán Bayo se distinguieron por ser de un color de capa bayo amarillo. Los Sudán Blanco fueron de capa overo castaño, pero predominando siempre el blanco sobre el castaño. Estos ovinos se caracterizaron por poseer mucosas negra-rosadas y en menor proporción habían individuos con mucosas rosadas. Además, presentaron orejas horizontales siempre, perfiles subconvexos en más del 80% de los casos, cuellos generalmente medianos y poco musculados, grupas usualmente inclinadas, ubres parcialmente pigmentadas y también despigmentadas. Asimismo, se caracterizaron por ostentar pezuñas veteadas mayoritariamente, aunque con un alto porcentaje de pezuñas claras en las Sudán Blanco. Conclusiones. Este trabajo ha permitido caracterizar de manera específica a las OPC Sudán desde la morfología y la faneróptica, obteniéndose así información de importancia para delimitar los parámetros de pertenencia a este grupo y para la propuesta de creación de un estándar racial.

ABSTRACT Objective. The objective of this research was to describe the qualitative morphology and phaneroptic of Sudán Colombian creole woolless sheep (OPC). Materials and methods. Six phaneroptic and seven qualitative morphological characteristics were evaluated in a total of 115 Sudán Bayo and Sudán Blanco ewes, from the departments Córdoba, Cesar and La Guajira. The data obtained were analyzed through the statistical program InfoStat®, relative and absolute frequencies were estimated for each evaluated trait. Results. Sudán Bayo OPC were distinguished by being yellow coat color. Sudán Blanco were white-and-chestnut spotted coat color, but white always predominated over chestnut. These ovines usually had black-rosy mucosae and in lesser amount there were individuals with rosy mucosae. Besides, they presented horizontal ears always, sub-convex profile in more than 80% of cases, generally medium-sized and scant muscled necks, usually inclined rumps, partially pigmented and depigmented udders as well. Likewise, they were characterized by showing marbled hooves mostly, but with a high percentage of clear hooves in Sudán Blanco sheep. Conclusions. This research has allowed to characterize specifically. Sudán OPC sheep from morphology and phaneroptic; thus, important information has been obtained to delimit the parameters of belonging to this group and for proposing the creation of a breed standard.

Reconstrucción de defectos parotídeos con injertos de tejido graso libre abdominal. Estudio clínico de una sencilla técnica quirúrgica / Reconstruction of parotid defects with abdominal free fat grafts. Clinical study of a simple surgi-cal technique

INTRODUCCIÓN: La cirugía parotídea es una técnica muy habitual y presenta múltiples tipos de abordajes y métodos de reconstrucción. Las distintas opciones de reconstrucción primarias empleadas son el colgajo del sistema músculo aponeurótico superficial (SMAS), la rotación del músculo esternocleidomastoideo (ECM), injertos libres/microvascularizados o la utilización de biomateriales tipo Alloderm, entre otros. Se presenta nuestra experiencia en la utilización de injerto de grasa libre abdominal periumbilical para la reconstrucción primaria del defecto parotídeo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realiza un estudio observacional de las reconstrucciones con injerto de tejido graso libre abdominal en pacientes que precisaron la realización de una parotidectomía (superficial, total o radical) debida a una neoplasia parotídea primaria o a una recidiva tumoral. Los pacientes fueron intervenidos por el mismo cirujano entre mayo de 2013 y enero de 2019. El estudio analiza aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos de los pacientes, los abordajes y el tiempo quirúrgico, la estancia hospitalaria, las complicaciones postquirúrgicas, las secuelas, el seguimiento clínico y el resultado estético de los pacientes. RESULTADOS: Un total de 22 pacientes fueron intervenidos con utilización de injertos de grasa abdominal tras una parotidectomía superficial conservadora, total o radical. Fueron trece hombres y nueve mujeres de edades entre 13 y 79 años (46 años de media), con el diagnóstico inicial realizado mediante punción aspiración por aguja fina (PAAF) y tomografía computerizada (TC) o resonancia magnética (RM). El resultado estético en todos los pacientes fue muy bueno o excelente. No secuelas a largo plazo ni síndrome de Frey. No complicaciones de interés, salvo leves hematomas y seromas postquirúrgicos. CONCLUSIÓN: Se presenta una técnica muy sencilla y con muy pocas complicaciones para la reconstrucción primaria de defectos postparotidectomía a través de mínimas incisiones con unos excelentes resultados estéticos

INTRODUCTION: Parotid surgery is a common technique with multiple approaches and reconstruction options. Primary reconstruction options are the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap, the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap, free or microvascular grafts and biomaterials (Alloderm), among others. We present our experience in periumbilical abdominal free fat graft for primary reconstruction of the parotid defect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A observational study was performed in patients requiring a parotidectomy (superficial, total or radical) due to a primary parotid neoplasm or tumor recurrence. In all cases were used a free abdominal fat graft. The patients were operated by the same surgeon between May 2013 and January 2019. The study analyzes epidemiological and clinical aspects, approach, surgical time, hospital stay, post-surgical complications, sequelae, clinical follow-up and aesthetic results. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were incluyed after a conservative, total or radical superficial parotidectomy. Thirteen men and nine women aged between 13 and 79 years (46 years on average), with the initial diagnosis made by fine water aspiration puncture (FNA) and Computerized Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Aesthetic result in all patients was excellent or very good. No long-term sequelae or syndromes Frey. No complications interest except minor postsurgical hematomas and seroma. CONCLUSIONS: A very simple technique with few complications is presented for the primary reconstruction of postparotidectomy defects with excellent aesthetic results

Sodium fluoracetate's poisoning, a case report

Sodium fluoroacetate, known as compound 1080, was discovered in Germany during the Second World War. Used as a rodenticide, however, as it is an odorless and tasteless substance, with a lethal dose in humans of 2 mg / kg, it was withdrawn from the market in some countries, including Colombia, however, it is obtained illegally. This substance has biochemical and physiological effects at the cellular level that alter the transport of citrate at the mitochondrial level, generating accumulation of lactic acid and alteration in the use of glucose. The clinical manifestations are nonspecific, there is no cardinal symptom. Therefore, its diagnosis is made due to high clinical suspicion, associated with establishment of exposure to the compound, since paraclinical confirmation is difficult to perform in a timely manner. We present a case report of intentional ingestion in an adolescent, associated added infection to the bloodstream by methicillin- sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), who developed multiple complications and the need for support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with satisfactory outcome. Not having a specific antidote, she was treated with ethanol to increase the level of acetate, thus offering an alternative substrate to the Krebs cycle and may offer benefits in the acute treatment of these patients. Patient with sodium fluoroacetate poisoning and kidney failure, receiving renal replacement therapy with a favorable evolution and survival at discharge from the intensive care unit of a third-level hospital in the city of Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia. Sodium fluoroacetate poisoning is relatively rare and can cause acute kidney injury and multi-organ failure with a high rate of complications and death. A case of self-inflicted poisoning that received early continuous renal replacement therapy with a favorable outcome in terms of survival and discharge from the intensive care unit of a third-level hospital in the city of Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia was presented

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Tumor venéreo transmissível canino com resistência quimioterápica e metástase esplênica. Relato de caso / Canine transmissible venereal tumor with chemotherapy resistance and splenic metastasis. Case report

RESUMO O Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino (TVTC) é uma neoplasia de células redondas que tem a particularidade de se implantar em mucosas que tenham perdido a sua integridade. Nesse local o tumor prolifera e ocasionalmente origina metástase. Em geral, o tumor responde ao tratamento com sulfato de vincristina, porém a resistência quimioterápica associada ao fenótipo tumoral tem sido documentada. Objetivou-se relatar um caso de TVTC genital de fenótipo citológico misto com metástase esplênica e o insucesso da quimioterapia com sulfato de vincristina, em uma fêmea canina, da raça Australian Cattle Dog, de cinco anos de idade. Após diagnóstico citológico e histológico, o tumor primário foi ainda caracterizado em fase de progressão e mostrou baixa expressão de moléculas do complexo principal de histocompatibilidade (MHC) (4,4 ± 2% classe I e 11 ± 4,1% classe II). A cadela foi submetida à ovariohisterectomia e esplenectomia terapêutica e não apresentou recidiva do tumor após 12 meses de acompanhamento clínico.

ABSTRACT The canine transmissible venereal tumor is a type of round cell cancer that have the particularity of implanting in mucous tissue, when they lose their integrity, at which point the tumour proliferates and may even develop metastases. The tumor typically responds well to vincristine sulfate chemotherapy, although there are cases of resistance to the drug correlated with the tumoral phenotype. We describe herein a genital mixed TVTC case with metastases at spleen and failure at vincristine sulfate chemotherapeutic treatment in a five years old Australian Cattle Dog female. After the cytological, histological and cytogenetic diagnostic, the primary tumor was still characterized in progression phase and showed low major histocompatibility complex expression MHC (4,4 ± 2% class I e 11 ± 4,1% class II. The dog underwent therapeutic splenectomy and ovariohysterectomy and did not present tumor recurrence within 12 months of clinical follow-up.

Neuroimaging Findings in Moebius Sequence.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Moebius sequence comprises a spectrum of brain congenital malformations predominantly affecting the function of multiple cranial nerves. Reported neuroimaging findings are heterogeneous and based on case reports or small case series. Our goal was to describe the neuroimaging findings of Moebius sequence in a large population of patients scanned with MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was performed to assess brain MR imaging findings in 38 patients with Moebius syndrome studied between 2013 and 2016. RESULTS: Retrospective analysis of MR imaging studies showed flattening of the floor of the fourth ventricle floor secondary to a bilateral absent facial colliculus in 38 patients (100%) and unilateral absence in 1. A hypoplastic pons was found in 23 patients (60.5%). Mesencephalic malformations consisted of tectal beaking in 15 patients (39.5%) and increased anteroposterior midbrain diameter with a shallow interpeduncular cistern in 12 (31.6%). Infratentorial arachnoid cysts were found in 5 patients (13.2%), and cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, in 2 (5.3%). Supratentorial findings included the following: thalamic fusion (26.3%), periventricular nodular heterotopias (26.3%), ventriculomegaly (26.3%), callosal abnormalities (23.7%), and hippocampal malrotations (23.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Findings seen in this large patient cohort agreed with previously published reports. Flattening of the fourth ventricle floor secondary to a bilaterally absent facial colliculus was the most frequent MR imaging finding. The presence of other brain stem and cerebellar malformations as well as supratentorial abnormalities may help explain clinical symptoms and achieve a correct diagnosis.

Leydig cell dysfunction is associated with post-transcriptional deregulation of CYP17A1 in men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome.

STUDY QUESTION: Is the expression of steroidogenic enzyme 17α-Hydroxylase/17,20-Lyase (CYP17A1) down-regulated in Leydig cells (LCs) of men with spermatogenic failure and compensated impairment of LC function, i.e. a low testosterone to LH (T/LH) ratio? SUMMARY ANSWER: Although the transcriptional expression of CYP17A1 is increased, its protein expression is decreased, in isolated LCs of men with spermatogenic failure and reduced serum T/LH. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Primary spermatogenic defects have been associated with functional and morphological abnormalities of LCs, characterized by decreased serum testosterone (T) levels, decreased T/LH, increased 17ß-estradiol (E2) and E2/T ratio, and larger clusters of LCs (LC hyperplasia). CYP17A1 is a key enzyme in the testosterone pathway and has been implicated in the steroidogenic lesion produced by E2 stimulation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We studied 18 azoospermic patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) and signs of LC dysfunction (cases) and 10 obstructive azoospermic/oligozoospermic men with normal spermatogenesis (controls). The SCOS patients were sub-grouped into 9 cases with T/LH <2 and 9 cases with T/LH ≥2. All of the men underwent testicular biopsy for sperm retrieval at the Reproductive Unit of a University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The transcriptional expression of CYP17A1 and SF-1 (steroidogenic factor 1) was quantified by SYBR®Green-based qPCR in LCs isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM), and relative expression to the control pool was assessed. CYP17A1 protein expression was semi-quantified by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) using Image-Pro Plus v7.0 (Media Cybernetics) in testicular tissue. FSH and LH serum concentrations, and serum and intratesticular T (ITT) and E2 (ITE2) were measured by IRMA and RIA, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Relative CYP17A1 mRNA expression was increased in cases with T/LH <2 compared to cases with T/LH ≥2, by a mean of 3.3-fold (P = 0.002). No corresponding increase in protein expression was found; in fact, CYP17A1 immunostaining intensity assessed by the Integrated Optical Density (IOD) parameter was lower in the cases with T/LH <2 compared to controls (P = 0.008). Relative SF-1 mRNA expression was similar in both case subgroups. CYP17A1 mRNA expression correlated with ITE2 and intratesticular E2/T (r = 0.536; P = 0.026 and r = 0.542; P = 0.016, respectively), while an inverse association was observed for ITE2 and protein level expression (r = -0.421; P = 0.05). LARGE SCALE DATA: Not applicable. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: We should interpret the results of the semi-quantification of immunofluorescent staining by Image-Pro Plus software with caution, because it is a semi-quantitative method that may have certain difficulties regarding the disposition of protein in the cells. However, it is not influenced by variations in the number of cells that express the protein, as could be the case of western blot analysis in testicular tissue. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Dysfunctional LCs of men with SCOS show post-transcriptional deregulation of CYP17A1, with increased mRNA and decreased protein expression, which may be modulated by increased ITE2 levels. In addition, transcriptional expression of CYP17A1 was not associated with changes in SF-1 mRNA expression. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FONDECYT) of Chile to A.C. [grant number 1120176]. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Disturbed testicular expression of the estrogen-metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1 and COMT in infertile men with primary spermatogenic failure: possible negative implications on Sertoli cells.

Estradiol (E2 ) is normally metabolized to hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols by CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and COMT. However, an altered production of these metabolites by a disturbed expression of these enzymes is associated with reproductive and non-reproductive pathologies. In vitro studies suggest that increased hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols intratesticular generation is related to male infertility, but no studies have explored whether infertile men have a disturbed testicular expression of the enzymes that generate these E2 metabolites. The aim of this study was to assess CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and COMT testicular expression at mRNA and protein level in men with spermatogenic impairment. Seventeen men with primary spermatogenic failure (13 with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and four with maturation arrest) and nine controls with normal spermatogenesis were subjected to testicular biopsy. mRNA was quantified using real-time RT-PCR and protein expression was evaluated using western blot and immunohistochemistry followed by integrated optic density analysis. Besides, the effects of hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols on testosterone-induced transcriptional activity were evaluated in TM4 cells using a luciferase reporter assay system. Our results show that patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome had significantly elevated COMT expression at the mRNA level, higher COMT immunoreactivity in their seminiferous tubules and increased protein expression of the soluble COMT isoform (S-COMT), whereas patients with maturation arrest had significantly elevated CYP1A1 mRNA levels and higher CYP1A1 immunoreactivity in interstitial space. Finally, 2-hydroxyestradiol decreased testosterone-induced transcriptional activity in Sertoli cells in vitro. In conclusion, male infertility is related to disturbed testicular expression of the enzymes responsible for producing hydroxyestradiols and/or methoxyestradiols. If these changes are related with increased intratesticular hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols concentrations, they could elicit an impaired Sertoli cell function. Our results suggest CYP1A1 and COMT as new potential targets in treating male infertility.

Pseudoautosomal abnormalities in terminal AZFb+c deletions are associated with isochromosomes Yp and may lead to abnormal growth and neuropsychiatric function.

STUDY QUESTION: Are copy number variations (CNVs) in the pseudoautosomal regions (PARs) frequent in subjects with Y-chromosome microdeletions and can they lead to abnormal stature and/or neuropsychiatric disorders? SUMMARY ANSWER: Only subjects diagnosed with azoospermia factor (AZF)b+c deletions spanning to the end of the Y chromosome (i.e. terminal deletions) harbor Y isochromosomes and/or cells 45,X that lead to pseudoautosomal gene CNVs, which were associated with abnormal stature and/or neuropsychiatric disorders. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The microdeletions in the long arm of the Y chromosome (Yq) that include the loss of one to three AZF regions, referred to as Yq microdeletions, constitute the most important known etiological factor for primary spermatogenic failure. Recently, controversy has arisen about whether Yq microdeletions are associated with gain or loss of PAR genes, which are implicated in skeletal development and neuropsychiatric function. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We studied a cohort of 42 Chilean patients with complete AZF deletions (4 AZFa, 4 AZFb, 23 AZFc, 11 AZFb+c) from a university medical center, diagnosed over a period of 15 years. The subjects underwent complete medical examinations with special attention to their stature and neuropsychiatric function. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All subjects were characterized for Yq breakpoints by PCR, and for CNVs in PARs by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), followed by qPCR analysis for genes in PAR1 (SHOX and ZBED1), PAR2 (IL9R) and two single copy genes (SRY and DDX3Y, respectively located in Yp11.3 and AZFa). In addition, karyotypes revision and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for SRY and centromeric probes for X (DXZ1) and Y (DYZ3) chromosomes were performed in males affected with CNVs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We did not detect CNVs in any of the 35 AZF-deleted men with interstitial deletions (AZFa, AZFb, AZFc or AZFb+c). However, six of the seven patients with terminal AZFb+c deletions showed CNVs: two patients showed a loss and four patients showed a gain of PAR1 genes, with the expected loss of VAMP-7 in PAR2. In these patients, the Yq breakpoints localized to the palindromes P8, P5 or P4. In the four cases with gain of PAR1, qPCR analysis showed duplicated signals for SRY and DDX3Y and one copy of IL9R, indicating isodicentric Yp chromosomes [idic(Y)] with breakpoint in Yq11.22. The two patients who had loss of PAR1, as shown by MLPA, had an additional reduction for SRY and DDX3Y, as shown by qPCR, associated with a high proportion of 45,X cells, as determined by FISH and karyotype. In agreement with the karyotype analysis, we detected DYZ3++ and DYZ3+ cells by FISH in the six patients, confirming idic(Y) and revealing additional monocentric Y chromosome [i(Y)]. Five patients had a history of major depressive disorders or bipolar disorder, and three had language impairment, whereas two patients showed severe short stature (Z score: -2.75 and -2.62), while a man with bipolar disorder was very tall (Z score: +2.56). LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The number of males studied with Y-chromosome microdeletions and normozoospermic controls with normal karyotypes may not be enough to rule out an association between AZF deletions and PAR abnormalities. The prevalence of Y isochromosomes and/or 45,X cells detected in peripheral blood does not necessarily reflect the variations of PAR genes in target tissues. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This study shows that CNVs in PARs were present exclusively in patients with terminal AZFb+c deletions associated with the presence of Y isochromosomes and 45,X cells, and may lead to neuropsychiatric and growth disorders. In contrast, we show that men with interstitial Yq microdeletions with normal karyotypes do not have an increased risk of PAR abnormalities and of phenotypical consequences. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of performing molecular studies, which are not considered in the usual screening for patients with Yq microdeletions. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This work was supported by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development of Chile (FONDECYT), grant no. 1120176 (A.C.). The authors declare that no conflicting interests exist.

Cell cycle kinetics, apoptosis rates and gene expressions of MDR-1, TP53, BCL-2 and BAX in transmissible venereal tumour cells and their association with therapy response.

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) generally presents different degrees of aggressiveness, which makes them unresponsive to conventional treatment protocols. This implies a progressive alteration of their biological profile. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity, cell survival, apoptosis and cell cycle alterations in TVT cell cultures subjected to treatment with vincristine. Similarly, it assessed possible implications of MDR-1, TP53, BCL-2, and BAX gene expressions in eight TVT primary cultures for both resistance to chemotherapy and biological behaviour. When comparing TVT cells receiving vincristine to those untreated, a statistical difference related to increased cytotoxicity and decreased survival rates, and alterations in G1 and S cell cycle phases were found but without detectable differences in apoptosis. Increased MDR-1 gene expression was observed after treatment. The groups did not differ statistically in relation to the TP53, BAX and BCL-2 genes. Although preliminary, the findings suggest that such augmented expression is related to tumour malignancy and chemotherapy resistance.

Overexpression of CYP19A1 aromatase in Leydig cells is associated with steroidogenic dysfunction in subjects with Sertoli cell-only syndrome.

Several observational studies have showed a combination of lower testosterone (T) to LH ratio and higher estradiol (E2 ) to T ratio in secretory infertile men compared to men with normal spermatogenesis, suggesting a steroidogenic dysfunction of Leydig cells (Lc) that may involve increased aromatase activity. Low T/LH ratio is associated with Lc hyperplasia, which together with LH hyperstimulation may represent compensation for impaired T production. Aromatase expression and oestrogen production are mainly detected in Lc of the testis, although Sertoli and germ cells also contribute to testicular aromatase activity. The aim of this study was to assess the transcriptional expression of CYP19A1 (aromatase) in isolated Lc of subjects with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) and signs of Lc impairment. Nineteen patients with SCOS and 10 controls with normal spermatogenesis who had medical indication of testicular biopsy for sperm retrieval were studied. Leydig cells were isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and CYP19A1 mRNA expression was quantified by SYBR® Green-based qPCR. In addition, testicular T and E2 and serum hormonal levels were measured. Relative to control group, CYP19A1 was overexpressed more than twofold in 10/19 cases (2.3-12.2-fold increase), showing a significant increment in cases with low T/LH ratio (T/LH < 2) compared to cases with T/LH ≥ 2 (p = 0.038, REST® ). Moreover, Rq data for CYP19A1 had a direct correlation with testicular levels of E2 and the E2 /T ratio (r = 0.869; p < 0.001 and r = 0.633; p = 0.005). In summary, Lc from infertile patients with signs of Lc dysfunction overexpressed aromatase and showed an increment of testicular E2 . Our results suggest that increased expression of aromatase in Lc leads to higher E2 production and may account for the functional impairment of the Lc in patients with SCOS.

2-hydroxyoestradiol and 2-methoxyoestradiol, two endogenous oestradiol metabolites, induce DNA fragmentation in Sertoli cells.

Elevated intratesticular levels of hydroxyoestradiols and methoxyoestradiols, two classes of endogenous oestradiol metabolites, have been associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of 2-hydroxyoestradiol (2OHE2 ), 4-hydroxyoestradiol (4OHE2 ), 2-methoxyoestradiol (2ME2 ) and 4-methoxyoestradiol (4ME2 ) on Sertoli cell viability. For this, TM4 cells were incubated with different concentrations of these metabolites for 24 h to then evaluate the viability and DNA integrity by MTS and TUNEL assay respectively. The participation of classical oestrogen receptors and the involvement of oxidative stress and apoptotic mechanisms were also evaluated co-incubating TM4 cells with these estradiol metabolites and with the drugs ICI182780, N-acetylcysteine and Z-VAD-FMK respectively. Only high concentrations of 2OHE2 and 2ME2 decreased cell viability inducing DNA fragmentation. In addition, ICI182780 did not block the effect of 2OHE2 and 2ME2 , while N-Acetylcysteine and Z-VAD-FMK only blocked the effect of 2OHE2 . Moreover, 2OHE2 but not 2ME2 induced PARP and caspase-3 cleavage. Finally, lower 2OHE2 and 2ME2 concentrations (0.01-0.1-1.0 µmol l-1 ) decreased Sertoli cell viability 48 h post-treatment. Our results support the hypothesis that elevated intratesticular 2OHE2 or 2ME2 concentrations could be related to male infertility since 2OHE2 by apoptosis and 2ME2 by undetermined mechanisms induce DNA fragmentation in Sertoli cells.

Cría masiva y uso de ninfas de Rhodnius pallescens, Barber, 1932 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) para ensayos biológicoso / Mass breeding and use of nymph of Rhodnius pallescens, Barber, 1932 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) for biological test.

Introducción: Rhodnius pallescens es una especie silvestre que hace intrusión a las viviendas en zonas en las cuales se han presentado brotes de Chagas agudo en Colombia; y para el estudio de sus características biológicas y el monitoreo de la susceptibilidad o resistencia de poblaciones de campo a insecticidas, se requiere del uso de una gran cantidad de insectos mantenidos en el laboratorio. Objetivo: Establecer condiciones de cría de ninfas de R. pallescens que permitan su mejor aprovechamiento en ensayos biológicos. Metodología: Se utilizó una cepa de laboratorio de R. pallescens proveniente de San Martin (Cesar, Colombia) y se realizaron bioensayos para: estimar el tiempo de alimentación, establecer condiciones de cría, estimar tiempos de desarrollo ninfal y comparar la fecundidad usando dos fuentes de alimentación y varios tipos de soporte. Resultados: 60 minutos de ofrecimiento de alimento permite la alimentación de 95% de las ninfas. El promedio de oviposición diario/hembra fue de 2,7 huevos y no varío significativamente con el consumo de sangre de gallina o ratón. La duración promedio del ciclo de vida desde huevo hasta el estadio ninfa-V fue de 128,6 días. El uso de cartulina negra y plumas dentro de los frascos de cría mejora la oviposición. Ninfas-V alimentadas desde ninfa-I y pesadas a los 5 o 6 días permite un aprovechamiento del 89% de las ninfas. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo brindan conocimiento para la cría masiva y el uso de ninfas de Rhodnius pallescens en ensayos biológicos.

Introduction: Rhodnius pallescens is a wild species which makes intrusion into dwellings in areas where there have been acute Chagas disease outbreaks in Colombia. Biologic research on their characteristics, and resistance to insecticides, requires the use of a large insect colony in the laboratory. Objective: To establish optimal breeding conditions of R. pallescens nymphs allowing better use in biological assays. Methodology: A laboratory strain of R. pallescens from San Martin (Cesar, Colombia) was used. Feeding time, breeding conditions, nymphal development times were assessed and fertility using two sources of feeding and different kinds of substrate was compared. Results: Providing food during 60 minutes allowed 95% of nymphs to be fed. The average daily oviposition per female was 2.7 eggs and did not vary significantly with the kind of blood used. The average duration of the life cycle from egg to nymph-V was 128.6 days. Using black cardboard and feathers in breeding jars increased oviposition. Nymphs-V (fed from nymph-I every 15 days) and weigthed at 5 or 6 days allowed the use of 89% of the nymphs. Conclusions: The results of this study allow offering recommendations for mass breeding and use of nymphs of R. pallescens in biological assays.

Progress in the determination of metalloids and non-metals by means of high-resolution continuum source atomic or molecular absorption spectrometry. A critical review.

This work examines the new possibilities introduced with the arrival of commercially available high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometers for the determination of metalloids (B, Si, Ge, As, Se, Sb and Te) and non-metals (P, S, F, Cl, Br, I and N-based species), such as the improved potential to detect and correct for spectral overlaps and the strategies available to correct for matrix effects. In particular, and considering the increasing number of papers reporting on the use of molecular absorption spectrometry using graphite furnaces and flames as vaporizers, the work discusses in detail the advantages and limitations derived from the monitoring of molecular spectra from a practical point of view, in an attempt to guide future users of the technique.

The use of liposomes to differentiate between the effects of nickel accumulation and altered food quality in Daphnia magna exposed to dietary nickel.

A potential drawback of traditional dietary metal toxicity studies is that it is difficult to distinguish between the direct toxicity of the metal and indirect effects caused by altered concentrations of essential nutrients in the metal-contaminated diet. In previous studies it has become clear that this can hamper the study of the real impact of dietary metal exposure and also complicates the analysis of the mechanisms of dietary metal toxicity in filter-feeding freshwater invertebrates like Daphnia magna. This problem has been partly circumvented by the production of liposomes, since these vectors are invulnerable to metal-induced food quality shifts and as such can be applied to study the mechanisms of dietary metal toxicity without the confounding effect of nutritional quality shifts. The aim of current study was to evaluate if there is relevance for dietary Ni toxicity under natural exposures, i.e., when D. magna is exposed to dietary Ni via living algae, and secondly, to quantify how nutritional quality shifts contribute to the toxic effects that are observed when algae are used as contaminated food vectors. For this aim, liposomes were prepared by the hydration of phosphatidylcholine in media containing 0 (control), 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg Ni/L. The liposome particles were then mixed with uncontaminated green algae in a 1/10 ratio (on a dry wt basis) to make up diets with constant nutrient quality and varying Ni contents (i.e., 1.2 µg Ni/g dry wt in the control and 18.7, 140.3, 165.0 and 501.6 µg Ni/g dry wt in the Ni-contaminated diet, respectively). A second food type was prepared on the basis of a 1/10 mixture (on a dry weight basis) of control liposomes and Ni-contaminated algae, representing a diet that differed in Ni content (i.e., 1.2, 26.8, 84.7, 262.3 and 742.7 µg Ni/g dry wt) and concentrations of essential nutrients (in terms of P and omega 3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid and α-linolenic acid). Both diets were then simultaneously fed to D. magna during a 21-day chronic bioassay, using reproduction, growth, survival, ingestion rate and Ni bioaccumulation as endpoints. Ni delivered by liposomes caused a significant inhibition of reproduction and growth when the metal accumulated to minimum levels of 11.9 and 20.0 µg Ni/g dry wt after 7 and 14 days, respectively. Using algae as Ni vector, similar effects of dietary Ni exposure occurred when algae had been pre-exposed to concentrations of at least 133 µg/L of bioavailable Ni (i.e., Ni2+), which is similar to the reproductive EC50 of waterborne Ni exposure for D. magna (115 µg Ni2+/L). While this may have some consequences for predicting chronic Ni toxicity in this range of Ni concentrations with the biotic ligand model--which could be further improved by including the dietary toxicity pathway in this model, the occurrence of such high concentrations in the field is very rare. Hence, there seems to be very little environmental relevance for dietary Ni toxicity to D. magna. Finally, besides the direct effects of Ni there was no evidence that nutritional quality shifts could have affected daphnids' growth, but it is very likely that the impairment of reproduction at toxic exposure levels of Ni was also partly the result of reduced fatty acid levels.

La calidad asistencial y la competencia médica en la práctica clínica de emergencias, evaluada a travésde un sistema de valoración del desempeño en la escena / Health care quality and medical competencies in the practice of emergency medicine: on-scene job performance evaluation

Objetivo: Mostrar el sistema de valoración del desempeño médico de un servicio de emergencias extrahospitalario y detectar si existe asociación existente entre el tiempo de experiencia y la evolución en la competencia médica de los médicos de nueva incorporación, a través de un sistema de valoración del desempeño (VD) en la asistencia. Método: Estudio prospectivo observacional de cohortes con observación directa del proceso asistencial. Se establecen 4 grupos de médicos según los años de experiencia en emergencias extrahospitalarias: A (0-1 años), B (2-3 años), C (4-5 años) y D (> 5años), cuyos resultados en VD se comparan. Resultados: Se realizaron 6.450 observaciones asistenciales entre el año 2006 y el2010 que incluyeron 85 médicos: 22 del grupo A, 21 del grupo B, 16 del C y 26 del D, sin diferencias significativas en edad, sexo y media de observaciones entre grupos. El perfil en formación especializada en el grupo de médicos de nueva incorporación(grupos A, B y C) frente a los antiguos (grupo D) fue mucho mayor. 68,2% en el A vs11,5% en el D (p < 0,05) y 61,9% en el B vs 11,5% en el D (p < 0,05). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la VD del grupo A (p < 0,001) y del grupo B (p = 0,049) frente al grupo D. La mayor tasa de VD suficiente está entre los 3y 4 años. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio, sólo cuando el urgenciólogo tiene una experiencia de4-5 años presta una calidad asistencial comparable a la de los médicos más experimentados, según el sistema de VD in situ que se describe (AU)

Objective: To demonstrate a job performance evaluation system for an out-of-hospital emergency service. The specific aim was to study the association between length of experience and the demonstration of medical competencies by means of job performance evaluations of newly hired physicians. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study based on direct observation of the care process in the Madrid Emergency and Rescue Service (SAMUR). Four subgroups were identified according to years of experience in this out-of hospital emergency service: up to 1 year, up to 3 years, up to 5 years, and 5 years. The job performances of physicians in the different groups were compared to that of the most experienced physicians. Results: A total of 6450 care process observations were carried out between 2006 and 2010. Twenty-two had worked for up to 1 year, 21 for up to 3 years, 16 for up to 5 years, and 16 for 5 years. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, sex, or mean number of performance observations. Considerably more newly hired physicians had specialist training. Only 11.5% of the most experienced physicians had such training, whereas 68.2% of those with up to 1 year’s experience and 61.9% of those with up to 3 years’ experience had training (P<.05). In the job performance comparisons by years of out-of-hospital emergency practice experience, significant differences were found between the evaluations of the most experienced ( 5 years) and those with only up to 1 year on the job (P<.001) and also between the most experienced and those who had been on the job between 2 and 3 years (P=.049). The largest number of satisfactory ratings came in the group of physicians with 3 to 4 years of experience. Conclusions: On-scene job performance evaluations revealed that only physicians with between 4 and 5 years of experience were able to provide emergency care comparable to that given by physicians with more 5 years of experience (AU)

Documento de Consenso interdisciplinar para el tratamiento de la fibromialgia / Interdisciplinary Consensus Document for the treatment of fibromyalgia

Antecedentes. La elevada prevalencia y enorme impacto clínico y social de la fibromialgia, junto a la complejidad de su tratamiento, exigen consensos de actuación que sirvan de guía a los profesionales de la salud. Aunque existían algunos documentos similares en nuestro idioma, la mayoría habían sido realizados desde la perspectiva de una única disciplina. Objetivo. Desarrollar un consenso sobre el tratamiento de la fibromialgia realizado por representantes seleccionados y avalados por las principales sociedades médicas que intervienen en su tratamiento (reumatología, neurología, psiquiatría, rehabilitación y medicina de familia), así como representantes de las asociaciones de pacientes. Por otra parte, se enfatizó la comprensión de la enfermedad no como un trastorno homogéneo, sino como la suma de diferentes subtipos clínicos, con características sintomáticas específicas y necesidades terapéuticas distintas. Este abordaje representaba una necesidad percibida por los clínicos y una novedad respecto a consensos previos. Método. Se revisaron las diferentes clasificaciones clínicas que se han propuesto en fibromialgia, así como la evidencia científica de los tratamientos utilizados en esta enfermedad. Para la selección de la clasificación empleada y para la realización de las recomendaciones terapéutica, se emplearon algunas de las técnicas habituales para realizarlos consensos (grupo nominal y brainstorming). Conclusión. La clasificación de Giesecke de la fibromialgia en 3 subgrupos parece ser la que cuenta con mayor evidencia científica y la más útil para el clínico. La guía ofrece una serie de recomendaciones generales para todos los pacientes con fibromialgia. Pero, además, para cada subgrupo existen una serie de recomendaciones específicas de tipo farmacológico, psicológico y de modificación del entorno, que permitirán un abordaje personalizado del paciente con fibromialgia en dependencia de sus características clínicas individuales (dolor, depresión, niveles de catastrofización, etc) (AU)

Backgrounds. The elevated prevalence and enormous clinical and social impact of fibromyalgia, together with the complexity of its treatment, require action consensuses that guide health care professionals. Although there are some similar documents in our language, most have been made from the perspective of a single discipline. Objective. To develop a consensus on the treatment of fibromyalgia made by selected representatives and supported by the principal medical associations that intervene in its treatment (rheumatology, neurology, psychiatry, rehabilitation and family medicine) and representatives of the associations of patients. On the other hand, understanding the disease not as a homogenous disorders but also as the sum of different clinical subtypes, having specific symptomatic characteristics and different therapeutic needs is stressed. This approach represented a need perceived by the clinicians and a novelty regarding previous consensuses. Methods. The different clinical classifications proposed in fibromyalgia and the scientific evidence of the treatments used in this disease were reviewed. For the selection of the classification used and performance of the therapeutic recommendations, some of the usual techniques to obtain the consensus (nominal group and brainstorming) were used. Conclusion. The classification of Giesecke of fibromyalgia into 3 subgroups seems to have the greatest scientific evidence and the most useful for the clinician. The guide offers a series of general recommendations for all the patients with fibromyalgia. However, in addition, for each subgroup, there are a series of specific pharmacological and psychological-type recommendations and those of modification of the environment, which will make it possible to have a personalized approach to the patient with fibromyalgia in accordance with their individual clinical characteristics (pain, catastrophizing levels, etc.) (AU)

Rehabilitación del ictus: modelo asistencial. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Rehabilitación y Medicina Física, 2009 / Stroke rehabilitation: Care model. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2009

Objetivos: La Sociedad Española de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación elabora un documento de recomendaciones de buena práctica clínica sobre el modelo asistencial en la rehabilitación (RHB) del ictus basadas en la experiencia clínica y el consenso de los autores y las guías de práctica clínica de referencia. Estrategia de búsqueda: La búsqueda se centra en guías de práctica clínica y artículos relevantes sobre el modelo asistencial en la RHB del ictus en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Embase y Cochrane Databases desde enero de 2004 hasta enero de 2009.Selección de estudios: Se seleccionan ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, metaanálisis, revisiones sistemáticas y artículos de revisión sobre el modelo asistencial en la RHB del ictus. Síntesis de resultados: El programa rehabilitador del ictus es un proceso complejo que requiere un abordaje multidisciplinario, siendo elementos claves el inicio precoz, la intensidad adecuada, la evaluación periódica y la participación activa de pacientes y cuidadores. Conclusiones: En todos los niveles de atención sanitaria y sociosanitaria, hospitalaria o comunitaria se debe asegurar la atención de RHB a cargo de un equipo multidisciplinario, coordinada por un médico especialista en RHB con adecuados niveles de organización y experiencia de los profesionales (AU)

Objectives: The Spanish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has elaborated a document of good clinical practice recommendations on the care model in stroke rehabilitation based on the clinical experience and consensus of the authors and reference clinical practice guides. Search strategy: The search was focused on clinical practice guides and articles related with the care model in stroke rehabilitation in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE DATABASES from January 2004 to January 2009.Selection of studies Randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and review articles on the care model in stroke rehabilitation were selected. Synthesis of results: The stroke rehabilitation program is a complex procedure that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Its key elements are early initiation, adequate intensity, periodic evaluation and active participation of the patients and caregivers. Conclusions: Rehabilitation care under the responsibility of a multidisciplinary team, coordinated by a medical specialist in rehabilitation with adequate levels of organization and experience of the professionals should be assured on all health a and socio-health care, hospital or community levels (AU)