Histological reinterpretation of paraphysis cerebri in Ambystoma mexicanum.

Intraventricular and extraventricular choroid plexuses are neuroepithelial folds which arise from the roof of the diencephalon. We describe the circumventricular structure of the diencephalon roof (paraphysis cerebri) during the various development stages of Ambystoma mexicanum. The parasagittal sections of the larvae epithalamus exhibit the presence, in addition to the epiphysis, of two dorsal primordia in nearby areas, which appear to be extraventricular saccular evaginations of different origin that give rise to two structures we define as the anterior extraventricular choroid plexus (AEP) and posterior extraventricular choroid plexus (PEP). During larvae development, the primordia arise perpendicular to each other, grow and show luminal folds and invaginations. Later, the two extraventricular evaginations, which are separate units, become interrelated. As the PEP grows, it covers the AEP dorsally, but it is difficult to define the borders of these organs. AEP is formed by alveolar-acinar epithelial aggregates with evidence of secretion-like content. PEP structure is like a choroid plexus, but its position is extraventricular and dorsal to the AEP. The PEP is always between the AEP and the meninges and can be small or large in size. This means that in A. mexicanum, the paraphysis cerebri is made up of two adjacent organs, which arise almost simultaneously from two different primordia (the AEP and the PEP) and as the posterior one grows, it overlaps the anterior one and masks itself. In conclusion, we suggest that AEP and PEP are homologous to paraphysis cerebri and the dorsal sac, respectively.

Microbiological and immunological profile of patients with severe lupus flares related to bloodstream infections: a retrospective cohort study.

Background This study aimed to address whether bloodstream infections are a risk factor for the development of severe lupus flares, as well as clinical, immunological and microbiological features of patients with bloodstream infections that develop severe lupus flares. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing 87 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with bloodstream infections and 87 hospitalized SLE patients without bloodstream infections as a comparison group. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months or until one of the primary outcomes was developed (severe SLE flare according to SELENA/SLEDAI score or death). Microbiological features of all bloodstream infections were recorded. The disease status at the end of follow up was registered. Results A total of 23 patients (13.2%) developed a severe flare during follow up; among them, 20 (87%) had an associated episode of bloodstream infection ( p < 0.001). The most frequent flares were renal (43.4%) and severe thrombocytopenia (26%). After multivariate analysis, baseline-independent factors associated with severe SLE flare were bloodstream infection [hazard ratio (HR) 7.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.13-24.95; p = 0.002]. Among patients with bloodstream infections, low C4 levels (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.04-5.69: p = 0.04) and Streptococcus pneumoniae were associated with severe SLE flare (HR 3.41, 95% CI 1.68-6.91; p = 0.012). Conclusions SLE patients with bloodstream infections, especially due to S. pneumoniae, and low C4 levels, are at higher risk for development of severe SLE flares.

Escuela de espalda: una forma sencilla de mejorar el dolor y los hábitos posturales / Back school: A simple way to improve pain and postural behaviour

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor inespecífico de espalda en niños y adolescentes es muy prevalente. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar un programa de Escuela de espalda juvenil (EDEJ) y sus resultados en nuestro servicio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional y prospectivo con 139 pacientes, remitidos a la consulta de raquis juvenil por dolor, deformidad o asimetría en la espalda. VARIABLES: edad, sexo, dolor, adopción de posturas correctas, actividad deportiva, adherencia a la EDEJ y percepción de estos parámetros por sus padres. Se midieron las variables mediante una escala numérica del dolor y una encuesta administradas en la primera sesión y a los 3 meses tras la EDEJ. RESULTADOS: El estudio fue completado por 119 pacientes (78 mujeres y 41 hombres) con una edad media ± desviación estándar de 13,97±2,29 años (9-20). La mediana de la intensidad del dolor se redujo de 3 a 0 a los 3 meses tras EDEJ (p < 0,0001). Aumentaron los pacientes que mejoraron su actitud postural, del 21 al 83% (p < 0,0001). No se confirmó un aumento de práctica deportiva post-EDEJ, aunque su práctica habitual se relacionó con una mejoría de dolor post-EDEJ (p < 0,02). La realización de los ejercicios no asoció disminución del dolor. Existió mala correlación entre la valoración de padres e hijos sobre el dolor post-EDEJ. CONCLUSIÓN: Un programa de escuela de espalda podría contribuir a disminuir el dolor inespecífico de espalda y mejorar los hábitos posturales en jóvenes

INTRODUCTION: Non-specific back pain in children and adolescents has a high prevalence. The aim of this study is to show a Juvenile Back School (JBS) programme and its results in our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 139 patients referred to a Juvenile Back School for advice due to of pain, deformity or back asymmetry were included in a prospective observational study. VARIABLES: age, gender, pain, correct postures, sports activities, adherence to JBS and appreciation of these parameters by their parents. Variables were measured with a numerical pain scale and with a survey completed in the first session and 3 months after finishing the JBS. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients finished the study (78 female and 41 male).The average was 13.97±2.29 years (9-20). Three months after JBS, the median pain intensity was reduced from 3 to 0 (P<0.0001). There was an improvement in patient postures from 21% to 83% (P<0.0001). Patients did not increase their sport activity after the JBS, although its regular practice was linked with pain improvement after JBS (P<0.02).Performing exercises did not lead to a decrease in pain. There was a poor correlation between parents and children in the evaluation of post-JBS pain. CONCLUSION: A back school programme could probably contribute to reduce non-specific back pain and improve postural behaviour in young people

[Back school: a simple way to improve pain and postural behaviour]. / Escuela de espalda: una forma sencilla de mejorar el dolor y los hábitos posturales.

INTRODUCTION: Non-specific back pain in children and adolescents has a high prevalence. The aim of this study is to show a Juvenile Back School (JBS) programme and its results in our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 139 patients referred to a Juvenile Back School for advice due to of pain, deformity or back asymmetry were included in a prospective observational study. VARIABLES: age, gender, pain, correct postures, sports activities, adherence to JBS and appreciation of these parameters by their parents. VARIABLES were measured with a numerical pain scale and with a survey completed in the first session and 3 months after finishing the JBS. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients finished the study (78 female and 41 male).The average was 13.97±2.29 years (9-20). Three months after JBS, the median pain intensity was reduced from 3 to 0 (P<.0001). There was an improvement in patient postures from 21% to 83% (P<.0001). Patients did not increase their sport activity after the JBS, although its regular practice was linked with pain improvement after JBS (P<.02).Performing exercises did not lead to a decrease in pain. There was a poor correlation between parents and children in the evaluation of post-JBS pain. CONCLUSION: A back school programme could probably contribute to reduce non-specific back pain and improve postural behaviour in young people.

Microwaves applied to silver impregnations with ammoniacal silver carbonate.

Techniques for impregnation with ammoniacal silver carbonate provide valuable information on all types of tissue; however, the time investment required to impregnate a few sections has limited their application. We have shortened the impregnation times by using microwaves in techniques for reticular fibers, astrocytes, nerve fibers and chromaffin cells. The results were satisfactory with markedly reduced impregnation time and elimination of nonspecific silver deposits.