Expression of NRAMP1 and iNOS in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis naturally infected cattle

Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic disease caused by M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) that affects several animal species, and some studies have suggested that there may be a relationship between Crohn's disease and PTB. Significant aspects of PTB pathogenesis are not yet completely understood, such as the role of macrophages. Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) molecules have shown nonspecific effects against several intracellular pathogens residing within macrophages. However, these molecules have been scarcely studied during natural infection with MAP. In this work, changes in NRAMP1 and iNOS expression were surveyed by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from MAP-infected cattle and healthy controls. Our findings show strong specific immunolabeling against both NRAMP1 and iNOS molecules, throughout granulomatous PTB-compatible lesions in ileum and ileocaecal lymph nodes from paratuberculous cattle compared with uninfected controls, suggesting a relationship between the expression of these molecules and the pathogenesis of PTB disease.

Spin-selective Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in a lateral triple quantum dot

We present a theory of spin-selective Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in a lateral triple quantum dot. We show that to understand the Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect in an interacting electron system within a triple quantum dot molecule (TQD) where the dots lie in a ring configuration requires one to not only consider electron charge but also spin. Using a Hubbard model supported by microscopic calculations we show that, by localizing a single electron spin in one of the dots, the current through the TQD molecule depends not only on the flux but also on the relative orientation of the spin of the incoming and localized electrons. AB oscillations are predicted only for the spin singlet electron complex resulting in a magnetic field tunable "spin valve."

Eco-contribution to the Chemistry of Perezone, a Comparative Study, Using Different Modes of Activation and Solventless Conditions

A comparative study of the reactivity of two sesquiterpene quinones, perezone and isoperezone, with a series of five mercaptans, using three different modes of activation (thermal, infrared and microwave irradiations), and under the presence or absence of solvent was performed.

Chagas disease transmission in periurban communities of Arequipa, Peru

BACKGROUND

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is an urban problem in Arequipa, Peru, and the epidemiology of Chagas disease is likely to be quite different in this area, compared with in rural zones.

METHODS

We conducted a serosurvey of 1615 children <18 years old in periurban districts that included hillside shantytowns and slightly more affluent low-lying communities. In addition, 639 adult residents of 1 shantytown were surveyed to provide data across the age spectrum for this community.

RESULTS

Of 1615 children, 75 (4.7%) were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Infection risk increased by 12% per year of age, and children living in hillside shantytowns were 2.5 times as likely to be infected as were those living in lower-lying communities. However, age-prevalence data from 1 shantytown demonstrated that adults were no more likely to be seropositive than were teenagers; the results of maximum likelihood modeling suggest that T. cruzi transmission began in this community <20 years ago.

CONCLUSIONS

The problem of Chagas disease in periurban settings, such as those around Arequipa, must be addressed to achieve elimination of vector-borne T. cruzi transmission. Identification of infected children, vector-control efforts, and education to avoid modifiable risk factors are necessary to decrease the burden of Chagas disease.

[Practical aspects in the percutaneous extraction of foreign bodies using a Goose-Neck Snare]

OBJECTIVE

To present our clinical experience in the extraction of different foreign bodies (from vascular or other sites) using a goose-neck snare in 13 patients, with emphasis on practical and technical aspects used during the procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 13 foreign bodies, including 9 intravascular objects and 4 in other locations, were included. The intravascular foreign bodies were stents (n = 2), coils (n = 2), fragments of broken central venous catheters (n = 3), and fragments of broken balloon catheters (n = 2). The nonvascular foreign bodies were fragments of broken double-J catheters (n = 2), one double-J catheter located entirely within the calyces of the kidney, and a fragment of a broken metallic guide wire in an intrahepatic bile duct. Goose-Neck Snares of different diameters (depending on the location) were used to extract the foreign bodies. Forceps were used as an auxiliary device in one patient with a fragment of double-J catheter, and in another case with a catheter fragment in a pulmonary vein, a pigtail catheter was also used to move the fragment and facilitate its extraction with the Goose-Neck Snare.

RESULTS

All of the foreign bodies were successfully extracted except a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt that migrated to the right heart cavities and was correctly repositioned in the right brachiocephalic venous trunk. No complications of any kind were seen during the procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The Goose-Neck Snare is very useful, safe, and versatile for the extraction of different types of foreign bodies in different territories. Especially in vascular territories, it is necessary to have ample knowledge about and experience in the different techniques used for catheterization.

Breast cancer experience in Uruguay: A 21-year follow up of 1,906 patients in the same institution

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Background: Breast cancer is the most common tumor arising in Uruguaian women accounting for 1,930 patients/year (adjusted incidence ratio 83.1/100,000) with 637 death/year (adjusted mortality ratio 24.1/100,000). Both incidence and mortality rank Uruguay at the top of the latinamerican countries ( IARC-GloboCan 2002). We are presenting our final results with 1,906 patients followed during a 21 year period in the biggest private Institution in our country (CENDIMA) and probably amongst all other latin-american countries. Methods: Although this study was initially designed to find a relationship between prognostic factors and survival parameters: OS (overall survival) and DFS (disease free survival) it also describes the epidemiological features of a big breast cancer population in the top ranked country for breast cancer incidence and mortality in Latin America. Statistical analysis was calculated with SPSS (11.0 version) and SAS (6.0 version) programs. OS and DFS results were obtained through Kaplan Meier method. Log rank test was implemented for univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard rates were used for multivariate analysis. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 61.0 (SD 13.5). Ductal infiltrating carcinoma (DIC) accounted for more than 80% of patients and 56% were node negative (N0) patients at diagnosis. Stratification was: Stage 0: 8.6%, Stage I: 31.5%, Stage II: 41.8%, Stage III: 16.6%, Stage IV: 1.5%. For OS, the axillary status and hystologic grade showed the highest relative ratio (RR) value: 2.49 and 2.40. The nodal status was the main prognostic factor related to DFS with a 2.2 RR. The five and ten year survival rate was: 0.96 and 0.92 (stage I), 0.84 and 0.71 (stage II), 0.71 and 0.56 (stage III) and 0.39 and 0.29 (stage IV) respectively. Conclusions: This is the final analysis of our population in Uruguay representing the biggest report in breast pathology in a latin-american country with a long follow up period (more than 20 years). Our “good” survival results may reflect the initially low risk population at diagnosis (56% node negative, 40.1% stage 0-I ). Nodal status, histologic grade and staging at diagnosis were independent prognostic factors in univariate and multivariate analysis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Vasodilator effects of bis-dihydropyridines structurally related to nifedipine

Calcium channel blockers are widely used in therapy for hypertension and angina pectoris, and among these blockers some 1,4-dihydropyridines (e.g. amlodipine, nitrendipine and nifedipine) have had widespread clinical use. In this work we investigated the vascular effects of four bis-1,4-dihydropyridines (bis-DHPs: 01-04), structurally related to nifedipine, in which a second 1,4-dihydropyridinic moiety was incorporated in the corresponding arylic moiety in para and meta position. Of these four bis-DHPs, the meta regioisomers (bis-DHP-03 and bis-DHP-04; 0.01-3.16 mg kg(-1)) and nifedipine induced a greater decrease on diastolic and systolic blood pressure than the para isomers (bis-DHP-01 and bis-DHP-02), as shown in two experimental models: normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Complementarily, bis-DHPs action was examined in intact and endothelium-denuded rat aorta, depolarized by KCl [80 mM] in one group and stimulated by noradrenaline (1 x 10(-7) M) in another and the corresponding IC(50) values were obtained (1.5 x 10(-6)-2. 4 x 10(-7)M). Later, the relaxing action of bis-DHP-03,04 and nifedipine on the contraction evoked by Ca(2+) in K(+)-depolarized rat aorta was analyzed and the corresponding EC(50) values for the meta isomers and nifedipine were obtained. The results showed a concentration dependent vasodilating activity in both KCl precontracted and noradrenaline stimulated aorta rings. The apparent order of potency with and without endothelium in both experimental models was nifedipine >bis-DHP-04 >bis-DHP-03. The cumulative concentration-effect curves for Ca(2+) in the presence of the bis-DHPs tested show the same potency order. Unlike nifedipine, the tested compounds are not photosensitive, which makes them more attractive in therapy for hypertension related diseases.

Hypomethylation of DNA and resistance to apoptosis in tonsillar hypertrophy in children

We analyzed the hypomethylation of DNA and the sensitivity to apoptosis of tonsillar cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in twenty children with either recurrent tonsillitis (RT) or tonsillar hypertrophy (TH). We found no significant differences in DNA methylation of PBL obtained from RT and TH groups. Hypomethylation of DNA extracted from tonsillar tissue was higher in TH than in RT and was associated with lower spontaneous and thapsigargin-induced apoptosis. By contrast, RT showed a low level of DNA hypomethylation and was associated with high sensitivity to spontaneous and thapsigargin-induced apoptosis.

Morbidity of laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis: an international study

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic appendectomy has some advantages over open appendectomy, some reports do show more postoperative intraabdominal abscesses.

METHODS

A retrospective review of complicated appendicitis managed surgically by eight surgical groups from six countries was undertaken. Among 3,433 patients with appendicitis, 1,017 (29.5%) had complicated appendicitis, which included perforated or gangrenous appendicitis with or without localized or disseminated peritonitis. There were 74 preoperative abscesses (7.4%) and 5 small bowel obstructions.

RESULTS

One patient died. There were 29 postoperative intraabdominal abscesses (2.8%) and 112 mostly minor complications. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary for 28 patients (2.7%). The surgical time ranged from 32 to 132 min (mean, 62 min), and the hospital stay ranged from 1 to 18 days (mean, 3.5 days).

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity rates, particularly for intraabdominal abscesses, were less for laparoscopic appendectomy in complicated appendicitis than those reported in the literature for open appendectomy, whereas operating times and hospital stays were similar.